Insider tips from independent property agents in the Algarve

Insider tips from experienced property agents about buying and selling property in the Algarve. We asked some of the region’s most experienced and successful independent real estate agents for their tips and suggestions, garnered from years of experience in the Algarve property market.

You’ve made the decision to buy property in the Algarve. The lure of a wonderful lifestyle and fabulous weather, with clean air to breath and fresh food to eat at wonderful restaurants is difficult to resist. Whether you are buying property as a family home, holiday bolthole or as an investment, this is a pretty momentous decision. As with many buying decisions, a little bit of research can go a long way to ensuring that the outcome of your property adventure in the Algarve is a positive one. Take a look at this guide to some of the best places to live in the region.

There is a wealth of information online about the buying and selling process in Portugal which can differ quite significantly from the process in your home country (check out this guide by the British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce). You owe it to yourself to do some research and become familiar with the steps involved in each transaction. To bolster that research here are some words of wisdom from a selection of property companies and real estate agents in the Algarve.

Lisa Lokkerbol – LWL Properties in Tavira
Work with one or two trusted agents only
Lisa from LWL Properties specializes in properties in the East Algarve, particularly in and around the Tavira area. In Portugal it is common practice for properties to be listed with multiple agents. However, Lisa says that many foreign buyers do not know this and wonder why the same property can be seen listed with so many different agents, sometimes at different prices. This creates confusion, wastes time (as a vendor you will have the same people from different agencies view your property and as a buyer, different agents will take you to a property you have already seen). She recommends, whether you are buying or selling, to work with one or two trusted agents. If you are buying, a good agent, armed with your wish list, will be able to source suitable properties. Your viewing visits to the Algarve will then be more efficient with no crossover viewings and with properties that tick your boxes.LWL list a number of properties exclusively, guaranteeing top serivce to both buyer and seller.

Find out more about LWL Properties



Luis Ledo - Casas do Barlavento
Find an agent who listens to you
Luís Ledo is managing director of Casas do Barlavento, a real estate agency specialising in the western Algarve - Lagos and Praia da Luz, Alvor and the west coast area around Aljezur - and with over 16 years experience in the west Algarve property market. He believes that every client has their own unique requirements and ideals and that it is up to the agent to listen carefully and consider all their needs and preferences. He says "The success of the whole process is based on the trust the clients place in us. We believe that one of the key points to our success is to understand the clients’ wishes". At Casas do Barlavento they aim to find a house you wish to buy, rather than push you towards a house they want to sell. They are a one-stop-shop for all things property related. They can help you buy or sell your property, as well as assist with rentals if you want to put your property to work for you, or they can manage your property in your absence.
Find out more about Casas do Barlavento



Ineke Thijse – Abacoz Properties
Keep it real
Based in Lagos, and with a portfolio of properties across the region, but particularly in the western Algarve, Abacoz has gained a reputation for effective property marketing, matched with realistic pricing and efficient service. Ineke Thijse, Abacoz director, emphasises that setting an achievable, realistic and fair property price is essential to a smooth buying and selling process. She advises vendors to list their properties with one, or at most, a select few agents, and to be wary of listing with agents who give an inflated value for the property, hoping to bolster their portfolio, but making the property less attractive to potential buyers. The property will sit on the market for longer than necessary and as the price drops, which it will if it has been over-valued, the perception among buyers is that there may be issues with the property. She also recommends working with experienced negotiators. Any sales transaction will involve a certain level of negotiation – better to have those skills on your side of the table.
Find out more about Abacoz Properties
 



Frances Belo - Este Algarve - specialising in the sale of properties in the East Algarve
Get expert advice from people on the ground
Frances has many years of experience in the Algarve property market – for over 25 years, Este Algarve has been helping people to buy and sell their properties across the region. With particular focus on the East Algarve and with offices in Tavira, Frances firmly believes that buying property in the Algarve is a very sound investment. Not only does it have all the fun stuff – fabulous beaches and weather, great food and wine, easy access via international flights at Faro airport – you can generate income from your holiday home before retiring there in the future. The Eastern Algarve is still authentically algarvian, quite different from the central and western areas, with miles of smooth, golden beaches, and the immense natural beauty of the Ria Formosa, where flamingos roam, to enjoy.
Frances urges common sense throughout the buying and selling process. Her advice is to always consult with lawyers and tax advisors before buying and selling. Portuguese processes can vary from your home country and national laws and tax regulations can change, so advice from local experts is essential. The initial outlay for expert advice is offset by avoiding potentially expensive mistakes during the transaction. And a local agent, such as Frances, will have their fibger in the pulse of the local market and is best placed to give accurate advice.
Find out more about Este Algarve Real Estate




There are many, many real estate agents in the Algarve. Some are independent companies such as those mentioned above, some are franchise outlets from worldwide brands such as Remax and Era, and resorts such as Quinta do Lago have flourishing real estate sectors – join the Lagula Breakfast club for a visit to one of the resort’s exclusive villas. Whatever agent you choose, or location your opt for, some due dilligence should always be part of the plan.

Financial  and Legal Advice and Assistance
Buying a property is a big committment and you owe it to yourself to research the financial implications of buying a property here whether in terms of mortgages or tax implications. Experts such as the team at All Finance Matters can be a huge help here, helping you structure your affairs in the most efficient manner possible. At Blevins Franks you can receive advice and strategies on tax planning, estate planning and pensions. If you are struggling with the bureaucratic matters such as licencing, car registration as well as tax returns, Algarve Assistants can help. And of course, legal advice is always recommended and the advice of a professional lawyer can save you time and money.

Removal and transport 
Once you've chosen and purchased your Algarve property, you may need to move all your wordly goods to the Algarve, or you might just need to transport a few boxes, a boat or even your pet to Portugal. You'll find a professional and efficient transport and removal service offered by Removals to Portugal and Euro Pet Transport take care of transporting your pets.

Setting up your new property
As you settle into your new life in the Algarve, check out our Algarve Expat Guide for advice and recommendations on the best services and suppliers for your home and garden, for your swimming pool and how to run it efficiently, information on hot tubs in the Algarve, for information on registering in Portugal, on language schools, financial and tax consultants, or where you can find assistance with bureaucratic issues and where to find an expert range of insurance services. If you are looking to earn income from your new property, then speak with holiday rental and property management companies - they can streamline all the process for you. If you are looking to renovate or extend your property, while keeping it authentic and sustainabale, the Mestre Construtivo can help.

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• Making the Move to the Algarve
• Setting up a Holiday Home in Portugal
• Top 10 Reasons to Retire to the Algarve
• Financial Services in the Algarve
• Make the Algarve your Home
• Brexit: British Nationals Living in Portugal
• Starting a Business in Portugal - what you need to know
• Move to Portugal for Tax Free Foreign Pensions
• Capital Gains Tax and your property in Portugal​
• The charm of the Algarve's old buildings