Portugal Property

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Portugal Property: Lisbon, Alentejo & the Silver Coast

Date: 21/1/2009

Lisbon and the Tagus Valley

The city of Lisbon and the regions of Estremadura and Ribatejo lie on the western coast of Portugal. Lisbon is at the mouth of the river Tagus and is home to the biggest expatriate community outside the Algarve. The capital's property market offers everything from expensive new developments on the opposite bank of the Tagus and in the suburbs of western Lisbon, to blocks of flats and small apartments in the town centre. If you do buy in the Greater Lisbon area, or in Sintra, Cascais or Estoril, you're likely to pay twice as much as you would in rural Portugal. However, you do get the best of both worlds - close proximity to the airport and town, with beaches and countryside on your doorstep. Outside the city, Torres Vedras and Santarém offer renovation properties, some of which can be real bargains, and interesting off-plan opportunities.

Alentejo

This huge area of Portugal was traditionally agricultural, producing cork, corn and cattle to feed the bigger populations of the coast and Lisbon. Much of the region is still divided into large farming estates, and the most precious commodity is undoubtedly water.

The long, arid summers mean irrigation is key, but the beauty of the less-developed Alentejo coast has started to attract canny property buyers moving north from the Algarve. The Atlantic beaches around Sines and Zambujeira are wonderful and there are still numerous farmers cottage available to renovate. The interior can be scorching in the summer, but the area around Beja has become fashionable among those seeking traditional architecture and a peaceful way of life.

Typical of the area are the long, low, stone and clay-built properties, often with characteristic red roofs, offering a cooling environment in the hot summers and warmth in the cool winters. These homes are usually sturdy and built to last, so make for great investment propositions. The new motorway through the region also means this area has improved links to Lisbon.

Silver Coast

The Silver Coast, or Costa da Prata, is Portugal's latest property hotspot. It's a beautiful expanse of sandy beach, historic towns and lush farmland, all bathed in the region's silver light. Many new developments are planned here and owners will be able to benefit from quiet beaches, peaceful countryside and pretty villages.

Source: Portugal Magazine

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