Our Journey to Finding a Home in Algarve, Portugal
Relocating to a new country is always an adventure, but it’s even more exciting when the country you fall in love with is as beautiful as Portugal. For us, the journey to buying a property in Portugal led us to the sun-kissed region of Algarve—an area we never expected would feel so much like home. Our story begins back in 2021 when, like many people, we found ourselves working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. A trip to Portugal turned into something more, and before we knew it, we were planning our move to this charming corner of Southern Europe.
- Why we chose Algarve: Weather, lifestyle, and affordability
- The Challenges of Searching for Property Abroad
- Key criteria in our home search (budget, amenities, proximity to the coast)
- The Process of Buying a Home in Portugal: What You Need to Know
In this article, we’ll walk you through our personal experience of finding a home in Algarve, including the challenges we faced, the lessons we learned, and how we ultimately found our perfect place by the coast. We’ll also share some insider tips for anyone looking to buy property in Portugal. Spoiler alert: it’s not as complicated as it sounds, but a little local knowledge goes a long way.
Why We Chose Algarve: Weather, Lifestyle, and Affordability
When we first came to Portugal, we didn’t have plans to buy property. But as we settled into the rhythm of life here, we quickly realized this was a place we wanted to call home. Here’s why Algarve became our top choice:
1. A Place to Escape the Cold
Living through a long winter in lockdown made us crave sunshine, and Algarve delivered—big time. We were hooked from the moment we arrived. Algarve is famous for its year-round sunny weather (we’re talking over 300 days of sunshine!), which meant we could work remotely in the mornings and spend our afternoons exploring beaches or hiking along scenic coastal cliffs. The mild winters made it easy to imagine ourselves living here full-time.
2. The Lifestyle We Always Wanted
After living in more fast-paced cities, the slower pace of life in Algarve was a breath of fresh air. Picture this: no rush hour traffic, easy-going locals, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether it’s surfing in the Atlantic or enjoying a fresh seafood dinner by the sea, Algarve felt like the perfect place to balance work and life.
3. Affordability Compared to Other European Destinations
Although we’d seen property prices skyrocket in cities like Lisbon, Algarve remained a bit more affordable. This made our dream of owning a home in Portugal feel achievable. While it’s still one of the more expensive regions in Portugal, Algarve offers great value compared to other popular European destinations like Spain or France.
The Challenges of Searching for Property Abroad
Buying a home in a new country definitely comes with its challenges, but we were prepared to navigate them. Here are some of the obstacles we faced during our property search:
1. Navigating the Language Barrier
The official language in Portugal is Portuguese, which, of course, is a bit tricky if you don’t speak it. But here’s the good news: in Algarve, most people speak excellent English—especially in the towns and cities popular with expats. While we didn’t have too much trouble communicating, we still decided to give Portuguese a try. We downloaded Duolingo and started learning. (We can now confidently order a coffee in Portuguese. Progress!)
2. Remote Search and Virtual Visits
We started by browsing property listings on websites like Idealista and spent hours researching the best towns in Algarve. We even found a beautiful apartment in Portimão that seemed perfect for us—but when we arrived for an in-person visit, we quickly realised that Portimão wasn’t quite what we were looking for. It’s a bigger town, and we wanted something more laid-back with a vibrant expat community and proximity to surf-friendly beaches.
After some more research, we decided to focus on Lagos and the surrounding areas. Lagos had the charm we were looking for! To make the most of our short trip, we took a direct approach: we literally went door-to-door to real estate offices, introducing ourselves and discussing our options. It was a great way to get a feel for the market and find properties that might not be listed online. Eventually, we were able to line up viewings and found a place we absolutely loved.
Key Criteria in Our Home Search: Budget, Amenities, and Proximity to the Coast
When searching for our dream home in Algarve, we had a few must-haves that guided our search:
1. Budget: Knowing Our Limits
We had a clear budget in mind from the start. Algarve offers a wide range of properties, from more budget-friendly apartments to luxurious beachfront villas, so it was important for us to stay grounded and focus on what we could comfortably afford. We also had to factor in the costs associated with buying a property in Portugal, such as taxes and notary fees, which can add up to 10% on top of the purchase price.
2. Close to the Coast
Living near the ocean was a top priority for us. Algarve is famous for its stunning coastline, so we wanted to be within easy reach of a beach—whether for surfing or just relaxing by the ocean. For us Burgau, with its proximity to beaches and beautiful cliffs, turned out to be the perfect fit. We could even walk to the beach from our new home—dreamy, right?
3. Local Amenities and Services
Being in a more rural area wasn’t a dealbreaker, but we did want to make sure we had access to essential amenities. Lagos and nearby towns offered a great balance: small-town charm, with restaurants, cafes, healthcare services, and grocery stores all within walking distance. Plus, the town’s vibrant expat community meant we would never feel too far from home.
4. Space for Outdoor Living
With Algarve’s mild climate, we were keen to find a home with outdoor space. A garden or terrace was essential, as we planned to spend a lot of time outdoors, whether it was dining al fresco or simply enjoying the sunshine. Fortunately, Algarve offers plenty of properties with outdoor areas, and we found one that ticked all the boxes.
The Process of Buying a Home in Portugal: What You Need to Know
1. Finding a Notary: How We Got Lucky
One of the steps in buying property in Portugal is finalising the sale with a notary. We were lucky enough to get a solid recommendation from the property developer. Even though we were on a tight schedule (only two weeks in Portugal to finalise everything!), we reached out to the notaries they suggested and managed to book a great appointment just a day before we were due to leave. The process was relatively straightforward, but our advice is: don’t just rely on Google reviews—get recommendations from locals, too!
2. The Importance of Giving Power of Attorney
Since we were only in Portugal for two weeks, we didn’t want to travel back and forth just to sign paperwork. So, we gave a local representative power of attorney, allowing them to sign documents on our behalf. This was a huge time-saver and made the process much more manageable.
3. Financing and Mortgages
While we didn’t take out a mortgage, we learned that securing one in Portugal is fairly straightforward, even for non-residents. That said, the loan-to-value ratio can be lower than in other countries, and interest rates might be higher for foreigners. If you’re planning to finance your home purchase, it’s worth speaking to a few banks to understand your options.
Finding Our Dream Home in Algarve
Our search for a home in Algarve wasn’t without its challenges, but ultimately, it was a rewarding experience. We ended up with a property that not only meets all our needs but also feels like the perfect base for our new life in Portugal. Whether it’s the sunshine, the laid-back lifestyle, or the welcoming community, Algarve truly feels like home.
For anyone thinking about buying property in Algarve or Portugal more generally, our advice is simple: do your research, trust local recommendations, and—if possible—spend time in the region before making a decision. With the right approach, you too can find your dream home in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions.