Algarve property pick: Rustic retreat in the São Brás hills

Algarve property pick: Rustic retreat in the São Brás hillsIf you’re looking for a traditional Algarvean home or your very own rural tourism project, Meravista’s property of the week is a must view. Set in the countryside close to São Brás de Alportel, it has bags of potential as a small business or as an impressive private residence.

At a bargain price of only €565,000 (£426,000) for a 6-bed house plus a 2-bed cottage on a huge plot with massive potential for all types of uses, this is a truly unique opportunity.

Monchique village for sale - includes one inhabitant

barboleteDreams of a rural tourism project have been shattered by the economic downturn and the small group of houses tucked away in the Monchique hills is back on the market.

 To rebuild, refurbish and bring the buildings of Aldeia do Barbelote up to scratch would cost north of €1 million so the project has been halted and the ‘for sale’ sign has gone up.

Fine & Country property - Carvoeiro is booming!

finecountryEstate agency Fine & Country’s new Carvoeiro office is just a few doors along from its former location.

The move has enabled the business to own its premises as it consolidates its position to cater for a large upswing in enquiries and in buyers visiting Carvoeiro which remains as popular as ever as a real estate hotspot - Carvoeiro is booming!

Alojamento Local vs illegal beds, the system is not working

villaClandestine accommodation for tourists has been upsetting tourist boards and political parties for ages.

In 2002, Algarve tourist chief Paul Neves wrote “the tourist sector makes up 8% of the country’s GNP" and of the 500,000 Algarve beds he estimated that about 40% are illegal.

Best exchange rate for 8 years prompts Brits to snap up bargain second homes across Europe

Best exchange rate for 8 years prompts Brits to snap up bargain second homes across EuropeWith the euro at an eight-year low against the pound, can we expect Brits to rush out and grab that bargain second home in the sun that they have dreamed of for so long, or have we become more cautious of the market's fluctuations since the crash of 2008?

Foreign demand rises for Portuguese property

LisbonForeign demand is rising for Portuguese property, as affordable prices, increasing confidence and residency permits attract overseas investors.

Portugal's property prices fell by 0.9 per cent in Q3 2014 from the previous quarter, according to Eurostat's latest figures, Prices were 4.9 per cent higher though, compared to the same three months in the previous year.

Rent a Dragon's Den for the ultimate luxury holiday in the sun

Duncan Bannatyne's villa in the AlgarveFrom glossy interiors spreads in Hello! to full-on home invasions from MTV Cribs, it seems we're obsessed with knowing how the other half live. TV stars, politicians, royalty, musicians and sportsmen - all have, at some point, allowed the public through the keyhole for a tantalising glimpse of their homes.

But what about those who want to go one step further? Now, boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal has the ultimate in celebrity lifestyle offerings, with families able to book to stay in the newly acquired Portuguese home of former Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne.

Algarve Windmill home 'For Sail'

Windmill and 2 millers cottages For SaleThis completely unique Windmill and 2 millers cottages is set in a rural location at Sao Marcos da Serra, and is for sale at €159,000.

Although now beautifully renovated, the windmill itself is original and dates from the 1940’s.