Whether you want to own a property or just visit, the Algarve coastline is simply beautiful. Long stretches of golden sands are washed by refreshing seas and red sandstone cliffs seclude delightful bays. It is also a great place for activities such as golf, horse riding, water sports, and wooded hills offer beautiful walking terrain. Begin your journey by the coast, where centuries old fishing villages climb up into beautiful countryside, sprinkled with carob and almond-trees. Make for the hills with a picnic and stumble upon hidden treasures as you wander through olive groves and terracotta-roofed hamlets. Or simply spend your days unwinding, lazily soaking up the sun letting.
The Algarve in Portugal has a lovely climate and beaches. This makes the Algarve Portugal a good choice to buy a holiday property, an investment property where the villas and apartments can be rented to tourists, or even a property to move to permanently. The Algarve Portugal has a choice of property, with apartments and villas for all property budgets. Property apartments and villas for sale in Algarve Portugal . You can find find out much more about the Algarve at Portugals official tourism web site
Popular locations for owning a property in the Algarve
There are approximately 150 named beaches in the Algarve. In Portugal the name for beach is “Praia”. They beaches vary from the small sheltered coves to broad endless stretches of sand. The sea bed near to the beach can vary from a comfortable shallow shelve to a more sudden drop. In general, the rule is that as you travel from east to west along the Algarve coast, the beaches become more subject to seasonal currents. The Algarve coastline running from the west point of Sagres up to the north is very variable as it is open to winds and Atlantic Ocean waves from the west. It therefore normally presents different conditions to those found on the same day along the southern coastline. This area has a rugged atmosphere, the winds can be biting, the sea is much choppier with big waves, often combined with a dangerous fast undercurrent. Beaches in the Algarve:
Praia da Arrifana – Aljezur
A delightful beach with great views that is also considered to be reasonably safe for swimming that is worth visiting out of season. Take the EN 124 coast road north from Lagos in the direction of Aljezur and Lisbon. Just before reaching Aljezur take the turning left at the sign marked “Arrifana”. On reaching Arrifana, you will find the beach on your left at the bottom of a very steep narrow road with little or no parking area at the bottom. This beach is best visited out of season.
Praia da Bordeira - Carrapateria Algarve Portugal
Located on the west coast of the Algarve, north of the small town Carrapateira, situated along the N-268 road leading from Sagres to Aljezur via Vila de Bispo is Praia da Bordeira. This beach stretches across 400 m of coast dunes. The brisk winds offer goodl conditions for paragliding and windsurfers, but the beach is not considered suitable for swimming and those with small children should take care.
Praia Carvalho - Carvoeiro Algarve Portugal
Located to the west of the town of Carvoeiro is Praia do Carvalho. This is a 60m sandy beach set between cliffs, which you have to drive through a tunnel. The caves and footpaths in the rock once served smugglers as hideouts.
Carvoeiro Town beach – Carvoeiro Algarve Portugal
The town beach of Carvoeiro is one of the most picturesque swimming beaches in southern Portugal and consequently the 200 m long sandy beach can get very crowded in July and August.
Praia dos Três Irmãos - Alvor Algarve Portugal
With flat sandy beach, fantastic yellow cliffs and clear turquoise waters this is typical picture card view of the Algarve. Several coves are connected to each other by passageways through the cliffs and at low tide it is even possible to can walk around the cliffs. Access to this beach is via the the Torralta road from Alvor.
Praia do Vau – Alvor Algarve Portugal
Praia do Vau is situated east of the town of Alvor, lying half way between Portimão and Lagos and is visted by many famous Portuguese personalities. The sandy beach and calm waters are ideal for families with children. There are kiosks and restaurants catering for visitors although parking can be difficult.
Praia Senhora da Rocha - Porches Algarve Portugal
Situated along the Algarve coast between the coastal resorts of Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra lie several small bays, some of which are only accessible by boat. Praia Sra. Da Rocha is accessible by road via Porches, a village lying on the EN 125. Signposts from Porches onwards indicate the route to the beaches where there is a large car park in front of the chapel. All the bays at Senhora da Rocha are ideal for bathing and snorkeling. A tunnel leads to Praia Nova, a long bay that is ideal for beach walks.
Armação de Pêra Algarve Portugal
The town of Armação de Pêra which is a small seaside resort situated between Carvoeiro and Albufeira has a 5 km long sandy beach which is ideal for families. Accessible from either Porches or Alcantarilha on the EN 125, the beach is close to a range of facilities for visitors including cafes, restaurants, shops and other leisure activities.
Praia da Gale - Albufeira Algarve Portugal
Praia da Galé, to the west of the holiday resort of Albufeira begins where the steep coast behind the Ponta do Castelo ends and runs for several km to the west where it merges into the Praia de Armação de Pêra. It is ideal for families and there is plenty of parking. Owing to its length the beach rarely becomes crowded. There is a demarcated bathing zone to the west, so bathing here with children is also no problem. Available activities include water-skiing and windsurfing.
Praia da Falésia – Vilamoura Algarve Portugal
Praia da Falésia is a 6 km sandy beach situated between the towns of Albufeira and Quarteira. A day on the Praia da Falésia can seem almost lonely, even in August, as the bathers are scattered over a wide area. There are several restaurants, a playground for children and a variety of other leisure facilities.
Ilha de Tavira - Tavira Algarve Portugal
Just offshore the old picturesque town of Tavira in the eastern Algarve, lies the Ilha or Island of Tavira. In summer, a ferry departs from the Rio Gilão riverbank behind the market hall. The Praia das Cascas on the Ilha de Tavira is approx. 200 m wide and stretches the length of the island. Solitary spots can even be found in high season. There are several restaurants on the islands, as well as a camping site and a range of leisure activities.
Cabanas – Cabanas Algarve Portugal
The town beach of Cabanas in the eastern Algarve starts at the upper end of town alongside the foot of a slope entirely covered with pines and cactus. The beach and water are suitable for children. At low tide, visitors can take the opportunity to cross over to the offshore sandbank sailing mainly in small fishing boats.Praia de Manta Rota - Monte Gordo The beach at Praia de Manta Rota runs for 10 km along the coast of the Eastern Algarve, starting 200m from the village of Manta Rota - one of the newer vacation destinations in the region. The beach is remarkably clean and has a playground. It is ideal for long, leisurely walks, jogging and families.
Praia Verde - Monte Gordo Algarve Portugal
Praia Verde is one of the nicest beaches in the Algarve Praia Verde is known locally as the "Green Beach" due to the large pine tree forest bordering the sand dunes.. It is a safe beach for families and parking is available.Ilha do Faro - FaroLying 6 km from the centre of Faro and close to Faro Airport is Faro island a popular holiday destination for locals. The island is only accessible via a narrow bridge which in summer is difficult to access. However, the sandy beaches on the south side of the island face the sea and offer safe bathing for families. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and other facilities bordering the island.
Praia de Monte Gordo - Monte Gordo Algarve Portugal
Monte Gordo is the most easterly beach in the Algarve offering safe swimming. The beach promenade at Monte Gordo offers a full range of restaurants, bars and other facilities. There is plenty of parking.Meia Praia Algarve Portugal
Meia Praia is one the Algarve's most famous beaches. This beautiful sandy beach stretches for over 6 miles along Lagos Bay. It is an ideal holiday destination for families with children as there is plenty to do keep them occupied. If you are keen on long walks, this beach is ideal for you. There are several snack bars and restaurants dotted along the beach providing ideal on hot summer days. A variety of sports facilities can be found along Meia Praia, including para-gliding, sailing, windsurfing, surf, volley-ball and tennis courts.
Praia da Marina - Vilamoura Algarve Portugal
Praia da Marina is popular with families with small children. Directly east of Vilamoura marina is often crowded sandy beach with breakwaters that protect the beach. There is a car park at the Vilamoura casino and opposite the Ampalius Hotel. There are restaurants on the beach.
Praia do Alvor Algarve Portugal
The Alvor beach is one of the nicest beaches in the Algarve. The massive beach in front of the village fringes the eastern half of Lagos Bay. There are sand dunes ending to the famous Algarve Cliffs. Massive areas of wide open sand offer enough space for beach volleyball, football, and other activities. The area is popular with wind surfers. Car parks close to the beach. Several Beach restaurants offers tradtional grilled fish, piri-piri-chicken and other delicious food. Other facilities like tennis courts, football pitch, bowling green are close by.
Praia da Dona Ana Algarve Portugal
During the summertime, "beach buses" leave Lagos every hour and head a few miles south to Praia Dona Ana. The beach is 200 m long and accessible via a stairway. During the tourist season this beautiful spot receives a lot of visitors. However, outside the tourist season, Praia Dona Ana is a real gem among the beaches of Algarve. The restaurants at Praia Dona Ana provide visitors with drinks, grilled sardines, and other snacks
Getting to Portugal
One of the reasons that Portugal is a very popular choice for holiday home owners is the ease and cost of travel. Cheap flights to Portugal
Popular Towns for owning a property in the Algarve
Faro is Portugal's most southerly province. Its has miles of beaches which are complimented by over 300 days of sunshine, set below orange cliffs, Faro offers an abundance of activities. Not only do its beaches offer a variety of water sports but Faro has a fantastic array of golf courses, bars, restaurants and sports facilities. Faro is still steeped in history with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments.
Faro offers an abundance of activities. Not only do its beaches offer a variety of water sports but Faro has a fantastic array of golf courses, bars, restaurants and sports facilities. Faro is still steeped in history with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments.
Faro is the capital of the Algarve. Well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches - and one of Europe's favourite destinations for overseas property!
Property for sale in Faro - Algarve Portugal
Carvoeiro is the located in the Algarve, Portugal. Situated between Albuferia and Alvor on Portugals southern coastline.Well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches - and one of Europe's favourite destinations for overseas property!
Carvoeiro was once a fishing village along this part of the Algarve coast. The dramatic red cliffs on either side of the town and the hills behind it make Carvoeiro a relatively remote spot compared to some of its neighbours. Carvoeiro is beautiful, especially when viewed from the hills on either side of the town. It is layered with white-washed villas and buildings, which seem to be in harmony with the natural surroundings.
The area has long been considered an excellent area for tourist and property buyers alike to acquire property due to the variety and pleasure provided by its many small beaches. The beach is surrounded by seaside cafes and restaurants and it is still home to local fishermen whose boats complete the picture postcard scene.
Property for sale in Carvoeiro - Algarve Portugal,
Castro Marim is the located in the Algarve, Portugal. Well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches - and one of Europe's favourite destinations for overseas property!
Castro Marim is well-known for its beautiful countryside. Along the banks of the river Guardania, you will see wild orchards and vegetable gardens. Look towards the hills and you will see a blanket of colour provided by the wild flowers that still grow throughout the seasons. The beaches offer beautiful golden sands and warm blue waters.
Property for sale in Castro Marim is becoming a more and more popular with overseas buyers. Particularly with those who want a home that is within an area that has not been over developed. Castro Marim stands out amongst other regions of the Algarve and because of its blend of history, nature, golf, sea, beach and sporting facilities. All this one single setting! Castro Marim still has the beautiful architecture that you would expect from a town that is so steeped in history.
Castro Marim also offers one of the finest golf courses in the Algarve. The Castro Marim golf course not only offers exceptional facilities but is also surrounded by outstanding views of the surrounding hills with glimpses of the river Guardania.
Property for sale in Castro Marim - Algarve Portugal
Cabanas de Tavira is the located in the Algarve, Portugal. Well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches - and one of Europe's favourite destinations for overseas property!
Cabanas de Tavira was a former fishing village located on the east-southern coast of the Algarve. Cabanas de Tavira has become a popular destination for tourists and property buyers alike.
The town is a long line of low-rise shops, bars and cafés facing the Ria Formosa. Moored fishing boats line the seafront, and its beautiful beach, Praiade Cabanas, is located on an island just offshore (Ilha de Cabanas).
When you're there look at for the curiously fore-shortened roofs. The story goes: when sailing boats visited the town to collect cargo they were laden with timber lengths to provide ballast on the inward journey. These timbers were ideal for building as the weeks exposed to the salty air on their journey had seasoned them. Regrettably they were not really quite long enough to make roofs but this didn't deter the locals and hence many of the houses still bear the hallmarks of earlier builders.
Property for sale in Cabanas de Tavira - Algarve Portugal
Alvor is located in the Algarve, Portugal. Well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches - and one of Europe's favourite destinations for overseas property!
The popular town of Alvor was once an ancient coastal village is now a very popular destination for holiday makers and property buyers alike. Alvor has many enclosed narrow streets and this has helped keep development down to a minimum. The village is well located facing a natural lagoon opening onto the sea. Much of the property for sale in Alvor is located near to the beautiful sandy beaches and enclosed coves that line the coast.
Alvor has beautiful sandy beaches which are bordered with craggy cliffs and the whole effect is extremely picturesque. There are some fabulous views especially at sunset.
Property for sale in Alvor - Algarve Portugal,
Tavira is the located in the Eastern Algarve, Portugal. Well known for glorious year-round sunshine and miles of excellent sandy beaches - and one of Europe's favourite destinations for overseas property!
Tavira is one the most beautiful towns in the Algarve, with its fields of orange trees, the hills of fig and almond trees, and houses with ornate chimeneys and whitewashed walls. All this with stunning white sand beaches within easy reach.
If you are wishing to purchase property in Tavira you will not be disappointed. Tavira has no less than 37 churches and a stunning 7 arched Roman Bridge(rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755) which straddles the River Gilao and the River Segua. Tavira has an abundance of restaurants and just a small ferry boat ride away you will find the small island of Ilha da Tavira, which has long beaches and many sport facilities.
Property for sale in Tavira Algarve Portugal,
Albufeira is the located in the Algarve, Portugal. Often referred to as the ‘tourist capital’ of Portugal. Well known for glorious year-round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches - and one of Europe's favourite destinations for overseas property!
All Property for sale in Albufeira At Overseas Property Centres you can find range of property for sale in Albuferia including holiday homes, apartments, townhouses and villas.
Golf property in Albuferia Property for sale in Albufeira - Algarve Portugal
Find out more about the regions of the Algarve with the regional property guides.
Regional Property Guide for Faro Algarve Portugal; Regional Property Guide for Cavoreiro Algarve Portugal; Regional Property Guide for Castro Marim Algarve Portugal; Regional Property Guide for Cabanas de Tavira Algarve Portugal; Regional Property Guide for Alvor Algarve Portugal; Regional Property Guide for Tavira Eastern Algarve Portugal; Regional Property Guide for Albufeira Algarve Portugal
For more about the many beaches in the Algarve – Beaches in Algarve Portugal
Find property for all budgets at Property for sale in Portugal
Or go straight to the location of your choice.
Property for sale in Albufeira - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Castro Marim - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Altura - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Castro Marim - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Quinta do Sobral - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Faro - Algarve Portugal
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Property for sale in Quinta da Pegada - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Manta Rota - Algarve Portugal, Property for sale in Monte Gordo - Algarve Portugal
The Process of buying a property in the Algarve
The process of buying a property in Portugal is different to the UK process, but none the less it is pretty straightforward and you should always buy a property in Portugal only through Government Licensed Estate Agents, this not only guarantees that the Estate Agent has been trained correctly but also that they are authorised to use and submit much of the paperwork which forms part of the buying process. Most important of all is the professional indemnity insurance licensed estate agent is required to, which means you have some protection in the case of a dispute.
The stage in the process is the Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda or Promissory contract. This document, which sets out the terms and conditions of both the sale and purchase and legally binding on both parties. The Law relating to buying a property in Portugal enforces that the seller to compensate the buyer by twice the amount of the deposit should they withdraw, and if you as the buyer pull out then the full deposit is forfeited. It is very important therefore to have a lawyer qualified in Portuguese property law review this document before signing, signing is done in the presence of a notary.
Another document in the process is the "Procuração Publica" which grants a power of attorney which permits your Lawyer or other third party and is presented to the Notary and registered by the notary. It is recommended that this document is prepared in Portugal, it can be prepared outside Portugal but the process of getting this “legalised” is cumbersome and best avoided if possible.
In order to proceed with the purchase the buyer must obtain a Fiscal Number, Finanças, from the local tax office.
Before the purchase can be completed the tax due, IMT - Imposto Municipal sobre Transamissões, This payment can be made at the local tax office and the amount due is shown in the following table, the figures are in Euros
Up to 85,000 - 1% Deducted Value = 0.00
85,000 to 117,200,00 – 2% Deducted Value = 885,00
117,200 to 266,400 – 5% Deducted Value = 4,370.00
159,800 to 511,000.00 – 7% Deducted Value = 7,567.01
266,400 to 511,000.00 – 8% Deducted Value = 10,231.09
Over 511,000.00 – 6% = 0.00Example
Price of property = € 100.000,00 x 2 % (% tax to apply) = € 2.000,00
Deducted Value (difference) € 855,00
Total to be Paid = € 2.000,00 - € 855,00 = € 1.145,00 IMT Tax
The next stage in the process is the Escritura de Compra e Venda" which is known as the Act of Sale which can now be completed in front of any Notary. The Notary will check that all the paperwork is in order and at this stage you will pay the balance due.
The Act is recorded by the Notary Office who will issue an official photocopy of the entry which is the proof to the buyer that the act of purchas has officially taken place. This photocopy will carry the seal of the Notary, if further official copies are needed these can be requested at any time. This is not a Title Deed as we understand it the UK. Title is recorded with the Land Registry.
When the Act has been completed as above, you will be registered as the new owner in the Land Registry Conservatoria do Registo Predial. In Portugal the registration of a property only becomes obligatory when the owner sells the property, it is very good practice to Register immediately as a preventative measure, if the property is registered in your name then no financial abuse can occur.
Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty is levied on all documents, books, papers, acts and products listed in the General Schedule Stamp Duty Schedule and is determined by the value of the Act, or the contract. A property purchase is subjected to a Stamp Duty of 0,8% of the declared value.
IMI - (Imposta Municipal de Imóveis)
This is a municipal tax is levied on the taxable estate value on all properties located in Portuguese territory. The taxable person is the named owner of the property, usufructuary and surface rights holder, as on the 31st of December of the year in which the tax is related.
The IMI Rates are calculated on the following basis: for Rural properties 0,8%; for Urban properties-between 0,2% to 0,5% (variable from council to council and reviewed annually)
