Looking to buy in Portugal - tell us we are not mad :)

[siobhanwf]

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the 1st of July, 2012 15:47

[IanW]

Thanks.

We will probably initially rent in the area, so we know exactly what we are after.

Currently looking in and around Tomar

The last thing we wish to do is to rush and buy the wrong property.

The biggest issue is working out from agent details which are up a mountain etc., as particulars are often a little sketchy to say the least.

[Maggy Crawford]

I have used friends' keyboards in South Africa and they are US ones, hence not being able to get the € sign.

[IanW]

Everyone should be able to get the € by holding the alt key down and typing 0128 then releasing the alt key - this is assuming the Alt Gr + 4 fails to work.

[anapedrosa]

Originally Posted by IanW

Everyone should be able to get the € by holding the alt key down and typing 0128 then releasing the alt key - this is assuming the Alt Gr + 4 fails to work.

Thanks - I didn't know that, quite useful.

[travelling-man]

I'm not aware of any similar services similar to the one described above here in central Portugal but it's a damn good idea and I'm sure there's an opening for such an operation in this area.

[tonycharlton]

Originally Posted by IanW

Hello,

We are looking to buy a home and relocate to Portugal.

We are looking at Central Portugal. Probably in the Figueiró dos Vinhos region.

Are we mad?

The one issue we have is finding decent estate agents - there seem to be various listing type sites, but these seem a little limited and not really someone who can search for our needs.

Our essential needs are outside space both for cooking and for our large dog to run around and most importantly internet access. We need a good connection 24/7 for my work.

Apart from that 3 or 4 bedrooms etc... We are not adverse to a larger property that we could rent out part of it as a holiday let.

Any tips or suggestions?

We will be paying cash and probably have a budget of around 150,000 Euros. (must learn where the Euro symbol is LOL)

We are new to all this and wish to settle down where the climate is better, the neighbourhood is nicer and we can mix with the local community.

Plain and simple we want a better quality of life.

Thanks.

(will probably have lots of other questions - but will do a search for those first)

Hi, I have just read your thread on expat forum. I came here in Feb 1st this year and have bought a small house in a place called Almegue, about 30kms from Figueiró dos Vinhos. The nearest large village to me is Cernache do Bonjardim.
I would recommend my estate agent, Alice Nunes Ferreira,///snip/// . If you tell her exactly what you are looking for she will find the perfect place for you and look after you once you've bought the place. Alice speaks perfect English so no problems there. Alice's email is ///snip///

You are welcome to visit my place to see what the country is like once you leave the larger towns/villages. I am surrounded by hills, woods and a large river about 100 metres down the hill from me. My neighbours are great, mainly old ladies and one younger family (there are about 5 families in all here.)

My email is [email]////snip////
Rgds
Tony Charlton

[TONKINL]

Hi,

Of course you are not mad! just looking for somthing better or different. Good for you. Portugal is an absolutely beautiful pace to live especially in the Central region. If you are looking for a gorgeous place in this area with stunning scenery, beautiful walks etc you could not find a nicer place than Penela. Just about 40 mins from the historic vibrant city of Coimbra and just over an hour from the gorgeous sea side town of figera de foz on the Silver Coast. Penela its-self is a really beautiful tranquil market town with an 11th century castle. It has all the modern conveniences, post office,banks, medical centre,supermarkets etc. but still maintaining its typical Portuguese charm. It really is lovely, immaculate and the people are very very welcoming and friendlly. I can recommend a fantastic estate agent Coimbra Propery Shop. Graham is English but speaks fluent Portuguese. Have a look at their website. They offer much more than property,advice, tips etc.
We are unfortunately looking at selling our home in this area because of family circumstances but it may be too big for your needs anyway, and double your budget, (an almost new 4 bed villa) but would be perfect to rent out rooms because each bedroom has a large ensuite. The view is to die for overlooking the breathtaking Louro Valley with views of Penela Castle. It stands in one acre of land. plenty room for growing veg and cooking etc.
I know that you will find what you are looking for but you are right to choose a good agent, give Coimbra Property Shop a go and very good Luck

[canoeman]

Can I add my house to your advert Lorraine

[TONKINL]

Not sure what you mean? I'm new at this and not really sure if I'm doing things right! I am passionate about portugal though and anyone who has decided to move over there I will encourage. Change is always difficult and can be hard work at first, but as they say you get out of life what you put in! will love it (with the right help etc.) Are you selling your house? I didn't understand your comment!