0:00:02 > 0:00:04This rocky outcrop is the most south-westerly point in Europe
0:00:04 > 0:00:07and was once considered to be the very end of the world!
0:00:07 > 0:00:11So, find out where I am and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34On today's show, the pressure is on to help a couple
0:00:34 > 0:00:38living out of a suitcase find the right home in the sun,
0:00:38 > 0:00:39and things start to look up
0:00:39 > 0:00:42when priorities get completely turned on their head.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46This is everything I didn't want and the nicest room we've seen.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- It's beautiful!- Very nice room.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Hello and welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Today, I'm in the Algarve on the south coast of Portugal.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Now, 1,000 years ago, this coast was deemed to be the end of the world,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03as the Atlantic Ocean beyond it
0:01:03 > 0:01:06was considered far too treacherous to cross.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11But in 1433 a man named Gil Eanes finally navigated
0:01:11 > 0:01:14this feared and terrible stretch of water.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19Today, the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent stands vigil over
0:01:19 > 0:01:23what is nowadays one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Covering the entire southern tip of Portugal,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29the Algarve stretches for almost 100 miles,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31starting at the Spanish border
0:01:31 > 0:01:35and running along the coast to the Atlantic.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39The seaboard offers a rich assortment of wide, sandy beaches,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42protected nature reserves and rocky coves,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45sculpted by the punishing strength of the ocean.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50From the eighth century, much of Portugal was under Islamic rule
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and there are still reminders of those few hundred years
0:01:53 > 0:01:55of Moorish occupation.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00Today, the Algarve prides itself on being a leading tourist destination.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03But its ever mild climate is also an increasingly sunny
0:02:03 > 0:02:08incentive for the 60,000 expats who have decided to stay for good.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15So, what is it about this region that so appeals to today's buyers?
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Tony and wife Hilary already escaped the hustle and bustle when
0:02:22 > 0:02:26they moved from Cheshire to a small village in Devon three years ago.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29But it was just the stepping stone to their ultimate goal
0:02:29 > 0:02:32of getting away to the warmer climes of the continent.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34We've sold our house
0:02:34 > 0:02:37and we're hoping to move out to Portugal very shortly.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39Well, it's a dream a lot of people have
0:02:39 > 0:02:41but we're going to be living that dream.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44And after 14 years of marriage,
0:02:44 > 0:02:45they have called time on their careers
0:02:45 > 0:02:48to concentrate on their shared life together.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52We've gone through being tied to an area for work, for children,
0:02:52 > 0:02:56for elderly relatives, and now it's our time.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58We intend to enjoy it to the full.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02And a warmer, more carefree way of life should be just
0:03:02 > 0:03:03the tonic for Tony,
0:03:03 > 0:03:07who suffers from a neurological illness that causes him fatigue.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11I retired approximately 18 months ago due to ill health and think
0:03:11 > 0:03:16maybe the move to Portugal will help with rehabilitation.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Both Tony and Hilary have grown-up
0:03:18 > 0:03:21children from previous relationships,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25who are also hoping to benefit from this Portuguese migration.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Between us, we have six children
0:03:27 > 0:03:30and I'm hoping that they will all come out to see us.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- They're looking forward to some nice holidays in the sun.- They are, yeah.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Free! THEY LAUGH
0:03:38 > 0:03:40The property they're after will clearly need space
0:03:40 > 0:03:42to fit their visiting family,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44but ultimately, Hilary and Tony
0:03:44 > 0:03:46are looking to find their dream forever home.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49We are drawn to new-build properties -
0:03:49 > 0:03:52we like the clean lines and modern look.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55We don't want to live in an entirely expat community,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58we don't want to be inland and we don't want to be remote.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03I do all the cooking at home, so it would be very important
0:04:03 > 0:04:07to me that we have a decent-sized kitchen that I can continue that.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10I enjoy gardening. I would love a garden.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14So, with their Devonshire property all signed and sold,
0:04:14 > 0:04:19the finances are already in place for their brand-new Algarve home.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Our budget for the move to the Algarve is £180,000.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28Hilary and Tony have asked us
0:04:28 > 0:04:32to focus their house search on the central region of the Algarve
0:04:32 > 0:04:34and they've arrived in Portugal to meet me
0:04:34 > 0:04:39in a breathtaking spot, where we're going to nail down the finer details
0:04:39 > 0:04:41of their upcoming move.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44So, Hilary and Tony, welcome to the Algarve. We must have picked
0:04:44 > 0:04:47the most beautiful spot to meet possible!
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Did you know, in the back of your minds,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52that you wanted to live and retire abroad?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54It's quite a recent decision
0:04:54 > 0:04:57because of Tony's change in health.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58What type of lifestyle
0:04:58 > 0:05:00do you think you'll get with this move, Hilary?
0:05:00 > 0:05:03A much more outdoors lifestyle,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06which hopefully will improve our fitness.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09So, what are we looking at, what's your ideal property?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12We'd like two bedrooms,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14two bathrooms, cos we're going to have a lot of visitors,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17south-facing, get as much sun as we can,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19and Tony would like a really good kitchen.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Do you speak from experience?
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Cos it sounds like you know exactly what you want.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29Yes, we do. We were here in March and the apartment that we rented
0:05:29 > 0:05:33was north-facing and that apartment was quite cold.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Remind us of your budget.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40The budget is £180,000, but we're quite happy to negotiate.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42The house is packed up and sold,
0:05:42 > 0:05:44what have we done with the bigger pieces of furniture?
0:05:44 > 0:05:48They are on their way to the Algarve and they'll be going into storage.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50So, they'll be all ready for when you've found us
0:05:50 > 0:05:51somewhere ideal to live.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Absolutely! I'm loving this positive spirit!- No pressure!
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- Shall we get started?- Yes, please.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- Let's go to our first property.- OK.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02For a budget of £180,000, with room for manoeuvre,
0:06:02 > 0:06:07Tony and Hilary are after a modern home with at least two bedrooms,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10a decent-size kitchen and a manageable garden,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13preferably south-facing.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15We'll be hoping to uncover their dream home
0:06:15 > 0:06:18from a choice range of three Portuguese properties,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22culminating in our mystery house which, while at the water's edge,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24pushes the ocean into the distance.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33We're starting our property journey in the town of Carvoeiro,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35which is on the coast.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Carvoeiro started life as a fishing village
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and has grown into a popular tourist hotspot.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Most of the property here is of recent construction.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47The one we've chosen as our first house is on a quiet street,
0:06:47 > 0:06:49tucked into the hillside.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53So, Hilary and Tony, this is your first property.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Oh, wow!
0:06:55 > 0:06:58It looks as if it's older than we were imagining.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- This, actually, was built in 1980.- Really?
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- It has a very traditional look. - It does.- It looks older than that.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07And I think that's part of the appeal.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09I look forward to seeing the inside.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- On that note, let's go in. - Oh, let's.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14I sense some initial trepidation
0:07:14 > 0:07:17but although this property isn't a new-build,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20it has recently been refurbished, so should provide the fresh,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22blank canvas our buyers are looking for.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Wow, it's a bigger room than I expected.- Yeah.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- It seems very Portuguese.- Does it?
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- Yes.- And you like that open-plan feel?- Oh, yes, we do, definitely.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- You like it to look quite modern. - Yes.- I notice one thing missing.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Fireplace.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Ah...- That's true, yes.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Good point, might be your first little job, mightn't it?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47I wasn't going to have any jobs!
0:07:47 > 0:07:48THEY LAUGH
0:07:48 > 0:07:51So, you've got this open-plan layout, which leads us
0:07:51 > 0:07:52beautifully into the kitchen,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- which, I believe, Tony, is your domain.- Oh, yes.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00So, as you can see here, units actually pretty new.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Yes, it's very nice.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Very nice.- It's certainly bigger than I was expecting.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09The only negative I would say is it's quite dark.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12So, it's maybe a compromise we need,
0:08:12 > 0:08:14but perhaps it makes it cooler.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Let's head outside.- Yes, please.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- We have a little courtyard here. - Oh, wow!
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- NICKI LAUGHS - Come on out!- This is beautiful!
0:08:25 > 0:08:26- Yeah?- Yes.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Oh, what a lovely space.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32And you mentioned about the kitchen being a little bit dark,
0:08:32 > 0:08:36but it's actually been designed so it is a little bit covered
0:08:36 > 0:08:38because the sun rises in the morning
0:08:38 > 0:08:41and I think because it gets so hot over here,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- they do want the shade.- Of course.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Yes, this is something we have to adjust to.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- Right, do you want to follow me? We'll keep exploring- Yes.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54This is a well-designed house that incorporates attractive
0:08:54 > 0:08:56and practical alfresco living areas
0:08:56 > 0:08:59which make the most of the Algarve climate.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Back inside, a beautifully tiled stairwell
0:09:02 > 0:09:04leads up to the first floor,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06where we're heading for the master bedroom.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Now, how did you know this is my favourite colour?
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Matching your outfit.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Perfect, perfect!- The view!
0:09:15 > 0:09:17I can see the sea!
0:09:17 > 0:09:19This property has...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- four bedrooms.- No!
0:09:22 > 0:09:24You've got a bedroom downstairs on the ground floor.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Up on this floor, you've got three bedrooms,
0:09:27 > 0:09:28- all of a good size.- Right.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31You've got a family bathroom just across the hallway.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33It gets better and better.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35And we've got one last space to reveal
0:09:35 > 0:09:38which could improve things even further.
0:09:38 > 0:09:39Oh, Nicki.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Oh, Hilary!- Oh, this is lovely.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Yeah?- Just stunning.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48I mean, beautiful architecture, the sea there,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50and all this space.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I didn't expect this much space.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- So, do I take it that you like it up here?- Oh, yes.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Yes.- Oh, yes, you've hit the nail on the head here.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I'm speechless, it's absolutely brilliant.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05How much do you think this property in the town is on the market for?
0:10:05 > 0:10:08I think a cheeky guess - 175,000.
0:10:08 > 0:10:14- I think £195,000.- Right.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15The asking price
0:10:15 > 0:10:19is just over £200,000.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Is that a negotiable price? - They have intimated
0:10:22 > 0:10:26to the estate agent they would look at around £170,000.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30That would be better. Because it isn't absolutely perfect.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32It's close, but not absolutely perfect,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34and there are one or two things we'd like to do.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Yeah, definitely.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Over budget, but with room to negotiate,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41this smart detached villa is a few minutes' walk from the beach
0:10:41 > 0:10:44and offers spacious open-plan living,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48a kitchen leading to a patio, four bedrooms,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50as well as a large roof terrace,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53and all in a location at the heart of a lively town.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Have you seen enough, you two?
0:10:55 > 0:10:56- Yes, thank you.- Yes.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59That was quite a good start, wasn't it?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- It was, yes!- Yeah.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- And it's only our first property. - Yes, very excited to see the rest.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05Good.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14The next property is in the village of Pera,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17which lies further east and further inland.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Pera is a quiet, more traditional location,
0:11:20 > 0:11:24and represents an uncommercialised, sleepier side of the Algarve.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28The property we've picked was built six years ago
0:11:28 > 0:11:32and lies in a peaceful residential cul-de-sac.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36So, Tony and Hilary, here is your next property.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Oh, wow. Now, I do like the look of that.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- It's got a lovely feel.- Yeah.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Every house I've lived in has been in a cul-de-sac.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Has it?- Yes.- It is a good omen.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47I'm very comfortable in a cul-de-sac.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Yeah, it looks nice. Just what we are after.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- I can't wait to see what's inside. - Well, why don't we?- Ooh, let's!
0:11:55 > 0:11:57So, I'm bringing you through the French doors rather than
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- the front door.- Right.- Cos this leads straight into the kitchen.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Yes. Nice.
0:12:04 > 0:12:05As you can see, it's modern,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08and you've got granite work surfaces all along there.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- I would've liked a bit more... - Yes.- ..work surface.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14It's tiled throughout.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16And they're a nice, light colour as well. I like the light floors.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- We're doing well so far, aren't we?- We are.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Let's see if it's going to continue.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26So our next stop is the sitting room.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30It's got a fireplace!
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Brilliant. Oh, it's a lovely-sized room.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- It's almost square, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Is this the dining room as well?- Yes.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43You've got the table behind you, but next door to us is another room.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45They use it as a bedroom-cum-study,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47but you do have the option, if you wanted a separate dining room,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- you could perhaps have it in there. - OK.- Right.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I'm just noticing that there are patterned tiles on the floor,
0:12:53 > 0:12:58which perhaps wouldn't be first choice, we would have plain, but...
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- It doesn't look too bad.- ..it works.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Yeah.- All right, well, if you'd like to follow me,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05I'm going to head upstairs.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Despite the smiles, I am concerned
0:13:10 > 0:13:11that it's the simple decorative choices,
0:13:11 > 0:13:14like tile colour or wood burners,
0:13:14 > 0:13:16that seem to be the deal-breakers.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19And these are relatively minor details that can easily be
0:13:19 > 0:13:22altered at a reasonably low cost.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25If Hilary and Tony want to get a roof over their heads as soon
0:13:25 > 0:13:29as possible, they need to focus on the bigger picture.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34So this house has three double bedrooms.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Up here, you've got two good-sized doubles. This is the master.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39And another bathroom.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- Right, OK.- You've got a balcony out there.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- That's a big balcony. - Very nice, yes.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- I can't see much to put me off. - No. No.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Perhaps a little bit of work in the kitchen,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54but just to make it enough workspace.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57But I'm just very fussy, aren't I?
0:13:57 > 0:13:58- Yeah.- Yes!
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Are you looking for a property that really needs
0:14:02 > 0:14:04nothing doing to it at all?
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Well, I think that would be preferable.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Because rather than me having to do the jobs,
0:14:11 > 0:14:13I think we'd have to get somebody in.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Of course, we're not familiar with how much it costs to have
0:14:17 > 0:14:20work done in Portugal,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23so you'd be buying unknown.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Whereas if it's all done, you know where you stand.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Well, I think we may have unearthed
0:14:29 > 0:14:32the root of our buyers' picky preferences.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35With limited language skills, they may be scared to tackle
0:14:35 > 0:14:38anything beyond the typical day-to-day tasks.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42But the reality of living abroad on a permanent basis means there
0:14:42 > 0:14:46will come a time when they'll need to deal with local tradespeople.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51Now stepping outside, I have a surprise for them.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53SHE GASPS
0:14:53 > 0:14:56There's a pool!
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- Oh, wow, you kept that quiet!- Wow.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59Oh, that's it, I'll have it!
0:14:59 > 0:15:02NICKI LAUGHS
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Now, someone did say to me that it has to be south-facing.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Yes, that was me.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12So, as the sun comes across, you get it all afternoon,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14into the evening and it sets over there.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Beautiful.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- You've done well.- The only problem is now, can we afford it?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Has the pool made it a step too far when it comes to budgets?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Let's find out.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- Who's going to go first? - I'm going to be really hopeful.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30I'll say...
0:15:30 > 0:15:33185,000.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34OK. Hilary?
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- I'm going to say 200 and hope they take an offer.- OK.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41All right, well, the asking price is...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Just over £176,000.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- No!- Yeah.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- Wow!- Speechless.- We could get you a rug to cover up those tiles.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Happy days, that's it, job done.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Comfortably under budget,
0:15:59 > 0:16:04this immaculate, recently built townhouse offers three bedrooms,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08two bathrooms, a lounge-diner as well as a fully fitted kitchen,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12and the icing on the cake - its own swimming pool.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- Ah, you two, you love this property, don't you?- We do.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18I don't want to go. Can't we just stay?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I'm afraid not because I have more to show you.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Of course, yes.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29The Algarve scenery is varied,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32with the countryside blending together
0:16:32 > 0:16:35a mix of distinctive landscapes, which provide habitats
0:16:35 > 0:16:38for a diverse range of fauna and flora.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Hilary is keen to nurture her green fingers
0:16:40 > 0:16:42when she moves to Portugal,
0:16:42 > 0:16:46so I'm introducing both our buyers to British expat Rosie Peddle,
0:16:46 > 0:16:51who runs the Portuguese branch of the Mediterranean Garden Society.
0:16:51 > 0:16:52Along with her husband, Rob,
0:16:52 > 0:16:57they migrated from the East Midlands to the Algarve in 2004.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00I'm quite a keen amateur gardener.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02I expect we'll only have a small garden.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05But I'd like to know what's best to plant.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- OK?- Well, there's a lot of fun ahead.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Oh, lovely!- I'm going to leave you lot to it! All right?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Come with me, darling.- Thank you.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16The grounds of Rosie and Rob's beautiful Algarve home
0:17:16 > 0:17:19cover some four acres, which Rosie maintains herself,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22so she has first-hand knowledge of the challenges that come
0:17:22 > 0:17:27with the Mediterranean climate and planting in the Algarve soil.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30It's best to choose drought-resistant species
0:17:30 > 0:17:32and, as a good starter shrub,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Rosie recommends an evergreen plant called lentisc,
0:17:35 > 0:17:39which can be pruned into whatever shape our buyers might fancy.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40This is a fantastic native shrub.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42You'll see this all over the Algarve.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46You'll probably find it's around wherever you end up buying a house.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- OK.- In the UK, you're used to being busy in the summer.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53That's when you have to be active to keep the plants alive,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- to keep them in good health.- Yes.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Well, here, it's the other way round.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00You have a spring in the late summer when it rains
0:18:00 > 0:18:02and everything goes green
0:18:02 > 0:18:05and then you get the next spring, which is February-March.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- Yes.- If it's not comfortable for you to be outside, then it's probably
0:18:10 > 0:18:13not comfortable for you to be outside doing things to the plants.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Right.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19And on that note, the gorgeous weather is twisting all our arms
0:18:19 > 0:18:24to make that picture a reality over a few glasses of home-made ice tea.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26So, what is the reason you're coming to the Algarve?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29What's drawn you to this part of the world that we love?
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- Well, the sun. - Seems reasonable.- Yeah.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36We've been on holiday a number of times in the last 18 months
0:18:36 > 0:18:40to the Algarve and, I must admit, I feel a lot better
0:18:40 > 0:18:42when I get home from the holiday.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46Because I haven't been working for the last 18 months,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50I've been sat in at home, just waiting for the sun to come out.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53I used to suffer from...not bad asthma,
0:18:53 > 0:18:57but enough to, you know, give me some difficulties.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59And really since I've been here,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- it's not surfaced at all really, has it?- No.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Do you suppose that's down to the cleaner air
0:19:04 > 0:19:07or the combination of that and the more relaxed lifestyle?
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Probably that and the red wine, I suspect.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- THEY LAUGH - Anaesthetic!
0:19:14 > 0:19:16I've got to ask you, what about healthcare over here?
0:19:16 > 0:19:18What's that like?
0:19:18 > 0:19:22It's very similar to the UK. There's a national health system,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25but there's also a very active private system as well.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29Cos there a lot of consultant specialists that come here,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31you can actually get hold of them and talk to them directly
0:19:31 > 0:19:34rather than having to go through a GP to get to them.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35What about the language?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Cos obviously, a lot of the people that you'll be talking to
0:19:38 > 0:19:39are going to be Portuguese.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42If you're living in a country, it's actually rude not to try to...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- Absolutely.- That's the first thing.
0:19:44 > 0:19:50But secondly, if you've got enough language to get an understanding
0:19:50 > 0:19:54and communicate the basics, you can get so much more out of the country.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- We can't wait to get started. - Thank you so much indeed.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Good luck.- Thank you.- And have fun.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Rosie and Rob's advice, from close to a decade of experience,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07is invaluable, and there are a number of other practical
0:20:07 > 0:20:11considerations to bear in mind when buying property in Portugal,
0:20:11 > 0:20:14including a few hidden costs.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18Firstly, the purchase process is conducted in two stages
0:20:18 > 0:20:22and typically, a 10% to 40% deposit is paid at the first phase
0:20:22 > 0:20:24to secure the property.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28After completion, one of the biggest costs to consider is
0:20:28 > 0:20:31the property transfer tax, called IMT,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33which is the equivalent of stamp duty
0:20:33 > 0:20:37and is set on a sliding scale depending on the property value.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Lastly, if you choose to cash in on the prosperous tourist trade,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44remember that non-residents are obliged to pay income tax
0:20:44 > 0:20:46on any rented property.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50But most important of all is to get competent legal advice
0:20:50 > 0:20:53before signing any legally binding paperwork.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Over the last few days, we've shown Tony and Hilary some great homes
0:21:00 > 0:21:05here on the Algarve and received some pretty favourable reactions.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07So, with our mystery house,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09we've decided to take a little bit of a risk
0:21:09 > 0:21:13and show them something they haven't necessarily asked for.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16But will it be a step too far?
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Let's find out.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23For our final house, we're taking a bit of a risk
0:21:23 > 0:21:27and are heading away from Tony and Hilary's favoured coastal area
0:21:27 > 0:21:31inland to the outskirts of the pretty and historic town of Loule.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35The property is perhaps more isolated than they're after,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37but then again, it is the mystery house.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Here it is. What do you think?
0:21:42 > 0:21:43- Different.- Right...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Any idea why we brought you here as our mystery house?
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- I was going to say it's got a great big swimming pool?- Are you hoping?
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Well, I can always hope, can't I?
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Well, with this property, we are a little bit further out.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00About four miles from the closest town.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04In front of us here, you've actually got a one-bedroom apartment.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Oh, right.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Now the building is complete,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12but inside you'd need to fit floor, bathroom and a kitchen.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- Right.- So that could be a project.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Further down the line, if you fancied renting it out,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22and making a little bit more money, could be an option there for you.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Always nice to have in your back pocket, isn't it?- More money?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Yes, definitely. - We all like that.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29THEY LAUGH
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Dating back to 1953, the walls of the mystery house do hold
0:22:33 > 0:22:36some history, but the property has recently been updated
0:22:36 > 0:22:41and offers over 2,500 square feet of living space.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Entering the house, there's a modern kitchen that lies next to
0:22:46 > 0:22:49a spacious open-plan dining and living room.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54I'm going to start us off in our sitting room...
0:22:54 > 0:22:56complete with wood burner.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59This is a beautiful room.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01This is everything I didn't want
0:23:01 > 0:23:04and the nicest room we've seen.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- It's beautiful. - Yeah, a very nice room.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07It feels homely.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10The decoration is perfect.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- It's got a lot going for it. - It has, hasn't it?
0:23:13 > 0:23:15I still have concerns about where it is,
0:23:15 > 0:23:19but I'm itching to see what else there is inside, and outside.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Well, if you'd like to follow me... - OK.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Now, this is just one of the bedrooms
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- and you've probably noticed we are still on the ground floor.- Yes.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35So, you've got this one on this side then you've got another one
0:23:35 > 0:23:37just behind us.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39About the same dimensions.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42You've also got two bathrooms on the ground floor.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43That's greedy!
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- Yeah, so if you don't want to go up those stairs...- You don't have to.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48..you don't need to.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Up those stairs lie a further two bedrooms,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54both of which are good-sized doubles,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56making a grand total of four bedrooms,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58leaving plenty of elbow room for visitors.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Also up here on the first floor is a special
0:24:01 > 0:24:05and particularly sunny spot I'd like to share with Tony and Hilary.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- It's bright up here, isn't it? - Very, yeah.- Yes.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11That is a lovely view.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- Yeah, gorgeous.- Much more remote than we've been before.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16And it's not built-up.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- You haven't got neighbours on your doorstep, have you, Tony?- No.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Does give you room to breathe here.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Yes, yes, it does. Yes.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26OK, well, let's head back downstairs
0:24:26 > 0:24:28because there's still more to this house.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- Wow, there's a pool. - Oh, that's fabulous.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Can I jump in, please?
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- It's certainly warm enough today, isn't it?- It is.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- All round here...- Oh, and a garden. - ..you've got gardens.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Got all this entertaining space, too.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Has it taken your breath away?
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- Yes, yes.- It has really.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57How much do you think the mystery house is on the market for?
0:24:58 > 0:25:04- I'm going to say 180, our budget. - OK. And Hilary?
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I'm going to be hopeful
0:25:06 > 0:25:08and say 185,000.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12The asking price is...just over...
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- £155,000.- Oh.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Oh, well, that makes a difference.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20The mystery property is
0:25:20 > 0:25:22a Portuguese-style detached country house
0:25:22 > 0:25:25sitting on higher ground away from the coast.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30It has an open-plan reception, four bedrooms, two bathrooms
0:25:30 > 0:25:33and a roof terrace with views towards the sea
0:25:33 > 0:25:36and across the grounds that feature mature gardens,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38a large swimming pool, as well as a potential
0:25:38 > 0:25:40'one-bedroom apartment.'
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Ah, here they come. How are you feeling? Cos that's it.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46We've shown you all our properties.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49If we were confused before, we're even more confused now.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Really?- Yeah.- Yes.- You two need some time to have a chat on your own.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- We do, yes.- Collect your thoughts. OK, let's go.- OK.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02What do you think you've learned over the last few days
0:26:02 > 0:26:04about this house search?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07I think we've learned to be a bit more flexible.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12Certainly look at houses that perhaps we would've just turned down.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14At least consider them.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18It's made us see that we could look further inland
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- but perhaps look for a newer property inland.- Yes.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26- And get better value for money. - Have we got close with any of them?
0:26:26 > 0:26:30We probably would've bought any of those and enjoyed living there
0:26:30 > 0:26:33but none of them particularly felt like home,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35except perhaps the one at Pera.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40That is the one that has come closest to feeling like a home.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43And I think probably we would go back and have a second viewing.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- Would you really?- Yes, I think so.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49So, do you think you will find that perfect forever home
0:26:49 > 0:26:50here on the Algarve?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Everything you want out of it on your budget?
0:26:53 > 0:26:55Yes, I believe we will.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I think it's there and we can't wait.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Let us know how you get on, won't you?
0:27:01 > 0:27:06And I hope the lifestyle out here is everything that you want it to be
0:27:06 > 0:27:08because I know you deserve that.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Thank you very much. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15This has been a tough week
0:27:15 > 0:27:17because for Hilary and Tony,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20it isn't just about finding a new home,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23it also represents a brand-new way of life.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Now, they're coming back to the Algarve next week
0:27:26 > 0:27:29and I really wish it was to put an offer in on one of our houses,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32but their search continues.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36And I so hope they manage to find that perfect property
0:27:36 > 0:27:39here in the Algarve somewhere.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40See you next time.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45In their search for the perfect Portuguese property,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Tony and Hilary looked at another 20 houses
0:27:47 > 0:27:50before falling for their dream home in Lagos.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54And it turns out that it was completely off-brief,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56being a modern two-bedroom apartment
0:27:56 > 0:27:59without a garden or even a fireplace,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01but we wish them both all the best
0:28:01 > 0:28:05for a sunnier, healthier life in the Med.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07If you wish to escape to the continent
0:28:07 > 0:28:10and would like our help, please apply online at...