Portugal has long been a popular destination for Britons looking to move abroad. Portugal is close enough to the UK if anything were to go wrong back home, yet far away enough to have a completely different climate. It is the weather, as much as the way of life that attracts people to the shores of this wonderful country. If you decide that Portugal is the place for you then the long task of researching will begin.

The first place you are likely to go to research Portugal is the internet. There is so much information out there that it may be a bit overwhelming at first. Try to start with the bigger points by searching for ‘move to Portugal’. This will bring up all the general things such as if it is possible for you to live there, if you need a visa etc. the internet is also home to many forums and blog sites where people who are perhaps in the same position as you, or those who have made the move to Portugal already are willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. Expat forums are a great way to find honest answers to any questions you may have about moving to and living in Portugal.

It is not just the internet that is useful. Good old fashioned books can provide a lot of information on just one page and more often than not, have random little facts that you would otherwise not find. Go to your nearest bookshop and peruse the travel section for books on Portugal. There will be everything from guides to holidaying there to books on the Portuguese culture and lifestyle. As with any country, it is important that you understand the country you are moving to. It might be worth subscribing to an overseas magazine that features Portugal as this is a good way to keep up to date with current issues there.

Once the initial research has been exhausted, it will be time to look at properties in Portugal. Rightmove Overseas has one of the largest online property portfolios for foreign property and there is bound to be something there that suits both your taste and your budget. They can be found online at www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property.html

You might also find it useful to attend a road show, perhaps like the ones organised by A Place in the Sun. at the road shows you will find estate agents, solicitors and property developers; everyone you need to talk to about moving abroad, and they will all be on hand to give out free advice and information.

Lastly, why not pop down to your local estate agents. Many agents in the UK will have links to overseas agents and they will be able to recommend someone for you to see when you visit the country. You might also find that they have their own selection of overseas properties for you to view.