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