We purchased a house about 30 km from Serta and couldn't be happier. After touring the country, it was evident how much value and beauty there is in Central Portugal. We're in a village with all amenities but it feels like the country with just a few minutes drive to the A13 and then 30 minutes to Coimbra. The peace and tranquility can't be beat yet just a short trip to a larger city with major shopping and hospitals. Our house with land cost less than half of what we would have paid for an apartment in a larger city. There is a lot of value and plenty of opportunities in central Portugal.
It's great what Paul is doing. I think this is many peoples dream - to have the resources to put love back into old, abandoned houses. I can't think of many things more rewarding than bringing life back to deserted villages 😊
Absolutely! He was telling me about a couple who bought a section of a Xisto village. Similar story down in the Algarve with Aldeia do Pedralva... Aaah, now THATS a good idea for a video.💡
Another week, another fantastic edition of Algarve Addicts! Loved this! The interior of Portugal really feels like the essence of this amazing country. Cheers, Nick and co.
Great video, Nick! Paul is doing an amazing job renovating those old homes. The idea of preserving the original character while modernizing them is brilliant. Although it's not my lifestyle, the homes look fantastic. I'd love to have one in the Algarve!
@@AlgarveAddicts Absolutely! An Algarve division would be fantastic. The higher price point is definitely reflective of the market there. I'm not sure how new construction works in Portugal. But if someone could get a construction loan or self finance construction. Paul gets his cut since he no longer is a non profit. 😉 The owner gets the benefit of the investors cuts and Paul has them pre sold. It would allow Paul to focus on creating unique, high-quality homes, while ensuring that there's a market for them. It’s a win-win situation!
Wonderful video ❤ Ive just started looking...and absolutely LOVE what Im seeing in Portugal. Presently looking at small farms. Land and quiet. Happy I found your channel. Paul is amazing !!
Olá Nick! Que projetos espetaculares para recuperar as casas do interior! A casa e terreno dos meus avós em Albarrol (Nisa) está à venda, gostava muito que houvesse quem pudesse reabilitar o espaço e desfrutar dele. Mais uma vez gostei muito do vídeo e da vossa iniciativa 👍
20:12 - The fact that one is called Pedrógão Pequeno and the other is called Pedrógão Grande (pequeno = small, grande = big) might "fool" some people into thinking that they're related but actually they couldn't more apart: Pedrógão Grande is a county (municipality) that belongs to Leiria district and Pedrógão Pequeno is a parish of Sertã's municipality, which belongs to Castelo Branco district. This is relevant to anyone who may think that if they buy a property on Pedrógão Pequeno they'll just go to Pedrógão Grande to take care of the paperwork or to solve any problem related to it. No, you'll have to go to Sertã. 🙂
Hi Nick, we worked with you about 3 years ago (importantly, you gave us a great lawyer and a buyer's agent) and we have happily settled in Lagos. I don't want to rain on this parade, but I want to point out that people who do not speak Portuguese (hello fellow Americans) may have a challenging time settling in an area that is primarily Portuguese with residents who only speak Portuguese. As you know, the less populated rural-ish areas have fewer people and most of them would be Portuguese. If a person lands in such an area because of the affordability, the down side can be that it may be a lonely existence - in that you can't communicate with the few neighbors that you have. Also, I would suggest that once a person has an interest in a particular locale or place, spend some time hanging out in the neighborhood (day and evening) to suss out the surroundings ... for instance, are there incessant barking dogs near the particular property you have your eye on? You might also want to walk the area and knock on a few neighbors' doors and introduce yourself (with a smile and maybe some pastéis de nata). You can always have a prepared statement written in Portuguese to introduce yourself OR line-up someone who speaks Portuguese and can come with you to tell your story and make introductions. From my short experience in the country, I believe too many people get dazzled by lower property prices out in the rural areas and don't take into consideration these other pivotal components. You want to have a lovely, comfy home, but you also want a community of people with whom you can share a common language.
@@davidlaw-px4ef It depends on a person's aptitude and commitment to learn the language. Certainly doable to learn the "niceties" to interact marginally - but takes much more effort to land in a place of actually having MEANINGFUL conversations (which humans crave). And that's likely not going to happen in the early stages of moving and settling in these interior areas. Just sayin'
@@EmotionalLiberation I agree with completely, it does take commitment. My wife and I are planning a move to just such a rural area, but we are currently learning the language so as to be able to make new friends and join hopefully become a member of their community. I feel sometimes not enough effort is made on the part of the immigrant to assimilate into the local culture, which is their responsibility, not the other way around.👍
@@davidlaw-px4efTrue ! Spanish, French ? German? A “piece of piss” for most of us. However Portuguese is a totally different learning proposition!!😂 Believe me !
Hey, Nick, long time no comment. Interesting video. Just got back from visiting friends in Tomar and surrounding area for a month. Gonna be doing it every year from now on. There's a big push to get all these old, crumbling buildings up to spec in the area. Unfortunately, friends of mine with properties to develop are really struggling to find local builders to get at it. Also, the costs are quite prohibitive these days
All beautiful properties and country side, but the remoteness from medical care facilities would concern me. A family member suddenly needs frequent visits with a specialist.
I am interested in the exposed roof bean construction: I know it looks nice and I saw a lot of Portuguese properties with exposed wood, but isn't it better to insulate with rigid insulation and board over? I'd like to know as you mentioned eco properties...why is the roof not insulated in Portugal? It must be a furnace in the summer?
I was born and raised between cascais and sintra and I'm dying to go away.. I love it from my heart but it's too many tourists and traffic, noose and confusion.
@@pbohearn Don't you have to pay taxes on any investment income? So if you have 100k and make 30k profit. Paying 28% on 30k is a much better than get 5k return in a bank even if that's not taxed which it usually is at some rate
In the second house he's doing tons of work yet the doorways are too short for modern homes, watch out don't hit your head, maybe spend a little more time increasing the height of those doorways. Even the new interior wall that has particle wooden walls has a short door. I've seen other people renovating old houses throughout interior Portugal who have increased the door height. I bet he'll have an issue with the short doorways.
@@AlgarveAddicts we would love to connect to Paul, we have an architect etc but finding resources for contractors that far into the country for non Portuguese speakers is slow going
@@AlgarveAddicts ok i understand...we will press on..lol the quiet you experienced is absolutely amazing, you can hear the church bells in many of the surrounding villages
Lotty, what is driving you - your post sounds like somebody in a big hurry - maybe New York property is what you should be looking at!!! For me this channel is a fabulous lifestyle show. Really enjoyable. Properties are an important part of the overall vibe. Could I suggest that you try to acclimatise to what is being presented - the invited guests, the locals, the surroundings, the villages and towns and regions being visited, the architecture, the food, the cafes & restaurants that Nick goes to for a friendly chat and a meal, the wonderful information being provided. By the end of each video, I am completely calm and relaxed. Isn't this what we all want if we are lucky enough to ever get to live in Portugal?
I find this comment to be very much out of sync with what this channel is about. I hesitated to comment for fear of 'feeding the troll,' but I love the relaxed style of this channel.
If you want to get in touch with us or Paul, drop me a line through www.algarveaddicts.com/contact
We purchased a house about 30 km from Serta and couldn't be happier. After touring the country, it was evident how much value and beauty there is in Central Portugal. We're in a village with all amenities but it feels like the country with just a few minutes drive to the A13 and then 30 minutes to Coimbra. The peace and tranquility can't be beat yet just a short trip to a larger city with major shopping and hospitals. Our house with land cost less than half of what we would have paid for an apartment in a larger city. There is a lot of value and plenty of opportunities in central Portugal.
Hear hear. It's a slower life and sounds amazing. Enjoy it!
It's great what Paul is doing. I think this is many peoples dream - to have the resources to put love back into old, abandoned houses. I can't think of many things more rewarding than bringing life back to deserted villages 😊
Absolutely! He was telling me about a couple who bought a section of a Xisto village. Similar story down in the Algarve with Aldeia do Pedralva... Aaah, now THATS a good idea for a video.💡
@@Solo50plus I agree, it's going to be very interesting to see what some of these villages look like in 20 years.
Such a honor see my render images on a spectacular project!
Beautiful work!
@@AlgarveAddicts Thanks!
Another week, another fantastic edition of Algarve Addicts! Loved this!
The interior of Portugal really feels like the essence of this amazing country.
Cheers, Nick and co.
My local restaurant and one of my favourites ever
I'm thinking... that area is calling me!!!! Thanks for taking us around!
You're welcome!
Great video, Nick!
Paul is doing an amazing job renovating those old homes. The idea of preserving the original character while modernizing them is brilliant. Although it's not my lifestyle, the homes look fantastic. I'd love to have one in the Algarve!
Me too, we'll have to try and persuade Paul to open up an Algarve division! The challenge is that the prices will be three times higher.
@@AlgarveAddicts Absolutely! An Algarve division would be fantastic. The higher price point is definitely reflective of the market there.
I'm not sure how new construction works in Portugal. But if someone could get a construction loan or self finance construction. Paul gets his cut since he no longer is a non profit. 😉 The owner gets the benefit of the investors cuts and Paul has them pre sold.
It would allow Paul to focus on creating unique, high-quality homes, while ensuring that there's a market for them. It’s a win-win situation!
Loved this video!!!
Wonderful video ❤ Ive just started looking...and absolutely LOVE what Im seeing in Portugal. Presently looking at small farms. Land and quiet.
Happy I found your channel. Paul is amazing !!
Thanks Barb 👍🏼
Olá Nick! Que projetos espetaculares para recuperar as casas do interior!
A casa e terreno dos meus avós em Albarrol (Nisa) está à venda, gostava muito que houvesse quem pudesse reabilitar o espaço e desfrutar dele.
Mais uma vez gostei muito do vídeo e da vossa iniciativa 👍
Love Sertã and Pedrogao Pequeno, both on the N2, which we do every year from North to South on our cycling tours!
It must be amazing freewheeling down to the Cabril dam wall!
20:12 - The fact that one is called Pedrógão Pequeno and the other is called Pedrógão Grande (pequeno = small, grande = big) might "fool" some people into thinking that they're related but actually they couldn't more apart: Pedrógão Grande is a county (municipality) that belongs to Leiria district and Pedrógão Pequeno is a parish of Sertã's municipality, which belongs to Castelo Branco district. This is relevant to anyone who may think that if they buy a property on Pedrógão Pequeno they'll just go to Pedrógão Grande to take care of the paperwork or to solve any problem related to it. No, you'll have to go to Sertã. 🙂
Gotta take one for the team Nick! 🤣🤣🤣👊
Heheheh
or two. 😂 cheers! 🍻
Actually, he took two for the team and then how many at lunch? Lol are you sure it’s Algarve Addicts? Lol.
Another interesting video - thank you
Nice one Nick. Interesting angle to property development and investment. Thought provoking about possibilities 🤔
It's always good to dream, but life would be very different up there.
Hi Nick, we worked with you about 3 years ago (importantly, you gave us a great lawyer and a buyer's agent) and we have happily settled in Lagos. I don't want to rain on this parade, but I want to point out that people who do not speak Portuguese (hello fellow Americans) may have a challenging time settling in an area that is primarily Portuguese with residents who only speak Portuguese. As you know, the less populated rural-ish areas have fewer people and most of them would be Portuguese. If a person lands in such an area because of the affordability, the down side can be that it may be a lonely existence - in that you can't communicate with the few neighbors that you have. Also, I would suggest that once a person has an interest in a particular locale or place, spend some time hanging out in the neighborhood (day and evening) to suss out the surroundings ... for instance, are there incessant barking dogs near the particular property you have your eye on? You might also want to walk the area and knock on a few neighbors' doors and introduce yourself (with a smile and maybe some pastéis de nata). You can always have a prepared statement written in Portuguese to introduce yourself OR line-up someone who speaks Portuguese and can come with you to tell your story and make introductions. From my short experience in the country, I believe too many people get dazzled by lower property prices out in the rural areas and don't take into consideration these other pivotal components. You want to have a lovely, comfy home, but you also want a community of people with whom you can share a common language.
That's a very valid point and something I wish I had stressed more in the video! Thanks so much for that 🙏🏼
It is possible to learn another language though, not an insurmountable challenge
@@davidlaw-px4ef It depends on a person's aptitude and commitment to learn the language. Certainly doable to learn the "niceties" to interact marginally - but takes much more effort to land in a place of actually having MEANINGFUL conversations (which humans crave). And that's likely not going to happen in the early stages of moving and settling in these interior areas. Just sayin'
@@EmotionalLiberation I agree with completely, it does take commitment. My wife and I are planning a move to just such a rural area, but we are currently learning the language so as to be able to make new friends and join hopefully become a member of their community. I feel sometimes not enough effort is made on the part of the immigrant to assimilate into the local culture, which is their responsibility, not the other way around.👍
@@davidlaw-px4efTrue !
Spanish, French ? German? A “piece of piss” for most of us.
However Portuguese is a totally different learning proposition!!😂
Believe me !
close to where the couple who are bloggers live ..." make do grow".
Oh really? I thought they were more up towards Guarda...
great idea for an interview!! bom dia
Would be awesome to see a before and after.
Hey, Nick, long time no comment. Interesting video. Just got back from visiting friends in Tomar and surrounding area for a month. Gonna be doing it every year from now on. There's a big push to get all these old, crumbling buildings up to spec in the area. Unfortunately, friends of mine with properties to develop are really struggling to find local builders to get at it. Also, the costs are quite prohibitive these days
Hey Glenn, all true! That's why I admire Paul so much.
Great video interesting guy
Thanks 👍🏼
All beautiful properties and country side, but the remoteness from medical care facilities would concern me. A family member suddenly needs frequent visits with a specialist.
Sorry to hear it Tatiana. Yes, it doesn't work for everyone and it's important to bear this in mind.
I am interested in the exposed roof bean construction: I know it looks nice and I saw a lot of Portuguese properties with exposed wood, but isn't it better to insulate with rigid insulation and board over? I'd like to know as you mentioned eco properties...why is the roof not insulated in Portugal? It must be a furnace in the summer?
you can insulate above the wood and under the roof tiles.
Hey Boet does it beat Castle Lager? 😂 Brilliant region. No wonder people are going to Portugal.
I was born and raised between cascais and sintra and I'm dying to go away.. I love it from my heart but it's too many tourists and traffic, noose and confusion.
Do it Henrique! It'll be tough but it may well be worth it.
❤
The 28% tax kills it as an investment
Yup, it's a tough one, but there is still a profit to be made if you explore it in detail.
@@pbohearn Don't you have to pay taxes on any investment income? So if you have 100k and make 30k profit. Paying 28% on 30k is a much better than get 5k return in a bank even if that's not taxed which it usually is at some rate
In the second house he's doing tons of work yet the doorways are too short for modern homes, watch out don't hit your head, maybe spend a little more time increasing the height of those doorways. Even the new interior wall that has particle wooden walls has a short door. I've seen other people renovating old houses throughout interior Portugal who have increased the door height. I bet he'll have an issue with the short doorways.
Aren't you able to bend your head, or are you a dinosaur?
We own literally in vale de porco.. I'll have to contact your guy for services
No way! That's incredible
@@AlgarveAddicts we would love to connect to Paul, we have an architect etc but finding resources for contractors that far into the country for non Portuguese speakers is slow going
Yup, it's a tough one. As far as I'm aware Paul is not a builder for clients as such, he only does his own projects.
@@AlgarveAddicts ok i understand...we will press on..lol the quiet you experienced is absolutely amazing, you can hear the church bells in many of the surrounding villages
Wonderful (for some). My daughter would disagree with us! 😁
Unfortunately all these places loose their Portuguese ambiance and end up in a kind of international cityhopper-style. Quite boring.
I disagree, I think they're pretty stunning little locations, but each to his own.
AFFORDABLE should be put within quotation marks..
Unfortunately "affordable" is a highly relative word...
I was so looking forward to the renders, but I FIND THEm too modern inpersonal and sorryly very unPortuguese
Is this a property ch or chat show ? Plse just get on with it !
It's a chat show, Lorry. What were you expecting?
Press fast forward (x2 rhs of image) Lotty if you want to speed through 😳
WOW demanding aren't you 😮
Lotty, what is driving you - your post sounds like somebody in a big hurry - maybe New York property is what you should be looking at!!! For me this channel is a fabulous lifestyle show. Really enjoyable. Properties are an important part of the overall vibe. Could I suggest that you try to acclimatise to what is being presented - the invited guests, the locals, the surroundings, the villages and towns and regions being visited, the architecture, the food, the cafes & restaurants that Nick goes to for a friendly chat and a meal, the wonderful information being provided. By the end of each video, I am completely calm and relaxed. Isn't this what we all want if we are lucky enough to ever get to live in Portugal?
I find this comment to be very much out of sync with what this channel is about. I hesitated to comment for fear of 'feeding the troll,' but I love the relaxed style of this channel.