Enforcement of Alojamento Local legislation likely to be stepped up
The law (Decreto Lei no. 39/2008) requiring all holiday rental properties to be licensed for alojamento local (“AL”) has now been in force for nearly six years.
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Portuguese Golden Visa scheme delivering decisive market stimulus
The Portuguese government offer, launched in August 2012, to grant residency to non-EU nationals purchasing property to the value of €500,000 has already delivered a “decisive stimulus” to the property market, to quote a government spokesperson.
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Portuguese energy efficiency certification welcome but process flawed
The Portuguese law changed in August 2013 such that all properties being advertised for sale must have a valid Energy Efficiency Certificate. Otherwise owners can be fined from €250 to €3,740, while estate agencies advertising uncertified properties can be fined from €2,500 to €44,890.
How your home insurance works even while you’re away on holiday
Securing one’s home is the primary concern of all homeowners, especially since it can be considered as one of the most valuable assets that a person can have. This is why, as much as possible, we take advantage of home insurance policies.
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The Portuguese and their fish Part I: bacalhau, Boston and business
Why Portugal buys its cod from the Norwegians and Russians
Why you may not get to eat the fish that you order
How the EU catch has been shrinking but the Portuguese catch has grown
An improving picture for the Algarve property market
Two recently published surveys point to an improving picture for the Algarve property market. The 10-10-10 report from ILM Group in conjunction with Property Lynx concludes that a bottom was reached in the first half of 2012 and that the residential tourism sector is beginning to pick up. The RICS/CI Survey for February 2013 covering the whole of the Portuguese housing sector reports that confidence amongst agents is at its highest in two years.
AlmaVerde Holiday Rentals: Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do AlmaVerde villas have wi-fi?
A few villas have unlimited wi-fi access. There is also a wi-fi hotspot in and in front of the reception building, and an internet-connected PC available for use during reception opening hours. In addition, wi-fi routers and pay-as-you-go pens are available from reception against a refundable deposit. A router enables multiple devices – computers, mobile phones, games consoles – to enjoy simultaneous wireless access from the villa or any other location. You only pay for the time that the router is switched on.
Portugal’s Golden Visa offer set to boost property market
Last August, looking to stimulate its property market as well as its small-to-medium enterprise sector, Portugal introduced a Golden Residency scheme under which a non-EU person can obtain EU residency in return for an investment of €500,000 in property or €1,000,000 in a business.
A22 tolls a reality: Guide to Payment Options and Charges now available in English
The long-anticipated toll charging system for the Algarve’s A22 motorway came into effect on 8th December 2011. The system covers the length of the A22, but some toll-free, short journeys can be made, particularly between adjacent exits. For example, it is possible to cross the bridge from Spain using the A22 and transfer to the N125, or to travel from Bensafrim to Lagos, without incurring a charge.
Top 10 reasons to relocate to Portugal’s Western Algarve
1. Climate
3,000 hours of sunshine per year, cooling ocean breezes to moderate the summer heat, and seasonal rainfall all contribute to a great climate. No wonder Andalusians have been snapping up holiday homes in the area!
