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

Amendment to the PDM allows private hospital in Nazare

In order to allow the installation of a health unit of private capital in a land of 30 hectares located in the Royal Path, in Pederneira, the City Council of Nazare has initiated a process to amend the Municipal Director Plan (PDM).

This amendment, advanced by the local authority announced and approved at meeting of a municipal executive in the past day August 11, focuses on the land chosen for the location of the new hospital of the future, addressed in the PDM by two different classifications, one part in the area of tourist development of the town, and the other in forested areas. The use of the land should now be done, with equipment assigned to the occupation of collective nature of regional relevance, in an amendment to PDM which will articulate itself with the plans, projects and programmes under way for that zone, from which stand out the first review PDM and the Urban Plan of Pederneira.

The municipality justifies this amendment to the "strategic importance of the investment" that represents the installation of a hospital in Nazare, vanguard - with cutting-edge technology and part of research - and its proximity to the future variant of the National Road 242 and the IC9. Another argument raised is that, in addition to not allow the construction unit of health, the PDM currently in force no longer corresponds "to the current strategy of tourism development of Nazare, which now passes through areas such as S. Giao, Caixins and North Beach, "where the detailed plans are already underway.

To discuss the changes in the PDM the municipality will allow a period of 15 days of participation, with suggestions for the formulation and submission of relevant information. It follows a period of 180 days to make the necessary and final changes.

It is recalled that the hospital to be constructed is a result of a protocol between the City of Nazare and the Chamber of Commerce Israel-Portuguese and represents an investment which amounts to 100 million. The area of deployment of the building, which should take a bold appearance, will occupy about 10 square meters.

European tour operators visit the Silver Coast, Portugal

On days 1, 2 and 3, of June, took place a professional visit to the Silver Coast and West region of Portugal, by 20 tour operators from several European countries, particularly Germany, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Spain.

It was undertaken in cooperation with tour operator in Portugal DMC, one of the largest suppliers of customers for the western region.

At the choice of the DMC, the hotel Marriott Beach d 'El Rey, in Obidos, hosted large part of the event, where he held a workshop between "vendors / suppliers", also extended to companies in the area of Estoril and the Blue Coast.

Were also visited the Westin Hotel Campo Real and its golf course, the Quinta do Sanguinhal, where there was a wine tasting, Obidos and the bar Ibn Errik Rex, where he was sampled the ginja (cherry liquor) of Obidos, the Golden Eagle golf course, the Bom Sucesso golf course design, to open in September, the Laguna de Obidos and Cape Carvoeiro. There was still time for a golf tournament in Praia d'El Rey Golf Resort.

These promotional trips fall into the philosophy of bringing the Silver Coast, West Region to the eyes, ears and stomach of some of the top European tourism operators.

Lisbon Real Estate Exhibition - Oct. 22 - 26 FIL Portugal

The fair will be holding the latest edition of SIL (Lisbon Real Estate Exhibition). Lisbon, Portugal.

Associação dos Profissionais e Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária de Portugal (APEMIP) - APEMIP

Oct. 22 - 26 FIL (The International Fair of Lisbon)

In its 10th edition, the Lisbon Real Estate Fair (SIL) will present some news: a new image, a new calendar date, from October 24th – 28th, a renewed Organizing Committee, New Discount Policies and a new team, amongst many more. In 2007 the challenge is even bigger, the relevance of this event as a mandatory meeting point for businessmen, technicians and potential buyers, make it a national reference for the sector with international projection, which already secured presence in the calendar of international events competing with the main similar events in Europe.

For further information's please go to http://www.imobiliario.fil.pt/ Lisbon , Portugal

International Exhibition for the Construction and Industry - CONCRETA

CONCRETA (International Exhibition for the Construction and Industry) will be held from 1 October 2008 at EXPONOR. Porto, Portugal.

Porto, Portugal - Associação dos Profissionais e Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária de Portugal (APEMIP) - APEMIP

International Horse Jumping Competition

This Thursday, May 29, 2008 begins the edition of the Vimeiro jumping competition, at the Horse Riding Center of the Golf Mar Hotel (Silver Coast-Portugal).

It is one of the 70 most important competitions of the international circuit, in a universe of 3700 competitions authorized by the International Equestrian Federation, named for the qualification of the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008 and the Championship of Europe 2009

The CSI of four stars and a Prize Money of 165 thousand Euros, the largest awarded so far in the Vimeiro jumping competition, are the big news of this year's edition.

The 2008 season, which has Margarida Pinto Correia and Luis Represas as special guests, includes a total of six competitions - four international, one national and the championship of Portugal - which is held between May 29^th and October 5^th.

The first CSI, the 4 star Vimeiro runs from May 29^th and June 1^st. The capacity of 260 horses is already filled, assuring largest and best-ever participation in the Vimeiro-jumping competitions. In addition to belonging to the Portuguese Equestrian Tour, this contest is qualifying for the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and the Championship of Europe in 2009.

This circuit has its first edition in 2008, and it started with the CSIO 5 * of Lisbon, following after Vimeiro for CSI 4 * Ponte de Lima, CSI 4 * of Portimao and ends within a month, with the CSI 4 * of Vilamoura. This dynamic initiative surely puts Portugal as a prime destination of choice for horse riding in the international scene, favouring the Portuguese Tourism.

In this contest are represented 18 countries, among which stand out jocks Caytano Martinez de Irujo (ESP), Robert and Ellen Whitaker (ENG), Francois Mathy Jr. (BEL), Henk Van de Pol and Leon Thijssen (NED), Billu Twomey and Cameron Hanley (IRL), Pedro Andarade (Brazil) and the Portuguese Joao Chuva, Sabino Goncalves and three times national champ Marina Frutuoso de Melo.

One of the attractions of the combined jumps of Vimeiro Contests will be the "Kid Center”. With 700 m², animators and several activities, and teaching for all children who visit the Riding Centre these days.

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!

Silver Coast sees high level Surfing

Peniche (Silver Coast – Portugal) hosted the Rip Curl Pro Junior surfing championship at the beach of Supertubos assured of world-class waves.

This year the event, originally scheduled for four days, had only three, after a joint decision with the organisation, Rip Curl, and the four athletes in the semi-final. Instead the decision to postpone the last day of waiting time, decided to end while there still where waves, at a time when the sea gave up a jump - a gift of more great waves from Peniche, as throughout the competition, and did not failed to appear at a time when the four best surfers of the event where found.

The semi-finals were held in French, by Maxime Huscenot and Marc Lacomare, France, and Medi Verminardi and Adrien Toyon, Reunion Islands, which were the athletes most in form throughout the championship, and in the last heat of the day, easily showed why
They put out a great show for the finals, hard fought, between Medi and Marc, ending a victory smile by the latter.

Medi Verminardi known for his extreme kindness and professionalism, coupled with a huge stamina for surfing. The youngster from Reunion Island made much of the championship injured, having twisted the foot on the first day of competition, and still reached the final, even though he was limping from the beach: "I am very happy, I made it to the end, even a little injured, but this is a wave that I love. Where you can make great tubes, or than when it is small, because I love when I can make many manoeuvres and Peniche offers all kinds of ramps, it seems like a skate park."

For Marc Lacomare the victory was very important and was dedicated to his mother’s birthday. This result is very important for the intentions of Lacomare, aimed to be the next European champion: "This victory makes me feel very happy, I can hardly wait for the next event, these waves in Peniche helped very much, it was always possible to find a tube, a section to blast, or a wave with sufficient quality to make a contest here."

The three Portuguese who were better classified all lost in quarter-finals of heats with four men - Frederico Morais, Cesar Rosa and Vasco Ribeiro all finished equal 13th place, which is a result to improve in the future, but which can now count to fight for the top spots of the international Pro Junior circuit.

Antonio Pedro, from Alfarroba, organizer of the event, was very happy with the championship held, even if forced to cut one day of competition: "Great sun, many waves, very good surfing, and an opportunity for the Portuguese surfers to compete with the best waves and the best surfers. The beach of Supertubos was always packed with fans, with many following an event that will remain in the memory of surfers and surf fans alike, for many years to come."

Silver Coast and sport tourism, the best combination for the smart real estate investor

Creative Communities for the Silver Coast

The application "Creative Clusters in Urban Areas of Low Density", recently approved by the European Union, will be led by the Municipality of Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal). It was one of the 24 approved applications, among 120 projects across Europe.

This is a partnership with four European cities (Reggio Emilia - Italy, Mizil - Romania, Enguera - Spain and Catanzaro - Italy), and aims to enhance the economic, social and territorial dynamic’s of low density areas, with creative activities functioning as motors of the local communities.

It will be then extended in a second phase, another five to seven partners, three of which need not be cities. The draft budget will be 710 thousand euros for the two phases: the first stage (development), with a period of 6 months and the second phase (implementation), with duration of 30 months).

The project is based on the assumption that the creative activities can be the driving force of economic development as well as social and territorial cohesion of small towns, against the traditional trend of exodus of the population (particularly the young population) for big cities. The creative activities, in addition to generating employment, create value and promote integrated local economic development, have also to take up as central strategies in marketing or affirmation of the image and identity of cities and/ or regions, can make it become more attractive to the establishment of new businesses, residents and visitors.

In this context, the goal is, first, attract creative people (including families of young talent, creative adults undergoing change of career and retired assets…) and, secondly, attract small businesses in the areas of creative design, crafts, Art, antiques, music, advertising and architecture, which are the result of entrepreneurship assets of talents who want to live and work in these creative communities.

Silver Coast “samples” the IX Fair of Handicrafts and Flavours

Until April 30 the inscriptions are open to the participation of artisans in the IX^th Handicrafts and Flavours Fair, at Sobral de Monte Agraco – Silver Coast of Portugal.

The fair will take place in the Parque Verde das Bandorreiras, on the 7^th and 8^th of June and will include music, art as well as street animation throughout the week-end.

Entries must be made in the Municipal Library of Sobral de Monte Agraco through the location Rua (street) do Municipio, 2590-038 Sobral de Monte Agraco, the phone number 261948265 or by fax 261948266.

Golf at the Silver Coast

The detailed plan of the golf course, to be deployed on the land between Alfeizerao and S. Martinho do Porto as well as for a hotel near the picture perfect bay is already being prepared.

With a total of 16 holes, the green is planned for a land classified as agricultural reserve, but its construction is justified because it is "a project of great interest to the region" as guarantees the vice Mayor of Alcobaca, Carlos Bonifacio. Therefore the municipality wants to closely monitor the development detail plan, which responsibility of creation was delegated to the private group promoting the enterprise, through the private buildings council.

More tourists, generating more wealth and more jobs are the major advantages given to projects whose protocol between promoters and the local authority of Alcobaca should be signed soon. Political rivals PS and PSD together make for a majority in favour of an investment whose study of environmental impact, already completed and without any problems reported, still hasn’t convinced the CDU, which also criticizes the over-supply of such equipment.

Silver Coast is slowly becoming a force to reckon with in the golf tourism business.

Crazy Cars race the Silver Coast

The second edition of the Crazy Cars Race is back to Caldas da Rainha on May 25th, a Sunday, with the inscriptions under way until the contest day.

After having participated last year about 100 people, divided into 18 teams and some individual shares, the councillor Hugo Oliveira hopes that in 2008 the participation level will be even greater. "We want to have more crazy cars and to involve more people, encouraging their creativity and at the same time to make disclose more about our city," explained the councillor for Youth.

Apart from building an original and no motor car that travels the streets of Caldas da Rainha, participants must also participate in a proof of knowledge, responding to several questions about the city. This time there will also be some physical evidence.

As for cars, there are no limits to the imagination. They can be processed bicycles, cars, bearings, skates, roller blades or other means of transportation other than motor. According to Hugo Oliveira, there are groups that have started to build their cars, but there is still time for new subscriptions. The deadline for admission is up to 13:00, on the day of the race.

There will be two categories, individual and in groups and in both cases is distinguishing the means of transport that has the greatest creativity (60%) and best score in the test of knowledge (40%). The first prize will be a week-end in a European capital, but is not yet defined the destination. The second and third prize will be a week-end in a youth hostel.

Last year the winners were a group of students of the Training Centre for the metal industry (Cenfim) and Claudino Moreira.

The route will start in front of Town Hall, crossing the street Herois da Grande Guerra, among other streets, and ending at the statue of Queen Leonor.

In the first edition, the fact that the route required cutting traffic off of several streets was very complicated, even taking into account the fact that it wasSunday, which caused many complaints. So, this year, was chosen pedestrian areas for the race.

Since Hugo Oliveira is also responsible for the Trade matters at City Hall, he wants to use this event to encourage more people to come to the city on a Sunday afternoon and make their purchases. "What people have had this experience in Caldas on a Sunday afternoon?”

The City Hall has already contacted the trade association for this entity awareness among its members at the centre of Caldas to be open doors for the day. The municipality also defies traders to join the initiative.

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.

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!

Top 15 Reasons to invest in Silver Coast Property

The information below, reasons to invest in Silver Coast property, is focused on the economic considerations, future investments and infrastructure in the Silver Coast region of Portugal.

1. A Pricewaterhouse Coopers and a Place in the Sun report put the Silver Coast Portugal within the top three countries most likely to make you the most money in the next 10 years.
   
2. A report by the Strategic National Tourism Plan states that the tourism receipts will increase to 12 thousand million (12 billion) by 2015 and the report also concludes the Silver Coast will be one of the main growth areas.
   
3. Portugal and especially the Silver Coast have strict planning regulations that will ensure the low density of new developments and keep the supply and demand levels balanced.


4. Portugal is rapidly becoming centre stage for eco-investments within the Euro zone. And the Silver Coast is no exception with signs of renewable energy dotting the countryside.
   Investments into solar panel farms, wind turbines, wave turbines and eco-villages are attracting blue chip corporations and high net worth investors into the area.
   
5. According to Barclays bank the number of Irish and British citizens who plan to buy abroad will double in the next 5 years.
   
6. Until 2013 the EU plan to fund €8.8 million per day to improve the Portuguese economy and infrastructure.
   
7. Portugal can be seen as a low risk, established and safe investment environment.
   
8. Portugal has a long established tourism market and you will find close to 100% occupancy in the summer months in the most popular tourist spots, including Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho and Obidos.
   
9. Portugal, the UK and Ireland all adhere to the EU double taxation treaties allowing non-residential Portuguese property owners to avoid double taxation including capital gains tax and rental income tax.
   
10. The Portuguese banks encourage non-residents to take out a Portuguese mortgage and the process is relatively easy to obtain an 80% LTV interest only mortgage.
    
11. Terminal 2 at Lisbon airport was opened for business this year 2008 to increase the volume of low cost airline traffic to the capital.
    
12. A new TGV high speed rail link Lisbon to Madrid is planned for 2010 with completion by 2015. The TGV will reduce the journey from Lisbon to Madrid to 3 hours from currently 10 hours.
    
13. Two new modern state of the art shopping centres are to be built in Caldas da Rainha. One to be finished in spring 2008 and the other in spring 2009. One of these projects will be built be the Sonae Group. www.sonae.pt. They will consist of shops, supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants.
    
14. A Jurassic Theme Park is to be built in the town Lourinha with the construction to start in 2010 with the intention to attract more than 250,000 visitors a year.
    


15. Finally and most importantly 4 new 18 hole championship golf courses are currently under construction in the council's of Obidos and Caldas da Rainha. They are Royal Obidos, Falaesia del Rei, Rainha Golf and Bom Successo. All of these golf courses will include luxury villas and apartments plus 5 start hotels thus making the Silver coast area of Portugal a dominant force in the world of golf tourism.
    

MOVEPORTUGAL - INVESTMENTS
Tailor-made Solutions
Contact: steve[at]moveportugal.com

Why use a currency broker???

Many people do not plan or even realise the effect of currency fluctuations and take a significant risk with their finances when they buy property or invest abroad.
Currency fluctuations can affect a house purchase, savings or pension/mortgage payments, and every year many people lose money through lack of knowledge or good advice.

When transferring funds abroad people should consider the exchange rate, the costs involved in transferring large amounts of money and the personal service that foreign exchange companies are able to give.

There are a number of currency exchange services that these companies can offer to help clients moving money abroad. Along with competitive exchange rates, you have the option to:

1. Purchase a forward contract. We can fix the exchange rate for your purchase up to one year in advance
2. Make a same-day, urgent payment
3. Use our market watch service. We monitor the currency market for you and let you know when it reaches a pre-agreed rate
4. Set up regular transfers to cover, for example, mortgage payments or living expenses

The first mistake most people make is assuming their bank is the best option for transferring large sums of money. However, most banks charge hefty transfer fees and offer poor exchange rates. Savings can be between 0.5% and 3% of the amount being transferred.

This can mean that on a one-off transfer of €150,000, a bank may cost up to £2,000 more than a currency broker.

For further information here are a couple currency brokers that MovePortugal recommend.

http://www.worldfirst.com/
Tel: 0800 0305015
Contact: Elisabeth Dobson

http://www.sgm-fx.com/
Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1740
Contact: Daniel Collier

A new airport is announced by Portugal’s Prime Minister

Jose Socrates, the Portuguese Prime Minister has made it official, and even though there has been some indecision and public discussion around where should it be built, there is no doubt that a new airport is on the way. The total cost of the new airport is estimated around 4.9 billion Euros, and the definitive location will be the Alcochete area (just under 12 miles from Lisbon), just south of the Tagus River.

This is excellent news for anyone who has his eyes set on investing near this area, especially the Silver Coast, or even the Blue Coast. The boost that this news will give to the value of properties in striking distance is huge. The gain in accessibility is bound to reward all the foreign property investors that seize this opportunity for new investments/ additions to their property portfolio.

Taking in order that the Algarve is now so priced out and with all the building restrictions down there, one can only expect that many investors should get hold of the best properties in the Silver Coast and even the Blue Coast of Portugal while they can.

Anyone receptive to a good opportunity in this business should contact Move Portugal, as it is pretty much the complete package. Any information just ask us.

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

Oeste - The Silver Coast Property Investment Guide

At the new MovePortugal Blog Spot would like to share our exceptional knowledge of the Silver Coast.

We plan to keep you updated with important news that will be helpful to potential buyers who want to invest in this wonderful area.
Coming soon we will be sharing hot of the press information with you like the construction of new shopping centres, golfing developments, Marinas and hotels.


For the newcomers to the OESTE region of Portugal or for those of you that have recently discovered the magic of the ‘Costa de Prata’ or better known as the Silver Coast we would like to start by introducing you to the key towns and villages in the area and the key facts about their locations.


Today we are concentrating on the coastline between Obidos Lagoon and Sao Martinho bay.

Areas to Invest
Serra do Bouro – Oeste - Capital Growth Investment
Key Facts :

Current square meter value: 1000 – 1200m2
Capital Growth Prospect: HIGH
Rental prospect: Currently LOW – MEDIUM
Location: Between two popular tourist destinations Foz do Arelho and Sao Martinho
Types of Views: Country
Local Amenities: Cafes, Restaurants
Tourist Attractions: Obidos Lagoon, Foz do Arelho and Sao Martinho Beaches
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.45507,-9.18095,11
Future projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels
Nearest major town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 45 minutes
Type of property to buy: Plots for construction, old buildings/villas for restoration

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto Portugal



• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto Portugal



• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro 4 bed detached house Portugal

Foz do Arelho / Nadadouro -Oeste – Capital Growth Investment & Rental Income
Key Facts :

Current square meter value: 1500-2000m2 (dependant on the views, quality of finish and age of property)
Capital Growth Prospect: MEDIUM
Rental Prospects: 90% occupancy for summer 2007 - HIGH
Location: Situated at the entrance of the famous Obidos Lagoon
Types of views: Lagoon, Sea, Beach and Country
Local Amenities: Beach Cafes, Restaurants, Mini Supermarket, Butchers, Hairdressers, Pharmacy, Night Club Tourist Attractions: Beach bars, Night Club ( http://www.discotecagreenhill.com/ ) Surfing ( http://escolasurfoz.com/ ), Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing, Hobby Cat ( http://escoladeveladalagoa.com/), Jet Ski
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.43601,-9.21445,11
Future Projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels, Nature walks and wooden bridges around and across the Obidos Lagoon
Nearest major town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 45 minutes
Type of property to buy: Villas, Plots for constructions and sea or lagoon view apartments and town houses.

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho - oeste -Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Apartment for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale - Land Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale Portugal - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• 5 year old Apartment for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale - Apartment Sea views Foz do Arelho Silver Coast Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Oeste Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos Portugal



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Atalaia Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos villa 3 bed



• Rural Property for Sale Portugal - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho for construction



• Property for Sale Oeste - Silver Coast Nadadouro obidos lagoon Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Villa in Nadadouro Foz do Arelho



• Property for Restoration - Silver Coast Portugal



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Portugal project approved



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Villa Nadadouro Foz do Arelho



• Property for Sale Oeste - Silver Coast off-plan villas Foz do Arelho

Salir do Porto – Capital Growth & Rental income
Key Facts

Current square meter value: 1200-1500m2
Capital Growth Prospect: Medium-High
Rental Prospects: Medium
Location: Coastal town between São Martinho and Foz do Arelho
Type of views: Sea, beach and country
Local amenities: Cafés, Restaurants, Beach
Tourist attractions: Large sand dunes and nature trails
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.49684,-9.1527,11
Future Projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels
Nearest Major Town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 50 minutes
Type of property to buy: New villas, offplan villas, restoration projects, Land

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Salir do Porto - Oeste Portugal



• Property Off Plan - Silver Coast - Salir do Porto Portugal



• Property for Sale - off-plan Silver Coast Salir do Porto Portugal



• Business for Sale Portugal - Restaurant Salir do Porto Silver Coast



• Property for Sale Portugal - Off-plan investment in Salir do Porto Silver Coast Portugal

Portugal - Buying Guide Tax & Finance

It is important for those of you who will be purchasing a property in Portugal in the near furture to understand the buying process and the buying costs of the unique Portuguese system.

I would like to introduce myself as the resident FA (financial adviser). I have been living in Portugal fo the last 6 years and have been running a independant financial consultancy business in Portugal for the last 3 years supporting non-resident individuals and companies in rasing finance, providing fiscal representation and developing tax efficency structures.

The great team at MovePortugal have kindly let me put a simple but informative buying guide together for their prospective clients and allowing me to respond to your questions relating to tax & finance in Portugal.

STEP BY STEP

1. Use a Portuguese licensed real estate like MovePortugal.com
   
2. Obtain a fiscal number using a professional fiscal representation company.
   
3. Find a regulated qualified lawyer


4. Make a reservation offer to take the property off the market. This is normally non-refundable and made on the basis that a 'Promissory Contract' will be drawn up in the next 30 days.


5. The lawyer will then collect all the house documents to check everything is in order and if you are applying for a Portuguese mortgage it is advisable that you get an offer from the bank before the Promissory Contract is made.
   
6. Promissory Contract: this is drawn up by your lawyer and signed by the seller and the buyer. The conditions are negotiable, if you are taking finance I reccommend that the contract is made for 90 days until the deed of purchase.


7. Provisional Registration: this is only made when a mortgage is being used for financing the purchase. This means that the bank will make their first legal charge on the property at the local notary.


8. Property Transfer Tax (IMT): this tax is paid normally by the lawyer on your behalf a few days before the final deed.


9. Final Deed: this is made at the local notary and the seller and buyer (or the lawyer with a power of attorney) are present along with a bank representative (only when there is a mortgage).
   

PROPERTY TAXES

Property Transfer Tax (IMT)

>85,500 1%............0

85,500 – 117,200 2%............855

117,200 – 159,800 5%............4,371

159,800 – 266,400 7%............7,567

266,400 – 511,000 8%............10,231

511,000 + 6%............0

Example: Property price is €200,000 therfore....

200,000 x
7% = 14,000

14,000 - 7,567 = €6433

Stamp Duty
Property stamp duty = 0.8% x purchase price

Mortgage stamp duty = 0.6% x loan amount



LEGAL FEES
Provisional Registration (notary & registration of banks first legal charge, mortgage only)€650 (approx.)



Final Deed Registration (notary & registration of final deed) - €750 (approx.)



Lawyers Fees
1% - 1.5%


BANKING FEES (applicable for mortgages only)........


Valuation & arrangement fee
€500 (approx.)


Bank legal fee
€250 (approx.)

IN CONCLUSION

Property value from
€100,000 - €150,000
5% Buying costs (including
mortgage)



Property values from €150,000 - €200,000
5.5% - 6%
buying
costs (incl. mortgage)

Property Values from €200,000 -
€250,000
6.5%
- 7% buying costs (incl. mortgage)

Property values
from
€250,000 -
€350,000
7.5% - 8% buying costs (incl. mortgage
costs)

Property
values from €350,000 - €500,000
8% - 10% buying
costs
(incl. mortgage)

Coming soon a Glossary of important house documents that you should know the name of.

_________________

Steve Clarke

Mortgage Adviser (CeMAP)