I have just returned from a lengthy trip around the UK. I stayed in hotels, but I was never quite sure which country I was in. It was like touring round Europe.

For a bit of fun, and to coincide with the Silves Medieval Festival, Meravista, the Algarve property portal, has put together a comparison of property for sale, then and now. If you stop to think back to what life was like in the past, it’s hard to think of life before computing, internet, mobile phones and electric cars. However that only takes you back around 20 years or so. To go back to the 11th century, your imagination probably couldn’t do it justice.

Find out why property in Portugal is a viable investment. Portugal is currently one of the most affordable and profitable property markets in the world. This resource combines and analyses major property price data sources to inform investors of the advantages of buying Portugal real estate.

The real estate franchise REMAX saw an 18% rise in its Portugal sales between January and July 2013 as it was involved in business worth €443 million.

Meravista’s all-inclusive website is making it easy for people across Western Europe to find their dream retirement home in the sun without leaving the comfort of their armchair.

Retiring abroad is a big step to take. Finding the right property to buy in the right location shouldn’t be the difficult part. That’s why Meravista is helping people across Western Europe to find their ideal retirement home in the Algarve without stepping outside their front door.

Work is currently underway to refurbish a prime location office in Praia do Carvoeiro for a Fine & Country brokerage, one of the world’s leading brands in luxury real estate.

Business partners Zoie Hawker and Richard Lamberth recently formed their company, Fino Propriedades Lda, and the agency will start trading in August ahead of the official opening in early September.

The top-end property market is in shock in the Algarve as some clients' annual property tax bills rocket by €75,000.