2018 was a record year for real estate in Portugal, and a record year for us at Fine & Country Algarve. But now, as we approach the end of the first half of this year, there is a definite feeling that the market is changing.

Last year, property investment in Portugal reached 30 billion euros, that’s a staggering 15% of GDP. The market has grown (in terms of total investment) by an average of 20% per year since Portugal started to emerge from the financial crises in 2014 but there are now signs that it is starting to consolidate. Prices however are continuing to rise, but most experts agree that that price increases this year will be less than over the last few years.

Overseas property and finance expert Simon Conn says people are continuing to buy homes abroad, despite the ongoing issues with Brexit.

“Everyone keeps asking me what effect Brexit is having on the overseas property market. I would say that it is picking up and we’re still busy even with the problems with Brexit,” Simon said.

This stylish villa with mature gardens festooned with bougainvillea will make an ideal permanent home or upscale holiday let investment.

Located in Quinta da Balaia, some five minutes drive to the Old and New Towns of Albufeira and within 2km of several beaches, this three bedroom villa is truly lovely inside and out.

Vilamoura is the original home of golf in the Algarve and is home to many world-class courses and resorts.

This superb villa which features as part of our Signature Collection of unique Algarve Properties occupies a magnificent position overlooking Vilamoura's Old Course.

Windmill Hill (as the name suggests) is a a premier hilltop development of apartments dating back to the late 1980's. 

With wonderful, pristine gardens and a huge swimming pool surrounding the old restored windmill, this development is mainly home to second home residents looking for peace and quiet yet within easy walking distance of Albufeira's historic old town.

In the summer of 2018 a large part of Monchique and Silves county were devastated by massive forest fires. The Silves rotary club and Exclusive Algarve Villas have held various fund raising events to raise money to help the local fire department. Many fire departments depend on donations to purchase goods, substitute equipment and toward the replacement of (very old) fire trucks.

Overseas property and finance specialist Simon Conn has been concerned that key messages about buying abroad aren’t getting across, and people are still making mistakes which could cost them dearly. These include the need to use an independent lawyer, valuer and/or surveyor and ensuring any documentation is accurately translated into a language they understand.

So he’s decided to create this short animation around the top three tips for purchasing property abroad. It has a serious message but is presented in a lighter format.

This month's selection of new listings and interesting properties for you from each of the areas we cover: Silves, Lagoa, Alvor, Lagos and west.