Portugal is a country with a rich history of exploration and discovery. Many of the greatest explorers, such as d’Azamburia, Dias, Columbus and da Gama were born in Portugal and it was through their achievements that Portugal became an imperialist power in the early part of the last millennium.

Now, at the turn of the new millennium, a new era has come to Portugal, now it is being discovered by the outside world. Not everyone though has the financial capacity to own a house in the many prime tourist locations in the country. On the other hand, because of its increased popularity, hotel accommodations have become scarce and pricey. The next option now to enjoy the sights and scene of Portugal is through the concept of timesharing.

In essence, timesharing is the purchase of a legal right to use a particular property over a period of time. The true owner of the property divests the use of the property to third persons for a fee. This contractual agreement is more formally called a usufruct. In this concept, the owner of the property allows full use of the property for the purpose of its existence. This means, if the property subject to the usufruct is a farmland, then the use of the land is limited to planting and harvesting crops on the land. This concept has become popular in tourist havens in Portugal, such as the Algarve, Alentejo and Lisbon. This is how the concept is applied to the current situation. An individual or corporation builds an apartment complex. Then they employ agents not to sell the property but only to sell the rights to use and live in the apartment complexes or homes at defined schedules all year round.

The concept of timesharing is perfect for an individual or a family traveling to Portugal. Here, you can plan around your around the timeshare you have purchased. When you own a timeshare, you are assured of a place to stay to your liking, away from the trampling and maddening crowds of hotels. Though there is no room service or people to fix your room, you need not worry about running up the bills during your stay in a hotel as you feel you have brought your home all the way up to Portugal during your vacation.

The Benefits of Timesharing

Timesharing has become large business in Portugal, especially in the tourist areas. This has fueled the current construction boom in areas frequented because of their beaches and other offerings that are traditionally Portuguese. Not only has this benefited the environs of the construction areas, there are many other benefits the purchaser derives in buying a timeshare in Portugal.

• Expenses are planned out. One of the greatest concerns for an individual and a family is the cost of the vacation. Literally all the purchases and expenses that one pays for are well above the normal prices when you are in a hotel. With a timeshare, you can pay for your vacation even before getting there, allowing you the financial flexibility to purchase more when you are on your vacation.
• Home away from home. Often, living in a hotel makes one feel that one is living in an anaesthetized and antiseptic room during your vacation. Also, there is a problem with security as many others have access to your room and belongings during your stay in the hotel. In a timeshare, this is very different. You can set up the apartment according to your liking, cook your own meals and treat it as your home away from home. You do have to clean up though and make sure the keys are with you when you leave the house.
• Timeshares are assets. Since what you have is a usufruct, it is a right that can be bought and sold, or even pawned depending upon the contractual provisions of the timeshare. You thus have an asset to form part of your portfolio so long as it is valid and subsisting.

The Places for a Timeshare

There are many places that you can purchase a timeshare in Portugal. Here are but some of the places that one can fully realize the value of a timeshare.

The Albufeira is one of the most happening places in Portugal. There are many timeshare properties that are located all around the so-called “Strip” in the Albufeira. There are also many other properties in the famed beaches such as the Praia de Castelo, Praia de Falesia and the Praia de Gale de Olhos d’Agua. The marina is the center of the city and is but a stone’s throw away from the timeshare properties available.

The Algarve still retains its allure as the best beach tourist destination in the Portugal. There are many hotels though that dominates the beachfronts of the area, so getting a timeshare near them will surely cost a pretty bundle. In return though, you will be in the center of the spectacular sights on the beach and in the surrounding environs.

The Tips in Purchasing Time Shares

The popularity and the rewards of timeshares have its upsides and its downsides. In order to make sure you enjoy the benefits and promises of timeshares, here are some tips you need to follow to keep your investment in check and safe.

• Do your research. Since what you are being offered is a piece of paper, you need to look at the company offering it, the property described and the other things that can validate the existence and reality of the time share. This also ensures that you do not fall prey to unscrupulous individuals that will only dupe you of your hard earned money.
• Look at the property. Looking at what you are purchasing is also an important aspect of the investment. It is not enough you look at the property online or through pictures, but you need to physically see the house and the brokers of the timeshare. Not only is this important for your confidence in the investment, but you need to sign the dotted line to consummate the sale.

This long term investment is a definite plus for you as you enjoy the scenery and the culture that is Portugal. This option will make you rest and recreation truly enjoyable, making you come back for more as each year arrives.

The increased activity in the real estate market in Portugal has been the fruit of the streamlining of legal processes in the transactions for properties. This has certainly been the foundation of a business in the purchase and sale of properties through financial intermediaries, such as local Portuguese banks to international banks. Currently, Portugal has established a set of rules and regulations as to the parameters involved in the lending and borrowing of cash for property purchases. It is in this system that the viability of mortgage loans for properties in Portugal has flourished over the years.

The mortgage rules and regulations in Portugal can be simplified all the more with the following by lines so that when you explore this option, you will not be surprised as to the outcome of your mortgage loan application.

• Kinds of properties. Mortgage lending institutions have been known to disapprove applications for loans on the purchase of so-called “rustic” properties. These are properties that are located in the very rural and agriculture areas of the country. In contrast, these financial companies have been much more amenable to mortgage loans for a remortgage on existing property, off plan homes as well as in the purchase of land in order for one to construct one’s home.
• The terms of the loan. Often, mortgage loans are spread between five to twenty five years, with some more established financial institutions carrying the loan well over thirty years. Banks often allow the release of 70% of the proceeds for an existing property or for an off plan property while one can receive at least 40% of the total valuation up front when an individual seeks to purchase land and build the property.
• The eligibility requirements. Like many of the banks all throughout the world, the criteria for borrowers remain largely uniform. The individual’s income, expenses, age, credit history, existing assets and other pertinent information are taken into consideration. Basic information such as proof of address, identity and credit investigation results will also form part of the factors in the approval or disapproval of the loan.

The Pitfalls You must Avoid

In purchasing property, there are many pitfalls you need to avoid, whether you are Portuguese citizen or that of a foreign nationality. Here are some tips you can take into consideration when undergoing the process of obtaining a mortgage in Portugal.

• Seek Professional Help. You need to have an individual well versed in the process involved, from the purchase itself and all the other of items that need to addressed regarding the purchase. Also, these real estate brokers may have the necessary leverage for you to obtain much more favourable terms and conditions regarding your mortgage loan application.
• Proper evaluation. Finding a surveyor and assessor that is able to provide an unbiased and fair valuation of the property is top priority. The evaluation not only goes to the land, but also in your capacity and ability to repay the loan incurred from the bank.
• The costs of the transaction. The true cost of the purchase of the property is not the land valuation made. When the mortgage is applied for, the total cost increases as there are many inclusions to the mortgage amount. These include surveying cost, loan administration, interest, taxes and all sorts of applied expenses tacked unto your mortgage loan. This balloons the total loan cost compared to the valuation of the land.

The Process you must Undergo

Unlike many other jurisdictions, the Portuguese system of obtaining a mortgage loan is slightly more demanding in terms of legalities and administration. In Portugal, the raising of finances is both complicated and time consuming. This means the earlier you are able to undergo the process, the better you are able to handle the many problems that may arise in the purchase process.

In order to obtain a mortgage, you would need to submit an application with all the pertinent information, financial or otherwise. All these will be considered, so long as an acceptance of mortgage has been issued by the seller. This indicates that the mortgage proceeds are acceptable as to the payment over the purchase price. Once this is made, an evaluation of the property is made. All these factors are determinant of the viability of the investment and will be used to approve or disapprove the loan.

The approval of the mortgage loan brings with it a monetary value. This is the land valuation made after due survey and determination by the bank or financial institution. This is also the amount you would need to pay the lender at an agreed upon rate over a number of years. This is also the amount that the seller deems as acceptable for the transfer of the property. The offer then needs to be approved in order to consummate the sale.

If an approval has been garnered, then a contract is drawn up for the sale and transfer of the property. The provisions of this contract include the price, completion date and all such other pertinent information of the transaction. An ancillary contract is also drawn up, this time for the mortgage itself, between lender and borrower. Another application is then completed to formalize the transfer of the property from the name of the seller into name of the buyer. Final sign off of the documents are made and release the proceeds of the mortgage are used to pay for the sale of the land.

There are some other nuances to the mortgage process that need to be considered. When buying properties that are “off plan” the mortgage proceeds can only be released upon completion. This is because the final survey of the property is necessary for the valuation of the property. Without this valuation, there can be no valuation of the property and thus no mortgage can thus be formulated.

Another aspect you need to consider are the other “add-on” costs over and above the mortgage itself. These include payment for the business representative and day-to-day costs of the purchase. Do include the time and the attention to the detail, as well as the stress in the transaction. These costs though are well worth it because in the end, the mortgage will be the means to an end of having your own home and roof over your own head.

A few decades ago, setting up a business in Portugal was a very stressful and time-consuming affair. This was then recognized by the leaders of the country as one of the main causes for the slow growth of the business sector. In response, new laws were instituted to make the process of setting up a business more simplified. Barring any difficulties and issues, you can have your business registered and set-up in a single day. Here is the overview of the process of setting up a business in Portugal.

Who can set up a business in Portugal? Portuguese citizens can set-up a business while foreign nationals can set-up a business through the facilitation and assistance of a Portuguese lawyer, solicitor or notary duly holding a certificate that allows them to do this kind of business. There are no restrictions for foreigners to set up a company in Portugal so long as they apply for legal residence and obtain the necessary work permits and the infusion of the minimum capital investment for the company.

Here are the required certifications for foreigners to be able to set up their business in Portugal. These particular requirements are strictly observed and this is where assistance of a professional becomes critical to the success of your planned business:

• They must obtain a Residency Card or Cartao de Residencia that has been duly issued by the Portuguese Immigration Service or a Servicios se Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or work permit.
• They also need to obtain a Tax Number or a Numero Fiscal de Contribuinte be it for the establishment of a business or those intending for work. This identifies the individual for tax purposes.
• The individual should also register to obtain a Social Security Number or a Cartao de Seguranca Social. As a mandatory requirement, foreigners working in Portugal for more than a hundred eighty days need to pay their share for social security.
• You also need to determine the type of company you would be setting up in Portugal. The following are four types of companies that can be established.

1. Private limited liability companies, or Sociedade por Quotas require at least two individuals as partners to its establishment.Sole proprietorships or Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas have an individual owner, either as one person or as a collective entity. The corporate entity is liable solely for the liabilities. The minimum capital investment for these kinds of companies are €5,000.
2. Public limited companies or Sociedade Anonima SA Corporation requires at least five individual shareholders. If one of the shareholders is the State, then only two other shareholders are needed. The corporate entity is liable for the company liabilities.
3. Limited co-partnership companies or Sociedade em Comandito SC are special kinds of companies. There are two categories of partners in the corporation, the dormant partners or socios comanditarias and the full partners or socios comanditados. The dormant partners liability is limited to the amount of their shares. The full partners are fully liable for any and all of the company debts.
4. General partnership companies or Sociedade em Nome Collectivo SNC partners are liable for any and all of the company’s debts.

There are many companies that offer professional advice and help in putting up a business. These entities include the local Municipal Councils, local Citizen’s Shops or Loja do Cidadao and the local employment services. Some other modern towns and cities have Business Formality Centers or Centros de Formalidades das Empresas or CFE. These specialized offices are designed to assist the setting up of the business. They provide entrepreneurs the documents required for submission, provide organizational management advice, process orientation and other information on government bodies to assist in its establishment.

You can opt to hire a professional or a Portuguese business broker known as a Despachente. This individual or individuals are well versed in administrative procedure. It is also necessary to engage the services of an accountant or Contabilista and a lawyer or Advogado. Another important item to have when putting up your business is a Conta Bancaria or a business bank account as well as individuals designated who can sign and issue checks.

Individuals choosing to put up a business need to choose a name for their business. The proposed names can be checked against a database of company names. The name, if it is available, can be registered with a validation certificate or Certificade de Admissibilidade issued by the Registo Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas or the National Registry of Companies.

Setting Up a Business in a Nutshell

The basic steps in putting up a business in Portugal are as follows:

• Entrepreneur applies for a Validation Certificate or Certificado de Admissibilidade for the issuance of a Provisional Company Identity Card or Cartao Provisorio de Pessoa Collectiva from the Registo Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas or RNPC.
• The Deed of Incorporation is prepared and signed at a notary public.
• An application for a Start of Activity Declaration or Declaracao de Inicio de Actividade para Efeitos Fiscais at the Tax Office or Direccao-Geral dos Impostos. This application needs to be filed within 90 days after issuance of the Provincial Company Identity Card.
• The Conservatorias do Registo Comercial or the local Commercial Registry is the next office to go to as one applies for the registration of the company. The registry will then organize the company’s publication in the Portuguese Official Journal or Diario da Republica.
• Another office that needs to be dealt with local Social Security center as the employees need to be registered and the company needs to pay its share in social welfare.
• The owners also need to register the company within thirty days with the Commercial or Industrial Records Office or the Cadastro Comercial or Industrial at the Directorate-General of Enterprise or the office of the Ministry of Economy.

This simplified process has made setting up a business in Portugal much easier. This has helped foster the current economic growth in Portugal. Now, you should not have any other problems when you want to earn a profit in Portugal since this registering a business is now just a breeze.

Purchasing property in Portugal occurs in stages. Often, these stages occur sequentially and the following is an advisory of how properties are bought and sold in Portugal. Here are some tips though you need to do in order to avoid getting into complications when going through the process of property transfer and ownership in Portugal.

1. Look at the property. You can do this by either going to the house and seeing it for yourself or if it is advertised online, look at all the pictures closely in order to have an idea of the condition and location of the property.
2. Learn Portuguese. In order to be able to get into the thick of things. By being able to understand the discussions, you can get to up to speed with everything that is being communicated about property.
3. Check your finances. This is a long-term investment involving long-term cost. So, you need to be properly prepared financially since there is a lot involved before being able to secure ownership of your dream home.

The Contract of Sale

The very last stage to transfer ownership is in the signing of the contract of sale or escritura. Here are the peculiarities prior to this formality.

• The first stage in purchasing a property in Portugal is the signing of a promissory contract, called a contrato de promessa de compra e venda. This document details such as the owner’s identity, detailed description of the property and the boundaries of the land, tax and registration numbers, the purchase price, deposit and completion date.
• This document can be drafted in English and a deed of sale or the Escritura can be drafted by obviating the contrato de promessa. This is a requirement though when paying a deposit, which is the norm in buying property in Portugal.
• If you purchasing property still to be built, or “off plan” properties, you would need to pay a holding deposit to reserve your right to purchase the property. This holding deposit is provided until the promissory contract is signed. The whole period for this process takes around four weeks.
• In purchasing “off plan” properties, payments are made in stages. These installment plans consist usually of a percentage deposit at about twenty percent. After this payment, you pay another twenty percent upon completion of the roofing, then another twenty percent when tiling on the bathroom and kitchen or doors and window frames are completed. Then you pay another twenty percent upon the completion of the building, ten percent when the exteriors are completed. The remaining ten percent is paid after an agreed period as insurance against defects. This may change altogether depending how far off of the “off plan” property is from completion.

A completion schedule needs to be included in the contract. The details included in this schedule must refer to stage payment dates, completion dates and penalties for non-completion. There must also be explicit guarantees for building work, builder’s insurance policy and the plans and specifications of the building that have been signed off by both parties.

Now that you know some of the finer points, finding the right location for your dream home in Portugal is an important part of this process. Here are some of the great places you can buy your property in Portugal.

One of the most popular places to buy properties is the Algarve. This is the foremost tourist location in Portugal. The sunny temperatures, the white sand beaches and the vibrant atmosphere makes the Algarve one of the best places to make your home. Aside from the great natural setting, there are many resorts located in the region offering amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and shopping complexes. The only drawback though is that the Algarve is popular with tourists, so expect many out of towners as well as services costing quite high compared to other places.

Lagos is another town that provides a more natural setting with the amenities of the resort towns have. This is one of the most desirable places to live in as it has many gated complexes as well as stunning beachfront properties. This though comes at a price but it sure is well worth it.

Also located near the coast are the towns of Tomar and Abrantes that also have the allure of the more expensive locations but provides much more value for money. There is also a lot of stunning scenery of pristine environments that have been preserved against overdevelopment. In these smaller towns, you can choose to restore an old home and make it your own or build one from scratch. In the end, you can make your home truly your own instead of being limited to the homes built en masse.

If you want a more metropolitan ambience to your home, then you can choose to live in the cities in Portugal. The prime location is Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. There are other secondary cities you can choose from, such as Sesimbra, Porto and other highly urbanized centers as your home. The prices are very high in these places together with rather cramped options for your home, but being in the hustle and bustle of the city more than makes up for these limitations.

Thus in purchasing property in Portugal, two main factors come into play. The first one is your desire to make Portugal your home. This desire translates to the kind of acumen and perseverance you are willing to undergo and endure as a future homeowner. This includes the time and stress involved in looking for, agreeing to and eventually gaining ownership of a particular piece of property. The second factor involves the financial capacity available to you in purchasing property in Portugal. There are all sorts of fees that need to be paid over and above the purchase price for the property and in sprucing up the purchased home. Add on the cost of your travel and personal expenses in following up and engaging services results in a rather tidy sum. You need to save up in order to gain the rewards you desire in the new home you have just purchased.

The Algarve is steeped with history and tradition. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were known as the Conii and their habitation was dated along the sixth century BC. The Phoenicians, by 1000 BC, already plied a trade route on the coast to be known later as the Algarve. In 550 BC, the Carthaginians founded Portus Hanibalis, which has been rechristened today as Portimao. As the Roman Empire dominated Europe in the second century BC, they had control over the Iberian Peninsula, where many remains of Roman fortifications and recreational facilities still exist in the area known as Lagos, Vilamoura and Praia de Luz. In the 5^th century AD, the Visigoths took control of the Algarve until the Moors invaded the peninsula in 711 AD. It is in this period that the region was named Al-Gharb Al Andalus, or the western area of Muslim Iberia. The occupation by the Moors of Portugal ended in the mid 12^th century AD as the Kingdom of Portugal successfully had driven back the Muslim invaders. From then on, the area has been under the aegis of the Kingdom of Portugal and later on the Portuguese Republic.

The region of Algarve is divided into sixteen municipalities and is primarily an agricultural region, producing fig, almonds, oranges, carob beans, strawberries and cork oak. Other important activities are fishing and aquaculture, wine making, food processing and cement production. Every summer, tourism becomes the primary economic industry, as it has become a beach resort town since the area was showcased in the 1960s.

The coastline faces south and is measured at approximately 155 kilometers in length and about 52 kilometers in width, with its widest at 36 kilometers deep. All in all, there are over one hundred attractive beaches on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The key to the temperate weather is the maritime shelf just off the coast of the region, making the sea temperature warm even on winter months. Because of the area has the Atlantic Ocean to its south and west, the region has most possibly the most unpolluted climate in Europe.

Nowadays when you say the Algarve, the name has become synonymous with luxury hotels and picturesque beaches.  The area has become a tourist haven as its beaches, Mediterranean climate and relatively low cost housing. This has become the primary dollar earner in the region, with accommodations available to foreign and local tourists alike are high-rise resorts in Albufeira to traditional guest accommodations in the small towns and villages in and around the Algarve coast. There has also been a construction boom in the region as many tourists have fallen in love with the area and have chosen it to become their new home. These tourists have either purchased real estate in the area or have bought housing built by other expatriates in the area.

There is entertainment available for singles, couples and families in the Algarve. The Quarteira and Lagos are best for family sized vacationers. For those wanting to live the fast life on vacation, there is the Albufeira, the Praia da Rocha and Lagos particularly Vilamoura and Ferragudo. If you want to revel in the history and culture of the area, then Silves, Tavira, Lagos or Sagres can provide you a walk through history and a sampling of the rich cultural tradition of the area. If you do want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist vacation and look forward to quiet walks on the countryside, then Alte or Monchique are the destinations for you. You can start your trek from Western Algarve but there are less more flatland areas such as Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

The beauty of Algarve does not merely lie on its coastline and beaches for its beauty and appeal. The interior is rich with flora and fauna, as the inland areas have mineral rich soil and rolling landscapes. All year round, there are many offerings of natural bounty, from the almond and orchid blossoms of January to the May and June jacaranda blooms together with cork trees being harvested. July is the fruit-bearing month with a wild abundance of cherries, strawberries and melons flooding the markets while August and September is harvest season for grapes, figs and almonds. December is the time of the famed Algarve oranges.

The highest point inland is the Foia, 902 meters above the village of Monchique. This mountainous region had been a favored site of the Roman era inhabitants, because of the many terraces and granite stonewalls. This has become the source of the many of the local produce that are bought and sold in the village marketplace. Another well-known delicacy is the Medronho, a locally brewed alcoholic beverage from indigenous ingredients from within and around the area.

What is most attractive to Algarve is the temperate weather all year round. On the average, the temperature in this coastal region is between 15 degrees Celsius in the winter and 31 degrees Celsius during the summer months. This coincides with the many events hosted in the Algarve. There are powerboat championships and car rally events as well as motocross challenges in the inland areas of Algarve. As for the outlying areas, sailing regattas and golf championships are very well renowned to be held each year.  There is also the Mardi Gras in February, the Liberation day on April 25 and the many medieval and commemorative festivals all year round can surely make your stay in Portugal not only fun at the beach but a healthy celebration on the streets from sun up til sun down and more.

So you see, the Algarve is not just a one-feature region in Portugal. The area showcases what is best of Portugal in a coastline setting, showcasing its local history and culture for all visitors, be it foreign and local to enjoy all year round. Do visit the region to see what makes this area the haven of the expatriate community in Portugal.

Living in the Silver Coast of Portugal

The Silver Coast of Portugal is an area fronting miles of white sandy beach and cool temperate climate all year round. This makes the locale ideal for tourists and sun worshippers to visit. Aside from the current sites on the beach, the Silver Coast also boasts of much of the naval history location in Portugal’s long sea tradition. There are also inland attractions that can be found to have senses feast upon, not just sand found on the beach and in traps on the golf course.

Even at off peak times, there is much to experience in the Silver Coast. The locale boasts of many traditional festivals and fairs that make your stay in the area an enriching one. There is the Aveiro, the town where its canals are crossed by bridges and its houses are of art nouveau design. Its saltwater lagoon boasts of fresh seaweed harvested by moliceiro boats and its waters are known to have curative powers. Coimbra, the university city of the area holds the finest collections of knowledge in its university library and the surrounding architecture is a showcase of Old world beauty and artistry. The town of Leira also holds much religious as well as historic significance as it leads to the famed shrine of Fatima, the most acclaimed place of the Virgin Mary’s apparition to three shepherd children. To the east is Tomar, the stronghold of the Knights Templar that has existed as much as a religious fervor then and a popular historical site nowadays.

In all, Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in the European Union. Its old world charm is now framed in modern infrastructure projects both in the capital city of Lisbon, the tourist areas such as the Silver Coast and the Alagarve, but also in the other areas in both inland and southern Portugal. The quality of infrastructure and support services such as roads, railway and public transportation is at par with its European Union co-member states. The country also has the second lowest per capita crime rate in the European Union, which bespeaks of the affluence, discipline and protection you receive in the country.

Living in Scotland

Scotland on the other hand is also a European Union member and is a country under the aegis of the United Kingdom. Scotland forms one third of the isle of Great Britain, sharing its border with England and the North Sea, North Channel and Irish Sea. Its capital is Edinburgh and is the country’s largest financial center and second largest city.

The country has had a long medieval history, warring with its neighboring states until it formed a political union with the English Crown. With that the great developments in industry and commerce came forth as the rewards of the Industrial Revolution reverberated throughout the country. But the succeeding world wars had staggered the economic strides of the country. It is only the last few decades that the country has again been able to recover from its decline with much commerce in the financial services industry, electronic manufacturing and the discovery of North Sea Oil has made Scotland one of the economic gems in the European Union.

Despite being surrounded by seas, the temperature in Scotland is not what you would expect. In the Pleistocene epoch, the land was covered by glaciers, which had shaped the overall topography of the country. The Scottish highlands are located to the north and west of the country, which consists of mountainous regions and inland territorial waters. This is where the historic Scottish clansmen have made their roots. The coastline consists of low-lying dune pastureland called machair. It is not a temperate tropical clime but a country of low temperatures, high wind chill and bitter cold nights. The Central lowlands are a rift valley as these form part of the region where much coal and iron can be found in the low-lying rock formations. The third region in the country is called the Southern Uplands, which is a hilly region, and broad valleys are located.

These landmasses taken together with its oceanic climate makes living in Scotland quite an experience. Temperature drops can range from 27 degrees below zero to 18 degrees. There are sunny places though located in the country, especially found in Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. There is not much heavy snowfall but wind chill factor is a much looked at weather statistic in the country.

The lingua franca is English with some areas in the country still use Gaelic as part of their everyday conversation. It is one of the burgeoning economies in the European Union with the financial services, oil revenue and tourism as the main contributors to the economy. The unemployment rate is low compared to the United Kingdom and some other European Union countries. It is still one of the countries with a high standard of living as a consequence to its most recent economic upswing. It is a still a largesse state where much of its national income is returned to fund basic services and other needs such as health care and education.

Comparing Scotland and the Silver Coast of Portugal

As initially stated, comparing Scotland and the Silver Coast of Portugal are like comparing apples and mangoes. If you wish to become part of a growing economic power, with cool to wintry climes and being in the forefront of living standards in the European Union, then Scotland is the place for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a locale to kick back and relax, in serene and peaceful setting save for some boisterous band of tourists, then the Silver Coast of Portugal is for you. Both provide opportunity and promise that differ though in temperament. Scotland offers a faster paced, high income earning setting while the Silver Coast offers a laid back kind of lifestyle at reasonable cost. Between the two, what you want to achieve is the guiding factor in making your choice. Hopefully, you can be able to make the choice based on your situation.

Now, the Portuguese Republic is one of the countries that make up the European Union. Located in the Iberian Peninsula, it has a climate of both oceanic and Mediterranean. Most of the publicity is with the southern tip of Portugal that is the prime tourist destination in the area. Also located near to the Alagarve is the country’s capital Lisbon. But also steeped in beauty and history is the northern area of Portugal or called inland Portugal. The weather in the area is relatively warm, with ranges between 13 degrees to 18 degrees Celsius. This makes inland Portugal one of the cooler climes of the European Union.

Living in Inland Portugal

The national minimum income for the country is €500 per month. This makes living in the country day to day is at par with many countries in Europe. One of the main pastimes of the country is sitting down for coffee and snacks. Also grocery costs in the country are a bit more expensive compared to its nearest neighbour Spain because of the 20% value added tax imposed on all transactions. You can also find many restaurants with prices for meals lower than most countries, a decent meal costing €5.00 and wine at about a couple of euros.

The pace of life in inland Portugal is much slower than the other more popular habitués in the southern part of the country. The rural areas may have trouble with access roads but travelling by land, either by private car or by public transportation can be quite a scenic experience for the itinerant traveller into Portugal.

One of the major cities in inland Portugal is Coimbra. The city is the best example of how life in inland Portugal is and would be. Its infrastructure system, meaning the roads, utilities system and water supply is all within European Union standards. This means you can relax as to the way of life you would be having as you put your feet up in the inland city of Coimbra.

Compared to exuberant southern part of Portugal, the property costs in inland Portugal is much cheaper with a far larger retinue of choices for homes and abodes. For many expatriates, finding an older home and then renovating it to its former glory is one of the challenges when moving to a new country. You can do this in inland Portugal and you can make this a truly memorable experience.

Moving to inland Portugal does not mean moving to the rural areas of the country. The city of Coimbra is the center but the more scenic vistas can be found in the rural areas. A word of caution though, that the further you inhabit from the city center, the harder it is to find skilled help when living further inland. The region around the city of Coimbra is one of the most secluded and peaceful areas in the country. Despite its rural surroundings, the city is complete with all the necessary day-to-day essentials that you would need while living in the rural areas. The accessibility of the city is not a problem because of the driving distance of the city with the rural areas. Another good aspect of Coimbra is the educational institutions that are within the city limits.

Coimbra’s cost of living is also well below the threshold of the other areas of the country. The city is covered with many traditional markets and the small shops in the rural heartlands of Portugal are not only a pleasurable way to find what you need but also a cost effective manner of shopping in the area. Having a monthly income of €1,000, so long as you properly manage your finances, can provide you a comfortable way of life in inland Portugal.

If you love the climate of the country, then the weather you would have once you live in inland Portugal is much more colder compared to the temperate southern region of the country. You will also experience a bit of a biting winter up in inland Portugal so having central heating or a wood burning stove can help heat the main living areas of you home in inland Portugal.

Living in the rural areas of inland Portugal does not mean that you would be living in the Stone Ages. Many of the rural communities have basic health services for your needs but more complex medical procedures, you would need to travel to the city and in inland Portugal, Coimbra has a complete set of medical clinics, hospitals, dental centers and other wellness clinics for your health needs. It is best to keep your expatriate medical insurance just so you would have the financial backing to undertake the medical procedure that you need.

The Life in Inland Portugal

The simple life of inland Portugal is the idyllic life that is truly Portuguese. By living in rural country, you can have first hand experience on how the way of life of olden Portugal was.  You can have a reasonably priced spacious home with scenic views from your windows. You even have soil to grow plants and be with nature in a much more relaxed setting compared to the southern part of Portugal. Having fresh in season fruits and vegetables every day within your budget needs makes living in inland Portugal a truly enriching experience. You also are able to eat local cuisine at an affordable price and have your pick of local wines of export quality. If you choose to establish your roots in inland Portugal especially in the city of Combria and its adjoining areas, you can truly experience the serenity and the exquisite pleasures of true Portugal at a pace and price to your liking. 

Non Registered in Portugal Vehicles

Portugal has particular and peculiar laws on vehicles in Portugal that is registered outside the country. The current guidelines allow a camper or caravan access to Portuguese roadways for one hundred eighty three days in a given year. If you stay in Portugal for more than that period and you do not register your vehicle, you stand to get stopped by the police and fined or even impounded. Also, any of the following conditions need to be met in order that the foreign registered vehicle is allowed to operate in Portuguese roadways.

1. The vehicle is registered in the name of a non-resident of Portugal.
2. The vehicle enters Portugal through its registered owner or another.
3. The vehicle is for private use only.
4. The only driver of the vehicle is the registered owner or its possessor who are non-residents of Portugal.
5. The vehicle’s registration documents are readily available for use by owner or possessor of the vehicle.

Now as for having a motor home in Portugal, you need to be clear as to how long you intend to stay in the country. If you bring along your camper or caravan for a road trip, then you can fall well within the given period by the law. On the other hand, if you plan on staying in Portugal long term, then living in your caravan or camper is going to give you lots of problems. The more cost efficient option would be to sell the one you have in your own native land and then look for a comparable vehicle in Portugal. Or you can opt to matriculate the vehicle that requires ownership of the caravan or camper for at least twelve months and payment of all the matriculation fees. You also need to engage the services of an agency that normally charges €500 for your motor home to live off while in Portugal as importation and matriculation of vehicles is quite an effort to do.

Laws on Land Use

The next problem in using a camper or caravan in Portugal is where to find a location to park your unit. Luckily, there is more than one location that you can choose from to properly park your home and vehicle. You can choose to live in a rental community or a resident owned community. A rental community is a place where you can rent a plot of land to park your motor home while a resident owned community is a place where you own both the land and the motor home.

You can ask around as to the rental communities that abound as to the services and the rates. As for resident owned properties, there are many ads in the newspaper that offers these kinds of lands for sale. The decision should not be merely based on the cost, but other factors need to be considered such as proximity to the place of work and the airport.

The guidelines and laws of land use and mobile homes are still bit grey in some areas. The law has not fully considered coverage of mobile homes into existing land use legislation so there is some kind of confusion regarding the actual applicable tenets. The existing law provides that an individual homeowner cannot build a structure on a rural plot unless the structure has been determined as suitable as machinery warehouse or animal farmhouse. There is another law that requires that even mobile structures, such as wood houses will not get permission to build the home if it is deemed offensive to local authority or Camara. When this occurs, the local authorities have the power and responsibility to tear down these structures when they are non-compliant with laws. This is where the grey areas are present for mobile homes like campers and caravans are not permanent structures, as they are mobile. Neither is the camper or the caravan made up of light materials so tearing them down is not an option. Exploiting this grey area may be fraught with issues as each Camara Municipal may have differing interpretations as you move about in your camper or caravan. Asking around before settling down is key to avid any issues that may come up.

The Requirements for Motor Vehicles in Portugal

The caravan and camper design is essentially a home with wheels. Thus this still falls within the classification of motor vehicle, even with its semi-permanency. The following are the mandatory documentation that a motor vehicle must have in Portugal.

1. The Titulo de Registo de Propriedade or the Ownership Registration Document that is issued by the ConservatA’ria do Registo AutomA’vel or the Vehicle Registration Office.
2. The Livrete or Vehicle Registration Document issued by the Direccao-Geral de Viacao or the Portuguese Driver and Vehicle Leasing Agency.  
3. The Road Tax Receipt. This is proof of annual payment every June made at the local tax office and other newsagents. The amount payable depends on the age and vehicle displacement of the caravan or camper. If payment has been made, then the sticker needs to be placed at the windshield’s upper right hand corner. 
4. Insurance Coverage. All vehicles need to have third party insurance coverage and once this has been made, an insurance stamp would be duly issued and this needs to be placed in the lower right hand corner of the windshield indicating the time of issuance of the coverage. 
5. The Driver’s Identification Card and License. An individual is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle if there is no valid license issued for the individual.

So if you are taking the scenic route to Portugal and you choose to bring a motor home, do consider these thoughts and suggestions to prepare you on your road ahead with your camper or caravan in Portugal.

Avoiding the Hard Sell Trap

There are many ways to avoid the pitfalls and schemes of unscrupulous real estate agents in Portugal. Here are some of the recommended countermeasures you can use to make the best and most suited decision for yourself.

Go on the trip yourself.

Make the trip both a scouting trip and a vacation. In this way, you make searching for you new home part of your itinerary. This helps for a more relaxed and leisurely examination of possible residences for you and for your family. You also have the equipment to take pictures of both your vacation and your buying trip. This is important, as you need to compare the possible purchases you have visited and see their condition. When you reach your hotel room, you can make a detailed cost benefit analysis of the homes you wish to visit. For this kind of jaunt, it is best to coordinate with a local agent as to homes you would wish to view. This is important as these kinds of appointments need to be properly scheduled so you would be received by the seller or the representative of the seller together with your agent. The coordination and the scheduling here is key.

By going on your own, you avoid the pressure and the hassle of being hurried along by your agent. You are after all been invested in by the agent so giving you a full perks vacation cum buying trip would necessarily involve an exertion of exceptional convincing and badgering for you to give in to purchase a piece of property that is too much for your requirements and too expensive for your capacity. If you are able to keep your nerve in spite the tactics employed to get your consent, then going on a buying trip sponsored by a property agent is the option for you.

Research thoroughly.

The Internet is a good source of information about properties in Portugal. It is admitted though that no image on the Internet can fully capture the beauty that Portugal offers.  Get as many details as you can from online listings of properties, including other pertinent information as road maps and nearby support services. Then coordinate your services with an agent that speaks English and has experience handling expatriate property purchases. This forestalls any language impediments or any lack of knowledge of the special requirements of expatriates.

Check out qualified estate agents.

Portuguese estate agents are under governmental supervision. Practice of the profession is allowed only by licensed individuals (mediador autorizado). Membership in professional association is also one of the qualifications you need to see. The major organizations of highly qualified estate agents are Associacao de Mediadores Imobilarios (AMI), the Sociedad de Mediacao Imobilaria or the Associacao dos Mediadores do Alagarve (AMA). Membership in an international organization like the European Federation of Estate Agents is an added feather in their caps. Also, ask for a copy of their license and verify it. Doing due diligence with the estate agents is a basic practice as there is no insurance indemnity or consumer legislation currently in force and effect in Portugal. Also, this is the way to avoid fly by night agents or cowboy agents that scam many others in these kinds of large amount purchases.

Signing documents with agents.

Signing documents with agents must be done carefully. If you knowledgeable of the language, read through it as it may be written in Portuguese. If you are not conversant of the language, it would be best to have the document made in Portuguese and English so that you can be fully apprised of the provisions included in the document you sign.

The first document you may have to sign is an engagement agreement with the agent. This serves to protect the commission of the agent even if you seek another source for information on properties or try to deal with the owner to bypass the agent altogether. This makes the commission on the sale of the property collectible by the agent regardless of other individual’s participation in the transaction. Many other documents can be signed by the agent later on so long as you duly appoint them as your representative.

Deposits with agents.

Many of the problems that come up with the use of an agent and money is the commixture of personal funds and client’s funds. This happens if you deposit an amount into the individual agent’s personal bank account. With this you lose control over the funds and the money may be lost with the agent. The best way to protect yourself is by depositing the money in a separate bonded account. This way, the money can only be taken out upon your approval for its specified use. This manner of payment can be done not only for deposit amounts, but also for other fees payable for the transaction.

So in dealing with estate agents especially their offered buying trips to Portugal have strings attached to them. You are after all the recipient of their investment and but naturally they would want to earn from their investment soon enough. Thus the employment of wining and dining and even exertion of pressure tactics becomes run of the mill when you go on these buying trips. If you can handle the dogged follow-ups and nagging, then go on one for your purchase requirements. Otherwise, you can go on your own buying trip and find your own property through some bit of research and a bit of coordination.