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Quinta do Lago is an area that has been developed as a unique place with stylish, luxury property, mingled with natural landscape, golf courses and beaches. The area in which Quinta do Lago is located, is commonly known as the Golden Triangle and combines Vale do Lobo, Almancil, Quinta do Lago and various small areas like Dunas Douradas etc. This area is a very good, solid property investment area and has many property for sale.

Entrance to Quinta do Lago

The Golden Triangle has many wonderful restaurants dotted about the roads and woods of the area, where you may dine in exquisite locations. The area is centred by the town of Almancil, which is a vibrant small town with many Banks, Lawyers and shops. As you leave Almancil towards the coast you travel along beautiful country rads towards the coast and the areas of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. Here you find the Quinta shopping centre, with lovely cafes and designer brand shops.

The area also has some of the best Golf Courses on the Algarve and boasts some of the best Hotels in Portugal. Quinta has a wonderful lake where watersports can be carried out and add to the area, glorious beaches, and you can see why investment in property in the Golden Triangle is as safe an investment as you can find today

Over the years many wise investors have bought property in this area of the Algarve and have seen their investments grow. Naturally with most investors, the time to realise the investment depends upon many situations. As with all property investments in the Algarve, you must look for proac

tive buyers, as these peroperties are on the market to sell and not just put on the market in the hope that achieve the desired price.

Property in Quinta do Lago and the area surrounding has many famous owners and due to this, the area is well patrolled and many properties offer secluded locations, while being close to all amenities.This has made the area also a safe area to own property and also for personal safety. Although, the Algarve is a safe place anyway, add the security and seclusion of the Golden Triangle and you really can rest assured.

In this article we tell you that buying a new property is not such as good option as buying an old property in the Algarve and give our point of view, why old is better than new.

Lets take investment in new Property first.

New Property, is not necessarily the best solution, it maybe a quick solution and all may look great on the surface. Apartments and developments are usually constructed by large, established Companies, but even this is not a guarantee for a carefree life.

1. Check the constructor, (request this from the negotiator) request  the constructors name and the licence number. How many developments have they built? Are they an individual constructor, if so ask to meet them.

2. Visit other developments they have built in Portugal, even if they have only built before in Lisbon, the Silver Coast or Porto, you should see the developments. How have these developments aged? Did the developer carry out any remedial work? Did they honour their “constructors guarantee”  with ease or did the buyers have to use Lawyers?

3. If the property is under construction, then  visit the construction in bad weather or in winter. Are the builders still working in the rain? Are the walls damp?  Is the 2nd and 3rd fixing, happening quickly? ( for non construction people, 2nd fixing etc are the stages, example, once walls built and roof is on, are the windows being fixed without drying out the construction, are the carpenters, electricians following in reasonable time spans etc)

4. Is the constructor still working on the property? Many constructors in this financial climate are running out of money and will wait for a buyer to commit before continuing. If they have stopped, (this may not always be the case) in such situations, if you are going to fund the rest of the work, then you need to tie down stage payments or large discounts.

5. If the property is finished, and you are being told it is “new” then ask how long has it been finished, has everything been done, or do somethings still need doing. If it is on a development, then ask owners if they have experienced problems. What price did they pay?

Remember: Once you sign the promissory contract you are committed, either get written assurances in the promissory contract or get the jobs done BEFORE you sign anything.

Apartments and developments are usually easier to find out these points, but remember if a condominium, then eventually a condominium fee will be required and a condominium management Company enlisted. Who will it be? will they be helpful and do their job? Will they be enlisted by the Constructor? Has he used them before?

New villas for sale in the Algarve, are generally much easier to research and are generally constructed by smaller Companies, but obviously this also can bring its own problems.

Old Property: Old or mature property is already established, it has taken the weather, the trials of ground movement and the test of time. If an older property, that is on a development or in its own grounds has been refurbished, then this is the best choice for investment, It may not have all of todays modern building techniques, but should be solid, dry, and due to its refurbishment, almost be like new, without the worries a new property carries.

We admit you may not get a 5 year guarantee, but you can get some real bargains at over 50% reduction on a similar new property.

The first stage is deciding upon location, not near a beach or a rural location, but area location. The Algarve is definitely split into good investment locations, as always in these troubled times, it is better to invest safely than with risk. You should never let the sun or a sales person dictate your instincts.

We feel that on the whole, the Algarve is possibly one of the safest areas in Europe to invest. All main areas from Lagos to Tavira seem to hold investment levels in these times of crisis. There are some that are struggling in the far East and far West of the Algarve, but this is due to demand falling, as most people now wish to be in the central hub, where toursim returns can still be found on their property.

Without doubt, the very best area of Real Estate investment in the Algarve is the Golden Triangle, Quinta do Lago,  Vale do Lobo and any position with in the triangle, historically, will bring you a reasonably safe investment. Villas for sale in Almancil are usually already of a reasonably high price but there are a few absolute bargains.

Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo and surrounding areas have grown without spoiling the natural landscape and this is quite uinque, making the area a very sought after area, hence keeping prices at a steady growth rate. The area boasts some of the very best golf courses in the Algarve and is only a 10 minute drive from Vilamoura, which although not actually located in the Triangle, is as steady, in Real Estate growth.

The Golden Triangle has not been hurt, yet, by the crisis, we do not think it will ever be part of the world of financial problems and although there are some bargains to be had, from pro active sellers, the area is still lucrative and very desirable.

However, some people may not wish to be in this area and therefore need to look at other desirable and safe investment areas on the Algarve. The area of the Algarve that we would suggest to be second upon your list is to choose a Golf Resort.

The property on these resorts, still seems to be holding extremely well against the crisis. You may not be a Golf fan, but purchasing on a golf resort or with owners of golf resorts, like Pestana, allow you to invest in a brand that is recognised as a leader in the Algarve. Most golf resorts, give sound investment return and also a good resale chance when deciding to “cash in” your property investment.

The third area of good property investment is the area of Loulé, to the North of Faro. This area is a very untouched rural area and a total difference to either area discussed thus far.Especially around Estoi, Sta Barbera de Nexe. in this area you can find villas with some of the most stunning views on the Algarve. We choose this area because it is  close to Faro, to the Golden Triangle and also due to future plans for the area. For example, IKEA have just purchased a retail site near Loulé to build a large shopping centre with cinema etc.

All three suggestions are possible for safe investment in property in the Algarve. However, you should always remember when buying a property in the Algarve, you have choice, but location is everything when the time for resale comes. The next article we will publish is whether to buy old or new property in the Algarve. A question that many people ask us.

But what is a BMV or Discounted property? And where do you find these properties?

A real BMV or Discount Property deal, is where a Bank have valued a property within the last 12 weeks and then this property is discounted by the developer by a percentage. The most important item in any BMV deal, is to see a certified bank survey.

Most property bargains in the Portugal, can, at this moment, be found in the Algarve, as this area has been the most active in the last decade, with a huge amount of property being sold to foreign investors. Due to this “boom” the Algarve now has a surplus of new property, that is being offered by developers at discount prices or BMV.

Also remember he has probably already sold property, or is going through sales processes, on his development at top value, yet now offers people a 25% to 50% discount.  Not good for relationships with your customer base.

However, many sellers, non property developers, private owners, are proactive in selling their property and these are also offered at BMV and are normally very good, safe and a better bet than buying a developer. Why?

A private seller, knows what he needs to either clear his debts and generally has a genuine reason for selling the property. The property, in some cases, may not be below value, but has previously been at a much higher rate in the last 15 years.  Probably one of the best BMV Properties available in the Algarve at present is to be found on www.algarvepropertybargain.com, with a proactive seller and a great location, this must be with a new owner soon!!!

In Portugal there are many locations in which Real Estate is aimed more at “Foreigners” than the domestic market. Portugal probably has the most split Real Estate than most countries. The domestic market is a quiet market, where the Portuguese buy living area. the wealthy Portuguese tend to buy in

What is best to buy New property or mature property? Check back for our next item on 15th March 2010

Views Across the Algarve

This is an old house which already has a lot of modernistation carried out, but still needs some minor work. The property  has absolutely Fantastic Views across the Algarve from Vilamoura to Portimao.

This house is situated between Paderne and Tunes. The house is set back from the main road with a very private tarmac feeder road. Internally it has 10 rooms, which include 3 +1 bedrooms, a store room, a lounge and kitchen and 2 bathrooms. The house also has a wonderful barbecue area overlooking the Algarve, plus a great sitting area at the rear of the house overlooking a rural view.

The house, sits in a plot of 4000 sqm with orange, lemon, grapefruit, apricot, carob and almond trees along with a small, young vineyard of over 100 vines which will produce Red and white grapes.

The house is a very comfortable place and has a family residing now. It has a new modern bathroom with another under completion, All rooms have good decor and with a small amount of work this really could be a beautiful home. The main need on the house is new windows and a little redecorating.

The views stretch all the way from Albufeira to Portimão and are stunning, the area is very quiet and although it is in the country it is a 7 minute drive to the centre of Albufeira and the beaches.

There are possibilities to demolish and rebuild a new property on this land.

Price £325,000 or nearest offer

There are many Company’s that deal with offshore Companies, banking and other aspects and we  advise you contact these people before entering into an agreement.

Is it safe to buy “offshore”? we think it is and although there is a continual debate about whether offshore, will one day become onshore, there is also a continual debate on the weather tomorrow and the day after. Lets be honest there are now offshore areas in the USA like Delaware and these areas must exist to allow trade and finance to flourish

Please note we are a property website, not a financial expert, to find out more about offshore purchase of property, we suggest you talk to an expert in the field.

Living a carefree life in the Algarve

Living a carefree life in the Algarve

Are you looking to buy property in Algarve? Then this information on property in Portugal may save you money and problems. When buying a propertyin the Algarve, it is important to choose your area first. This does not mean checking the locality of Golf Courses or beaches, or the locality of the nearest School or the nearest bar even. It is about ensuring the area you buy will continue to hold its real estate value and the continued desire to invest in the area.

You should ask yourself the following:

Has all construction land around the local area been completed, no plots, within the vision of the property. If all construction is complete, then prices will increase as people always want to buy what they can not have.

Are local roads and main roads in good order, maintained and if not maintained, do they cope with the traffic. The property does not back onto, or maybe in years to come, back onto a main highway. Again the Algarve is a quiet place, you do not want to end up next to a new bury arterial route.

If it is an apartment or a villa on a condominium, are the condominium, buildings cared for, is there a committee of owners, are all payments from the owners upto date. Most condominiums in the Algarve have owners who do not pay their fees to the condominium committee, this can cause lack of maintenance in the future.

Our suggestions on investment secure areas to buy in the Algarve, are the Golden Triangle, Quinta do Lago, Vale Do Lobo and Almancil. Also villages around Albufeira, or in the locale of the town, like Pine Cliffs Resort in the east of Albufeira and the area of Galé in the West. Plus country areas around Silves, like the Pestana Golf property at Gramacho.

Property Bargains Algarve

Property Bargains across the Algarve

• 5 bedrooms with 5 bathrooms
• Very spacious lounge and dining area
• Good size kitchen and breakfast room
• Fully furnished
• Covered eating areas on rear and side terraces
• Lovely swimming pool
• Beautiful lawn garden
• Parking for 3 cars

A walk through the house:

The Kitchen is on the right with windows to front and side. Fully fitted kitchen complete with granite work tops and all appliances, leading directly to breakfast room and patio access to side terrace.

The dining area

open doorways from the hall and kitchen to the dining area.

The lounge

step down into the living area, plenty of room for family and guests. Patio windows lead to rear terrace and pool.

Step outside

the swimming pool awaits.And outside dining

The garden

Master bedroom

on the first floor, ensuite bathroom, private roof terrace.

Plus four bedrooms on the groundfloor

all are large double rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

PRICED TO SELL: €895,000 find out more www.algarvepropertybargain.com