Latest News
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Alojamento Local 2019 – New Rules
New rules come in 2019 for alojamento local (AL) owners, specially for the ones who have open activity as self-employed workers.
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Selling your property: With or without a real estate agency?
Are you selling your property? This process can become extremely exigent due to the necessary extra dose of patience, dedication and time. Certainly, it must be a well-planned step by you and your family and one of the first decisions to make is, if you want to take care of the process all by yourself or be accompanied by a real estate agency. Know what to expect and why it is so important to have a real estate agency by your side.
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IMI in 2019: Real Estate Tax Changes
Shortly before the payment of the Municipal Property Tax, in Portugal, Casas do Barlavento will share the latest changes with you, so you know everything about your home.
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Golden Visa in Portugal
A step-by-step guide to applying for a European Residency Permit, while explaining all the advantages and benefits associated with the Golden Visa scheme.
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3 Ways To Enjoy The Western Algarve During Spring
We, at Casas do Barlavento, advise you to enjoy the Western Algarve during Spring, the best time of the year to be amazed by the coastline, the historic sites, the full bloom of the almond trees and, of course, the food diversity!
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Energy Certificate: What is it and what is it for?
Especially if you are going to buy a property, it is essential that you get to know everything about the energy certificate, as it is a way to save on monthly energy bills and be more environmentally friendly, for the recommendations included in the report. In Portugal, the energy certificate is mandatory.
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Portugal Distinguished In World Rankings
Portugal continues to win awards, to raise positions and to be highlighted in the world rankings for the best reasons. Do you need more reasons to move to Portugal?
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How many have already benefited from the Non-Habitual Resident status?
Know how many already enjoy benefited from the Non-Habitual Resident status, in Portugal. A step-by-step guide to apply to NHR and the benefits to be a non-habitual resident in Portugal.
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Why Casas do Barlavento Won “Real Estate Agency Portugal”, at the International Property Awards
Casas do Barlavento competed against the best property professionals across the European regions to be recognised in the Real Estate Agency category for Portugal.
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Outlook on Tourism in the Algarve
The analysis of tourism in the Algarve and 2019 trends. This year will be a challenge for tourism in the Algarve, with the impact of the re-emergence of competing destinations and Brexit.
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Discover the Western Algarve living
The Algarve presents itself as a region that excels for an incomparable quality of life, offering you many options and treasures to discover. Casas do Barlavento will help you find your perfect house in the Western Algarve
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Moving Overseas – Checklist
If you are planning to move to Portugal this article is for you. Casas do Barlavento will give you a guide and tips to help you organise things before and upon your arrival to your new home, in the Algarve!
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Algarve Property Market – 2018 Review and 2019 Trends
Review of the Algarve real estate market in 2018. Real estate analysis in Portugal and trends for 2019, according to Casas do Barlavento.
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Buying or Building a Home?
Casas do Barlavento helps you in this decision with this guide featuring all the advantages and disadvantages of buying or building a home, in Portugal.
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Bank valuations of real estate reach new highs
In general terms, bank valuations of real estate rose by around €70/m2 in one year, in Portugal
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3 BARGAIN TIPS TO BOOK YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY
January is the perfect time to think about your holidays in the sunny Algarve. Check our 3 saving hacks to book your summer holiday
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Palmares – An exclusive project in a unique location
Palmares Beach & Golf Resort (in Lagos, Portugal) launched 22 plots to develop tailor-built detached villas with 180-degree panoramic views to the ocean.
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How much does it cost to maintain a property?
To understand if buying a home for rent is the best option for you, we explain how much it costs to keep a property and who is responsible for certain expenses
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Portugal’s Golden Visa updates
The regulatory changes to the Golden Visa program simplifies all the processes so that the investment remains constant and intensifies again. The granting of Golden Visas through the acquisition of real estate continues to be the preferred option, being much higher than other forms of investment.
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When is a license required for housing renovations?
Currently, there are many cases that are exempt from licensing, here we help you understand all the improvements for which legal consent isn’t required
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Casas do Barlavento Sales Director’s Opinion on Brexit
Is the “Brexit” issue the reason why many of the Brits are not buying? The answer is “yes”, as there is a lot of uncertainty around what is going on at the moment.
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Forced lease regime and property tax increase for unoccupied buildings
The main objectives of the 2019 State Budget is to rehabilitate and reduce unoccupied buildings in cities.
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Is there a housing bubble in Portugal?
The market itself is now more cautious and different from 2009, with an increase in tourism and foreigners residing and investing in Portugal
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7 Home Decoration Trends for 2019
Check out home decoration trends for next year by Casas do Barlavento
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Housing Demand Slowdown in Summer
Housing demand still continues to grow, but at a more moderate pace since December last year. Which means, economic and confidence indicators remain strong, even with this activity slowdown
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A Corporate Golf Day to Remember
The Fourth Casas do Barlavento Corporate Golf Day, at Boavista Golf Resort & Spa was an event to thank the owners, buyers and business partners for another successful year.
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Top Home Preps to Tackle in the Fall
Casas do Barlavento offers property management services to assist in preventing future unforeseen events that may occur.
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Tips for Planning the Perfect Winter Holiday
Opt for a quieter holiday this year, outside the busiest season, and take advantage of all the services Casas do Barlavento has to offer.
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Capital Gains Taxation Following a Property Sale
It is imperative that you declare the sale or inheritance of a home to the Tax Office by completing the IRS statement (Annex G) related to the transaction year. Capital Gains Tax is a tax on the profit when you sell a property or an asset that has increased in value
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Negative Euribor Law in Portugal
The Negative Euribor Law is intended to oblige banks to apply Euribor in full to mortgages on real estate. So, clients with housing loans are entitled to credit interest as long as the Euribor is negative, to be deducted when interest rates return to positive values
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What is a promissory contract, in real estate?
Casas do Barlavento advises the signing of a promissory agreement when the essential conditions to go to deed are not in place
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Amendments to the Portuguese Touristic Rental License Law - Alojamento Local (AL)
The President of the Republic approved limitations and new obligations to those who intend to carry out Alojamento Local.
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The New Algarve Tourism Strategy Involves Real Estate Investment
One of the strategies of the Algarve Tourism Board is to try to promote the Algarve as an attractive investment destination for foreigners.
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5 Tips for buying your retirement home
Planning for retirement means setting your priorities in place, such as, when you’ll stop working, how much you’ll withdraw from your savings each year, and where you’ll live. These are decisions that will affect your future quality of life. Casas do Barlavento made a five-tip-list for you to begin planning your golden years
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Green housing credit arrives in Portugal
Society is searching for alternatives and this reflects on the demand for specialized credit that already represents 44.8% of total loans to consumers, according to the Bank of Portugal.
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The dynamism of the construction sector in Portugal
In Portugal, a total of 15,100 new properties have a building license, distributed over 6,776 new housing projects. Of these new projects, only 400 and about 1,400 homes will be built in the Algarve
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Real Estate Taxes Reach an all-time Record
The municipal Purchase Tax on real estate transactions (IMT*1) and Property Rates Tax (IMI*2) generated 2.4 million euros last year for the state coffers.
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Expected increase in residential tourism investment
After an exceptional 2017 where sales in residential tourism have risen by 43%, the expectations for buying resort homes are of high value. The sale of residential tourism is expected to appreciate 7.1%, in 2018
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NEW LUXURY DEVELOPMENT - PRIME RESIDENCE LAGOS
Prime Residence Lagos is a private condominium that has 24 luxury, modernly designed two and three-bedroom apartments with high quality finishing’s – Torraltinha, Lagos, Algarve.
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The Return of Mortgages for Young People
Young Portuguese people are now able to obtain housing credit with attractive spreads and longer repayment terms and, with this, they can finally start looking for their first home
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Portugal is one of the best countries to invest in Luxury Real Estate
There has not been any let up in the buyers’ requests this year; the supply and demand for luxury properties are becoming more evident as the days go by
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New Foreign Investment Trend in National Real Estate
North Americans and Swedish Pensioners seek Portugal
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6 Tips for those buying a property for the first time
Casas do Barlavento has some tips so that you are well prepared for this big step
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Marisa Alexandre’s perspective regarding Casas do Barlavento
More than a year has passed since Casas do Barlavento acquired Lloyd's database, so we asked Marisa (a former Lloyd's worker) the differences between the 2 companies and how was Marisa integrated into the new administration
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How important is it to have a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate consultant is an expert in the real estate market who ultimately wants to close a good deal for both buyer and seller
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Does energy efficiency generate savings?
Casas do Barlavento has some tips to make your home more energy efficient, which means you will save at the end of each month
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Build your dream, in an idyllic location
Plots with projects which can be designed by 2 well-known architects from Lagos - Arch. Mário Martins or Arch. Hiller-Machado.
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Housing Credit in Case of Divorce
If you are currently in the process of a divorce and if you have a housing loan with your future ex-spouse you have 3 ways to proceed
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How to Decide Between Multiple Offers on your property?
Sometimes weighing the pros and cons of proposals can be delicate, because the highest bid may not necessarily be the best.
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The Golden Visa Future
This year, the investment in the Golden Visa Program fell 18.4% (63.6 million euros) and, unfortunately, the downward trend will remain.
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Nominated for Best Real Estate Agency
It’s with pride that Casas do Barlavento is nominated to win Best Real Estate Agency by the International Property Awards
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Changes in Housing Mortgage Loans
To encourage responsible credit, changes in the law were made to reinforce the information given to customers to allow them to be more conscious in their decision-making process
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Proposed Change in the “Alojamento Local” (AL) Law
Casas do Barlavento considers that the real impact of short-term leasing must be understood before limiting its activity
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Is it better to buy or rent a house? We help you decide!
Get to know the differences, advantages and disadvantages of choosing between buying a home or opting for a lease
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Government Announces “Accessible Renting” Program
A plan to have access to affordable rental properties, lifelong contracts for seniors and the promotion of long-term rentals are the order of the day.
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10 Tips for Renting Out Your House
Are you thinking of renting out your house this summer? We have listed below some practical tips to get the most out of your income without making your schedule a living hell. The trick is all in the planning!
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Housing prices in Algarve are now 12,8% above pre-crisis level
Price pressures continue to build due to lack of supply, in the real estate market. All the Algarve counties registered a recovery compared to 2011.
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NEW LAUNCH - Condominium in Lagos – The Adega
Do you know what is happening at the entrance of Lagos? More specifically, in the desolate area of Adega de Lagos and São Cristóvão Hotel? Well, Casas do Barlavento can share with you!
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The Importance of Home Staging
If you have a property to sell, or rent, this article is aimed at you. With simple and relatively inexpensive techniques of home staging, your property will appreciate and can aid a faster sale and a greater return.
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Algarve contributes with 70% of the national total of golf rounds
In celebration of World Golf Day, Casas do Barlavento summarises the importance of golf for the Portuguese economy and, more specifically, the Algarve.
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International Exposure of Casas do Barlavento
Casas do Barlavento 2018 plan is to invest more into the exhibitions and increasing the selling capabilities of the company for our clients
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Understanding all the costs associated with property acquisition
Are you buying a property in Portugal? Understand all the costs and taxes associated with the property purchase.
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New Development by Rodrigues & Vermelho
The Horta do Galvão Condominium is just starting construction, with delivery scheduled for early 2020
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10 Tips on How to Save Water at Home
The key to success is to rationalise consumption and not waste water. It will make a big difference to your wallet, and the environment will thank you!
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10 Real Estate trends in the Algarve, in 2018
According to surveys on the Portuguese Housing Market with regard to expectations of evolution this year, Casas do Barlavento points out some trends for the Real Estate Market in the Algarve
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Increased Dynamism in the Real Estate sector
According to data from the Portuguese Real Estate Professionals and Brokers Association (APEMIP), real estate in Portugal is experiencing a great dynamism, especially for domestic investors in the housing sector
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Top 6 Houses for Rent this Summer in the Algarve
To live a few stress free days, Casas do Barlavento offers you its best suggestions for accommodation in the area of Lagos and Portimão
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Why Portugal?
The label ‘made in Portugal’ has become trendy. Not only for the 300 days of sun and beautiful beaches, but also for the high quality of life, great food, attractive tax regime and real estate popularity.
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The Condo Meeting Nightmares Arrive
These are of utmost importance to dictate how the maintenance fund of the building will be managed, but many times it seems that, in addition to being time consuming, these meetings are always below expectations
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3 Things a Real Estate Agent Knows the Internet Doesn’t Tell You
The Internet is undoubtedly a good place to start, however during the real estate process there are things you will not find in Google
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Are you pricing your house to the moon? Know the consequences
Current news about the real estate market and the fact that the listing numbers are low for the existing demand suggests an inflation of properties prices; but does this justify pricing your house high? After all if you don’t ask for a fortune, how will you bring it down later?
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Top Tips for Selling a House in the Winter
Are you thinking of selling your home? No need to wait until Spring. A Casas do Barlavento consultant can explain how the seasons affect real estate sales and advise you on how to take advantage of this to sell your property more quickly
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Exciting Times Ahead, on the Real Estate market
The Algarve is receiving positive media at the moment and with the pound holding what better time it is to put the property on the market and get it sold.
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Celebrating 15 Years of Casas do Barlavento
We are celebrating 15 year with the dedication to achieve another 15 stronger and committed to our clients
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Review of the year by Casas do Barlavento Sales Director – Paul Cotterell
If the market continues to grow in conjunction with the buyers confidence then we will be looking to add to the exhibitions in 2018.
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Top 5 Well Decorated Houses
Check some some old houses that have been renovated and which are now small hidden treasures in the historic center of Lagos
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Real Estate Investment in the Algarve | Conference in Luxembourg
This year, Casas do Barlavento invested in attracting foreign investment with participation of countless exhibitions and conferences, in Europe, becoming a pro-active real estate agency by promoting the destination and the investment in Portugal.
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New Rules & Regulations for Going to Deed
Law to discourage money laundering has been approved changing the Registry and Notary Laws.
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Real estate prices skyrocket in Portugal
according with the market trend and market prices it is the best time to sell your property with Casas do Barlavento
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Thinking of selling your property in the Algarve?
Don’t miss out the amazing Autumn and Winter buying season. Imagine if we are even able to sell your unit before Christmas, anticipating your New Year’s resolutions!
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3rd Golf Corporate Day for Casas do Barlavento
For the third consecutive year, Casas do Barlavento organized a golfing day on September 22nd to thank the owners, buyers and business partners of Casas do Barlavento for a successful year at the Boavista Golf Resort & Spa.
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The 10 benefits of renting with Casas do Barlavento
The bureaucracies of legalizing the property are considered to be hell for you? Were you in any doubt? Look no further and leave everything with us!
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We Never Lose at the 19th Hole
Golf is like a love affair: If you don’t take it seriously, it’s no fun; if you do, it breaks your heart. The Casas do Barlavento mantra is to have serenity to accept the shots you miss, the courage to try again and the wisdom not to throw your clubs in the lake
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Top 5 Properties in Luxury Resort - Baia da Luz
Benefits to buy in a closed condominium: The level of security; The array of free facilities; the high maintenance level of common areas and gardens; The possibility of having a return on your investment, are some of the advantages
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Where to eat in Praia da Luz
Restaurant suggestions of Casas do Barlavento. Find out where to eat a great meal in Praia da Luz, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
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The customer pays the bank, but has no guarantee that the loan will be granted
Speaking of the process of granting credit, the bank instructs an independent appraiser to produce a property valuation. The customer pays the bank, but has no guarantee that the loan will be granted.
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Amendments to lease laws in Portugal
The main amendments to the lease laws will provide more time to non-paying tenants before eviction, as well as more protection for those who have old rents; this change in the law will provide councils greater intervention in the control of construction improvements which justifies evictions and creates a protection regime for historic properties
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Real Estate Overview in 2017, by Casas do Barlavento
The Real Estate Overview in Portugal and Algarve, in 2017. Real Estate Statistics, Increase in property sales – report by Casas do Barlavento.
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Lloyds Property Services now with Casas do Barlavento color scheme
Casas do Barlavento acquires Lloyds customers data base. Casas do Barlavento, in Lagos, integrated the already established Lloyds Property Services in its portfolio last April.
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2017 Occupancy Rates
2017 Algarve Occupancy Rates – best year ever in Portugal by Casas do Barlavento
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Rental properties needed in the Algarve!
Real Estate Trends – Long Term Rentals
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10 Best Winter Activities
Although we live in a sunny place, with around 300 days of sun per year, it doesn’t mean we don’t get bored and clueless on what to do in autumn/ winter seasons. Pay attention to the 10 most attractive activities to do from now on.
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State Budget 2017 - Additional to Property Tax
By presenting the Draft State Budget for 2017, the Portuguese government showed how significant will be the impact on the real state sector. What is this “new tax over property”? Read it out
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Portuguese Educational System
If you have in mind relocating to Portugal but are not sure about the scholar system here, then you should know that education in Portugal is from easy access and that there are several options to take into account, especially considering the international teaching.
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Why a local real estate agency?
Casas do Barlavento is a local company, whose team is composed by professionals of the real estate sector with knowledges of the local market and of the best and most reputed real estate entrepreneurs of Algarve and the surroundings.
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Golfe Corporate Day 2016
The 2nd edition of the Golf Corporate Day, organized by Casas do Barlavento, took place on Saturday the 30th of September, at the Boavista Golf & Spa Resort.
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Portugal - 5th safest country in the world
Portugal is the 5th safest country in the world, after Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and New Zealand.
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2016 International Property Exhibition - Sweden
After the success of the last year’s Gothenburg, Malmö and Orebrö exhibitions, Casas do Barlavento (CdB), in conjunction with their Swedish partners “PPI – Portugal Property Invest”, will once again be represented at Swedish exhibitions this year including Stockholm from the 24th and 25th September; Malmö from the 15th and 16th October and Gothenburg from the 12th and 13th November.
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3 Days in Lagos
To only have a few days in a location, where there is so much to see, may seem challenging, so we have prepared a 3-day itinerary for Lagos and its surrounding areas, which takes into account the best beaches and restaurants, tours and places to visit
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Buy a property to Let
What a great investiment: to buy a house in order to let. You not only marry the profitable and the enjoyable, but also invest in a country where it's all about advantages
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Top restaurants in Lagos
It is with you in mind, and the quality of your holiday here in Lagos, that we have put together a guide of the best restaurants in and around Lagos. We have divided the restaurants into different categories so you can choose from those that fit in best with your interest and appetites
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Ocuppancy rates 2016
If, in 2014, the tourism sector in Portugal reached record numbers, generating revenues of 10,393 million euros, in 2015 these numbers were surpassed and represented the best year in Portugal for tourism, achieving 4th place within those EU countries with tourism generated revenue.
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One Stop Shop Approach
The one-stop-shop approach is Casas do Barlavento’s slogan. It is central to the company’s identity, its strategy and its performance.
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Top properties to rent
From luxury and modern, to rustic and cosy, we are able to offer you a variety of properties we feel are worth considering before booking your holiday. Bring your friends and family and come and experience the Algarve dream.
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Sale completed in record time
“Casas do Barlavento” achieved an all time record for the sale of a property with the entire sale process, from beginning to end, being completed in just four days.
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LAGOS - TEN THINGS YOU NEED TO DO
From the inspiring historic atmosphere you get while walking through the cobbled streets, to the exploration of the golden coast, a natural jagged headland with stunning beaches, Lagos is enchanting. If you are considering visiting the city, then this article is written for you.
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International Property Exhibition of Gothenburg
“Casas do Barlavento” was represented in the International Property Exhibition, in Gothenburg, which took place 27th and 28th of February 2016.
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Casas do Barlavento acquires customers data base
“Casas do Barlavento” acquires “Algarve independent” customer data base, reinforcing its competitive position in Alvor and reuniting the conditions to have a fast-growing year.
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Portugal – Everyone talks about it
We often hear people saying “Portugal is in fashion”. With the growing demand of tourists from around the world, the constant presence in the world's media, with an average of over 3000 hours of sunshine per year, the richness of the cuisine (the Mediterranean diet was included in humanity's intangible heritage list), the low cost of living and the affordable real estate, makes this a statement completely true.
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Lagos council lowers municipal property tax (IMI) by 5%
Lagos and Aljezur council reduces 5% of IMI property tax, by 5% and 7,5%, respectively, for urban properties. Portimão remains at the maximum rate – 0,5%.
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Vale da Telha Re-opened for Business
Casas do Barlavento in Vale da Telha has now re-opened for business. Pop in or call the office for a no obligation chat.
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1st Corporate Golf Day
Boavista Golf & SPA Resort was the location for Casas do Barlavento Real Estate Company 1st Corporate Day
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Living in Portugal
If you've already been here on holiday, why don't you stay to live? In addition to all of the reasons that you are already aware of, you should know that Portugal offers attractive conditions for making your investment here.
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5 Reasons to buy a property in Algarve
Aren't sure if its the right time to buy a house here? We give you the facts about why now is a good time to invest in a new Portuguese home in the sun.
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Baía da Luz Apartments for sale
Baía da Luz is located within the village of Praia da Luz, less than 200 metres away from the picturesque beach and just 6km west of the historic town of Lagos in the Western Algarve. Set against the striking backdrop of the rock formation, Rocha Negra, the resort comprises 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, along with penthouse apartments boasting mezzanine floors and large roof terraces.
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Golden Visa
How to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for an investment activity? What are the benefits?
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Why buy a property in Portugal?
In recent years there has been a preference for Portugal, not only as a place to holiday, but also as an official residence for people from all around the world. But what does this country bordered by the sea have to offer?
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Energy Certificate
The major objective of Energy Certification is to inform the rate of energy consumption, indicating the efficiency of the property, as well as informing the improvements that can be taken place to reduce the energy consumption.
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