0:00:02 > 0:00:03On a July day in 1497,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06an explorer set off from this very point to the Far East
0:00:06 > 0:00:09and discovered a trade route that would transform this country
0:00:09 > 0:00:13that I'm standing in into a world superpower.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14Find out who he was
0:00:14 > 0:00:17and where I am in just a moment on Escape To The Continent.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39On today's show we're helping a couple find
0:00:39 > 0:00:42an apartment with a view in one of Europe's most historic cities...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45The view's quite nice, with the red rooftops and things.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48..and I'll give them a sound of what it's like
0:00:48 > 0:00:50to live in such a vibrant place.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Mournful, "Ah, ah, ah, ah...!" all night long.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54HE CHUCKLES
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Today I'm in Lisbon, the second oldest city in Europe
0:00:57 > 0:00:59and, of course, the capital of Portugal.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02And this elegant construction behind me is the Tower of Belem,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05a 16th-century fortress built to commemorate that epic journey
0:01:05 > 0:01:08by Vasco da Gama, who found the first direct route
0:01:08 > 0:01:11around the bottom of Africa to the Far East,
0:01:11 > 0:01:15and in doing so, established Portugal as a world superpower.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Now, Portugal lost its monopoly on the spice route in the 17th century,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22but this is a great reminder of its heyday,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24and, of course, its maritime heritage.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28The city of Lisbon is Europe's westernmost capital,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31and lies in the southwest of Portugal.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34It sits on the north banks of the Tagus River estuary,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37which flows out into the Atlantic Ocean,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39where you'll find Lisbon's stunning sandy beaches.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41In the eighth century,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44the Moors, who were medieval Muslim inhabitants of North Africa,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46began their occupation of Lisbon
0:01:46 > 0:01:50and their influence can still be found at the Castelo de Sao Jorge
0:01:50 > 0:01:52and around the streets of the Alfama district.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54It's easy to see why Lisbon city centre
0:01:54 > 0:01:58is home to a tenth of the Portuguese population,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01who are drawn to the alternative art scene and the vast array
0:02:01 > 0:02:04of shops and cafes that this ancient city has to offer.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07So, let's find out what's attracting our buyers
0:02:07 > 0:02:10to the cultural and commercial heart of Portugal.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Today's house hunters are James and Anne
0:02:14 > 0:02:16and they've been partners for ten years.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Anne works in London and owns a home in York,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22whilst James bases himself in West Yorkshire.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26So, arranging to spend time together hasn't always been straightforward.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Quite a lot of the time we've been, sort of, living this life
0:02:29 > 0:02:32where we've been apart during the week and only together at weekends.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Which is limiting in some of the things you can do.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37But this routine is about to change,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39as Anne, who works in community development,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42will be relocating to Lisbon for a new job,
0:02:42 > 0:02:46and civil servant James, who has only visited the city once before,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49will remain in the UK - but plans to make regular trips
0:02:49 > 0:02:51to the Portuguese capital to be with her.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54So, I already do quite a bit of home-working,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and I'm hoping that we can get set up in Portugal,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59that it would be possible to do that.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Anne's been visiting Lisbon for the past four years,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04and already has an affinity with the city,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06but in order to immerse herself,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08she's going to put her linguistic skills to the test.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13I've been trying to learn Portuguese now for several months,
0:03:13 > 0:03:14and I'm having lessons,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17cos I think it's important to be able to communicate.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Although, in Lisbon in particular, so many people speak English.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Anne may well be focusing on getting herself settled in,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28but when it comes to finding a home, it must accommodate James, too,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32as this Portuguese property will be a joint investment.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35My requirements out of the property are probably a bit different.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37I'd be less worried about the interior
0:03:37 > 0:03:40and more interested in where it was located
0:03:40 > 0:03:41and where you can get to from it.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43And where you can keep your bike.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47One thing, for me, is being able to get out of the house
0:03:47 > 0:03:51and either take my bike for a cycle on the coast
0:03:51 > 0:03:53or go for a bit of a run around.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56And finally, we need to establish how much they want to spend
0:03:56 > 0:03:58on a property that meets with their criteria.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Our maximum house price would be £300,000.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Our house hunters want to find property
0:04:08 > 0:04:10located in the centre of Lisbon -
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and now they've arrived here,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14we're meeting up at a spot overlooking the city,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16to learn more about what they're hoping to achieve
0:04:16 > 0:04:18with this continental move.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20James and Anne, thank you for bringing me to Lisbon -
0:04:20 > 0:04:22what an amazing day and an amazing view!
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Yes, it's lovely, it really is!
0:04:24 > 0:04:25Good choice of city to live in.
0:04:25 > 0:04:26I think so, too.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28What brings you here?
0:04:28 > 0:04:32I've got a new position starting in January this year, so for work.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33And is it a full-time move,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35are you going to be living here the whole time?
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Well, we're both buying the property
0:04:37 > 0:04:42but I will be living here most of the time and James some of the time.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46Right, so the idea is that, James, you will be coming to visit?
0:04:46 > 0:04:47Well, I'll still be working in the UK,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50but hopefully spending as much time as possible,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52when work allows, out here with Anne.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54You want to move here because you love the city, or...?
0:04:54 > 0:04:56I do love the city, and I like the excitement
0:04:56 > 0:05:00of coming to live somewhere that's different from the UK.
0:05:00 > 0:05:01Where in the city would you like to live?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Cos obviously there's lots of different districts.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I'd like to live somewhere in the old town of Lisbon
0:05:07 > 0:05:09but most important is that it's convenient for me to get to work.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12So, near a metro or walking distance.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15What sort of apartment are you dreaming about?
0:05:15 > 0:05:19What I'm dreaming about is one of the old-style apartment blocks,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23with big windows, the azulejo tiles, the wooden floors...
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Those are those beautiful blue tiles that you see everywhere.- Absolutely!
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Absolutely. Very Portuguese and traditional.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32James, what are you looking for in the property?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Well, I think one thing I'd quite like is a large sitting area,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38where I'd be able to look out over a bit of a view of the city.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- OK, so we've got lovely properties, so let's go and see them.- Excellent.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43With a budget of £300,000,
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Anne and James are looking for a city centre apartment
0:05:47 > 0:05:49which would give Anne a short daily commute.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53It should have a large living area, a minimum of two bedrooms,
0:05:53 > 0:05:58a place to store James' bicycle and ideally some outdoor space,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02and they'd like this in an elevated position with views over the city.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05We're going to be tempting them with three potential properties,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08the last of which will be out mystery house.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10So, with Anne's job transfer to Lisbon due to start
0:06:10 > 0:06:13in just a couple of months, the pressure is on
0:06:13 > 0:06:16to find her and James an apartment they can call their home.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Our house-hunt begins in the desirable western district of Lapa,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26which is knows by Lisboetas as "The Special Quarter".
0:06:27 > 0:06:30For Anne, living here would mean a commute
0:06:30 > 0:06:33of less than ten minutes' walk from our first property.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- OK, so this is the building that your apartment is in.- Excellent.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Do you know this area? This is very close to where you work.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44It is very close to where I work -
0:06:44 > 0:06:46but I haven't been down THESE streets,
0:06:46 > 0:06:47these streets are new to me.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49What do you think about the neighbourhood?
0:06:49 > 0:06:51I think the architecture's lovely,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53and it's got a nice, quiet feel about it.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56I think my only question, at the moment, is whether it's too quiet.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- So, the house is from the 1930s... - Mm-hm.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01..you've got the centre of the second floor here.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- Shall we have a look inside? - I'd love to.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07The block is only made up of three apartments.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09The one we're looking at has Irish owners,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12who completely renovated it seven years ago -
0:07:12 > 0:07:15and as our buyers aren't interested in doing any work themselves,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I'm hoping that it's got the sort of look they might be after.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Step into the sitting room.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Very nice, it's got lovely windows.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26With Juliet balconies, yes.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Not quite as big as I was hoping for.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Yeah, it's a fairly small apartment,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- it's about 90 square metres, all told.- Mm.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- But I like the way it's been done up.- Yeah.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37It's actually in great nick, it's these lovely floors throughout,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and actually all the paintwork is immaculate.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- And...- Excellent.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- ..there's heating.- Excellent.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Yes, cos a lot of the apartments in Lisbon don't
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and it actually gets colder in the winter,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50so you've got three months where you're like, "Brrrr".
0:07:50 > 0:07:53So, gas heating throughout, which is actually a real bonus.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I think it's probably slightly smaller than we'd imagined
0:07:56 > 0:07:59for the living room, but it's still quite a good size
0:07:59 > 0:08:01and I like the walls not being straight,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03I think that adds character to it.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06These windows are facing east, so you get very early morning light,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- but all the light is in the other half of the house.- OK.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10So, let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Through this central hallway,
0:08:13 > 0:08:17into another, sort of, eccentrically-shaped kitchen.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Uh-huh. But it's quite sizable as a kitchen.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23This would have been a balcony space out here
0:08:23 > 0:08:27that they've sort of put in windows, so it's like a winter garden,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29a small one. They use it as a wash room.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30Cos this is the sunniest part,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32this gets sun all day cos it's south facing.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Ah, of course. No, it's perfectly functionable.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Is it something you can imagine using, is it big enough?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I think it is big enough.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I mean, you could put a table and chairs out there
0:08:43 > 0:08:46and reconfigure the space and the use of it
0:08:46 > 0:08:47but I think it is big enough.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I think the kitchen's perfectly fine for us,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52we weren't looking for a big kitchen.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Erm, we do cook, so we will eat in.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55In the area it's in,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58that's what you might expect for a budget.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01This apartment might be smaller than our buyers were hoping for,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05which means that it could be a tight squeeze to fit in James' bicycle.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Thankfully, there's more space down the hallway,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11where there's both a handy shower room and a modern bathroom
0:09:11 > 0:09:14that would act as the en-suite to the master bedroom.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16So, you've got a lovely sort of suntrap,
0:09:16 > 0:09:17this is directly south facing,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20and outside, this little balcony area is quite big,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22and actually quite a big space here.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24This is by far the brightest room.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Yes.- Then you've got one other bedroom.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- This is obviously the back of the house, which is quieter.- Yes.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33But the view's quite nice, with the red rooftops and things.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Well, let's step out of the balcony...
0:09:37 > 0:09:40This is your outside space, I'm afraid - not massive.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42So, were you hoping for a garden?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Erm, we're not expecting a garden,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47but it's nice to have somewhere where you can get the air
0:09:47 > 0:09:49and feel a bit of the outside.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51So, does this fit the bill?
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Erm, I think it matches my expectations
0:09:53 > 0:09:57of what might be possible in Lisbon.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00OK, so what do you think this is on the market for?
0:10:00 > 0:10:05I think, given the location it's probably something around 290?
0:10:05 > 0:10:09I might guess slightly less than that, 270,000.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Well, actually, this is on at just under £242,000.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15It's less than I'd have thought.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18So, it gives you a benchmark of how much you get
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- in the posh bits of Lisbon.- Yes.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Falling comfortably under budget, this second floor apartment
0:10:23 > 0:10:26is located in a quiet area and comes with two bedrooms,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29one of which has a south facing balcony,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31offering spectacular views of the city.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34There's a separate kitchen and living room,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37and to cater for those cooler winter months,
0:10:37 > 0:10:39it has central heating built in.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Shall we go and explore some more of Lisbon?
0:10:41 > 0:10:42- Let's do that.- Follow me.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49The next property we're viewing is in Alfama,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51the oldest district in Lisbon.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54In the early 19th century Fado music was born here.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Once described as the Portuguese blues, songs can be heard
0:10:58 > 0:11:02at a number of Fado bars and restaurants dotted around.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Do you know this part of Lisbon, Alfama?- I know it a little bit.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07This is drenched in Fado, this area.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11We thought it would be better than the "um-cha, um-cha" of the clubs.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14I agree with that. I definitely agree, that's right.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Mournful, "Ah, ah, ah, ah...!" all night long.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17HE CHUCKLES
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Well, that's definitely part of the factor of living here.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- It's a beautiful spot. - It is beautiful.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23Well, I think this part, Alfama, is lovely,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- so I'd be quite interested to see what you two think.- Excellent!
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Follow me, it's down here.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31This district is also next to the quayside,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33where Lisbon's cruise ships dock on the Tagus River,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35and the apartment we've lined up
0:11:35 > 0:11:39is just a 4km commute away from Anne's work in Lapa.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43The apartment I want to show you is the one here on the top,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45these three windows.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48They're beautiful, with the tiles on the outside - really nice.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50This is not such a quiet road,
0:11:50 > 0:11:54but, actually, up there with the double glazing you barely notice it.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Yeah.- Let's have a look.- Excellent.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00The Portuguese tiles are just the sort of traditional look
0:12:00 > 0:12:01our buyers asked for.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04However, the architect owner has given the interior
0:12:04 > 0:12:07of this apartment a more modern feel.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13This one's for you, James, a big open space.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- Yeah, it's great.- It's a good room. - It's a goodie, isn't it?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19So, to the front of the house, lots of sun.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Over there you can see the cruise liners coming in, that's the river.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- Yeah.- Yeah, that's close.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26And these three big Juliet balconies
0:12:26 > 0:12:31with the lovely blue wrought iron period details outside.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34But a very contemporary space inside, so nice lifted ceilings,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36and then the original floorboards have been restored.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- This is much more like the thing we were imagining, I think.- Yeah?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43What they've done, they've redesigned the whole space
0:12:43 > 0:12:45because this is about 14 square metres, just this room.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47It was lots of little rooms before.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- They've moved the living space where it's nice and bright.- Yeah.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53I think it gives us the sort of space to have a sitting area, relaxing in,
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- and also an office on one end of it, maybe.- Yeah.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01OK, so, let's move through into the back of the property.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Down the hallway are two bedrooms...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08and two bathrooms...
0:13:08 > 0:13:11and at the far end of the property is a third bedroom,
0:13:11 > 0:13:15which comes with its own modern en suite, with a roll top bath.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18This back room is obviously the master bedroom.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Yeah, it's quite big, actually.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23And you have got these big MDF shutters,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26so you can completely block out all the light and the sound.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28And quite a nice view over the tiles.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- Yeah.- The little houses.- Yes.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- So, just to warn you, you are next to a Fado club.- OK.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It might be something you need to acquire a taste for.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40I think so! I'll get some good earplugs.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43There's double glazing and the shutters, you know, is very good.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Does it have heating?
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Interestingly, it does.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51You can just about see these little squares.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- It actually has heating elements IN the walls.- Really?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56The radiators are in... Have you never come across that?
0:13:56 > 0:14:00So it's a variant on underfloor heating, it's in-the-wall heating.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01Yeah.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- A great deal of thought has gone into this apartment.- Yes, it has.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07And it looks like they've got quite a lot of storage space in there.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Yeah - and, actually, talking of storage...
0:14:11 > 0:14:14..one of the great things about this house is it has so much storage.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- This is all storage. This is storage.- Gosh.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18This is a guest toilet.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21But - look at this, James, this is for you.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24ANNE LAUGHS
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Yes.- It's a bicycle store.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Yes.- That's incredible. - Especially made for bikes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- It's incredible.- It's incredible. - I thought you'd like that!- Yeah.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35And the kitchen...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Oh, yeah, that's a nice, modern kitchen.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42An extremely modern kitchen bringing in lots of light.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- You've got the drying balcony there. - Uh-huh.- Through those doors.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47You've got a nice skylight here.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Then they've punched through this hole, so you've got the dining room
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- through there so you can see through to your guests.- Oh, that's good.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Yes, it's got some interesting tiles on the floor.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Yes, these are actually handmade in Alentejo,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00which is south of here, in the countryside.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03The owner had them made specially in these colours.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Is it something you could imagine working in, living in, cooking in?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09I probably could, if I could get my head around it.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11There's quite a bit of space, actually,
0:15:11 > 0:15:13I could rattle around when I'm here on my own.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18Yeah, it's a nice, contemporary space. I like the rooms.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20It's great that despite being a noisy area,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23both Anne and James are so positive about this property.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It's nice to come back into the sunshine. It's a lovely, big flat.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- It is.- OK. So, how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- I'm going to say 310. - And I'm going to guess 300,000.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40In this case, James is closer
0:15:40 > 0:15:43because it's actually just under £299,000.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45It's a lot of apartment in, I think, a great area.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47That's right!
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Valued at just under our buyers' maximum budget,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53this contemporary designed flat has three double bedrooms,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55a large living and dining area,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58a kitchen with traditionally-designed floor tiles,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00in-built wall heating
0:16:00 > 0:16:04and a good storage area that could accommodate James' bicycle.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06OK. So, that's one done.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Excellent.- OK.- Moving on.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Both of our buyers are eager to familiarise themselves
0:16:16 > 0:16:19with the Portuguese capital - particularly Anne
0:16:19 > 0:16:21who will be mainly living here on her own.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25So, we've arranged for them both to meet expat Celia,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27who has lived here for over 30 years
0:16:27 > 0:16:30and is part of an English-speaking theatre group.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- Hello. Lovely to meet you. - This is our personal tram.- It is!
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Shall we get on?- Yes.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We're jumping on one of the early 20th-century designed
0:16:38 > 0:16:41red sightseeing trams, which take a picturesque route
0:16:41 > 0:16:42around the city centre
0:16:42 > 0:16:46and will take us towards one of Celia's favourite spots.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Would you say this is a good time for Anne to move here?- Yes.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I think it is a good time, actually.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54It's sort of finding itself in a new way now.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Is the food good? - I think it's wonderful -
0:16:57 > 0:16:59and it's all home-cooked,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02freshly bought that day from the market.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05It couldn't be better. Just irresistible!
0:17:05 > 0:17:10What advice have you got about learning to settle in into Lisbon?
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Move around. Walk around. Get on a tram - that's what I did.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16What about the language?
0:17:16 > 0:17:18How important is it to learn, master, Portuguese?
0:17:18 > 0:17:21I'd like to say it was very important,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- because I think you lose so much without it.- Yes.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28But having said that, I think it's more difficult to learn it now,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30because so many people speak English.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32To make real, seriously good friends,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- the language schools here are very good.- What about outside Lisbon?
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Are there lots of things to do outside of the city?
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- James is a keen runner and cyclist.- Oh, yes!
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Even in Lisbon -
0:17:41 > 0:17:45they've just recently finished cycle paths right along the river.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47With the tram journey complete,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Celia has invited us to join her at a rooftop bar
0:17:50 > 0:17:52so that our buyers can get more of a sense of what it's like
0:17:52 > 0:17:54to live here in the city.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57This is our moment to pick Celia's brains, really,
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- about the pluses and minuses of being here.- Mm-hm.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- What about the minuses?- Minuses... - What are the downsides of Lisbon?
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Er, bureaucracy's not great.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11Sometimes the attitude in shops and post offices can be a bit...
0:18:11 > 0:18:13I would say unfriendly, almost,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15but that's probably the first time you go in there.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Then the second or third time you go, then, suddenly,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19"Oh... Oh, she's been here before,"
0:18:19 > 0:18:21and you might get a smile.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- You have to make an effort to integrate and...?- You do.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Are there any other sort of clubs or associations to join
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- or link in with, at least to start? - Lots of things.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34There's a group which is called the British Historical Society,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37which obviously originally was that -
0:18:37 > 0:18:39very British sort of expat,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42but it's not any more, it's very international.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45They organise really, really interesting tours
0:18:45 > 0:18:46to interesting places in Portugal.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49How about the weather? Is it always this sunny?
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Ha, ha! You wish! - THEY LAUGH
0:18:51 > 0:18:55No. It can rain - and rain and rain.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57I mean, last winter really was pretty bad.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00I didn't think we were ever going to get to the end of it.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Still warmer than the UK? - It's a lot warmer.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06But there is this problem that most houses are not heated,
0:19:06 > 0:19:10and so whereas in England you can go inside at Christmas
0:19:10 > 0:19:13and be in a short-sleeved shirt,
0:19:13 > 0:19:18here you'll be in your polo-neck jumper with a scarf on indoors.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21I'd just sort of be interested in the opportunities
0:19:21 > 0:19:25and the positive side of living in Lisbon, as you see it.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29There are so many different aspects to life here.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32It's beautiful. And if you remember to look at what the city is,
0:19:32 > 0:19:37instead of just driving past it, it's constantly beautiful.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Huge number of places to go, things to see, theatres,
0:19:40 > 0:19:41concerts, you name it.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44There's a huge number of things to do in Lisbon.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Are you sold?- I am sold.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48THEY LAUGH
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Here's to Lisbon.- Lisbon. - Yes. Cheers.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Some helpful advice from Celia -
0:19:53 > 0:19:57but before James and Anne consider laying down their roots in Lisbon,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01there are some important practical points they should consider.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Firstly, the buying process is done in two stages,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08and typically a 10-40% deposit is paid at the first stage
0:20:08 > 0:20:10to secure the property.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11After completion,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15one of the biggest costs to consider is the property transfer tax
0:20:15 > 0:20:18called IMT, which is similar to stamp duty
0:20:18 > 0:20:22and is set on a sliding scale depending on the property price.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Lastly, if you choose to cash in on the profitable tourist trade,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30remember that non-residents are obliged to pay tax
0:20:30 > 0:20:32on any rental income.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37All of the properties we've shown Anne and James so far
0:20:37 > 0:20:39have been really in the centre of Lisbon,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43and that's sort of limited how much of an outdoor space option
0:20:43 > 0:20:44we can give them.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47So, for the mystery house, we have got outside space,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49a lovely big balcony and fantastic views.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Something that's quite difficult to achieve in the city centre.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53Let's hope it works.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57The final destination for our house-hunt
0:20:57 > 0:21:01takes us 5km outside the city centre, to eastern Lisbon,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04around the modern development known as Parque das Nacoes.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07This was once an industrial wasteland,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09but the site was completely transformed
0:21:09 > 0:21:12for the World Expo in 1998.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Now, I'm sure you're not surprised to be here...- Correct.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18..because any trip of Lisbon property wouldn't be correct
0:21:18 > 0:21:19without having a bit of Expo.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- That's true.- You know the area? - I know it a little bit.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24It doesn't feel like you're in Lisbon,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27but then you do get the benefits of the water
0:21:27 > 0:21:28and the wide boulevards and things.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It's completely different - this is why it's the mystery house.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Well, it's a world away from anything else I've seen in Lisbon so far.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- It has a slightly unreal feel to it. - Yeah.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Well, you're not actually living right on the waterfront here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43The property I want to show you is a little bit further away,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45so, let's go and see the property.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51Expo is now one of the largest redevelopment projects in Europe,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54with a desirable riverside residential neighbourhood
0:21:54 > 0:21:56as well as bars, restaurants and shops.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00The flat, traffic-free lanes around here make bike riding
0:22:00 > 0:22:04the best form of transport, which will appeal to keen cyclist James.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Anne's journey to work would take around 45 minutes by bus
0:22:08 > 0:22:12from our final property, which lies on the south side of this district.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15What are your thoughts about this sort of block?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18I think it's hard to say about the block until you see inside,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22cos it is about what's inside rather than what's outside.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Not sure quite what it would be like
0:22:24 > 0:22:27living in such a large block of flats.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29This might not be the period property
0:22:29 > 0:22:32that our buyers had in mind, but being only seven years old
0:22:32 > 0:22:35it does have some useful purpose-built features,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38including underground parking, where James could store his bike,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40a video entry system,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44and a lift that we're taking to get up to this fourth floor apartment.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Well, this is the big selling point. - It is.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52As you can see, here we've given you what we haven't managed to give you
0:22:52 > 0:22:55in any of the other houses, which is outside space.
0:22:55 > 0:22:56And a good view of the river.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58An amazing view of the river, yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00This is actually a long-term investment,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02if you want to think about it in those terms,
0:23:02 > 0:23:03because this whole area in front of us -
0:23:03 > 0:23:05it doesn't look very appealing at the moment -
0:23:05 > 0:23:08is actually going to be completely redeveloped in the next five years.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10This little building here,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12the modern building at the other side of the car park,
0:23:12 > 0:23:14is stage one of a primary school.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16This highway is going to be removed
0:23:16 > 0:23:18and it's all going to be just local roads.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20And why this is a good long-term investment
0:23:20 > 0:23:23is that this is the south side of Expo,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25this is the side closest to Lisbon.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Short term, it does mean that you have to watch a building site.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30Yeah, I think, sadly,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33we'd be more focusing on the shorter term than the longer term.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Mm.- I think so.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39Having something that was nice now would be more valuable to us.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Well, that wasn't really the start I was after.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Continuing with the tour,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46we're making our way to the kitchen next door.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Quite modest.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50It is indeed.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- It's quite plain. - Yes, it's quite Spartan.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56All of these properties are thought of, often, as rental properties,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58with the very basic kind of fittings and fixtures
0:23:58 > 0:24:00that you move in and either do them up
0:24:00 > 0:24:02for your own living standards...
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Yeah, and that's obviously not really our plan, so...
0:24:06 > 0:24:09This flat comes with two good-size double bedrooms
0:24:09 > 0:24:11which both have built-in wardrobes.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14But somehow I don't think that's enough to sway our buyers.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17This is the master.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- It's quite small.- A little bit.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- And...- Does have heating, though.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Does have heating - looking on the positive side.
0:24:25 > 0:24:26You do have an en-suite.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30So there are two bathrooms, even for a small flat.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Yeah, I can see how it would work for rental,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34but we're looking for somewhere to live in.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- Yes.- Which isn't quite the same.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It was always a risk making this the mystery property,
0:24:39 > 0:24:40but at least it reaffirms
0:24:40 > 0:24:43that whilst there are lots of practical benefits to buying here,
0:24:43 > 0:24:47they would rather find a home that they're emotionally drawn to.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51So, have you had a thought about how much it might cost?
0:24:51 > 0:24:54I would guess 260,000.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57I think with the parking and storage it might be more,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00so I'm going to say 270.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Right, OK. So actually this is on the market for just over £241,000.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06Oh, OK.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10For £241,000, this fourth floor property comes with two bedrooms,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12which both have en suites,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15a living room with an adjoining terrace offering great views
0:25:15 > 0:25:18of the Tagus River, underground secure parking,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20where James could store his bike,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23and, with the area undergoing significant redevelopment,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27there's a strong financial incentive to buying here.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28OK, not such a grand finale,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30but let's find somewhere we can sit
0:25:30 > 0:25:33and talk about all the properties we've shown you in Lisbon,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- and draw some conclusions.- Great.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I think it's no mystery
0:25:42 > 0:25:44that the mystery house is not really a contender -
0:25:44 > 0:25:47but I'd be very interested to find out which other properties
0:25:47 > 0:25:49have charmed James and Anne.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50Let's find out.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Well, it's been a long week here in Lisbon.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Because, James, you don't know the city so well -
0:26:00 > 0:26:03has it been interesting seeing different neighbourhoods?
0:26:03 > 0:26:04It has, yes.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I think I've seen a lot more of Lisbon this time
0:26:06 > 0:26:07than I did previously.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10And when we look at the houses and think back over them,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13is there one that stands out as a clear contender?
0:26:13 > 0:26:19I think the one that is a contender is the house in Alfama.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21I think it's a really lovely property.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26I think the thing that I'm not sure about is how noisy it might be
0:26:26 > 0:26:30in the evening, because it is an area with clubs around it.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- Particularly Fado clubs. - Particularly Fado clubs, yes!
0:26:33 > 0:26:36If you go and you sort out
0:26:36 > 0:26:39that the sound of the Fado singing is not too devastating,
0:26:39 > 0:26:40what might happen in that instance?
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Because you've got to start thinking about moving here, right?
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I think we'd go back and have another look at the property.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Can you imagine actually living there if it worked out?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52I think I could, in that flat, because it was a really nice flat,
0:26:52 > 0:26:56and it had plenty of room, and it was finished to a high standard.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57Great.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58So, has the week focused your mind
0:26:58 > 0:27:00on what it is that you do and don't want?
0:27:00 > 0:27:03I think it's helped in showing what the money that we have
0:27:03 > 0:27:06in our budget will buy.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Well, I hope wherever you end up, enjoy yourself here in Lisbon.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17That's it, that's the end of our first foray
0:27:17 > 0:27:19into city living on the show,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22and I hope you've enjoyed your tour of the sights, smells,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24sounds and property of Lisbon -
0:27:24 > 0:27:27and I think we did pretty well in finding that Alfama flat
0:27:27 > 0:27:29for James and Anne.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31All they have to do is get used to the sound of Fado
0:27:31 > 0:27:32as they fall asleep.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35And all you have to do is tune in next time for more
0:27:35 > 0:27:36Escape To The Continent.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Anne and James decided that the apartment in Alfama
0:27:40 > 0:27:42was too noisy for them.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Anne made a number of trips back to Lisbon,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47and I'm pleased to say that she managed to find their dream home
0:27:47 > 0:27:50in Lapa, the same district as the first property we showed them.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54And we wish them the best of luck in their move.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56If you're planning to escape to the continent
0:27:56 > 0:27:59and would like our help, you can apply online at...