Long loved by the British for holidays and permanent living alike, Portugal had some fantastic properties on offer, whether you are looking to invest in a holiday home or looking to live there full time, there is bound to be something that fits your criteria of the ‘ideal home’.

Portugal has areas which are particularly ‘touristy’ and therefore a lot busier and popular with other Brits. The Algarve is a great example of this, there are thousands of British people living there, and thousands more visit each and every year. This would be a good place to go if you want to be near people who speak English; however the prices may be higher due to a greater demand.

The type of property which you look for will really depend on the lifestyle you want to live, the area you choose to live in, and what specifications you have for a property. You may dream of walking out of your city apartment onto cobbled high streets to browse shops and sip coffee in local cafes. Perhaps you want a villa overlooking fields for the children to play in, and a swimming pool to relax by on those hot summer days.

Whichever your dream, Portugal will have the property to suit. The prices, although rising slowly, are very cheap and for the same price as a 3 bedroom house in the UK, you could get a bigger house with a pool and hot weather in Portugal! If it is the slow paced, rural lifestyle that floats your boat then there are certainly a lot of places to choose from. Further north is the less touristy areas of Portugal and here you will find quaint villages with traditional, local people and properties to match. Prices will be much lower here as there is less demand, though be prepared to learn Portuguese if you plan on getting by day to day.

Flats and apartments can be found in the cities and towns and are great for couples or retirees who do not want the responsibility of a larger property. The majority of townhouses have parking or garages so it is easy to keep a car in the town centres.

Renovation projects can be found all over the country, whether it’s in a rural countryside, or an old town, there is always something for the D.I.Y guru in you. The estate agents will know anything that is available within their area so even if you are just thinking about a renovation, have a look at a few sites to get an idea of the kind of thing that is available if you decide to go ahead with it.