If you look on a map of Portugal and find Coimbra (about half way between Porto in the North and Lisbon, the capital, to the south) then look a little to the east you will see a mountain range called the Serra da Estrelas (the mountains of stars). This fertile basin between the mountains and the sea is our territory.
The
terrain is typically lush river valleys meandering through wooded hills
in which many charming villages are located. The high mountains all
around are breathtaking. The rivers Alva and Mondego flowing through the
countryside are fantastic places to swim, go boating and generally
relax.
The region is reminiscent of Britain in the 1950's in that it has retained the charm and quality of life as it was 50 years ago. The area is now well served by modern roads, telecommunication and other services. Our particular region has become increasingly cosmopolitan over recent years with many new settlers enjoying the warmth, freedom and space that Portugal has to offer.
The fine sandy beaches of the 'silver coast' are a sunbathers' delight and if surfing is your thing then look no further. The area is superb for walking, cycling and horse riding. Historic sites abound, and there are many other types of attractions as well, such as local markets and shops of all sorts including local handicrafts. There is also a huge variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to enjoy and the festas (open street parties) start in May and go on well into the autumn.
The Portuguese government has recently designated Central
Portugal as a location for the expansion of tourism and general
development.
BUYING PROCESS
The buying process is fairly straightforward. It is common policy to
make a promisa contract in front of a solicitor which is an agreement
to buy the property by a certain date written into the
contract and on the conditions, if any, which you agree with the
vendor. A deposit of between 10 to 20% of the purchase price is then
paid, the balance being due upon completion of the purchase which takes
place in front of a government notary. It is a very secure and reliable
system of property transfer.
PURCHASE FEES
Figure on between 10 to 15% of the purchase price depending on the type
of property and the quality of legal representation you enlist.
CONSTRUCTION/ RENOVATION COSTS
General construction costs range from about 350 to 550 Euros per square
metre of covered land depending on various factors but primarily on the
quality of the finished project. It usually works out cheaper to use
different contractors for different stages of the job and enlist the
help of a project manager too oversee operations and keep the project
within budget.
It should also be mentioned that it is necessary to use a reputable architect for any construction that requires planning permission (which by law is anything requiring major structural or external work)
Property prices and the cost of living are amongst the most reasonable in Europe.
Plots and renovation projects from 25,000 euros
Terraced cottage in village from around 30,000 euros
Two bedroomed apartment from around 85,000 euros
Two bedroomed detached cottage/villa from 115,000 euros
Five bedroomed villa with swimming pool from around 250,000 euros
Phone : 00351 964 333 148