It may amaze you, but there is more to Portugal than golf courses on the Algarve. On saying that, it is difficult to find anywhere in Europe that caters better for a golfer wanting to spend some time in the sun. If you feel that the Algarve may not be enough, you should consider Costa Verde or the Silver Coast.

City LifeThe Algarve

Although the Algarve has a high demand for property, the restrictions on development have kept the supply in check. High demand and a restricted supply have meant that prices for property have been kept very competitive creating optimum rental opportunities. On saying that provided you are willing to look outside the central area, more reasonably priced properties are available around Lagos, or in some of the smaller towns in the east of the region.

Costa Verde

Costa Verde is as it sounds a vast area of greenery. The region contains many hamlets, which are integrated into the traditional lifestyle of rural Portugal. Districts that have targeted by investors include Minho and the majority of Douro Litoral, expanding north to the city of Porto. As for attractions, the National Park of Penneda-Geres is renowned for its outstanding scenery, and delightful variety of natural flora and fauna.

Silver Coast

If you are looking for a largely untouched region, which has stayed predominantly below the radar of the property developer, look no further than the Silver Coast. As the developers have not targeted the area, property prices are still very reasonable. The Silver Coast region stretches between Porto and Lisbon, and contains some of the countries most stunning architecture, with many historically important religious locations. The coastal region has many quaint fishing villages as well as numerous uncluttered sandy beaches ideal for the holidaymaker.

Buying in Portugal

If you are planning to buy a property in Portugal, it is absolutely vital that you acquire the services of a lawyer

It is the responsibility of your lawyer to check that the ‘caderneta urbana’, which confirms the properties size, boundaries, and rateable value, and the ‘habitation license’ which confirms that the property complies with all building regulations.

The next step is to attain a fiscal number from the local tax office and a provisional contract will then be drawn up, signed, and typically a 10% deposit will need to be paid. The final contract will then be signed in front of the Notary Public and the balance will be paid. This is only done when the all conditions of the provisional contract are completed.

Living in Portugal

As important, as having an English speaking lawyer is having an English speaking tax expert. Remember that the UK has a double taxation treaty with Portugal, so tax must be paid in one or the other but not in both. Even if you are retired, and paying your tax in the UK, you are still required to submit annual tax returns. Taking this into account the use of a tax expert is imperative.

Provided you have a valid UK passport, you can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days without applying for a Visa. If you wish to stay for longer than 90 days months you will have to apply for residence permit which lasts for up to 5 years. This can renewed automatically for another 5 years, although after that time an application must be made. If your plan is to gain employment or set up a new business, you have 3 months to meet the requirements of the authorities. Should you wish to retire to Portugal, it is important to remember that although you will be welcome, this is on the condition that you can bring income in and will not be financial burden.

Portugal’s membership of the European Union, has brought in around 23 billion of funding, and assisted in creating a thriving economy, with its newly built infrastructure, making investment a safer option than in many parts of Europe.

Portugal is a lot more than a golf course next to Spain. The golf is fantastic, but so is the real Portugal. It has all the positives of a new market, with a strong, stable economy to give confidence to the new investor, and a climate, and relaxedattitude to make it an ideal destination.