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 > 0:00:18and 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 > 0:00:43an apartment with a view in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Ah, look, this is probably your tram, you can see it coming
0:00:45 > 0:00:47and run down the stairs.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49That's right, that's right.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52And they'll get to sound out what it's like to live in such
0:00:52 > 0:00:53a buzzy area.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- Just to warn you, you are next to a Fado club.- OK.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00So it might be something you need to acquire a taste for.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02I think so. I'll get some good earplugs.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Today I'm in Lisbon, the second oldest city in Europe
0:01:07 > 0:01:09and, of course, the capital of Portugal.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12And this elegant construction behind me is the Tower of Belem,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15a 16th-century fortress built to commemorate that epic
0:01:15 > 0:01:18journey by Vasco da Gama, who found the first direct
0:01:18 > 0:01:21route around the bottom of Africa to the Far East,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and in doing so, established Portugal as a world superpower.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Now, Portugal lost its monopoly on the spice route in the 17th century,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32but this is a great reminder of its heyday, and of course,
0:01:32 > 0:01:34its maritime heritage.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39The city of Lisbon is Europe's westernmost capital, and lies in
0:01:39 > 0:01:41the southwest of Portugal.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44It sits on the north banks of the Tagus River estuary,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47which flows out into the Atlantic Ocean,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49where you'll find Lisbon's stunning sandy beaches,
0:01:49 > 0:01:54including Cascais, lying just 30km outside the city centre.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55In the eighth century,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59the Moors, who were medieval Muslim inhabitants of North Africa,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01began their occupation of Lisbon
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and their influence can still be found at the Castelo de Sao Jorge
0:02:04 > 0:02:07and around the streets of the Alfama district.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12This area survived the earthquake and the resulting tsunami of 1755,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15which reduced most of the city to rubble.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19The swift reconstruction of central Lisbon led to some innovative
0:02:19 > 0:02:21urban planning, which is revealed in the ornate
0:02:21 > 0:02:25and commercial district of Baixa, where you can find
0:02:25 > 0:02:30the pedestrianised thoroughfares of Rua Aurea and Rua Augusta.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32It's easy to see why Lisbon city centre is home
0:02:32 > 0:02:35to a tenth of the Portuguese population,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38who are drawn to the alternative art scene and the vast array
0:02:38 > 0:02:42of shops and cafes that this ancient city has to offer.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45In terms of prices,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Portugal has long been regarded as a good place to buy.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51The average price for a property here is £50,000,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54which is a quarter of the figure back at home.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56That's not true across the board, of course -
0:02:56 > 0:02:59at the more expensive coastal resorts you pay a higher premium,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01and also here in the centre of Lisbon
0:03:01 > 0:03:05you can pay four to five times the national average.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Particularly in city districts like Baixa or Chiado.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11The good news is, it's a buyer's market.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Since the global collapse prices here have dropped by about 22%,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17although there are signs that that's going into reverse.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Which means this is a good time for British people to invest here.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Today's house hunters are James and Anne
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and they've been partners for ten years.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Anne works in London and owns a home in York,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32whilst James bases himself in West Yorkshire.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36So, arranging to spend time together hasn't always been straightforward.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Quite a lot of the time we've been, sort of, living this life
0:03:39 > 0:03:44where we've been apart during the week and only together at weekends.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Which is limiting in some of the things you can do.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49But this routine is about to change
0:03:49 > 0:03:51as Anne, who works in community development,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54will be relocating to Lisbon.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Civil servant James will remain in the UK, but plans to make
0:03:57 > 0:04:00regular trips to the Portuguese capital to be with her.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04So, I already do quite a bit of homeworking, and I'm hoping that we
0:04:04 > 0:04:09can get set up in Portugal, that it would be possible to do that.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13I think we will be able to spend slightly longer
0:04:13 > 0:04:16together even if we're longer apart, but it will change the rhythm,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20it gives us the opportunity to experience a different way of life.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Although it's Anne's job that has prompted the move, Lisbon itself
0:04:23 > 0:04:28has its own appeal, even for James who has only visited once before.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30It's not all been, sort of, done up.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34You can see that it was grand in its day
0:04:34 > 0:04:36and still retains a good feel.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41The first time I went to Lisbon was four years ago and it's a very
0:04:41 > 0:04:47beautiful city, but also the people, it's a very warm, friendly place.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Anne already has an affinity with the city, but in order to really
0:04:52 > 0:04:56immerse herself she's going to put her linguistic skills to the test.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01I've been trying to learn Portuguese now for several months and I'm
0:05:01 > 0:05:05having lessons, cos I think it's important to be able to communicate.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Although, in Lisbon in particular, so many people speak English,
0:05:09 > 0:05:14I am determined I'm going to be able to hold conversations in Portuguese.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Anne may well be focusing on getting herself settled in,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21but when it comes to finding a home it must accommodate James too,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24as this Portuguese property will be a joint investment.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27I think having both of us looking is important because
0:05:27 > 0:05:31although it won't be James' primary home, it will also be his home.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33So therefore that's important,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and I think we do notice different things about places.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39My requirements out of the property are probably a bit different.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42I'd be less worried about the interior and more
0:05:42 > 0:05:46interested in where it was located and where you can get to from it.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48And where you can keep your bike.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52One thing, for me, is being able to get out of the house and either
0:05:52 > 0:05:58take my bike for a cycle on the coast or go for a bit of a run around.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01So, they need to find a home big enough for Anne, James
0:06:01 > 0:06:05and the bicycle, but they also have some other specifications.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09We like to live in the centre of a place, as we do here in York.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13And that's partly because it is easy to move around a place.
0:06:13 > 0:06:19We like to be able to walk to the cinema or go to cafes and things.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22I like the buzz of being somewhere where there's
0:06:22 > 0:06:25people on the streets and moving around.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27And finally, we need to establish how much
0:06:27 > 0:06:31they want to spend on a property that meets with their criteria.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Our maximum house price would be £300,000.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Our house hunters want to find property
0:06:39 > 0:06:41located in the centre of Lisbon.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43And now they've arrived here,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46we're meeting up at a spot overlooking the city, to learn
0:06:46 > 0:06:49more about what they're hoping to achieve with this continental move.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52James and Anne, thank you for bringing me to Lisbon,
0:06:52 > 0:06:54what an amazing day and an amazing view!
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Yes, it's lovely, it really is!
0:06:56 > 0:06:57Good choice of city to live in.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I think so too.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00What brings you here?
0:07:00 > 0:07:04I've got a new position starting in January this year, so for work.
0:07:04 > 0:07:05And is it a full-time move,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07are you going to be living here the whole time?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Well, we're both buying the property
0:07:09 > 0:07:14but I will be living here most of the time and James some of the time.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Right, so the idea is that, James, you will be coming to visit?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Well, I'll still be working in the UK but hopefully spending as much
0:07:21 > 0:07:24time as possible, when work allows, out here with Anne.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27You want to move here because you love the city, or...?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30I do love the city, and I like the excitement of coming to live
0:07:30 > 0:07:32somewhere that's different from the UK.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Where in the city would you like to live,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36cos obviously there's lots of different districts?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39I'd like to live somewhere in the old town of Lisbon
0:07:39 > 0:07:42but most important is that it's convenient for me to get to work.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44So, near a metro or walking distance.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47What sort of apartment are you dreaming about?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51I think what I'm dreaming about is the old-style apartment blocks,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55with big windows, the azulejo tiles, the wooden floors...
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- Those are those beautiful blue tiles that you see everywhere.- Absolutely!
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Absolutely. Very Portuguese and traditional.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04James, what are you looking for in the property?
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Well, I think one thing I'd quite like is a large sitting area,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10where I'd be able to look out over a bit of a view of the city
0:08:10 > 0:08:13and I think also somewhere to store a bike.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Ah, yes, cos that's important in a city, cos you don't often get
0:08:15 > 0:08:17garage space and things like that.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20So, this is the sort of first house
0:08:20 > 0:08:22that you've bought together, correct?
0:08:22 > 0:08:23- Correct.- Ah!
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- OK, so we've got lovely properties, so let's go and see them.- Excellent.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32With a budget of £300,000, Anne and James are looking for
0:08:32 > 0:08:37a city centre apartment, which would give Anne a short daily commute.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41It should have a large living area, a minimum of two bedrooms,
0:08:41 > 0:08:46a place to store James' bicycle and ideally some outdoor space,
0:08:46 > 0:08:50and they'd like this in an elevated position with views over the city.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53We're going to be tempting them with four potential properties,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57including one where they'll be staying themselves, which should be
0:08:57 > 0:09:01a good test for James, who has only ever visited this city once before.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04But with Anne's job transfer to Lisbon due to start in just
0:09:04 > 0:09:08a couple of months, the pressure is on to find her and James
0:09:08 > 0:09:10an apartment that they can call their own.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Our house hunt begins in the desirable western
0:09:17 > 0:09:22district of Lapa, which is knows by Lisboetas as "The Special Quarter".
0:09:22 > 0:09:25This wealthy suburb is home to the Portuguese Prime Minister's
0:09:25 > 0:09:29official residence, as well as the majority of foreign embassies,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32making it well patrolled by police and security,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35ensuring that it is both quiet and a safe place to live.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39To the south of the area, close to the harbour and docks, you can
0:09:39 > 0:09:42find the Museo Nacional de Arte Antiga,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Portugal's largest national gallery.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48And for Anne, living here would mean a commute of less than
0:09:48 > 0:09:50ten minutes' walk from our first property.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- OK, so this is the building that your apartment is in.- Excellent.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Do you know this area? This is very close to where you work.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02It is very close to where I work but I haven't been down
0:10:02 > 0:10:04THESE streets, these streets are new to me.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06What do you think about the neighbourhood?
0:10:06 > 0:10:09I think the architecture's lovely and it's got a nice,
0:10:09 > 0:10:10quiet feel about it.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13I think my only question, at the moment, is whether it's too quiet.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- James, your first impressions? - Very good, I like it.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18So, the house is from the 1930s,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21you've got the centre of the second floor here,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24is the apartment that we're going to look at.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Obviously, you've got something that's being knocked down
0:10:26 > 0:10:28and rebuilt here, but it will only be rebuilt
0:10:28 > 0:10:31certainly no higher than this building.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- And obviously within the same kind of constraints.- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36So, that's something to bear in mind. Shall we have a look inside?
0:10:36 > 0:10:38I'd love to.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42The block is only made up of three apartments. The one we're looking at
0:10:42 > 0:10:46has Irish owners, who completely renovated it seven years ago.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49And as our buyers aren't interested in doing any work themselves,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I'm hoping that it's got the sort of look they might be after.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Step into the sitting room.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Very nice, it's got lovely windows.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Lovely windows with Juliet balconies, yes.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03What are your thoughts, James?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Not quite as big as I was hoping for.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Yeah, it's a fairly small apartment,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10it's about 90 square metres, all told.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- But I like the way it's been done up.- Yeah.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It's actually in great nick, it's these lovely floors throughout,
0:11:15 > 0:11:17and actually all the paintwork is immaculate.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- And...- Excellent.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21..there's heating.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Yes, cos a lot of the apartments in Lisbon don't
0:11:23 > 0:11:25and it actually gets colder in the winter,
0:11:25 > 0:11:27so you've got three months where you're like, "Brrrr".
0:11:27 > 0:11:30So, gas heaters throughout, which is actually a real bonus.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32I think it's probably slightly smaller than we'd
0:11:32 > 0:11:36imagined for the living room, but it's still quite a good size
0:11:36 > 0:11:38and I like the walls not being straight, I think
0:11:38 > 0:11:40that adds character to it.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42These windows are facing east, so you get very early
0:11:42 > 0:11:45morning light, but all the light is in the other
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- half of the house.- OK.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49So, let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Through this central hallway, into another, sort of,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56eccentrically-shaped kitchen.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Uh-huh. But it's quite sizable as a kitchen.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Yeah...- In a funny sort of way.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04A lot of continental kitchens are not as big as the ones that
0:12:04 > 0:12:05- we have in Britain.- That's right.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07And this was much smaller,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09this would have been a balcony space out here that they've
0:12:09 > 0:12:12sort of put in windows, so it's like a winter garden,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15a small one. They use it as a wash room.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16Cos this is the sunniest part,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18this gets sun all day cos it's south facing.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Ah, of course. No, it's perfectly functionable.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Is it something you can imagine using, is it big enough?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I think it is big enough.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28I mean, you could put a table and chairs out there
0:12:28 > 0:12:31and reconfigure the space and the use of it
0:12:31 > 0:12:33but I think it is big enough.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35I think the kitchen's perfectly fine for us,
0:12:35 > 0:12:37we weren't looking for a big kitchen.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Erm, we do cook, so we will eat in a fair bit but,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44yeah, my impression is it's quite compact, but I think we've
0:12:44 > 0:12:46said that it's... In the area it's in,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48that's what you might expect for a budget.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52This apartment might be smaller than our buyers were hoping for,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56which means that it could be a tight squeeze to fit in James' bicycle.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Thankfully, there's more space down the hallway,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02where there's both a handy shower room and a modern bathroom
0:13:02 > 0:13:05that would act as the en suite to the master bedroom.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09So, you've got a lovely sort of suntrap here that is roasting hot,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13cos it's directly south facing, and this balcony here is
0:13:13 > 0:13:16quite big and actually quite a big space here.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18This is by far the brightest room.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- Yes.- Then you've got one other bedroom.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- This is obviously the back of the house, which is quieter.- Yes.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28But the view's quite nice, with the red rooftops and things.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Well, let's step out of the balcony... This is your outside
0:13:32 > 0:13:34space, I'm afraid, not massive.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36So, were you hoping for a garden?
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Erm, we're not expecting a garden, but it's nice to have
0:13:39 > 0:13:43somewhere where you can get the air and feel a bit of the outside.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45So, does this fit the bill?
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Erm, I think it matches my expectations of what might be
0:13:49 > 0:13:51possible in Lisbon.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54OK, so what do you think this is on the market for?
0:13:54 > 0:13:58I think, given the location it's probably something around 290?
0:13:58 > 0:14:02I might guess slightly less than that, 270,000.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07Well, actually, this is on at just under £242,000.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09It's less than I'd have thought.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11So, it gives you a benchmark of how much you get in the
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- posh bits of Lisbon.- Yes.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Why don't you have a look, there's one more room to explore
0:14:16 > 0:14:19and the other bathroom, and just think about the
0:14:19 > 0:14:20constitution, whether it is
0:14:20 > 0:14:23just too small for you, and then we can gather our thoughts
0:14:23 > 0:14:24and head off to the next property.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Great, excellent.- OK.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Falling comfortably under budget, this second floor apartment
0:14:29 > 0:14:33is located in a quiet area and comes with two bedrooms, one of which has
0:14:33 > 0:14:37a south facing balcony, offering spectacular views of the city.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41There's a separate kitchen and living room, and to cater
0:14:41 > 0:14:45for those cooler winter months, it has central heating built in.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47It's a nice, light room.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51But I'm not sure that you'd get a double bed in here.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55It would be part-time bedroom, part-time office space.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58It's quite a homely place, you feel at home here as you come in.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02It's compact, and it feels like it would be warm in the winter.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Perhaps negatives, it's maybe slightly smaller than I was
0:15:06 > 0:15:10imagining, and maybe the outside spaces aren't quite right.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I liked it from the outside, I thought it was very appealing
0:15:13 > 0:15:16but slightly disappointed with the inside.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21It's quite modern and new and not the aged and the old.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22It is a very sleepy area.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25I can understand you might want a little bit more life if you
0:15:25 > 0:15:29were living in Lisbon, but it's also safe... Safe but quiet, this area.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Safe but quiet, I think that's how you could sum it up.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Shall we go and explore some more of Lisbon?
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- Let's do that.- Follow me.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Portugal's age of discovery
0:15:42 > 0:15:46from the 15th to the 17th centuries saw explorers setting sail
0:15:46 > 0:15:49from the Atlantic, unearthing trade routes to Asia
0:15:49 > 0:15:53and Africa, and bringing great wealth to the country.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56King Manuel I, who ruled from 1495,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58used this affluence to finance the
0:15:58 > 0:16:02construction of the Jeronimos Monastery, in the western area
0:16:02 > 0:16:05of Belem, from where the ships headed off on their voyages.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Following the Liberal Revolution in 1820, all convents and
0:16:09 > 0:16:13monasteries were shut down and the monks were asked to leave.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15By this time, the monks had built a
0:16:15 > 0:16:20reputation for baking sweet custard tarts, known as Pasteis de Belem.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24So, they passed their secret recipe for the tart on to the general store
0:16:24 > 0:16:27and sugar refinery, just next door.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31To this day, the tarts are still sold at the same general store,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34called The Fabrica de Pasteis de Belem.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37And as James and Anne would like to learn more about the city's past,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41we've sent them to meet Miguel Clarinha, the store's manager,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43to learn more about these famous pastries.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49A businessman called Domingo Rafael Alves,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52probably knew the product and the monks,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54bought the recipe from the monks,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57and using the sugar here in the refinery
0:16:57 > 0:17:00started baking the cakes here.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04In 1837, the year of the foundation of this place,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08they decided to turn the sugar refinery into a factory
0:17:08 > 0:17:11only for the pasteis, and that's how it began
0:17:11 > 0:17:15and we've been here for almost 176 years,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17with the same exact recipe.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21So, would you like to have a go at making some now?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Just try and see how it's done?
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- Yeah, that would be great.- So, let's see the other room, OK.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32One of the first stages in making this handmade custard tart is
0:17:32 > 0:17:36to stretch the dough before it's cut into small pieces,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40which are then placed into small cake tins, ready for moulding.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Now, you're going to try to see
0:17:42 > 0:17:45if you can get the dough properly into the cup, yeah?
0:17:45 > 0:17:51Look, look at me...
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Very good.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The dough is not always the same, obviously,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58because some of the ingredients change throughout the year.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Like flour, for instance, the way it reacts in winter
0:18:01 > 0:18:03and summer is quite different.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Erm, other ingredients like the eggs, milk or the butter,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10the sugar... Obviously the rest I cannot tell you,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14you know, it's a secret recipe, you're just going to have to guess.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Finally, the secret custard recipe fills the doughy mould
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and then they are baked.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24And once the tarts are fresh out of the oven, they're ready for Anne
0:18:24 > 0:18:25and James to sample.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Finally, we can try some.
0:18:30 > 0:18:31Excellent.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- Are those going to be enough? - I think so, they look fantastic!
0:18:35 > 0:18:38So, usually, we put some cinnamon and icing sugar on top,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42so you have to put the cinnamon first and now some icing sugar.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48And there you go.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Perfect.- Now, ready to try. - Great, thank you.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55This looks better made than the one I did.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Our buyers may now have had a taste of Lisbon,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03but Anne is relocating here with work in a matter of months,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07so we need to turn our attention back to the house hunt.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14It's James and Anne's second day in Lisbon,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17and for our next property we're making our way a short distance
0:19:17 > 0:19:20to the east, in Cais Do Sodre,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24which is 30 minutes by foot from Anne's office.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26This was once one of Lisbon's shabbier areas,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29but in 2011 it was given a facelift and it has
0:19:29 > 0:19:33since emerged as a buzzing and bohemian riverside neighbourhood.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Which should suit Anne,
0:19:35 > 0:19:39who found yesterday's property in Lapa too quiet.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Here, you'll find a number of bars, clubs and live music venues,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45all located on Rua Nova Do Carvalho,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48or otherwise known as Pink Street.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50For daytime activities the Ribeira Market is
0:19:50 > 0:19:53just beside the train station.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57This indoor market is over 130 years old, and there's fresh fish,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00meat, fruit and veg on sale six days a week.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Conveniently located five minutes walk away from here
0:20:04 > 0:20:06is our next property.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08OK, guys.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- We have come to a much more lively bit of Lisbon.- We certainly have.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- Do you know this part? - I know it a little bit, not greatly.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- A sort of busy-ish road?- Yeah.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19But it's a much more vibrant area.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Yes. I really like it with lots of cafes and things around.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- So it feels more like what you're looking for?- Yes, it does.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29The property I want to show you is at the top of this building.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30Amazing.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35We thought that since you were coming here, and you did mention,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38do you want to live in the Bairro Alto, is it going to be too noisy?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41We thought it would be a very good idea for you to actually
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- live here for the week.- OK.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46So we've rented it for the week so you can move in with your stuff.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48Excellent! That'll be interesting.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51So you can see how lively and colourful it is at night
0:20:51 > 0:20:54and see how noisy it is. Because obviously that's important.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Yeah, yeah.- Cos you are on a tram line here.- Yeah, yeah.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59But high up it's not quite as noisy as it might seem.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Great, no, we look forward to that.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03- Shall we peek inside?- Let's do.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09The top floor apartment inside this 19th-century building will be home
0:21:09 > 0:21:12for Anne and James for the remainder of their time here in Lisbon.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16However, this will mean getting used to a bit of a climb.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19So no stairs, you said you didn't mind not having an elevator?
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Yeah, I think it's the price you have to pay to get high in these buildings.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- Good training for you, James. - It will be.- With your bikes.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Here we go.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Step in here. Very different from yesterday.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34That's really different from yesterday.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36I wasn't expecting that, it's much more open
0:21:36 > 0:21:39and modern than I expected it to be.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- Mmm, it's certainly modern!- Yes.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42What do you think, James?
0:21:42 > 0:21:45It might take a bit of getting used to.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46Too modern, too white?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Possibly a little bit for me.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54I do like the ceiling because that is interesting and adds character.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57I mean, it's very clean walls
0:21:57 > 0:22:00because it's just been newly done up.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Erm, possibly lost a little bit of character.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05The thing is, it's a blank canvas.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- You could do exactly what you wanted to.- Yes, that's very true.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- I think we would have to put in some colour.- Of course!
0:22:13 > 0:22:16This property underwent a complete renovation six months ago
0:22:16 > 0:22:19to cater for lettings, so it does have that neutral feel.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Let's see if Anne and James can look beyond the cosmetics
0:22:22 > 0:22:24as we head to the kitchen.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Much more regularly shaped kitchen here.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31It's certainly a better shape and size than other properties,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34and I like the tiles cos, although they're modern,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36they're in keeping with Lisbon.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39And they do add a little bit of colour!
0:22:39 > 0:22:42James desperately scanning for any colour whatsoever.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Some muted tones.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46There's a little bit of storage in here.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Sort of neat...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Oh, right, there's a cubbyhole.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- Look at that.- Yeah. A false wall.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- Space is not at a premium here, you've got lots of space.- OK. OK.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01You've got the two bedrooms at the front which obviously to the front
0:23:01 > 0:23:05are a little bit more noisy, and then upstairs is your master.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06Oh.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Within this split level apartment are two sets of stairs,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12one leading to a storage area,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15whilst the other takes us up to the master bedroom.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Quite a nice room up here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Again, all very white, dressed for rental.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25Quite a big size. It's unexpected to have this much space in the ceiling, I thought.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27How does this fare as a bedroom?
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Other than the slightly slopey roof
0:23:29 > 0:23:32it doesn't have a lot of character in the room.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36I think it's had that taken away and out of it.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39There's not much of a view. These windows look out onto the light well
0:23:39 > 0:23:41in the centre of the apartment.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45But it's super quiet because you're right at the back of the building.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Yes, that's true. That would be a bonus given that the road is quite a busy road.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- And in the winter there's no heating in this apartment.- Right.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55It still kind of bothers my brain to think of a property that doesn't have heating.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- For England, that's unthinkable, isn't it?- Yes, that's true.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- But they have electric heaters here when it gets a bit chilly.- OK.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- Yes, slightly worrying, not having heating.- Yes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Even for southern Europe.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12Although there's no central heating, our buyers might warm to the two bedrooms downstairs,
0:24:12 > 0:24:17which each have balconies that offer views of the street life outside.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20These two rooms at the front are a lovely aspect because
0:24:20 > 0:24:23you've got the lovely sunny light coming in from the window.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- But obviously you're right on the street so it's a little bit more noisy.- Mmm.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Yes, it's a really nice room.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33- I really like the windows and everything and the light.- Yeah.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36The benefit is that you've got the balcony over the street
0:24:36 > 0:24:39and although it's got buses and trams,
0:24:39 > 0:24:41you're so high up it's not quite so intrusive.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46Yes, I don't mind a bit of street noise in terms of the trams and the traffic.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50The bit of street noise I don't want are people partying at three in the morning.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54Let's take a look on the balcony because it's nice to get that street view.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- It's not a very wide balcony but enough to see the street.- Yes.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02BELL RINGS
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- Oh, look, a tram.- Oh, lovely.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- This is probably your tram, you can see it coming and run down the stairs.- That's right.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10No, it's a nice view, you get to see the real city
0:25:10 > 0:25:13and the red roofs and the church and things. It's lovely.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Down on to the square and the church bells.- Yeah.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18James, are you impressed?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I like the idea that you can look out across the city from here.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- It's got a nice city feel to it, hasn't it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27No, I like this much more and there's something going on.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29We seem to have got the location right this time,
0:25:29 > 0:25:34and although Anne and James are staying in this rented accommodation temporarily,
0:25:34 > 0:25:38to live here on a permanent basis has a price attached to it.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41So it's a very spacious offering.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- There's more space upstairs which you can explore later.- OK.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45This will be your home for the rest of the week.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It will certainly be very interesting,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51and it'll be a good test of how the building works when you're in it
0:25:51 > 0:25:54and what it's like at different times of the day and night.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- So thinking about buying it as a property...- Mm-hm.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59..how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Mmm.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Well, it's a totally different area.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06I'm going to guess 220,000.
0:26:08 > 0:26:14I'm going to go slightly higher at 240.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16So actually this is on the market for over that.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- It's actually on at 243.- OK.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20So you're very close.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24That would be the figure you would have to pay to own it.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- Obviously, it's a much bigger apartment.- It is.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Plus the space upstairs. Why don't you have a look upstairs,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- and then I will catch up with you later.- Great.- OK.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37At more than £50,000 under budget,
0:26:37 > 0:26:41this recently transformed apartment has three bedrooms over two floors.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Two of the bedrooms come with balconies
0:26:43 > 0:26:45which look out over the city.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It also has a storage loft space and open plan living room
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and a newly fitted kitchen.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52Oh, wow!
0:26:52 > 0:26:56That's more storage space that you would ever need.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59It is. It's good that it's been modernised,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02because we do want somewhere that we can start living in straightaway
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and don't have to do a lot of work on.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08It's possibly lost some of its original features
0:27:08 > 0:27:09that we might have liked to have.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12I particularly like the rooms at the front.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16I don't know that they aren't used as well as they could be
0:27:16 > 0:27:20in terms of the use of space, so the best rooms are actually the rooms
0:27:20 > 0:27:23you would use least in the property.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Well, this is where I leave you and say goodbye.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- It feels strange leaving you but this is your home.- Great, excellent!
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- Have a good evening.- Thank you, and we'll see you tomorrow.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- Yes, indeed. Tell me how it went. - We will.- Bye.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Before and Anne and James settle into their new abode
0:27:43 > 0:27:46they're heading to the shops to pick up some basic supplies,
0:27:46 > 0:27:51which is a good opportunity for Anne to practise her Portuguese.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08Then it's back to their rented home to decide which room they're going to sleep in.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- It's the nicest room in the apartment.- It is.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16I think we can probably live with the noise for one night at least.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20It's a good test, but if we buy the place it would be like this every night.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32It's another day in Lisbon for Anne and James,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35who are looking for an apartment in the centre of the city.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40Before they continue with their property search, they're enjoying breakfast in their apartment.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Did you sleep all right last night?
0:28:44 > 0:28:48It took me a while to get to sleep, then I slept OK in the end.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- How about you?- Did you not hear the noise at five o'clock this morning?
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I think the nightclubs might have kicked out.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- You didn't sleep very well? - No, I didn't sleep after that.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00We'll move to the other bedroom, I think.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04It's a shame because that's a really nice room, but...
0:29:04 > 0:29:05it's a bit noisy.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- Just too much.- Yeah, yeah.- Yeah.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12Anne and James had wanted a property that soaked up the city's atmosphere.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16But will they reassess after experiencing the sounds of nightlife here?
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Over the last couple of days I think I'm getting close to understanding what Anne wants
0:29:24 > 0:29:25and it's not at all unreasonable.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28She wants character, but she also wants a good location.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Of course, in the city, it's slightly more difficult because you can go from one street to the next
0:29:32 > 0:29:35and the price range and the feel of the area changes completely.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38So I'm hoping that the house today gives them
0:29:38 > 0:29:41a little bit more in the character front, and it's a different
0:29:41 > 0:29:45location, so we'll have to see whether it works for them.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49The next property we're viewing is in Alfama,
0:29:49 > 0:29:51the oldest district in Lisbon.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53It's four kilometres east of Anne's work in Lapa,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56which means her commute would take about 30 minutes by bus.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02In the early 19th century Fado music was born here.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Once described as the Portuguese blues, songs can be
0:30:05 > 0:30:09heard at a number of Fado bars and restaurants dotted around,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12whilst the Fado Museum details the music's evolution.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- Do you know this part of Lisbon, Alfama?- I know it a little bit.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21This is drenched in Fado, this area.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24We thought it would be better than the um-cha, um-cha of the clubs.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27I agree with that. I definitely agree, that's right.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Mournful ah, ah, ah, ah all night long.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31HE CHUCKLES
0:30:31 > 0:30:34That's part of the factor of living here. It's a beautiful spot.
0:30:34 > 0:30:35It is beautiful.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38I think this part of Alfama is lovely
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- and I would be quite interested to see what you two think.- Excellent! - Follow me, it's down here.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46This district is also beside the cruise ship port along the Tagus River.
0:30:46 > 0:30:51The apartment we've lined up is just three minutes by foot from the quayside.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55The apartment I want to show you is the one here on the top,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57these three windows.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01They're beautiful with the tiles on the outside, really nice.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03We wanted to show you one with the proper Lisbon
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- blue tiles in the front. - Yeah, should be interesting.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09This is not such a quiet road, but actually up there
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- with the double glazing you barely notice it.- Yeah.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- Let's have a look.- Excellent.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19The Portuguese tiles are just the sort of traditional look our buyers asked for.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22However, the architect owner has given the interior
0:31:22 > 0:31:25of this apartment a more modern feel.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30This one's for you, James, a big open space.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- Yeah, it's great.- It's a good room.- It's a goodie, isn't it?
0:31:34 > 0:31:37To the front of the house, lots of sun.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40You can see the cruise liners coming in, that's the river.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- Yeah.- Yeah, that's close.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45And these three big Juliet balconies with the lovely blue
0:31:45 > 0:31:48wrought iron period details outside.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51But a very contemporary space inside, so nice lifted ceilings
0:31:51 > 0:31:54and the original floorboards have been restored.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57This is much more like the thing we were imagining, I think.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00What they've done, they've redesigned the whole space
0:32:00 > 0:32:02because this is about 14 square metres, just this room.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04It was lots of little rooms before.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- They've moved the living space where it's nice and bright.- Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10I think it gives us the sort of space to have a sitting area,
0:32:10 > 0:32:15relaxing in, and also an office on one end of it, maybe.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Let's move through into the back of the property.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Down the hallway are two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28And at the far end of the property is a third bedroom which
0:32:28 > 0:32:32comes with its own modern en suite, with a roll top bath.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35This back room is obviously the master bedroom.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Yes, it's quite big, actually.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42And you have got these big MDF shutters, so you can completely block out all the light
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- and the sound.- And quite a nice view over the tiles.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- The little houses.- Yes.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- Just to warn you, you are next to a Fado club.- OK.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55It might be something you need to acquire a taste for.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57I think so! I'll get some good earplugs.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00There's double glazing and the shutters, you know, is very good.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Does it have heating?
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Interestingly, it does.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08You can just about see these little squares.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- It actually has heating elements in the walls.- Really?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13The radiators are in... Have you never come across that?
0:33:13 > 0:33:17So it's a variant on underfloor heating, it's in the wall heating.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18Yeah.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- A great deal of thought has gone into this apartment.- Yes, it has.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25And it looks like they've got quite a lot of storage space in there.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27And talking of storage...
0:33:29 > 0:33:32One of the great things about this house is it has so much storage.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36This is all storage. This is storage. This is a guest toilet.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38But, look at this, James, this is for you.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41ANNE LAUGHS
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- Yes.- It's a bicycle store.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- Yes.- That's incredible. - It's especially made for bikes.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- It's incredible.- It's incredible. - Do you like that?- Yeah.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53And the kitchen...
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Oh, yeah, that's a nice, modern kitchen.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59An extremely modern kitchen bringing in lots of light.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- You've got the drying balcony there. - A-ha.- Through those doors.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04You've got a nice skylight here.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Then they've punched through this hole, so you've got the dining room
0:34:07 > 0:34:10through there so you can see through to your guests.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Yes, it's got some interesting tiles on the floor.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17Yes, these are actually handmade south of here, in the countryside.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20The owner had them made specially in these colours.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24Is it something you could imagine working in, living in, cooking in?
0:34:24 > 0:34:28I probably could, if I could get my head around it. There's quite a bit of space, actually,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31I could rattle around in when I'm here on my own.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Yeah, it's a nice, contemporary space. I like the rooms.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37It's great that despite being a noisy area,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40both Anne and James are so positive about this property.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46It's nice to come back into the sunshine. It's a lovely, big flat.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- It is.- OK. So, how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:34:49 > 0:34:55- I'm going to say 310. - And I'm going to guess 300,000.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57In this case, James is closer
0:34:57 > 0:35:00because it's actually just under £299,000.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03It's a lot of apartment in, I think, a great area. Go and explore.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05We've whizzed round and there's lots to explore,
0:35:05 > 0:35:08lots of nooks and crannies, lots of storage. Don't get lost.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- Absolutely.- OK.- And I will see you at the door.- You will indeed.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15We must be onto the right track here.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It's a beautiful apartment - very big, maybe too big,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22but it's got a lot to offer and very stylish.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Valued at just under our buyers' maximum budget,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31this contemporary designed flat has three double bedrooms,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33a large living and dining area,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36a kitchen with traditionally-designed floor tiles,
0:35:36 > 0:35:38in-built wall heating
0:35:38 > 0:35:42and a good storage area that could accommodate James' bicycle.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46That's a great chalkboard. I can see you really using that.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- You'd be busy there, working your equations out.- Yeah, I would use it.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54I know you would! And I like the way they've put that picture frame
0:35:54 > 0:35:56around the gap. I think that's really clever.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Yeah, the old picture frame.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Yeah. It's a nice picture frame as well. I like that.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04My thoughts about this apartment are it's really nice.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06It's big. It's light.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09It's got a great sitting/living area.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11It's got a lot of the features we were looking for
0:36:11 > 0:36:13and it's been really well thought out.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Yeah, looked like a nice apartment to live in, I think.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19I could see myself living in this sort of space.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22It's just getting used to the size of the place.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27Very elegant. You look right at home...
0:36:27 > 0:36:29coming down the stairs.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31OK. So, that's one done.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- Excellent.- OK.- Moving on.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Both of our buyers are eager to familiarise themselves
0:36:43 > 0:36:46with the Portuguese capital, particularly Anne
0:36:46 > 0:36:49who will be mainly living here on her own.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52So, we've arranged for them both to meet expat Celia, who has lived here
0:36:52 > 0:36:56for over 30 years and is part of an English-speaking theatre group.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- Hello. Lovely to meet you. - This is our personal tram.- It is.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Shall we get on?- Yes.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05We're jumping on one of the early 20th-century designed
0:37:05 > 0:37:08red sightseeing trams, which take a picturesque route
0:37:08 > 0:37:09around the city centre
0:37:09 > 0:37:13and will take us towards one of Celia's favourite spots.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- Would you say this is a good time for Anne to move here?- Yes.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I think it is a good time, actually.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21It's sort of finding itself in a new way now.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- And is the food good? - I think it's wonderful.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26I mean, that little place, Satelite, for example.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29That's a wonderful little restaurant where you can go,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31and there are hundreds of them all over Lisbon
0:37:31 > 0:37:34where every day the dish of the day will be different.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37You have two or three choices, you'll have a meat and a fish
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and it's all home-cooked,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42freshly bought that day from the market.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45It couldn't be better. Just irresistible,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- even after all these years.- What is the housing market like here?
0:37:49 > 0:37:52A lot of European cities, lots of people rent, not many people own.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54An enormous amount of rental. An enormous amount.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58And it's not easy at all, especially at the moment
0:37:58 > 0:37:59with the economic crisis.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Yeah, that's hit Portugal quite hard.- Very hard. Very hard.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- Do you see it in Lisbon?- Oh, yes.
0:38:04 > 0:38:09What advice have you got about learning to settle in into Lisbon?
0:38:09 > 0:38:13Move around. Walk around. Get on a tram. That's what I did.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14What about the language?
0:38:14 > 0:38:17How important is it to learn, master, Portuguese?
0:38:17 > 0:38:20I'd like to say it was very important, because I think
0:38:20 > 0:38:24you lose so much without it. But having said that,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27I think it's more difficult to learn it now
0:38:27 > 0:38:29because so many people speak English.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31To make real, seriously good friends,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- the language schools here are very good.- What about outside Lisbon?
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Are there lots of things to do outside of the city?
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- James is a keen runner and cyclist.- Oh, yes.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42In fact, cycling is becoming...
0:38:42 > 0:38:44even in Lisbon...
0:38:44 > 0:38:48They've just recently finished cycle paths right along the river.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51With the tram journey complete, Celia has invited us
0:38:51 > 0:38:53to join her at a rooftop bar
0:38:53 > 0:38:56so that our buyers can get more of a sense of what it's like
0:38:56 > 0:38:58to live here in the city.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01OK. This is our moment to pick Celia's brains, really,
0:39:01 > 0:39:05- about the pluses and minuses of being here.- Mm-hm.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09What about the minuses? What are the downsides?
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Bureaucracy's not great.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16Sometimes the attitude in shops and post offices can be a bit...
0:39:16 > 0:39:18I would say unfriendly, almost,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20but that's probably the first time you go in there.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Then the second or third time you go, suddenly,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24"Oh, she's been here before,"
0:39:24 > 0:39:26and you might get a smile.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- You have to make an effort to integrate and...?- You do.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Are there any other sort of clubs or associations to join
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- or link in with, at least to start? - Lots of things.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39There's a group which is called the British Historical Society,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42which obviously originally was that,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44very British sort of expat,
0:39:44 > 0:39:47but it's not any more, it's very international.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49They organise really, really interesting tours
0:39:49 > 0:39:51to interesting places in Portugal.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56- How about the weather? Is it always this sunny?- You wish!
0:39:56 > 0:40:00No. It can rain and rain and rain.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02I mean, last winter really was pretty bad.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07- I didn't think we were ever going to get to the end of it.- Still warmer than the UK?- It's a lot warmer.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11But there is this problem that most houses are not heated,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15and so whereas in England you can go inside at Christmas
0:40:15 > 0:40:18and be in a short-sleeved shirt,
0:40:18 > 0:40:23here you'll be in your polo-neck jumper with a scarf on indoors.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26I'd just sort of be interested in the opportunities
0:40:26 > 0:40:30and the positive side of living in Lisbon, as you see it.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33There are so many different aspects to life here.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37It's beautiful. And if you remember to look at what the city is,
0:40:37 > 0:40:42instead of just driving past it, it's constantly beautiful.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Huge number of places to go, things to see, theatres,
0:40:44 > 0:40:46concerts, you name it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49There's a huge number of things to do in Lisbon.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- Are you sold?- I am sold.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Here's to Lisbon.- Lisbon. - Yes. Cheers.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Some helpful advice from Celia.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01But before James and Anne consider laying down their roots in Lisbon,
0:41:01 > 0:41:05there are some important practical points they should consider.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Firstly, the buying process is done in two stages,
0:41:09 > 0:41:13and typically a 10-40% deposit is paid at the first stage
0:41:13 > 0:41:14to secure the property.
0:41:14 > 0:41:15After completion,
0:41:15 > 0:41:20one of the biggest costs to consider is the property transfer tax
0:41:20 > 0:41:23called IMT, which is similar to stamp duty
0:41:23 > 0:41:27and is set on a sliding scale depending on the property price.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Lastly, if you choose to cash in on the profitable tourist trade,
0:41:30 > 0:41:34remember that non-residents are obliged to pay tax
0:41:34 > 0:41:36on any rental income.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39But most important of all is to get proper legal advice
0:41:39 > 0:41:42before signing any legally binding documents.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Anne and James are continuing to familiarise themselves with Lisbon,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56and are heading to a local Fado restaurant for dinner,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58and to hear first hand the music
0:41:58 > 0:42:01that is so intrinsically associated with the city.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Have you heard Fado before?
0:42:04 > 0:42:05I haven't heard it before, no.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- Have you not? Oh.- Have you?- It'll be quite interesting. I have heard it.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Yeah, yeah, yeah. I like the music.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16- Some of the singing can be a bit sort of too melancholy, but...- Yeah.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- ..we'll see who's on tonight. - Give it a go.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21It'll give you an idea of what Portuguese people are like.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- Certainly in the history of it. - Yeah.
0:42:23 > 0:42:24Very atmospheric.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28THEY PLAY FADO MUSIC
0:42:30 > 0:42:31HE SINGS IN PORTUGUESE
0:42:57 > 0:43:00It's the end of the evening and our buyers are turning in,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03as there's still one more day of house hunting to go.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13All of the properties we've shown Anne and James so far
0:43:13 > 0:43:15have been really in the centre of Lisbon,
0:43:15 > 0:43:19and that's sort of limited how much of an outdoor space option
0:43:19 > 0:43:20we can give them.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23So, for the mystery house, we have got outside space,
0:43:23 > 0:43:25a lovely big balcony and fantastic views.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Something that's quite difficult to achieve in the city centre.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30But we've gone outside,
0:43:30 > 0:43:34and we have gone perilously close to the extreme modernism
0:43:34 > 0:43:37that they both seem to be allergic to.
0:43:37 > 0:43:38Let's hope it works.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43The final destination for our house hunt takes us
0:43:43 > 0:43:465km outside the city centre, to eastern Lisbon,
0:43:46 > 0:43:50around the modern development known as Parque das Nacoes.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52This was once an industrial wasteland,
0:43:52 > 0:43:55but the site was completely transformed
0:43:55 > 0:43:57for the World Expo in 1998,
0:43:57 > 0:44:01where 11 million visitors from 130 countries visited
0:44:01 > 0:44:03in less than five months.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06As this World Fair coincided with the 500-year anniversary
0:44:06 > 0:44:09of Vasco da Gama's sea voyage to India,
0:44:09 > 0:44:11an ocean theme became the inspiration
0:44:11 > 0:44:14for the architecture within this modern area.
0:44:14 > 0:44:17- Now, I'm sure you're not surprised to be here...- Correct.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20..because any trip of Lisbon property wouldn't be correct
0:44:20 > 0:44:22without having a bit of Expo.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25- That's true.- You know the area? - I know it a little bit.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27It doesn't feel like you're in Lisbon,
0:44:27 > 0:44:29but then you do get the benefits of the water
0:44:29 > 0:44:31and the wide boulevards and things.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34It's completely different - this is why it's the mystery house.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38- Well, it's a world away from anything else I've seen in Lisbon so far.- Mm.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40Yeah, I mean, it's been beautifully designed,
0:44:40 > 0:44:42very highly awarded, got lots of architectural awards.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46- It has a slightly unreal feel to it. - Yeah.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49Well, you're not actually living right on the waterfront here.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52The property I want to show you is a little bit further away,
0:44:52 > 0:44:53so let's go and see the property.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59Expo is now one of the largest redevelopment projects in Europe,
0:44:59 > 0:45:02with a desirable riverside residential neighbourhood
0:45:02 > 0:45:04as well as bars, restaurants and shops.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08The flat, traffic-free lanes around here make bike riding
0:45:08 > 0:45:12the best form of transport, which will appeal to keen cyclist James.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16Cable cars, which run from the Olivais Docks,
0:45:16 > 0:45:19move across the skyline and offer impressive views,
0:45:19 > 0:45:21whilst back on the ground the wide promenade
0:45:21 > 0:45:25looks out to the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which stretches for 17km,
0:45:25 > 0:45:28making it the longest in Europe.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32Anne's journey to work would take around 45 minutes by bus
0:45:32 > 0:45:36from our final property, which lies on the south side of this district.
0:45:36 > 0:45:37What we thought is, we've shown you three
0:45:37 > 0:45:40properties in the centre of Lisbon, which is what you asked for...
0:45:40 > 0:45:42- Mm-hm.- ..and I'm sure you're aware that Lisbon
0:45:42 > 0:45:46and Portugal itself has been through quite a rough time, financially...
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- Yes.- ..and a lot of those properties lost a lot of money.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52But in Expo, all the buildings that were built
0:45:52 > 0:45:55held their value throughout the crisis.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58So, we were thinking, OK, so you're coming over here for your job,
0:45:58 > 0:46:01but in a few years, you said yourself, your job might change.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05- Mm-hm.- So, do you want to be left with a property hot potato,
0:46:05 > 0:46:08or would it be worth looking at a property that's in an area
0:46:08 > 0:46:11that's probably going to increase its value?
0:46:11 > 0:46:14What are your thoughts about that theory of ours?
0:46:14 > 0:46:16It's very pragmatic and sensible
0:46:16 > 0:46:19in terms of economics of house purchase.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22But that's possibly not our main criteria here.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25Yeah, but we wouldn't want to lose a shedload of money, either.
0:46:25 > 0:46:26Well, no.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29I mean, hopefully the economy will bounce back, but you never know.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- Sure.- What are your thoughts about this sort of block,
0:46:32 > 0:46:34and indeed this area?
0:46:34 > 0:46:37I think it's hard to say about the block until you see inside,
0:46:37 > 0:46:41cos it is about what's inside rather than what's outside.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43Not sure quite what it would be like
0:46:43 > 0:46:46living in such a large block of flats.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48This might not be the period property
0:46:48 > 0:46:52that our buyers had in mind, but being only seven years old
0:46:52 > 0:46:54it does have some useful purpose-built features,
0:46:54 > 0:46:58including underground parking, where James could store his bike,
0:46:58 > 0:47:00a video entry system,
0:47:00 > 0:47:03and a lift that we're taking to get up to this fourth floor apartment.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- Well, this is the big selling point. - It is.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12As you can see, here we've given you what we haven't managed to give you
0:47:12 > 0:47:14in any of the other houses, which is outside space.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16And a good view of the river.
0:47:16 > 0:47:17An amazing view of the river, yeah.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19This is actually a long-term investment,
0:47:19 > 0:47:21if you want to think about it in those terms,
0:47:21 > 0:47:23because this whole area in front of us -
0:47:23 > 0:47:25it doesn't look very appealing at the moment -
0:47:25 > 0:47:28is actually going to be completely redeveloped in the next five years.
0:47:28 > 0:47:29This little building here,
0:47:29 > 0:47:32the modern building at the other side of the car park,
0:47:32 > 0:47:33is stage one of a primary school.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35This highway is going to be removed
0:47:35 > 0:47:37and it's all going to be just local roads.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40And why this is a good long-term investment
0:47:40 > 0:47:42is that this is the south side of Expo,
0:47:42 > 0:47:45this is the side closest to Lisbon.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48Short term, it does mean that you have to watch a building site.
0:47:48 > 0:47:49Yeah, I think, sadly,
0:47:49 > 0:47:53we'd be more focusing on the shorter term than the longer term.
0:47:53 > 0:47:54- Mm.- I think so.
0:47:54 > 0:47:59Having something that was nice now would be more valuable to us.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01Well, that wasn't really the start I was after.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03Continuing with the tour,
0:48:03 > 0:48:05we're making our way to the kitchen next door.
0:48:07 > 0:48:08Quite modest.
0:48:08 > 0:48:10Very different offering from the kitchen this morning.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12It is indeed.
0:48:12 > 0:48:17Almost the opposite, in the sense of it being small and very basic.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20- It's quite plain. - Yes, it's quite spartan.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24All of these properties are thought of, often, as rental properties,
0:48:24 > 0:48:25with the very basic kind of fittings
0:48:25 > 0:48:28and fixtures that you move in and either do them up
0:48:28 > 0:48:31for your own living standards or you keep on renting them.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33There's a huge number of foreign investors
0:48:33 > 0:48:36who buy up these properties and then rent them to students,
0:48:36 > 0:48:37rent them to commuters.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40Yeah, I think that says it all, doesn't it?!
0:48:40 > 0:48:41- Mm.- Students and commuters.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45Yeah, and that's obviously not really our plan, so...
0:48:45 > 0:48:48This flat comes with two good-size double bedrooms
0:48:48 > 0:48:50which both have built in wardrobes.
0:48:50 > 0:48:54But somehow I don't think that's enough to sway our buyers.
0:48:56 > 0:48:57This is the master.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01- It's quite small.- A little bit.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03- And...- Does have heating, though.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05Does have heating. Looking on the positive side.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08Yes, it's small - a little bit of storage,
0:49:08 > 0:49:09but you do have an en suite.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13So there are two bathrooms, even for a small flat.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15Again, for rental, really.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17Yeah, I can see how it would work for rental,
0:49:17 > 0:49:19but we're looking for somewhere to live in.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21- Yes.- Which isn't quite the same.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24It was always a risk making this the mystery property,
0:49:24 > 0:49:26but at least it reaffirms that whilst
0:49:26 > 0:49:29there are lots of practical benefits to buying here,
0:49:29 > 0:49:32they would rather find a home that they're emotionally drawn to.
0:49:34 > 0:49:37So, have you had a thought about how much it might cost?
0:49:37 > 0:49:39I would guess 260,000.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42I think with the parking and storage it might be more,
0:49:42 > 0:49:45so I'm going to say 270.
0:49:45 > 0:49:50Right, OK. So actually this is on the market for just over £241,000.
0:49:50 > 0:49:51Oh, OK.
0:49:51 > 0:49:54So, even though it's a small property
0:49:54 > 0:49:57compared to some of the ones I showed you, it's a stable price.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00Those prices have held very well. Why don't you have a quick look?
0:50:00 > 0:50:01There's a bedroom you haven't seen,
0:50:01 > 0:50:04- and I'll see you out the front. - OK.- OK.
0:50:06 > 0:50:10For £241,000, this fourth floor property comes with two bedrooms,
0:50:10 > 0:50:12which both have en suites,
0:50:12 > 0:50:15a living room with an adjoining terrace offering great views
0:50:15 > 0:50:18of the Tagus River, underground secure parking,
0:50:18 > 0:50:20where James could store his bike,
0:50:20 > 0:50:23and with the area undergoing significant redevelopment
0:50:23 > 0:50:26there's a strong financial incentive to buying here.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28The mystery property isn't for me.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31I can see that it's a good investment given its location,
0:50:31 > 0:50:34but I'm looking for somewhere to live.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36It didn't really have many features that we were really
0:50:36 > 0:50:38interested in, I think.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41The few things it had going for it were probably not things
0:50:41 > 0:50:42we were looking for.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46- HE SIGHS - OK, not such a grand finale,
0:50:46 > 0:50:48but let's find somewhere we can sit
0:50:48 > 0:50:51and talk about all the properties we've shown you in Lisbon,
0:50:51 > 0:50:54- and draw some conclusions.- Great.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01Lisbon showcases some fantastic architecture,
0:51:01 > 0:51:04but it's not all about the stunning buildings.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07Even at ground level there are beautifully decorated
0:51:07 > 0:51:10pavements where both traditional and modern designs
0:51:10 > 0:51:12range from business logos
0:51:12 > 0:51:14to complex imagery.
0:51:15 > 0:51:16These are known as calcadas,
0:51:16 > 0:51:21and they were first introduced in 1842 by a military prison commander,
0:51:21 > 0:51:23who instructed his inmates to cover the ground
0:51:23 > 0:51:27with pebbles of white limestone and black basalt stone.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32It was so successful that by 1895, it became mandatory
0:51:32 > 0:51:36for all new paving projects in Lisbon to have this calcadas effect.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39Now most of Lisbon's streets have been paved this way,
0:51:39 > 0:51:42and many other Portuguese cities have followed suit.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46More recently, Lisbon's Parque das Nacoes district
0:51:46 > 0:51:50was completely paved in 1998 for the World Expo.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53These pavements were adorned with images of sea monsters
0:51:53 > 0:51:55and wavy patterns.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59I've come here to meet construction inspector Fernando,
0:51:59 > 0:52:01who works for Lisbon's municipality,
0:52:01 > 0:52:04to learn more about this unique paving method.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06So, Fernando, we're here to talk about pavements.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09I didn't think I'd ever talk about pavements on television, but...
0:52:09 > 0:52:10Something to see, yeah.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13- This is very special Portuguese paving, isn't it?- Yes.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15But it's not just in Lisbon you find it.
0:52:15 > 0:52:19No, you can see it in almost every Portuguese city.
0:52:19 > 0:52:24Also in colonies, like Senegal and Mozambique.
0:52:24 > 0:52:29So, the Portuguese, wherever they go, they take the calcada with them.
0:52:29 > 0:52:33And can we see some contemporary workers doing it?
0:52:33 > 0:52:36Yes, actually, there are some roadworks going on right now,
0:52:36 > 0:52:37- so let's go.- Sure.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41The handmade process was once carried out
0:52:41 > 0:52:43by hundreds of highly-skilled craftsmen,
0:52:43 > 0:52:45but now it's a dying art form
0:52:45 > 0:52:47that's largely restricted to conservation work,
0:52:47 > 0:52:49as the stone is less abundant
0:52:49 > 0:52:53and modern, cheaper materials are preferred.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Ah! So, what's the name of this street?
0:52:55 > 0:52:57We are in Avenida da Liberdade.
0:52:57 > 0:53:02- And how old is this calcada? - 1919 to 1924.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04So, what are they doing here?
0:53:04 > 0:53:07They are restoring part of the motif.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09They have to install the wooden mould.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11- I see, that's the pattern here. - Yeah.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15Then they fill with white stone, all around the mould.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19As you can see, every stone they put in the pavement,
0:53:19 > 0:53:23they have to cut it, shape it to the place where you have to put it.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27- So it's like mosaic work.- Yes.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31- Afterwards, they put sand in it to fill the joins.- Uh-huh.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34- Then they use the...- Like a tamper.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37..the tamper to tighten up the stones.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39- So there's no cement, there's no... - No cement.
0:53:39 > 0:53:40- Just sand.- There's no cement.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43So how many people are working like these guys?
0:53:43 > 0:53:46We have about 20 people doing this kind of work.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49But real artists, there are only six.
0:53:49 > 0:53:50- Six. Are you one of them?- No.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52- Oh.- He is, he is one of them.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56- Bom dia.- Boa tarde.- Boa tarde.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58- Can I have a go? - HE SPEAKS PORTUGUESE
0:53:58 > 0:54:01FERNANDO TRANSLATES: You have to measure in the place
0:54:01 > 0:54:02the size of the stone.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05He draws a line, he cuts the stone
0:54:05 > 0:54:09and then he puts the stone in the place.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11It all seems very simple until the cutting with the hammer,
0:54:11 > 0:54:13- that sounds like the hard part. - That's the hard part.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16- Like this?- Yes. Not quite.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18- HE SPEAKS PORTUGUESE - That bit.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23- If it's OK...- Oh! Too much.
0:54:23 > 0:54:24You cut too much, yeah.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28- See, now there's a hole.- Yeah.
0:54:28 > 0:54:29Rubbish.
0:54:29 > 0:54:30You see? Pow!
0:54:30 > 0:54:32Too much.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34OK, so have you got another one?!
0:54:35 > 0:54:39- OK, so I'm imagining the curve... - Yes.- OK.
0:54:39 > 0:54:40Ah!
0:54:40 > 0:54:42- Yeah, good.- A-ha!
0:54:42 > 0:54:44- Good.- My second career.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47- Not bad, not bad for a first attempt.- Yes.
0:54:47 > 0:54:48Obrigado.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55- It's hard work!- Yes. - But it's a beautiful thing.- Yeah.
0:54:55 > 0:54:56Obrigado.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01I might have got lucky with my first attempt at cutting the calcada,
0:55:01 > 0:55:04but I'm not sure we've had as much success with paving
0:55:04 > 0:55:07the way for Anne and James' move here to Lisbon.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09So, as the day draws to a close,
0:55:09 > 0:55:11I'm meeting back up with them to find out.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15After a day of property shopping
0:55:15 > 0:55:16until the sun has set here in Lisbon,
0:55:16 > 0:55:18I think it's no mystery
0:55:18 > 0:55:20that the mystery house is not really a contender.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23But I'd be very interested to find out which other properties
0:55:23 > 0:55:25have charmed James and Anne.
0:55:25 > 0:55:26Let's find out.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34Well, it's been a long week here in Lisbon.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36Cos James, you don't know the city so well -
0:55:36 > 0:55:39has it been interesting seeing different neighbourhoods?
0:55:39 > 0:55:40It has, yes.
0:55:40 > 0:55:44I think I've seen a lot more of Lisbon this time than I did previously.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47How was it staying in the apartment
0:55:47 > 0:55:49and actually sort of test-driving it?
0:55:49 > 0:55:51I thought it was quite a useful experience, for me at least,
0:55:51 > 0:55:54to get a feel what the city's really like.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58I thought it was a useful exercise to do that,
0:55:58 > 0:56:01and you sort of notice some of the quirks of the flat.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04And when we look at the houses and think back over them,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06is there one that stands out as a clear contender?
0:56:06 > 0:56:12I think the one that is a contender is the house in Alfama.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15I think it's a really lovely property.
0:56:15 > 0:56:19I think the thing that I'm not sure about is how noisy it might
0:56:19 > 0:56:23be in the evening, because it is an area with clubs around it.
0:56:23 > 0:56:27- Particularly Fado clubs. - Particularly Fado clubs, yes.
0:56:27 > 0:56:28So, has the week focused your mind
0:56:28 > 0:56:31on what it is that you do and don't want?
0:56:31 > 0:56:33I think it's helped in showing what the money
0:56:33 > 0:56:36that we have in our budget will buy.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39And I think that the question of noise...
0:56:39 > 0:56:43So when you say that, you mean that that's become a crucial factor?
0:56:43 > 0:56:44I think so.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48I mean, I'm always aware that in a city there's going to be some noise,
0:56:48 > 0:56:50but some of the places that we've been to
0:56:50 > 0:56:54with the windows open have been quite noisy.
0:56:54 > 0:56:56Let's focus on the flat in Alfama,
0:56:56 > 0:56:59because if you go and you sort out
0:56:59 > 0:57:02that the sound of the Fado singing is not too devastating,
0:57:02 > 0:57:04what might happen in that instance?
0:57:04 > 0:57:07Because you've got to start thinking about moving here, right?
0:57:07 > 0:57:10I mean, I think if the Fado isn't too bad, I think we'd go back
0:57:10 > 0:57:13and have another look at the property.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16Can you imagine actually living there if it worked out?
0:57:16 > 0:57:19I think I could in that flat, because it was a really nice flat,
0:57:19 > 0:57:22and it had plenty of room, and it was finished to a high standard.
0:57:22 > 0:57:23Great.
0:57:23 > 0:57:27And so is that right, that you have two months before your job starts?
0:57:27 > 0:57:31- Yes.- And will you be renting somewhere until then, or...?
0:57:31 > 0:57:33That's right, just rent and stay with friends.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37Well, I hope wherever you end up, enjoy yourself here in Lisbon.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:57:45 > 0:57:47That's it, that's the end of our first foray
0:57:47 > 0:57:49into city living on the show,
0:57:49 > 0:57:52and I hope you've enjoyed your tour of the sights, smells,
0:57:52 > 0:57:55sounds and property of Lisbon.
0:57:55 > 0:57:57And I think we did pretty well in finding that Alfama flat
0:57:57 > 0:57:59for James and Anne.
0:57:59 > 0:58:01All they have to do is get used to the sound of Fado
0:58:01 > 0:58:03as they fall asleep.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05And all you have to do is tune in next time for more
0:58:05 > 0:58:06Escape To The Continent.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10Anne and James decided that the apartment in Alfama
0:58:10 > 0:58:12was too noisy for them.
0:58:12 > 0:58:14Anne made a number of trips back to Lisbon,
0:58:14 > 0:58:17and I'm pleased to say that she managed to find their dream home
0:58:17 > 0:58:21in Lapa, the same district as the first property we showed them.
0:58:21 > 0:58:24And we wish them the best of luck in their move.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26If you're planning to escape to the continent
0:58:26 > 0:58:29and would like our help, you can apply online at...