Boasting some of the best beaches in Europe, Portugal has long been a favourite destination for British sun-seekers taking advantage of cheap flights to the country, as well as the Mediterranean climate and lower cost of living it has to offer. But with more and more Britons longing for property abroad, the country is turning more heads as the new hot location for property investment in the buy-to-let market, as a place to retire or for those fortunate enough to purchase a second home.

Spain and France have long topped the list of countries where people buy second homes or investment property, but for those who more often opt for the path less traveled, or less developed in this case, Portugal is becoming more appealing. Travelers from Britain are increasingly looking for holidays in culturally rich places rather than the typical cookie-cutter “sun, sand and beach” resorts that have become a mainstay of the holiday market. Portugal’s tough controls on planning and development have preserved much of its countryside and towns, along with the typical Portuguese charm that has piqued the interest of those wishing to invest there.

Property investors such as Mark and Kerry Woodhouse of Maidenhead have taken notice and bought property north of Lisbon, in an area known as the Silver Coast. Away from the places of higher development in the south, they invested in a two bedroom flat near Obidos on a golf development which they plan to let.

“People are crying out for a more cultural type of holiday where you experience what the country is like, rather than going to a place saturated with new developments” Ms Woodhouse told the Telegraph.

They believe that this turn in the market will give them a good return on their investment and many others are tuning into this shift as well.

With interest rates on the rise there has never been a better time to get on the overseas property ladder. According to Conti Financial Services, a specialist advisor on arranging foreign mortgages, borrowers can get a loan in euros for as low as 3.4 percent. Of course there is a lot to take into account when making any investment such as the down payment, which can be much more in Portugal than other countries abroad, and the fluctuations in currency conversion also effect loan repayments.

There are plenty of lenders in the UK including Halifax, Lloyds, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland and some building societies employing experts ready to assist those wishing to buy abroad and also offer loans internationally. Finding that perfect place in the sun has never been easier with so many agencies advertising online property in Portugal and estate agents displaying Portuguese properties in their windows.

Portugal Real Estate is at premium currently especially in the Alentejo region between Lisbon and the Algarve. Peace and quiet seekers worldwide discover this new tourism area.

Trendy magazines write about it in their holiday specials and also more and more articles are written about people who bought a second house in this area. Many of them consider Portugal as their second home. This is not strange; if you have a look at the Portuguese and their warm hospitality, they will make you feel at home in every way they can. The number of people who move to Portugal permanently is growing each year. This area between Lisbon and the Algarve is a good one to invest in.

The rich cultural heritage of Portugal and in this area in specific makes it even more interesting to invest in property here. There is more to offer than just the seaside and beautiful scenery. Places as Evora, (on Unesco world heritage list) and Beja are worthwhile a visit to discover their ancient history. Places as Setubal, Sesimbra and Sines are old fishermans villages with all its charmes and of course good places to eat fresh fish. Almograve and Vila Nova de Milfontes are the best-known beach villages of this area, but there are many more lovely beaches and trendy beach bars/ restaurants that serve good food.

More inland you will find the wine quintas, a visit there and of course some wine tasting is a lovely introduction in the world of Portuguese wines. Many of them are prize-winning wines, Esperao being one of the most famous ones. Portugal has many wonderful Pousadas, hotels partially owned by the State, located in old castles, monasteries and other historical places.

Discovering this part of Portugal you might stay in one of these luxurious hotels or choose from the cheaper ones. There are plenty. Of course you will find hotels or B&Bs owned by foreigners who started a new life in Portugal and with that life a new business. This number is still increasing and welcomed by the Portuguese.

There are many reasons to invest in properties here; one of them is of course the price difference with the rest of Europe. Whether you are looking just for land, a villa, an apartment near the sea or a house in the countryside for sale, we can find what you are looking for and guide you all the way.

Alentejo Home is known for its level of care and attention to detail and their knowledge of the property market. Their relationship with local real estate agents in the Alentejo is perfect. Alentejo Home has the best properties. If you are looking for land for sale, villas, houses, apartments or a quinta, Alentejo Home can guide you all the way.
If you are looking to buy or sell property in Portugal then Alentejo Home is at your service.