Well, reading the newspapers there are four big stories in connection with Portugal this week…and far and away the most worrisome are the financial and political crises, a solution to which would seem to be closely linked.
Markets have long seen Portugal going the route of Ireland and Greece with a request for a bailout from the EU almost a certainty. Prime Minister Jose Socrates has said that the rejection of his latest set of austerity measures by the opposition - this even though European leaders praised them - is making matters worse and has threatened to resign if they don’t accept them. If he does resign, it will be interesting to see how a follow-on government copes with this problem…
Then of course there is the good news: two lots of British Royalty will make their presence felt in Portugal!
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are to undertake an official visit to Portugal (as well as Spain and Morocco) from 28 March to 6 April 2011. The tour will start in Lisbon where, among other things, the Prince and The Duchess will celebrate the long-standing relationship between the Portuguese and the British Navies. Historically Portugal is Britain’s oldest ally, an alliance that has lasted for no less than six centuries.
Then the country is to be honoured by that ‘King of the West End’, Andrew Lloyd Webber – or at least his music!
Evidently the national tourist agency has announced that it is to book what it calls a “succession of popular British entertainment shows and acts” in order to attract British tourists to the Algarve. This will include The Phantom of the Opera, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar plus a British band, a British jazz singer and electronic trip-hop musicians from Manchester. This entertainment scheme, called Allgarve Nations, will evidently highlight the culture of a different nation annually, with the UK first on the list. This in an endeavor to attract tourists - I don’t know about you, but frankly, if I wanted to see British theatre I would see it in the UK. As a tourist I would prefer to se something local – or maybe that’s just me?
Anyway, what may well attract more tourists is that the budget airline, Jet2, will be adding new routes to and from Faro to airports in the UK. This summer, travellers in the north of the country will have easy, inexpensive access to the Algarve for the first time, with low-cost carrier Jet2 launching services from seven northern UK destinations including direct flights from Blackpool, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. Flights start from as low as €39, which should certainly encourage more tourists to visit as well as making the UK easier to visit for the many expats who now live in Portugal.
Property professionals in Portugal are also hoping that this will help to resuscitate the local property market, which has suffered badly in the recent depression. Hopefully, with accessibility being of primary importance, this will encourage investors who want to buy second homes and let them to holidaymakers, and indeed encourage holiday makers to visit the area. Certainly if you are thinking of buying property in the area it is good news, both as a visitor and indeed if you are planning on letting out your property.
How are your plans coming along – are you still thinking of buying in Portugal?
Best wishes for the week and warm greetings,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Showing posts with label portugal buying guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portugal buying guide. Show all posts
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Cheers! Or should I say Saúde?
Sitting sipping a glass of Portuguese wine a few evenings ago I found myself wondering exactly how old the Portuguese wine industry is – “Get a life!” can I hear you say? It must be all those foodie/wine/travel programmes on TV that I have been exposed to …!
Anyway, what I didn’t expect to find when I researched this is that it stretches right back to the days of the Roman Empire – can you believe it? Indeed, if one wants to be really accurate I have seen the date 5.000 BC mooted – but let’s not get ridiculous! And strangely enough, wine continued to be made in Portugal during the Moorish occupation, in spite of alcohol being forbidden.
Exports of Portuguese wine to England can be traced back to the early twelfth century but it was only in 1703, with the signing of the Treaty of Methuen, that this trade really flourished. The treaty was signed in order to grant Portuguese wines preference over French wines – wouldn’t you know that even back then there was a distinctly frosty atmosphere between France and England? The government of the time was trying to put a stop to this lucrative trade with France – I wonder how far that got?!
And of course it is not only wine but fortified wines like Port and Madeira that Portugal produces too. I am one of that number who is totally rejected by those pompous wine aficionados, who look down their noses at anybody who likes even a remotely sweet wine. However, somebody loves me, and to my joy I have found quite a few really good semi-sweet wines too amongst the Portuguese wines.
Portugal exports many of their finest wines for you to sample at home but you will find the prices far better in Portugal than in the UK, plus there are many other wines to be found locally that don’t find their way to our shelves, so do have a look when you are there.
Also, I don’t know whether you have discovered this for yourself, but there are a number of small, private wine makers that produce some very acceptable wines –at this stage I hastily add that I am of the ‘I know what I like’ school and by no means an expert…but the ones I have bought have been great! Rather quaintly you can sometimes see clues as to where to buy these wines: a picture of a wine jar on a house wall or a farm gate may give an indication in the smaller, more rural villages. Word of mouth is good here too – locals will happily point you in the direction of some of these smaller producers. Just remember not to keep the bottle too long after you have opened it as it doesn’t keep to well…as if that needed saying!
Two of the main wine producing regions of the country, namely the Douro Valley and Pico Island, have been declared world heritage sites by UNESCO so that’s pretty prestigious and shows you how seriously wine making is taken in Portugal – indeed it is the world’s seventh largest wine-producing country. One of Portugal’s best wine making regions is in the Alentejo and - with some of my very favourite towns to be visited in the area such as Castelo de Vide and Marvao - a wine tasting visit here could be a great option.
And when I tell you that Sir Cliff Richard produces wine from his estate on the Algarve… well, you’ll know you are in good company…yes? Have you found any of the lesser known Portuguese wines that you particularly like? If so you may want to share the name with us…?
All for now – see you next week – and cheers!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Companyhttp://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Anyway, what I didn’t expect to find when I researched this is that it stretches right back to the days of the Roman Empire – can you believe it? Indeed, if one wants to be really accurate I have seen the date 5.000 BC mooted – but let’s not get ridiculous! And strangely enough, wine continued to be made in Portugal during the Moorish occupation, in spite of alcohol being forbidden.
Exports of Portuguese wine to England can be traced back to the early twelfth century but it was only in 1703, with the signing of the Treaty of Methuen, that this trade really flourished. The treaty was signed in order to grant Portuguese wines preference over French wines – wouldn’t you know that even back then there was a distinctly frosty atmosphere between France and England? The government of the time was trying to put a stop to this lucrative trade with France – I wonder how far that got?!
And of course it is not only wine but fortified wines like Port and Madeira that Portugal produces too. I am one of that number who is totally rejected by those pompous wine aficionados, who look down their noses at anybody who likes even a remotely sweet wine. However, somebody loves me, and to my joy I have found quite a few really good semi-sweet wines too amongst the Portuguese wines.
Portugal exports many of their finest wines for you to sample at home but you will find the prices far better in Portugal than in the UK, plus there are many other wines to be found locally that don’t find their way to our shelves, so do have a look when you are there.
Also, I don’t know whether you have discovered this for yourself, but there are a number of small, private wine makers that produce some very acceptable wines –at this stage I hastily add that I am of the ‘I know what I like’ school and by no means an expert…but the ones I have bought have been great! Rather quaintly you can sometimes see clues as to where to buy these wines: a picture of a wine jar on a house wall or a farm gate may give an indication in the smaller, more rural villages. Word of mouth is good here too – locals will happily point you in the direction of some of these smaller producers. Just remember not to keep the bottle too long after you have opened it as it doesn’t keep to well…as if that needed saying!
Two of the main wine producing regions of the country, namely the Douro Valley and Pico Island, have been declared world heritage sites by UNESCO so that’s pretty prestigious and shows you how seriously wine making is taken in Portugal – indeed it is the world’s seventh largest wine-producing country. One of Portugal’s best wine making regions is in the Alentejo and - with some of my very favourite towns to be visited in the area such as Castelo de Vide and Marvao - a wine tasting visit here could be a great option.
And when I tell you that Sir Cliff Richard produces wine from his estate on the Algarve… well, you’ll know you are in good company…yes? Have you found any of the lesser known Portuguese wines that you particularly like? If so you may want to share the name with us…?
All for now – see you next week – and cheers!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Companyhttp://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Portugal – a marriage of cultures
Today it is very un-PC to think of colonisation, but back in the day it was a measure of a country’s importance, plus of course they needed what other countries and continents had to offer in the way of things like minerals, spices etc.
Portuguese sailors began exploring the coast of Africa as early as 1419 and by 1488 Bartholomew Diaz had rounded the Cape of Good Hope. Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, thus opening up the sea route to the immensely lucrative source of the spices that Europeans craved. Eventually Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, the Cape Verde Islands, São Tomé, Príncipe, and Macão were all either heavily influenced or actively colonised by the Portuguese.
When I first visited Portugal, years ago now, it was with a curious sense of familiarity. This was because all my childhood holidays were spent on beaches with names such as Sao Martinho and Xai Xai, in the neighbouring country of Mozambique. My parents drank cerveja, we ate peri peri prawns or chicken and we were surrounded traces of Portugal influences all around us. Of course the countryside was very different from its African colony, but the language was the same, as was the wonderful warmth and friendliness of the people.
What I hadn’t expected to find were the many colonial references when I visited Portugal itself! Not only African of course but Moorish and Brazilian too – it’s a heady mix of cultures, one that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Moors occupied Lisbon and ruled the country until well into the twelfth century. They were finally driven out by King Alfonso Henriques, assisted by English and Flemish crusaders, but they left a wonderful legacy behind them, especially in terms of architecture. Many buildings such as like the Praca De Toiros still retain their Moorish design and even the oldest district of Lisbon, Alfama, dates back to Moorish times with its narrow streets and old Moorish buildings.
The Fado songs so typical of Portugal are thought to have a strong African blues music influence and it is said that the fishing boats of Cascais have traces of their African heritage. Called rabelos, I was reading that these boats, with their large red or white sails, are reminiscent of the transport boats of Lagos in Nigeria – it is so interesting the influence countries have on one another isn’t it? When I was in Brazil I was amazed to find that they speak Portuguese – I hadn’t known that beforehand. Well, having said that I believe that there is a considerable difference. In fact a chap I got talking to about this said it is much like the differences between English and American: you know - horn for hooter, trunk for boot (of a car) and so on!
All these influences have conspired to make Portugal what it is today, one of the loveliest countries with a varied and multi-cultural feel that I for one never tire of. Have you noted signs of this as you have travelled around the country?
Have a happy week – and remember, summer is almost here!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Portuguese sailors began exploring the coast of Africa as early as 1419 and by 1488 Bartholomew Diaz had rounded the Cape of Good Hope. Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, thus opening up the sea route to the immensely lucrative source of the spices that Europeans craved. Eventually Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, the Cape Verde Islands, São Tomé, Príncipe, and Macão were all either heavily influenced or actively colonised by the Portuguese.
When I first visited Portugal, years ago now, it was with a curious sense of familiarity. This was because all my childhood holidays were spent on beaches with names such as Sao Martinho and Xai Xai, in the neighbouring country of Mozambique. My parents drank cerveja, we ate peri peri prawns or chicken and we were surrounded traces of Portugal influences all around us. Of course the countryside was very different from its African colony, but the language was the same, as was the wonderful warmth and friendliness of the people.
What I hadn’t expected to find were the many colonial references when I visited Portugal itself! Not only African of course but Moorish and Brazilian too – it’s a heady mix of cultures, one that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Moors occupied Lisbon and ruled the country until well into the twelfth century. They were finally driven out by King Alfonso Henriques, assisted by English and Flemish crusaders, but they left a wonderful legacy behind them, especially in terms of architecture. Many buildings such as like the Praca De Toiros still retain their Moorish design and even the oldest district of Lisbon, Alfama, dates back to Moorish times with its narrow streets and old Moorish buildings.
The Fado songs so typical of Portugal are thought to have a strong African blues music influence and it is said that the fishing boats of Cascais have traces of their African heritage. Called rabelos, I was reading that these boats, with their large red or white sails, are reminiscent of the transport boats of Lagos in Nigeria – it is so interesting the influence countries have on one another isn’t it? When I was in Brazil I was amazed to find that they speak Portuguese – I hadn’t known that beforehand. Well, having said that I believe that there is a considerable difference. In fact a chap I got talking to about this said it is much like the differences between English and American: you know - horn for hooter, trunk for boot (of a car) and so on!
All these influences have conspired to make Portugal what it is today, one of the loveliest countries with a varied and multi-cultural feel that I for one never tire of. Have you noted signs of this as you have travelled around the country?
Have a happy week – and remember, summer is almost here!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Your next trip to Portugal…
Most people travelling to Portugal go because they love the country or perhaps love the sunny weather and the magnificent beaches, but why not try something a little different next time? For instance, why not combine your next trip (be it holiday or a property viewing trip) with a local event that will allow you to share a happy and celebratory time with local people? It’s great way to have fun and to make new friends.
This thought occurred to me when I saw something about the fantastically colourful carnivals in Portugal. For instance Loures, just 15 minutes away from Lisbon, has a great carnival tradition. There you can see an amazing carnival parade with over a thousand participants and many costumed characters in floats. This year the parade is scheduled to take place between the 6th and the 8th of March at 2:30 p.m. weather permitting – do check all dates and times before travelling by the way.
Then what about the carnival at Torres Vedras, only about 43 kms north of Lisbon, from Friday 4th to Wednesday 9th March 2011? This, they say, is the most ‘Portuguese’ carnival in the country - whatever that may mean! Evidently the parade has decorated streetcars satirising society and politics – it sounds interesting and quirky, doesn’t it?
As a confirmed bookaholic I rather liked the idea of the Lisbon Book Fair – no Kindle books for me! Evidently this has been held in Lisbon’s Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII) since the 1930s and offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to browse through both old and new books, including comic books for the young/young at heart! It takes place some time from April to May – to my mind that’s worth bearing it in mind. And perhaps there will be a whole lot of like-minded locals to get chatting to…
The other thing I love to do when travelling is to walk, either alone, with friends or on arranged walks locally. It doesn’t have to be for miles – just a wander out into the country around Óbidos for instance is an utterly lovely experience. Spring is of course the perfect time to do this, with spring flowers popping up all over the countryside.
I also walked the walls that surround the town of Óbidos. I have to confess that I love peeping into people’s lives and seeing how they differ from ours – or indeed how often they are in many ways the same.
What I have often found is that if you walk just a few yards off the tourist trail you sometimes come upon enchanting places that are quiet and totally unspoilt, even in pats of the country that are otherwise quite crowded. Walking through the woods up to the palaces that rise above the town of Sintra was one such experience. All around me was it was quiet and cool and lovely with glimpses of birds and squirrels, while crowds of tourists drove to the top in their hot buses or cars!
There are so many towns and cities in Portugal that are fascinating to wander around – I did quite a bit of walking around Tomar for instance and found many small, intriguing insights into the town that I would never otherwise have seen. It is a mediaeval city with the streets and squares arranged in a chessboard pattern with lovely interesting Renaissance and Baroque buildings, medieval churches and the Castle. There is rumored to be a secret passageway between the Santa Maria dos Olivais church and the Castle – perhaps you may stumble across it!
So do a little research and pack those walking shoes next time you travel to Portugal: you may find the most wonderful things to do as you travel the country.
Have fun until next time…
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
This thought occurred to me when I saw something about the fantastically colourful carnivals in Portugal. For instance Loures, just 15 minutes away from Lisbon, has a great carnival tradition. There you can see an amazing carnival parade with over a thousand participants and many costumed characters in floats. This year the parade is scheduled to take place between the 6th and the 8th of March at 2:30 p.m. weather permitting – do check all dates and times before travelling by the way.
Then what about the carnival at Torres Vedras, only about 43 kms north of Lisbon, from Friday 4th to Wednesday 9th March 2011? This, they say, is the most ‘Portuguese’ carnival in the country - whatever that may mean! Evidently the parade has decorated streetcars satirising society and politics – it sounds interesting and quirky, doesn’t it?
As a confirmed bookaholic I rather liked the idea of the Lisbon Book Fair – no Kindle books for me! Evidently this has been held in Lisbon’s Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII) since the 1930s and offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to browse through both old and new books, including comic books for the young/young at heart! It takes place some time from April to May – to my mind that’s worth bearing it in mind. And perhaps there will be a whole lot of like-minded locals to get chatting to…
The other thing I love to do when travelling is to walk, either alone, with friends or on arranged walks locally. It doesn’t have to be for miles – just a wander out into the country around Óbidos for instance is an utterly lovely experience. Spring is of course the perfect time to do this, with spring flowers popping up all over the countryside.
I also walked the walls that surround the town of Óbidos. I have to confess that I love peeping into people’s lives and seeing how they differ from ours – or indeed how often they are in many ways the same.
What I have often found is that if you walk just a few yards off the tourist trail you sometimes come upon enchanting places that are quiet and totally unspoilt, even in pats of the country that are otherwise quite crowded. Walking through the woods up to the palaces that rise above the town of Sintra was one such experience. All around me was it was quiet and cool and lovely with glimpses of birds and squirrels, while crowds of tourists drove to the top in their hot buses or cars!
There are so many towns and cities in Portugal that are fascinating to wander around – I did quite a bit of walking around Tomar for instance and found many small, intriguing insights into the town that I would never otherwise have seen. It is a mediaeval city with the streets and squares arranged in a chessboard pattern with lovely interesting Renaissance and Baroque buildings, medieval churches and the Castle. There is rumored to be a secret passageway between the Santa Maria dos Olivais church and the Castle – perhaps you may stumble across it!
So do a little research and pack those walking shoes next time you travel to Portugal: you may find the most wonderful things to do as you travel the country.
Have fun until next time…
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Coping with those VIPs – your kids!
So…you’ve decided to follow your dreams – or that great job offer – and move to Portugal! And if you have children, the good news is that they generally adjust far quicker to a move than most adults.
The younger the child, the easier it is for them to adapt. It is generally acknowledged that children up to the age of seven are able to absorb what goes on around them very easily and language is usually something that they can pick up without too much effort. That is not to say that older children will not be able to cope, merely that it may require more effort on their part.
The essential thing is that you are enthusiastic about the move and that you include them in the preparations. If they think that you as a family are undertaking a huge adventure together, this will go a long way to making the move seem like something to look forward to rather than to dread.
Discuss the move with them and talk about what they can expect to find on arrival. Highlight the advantages of the move and point out that family and friends will be keen to visit them in their new home, where it will be up to them to show them around their new country …
Leaving friends behind is never easy but today, with the Internet, Facebook and emails, it is a whole lot easier. Just make very sure incidentally that when you decide to rent or to buy a property that you have access to the Internet.
A few points that are worth remembering:
- Encourage children to learn about Portugal in advance. Perhaps get an atlas and have a look at a map, read them a book about the country or you could perhaps take them to a Portuguese restaurant
- Take photos of their new home and area if they have not yet seen it yet so that it looks familiar on arrival
- I am a digital online photo album addict. Give your child a cheap digital camera and tell them to make an album of their journey from the UK to their new home…This comes with a warning – it’s addictive!
- Portuguese lessons before you leave the UK will mean that they will have a good idea as to what is going on once they attend school
- Arrange to visit new schools and meet teachers before the first day of school. When my daughter was young, her new school always appointed a ‘mentor’ for each new child – someone in the class who had been at the school for a while and could show her the ropes. You may suggest this…?
- Provide children of all ages with a notebook that they can write down all their friend’s email addresses and contact details to take with them. You may find that the computer, with all these vital details, gets damaged in the move
- There is nothing as comforting as a pet for younger children. Failing that, a favourite toy at hand at all times!
For older children it may be a little bit more difficult. Apart from just the language, there are the social aspects. Teenagers need backup from their peers and have usually formed a close group of friends from whom they get this. Leaving their friends and changing schools will be challenging – I can vouch for this personally as I did it many times and can still remember the feeling of isolation. BUT – given time - it all settles down and, with your support and over time, they will adjust and be happy.
I hope that has given you a few ideas. Remember, kids really do adjust very quickly – I know that the only problem my Swedish friend now residing in the States has is to make sure his five year old kids remember their mother tongue!
Happy week to you and we’ll chat soon,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
The younger the child, the easier it is for them to adapt. It is generally acknowledged that children up to the age of seven are able to absorb what goes on around them very easily and language is usually something that they can pick up without too much effort. That is not to say that older children will not be able to cope, merely that it may require more effort on their part.
The essential thing is that you are enthusiastic about the move and that you include them in the preparations. If they think that you as a family are undertaking a huge adventure together, this will go a long way to making the move seem like something to look forward to rather than to dread.
Discuss the move with them and talk about what they can expect to find on arrival. Highlight the advantages of the move and point out that family and friends will be keen to visit them in their new home, where it will be up to them to show them around their new country …
Leaving friends behind is never easy but today, with the Internet, Facebook and emails, it is a whole lot easier. Just make very sure incidentally that when you decide to rent or to buy a property that you have access to the Internet.
A few points that are worth remembering:
- Encourage children to learn about Portugal in advance. Perhaps get an atlas and have a look at a map, read them a book about the country or you could perhaps take them to a Portuguese restaurant
- Take photos of their new home and area if they have not yet seen it yet so that it looks familiar on arrival
- I am a digital online photo album addict. Give your child a cheap digital camera and tell them to make an album of their journey from the UK to their new home…This comes with a warning – it’s addictive!
- Portuguese lessons before you leave the UK will mean that they will have a good idea as to what is going on once they attend school
- Arrange to visit new schools and meet teachers before the first day of school. When my daughter was young, her new school always appointed a ‘mentor’ for each new child – someone in the class who had been at the school for a while and could show her the ropes. You may suggest this…?
- Provide children of all ages with a notebook that they can write down all their friend’s email addresses and contact details to take with them. You may find that the computer, with all these vital details, gets damaged in the move
- There is nothing as comforting as a pet for younger children. Failing that, a favourite toy at hand at all times!
For older children it may be a little bit more difficult. Apart from just the language, there are the social aspects. Teenagers need backup from their peers and have usually formed a close group of friends from whom they get this. Leaving their friends and changing schools will be challenging – I can vouch for this personally as I did it many times and can still remember the feeling of isolation. BUT – given time - it all settles down and, with your support and over time, they will adjust and be happy.
I hope that has given you a few ideas. Remember, kids really do adjust very quickly – I know that the only problem my Swedish friend now residing in the States has is to make sure his five year old kids remember their mother tongue!
Happy week to you and we’ll chat soon,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Are you thinking of buying land in Portugal with a view to building?
Buying a plot of land in Portugal is often cheaper and easier than in other countries, in particular in the countryside. A newly-built home can be done to your own specification, plus land is a lot cheaper and more readily available in Portugal than in the UK. New builds are also a good option when it comes to holiday rental investment if you are thinking of going down that route.
However, one of the things you really need to look out for is that you will be allowed to build exactly what you want on your piece of land. PLEASE, for your own sake, work in conjunction with an English-speaking, Portuguese licenced estate agent and a reputable architect and lawyer from the very outset. Word of mouth is usually a very good way to set about finding someone good: ask expats or go onto an expat forum perhaps. Also, ask to actually talk to ex-clients to get firsthand feedback.
There are five different classifications for land: Reserve (Protected), Agro-Forest i.e. forest or woodland areas (which are very difficult to obtain planning for due to current fire regulations), Commercial, Urban and Rustic. The Plano Director Municipal (PDM), which governs this classification, is updated regularly and gives clear definitions of any changes to land classification in all areas.
Portugal has some of the strictest planning laws in Europe which have been introduced to ensure sustainable development and to enhance and protect green open spaces. They have seen what has happened in neighbouring Spain and are determined not to go the route of the vast over-development that took place there.
Once you have the land, you will want to plan to build on it. Planning permission in Portugal is a two-stage procedure and it is essential to work with an accredited architect and engineer. The first stage of planning is called the Architectural Project (Projecto de Arquitectura) which is submitted to the local Town Hall for first approval and incorporates a comprehensive description of the property, including architectural drawings, topographical survey and a list of the materials to be used.
The second stage of the planning procedure in Portugal is the submission of the Speciality Detailed Project (Projecto de Especialiada). This part of the procedure covers the engineering detail required to complete the build, information pertaining to sewage removal, water and utilities and is usually compiled in conjunction with an engineer. Bear in mind that this can be quite a time consuming process!
Once both the Architectural Project and the Speciality Detailed Project have been approved by the local council, you can then get the Licence of Work or building licence (Licença de Obras) from the Town Hall. Once the build is complete, the Town Hall official will visit the property to inspect it - sometimes this may be just an external inspection. They will check the Book of Works (Livro de Obras) which is kept by the engineer and, if everything is in order, the Town Hall will provide a technical file (Ficha Technica) and a habitation licence (Licença de Habitação) for the property.
I hope this has assisted you. Remember that there are many property professionals that have been personally sourced and checked by OGC Resource Centre staff or that come highly recommended by other OGC readers. The team will happily put you in touch with them – just give them a call on 0207 898 0549.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year – I have a good feeling about 2011!
Best wishes,
Carol.
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
However, one of the things you really need to look out for is that you will be allowed to build exactly what you want on your piece of land. PLEASE, for your own sake, work in conjunction with an English-speaking, Portuguese licenced estate agent and a reputable architect and lawyer from the very outset. Word of mouth is usually a very good way to set about finding someone good: ask expats or go onto an expat forum perhaps. Also, ask to actually talk to ex-clients to get firsthand feedback.
There are five different classifications for land: Reserve (Protected), Agro-Forest i.e. forest or woodland areas (which are very difficult to obtain planning for due to current fire regulations), Commercial, Urban and Rustic. The Plano Director Municipal (PDM), which governs this classification, is updated regularly and gives clear definitions of any changes to land classification in all areas.
Portugal has some of the strictest planning laws in Europe which have been introduced to ensure sustainable development and to enhance and protect green open spaces. They have seen what has happened in neighbouring Spain and are determined not to go the route of the vast over-development that took place there.
Once you have the land, you will want to plan to build on it. Planning permission in Portugal is a two-stage procedure and it is essential to work with an accredited architect and engineer. The first stage of planning is called the Architectural Project (Projecto de Arquitectura) which is submitted to the local Town Hall for first approval and incorporates a comprehensive description of the property, including architectural drawings, topographical survey and a list of the materials to be used.
The second stage of the planning procedure in Portugal is the submission of the Speciality Detailed Project (Projecto de Especialiada). This part of the procedure covers the engineering detail required to complete the build, information pertaining to sewage removal, water and utilities and is usually compiled in conjunction with an engineer. Bear in mind that this can be quite a time consuming process!
Once both the Architectural Project and the Speciality Detailed Project have been approved by the local council, you can then get the Licence of Work or building licence (Licença de Obras) from the Town Hall. Once the build is complete, the Town Hall official will visit the property to inspect it - sometimes this may be just an external inspection. They will check the Book of Works (Livro de Obras) which is kept by the engineer and, if everything is in order, the Town Hall will provide a technical file (Ficha Technica) and a habitation licence (Licença de Habitação) for the property.
I hope this has assisted you. Remember that there are many property professionals that have been personally sourced and checked by OGC Resource Centre staff or that come highly recommended by other OGC readers. The team will happily put you in touch with them – just give them a call on 0207 898 0549.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year – I have a good feeling about 2011!
Best wishes,
Carol.
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Good news - EasyJet are increasing passengers to Portugal
Low-cost airline easyJet is expecting to dramatically increase the number of passengers it carries to Portugal via its Lisbon base. For anybody thinking of buying a property in Portugal this is really good news, either for your own holiday plans or indeed to service those many people looking to rent your holiday property.
With ten new destinations due to be added to its Lisbon route map, the total number of customers arriving at the city via easyJet is predicted to rise from 1.5 million to 2.5 million each year – and that’s a lot of people! It does rather highlight the country’s increasing popularity with visitors – something that you and I know all about!
easyJet has selected Lisbon over a number of other European cities because of its market potential; they have done their homework and decided that Portugal is a growing tourist market and have acted accordingly to cater to that growing market.
Chief executive Carolyn McCall is quoted as saying: "We are making it easier to visit this beautiful country. As one of Europe's most attractive capital cities, Lisbon already attracts 3.6 million tourists and four million business travellers a year. The increase in easyJet aircraft based in Lisbon will stimulate demand and contribute to visitor numbers by over 1 million passengers a year, with clear benefits to the Portuguese economy " - and to you too!
The destinations that can be reached using the airline's flights include some of Portugal's perennial favourites, easyJet says. Among them are Sintra, the favourite village of Lord Byron – and mine I might add - along with the university town of Coimbra.
At the moment low cost airlines Basig Air, bmibaby, easyJet, Flybe, Germania Express, Germanwings, Jet 2, Norwegian, Ryanair, Snowflake, Sterling, Sterling and Virgin Express all fly in to Portugal from various points – and that doesn’t include the other airlines such as BA and TAP.
This is important news if you are thinking of buying a property to rent out: the more accessible the country is to potential visitors the more likelihood there is that you will be able to keep your home booked out throughout the tourist season at the very least.
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
With ten new destinations due to be added to its Lisbon route map, the total number of customers arriving at the city via easyJet is predicted to rise from 1.5 million to 2.5 million each year – and that’s a lot of people! It does rather highlight the country’s increasing popularity with visitors – something that you and I know all about!
easyJet has selected Lisbon over a number of other European cities because of its market potential; they have done their homework and decided that Portugal is a growing tourist market and have acted accordingly to cater to that growing market.
Chief executive Carolyn McCall is quoted as saying: "We are making it easier to visit this beautiful country. As one of Europe's most attractive capital cities, Lisbon already attracts 3.6 million tourists and four million business travellers a year. The increase in easyJet aircraft based in Lisbon will stimulate demand and contribute to visitor numbers by over 1 million passengers a year, with clear benefits to the Portuguese economy " - and to you too!
The destinations that can be reached using the airline's flights include some of Portugal's perennial favourites, easyJet says. Among them are Sintra, the favourite village of Lord Byron – and mine I might add - along with the university town of Coimbra.
At the moment low cost airlines Basig Air, bmibaby, easyJet, Flybe, Germania Express, Germanwings, Jet 2, Norwegian, Ryanair, Snowflake, Sterling, Sterling and Virgin Express all fly in to Portugal from various points – and that doesn’t include the other airlines such as BA and TAP.
This is important news if you are thinking of buying a property to rent out: the more accessible the country is to potential visitors the more likelihood there is that you will be able to keep your home booked out throughout the tourist season at the very least.
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Driving in Portugal
I hope that you have found this series of articles useful and that you now have all the info you need to bring your car into Portugal on a permanent basis. Just to round up, here’s how to sort out bringing in a scooter or motorbike and how to get your new licence plates. Plus a few tips about the rules of the road…
The procedure for motorbikes and scooters is virtually the same as for cars and other light vehicles except that a test will be required on noise emissions. Present the following documents to the IMTT and Customs and Vehicle Registry as described previously.
- Fill out Form Model 9 and give it to the official representative of the vehicle producer in Portugal for certification (Homologacão)
- Take the motorbike or scooter to an IMTT approved test centre (IPO) for a roadworthiness test including noise inspection
You now have you car registered and the details of the vehicle's registration are recorded on the DUA (Documento Uníco Automóvel) or "All-in-One Card". This replaces the Vehicle Ownership Registration (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade) and Log Book (Livrete) card. You need your new licence plates before you get this as the number is required for the DUA.
DUAs and the registration of new or second hand vehicles can be done at a local civil registry office, the IRN (Instituto dos Registos e Notariado). Application for a change in licence plate is made through the IRN office. A new vehicle registration number or matrícula is issued, number plates are made and then fitted before your vehicle can be recorded on the DUA.
Vehicle registration documents must be carried in the car at all times, as I have mentioned before. I cannot stress this enough – there are severe penalties if they are not available when requested by officials such as the police.
Just a few pointers to driving in Portugal: it goes without saying that driving is on the right with overtaking on the left. Bear in mind that you can be fined more than €1,000 for passing a car on the right. As in most countries there is also a large fine for failing to stop at a stop sign.
You will need to give way to traffic from the right unless otherwise stated. Vehicles in roundabouts have priority over those about to enter. Should you break down and attempt to carry out repairs you are by law required to wear a reflective jacket to do so; it is also necessary to put out a warning triangle.
There is a €600 fine for anyone found to be using a mobile phone while driving, and a €300 fine for littering while driving. Remember by the way that fines can be collected on the spot!
It is also possible to lose your licence if you ignore a policeman, cross a white line or jump a red light.
It is mandatory to for all passengers to wear seatbelts in both the front and back seats. Children under the age of 12, or less than one and a half metres tall, are not allowed to sit in the front at all and must have baby or booster seats in the back.
And hopefully you will not need this at all, but the emergency service phone number is 112.
Portugal does not have a great road safety record so please have a care out there!
Carol Dunning
The Overseas Guides Company
Go to the main website at: http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Importing a car into Portugal Part 5
The following owner's documents are usually also required to import a car to Portugal:
- Driver's licence (Cartão de Condução)
- Proof of identity. This can be a passport or identity card (Bilhete de Identidade))
- Proof of residency (Cartão de Residência), evidence of application for residency, or proof of residence. This could include property title deeds, rental contract, utility bills or an insurance certificate
- Taxpayer's identification card (Cartão Fiscal de Impostos or Cartão de Contribuinte) and number plus three year's tax returns or a declaration from the tax office stating income earned (in Portugal or elsewhere) over the previous three years
- A certificate of cancellation of residence issued by the former country of residence or their Consulate in Portugal
Original documents and 1 copy of all must be supplied and the Customs authority may ask that you obtain official translations of all these documents.
Only one vehicle may be imported tax-free per person once every ten years.
Once the application has been submitted, customs may issue a limited-validity authorisation (Guia de Circulação) which means the vehicle may be used while the application is in process.
It is important to remember that a vehicle that has been imported in this way may not be sold, loaned, pledged or hired for a period of 12 months following the date on which the Portuguese registration number given to you. In addition, in order to maintain eligibility for tax-free importation, you have to reside in Portugal for a minimum period of 12 months.
If your application for tax-free importation is turned down, you will be notified by the Customs authority and have to declare to tell them within 30 days what you intend to do with the vehicle. If you fail to do this, they will consider that the vehicle has been brought into Portugal illegally.
I would so love to hear from you if you have done all this. Tales abound, with each person having a different story to tell. Some say it’s unbelievably easy to sort all this out - others have real horror stories…
Next time I will round up by talking about your new licence plates and give you a bit of info about importing motorbikes and scooters for those bikers amongst us! Take care until and…keep revving!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
Visit my main website at: http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Importing a car into Portugal: Part 4
Hello again.
Okay, let’s continue. You have the required paperwork for the car; just a few things you need to be aware of upfront.
Road Tax or Imposto Único de Circulação) is paid annually, during the month in which the vehicle was registered, on-line at your local tax office – the Loja do Cidadão. This tax is payable in respect of all vehicles, regardless of whether or not they are in use. Proof of payment is made by showing the receipt issued by the relevant authority.
The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. Owners of cars registered before July 2007 pay an amount of tax directly related to the age of the vehicle and its cubic capacity. The tax on vehicles registered after July 2007 will also take into account the vehicle's CO2 emissions and the power of the engine.
Insurance. All vehicles must have at least third party insurance cover. The insurance company will provide an insurance stamp for display in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen, at the time the policy is issued.
These documents, as well as the driver’s ID and licence, should be carried at all times and shown to the authorities on request.
MOT Testing and Certificates
MOT testing is compulsory in Portugal for all vehicles over four years old. Cars aged between 4-7 years must be tested every two years and thereafter every year. The test (Insepecção Periódica Obrigatória – IPO) must be carried out at an approved garage. The garage is required to request the vehicle’s ownership documents (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade and Livrete or the more recent Certificado de Matrícula) and the owner’s taxpayer’s identification card (cartão de contribuinte) before carrying out the test.
A stamp confirming that the vehicle has passed the test should be displayed below the insurance stamp, in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen.
Okay, let’s continue. You have the required paperwork for the car; just a few things you need to be aware of upfront.
Road Tax or Imposto Único de Circulação) is paid annually, during the month in which the vehicle was registered, on-line at your local tax office – the Loja do Cidadão. This tax is payable in respect of all vehicles, regardless of whether or not they are in use. Proof of payment is made by showing the receipt issued by the relevant authority.
The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. Owners of cars registered before July 2007 pay an amount of tax directly related to the age of the vehicle and its cubic capacity. The tax on vehicles registered after July 2007 will also take into account the vehicle's CO2 emissions and the power of the engine.
Insurance. All vehicles must have at least third party insurance cover. The insurance company will provide an insurance stamp for display in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen, at the time the policy is issued.
These documents, as well as the driver’s ID and licence, should be carried at all times and shown to the authorities on request.
MOT Testing and Certificates
MOT testing is compulsory in Portugal for all vehicles over four years old. Cars aged between 4-7 years must be tested every two years and thereafter every year. The test (Insepecção Periódica Obrigatória – IPO) must be carried out at an approved garage. The garage is required to request the vehicle’s ownership documents (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade and Livrete or the more recent Certificado de Matrícula) and the owner’s taxpayer’s identification card (cartão de contribuinte) before carrying out the test.
A stamp confirming that the vehicle has passed the test should be displayed below the insurance stamp, in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen.
Registration is recorded at both the local customs office and the IMTT. The Portuguese authorities may ask for documents other than those listed below. It's advisable to first check on forms and documents required. The application should be made to your nearest Customs office. This application should be submitted with:
- A fiscal certificate or tax clearance form issued by customs. In some instances, there are customs and tax charges payable – this will depend on the model, power, age and mileage of the vehicle
- Original receipt of purchase showing taxes paid
- A Certificate of Compliance (Form Model 9) issued by the IMTT confirming that the vehicle has undergone an inspection
- A certificate of Homologacão from the vehicle manufacturer or certified representative in Portugal to identify that the vehicle is of a recognised type in Portugal or the EU
- A Copy of the foreign vehicle registration certificate
- A Certificate of conformity, called a COC (Certificado de Conformidade)
- A certificate of roadworthiness
The technical inspection or Inspecção Periódica Obrigatória should be made at an IMTT approved garage. This checks vehicle identification, brakes, tyres, emissions, noise levels, lights, steering, windscreen and wipers, and chassis (inside and out) condition.
Believe it or not, there’s more. I’ll complete the document list next week…that way it doesn’t look so totally overwhelming! Bye until next time, all best wishes – and keep warm!
Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Importing a car into Portugal: Part 3
So…all ready to continue with taking that car with you to Portugal? As I write this I am wondering what the percentage of guys to gals would be that love their car so much that it just HAS to come too…
Please don’t think this is a patronising statement – I love far stranger things – like my African masks for just one example! Okay, on with the more serious business of getting your car permanently registered in Portugal.
Before you can do this you need to apply for a Residency Card (Cartão de Residência) from the Portuguese immigration authorities, SEF or Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteira.
As promised, here is a list of the documentation you will need to register your car. All vehicles in Portugal are required to have:
A Registration Certificate – the Certificado de Matrícula. This is issued by the Instituto de Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres. The Certificado de Matrícula came into effect on 31 October 2005. For the time being, it is not compulsory to exchange existing vehicle documentation (Livrete and Título de Registo de Propriedade) as this remains valid.
OR (for vehicles registered before 31 October 2005)
An Ownership Registration Document – the Titulo de Registo de Propriedade. This is issued by the Conservatória do Registo Automóvel – the Vehicle Registration Office
AND
A Vehicle Registration Document – the Livrete. This is issued by the Instituto de Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres.
To clarify, if your car was registered before 2005 you need an Ownership Registration Document (Titulo de Registo de Propriedad) plus a Vehicle Registration Document (Livrete) If registered after that date then you just need the Registration Certificate.
An imported car or bike must conform to the Portuguese road standards under what is termed "homologation" (Homologacão) before it can be registered. The complexity of the process can vary according to age, make and origin of the vehicle.
The process is different for classic and collectable vehicles. It is also different and more complicated for modified vehicles which must be examined at an authorised inspection centre to ensure the work was carried out correctly and adheres to EU safety standards.
Information is available from the directorate general for traffic, the IMTT or Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres I.P.
All clear? Whew…
More next time. I am breaking all this into bite-sized chunks so as not to completely blow your mind!
Next week then…have lots of fun and keep planning!
Carol
http://www.PortugalBuyingGuide.com
Please don’t think this is a patronising statement – I love far stranger things – like my African masks for just one example! Okay, on with the more serious business of getting your car permanently registered in Portugal.
Before you can do this you need to apply for a Residency Card (Cartão de Residência) from the Portuguese immigration authorities, SEF or Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteira.
As promised, here is a list of the documentation you will need to register your car. All vehicles in Portugal are required to have:
A Registration Certificate – the Certificado de Matrícula. This is issued by the Instituto de Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres. The Certificado de Matrícula came into effect on 31 October 2005. For the time being, it is not compulsory to exchange existing vehicle documentation (Livrete and Título de Registo de Propriedade) as this remains valid.
OR (for vehicles registered before 31 October 2005)
An Ownership Registration Document – the Titulo de Registo de Propriedade. This is issued by the Conservatória do Registo Automóvel – the Vehicle Registration Office
AND
A Vehicle Registration Document – the Livrete. This is issued by the Instituto de Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres.
To clarify, if your car was registered before 2005 you need an Ownership Registration Document (Titulo de Registo de Propriedad) plus a Vehicle Registration Document (Livrete) If registered after that date then you just need the Registration Certificate.
An imported car or bike must conform to the Portuguese road standards under what is termed "homologation" (Homologacão) before it can be registered. The complexity of the process can vary according to age, make and origin of the vehicle.
The process is different for classic and collectable vehicles. It is also different and more complicated for modified vehicles which must be examined at an authorised inspection centre to ensure the work was carried out correctly and adheres to EU safety standards.
Information is available from the directorate general for traffic, the IMTT or Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres I.P.
All clear? Whew…
More next time. I am breaking all this into bite-sized chunks so as not to completely blow your mind!
Next week then…have lots of fun and keep planning!
Carol
http://www.PortugalBuyingGuide.com
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Importing a car into Portugal: Part 2
Hi there – all well with you?
Last week I discussed the temporary admission of motor vehicles into Portugal – I will now move on to the process of bringing your car into Portugal on a permanent basis.
Permanent Importation of Motor Vehicles
You may be able to import your motor vehicle tax-free if you are transferring your residence to Portugal from another EU member state or from a third country, provided that:
Last week I discussed the temporary admission of motor vehicles into Portugal – I will now move on to the process of bringing your car into Portugal on a permanent basis.
Permanent Importation of Motor Vehicles
You may be able to import your motor vehicle tax-free if you are transferring your residence to Portugal from another EU member state or from a third country, provided that:
- You are over 18
- You have been resident in the country from where you are transferring for a minimum period of 12 months, consecutive or otherwise
- You have held a valid driver’s licence in that country for a minimum of 12 months
- You are transferring your normal place of residence to Portugal
- Your vehicle was purchased fully-tax paid in the country of your former residence and you can prove this
- You owned the vehicle in the country of your former residence for at least 12 months prior to transferring your residence to Portugal, from the date of issue of the vehicle registration document, or from the date on which the leasing contract was signed, as appropriate
If the above do not apply to you then you may well need to pay tax. This can be a very expensive business – be warned. The tax has gone up substantially in the past few years. There is a lot of pressure being applied to the Portuguese Government, including The EU itself, to stop the ISV tax but it seems that they are still charging it.
Having said that, remember that the regulations change all the time so you should always check with your local Portuguese Customs Office once the time draws near.
In order to import a vehicle and to register it in Portugal, you should submit an application within six months of the date on which you transfer your residence to Portugal.
Next time I am going to discuss where you go to register your car and what documents you will need – and there are plenty! There always are, aren’t there?
I have a busy little time ahead: that’s the sheer beauty of London! I am off to hear a talk with my son by the rather contentious author James Ellroy and I’m taking in The Apprentice at the Riverside Studios near my home – this with Sirallun…Sir Alan Sugar to those uninitiated! What makes you think I find difficult men interesting…at a distance I hasten to add?
We’ll talk next week – have loads of fun until then.
All the best,
Carol
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Importing a car into Portugal
A question I am often asked is about the permanent registration of cars in Portugal. As you may know, new cars are very expensive there – ridiculously so many people think - so the idea of taking yours with you may be tempting if you are moving there permanently. What you do need to bear in mind is that there is a fair amount of hassle and paperwork to get through - I thought I would let you have some of the details about this over the next few weeks. Let’s start at the very beginning…
Temporary Admission of Motor Vehicles
An EU-registered motor vehicle (including light goods vehicles, trailers, caravans, motorised homes and motorcycles) may be kept in Portugal for 183 days, consecutive or otherwise, in any one period of 12 months, provided all of the following conditions are met:
- The vehicle has been registered in another EU member country
- The vehicle is registered in the name of a person who is not resident, employed or carrying out any type of paid activity in Portugal
- The vehicle is brought into Portugal by its registered owner
If you travel in and out then it is advisable to get proof of each entry/exit. If you have a holiday home in Portugal and only use your car for 2 weeks of the year but keep it in Portugal, then the car is classed as being used here and the rules apply. The 183 days do not need to be consecutive, if the authorities can show that you have had the car inside Portugal for this time then they will apply the law.
Vehicles brought into Portugal temporarily may only be driven by their owners, their owner’s spouse or common-law spouse, their owner’s parents or children or their registered keeper provided none of these individuals are resident, employed or carrying out paid activity in Portugal.
Under the temporary admission regime, foreign residents in Portugal may only use a foreign-registered vehicle if so authorised by the Customs authority. For the purpose of the legislation on the temporary admission of motor vehicles into Portugal, a resident is defined as spending a period of at least 183 days or more, consecutively or otherwise, in any one calendar year, in Portugal, or whose source of income from paid employment is inPortugal, or whose headquarters or established business activity is in Portugal.
If you are here on a specific term, temporary work contract or as a student or any other reason and you plan to take it back to your home country (even if longer than 183 days) you can avoid importing it. In this case you need to contact your local customs office as soon as you arrive in Portugal to register this intent.
If you fail to comply with the Portuguese law on foreign car use regulations and you are caught, then the Portuguese Customs Office has the power to impound your car. If this happens you will be directed not to use your car other than when you present yourself at your nearest customs office. You may be fined up to €15,000.00 and they will give you the following three options;
- You can start the registration process by paying the ISV
- You agree to a date when you will drive the car out of Portugal, they will give you written permission to drive it on that date only
- You give them the keys and they keep the car and destroy it – horrors!
Right, next week I am going to go ahead and describe the whys and wherefores of the permanent export procedures in more detail. In the meanwhile, have fun! Weather permitting I am off on an Art Deco walk tomorrow. The last walk – to the iconic Hammersmith Bridge – was cancelled due to rain so I hope the same thing doesn’t happen – cross fingers for me!
Smiles and waves,
Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 24 September 2010
Moving Overseas - Am I making the right decision?
The idea to move abroad is born - and with it comes excitement, anticipation and a renewed sense of direction.
At first, there is just a small thought that sparks and we ask ourselves, “Could it be achievable?” Then a plethora of possibilities opens up. Not before long, we are enquiring about property prices, cost of living and employment. Our daydreams turn to visualisations of our possible new life overseas. We see ourselves smiling more - and enjoying life with increased vigour.
Most people have the idea and the spark, but soon lose their drive. They are the people who grow old and say, “If only.”
Then there are those who have the passion and desire to carry their plans to fruition. Regardless as to your resolve, however, there will always be times when you doubt yourself. Your excitement will allow you to make massive strides, but at some point you will stop to catch your breath and wonder if you are making the right decision.
Mrs Turner, new to the world of overseas living, explained “I spent all my spare time planning, preparing and ticking off endless lists. After a few months I felt overwhelmed – was I merely caught up in ‘living the dream’ or did I truly understand what was to come? And how could I make sure that I wasn’t making a big mistake?”
Unfortunately, there are quite a few people who return to the UK not long after an overseas move. Sometimes people repatriate due to health matters, missing family or simply missing their old way of life. Others move back because the dreams they floated on did not match the reality.
One way to ensure that you are making the right decision is to “play house” in your overseas location.
Try to make arrangements to stay in your desired location for as long as possible, be it a few weeks or a month. Then make plans to enjoy the location without being a tourist. This means rather than stay in a hotel, rent a villa or better yet, do a house swap. Instead of visiting the main attractions, check out all the things that locals do. Go grocery shopping, check out employment adverts and do everything you would normally do if you were moving from one town in the UK to another.
When Mrs Turner felt overwhelmed, she decided to book a two week trip to her future destination. Although she had spent several holidays there, she never spent the duration knowing that it would one day be called “home.”
Mrs Turner said, ‘It was the best decision I made. By spending two weeks in my future town I was able to better set my expectations. I went to the doctors, paid a visit to a community centre, made enquiries about a local art class and made sure to eat most of my meals at home. By the end of the two weeks, I realised that some of my expectations were a bit too high whereas others were too low. Overall, the holiday gave me the needed push to set me back on track.”
By giving yourself time to be a resident, rather than a tourist, you will get a more realistic idea of life in your desired location. As with Mrs Turner, time spent in your future destination may also give you even more reason to fulfil your plans.
As with all areas in the world, there will be pros and cons and without experiencing life as a local, it is very easy to make a move without knowing exactly what the negatives and positives are.
Spending time on holiday is very different from making a holiday destination a home.
During the process of playing “house”, you might want to test public transport to see how reliable it is, stroll through the area at different times of the day to listen out for noise, buy the type of groceries you normally purchase to determine if they are available and at what price - and definitely check out health services – how far away are they and will they cater to your needs?
The more you match your needs to your overseas destination, the less likely you will be to ask, “Am I making the right decision?”
Carol Dunning
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com
At first, there is just a small thought that sparks and we ask ourselves, “Could it be achievable?” Then a plethora of possibilities opens up. Not before long, we are enquiring about property prices, cost of living and employment. Our daydreams turn to visualisations of our possible new life overseas. We see ourselves smiling more - and enjoying life with increased vigour.
Most people have the idea and the spark, but soon lose their drive. They are the people who grow old and say, “If only.”
Then there are those who have the passion and desire to carry their plans to fruition. Regardless as to your resolve, however, there will always be times when you doubt yourself. Your excitement will allow you to make massive strides, but at some point you will stop to catch your breath and wonder if you are making the right decision.
Mrs Turner, new to the world of overseas living, explained “I spent all my spare time planning, preparing and ticking off endless lists. After a few months I felt overwhelmed – was I merely caught up in ‘living the dream’ or did I truly understand what was to come? And how could I make sure that I wasn’t making a big mistake?”
Unfortunately, there are quite a few people who return to the UK not long after an overseas move. Sometimes people repatriate due to health matters, missing family or simply missing their old way of life. Others move back because the dreams they floated on did not match the reality.
One way to ensure that you are making the right decision is to “play house” in your overseas location.
Try to make arrangements to stay in your desired location for as long as possible, be it a few weeks or a month. Then make plans to enjoy the location without being a tourist. This means rather than stay in a hotel, rent a villa or better yet, do a house swap. Instead of visiting the main attractions, check out all the things that locals do. Go grocery shopping, check out employment adverts and do everything you would normally do if you were moving from one town in the UK to another.
When Mrs Turner felt overwhelmed, she decided to book a two week trip to her future destination. Although she had spent several holidays there, she never spent the duration knowing that it would one day be called “home.”
Mrs Turner said, ‘It was the best decision I made. By spending two weeks in my future town I was able to better set my expectations. I went to the doctors, paid a visit to a community centre, made enquiries about a local art class and made sure to eat most of my meals at home. By the end of the two weeks, I realised that some of my expectations were a bit too high whereas others were too low. Overall, the holiday gave me the needed push to set me back on track.”
By giving yourself time to be a resident, rather than a tourist, you will get a more realistic idea of life in your desired location. As with Mrs Turner, time spent in your future destination may also give you even more reason to fulfil your plans.
As with all areas in the world, there will be pros and cons and without experiencing life as a local, it is very easy to make a move without knowing exactly what the negatives and positives are.
Spending time on holiday is very different from making a holiday destination a home.
During the process of playing “house”, you might want to test public transport to see how reliable it is, stroll through the area at different times of the day to listen out for noise, buy the type of groceries you normally purchase to determine if they are available and at what price - and definitely check out health services – how far away are they and will they cater to your needs?
The more you match your needs to your overseas destination, the less likely you will be to ask, “Am I making the right decision?”
Carol Dunning
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com
Friday, 17 September 2010
Pensions when moving abroad
Hello – and how are you?
It’s been a lovely quiet week for me. However, the weekend is looking busy, with ‘Satchmo Remembered’ at the V&A Café on Friday – Louis Armstrong’s music. And then on Saturday I am going to see what is described as a top-notch comedy cast of Mackenzie Crook, Ralf Little and Olly Alexander as a trio of slackers who spend their days loitering outside a Vermont coffee shop. All this at the tiny theatre at Shepherd’s Bush. It’s great ‘cos you can actually lean out and touch the actors should you so desire – I won’t – I promise! I saw the lovely Joseph Fiennes here – it’s a great venue and my son is joining me so that should be enormous fun.
So – are you still thinking of buying a home abroad? And are you actually going to be moving permanently? Reason I ask is that today, with our finances sorely strained as they are, it’s important to know how this will affect taxation on any pension you may receive from the UK.
Once you're a resident abroad what you need to ascertain is how your new home country and the UK will divide up the tax. Even if you are a non-resident of the UK, you are taxed on income earned in the UK – and this includes any pension emanating from the UK - but does that mean that you end up paying twice?
This is where those vitally important Double Tax Treaties (DTT) come into play. There are specific provisions in Double Tax Treaties that can impact on this, and in particular there is a distinction made between government and non governmental pensions.
You would need to review any applicable Double Tax Treaty between the UK and your new country of residence very carefully before rather than after moving: any relief available depends upon the terms of each DTT. And of course you will need to know exactly how to set about making sure that you do the right thing to avoid any duplication of tax. If a benefit applies you can then make a claim with HMRC for the pension to be paid either:
- Without tax deducted
- With tax deducted at a reduced rate of tax as laid down in the DT Treaty
You should take expert and detailed advice on this – if you need help finding a reputable IFA (Independent Financial Advisor) please call the OGC Resource Centre on 0207 898 0549 and they will help to find one. I think it’s really important to think about this before you even think of moving –after all, you may be reliant on your pension income and you need to budget well in advance.
I will chat to you next week: winter is just around the corner and already it feels to me that the colder weather is on its way. I am looking forward to a holiday I have planned in sunny Morocco in October…!
Best wishes,
Carol.
It’s been a lovely quiet week for me. However, the weekend is looking busy, with ‘Satchmo Remembered’ at the V&A Café on Friday – Louis Armstrong’s music. And then on Saturday I am going to see what is described as a top-notch comedy cast of Mackenzie Crook, Ralf Little and Olly Alexander as a trio of slackers who spend their days loitering outside a Vermont coffee shop. All this at the tiny theatre at Shepherd’s Bush. It’s great ‘cos you can actually lean out and touch the actors should you so desire – I won’t – I promise! I saw the lovely Joseph Fiennes here – it’s a great venue and my son is joining me so that should be enormous fun.
So – are you still thinking of buying a home abroad? And are you actually going to be moving permanently? Reason I ask is that today, with our finances sorely strained as they are, it’s important to know how this will affect taxation on any pension you may receive from the UK.
Once you're a resident abroad what you need to ascertain is how your new home country and the UK will divide up the tax. Even if you are a non-resident of the UK, you are taxed on income earned in the UK – and this includes any pension emanating from the UK - but does that mean that you end up paying twice?
This is where those vitally important Double Tax Treaties (DTT) come into play. There are specific provisions in Double Tax Treaties that can impact on this, and in particular there is a distinction made between government and non governmental pensions.
You would need to review any applicable Double Tax Treaty between the UK and your new country of residence very carefully before rather than after moving: any relief available depends upon the terms of each DTT. And of course you will need to know exactly how to set about making sure that you do the right thing to avoid any duplication of tax. If a benefit applies you can then make a claim with HMRC for the pension to be paid either:
- Without tax deducted
- With tax deducted at a reduced rate of tax as laid down in the DT Treaty
You should take expert and detailed advice on this – if you need help finding a reputable IFA (Independent Financial Advisor) please call the OGC Resource Centre on 0207 898 0549 and they will help to find one. I think it’s really important to think about this before you even think of moving –after all, you may be reliant on your pension income and you need to budget well in advance.
I will chat to you next week: winter is just around the corner and already it feels to me that the colder weather is on its way. I am looking forward to a holiday I have planned in sunny Morocco in October…!
Best wishes,
Carol.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Emigrating Overseas?
Hi there: how are you? Summer seems to be receding further and further away…roll on my holiday to Morocco in October, where the weather no doubt will be lovely!
I have been chatting to a number of people recently about emigrating: many are the reason they give but one of the chief ones seems to be lack of employment here in the UK. When you hear news like social housing firm Connaught, which employs 10,000 people, going into administration on Wednesday it is food for thought indeed. But the question is: will it be any easier to find employment abroad - and how will you set about doing this?
First, the nuts and bolts. EU citizens are not required to have a work permit in order to work in the EU. However, you will need proof of residency once you do get a job. To do this you usually apply to the Immigration Department. Non-EU citizens are generally required to have a work permit and a residence permit in order to be employed abroad and can be a harder nut to crack.
There is no doubt about it: first prize is either to get a transfer abroad via your present form or to line up a job before you move. You may think of contacting the local embassy of the country you are thinking of moving to for assistance, or perhaps find yourself a blog or Internet site that deals with getting jobs in the country you are planning to move to.
If that fails, what next?
As an English speaker, the first job that springs to mind is that of teaching English – of course this only really applies in countries where the first language is not English.In most countries there is a desire to learn English, not the least as it is generally considered the business language of the world.
While still in the UK you can search for teaching jobs in publications such as the TES (Times Educational Supplement) and the Guardian EFL pages on Tuesdays. Alternatively, certain ESL (English as a Second Language) websites like ESL employment and tefl.com can be useful. Upon arrival you can try local newspapers or perhaps employment agencies or international companies. Some British Council offices are helpful too as they produce lists of local schools and can point you in the right direction.
Tourism is another promising field of employment that you could try; jobs here are mainly available in the summer. You may think that this sort of work won’t pay the bills for ever but at least you can be looking around while earning a few cents.
For business related opportunities, the bigger cities should be your focus.
How to seek out jobs:
Self-employment
I hope this has given you a few ideas. I’d love to hear if your plans include working abroad and, if so, what your strategy is?
In the meanwhile, I am going to get back to my job of happily tapping away on my computer in the good old UK! Take care until next week,
Carol.
I have been chatting to a number of people recently about emigrating: many are the reason they give but one of the chief ones seems to be lack of employment here in the UK. When you hear news like social housing firm Connaught, which employs 10,000 people, going into administration on Wednesday it is food for thought indeed. But the question is: will it be any easier to find employment abroad - and how will you set about doing this?
First, the nuts and bolts. EU citizens are not required to have a work permit in order to work in the EU. However, you will need proof of residency once you do get a job. To do this you usually apply to the Immigration Department. Non-EU citizens are generally required to have a work permit and a residence permit in order to be employed abroad and can be a harder nut to crack.
There is no doubt about it: first prize is either to get a transfer abroad via your present form or to line up a job before you move. You may think of contacting the local embassy of the country you are thinking of moving to for assistance, or perhaps find yourself a blog or Internet site that deals with getting jobs in the country you are planning to move to.
If that fails, what next?
As an English speaker, the first job that springs to mind is that of teaching English – of course this only really applies in countries where the first language is not English.In most countries there is a desire to learn English, not the least as it is generally considered the business language of the world.
While still in the UK you can search for teaching jobs in publications such as the TES (Times Educational Supplement) and the Guardian EFL pages on Tuesdays. Alternatively, certain ESL (English as a Second Language) websites like ESL employment and tefl.com can be useful. Upon arrival you can try local newspapers or perhaps employment agencies or international companies. Some British Council offices are helpful too as they produce lists of local schools and can point you in the right direction.
Tourism is another promising field of employment that you could try; jobs here are mainly available in the summer. You may think that this sort of work won’t pay the bills for ever but at least you can be looking around while earning a few cents.
For business related opportunities, the bigger cities should be your focus.
How to seek out jobs:
English periodicals. Here you will find a selection of jobs from teaching to secretarial, advertising and sales
Job agencies, especially in the larger cities. Remember to have your CV and references to hand
Ask around - try that friendly shop owner, or pop into an Estate Agent...if they don’t have anything, they may know someone who has. Personal contacts can be very helpful when looking for a job
Contact working expats, either personally or through the Internet: they have been where you are and may well be able to help
Place ads in papers, bar notice boards, at the golf course, in shops etc.
Other options:
A large number of UK recruitment agencies have permanent bases abroad – ask large employment agencies in the UK before you move if they have an office in the country you are moving to
Try informal methods of recruitment such as word of mouth, networking and speculative applications, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
Self-employment
If you are an EU national or a permanent resident with a residence card you can work in a EU country as a self-employed person or a sole trader. As such, you must meet certain legal requirements and register with the appropriate organisation.
Getting started in your own business
Just a few very basic points:If you plan to run your own business, give careful consideration to where you will be living in relation to your customers
Make sure that you are doing something that is different, something that will benefit your potential customers and make them more inclined to deal with you
Be sure that there is enough demand for your product or service and that there are sufficient customers to keep you in business
There are very few businesses that are profitable from the start. It’s therefore very important that you budget for start up costs and that you have sufficient funds to keep you and your family going until the business starts to make a profit.
I hope this has given you a few ideas. I’d love to hear if your plans include working abroad and, if so, what your strategy is?
In the meanwhile, I am going to get back to my job of happily tapping away on my computer in the good old UK! Take care until next week,
Carol.
Friday, 3 September 2010
Non-Resident Status in the UK
Hey there – how are you? I am off to an outdoors Blues concert tonight…very brave of me I might add! The last one I attended saw me sitting like a ghostly wraith in the pouring rain, in a waterproof poncho thoughtfully provided by concert hosts. It was most enjoyable but did I ever get the mother and father of all colds! Wish me luck tonight…
A question I am often asked these days by people who are moving abroad is this: exactly when are you considered to be a UK resident, or to turn this question on its head, when are you considered a non-resident? This has become one of the most controversial and worrisome aspects of emigration recently, largely due to the tax implications that accompany it.
Evidently, according to a recent Court of Appeal decision in the long drawn out Gaines Cooper saga, it is no longer enough to conform to the rules as laid down by HM Revenue & Customs. These laid down that, to prove non-residency, you needed only to show that you didn’t spend more than 90 days a year on average in Britain over four years.
Now the taxman is allowed to scrutinise in more detail whether non-residents have made what they consider to be enough of a break from the UK.
So…how do you make sure that you qualify for non-resident status?
In most EU countries an individual is not considered a resident unless 183 days are spent there each year. In the UK, it is 90 days on a rolling four-year average, although you can spend up to 183 days in any given year. Things like visiting offspring or grandchildren in the UK will count toward your 90-day limit. Incidentally there are dispensations if you are visiting someone because of an emergency. If a member of your family is terminally ill for example, you may be able to stay for more than the average 90 days over four years. However, you would not be able to stay for more than 183 days in any given year without risking your status.
But this is no longer the only criterion; continuing connections with the country will now be taken into account, and this can be a very grey area.
Keeping a house or a car in the UK, maintaining membership of a private club, or even regularly attending social events such as Royal Ascot or Wimbledon can now be used against you in terms of proving your non-resident status. Needless to say, this new vigilance has largely been brought about in an effort to check up on those seeking to avoid the new 50% tax rate imposed on the super-rich.
Individuals must prove an intention to leave the UK permanently or indefinitely. Recent Court decisions on residence tend to be in favour of HMRC and there is no doubt that they are actively pursuing cases where, in its view, the taxpayer has not done enough to demonstrate that they have ceased to be UK resident.
What does this mean to you? Well, the bottom line is that you need to sever as many ties with the UK as possible. It is no longer sufficient just to stay abroad for the obligatory period and tally up days spent in the UK. You have to be able to demonstrate a complete break with the country.
To do this you may want to consider adopting the following measures:
Property in the UK:
A question I am often asked these days by people who are moving abroad is this: exactly when are you considered to be a UK resident, or to turn this question on its head, when are you considered a non-resident? This has become one of the most controversial and worrisome aspects of emigration recently, largely due to the tax implications that accompany it.
Evidently, according to a recent Court of Appeal decision in the long drawn out Gaines Cooper saga, it is no longer enough to conform to the rules as laid down by HM Revenue & Customs. These laid down that, to prove non-residency, you needed only to show that you didn’t spend more than 90 days a year on average in Britain over four years.
Now the taxman is allowed to scrutinise in more detail whether non-residents have made what they consider to be enough of a break from the UK.
So…how do you make sure that you qualify for non-resident status?
In most EU countries an individual is not considered a resident unless 183 days are spent there each year. In the UK, it is 90 days on a rolling four-year average, although you can spend up to 183 days in any given year. Things like visiting offspring or grandchildren in the UK will count toward your 90-day limit. Incidentally there are dispensations if you are visiting someone because of an emergency. If a member of your family is terminally ill for example, you may be able to stay for more than the average 90 days over four years. However, you would not be able to stay for more than 183 days in any given year without risking your status.
But this is no longer the only criterion; continuing connections with the country will now be taken into account, and this can be a very grey area.
Keeping a house or a car in the UK, maintaining membership of a private club, or even regularly attending social events such as Royal Ascot or Wimbledon can now be used against you in terms of proving your non-resident status. Needless to say, this new vigilance has largely been brought about in an effort to check up on those seeking to avoid the new 50% tax rate imposed on the super-rich.
Individuals must prove an intention to leave the UK permanently or indefinitely. Recent Court decisions on residence tend to be in favour of HMRC and there is no doubt that they are actively pursuing cases where, in its view, the taxpayer has not done enough to demonstrate that they have ceased to be UK resident.
What does this mean to you? Well, the bottom line is that you need to sever as many ties with the UK as possible. It is no longer sufficient just to stay abroad for the obligatory period and tally up days spent in the UK. You have to be able to demonstrate a complete break with the country.
To do this you may want to consider adopting the following measures:
Property in the UK:
- Sell your UK property or let it out for at least 12 months - do not leave it unoccupied
- If you are letting the property, ask a UK agent to deal with the property on your behalf
- Pay all property bills before you depart the UK
- Notify your house insurers that you are emigrating and adjust the insurance accordingly
- Notify your mortgage lender that you are emigrating
- Notify your local council that you no longer reside at the property
Business matters in the UK:
- Consider resigning from any UK company directorships or company secretarial positions
- Consider disposing of your UK business interests altogether
Other UK matters:
- Notify your UK doctor and dentist that you have left the UK
- Cancel your UK sporting and social club memberships
- You would be wise to appoint an attorney in the UK who is empowered to deal with your UK affairs
Taxes
- Send the completed form P85 to HMRC, declaring that you are a non-resident
- You would be well advised not to return to the UK for an entire tax year if possible to emphasise the break in residence
- Do not return to the UK for more than 90 days a year in subsequent tax years, remembering to factor in travel days in this number
Finances
- Cancel all UK credit cards and reduce balances in your UK bank accounts
- Pay all UK accounts and close them. Demand evidence that they are closed in the form of a letter of acknowledgement
- Consider transferring pension arrangements overseas.
Cars
- Sell your car and cancel your car insurance and subscriptions to motoring organisations
In your new country of residence - once you have moved abroad:
- Establish employment or business links in the new country if you are planning to work there
- Obtain a residence permit where necessary
- Contact the local tax authorities to inform them that you have become a resident
- Purchase or rent on a long lease a property locally and buy a car there
- Register with a doctor and dentist in your new country of residence and open a local bank account
- Establish social and cultural connections in your new homeland. Perhaps join clubs, register children at schools etc.
- Have a will drawn up in your new country of residence
What you need to do is make sure that you have effectively cut off ties with the UK in terms of living here. The overall pattern of your life must reflect your declared non-resident status and the fact that you have left the UK for the foreseeable future.
Friday, 27 August 2010
Am I Making the Right Decision to Move Abroad?
I have just been chatting to a local London friend of mine on the phone. “Are you missing your South African friend now that she’s returned home after her two week stay?” was her question to me. I found it difficult to answer – yes…and no! Truth is I am utterly exhausted - I fair wore myself out!
There is so much to do in London: I have a friend with a longboat so we sailed from Windsor to Hampton Court – it was wonderful. We also attended a colleague’s hen party and behaved rather badly! Plus saw Martin Shaw in a play at Richmond, went to the musical ‘Wicked’, paid a fiver to watch ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ at the Globe and attended a memorial to ‘The Few’ of the Battle of Britain outside the Churchill War Rooms which ended with a fly past of a Hurricane and a Spitfire: what a way to end two weeks of London fun. I now need a holiday…!
Talking to my friend, I was trying to persuade her to move abroad. She’s quite keen but scared of the unknown factors…and who of us who have moved weren’t? Most people have the idea and the initial spark, but soon lose their drive. These are the people live to say “If only” in their old age! Then there are those who have the passion and desire to carry their plans to fruition…but inevitably, at some stage, find themselves stopping to catch their breath and to wonder if they are making the right decision.
An OGC reader I spoke to, when planning her move abroad, found exactly that: “I spent all my spare time planning, preparing and ticking off endless lists. After a few months I felt overwhelmed – was I merely caught up in ‘living the dream’ or did I truly understand what lay ahead? And how could I make sure that I wasn’t making a big mistake?”
I have chatted to people who have found that the move wasn’t right for them and they moved back to the UK almost immediately – at massive cost needless to say. So how do you make sure that the decision is right for you?
One way is to ‘play house’ at your overseas location. Try to make arrangements to stay for as long as possible on your next visit. Then plan to experience the place as someone who lives there would. This means that, rather than staying in a hotel, you rent an apartment or a villa or – first prize - do a house swap. Instead of visiting the main attractions, check out all the things that the locals do. Go grocery shopping, look at employment adverts and do everything you would normally do if you were moving from one town to another in the UK.
My afore-mentioned OGC reader decided to book a two week trip to her intended relocation destination. Although she had spent several holidays there, she had never done so with the intention of one day calling it home. She said it was the best decision ever: “By spending two weeks in my future town I was able to better set my expectations. I visited the doctor, paid a visit to a community centre, made enquiries about a local art class and made sure to eat most of my meals at home. By the end of the two weeks, I realised that some of my expectations were a bit too high whereas others were too low. Overall, the holiday gave me what I needed to get back on track.”
You might want to test public transport to see how reliable it is, stroll through the area at different times of the day to listen out for noise, buy the type of groceries you normally purchase to determine if they are available and at what price – and definitely check out health services. How far away are they and will they cater to all your needs?
By giving yourself time as a resident rather than a tourist, you will get a more realistic idea of daily life in your desired location. Of course there will be pros and cons but, without experiencing life as a local, you will be making the move without knowing exactly what those pros and cons are. The more you match your requirements and your expectations to your overseas destination, the less likely you will be to ask, “Am I making the right decision to move abroad?”
There is so much to do in London: I have a friend with a longboat so we sailed from Windsor to Hampton Court – it was wonderful. We also attended a colleague’s hen party and behaved rather badly! Plus saw Martin Shaw in a play at Richmond, went to the musical ‘Wicked’, paid a fiver to watch ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ at the Globe and attended a memorial to ‘The Few’ of the Battle of Britain outside the Churchill War Rooms which ended with a fly past of a Hurricane and a Spitfire: what a way to end two weeks of London fun. I now need a holiday…!
Talking to my friend, I was trying to persuade her to move abroad. She’s quite keen but scared of the unknown factors…and who of us who have moved weren’t? Most people have the idea and the initial spark, but soon lose their drive. These are the people live to say “If only” in their old age! Then there are those who have the passion and desire to carry their plans to fruition…but inevitably, at some stage, find themselves stopping to catch their breath and to wonder if they are making the right decision.
An OGC reader I spoke to, when planning her move abroad, found exactly that: “I spent all my spare time planning, preparing and ticking off endless lists. After a few months I felt overwhelmed – was I merely caught up in ‘living the dream’ or did I truly understand what lay ahead? And how could I make sure that I wasn’t making a big mistake?”
I have chatted to people who have found that the move wasn’t right for them and they moved back to the UK almost immediately – at massive cost needless to say. So how do you make sure that the decision is right for you?
One way is to ‘play house’ at your overseas location. Try to make arrangements to stay for as long as possible on your next visit. Then plan to experience the place as someone who lives there would. This means that, rather than staying in a hotel, you rent an apartment or a villa or – first prize - do a house swap. Instead of visiting the main attractions, check out all the things that the locals do. Go grocery shopping, look at employment adverts and do everything you would normally do if you were moving from one town to another in the UK.
My afore-mentioned OGC reader decided to book a two week trip to her intended relocation destination. Although she had spent several holidays there, she had never done so with the intention of one day calling it home. She said it was the best decision ever: “By spending two weeks in my future town I was able to better set my expectations. I visited the doctor, paid a visit to a community centre, made enquiries about a local art class and made sure to eat most of my meals at home. By the end of the two weeks, I realised that some of my expectations were a bit too high whereas others were too low. Overall, the holiday gave me what I needed to get back on track.”
You might want to test public transport to see how reliable it is, stroll through the area at different times of the day to listen out for noise, buy the type of groceries you normally purchase to determine if they are available and at what price – and definitely check out health services. How far away are they and will they cater to all your needs?
By giving yourself time as a resident rather than a tourist, you will get a more realistic idea of daily life in your desired location. Of course there will be pros and cons but, without experiencing life as a local, you will be making the move without knowing exactly what those pros and cons are. The more you match your requirements and your expectations to your overseas destination, the less likely you will be to ask, “Am I making the right decision to move abroad?”
Friday, 20 August 2010
Why I would think of buying property in Portugal
Hey – how are you today?
I am still racing around London showing off my ‘home town’ to my South African friend! The highlight of this week is going to be the Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past over Whitehall at 4pm, Friday 20th August 2010, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The flyover is preceded by a reading of Winston Churchill's speech outside the Churchill War Rooms at 3.52pm.” Never in the field of human conflict...” and all that! I am really looking forward to it.
People often ask me why I would think of buying property in Portugal. It’s not as well known as Spain as a property destination but to me that’s half its charm! It's an inexpensive and fascinating country that is still catching up with the rest of Europe after forty years of dictatorship. This means that it has a far more rural, unspoilt feel and of course it often means that it costs less to live or holiday there.
Portugal, meaning ‘beautiful port’, has miles of unspoilt coastline coupled with a unique culture and a rich history. When I last travelled around I could not believe the beauty and the cultural heritage that I found in even the smallest towns and villages.
Many of the greatest seafarers and explorers were born in Portugal, and the Portuguese Empire once stretched from Brazil to the Indies, with Portuguese the most widely spoken language in the world. Today Portugal’s beaches and ports are far more likely to be catering to happy tourists. The long sandy beaches of the Algarve are well known, but all along the coastline there are opportunities to enjoy a whole selection of water sports in crystal clear waters, all to be enjoyed in the lovely warm climate, with temperatures of around 35°C in summer.
Inland, small towns and villages are surrounded with olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees. I went in spring and it was so delightful to walk through fields of spring flowers. There are also vast national parks, thickly forested and with an abundance of wildlife. To the north are snow-capped mountains, while to the south are the gently rolling plains where locals farm their lands.
Let’s not forget too the wonderful festivals with almost every town and village celebrating a regular saint’s day with a festival, usually in summer. There is also of course an endless selection of historic attractions plus many beautiful architectural gems. My especial favourite is the Palace of Pena at Sintra, which beautifully combines gothic, Islamic, and renaissance styles. I also love the ancient ramparts around towns like Ronda and Óbidos – one of the things I loved doing was walking around the whole of Óbidos along the walls – it’s a great way to see how the locals live!
To top it all off, there are also a number of excellent golf courses, plus other sporting facilities – but all pale into comparison with football, that Portuguese obsession, which you can watch from the many stadiums dotting the country. So…the question really is: why wouldn’t everyone think of buying property in Portugal? Do you feel the same? Please tell me of your experiences and why you are looking at moving to Portugal – or why you love the country so much.
Bye for now and happy summer days, Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com
I am still racing around London showing off my ‘home town’ to my South African friend! The highlight of this week is going to be the Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past over Whitehall at 4pm, Friday 20th August 2010, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The flyover is preceded by a reading of Winston Churchill's speech outside the Churchill War Rooms at 3.52pm.” Never in the field of human conflict...” and all that! I am really looking forward to it.
People often ask me why I would think of buying property in Portugal. It’s not as well known as Spain as a property destination but to me that’s half its charm! It's an inexpensive and fascinating country that is still catching up with the rest of Europe after forty years of dictatorship. This means that it has a far more rural, unspoilt feel and of course it often means that it costs less to live or holiday there.
Portugal, meaning ‘beautiful port’, has miles of unspoilt coastline coupled with a unique culture and a rich history. When I last travelled around I could not believe the beauty and the cultural heritage that I found in even the smallest towns and villages.
Many of the greatest seafarers and explorers were born in Portugal, and the Portuguese Empire once stretched from Brazil to the Indies, with Portuguese the most widely spoken language in the world. Today Portugal’s beaches and ports are far more likely to be catering to happy tourists. The long sandy beaches of the Algarve are well known, but all along the coastline there are opportunities to enjoy a whole selection of water sports in crystal clear waters, all to be enjoyed in the lovely warm climate, with temperatures of around 35°C in summer.
Inland, small towns and villages are surrounded with olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees. I went in spring and it was so delightful to walk through fields of spring flowers. There are also vast national parks, thickly forested and with an abundance of wildlife. To the north are snow-capped mountains, while to the south are the gently rolling plains where locals farm their lands.
Let’s not forget too the wonderful festivals with almost every town and village celebrating a regular saint’s day with a festival, usually in summer. There is also of course an endless selection of historic attractions plus many beautiful architectural gems. My especial favourite is the Palace of Pena at Sintra, which beautifully combines gothic, Islamic, and renaissance styles. I also love the ancient ramparts around towns like Ronda and Óbidos – one of the things I loved doing was walking around the whole of Óbidos along the walls – it’s a great way to see how the locals live!
To top it all off, there are also a number of excellent golf courses, plus other sporting facilities – but all pale into comparison with football, that Portuguese obsession, which you can watch from the many stadiums dotting the country. So…the question really is: why wouldn’t everyone think of buying property in Portugal? Do you feel the same? Please tell me of your experiences and why you are looking at moving to Portugal – or why you love the country so much.
Bye for now and happy summer days, Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com
Friday, 13 August 2010
Mortgages – you need a degree to decide…!
Hello again. This has been a great week for me – one of my closest friends has come to stay for a couple of weeks and I am showing her London! Needless to say, we have stacks planned but will probably exhaust ourselves and slump in front of the telly after a few hectic days!
One of the things we are going to do is to see a favourite of mine - Martin Shaw - in a play at the Richmond Theatre. Plus a possible Bat Walk at the Wetland Centre…and there’s a jazz festival at Canary Wharf…whew, I feel tired already!
No matter how canny you are, today it just isn’t easy to predict what’s going to happen in the foreseeable future is it? Take mortgages: after the recent emergency budget, many industry experts are now predicting that the base rate will remain stable at around 0.5% until perhaps the end of 2012 – I even saw 2013 mentioned.
Even Chancellor George Osborne made reference in his budget speech to Bank of England governor Mervyn King’s recent comments that if growth does prove to be slower, interest rates will remain lower. So…for those of you thinking of buying a new home or re-mortgaging, where does this leave you over the next couple of years?
You can take a competitive fixed rate now – and with this you get the ability to budget. For those more risk-averse borrowers who simply want a planned budget, a fixed rate is a highly attractive option. It does mean however that you give up a low standard variable rate (SVR) and ignore the tracker rate linked to the Bank of England base rate.
In contrast, if you choose to embrace the prediction of a continued low base rate, in the short to medium term certainly there are some competitive choices. You can of course remain on a low SVR until you see signs of an upward trend, but should you want to exchange you may find that your lender excludes existing borrowers from their best products…
Perhaps you need to take advice here from a mortgage expert? If you don’t know who to ask about this I know that the friendly team at the Overseas Guides Company Resource Centre can recommend someone – give them a call on 0207 898 0549.
But sometimes even for the most experienced broker, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. However I always feel that two heads are better than one, especially when that second ‘head’ has been concentrating on the mortgage market for years…!
I’m off to have fun – in the sun I hope – with my friend now. Fortunately, because she’s from South Africa, a few cooler days are quite welcome - I hope you are enjoying summer too.
Best wishes,
Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
One of the things we are going to do is to see a favourite of mine - Martin Shaw - in a play at the Richmond Theatre. Plus a possible Bat Walk at the Wetland Centre…and there’s a jazz festival at Canary Wharf…whew, I feel tired already!
No matter how canny you are, today it just isn’t easy to predict what’s going to happen in the foreseeable future is it? Take mortgages: after the recent emergency budget, many industry experts are now predicting that the base rate will remain stable at around 0.5% until perhaps the end of 2012 – I even saw 2013 mentioned.
Even Chancellor George Osborne made reference in his budget speech to Bank of England governor Mervyn King’s recent comments that if growth does prove to be slower, interest rates will remain lower. So…for those of you thinking of buying a new home or re-mortgaging, where does this leave you over the next couple of years?
You can take a competitive fixed rate now – and with this you get the ability to budget. For those more risk-averse borrowers who simply want a planned budget, a fixed rate is a highly attractive option. It does mean however that you give up a low standard variable rate (SVR) and ignore the tracker rate linked to the Bank of England base rate.
In contrast, if you choose to embrace the prediction of a continued low base rate, in the short to medium term certainly there are some competitive choices. You can of course remain on a low SVR until you see signs of an upward trend, but should you want to exchange you may find that your lender excludes existing borrowers from their best products…
Perhaps you need to take advice here from a mortgage expert? If you don’t know who to ask about this I know that the friendly team at the Overseas Guides Company Resource Centre can recommend someone – give them a call on 0207 898 0549.
But sometimes even for the most experienced broker, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. However I always feel that two heads are better than one, especially when that second ‘head’ has been concentrating on the mortgage market for years…!
I’m off to have fun – in the sun I hope – with my friend now. Fortunately, because she’s from South Africa, a few cooler days are quite welcome - I hope you are enjoying summer too.
Best wishes,
Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
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