Portugal Property Investment Opportunities. Real Estate Portugal.

£85,000 / $168,000 *

New Developments in Portugal

Portugal runs down most of the west side of Spain on the Atlantic Ocean and is the westernmost country of mainland Europe, with one of the warmest climates. North of the Algarve, it is a land of mountains and river valleys with a wetter climate and snow in winter, while the south is warmer, drier and flatter. The capital, Lisbon, is built on seven hills and contains a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and modern architecture, museums and opera houses, parks and wide boulevards. Along the coasts are miles of beautiful hot, sandy beaches, such as those of Estoril and Costa de Caparica, while those of Guincho and Carcavelos are particularly good for wind and wave surfing and, out to sea, the Azores host whale-watching tours. Other outdoor activities include white water rafting, hang-gliding, mountain-biking, climbing and skiing.

But the 27 million tourists per year do not only come for adventure holidays – inland, one can see wild horses in the Peneda-Gerês National Park and there are many other protected areas and species. Portugal boasts Europe’s largest aquarium at the Parque das Nações, as well as wonderful palaces and fortresses and peaceful historic villages out in the countryside.

The people are originally an Iberian and Celtic mix with other European influences and number around 10½ million. They are friendly and welcoming and a people of passion, which is particularly reflected in their sad, melodic fado, a kind of urban folk music with themes of destiny, betrayal, love and despair, described as the heart of their soul. But their culture is also one of festival and colour and combines the traditional and the modern in arts and crafts like the carpet embroidery of Arraiolos, the Vista Alegre porcelain from Aveiro, or Atlantis crystal from Alcobaça. These are vital to this stable economy, along with the manufacture of clothing, footwear, cork and wood products, the production of wine and food and the finance and tourism sectors. Interest rates and unemployment are low.

The government has just announced new incentives for investment and development, including the reduction of tax on buildings owned from some foreign territories. It is a democratic presidential republic with an assembly of deputies and a government of ministers headed by a prime minister. The two main parties are the Socialist Party and the Social Democratic Party. Courts are separated into judicial, administrative and fiscal and are separate from the government. There are just over 300 municipalities gathered into 18 districts and over 4,000 parishes. Portugal is a member of the EU, the UN and NATO.

• Official Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro
• View Portugal on the World Map

New Developments in Portugal

Portugal Property     * currency exchange rates subject to fluctuation.