Answers to all Your Algarve Questions
Here are some of the most popular questions, along with the answers we are asked regarding living in the Algarve. Feel free to get in touch if you have any you would like added. Most of the topics are answered in full in our latest news section. However, you can find the links to the relevant articles in the answers below for more information.
Algarve Weather
From an overall perspective, the weather in the Algarve is one of the best in Europe if not the world. On average there are over 300 days producing 3,000 hours of sunshine in the Algarve making it one of the sunniest regions in Europe and comparable to California in the USA. The temperature begins to rise around the end of April and the sun can continue to shine right through to the end of November with very little rainfall during that time. Summer temperatures can hit heights of over 40°C in July and August. Although the daily average would be between 30-35°C.
The cold winter in the Algarve runs from the beginning of December to the end of January… it has been almost 20 years since it hit the coastal areas.
Buying Property
Fortunately, Portugal does have an outstanding record for welcoming ex-pats… fixed rates they are available at around 4.1% for up to 5 years based on loan-to-value ratios of up to 70%.
The length of time it takes to buy a house in the Algarve can vary… depending on the condition of the sale and any legal or bureaucratic obstacles.
In our humble opinion yes! … “Is now the right time to buy in the Algarve”.
Once you’ve found your dream home… complete guide to buying a property in the Algarve.
Living in the Algarve
If you are a family thinking of moving to the Algarve… There are 14 Algarve International Schools…
The Portuguese public education system provides schooling free of charge… Years 10 – 12 are for children aged 15 – 18.
The University of Algarve … If you are willing to go further afield, there are some excellent Universities in other areas.
Travel
Covid Measures Implemented in Portugal Updated on 27 April 2023
… Learn more about the Covid situation in Portugal.
Obviously, the first and easiest way to reach the Algarve is by plane… prices range from £240–400 depending on the season.
Mortgages
Portugal offers resident and non-resident mortgages with typical LTVs up to ~70% and terms commonly 20–30 years. Lenders assess income, debt ratios, and property valuation. You’ll need a Portuguese tax number, proof of income, bank statements and ID.
Step-by-step docs, timelines and tips: Ultimate guide to getting a mortgage in Portugal.
Rates vary by LTV, product, and profile. Variable products track Euribor; fixed and mixed options are widely available. See current ranges, examples and how banks price: Portugal mortgage rates 2025 guide.
Finance
A broker can compare multiple banks, pre-screen your profile, and negotiate terms—useful for non-residents or complex income. Learn how a broker can streamline approvals and what to expect: Independent mortgage broker advisory service.
Expect bank arrangement fees, valuation, life/property insurance, notary/registry, stamp duty and taxes. We break down typical ranges and examples: Mortgage costs & fees in Portugal (2025). See also rate context here: Portugal mortgage rates overview.
Visas
Portugal ended real-estate routes to the Golden Visa. Alternative residency options remain (e.g., D7/D8). Overview and timeline here: End of Portugal’s Golden Visa.
NHR offers a special tax regime for new residents who meet eligibility rules and register correctly. See requirements, deadlines and how to file: Applying for NHR in Portugal.
Routes include residency and naturalisation, marriage/heritage, and other special cases. See steps, timing and documents: Applying for Portuguese nationality & passport.
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for short tourism stays under Schengen rules. If you need a visa, here’s how to apply and what’s required: Short-term / tourist visa guide.
Activities
From waterparks to animal encounters, here are six big hitters with what to expect, who they suit, and planning tips: Top six Algarve theme parks.
Yes—multiple Algarve courses rank in Europe’s top 100. See standout tracks, locations and why golfers love the region: 12 Algarve golf courses in Europe’s Top 100.
Hop across to Spain for culture-packed weekends—here are five great picks with distance and highlights: Spanish city breaks near the Algarve.
Advice
Check zoning, build indices, access, utilities and licensing timelines before you commit. Full checklist and pitfalls: Advice for buying land plots.
It certifies a property meets legal standards for occupation. Know when it’s required, how to obtain it, and common issues: Habitation Licence guide.
A candid, step-by-step account—searching, offers, due diligence, surprises and lessons learned: Personal experience buying in the Algarve.
Retiring
Sun, healthcare access, safety and an active expat community make it a top retirement pick. Get a full overview of lifestyle, budgets and areas: Retiring to the Algarve.
They can combine lifestyle with rental potential in prime resorts. Pros, cons and where to look: Investing in Algarve golf properties.
Yes—think agritourism, rentals, or small-scale production. What to evaluate and real-world examples: Making income from Algarve farms & quintas.
Algarve Resorts
Carvoeiro evolved from a modest fishing village into a lively, much-loved coastal destination, with roots stretching back to the Neolithic period. Dive into the full timeline and how it grew into today’s resort in Exploring the Vibrant History of Carvoeiro: From Past to Present.
From Vilamoura to Lagos, the Algarve is filled with incredible places to call home. Explore the region’s most sought-after residential areas and see why so many people choose to relocate here in Top 5 Most Desirable Residential Areas in The Algarve.
Vale do Lobo is synonymous with prestige. Over five decades, it has grown into one of Europe’s finest luxury resorts, combining world-class golf, fine dining, and elegant villas by the sea. Learn about its evolution and influence on Algarve real estate in Vale do Lobo: A Journey Through Luxury Property Sales and Resort Development.
From Vilamoura to Lagos, the Algarve is filled with incredible places to call home. Explore the region’s most sought-after residential areas and see why so many people choose to relocate here in Top 5 Most Desirable Residential Areas in The Algarve.
Algarve Investment Property
Property in the Algarve has shown resilient long-term performance with strong demand in prime areas and limited new supply. See why we rate it highly here: Algarve property as a long-term investment.
Nervous about buying abroad? Our team can guide you through the Portuguese purchase process step by step.
New to portfolio planning? Here’s a useful primer on building a long-term real-estate strategy.
Yes — short-let holiday homes and mid/long-let rentals can both work, depending on location, license and seasonality. Start with our guide to finding profitable rental property in the Algarve.
Browse current options: Algarve properties for sale. If you’d like help running numbers (yields, fees, licensing), we’re happy to assist.
Buying Property (4)
Fortunately, Portugal does have an outstanding record for welcoming ex-pats. The conditions for foreigners getting a mortgage are more or less straightforward.
If you are a foreigner or non-resident of Portugal looking to buy Algarve property and are looking to do so with a mortgage to finance the purchase, now is a great time to do so as the banks are now lending again due to the economic recovery in Portugal and the solid state of the property market.
For the most part, mortgages are the most popular way to finance buying a property in Portugal. Not only can residents apply for a mortgage from Portuguese banks but non-residents are also able.
The current variable mortgage rate in Portugal starts at approximately 3.3% per year based on a 30% loan to the overall value of the property.
Those rates can increase if you require more finance for instance 60% to 70% loan to property value. If you are looking for fixed rates they are available at around 4.1% for up to 5 years based on loan-to-value ratios of up to 70%.
The length of time it takes to buy a house in the Algarve can vary, depending on the complexity of the sale, the availability of financing, and the presence of any legal or bureaucratic obstacles. On average, it may take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete the process of buying a house in Portugal.
Below is a brief outline of the steps involved in buying a house in the Algarve:
Firstly work out your budget and financing options: You’ll need to determine how much you can afford to spend on a property and whether you will need to acquire a mortgage.
Find a knowledgeable Algarve estate agent: Working with a local estate agent who is familiar with the Algarve property market can be helpful in ensuring everything goes smoothly.
Start your search for properties: Once you have a general idea of your budget and financing options, you can start searching for properties that meet your criteria.
Schedule viewings of eligible properties: If you find a property that interests you, you will want to schedule a viewing so you can get a better sense of the property, its condition and its location.
Make a formal offer: If you decide to make an offer on a property, your Algarve estate agent can help you negotiate the terms of the sale.
Conduct due diligence: Before finalizing the purchase, you’ll want to conduct due diligence to make sure there are no unexpected problems with the property, such as outstanding debts or legal disputes.
Sign a purchase agreement: If both parties agree to the terms of the sale, you will sign a purchase agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.
Complete the sale: After signing the purchase agreement, you will need to complete the sale by arranging the transfer of the funds for the purchase price. You can then register the property in your name.
The process of buying a house in the Algarve can take several months, sometimes a little longer, depending on the condition of the sale and any legal or bureaucratic obstacles.
In our humble opinion yes!
So the short answer is yes, property prices have been on the increase for the last 20 yrs and show no signs of stopping. We see plots of land for sale at the same price as a prebuilt property in the same condominium and same size plot 15 yrs ago!
With so few Algarve properties for sale in the marketplace, prices are at a premium and will continue to be so. Throw into the equation the shortage of Algarve real estate in the most desirable areas and the time it takes to build new developments, and there is no reason to think otherwise.
If you are seriously thinking about investing in an Algarve property then read on for a more detailed look at the current situation and the forecast for the following year in this article “Is now the right time to buy in the Algarve“.
Once you’ve found your dream home and are ready to make an offer, the actual ‘Buying Process’ in Portugal may seem daunting if you are unfamiliar with what’s involved.
Instructing A Lawyer
It is highly recommended that you use a Portuguese property lawyer to assist with purchasing a property in Portugal.
Property Surveys
If you are taking out a mortgage on the property, a valuation will be carried out by the mortgage lender.
Fiscal Number (Numero de Contribuinte)
You must apply for a ‘fiscal number’, which your lawyer can obtain for a small fee on your behalf.
Promissory Contract (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda)
Once a price has been agreed between you, the purchaser, and the property seller, you can sign a ‘Promissory Contract’.
Final Deed (Escritura de Compra e Venda)
This is the completion of the property purchase, where the balance of the price is paid, and the ownership is transferred.
Check here for our complete guide to buying a property in the Algarve