If your idea of heaven is stunning white beaches, delectable organic food, exemplary local wine, watersports and golf resorts in a perfect warm climate, then there is no other place than Portugal. What’s more, this slice of heaven comes at a bargain price.
There are a few compelling reasons to buy your second home in Portugal:
Safest in the EU: Portugal is an extremely safe country and the capital metropolis Lisbon was adjudged the safest capital city in the European Union by Gallup and UN.
A bouquet of enthralling landscapes: There are vineyards and mountains in the country’s northern part and warm sandy beaches in its south. The Algarve region is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and is the location of many British homes. In recent times, the Silver Coast, on the Atlantic sea is now a magnet for buyers searching for a calmer rural retreat away from the traditional Algarve tourist hubs. The Atlantic coast properties also come at a modest price.
Scintillating culture: Portugal has a huge number of absolutely captivating religious festivals, carnivals, fairs and pilgrimages. The Portuguese themselves are very friendly and the warmth and vivacity of the crowds are legendary!
Slower pace of life: Many people are enamored by the unstressed and relaxed way of living in Portugal. The sheer number of culinary delights are also the literal icing on the cake. Dining is economical too.
Hot time to buy
The 2007 financial crisis in Portugal had the effect of drastically lowering the property prices across the nation-the trend persists even now and house prices are still quite cheap. This means a great deal for buyers from outside the country.
The government of Portugal is taking a number of steps to attract overseas investments. The slew of new measures include the reduction of taxes for expatriates from the previous 48 percent to the present 20 percent. The government is also dangling the lure of a “golden visa” that can be converted to citizenship. This visa is given to individuals who purchase properties of value €500,000 (£425,000) or above. The Portuguese government has also abolished the tax imposed on retirees.
To make investment in Portugal simpler, the Economy and Employment Ministry of Portugal has launched its own website-Living in Portugal-to act as a single source of all information for overseas investors. The website explains everything in just the right amount of detail, from schools to taxes and even the country’s legal framework.
