Move Portugal - A Place in the Sun

In the ‘Place in the Sun’ September issue MovePortugal gave a helping hand to a couple who were looking for a holiday rental property in Portugal’s Silver Coast.

Their article presents four properties to Mark & Kerry who wanted a holiday home for their young family plus they wanted a return on their investment from rental income and capital growth. Prior to the actual event the research team from the magazine contacted us and gave us their run down as to the type of property they wanted to show the young couple, to be honest their budget was low for what they required, but as always we dug deep and gave them a selection of properties to choose from. The exclusive MovePortugal property they selected was over their budget of €100,000, but it ticked all the boxes. On the day Sharon Clarke, the manager of MovePortugal took them to show the property and with her knowledge of the local property market and the land and building permits of the property Sharon advised the clients of the possibilities with the property and the 10,000 m2 plot. The young couple fell in love with the property and decided to put in an offer based on Sharon’s hunch. And she was right the owner accepted the offer and Mark & Kerry got an absolute bargain!!

MovePortugal have many success stories like this to tell. We can help you find a villa, a renovation project, an investment property, a plot of land to build your own house or even a small restaurant or bar to start your own business. With over 500 properties on our books in the Silver Coast and over 7 years of living experience in this wonderful party of the world we can assure you that we will always try to give you the best advice!

http://www.aplaceinthesun.com/magazine/september-2008

Silver Coast – Portugal hosts 2nd National Congress of Biological Agriculture

INTERBIO, Inter-professional Association for Biological/Organic Agriculture, is organising the 2nd National Congress of Organic Agriculture on day 24 and 25 of June in Torres Vedras (Silver Coast –Portugal), with the support of Naturlink.

The Congress enjoys the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Republic, and its opening session was chaired by Armando Sevinate Pinto, Advisor for Agriculture, matters to the President of the Republic, and the closing session will be chaired by Jaime Silva, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.

The intention with this event is to bring together the entire Portuguese professional sector of organic agriculture for reflection and through discussion of all matters that relate to this sector and which aim to enhance and consolidate its development. To this end, the first day of Congress is reserved exclusively for professionals of organic farming in all sectors: production, processing, marketing and services. This day will surely send a message of affirmation of the organic farming sector and the definition of its strategic lines.

Planning of the Silver Coast - Portugal upon public discussion

Until August 4th is underway the public discussion of the Regional Plan of Territorial Planning of the West and Tagus Valley (PROT-OVT), covering the sub-regions of the West, Middle Leziria and Mid Tagus region, which together make fore more of than 800 thousand inhabitants spread over 8 792 square kilometres and 33 municipalities of the districts of Leiria, Santarem and Lisbon.
The document was drafted over 18 months, with the participation of regional and national entities represented in the Joint Committee on Coordination (CMC), 11 plenary meetings and 26 meetings of working groups.

The technical teams, consisting of bodies and specialists in each area, made an analysis of each sector, both in terms of diagnosis, and the vision and strategic options of the plan, from agriculture to socio-economy, tourism and the conservation of nature to mobility.

For the first time a diagnosis was made of energy issues in the region, which has concluded that the West and Tagus Valley has the potential to increase by 40 percent its energy autonomy, based on their own and renewable sources (80% in electricity).
The document now subject to public discussion outlines the diagnosis of the West and Tagus Valley and proposes a vision and strategic options for its development over the next decade. The plan will be delivered to the government in September this year and place for ten years after its publication.

Were studied four strategic priorities, based mainly on competitiveness (axis 1 - win the challenge of innovation, competitiveness and internationalization), in recovery (axis 2 - leverage the territorial vocations within a framework of environmental sustainability), as (axis 3 - achieving polycentric vision and enhance the quality of urban life) and multifunctionality (axis 4 - discover the new rural ways of life).

It is expected investment of 2.8 billion euros in major projects over the ten-year period. Implementation of the plan will have a follow-up committee, supported by an observatory team.
Among the projects is the proposed rail link between the New Airport of Lisbon and the line of the North (Cartaxo / Santarem), possibly taking advantage of the channel's line of Setil, thereby creating a new axis of development and modernization into the interior of the line of the West.

The document of OVT-PROT can be found in http://consulta-protovt.inescporto.pt. At this site is also available a form for submission of contributions by all stakeholders to participate. They will also be promoted three sessions decentralised public, open to all interested parties.

Culture and Congress Centre, the CCC!

At the first hours of May the 15th, at about 20 past midnight, the Culture and Congress Centre (CCC) of Caldas da Rainha (Silver Coast –Portugal) for the first time opened its doors to the general population and made itself known as the most emblematic work of the past years in the county.

This is an investment of 18 million euros in equipment of "unique characteristics and relevance to a statement of strategy, creation, production and dissemination of cultural, artistic, business and tourism", considers the municipality.

"There are few spaces with the characteristics that the Cultural Centre has and can offer. Aiming to be a reference in the country and probably internationally, "said the representative Mayor of Culture, Maria da Conceicao.

A student of music, named Jorge Rodrigues, author of the unofficial blog of the CCC on the Internet that "the implementation of the CCC fills the empty space of a fully dedicated building to culture in the county of Caldas da Rainha." "With the overthrow of the House of Culture and demolition of the Theatre Pinheiro Chagas, the auditorium of Pimpoes was for more than two decades, the only room of shows at the service of the county, a true public service to culture. However it was necessary, required a place with better acoustics, of larger dimensions and better technical conditions ", refers.

For the City Council, the CCC "will be a place of discovery, innovation, debate and education for culture in its most diverse areas and demonstrations, for all movements, from Classic to Alternative."

"This is a project that calls for the combination of values between the business, tourism, culture, the arts and entertainment, bringing more diverse cultural products of their public, with the aim of promoting the welfare of the population and development forming into a new paradigm of opportunity", maintains, adding that "it is also why the CCC presents itself as a place of unique conditions for the holding of congresses, conferences and professional meetings."

Silver Coast can now host the best shows and that makes for a even more interesting place to live!

New property solutions

The Royal Obidos Golf Resort (Silver Coast – Portugal) will be one of the two ventures of the group Ocean in Portugal that will adopt a new solution of fractional ownership, in which it will be possible unlimited use of housing and services associated within the group.

This solution, called Prestige Fractional Ocean, is also available for residential units of Vilamoura Golf Resort & Garden and will be presented in London.

In traditional fractional ownership acquired the property can only be used on specific dates, being unavailable the rest of the year to be leased and explored.

In this alternative to each "villa" are associated eight owners, who may use unlimited, more flexible, units of five stars of the group Ocean, and access to concierge service, transfers, a golf club, among others.

This flexible fractional ownership already has been practised since 1992 in the USA, where the group Ocean as part of this solution provides the Little River Golf & Resort (in North Carolina).

In the Portuguese market, the flexible fractional ownership will be available in Vilamoura, from 250 thousand euros per fraction, and in Obidos, from 175 thousand euros per fraction,

The Royal Obidos Golf Resort is a partnership between the MSF and the Ocean Group, has been classified by the Portuguese Agency for Investment with the status of Project of National Interest (PIN).

The venture will have a golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros and includes a hotel and holiday villages of four and five stars. It is still scheduled to be built with a club-house facilities for leisure, golf academy, tennis club, Spa and Health Club, multipurpose sports area, country club with room for nursery and children's games, cyber cafe, library, restaurant and bar and shopping.

Built on an area of 130 hectares, the Royal Obidos provides for the construction of 620 residential units and 2,252 beds, whose development will be divided into several phases. The planned total investment is 160 million.

Silver Coast receives International Meeting of Archaeology

The auditorium of the City Council of Torres Vedras will receive from 1st to May 5th, an International Meeting of Archaeology under the theme "Vases (bell-beakers): Symbols of a European Community Cultural 5,000 years ago."

This initiative brings together specialists from different countries (Portugal, Spain, Morocco, France, Switzerland, Italy, England, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Slovakia) that share knowledge and experience in this subject.

According to a press release off the municipality, this meeting aims to "create a basis for discussion, understanding and explanation of the subject - widespread throughout Europe in the 2nd half of the 3rd Millennium a. C. -- Addressing it in different regional contexts."

The discovery of those vases in various parts of Europe indicate the existence of regular trading on the old continent five thousand years ago and, in consequence, of a community that has emerged from that European cultural exchange, which was accompanied by other events such as domestication of the horse or the use of the wheel. It is the appearance of such cultural community that is ultimately the "Bell-beaker phenomenon."

Under this meeting are planned visits to sites related to the themes of the same, as the Castro of Zambujal, the Penedo of Lexim (Mafra), Leceia (Oeiras), the Museum of Cascais, Perdigoes (Reguengos de Monsaraz) and Alcalar (Portimão ).

In parallel with this meeting will feature, from April 30th to August 31st, the Leonel Trinidad Municipal Museum, in Torres Vedras, an exhibition with the same theme of the meeting.

This exhibition aims to be a starting point for a debate on the "Bell-beaker phenomenon ", presenting the results of the latest archaeological research in this field, held in various parts of Europe.

Reservations for guided visits to this exhibition, which has an itinerant nature, shall be made by phone number 261310484.

Silver Coast translates for Quality...

The National Council of Ministers approved the partial suspension of the Municipal Director Plan of Obidos, for a period of two years.

A measure, that provides ease pressure on urban ecologically sensitive areas, particularly near the coastline and the Lagoon. A government resolution published in the Daily Republic; identifies preventive measures, "aimed at the development of projects of high quality and sustainable development of the area, which involves the reduction in the rate of construction planned in the Municipal Directorate Plan in force."

Preventive measures are the ban on the holding of any urban operations, except those for the creation of holiday villages and Hotels that respect the constraints imposed, in particular with certain index of construction and environmental surroundings.

Quality development is the future for Obidos and Silver Coast in general.

Silver Coast, New Shopping Centre inspired by local culture

The future shopping center that Sonae Sierra intends to build between the hypermarket Modelo and the Health Centre of Caldas da Rainha is inspired by the legacy of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a famous figure of the town.

The request for prior information given by the company in the local City Council has presented the study pictures of a North-American company based in Texas - the fd2s - with clear references to Ze Povinho and other creations by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

The Rainha Shopping provides throughout its surrounding images of the universe of the ceramist, according to a protocol that Sonae Sierra signed with the Faiancas Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. "We want the local habitants to review the local heritage in our building, and recognize what is their tradition and their culture," explained in prior note.

According to the initial designs submitted by the Texan company, Ze Povinho, tiles and ceramics from Faiancas will decorate the future shopping centre.

The fd2s has worked with Sonae in preparing the project for a shopping in Campinas, Brazil. The park D. Pedro is "the first shopping centre of thematic and specialized "of the country, according to its presentation on the Internet "The pioneer model of the Park D. Pedro is allied to the welfare and entertainment of the local community and special concern with the environment, "added.

As to the draft architecture, it is now the responsibility of Quintela Jose da Fonseca, after the Department of Planning and Urbanism (DPU) of City Council, raising some doubts about the integration planning and excessive volume the first draft presented.

The new project is more appealing to the Mayor, according to Gazeta,. But still there is no official position on the prior information.

Sonae Sierra refers, in the document presented, that they want to "develop a building 'icon', a landmark for the city, with a design of rounded forms, vertical development in terraces, with the clear objective of reducing the visual volume." Flower pots were made with natural landscaping, "thus removing the impact that the three floors could create regarding the street and passers-by."

The air link between the new building and Modelo Hypermarket, considered crucial in terms of trade and use, "is also an event in terms of Urban Design and Design." According to the images available, the impact of such air link in the new proposal is smaller than the previous one, because it is done in an area below.

The planned investment in the project is estimated of 50 million. The prior information submitted will now be examined by the DPU and the city council executive.

Obidos, Researchers prepare solutions for sustainability

The council of Obidos gave the following task to the StaR course, which occurred in Obidos from 7 to April 11: to develop practical solutions in order to transform the beautiful medieval town in an Eco-Town for a sustainable future.

The program STaR City brought together young researchers with multidisciplinary skills and aims to find solutions to current environmental issues and thus contribute to sustainable urban development in Europe.

Obidos has a great opportunity to become the first Portuguese village to reach the point of zero-emissions through the optimization of existing infrastructure, introduction of renewable energy, sustainable solutions to transport and waste management.

This course has a special focus on intelligent infrastructure systems, sustainable transport, sustainable tourism, evaluation of impacts, challenges to local authorities and others to be addressed by young researchers. The Municipality of Obidos and STaR encourages groups to submit ideas and new solutions for the future development of this town, to be replicated in other communities in Europe. Municipal authorities emerged with a vision that points to the creation of a new standard for urban spaces in Portugal and the results that flow from this event can be replicated in many other Portuguese communities.

The challenges and impacts of tourism are recognized in all municipalities and have been taking this into account which reached a basis for cooperation. The concept of Eco-Town, once implemented, should, first, protect the local environment of the negative impacts of tourism and, second, become a reference and have a role in attraction as a catalyst for the planning and improving quality of life. Funded by the Marie Curie programme, the STaR City is a unique project composed of a series of events covering the four key sectors in sustainable urban development: energy, transportation, waste management and urban planning.

The participants, students in doctoral and post-doctoral, with different skills from different disciplines and countries, provided the basis for innovative solutions and discussed real problems within the theme of sustainable solutions. They were also present, in large, internationally renowned experts, together with representatives from universities-edge, businesses, municipal and national authorities as well as the European Union.

Silver Coast and Obidos, always looking for improvement!

Silver Coast gains accessibility… and even more value

Starting March, the Government is going to open the concession contest for the connection of highways A8 and A1 in the Leiria area. It will be called "Concession of the Western Coast". Announced by the Prime-Minister, Jose Socrates, during the Parliament debate carried out last Friday, the 28th of February, 2008.

Obviously good news for the Silver Coast, as the accessibility is increased considerably, since A1 is the most important highway in Portugal. Needless to say, this event adds to what is already a very significant market value, and for a good reason, as you can’t sincerely find a flaw to this beautiful stretch of the Portuguese territory.

Airport discussion in Portugal: Comparison between Ota and Alcochete

Public consult can be done in several Town Council City Halls or by Internet

NAER – New Airport, INC. gave beginning on the 1st of February and by a term of 30 working days, a period of public consultation in the predicted assessment of Strategic Environmental Evaluation (AAE), on the basis of the "Study for the Compared Technical Analysis of the Alternatives of Location of the New Airport of Lisbon, in the Ota area and the Shooting Field of Alcochete area.”

The procedure of public consultation is one of the phases of the Strategic Environmental Evaluation (SEE or AAE) process, predicted in the LAW nº 232/2007, of 15th of June.

In this period, of public consultation that is in course, there can be sent to the NAER, observations and suggestions on the part of public entities, associations, organizations, non governmental groups and people of the public in general.

NAER, while promoter entity of the SEE (or AAE), has made available on the Internet, at www.naer.pt, all the documentation about the process, that can also be consulted at its own installations in Lisbon.

That same documentation is also available at several Town Council City Halls, such as Alcochete, Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, Azambuja, Benavente, Cadaval, Cartaxo, Coruche, Loures, Mafra, Moita, Montemor-o-Novo, Montijo, Palmela, Rio Maior, Salvaterra de Magos, Santarem, Setubal, Sobral do Monte Agraco, Torres Vedras, Vendas Novas and Vila Franca de Xira.

The SEE will incorporate the environmental values in the decision process. The documentation for consulting includes the RCM of January the 10th, the Environmental Report, and the Non Technical Resume, elaborated by the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LNEC).

Even though it’s seems like a “done deal” for Alcochete, Ota has it’s hopes and the definite outcome of this will result in the future major airport in Portugal, which has every investor in suspense…

Carnival in The Silver Coast

As if the Silver Coast wasn´t interesting as it is, anyone visiting Portugal this time of year can't help but notice that this is the place to be!

Between Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos, Peniche and Torres Vedras, take your pick, as there is no shortage of festivities, and overall healthy fun. Mask contests everywhere and the espectacular Carnival Parades or Street Dances and Evening Balls.

Obviously, the Carnival is another important manifestation of the portuguese culture and yet again, another exemple of the economic and tourisitic potential of this part of Portugal.

Everyear, more and more people discover the Silver Coast (aka West Coast), and naturally, just can't find it in them to leave. Land property investments just can't go wrong here, because either it's for your own use or not, it's always a win-win situation here in sunny Portugal.

How To Invest in Portugal - Things to know

Silver Coast Investments
Plot and Construction or Self Build projects

This is an excellent way to buy a dream holiday home or an overseas investment property in the Silver Coast region of Portugal. This option of buying a piece of land and then designing and constructing a property will take more time and effort but not necessarily more money!

Things to know about buying a piece of land or a plot in Portugal

Urban Land - This is land that is qualified as either

1. A built up area
2. Land capable of development
3. Land required to maintain an ecological balance with in an urban area

Agricultural or Rural Land – This is land that cannot be built on unless the piece of land in question is with in the PDM urbanisation plan. Rural land is divided into categories

1. Forestry
2. Natural spaces
3. Cultural spaces
   

The PDM (Plano Director Municipal) - this is based on local development strategy as well as regional and national policy. It is a master plan for the district, and establishes the basic classification and qualification of land, construction densities in accordance with local infrastructures, present and future.

Land or Plot with Viability – This is urban land that has been given the permission to construct a property or properties with a designated amount of area for construction. This means that a project still has to be submitted to the local council by a licensed Portuguese architect and approved before any construction work can begin. The length of time for a project to be approved once it has been submitted by an architect is a minimum of 3 months.

Land or Plot with Project Approved – This is urban land with a project that has been submitted to the local council and has been approved. The approved project has to be built to the exact specification of the architectural plans. If changes are made to the plan then this will have to be re-approved by the local council.

Construction Licence – This licence is issued once a project has been approved.

Habitation Licence – This licence is issued when the construction is complete and the property has passed all the necessary inspections.

Financing Land – In Portugal the banks will only finance a plot or a piece of land once a project has been approved. In general the Portuguese banks will offer 80% of the total valuation of the plot and the cost of construction. This figure is then split normally to cover a 100% of the construction and up to 50% of the plot. For further information on financing please contact steve[at]portugalpropertyloans.com .

Some of the plots that are currently for sale with MovePortugal
LISTINGS:.

• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Foz do Arelho 64


• Property for sale in Portugal : Land Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto Plot


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Lourinha Porto Dinheiro 137


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Obidos plot of land 140


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Plot for multiple construction Torres Vedras Silver Coast 537


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Plot project approved near Torres Vedras Silver Coast 539


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Caldas da Rainha 150


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Nadadouro Foz do Arelho for construction 166


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Plot 168


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Land 179


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Caldas da Rainha Plot 253


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Caldas da Rainha Land 254


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Plot of land for construction near S Martinho do Porto Silver Coast 566


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Serra do Bouro 280


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Obidos Plot


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast Obidos Land


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Silver Coast project approved Foz do Arelho


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Plot in Atalaia Lourinha Silver Coast


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Plot in Praia da Areia Branca Lourinha Silver Coast


• Property for Sale in Portugal : Plot for construction in Foz do Arelho Silver Coast