From the blog...
Travel and Real Estate
We recently took a trip to Portugal to explore the possibility of investing in real estate there. Our goal was to visit various cities and towns to get a sense of where we might want to retire in the future and advise our clients to look. Along the way, we met with several real estate agents to learn about different properties and understand how the process works for foreign investors. One key takeaway was that Portugal appears to be a very safe place to invest. Generally speaking it is fairly straightforward. In touristy places, they also have management companies that handle renting out your units when you are not using them. We toured 6- 7 towns and here are our favourite spots and where I think the best investment would be:
1. Lagos
Why invest:
- Historic charm, modern amenities, and beautiful beaches (e.g., Praia Dona Ana, Meia Praia).
- Strong short-term rental demand in summer.
- Popular with younger travelers and expats.
- Great mix of apartments, villas, and townhouses.
- Weather in Algarve is generally very favorable year round.
This was our favourite destination of our trip. The old town is amazing with plenty of restaurants and cultural sights. Also, a great marina and great hiking. There is a hotel investment that we toured and included some of the pictures and investment information.
2. Vilamoura
Why invest:
- Luxury marina, golf courses, and upscale amenities.
- Attracts high-net-worth individuals and retirees.
- Lower rental yields but excellent for long-term appreciation.
- Very well-maintained and professionally managed urban planning.
Best for: Luxury long-term investments, golf tourism. We spent 3 nights here and checked out a few spots. Never heard of this town before our trip. We made an impromptu visit here. This was our biggest surprise. The Marina was amazing with tons of great restaurants and beautiful views. Very high end feel to the town. Lots of golf and amazing beaches close by. This town did not have the cultural landmarks or history of others.
3. Albufeira
Why invest:
- Algarve’s a tourism hotspot with a high volume of visitors year-round.
- Established short-term rental market.
- Great nightlife, beaches, and family-friendly options.
- Wide variety of property types and price ranges.
Best for: High-yield short-term rentals. We did tour a few spots here but found the vibe to be a bit too “party” for us. We are getting old! LOL.