THE CHARM OF PORTUGAL

It wasn’t always this way. Before the only parts of Portugal that were really known were the main cities of Lisbon, the Algarve, and the island of Madeira, But thanks to the Internet and the number of information circulating about this country, the treasures of Portugal have finally received the recognition they deserve.

What is there to see in Portugal? There are sandy beaches where people can enjoy the sea and bask in the golden sun. There are the art treasures and fascinating artchitecture. There is the delicious cuisine. There is the beautiful handicraft industry. There are the world class hotels and the attractive climate.

So in two decades alone the tourism industry has grown from just 2 million visitors a year in the 1970’s to 20 million in the 1990’s. Today the country attracts some 22 million visitors, maybe more.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PORTUGAL

Portugal is a small country. It only measures 225km (140 miles) wide and 612km (380 miles) long. Nevertheless it is packed with attractions. There are many things to discover in its towns, cities, villages, and countryside. One trip is not enough. That’s why so many people chose to come here again and again, and even invest in a vacation home so they will have a permanent base.

One of the attractions of Portugal is its scenery. It is just so diverse. You’ll fall in love with the almond trees in the African-looking Algarve; you’ll feel the magic and mystery of the cork forests; you’ll sigh in appreciation at seeing the fields of golden wheat in Alentejo wave in the breeze. You’ll enjoy visiting the; ranches in Ribatejo; you’ll find romance and adventure in the narrow, winding streets in the Alfama in Lisbon. You’ll feel the charm of the old world as you watch the ox-drawn carts crossing the plains of Minho; you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the garden of heaven as you see the .azaleas, rhododendrons, and canna grow for miles on end.

Indeed there is much to see and enjoy in Portugal. And investment is even a better option now because of the support of the Portuguese tourist offices.
There has been a lot of development in the country’s coastal areas. And thanks to the interest in the Properties of all kinds are being constructed, from prestigious housing developments that are the epitome of luxury to cozy vacation communities that are affordable and family friendly. These have attracted both tourists and investors from all around Europe and even the world.

Buying a house abroad and buying a house in your home country are two completely different things. For one thing, you are probably familiar with the legal and tax issues in your home land. You can find your way around an area and have no problems communicating with experts. You also have a good enough network that you can ask for referrals for lawyers, contractors, etc. from friends and neighbors.

But this all changes when you’re buying a house abroad. You need someone to guide you through the process, to give you contacts, to make recommendations and provide legal recommendations. You need someone to brief you on the customs and policies and even tell you where the municipal hall is!

That’s why one of the things you should do when you buy property abroad is to hire a good lawyer and a good real estate agent. Aside from providing all that information those consultants can also help you with the additional requirements that foreigners need to submit, and to brief you on inheritance and tax laws.

Another thing you need to know about buying a house abroad is that you have to look at currency exchange rates. You will need to consider transfer costs as well. You can discuss this with your bank, both in your home country and the bank you will choose in the country you are buying in.

To protect yourself from fluctuating exchange rates you can ask your bank if you can buy your currency in advance, with a fixed forward exchange rate. Normally this provision lets you follow a set rate for a specific length of time, but note that the longer the duration, the less favorable the rate.

If you fail to do this and your home currency declines against the target currency, your available budget will be lower. A significant fall in the value of your home currency during the period between contract signing and completion could cause you serious financial problems.

You can also choose to transfer your money into the necessary currency when you see that the rates are good. You just have to compute how much money you will need to complete the transaction.

Another way of saving money on currency transfers is to buy from exchange bureaus, which usually offer better exchange rates than the major banks.

Have you thought of buying a home in Portugal, that great seaside escape? Portugal is a beautiful country located on the Iberian coast. It is found on the south of Western Europe and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal also has several beautiful islands.

Why not jump on the chance to invest in Portugal property? Portugal is the new real estate hotspot and there are many reasons why you should make it the location of your retirement or vacation home. Not the least of which is how Portugal property prices have consistently been increasing over the last few years! This is one investment that will really pay off.

There is a variety of property in Portugal and no matter what your need or budget you are sure to find something good. For example, there are quiet and serene retirement homes, with lots of fresh air and convenient access to hospitals and shopping centers. Others want a property that will generate a lot of money when it is resold or rented out. Others want a holiday escape, with many restaurants and discos, as well as recreational facilities where the whole family can enjoy. Others are looking for homes in golf complexes were the home includes membership in an exclusive golf resort. Still others want to live near the beach.

There is a huge variety of homes and to find them you only have to contact the numerous real estate agencies and real estate brokers that specialize in international purchases. They know the market very well and can tell you which properties are available. They also are in tune with the real estate industry trends and will be able anticipate the properties that will see dramatic increases in values in the next few years. Despite the fees, it is true: hiring a real estate agent gives you more money in the long run because you can find the cheaper properties or those with higher investment yield.

Furthermore, real estate experts can help you navigate the real estate process so you avoid the pitfalls and delays