The Portugal News | 12 Sep 2015 Make the move The Algarve is known for its stunning scenery, fantastic weather and welcoming atmosphere, so it comes as no surprise that many of the visitors who come to the region during the summer months, often leave eager to return for more. place in the sun While the Algarve is geo- may seem like a graphically a relatively Adistant dream but small area it boasts a huge in reality, owning choice for property buyers your own property in the both in terms of pricing and Algarve has never been in lifestyle options. easier or more affordable, In the centre of the region especially for those buy- there is the famous Golden ing in pounds who are Triangle region of Vale do able to take advantage as Lobo, Quinta do Lago and it reaches its highest level Almancil, known for being against the euro since the home to the rich and fa- 2007/08 global economic mous of Europe, all looking crisis. for stunning properties, top The Algarve offers many restaurants, exceptional benefits for buyers and golf courses and a truly while the market was hit luxurious lifestyle. during the crisis, it did not Those with more modest suffer as much as other budgets will be spoilt for sunshine destinations choice heading both East such as Iberian neighbour and West along the coast, Spain, largely due to sup- from traditional historic ply never outstripping The stylish interior of one of the many luxury properties to be found in the Algarve towns to fishing villages, demand. modern developments and Now the property market living in a country where whether you are from the national population of the difficult part of moving to even secluded country is firmly back on the up and they may struggle to com- UK, France, Holland, Ger- region. the Algarve is choosing properties. the strong signs of recovery municate. There are also many or further afield, with Once you have decided your ideal home, owing to Each area of the Algarve have been boosted since many home comforts that shops and businesses that it is time to make the the variety on the market has its own distinct style the country exited the 78 can be found in the Algarve catering for the truly inter- move, perhaps the most across the region. and feel with real estate billion EU/IMF bailout of agents able to listen to 2011 in May 2014 along- exactly what buyers are side the IMF forecast which looking for and then help- predicts GDP to reach 1.6 ing them to pinpoint not per cent this year. only their perfect property There is no denying that but also the location that the trend for the Algarve will suit their needs and as a place to retire contin- lifestyle best. ues, with the region re- Buying or selling a prop- cently coming top of a erty in a foreign country can Forbes list of best places seem like a daunting task to retire to. to many but the wealth of The high quality health experienced professionals care, reasonable cost of on hand in the region to living and inviting tax ben- help at every stage of the efits for retirees makes the process makes the entire Algarve and Portugal a very experience a positive one easy place to live for those and the friendly and helpful of retirement age. However communities are always the facilities, education on hand to offer advice. system and safe environ- Purchasing a property in ment also makes the Al- the Algarve does not mean garve an ideal place for that you have to move here families to relocate, espe- on a permanent basis and cially those looking to in- for many people it is prefer- crease their quality of life. able to buy a property with Portuguese is the official the intention of renting it language of the country but out for either some or all of English is very widely spo- the year. ken, especially in coastal areas, which makes the Make the move, Algarve an appealing choice for those nervous of A typical Algarve cottage, given a quirky modern makeover see page XVI II The Portugal News • 12 Sep 2015 Special tax status offered by government The Non-Habitual Resident status estab- lishes a special tax re- gime for individuals that transfer their tax residency to Portugal. In order to qualify for this regime, the applicant has only to fulfil the two pre- requisites: - not to have been a tax resident in Portugal in the last five years; - to transfer their effective residency to Portugal in accordance with the applicable tax residency rules (stay in Portugal more than 183 days during each year or have available accommodation in Portugal with intention to establish a permanent Luis Rodrigues - Partner of GPA Law Firm residency) Another important point ers to obtain several tax the descending and as- to mention is that this re- advantages such as the cending lines. gime does not require the exemption from taxation in This regime has the individual to acquire a real Portugal of private pension purpose of stimulating the estate property as the resi- income, dividends, inter- economy through the at- dency may be established ests and royalties received traction of new residents by living in an owned prop- from abroad, or reduced such as qualified profes- erty or by purely living in a tax rate of 20% on profes- sionals and retired people rented property. sional income earned by in an attempt by the Portu- Once granted the Non- qualified professionals, guese Government to cre- Habitual Resident status, amongst others. ate the “Florida of Europe”. applies for a 10 years pe- Furthermore, it is also For more information riod, provided that, in each important to note that Por- please contact GPA: year, the applicant fulfills tugal does not have Inherit- Gouveia Pereira, Costa the conditions to be quali- ance Tax and also ex- Freitas & Associados fied as a tax resident in empts from taxation all Telephone: 00351 213 Portugal. donations given to 121 550 The Non-Habitual Resi- spouses, unmarried part- Email: [email protected] dent status allows taxpay- ners and close relatives in Website: www.gpasa.pt The Portugal News • 12 Sep 2015 III IV The Portugal News • 12 Sep 2015 The Portugal News • 12 Sep 2015 V Eastern Algarve still a hidden gem! lgarve Manta properties.com) and their satisfaction is number and inland above these Prices in the Eastern retirement home. Properties is a sister company Algarve one and their good repu- areas. Algarve are still low The team look forward to Acompany which Manta Property Manage- tation goes before them. Their office is in the tradi- enough and for British hearing from you. has been promi- ment headed by Celia Their selection of proper- tionally Portuguese beach buyers the exchange rates SALES TEAM; nent in Eastern Algarve Ruas and Monica Domi- ties for sale ranges from resort of Manta Rota which very extremely favourable. [email protected] Real Estate for many ngos who deal with small studios from €65,000 has over 22km of wide Add to this the short flight [email protected] years, headed by Antonio rentals. Euros to large Villas over a family-friendly beach, times from the UK and the [email protected] Neves who is Portuguese (www.algarvemanta.pt) million Euros. stretching from Cacela 5 golf courses within a 15 [email protected] and Sarah Gonçalves who The team is highly dedi- The portfolio stretches Velha to Vila Real de Stº minute drive making a RENTALS; is English. They have two cated and their service from Luz de Tavira to Vila António. great place for a holiday or [email protected] businesses: Property doesn’t end when the sale Real de Santo António on Sales (www.algarvemanta is complete. Customer the far east of the Algarve VI The Portugal News • 12 Sep 2015 Peace of mind with L7 Comprehensive cover, cost effective policies and an unrivalled dedication to providing a personal service to all clients have made the L7 insurance brokerage team the first choice for many in the Algarve. With over a decade of service to all clients and ways visiting our clients experience in the market specialising in insurance homes to provide quota- and franchise offices in for the expat market. tions for home insurance Lagos, Lagoa, São Brás de “Client satisfaction is very policies. Alportel, Vila Real de Santo important to us and most of “We work hard to build up António and Tavira, the L7 our business comes from strong relationships with brokerage team is in the word of mouth advertising all of our clients who know best position to cover your and recommendations,” that in any situation, we are home, health and auto he said, adding that clients here to help them to find insurance needs across can feel confident as the best solution to any the Algarve. L7 is a part of Fidelidade is Portugal’s problem they might find Portugal’s largest insur- largest insurance company themselves encountering”. ance group Fidelidade having a 30 percent share With regards to their Insurance broker Vitor of the national market. products, Fidelidade has Rocha has built up a repu- “What marks us from our devised a range of insur- tation for himself and his competitors is the close ance policies that cater to team across the region by personal attention we pro- the specific needs of foreign providing the best possible vide by, for example, al- residents. Some of the Insure your house in Portugal through a leading insurance broker.