Humans are visual creatures. We process visual information at an alarming speed and make a judgement on that information almost just as quickly. The use of the right images has an impressive effect on online marketing, across all platforms. The use of images and videos, and the quality of photography and videography are essential when selling a property. Images capture attention far quicker than text does and receive far more engagement and listings with high quality photos and videos are clicked on more than those without, or those with poorer visual presentation.  The world is moving more and more online and as such, the digital presentation of your property is truly essential in attracting buyers and getting the property sold quickly and for the best price possible.   Importance of Visual Marketing in Real estate Buyer habits have evolved massively over the past few years. The vast majority of buyers use the internet when searching for a property and make many decisions about a property from online listings, before they even consider contacting an estate agent or agency.  The restrictions over the past year and a half have only accelerated the digitalisation of the real estate industry. More people have been relying on online resources to gather information about properties, and in turn use this information to make decisions about which properties to visit and sometimes even purchase.  If a property is presented poorly digitally, then the likelihood of people choosing to make the effort to visit the property will be greatly reduced. The amount of time people spend looking at listings, the click through rate and number of enquiries all decrease when listings contain poor quality visuals. Online listings that contain a large number of high quality photos of the interior and exterior of the property more than often sell faster than those that don’t. Properties with better digital presentation can sometimes even sell for a higher price than those without, likely due to the fact more interest is generated for properties with better online listings.  Even if your property is perfect for someone, if that isn’t being portrayed in your online listing then it will be hard to convince them of this, and get them to take the time to visit in person. A lot of important information about the property can be portrayed through photography, which may be the deciding factor for buyers to book an in person visit.  High Quality Photos Make a Huge Difference  First and foremost, image quality is of utmost importance. Poor quality images, with bad lighting, that only show small sections of the rooms, not only fail to accurately portray the property, but can even paint a negative image of the property.  Using photos with poor lighting makes it difficult for buyers to truly see what the property looks like, and can make rooms seem darker and smaller than they actually are. Blurry photos will also more than likely put prospective buyers off and can show a lack of care on the part of the agency and/ or owner.  With poor quality photos it can be difficult for potential buyers to properly visualise the property increasing the likelihood that it will be eliminated as a choice by buyers, in favour of a home that is better represented online.  It goes without saying that it is also essential to make sure photos are up to date, and the property is accurately represented in the photos taken. Not only will the image quality often be far poorer in older photos, but it’s likely changes will have been made to the property or area since the older photos were taken.  The Number of Photos Matters The number of images included in listings is also important. Too few photos of a property online is a common complaint from those searching for properties, and many will automatically disregard a listing that doesn’t contain enough photos. Many feel that if only a few photos of a property are published, it means that there is something in the property that the owners do not want to show, even if this is not the case.  You want to show as much of the property as you can in your photos, of all areas of property including the outside. The more photos the listing contains, the more visual information the prospective buyer has and the more likely they are to enquire for further information and arrange a visit.  Growing Importance of Video Video is becoming a more and more important tool in real estate marketing. More people are not only looking for listings with video tours but they are also more likely to enquire further about properties with videos in the listings. For obvious reasons, buyers trust video more than they do photos. They get a better idea of what the property is like and whether it is worth visiting in person.  The clients you attract with a well put together video will often be more likely to be interested in purchasing the property as they already have a good idea of what the property is like.  Video content tends to capture people’s attention and for longer periods of time than photo. You can also portray far more information about the property using video than you can with just photos, making it easier for buyers looking for properties to know if it’s the property that will suit their needs. This is one of the probable reasons that videos are so good at converting clients.  How We Can Help At Casaiberia, ensuring that all the properties within our portfolio have a large number of high quality images in the listings is a huge priority. Not only do we make sure the equipment we have to capture photos is up to date to ensure the photo quality is optimal, but we also take into consideration the camera position, angles and lighting, both natural and artificial. All of these factors are important in real estate photography. A lot of time is spent planning photography sessions to ensure the final results are optimal, and that image quality across the photos is consistent. We spend time making sure the property’s features are properly highlighted and make sure to take images that portray a lot of the information that buyers are looking for (outside space, views, features, parking etc.), and capture buyers’ attention.  Videos are also included for most properties. The videos show the interior of the property and drones are used to capture footage of the exterior. These are edited to show the property off as well as possible. As well as high quality photos and videos, we make sure all accompanying information and details are laid out clearly to complete the online listing. Making sure that properties are presented well online is so critical and will only become more so as digital platforms develop. Online listings are the first impression many buyers will have of your property and so you want to make sure that first impression is as good and memorable as possible.  If you are interested in knowing more about our services and working with us then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

One of the world’s top technology conferences, Web Summit, will return to Lisbon this November. Last year the entire event took place online, but earlier this month organisers were given the green light to have the event take place in person and over 40,000 people are expected to attend across the four days.  Web Summit's History in Lisbon Web Summit has been running since 2009 and first came to Lisbon in 2016. After two years of taking place in Lisbon, it was decided the Portuguese capital would host the event annually until 2028.  Web Summit has been highly beneficial to the city and has helped bring Portuguese tech companies to a global stage. The last time it was held physically in Lisbon in 2019, over 300 million euros in revenue for the city thanks to the 100,000 visitors that came for the conference. More Than 1000 Confirmed Speakers So Far Among this year's speakers is comedian and actress Amy Poehler. Amy will be speaking about the community she has built up through her organisation and YouTube channel, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls. Her organisation aims to help women through life’s problems by sharing insights and past experiences from women, in a light and comedic manner.   Other speakers include Prime Minister António Costa, Microsoft president Brad Smith, European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager and footballer Gerard Pique. Leaders from online companies such as Reddit, Amazon and Tinder are also in the line-up of speakers. As well as over 1000 speakers, more than 1500 journalists and 700 investors are also expected to attend. The return of Web Summit this year as an in person event is an important step forward after over a year of restrictions. Safety measures will still be put in place, although the exact nature of these has not yet been decided.  Lisbon’s Growing Tech Scene  Lisbon being selected as the host city of important tech conferences, including Web Summit, shows how important the city is, and will remain, in terms of business and technology. Over half of graduates between 20-30 years of age in Lisbon are STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) graduates, largely thanks to the fantastic science and technology education faculties in and around the city.  Beyond just the capital, there are over forty courses with a focus on technology across the country's top universities and the number of graduates coming from such universities is increasing. Portugal also boasts the second highest rate of engineering graduates in Europe. The large amount of tech and engineering talent in Portugal’s large cities continues to attract a large number of foreign companies, which has, in turn, led to a development and diversification of talent in the country.  Lisbon is One of the Best Cities for Startups The number of startups in Lisbon, particularly those in the technology sector, continues to grow. As we have already touched on, there is a large amount of tech talent in the city. Salaries in Portugal are lower than in similar European cities making such talent far more affordable for startups.  There is an ever increasing number of startup and entrepreneurial communities across Portugal but particularly in Lisbon, with a large importance placed on networking and events like Web Summit. The Portuguese government has put into place several measures and schemes to help support startups and entrepreneurs across the country.  Not only are there a large number of STEM graduates, but English is very widely spoken in Portugal, making it far easier for international companies and foreign investors to undertake business in Portugal and aiding in communication with international companies.  A Rising Number of Remote Workers Thanks to the great climate, vibrant culture, and fiscal benefits for new tax residents, Portugal is attracting more and more talented online workers, or digital nomads, to the country. This increase in remote workers has diversified the talent across the country, and many remote workers who spend long periods of time in the country chose to become residents in Portugal.  Lisbon has several co-working spaces specifically designed for those working remotely. Many digital nomads have skills in areas that Portugal as a country is slightly behind in, primarily in online marketing and sales, and often have a good deal of experience helping online businesses.  Beyond Just Technology Lisbon not only has a fantastic talent pool and an array of opportunities but also scores highly in terms of quality of life. The city has a high safety rating, rich culture, and large international community, all whilst remaining reasonably affordable compared to similar European cities.  Together, all these reasons have made Lisbon particularly attractive for new businesses and investors and why interest in Lisbon, especially in its startup and tech scene, will continue to grow.

Nestled in the cliffs between Lagos and Sagres, on the edge of the South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, you’ll find the picturesque village of Burgau.  Burgau was voted the quaintest seaside village in Europe and has been described as the “Santorini of Portugal”. Walking through the narrow, cobbled streets, it’s easy to see how it picked up this reputation. The way the whitewashed, fishermen's houses with their blue doors and colourful hanging flower baskets look against the clear blue skies of southern Portugal, makes it truly feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden oasis.  Burgau used to source most of its income from fishing but now primarily focuses on tourism. Despite becoming a popular tourist destination, huge efforts have been made to maintain the traditional look and quaint atmosphere of Burgau. Restrictions put in place have meant that the village has escaped from many of the large tourist developments seen in some of the other cities and towns along the Algarve coast.  Praia de Burgau Praia de Burgau marks the start of the Vicentina coast and is one of the village’s main attractions. You’ll know you’re getting close when you spot the colourful fishing boats pulled up on the surrounding streets. If you’re up early enough, you might even see some local fishermen returning in them with their catch of the day.  Burgau beach has a wide stretch of soft sand and calm, clear waters. The surrounding cliffs shelter the area from the northerly winds, making it a perfect spot to sunbathe and swim. There is a popular beach bar where you can enjoy a drink and something to eat with a wonderful view of the Atlantic ocean. Make sure to check the tide tables before you visit if you do want to walk down onto the beach, as at high tide it almost completely disappears.  For surfing, you can head to the west side of the beach. The waves in Burgau are often very mellow, which makes it a great spot for beginners. Once Autumn comes around the waves get bigger and are better for more experienced surfers. The further west you go along the coast towards Sagres, the better spots for surfing and watersports you’ll find.  Hiking Trails One of the best ways to explore the village and its surroundings is by foot. From Burgau you can follow several walking trails along the coast; the most popular are those west towards Salema and beyond, and east towards Luz and Lagos. The trails are suitable for all levels of fitness and offer some spectacular views across the Algarve coast and the rustic countryside of southern Portugal.  Burgau Village  In Burgau itself, you can wander the pretty village streets and gaze over the landscape from one of its viewpoints. There are a few bakeries, food stores and souvenir shops where you can pick up supplies in the village, with bigger shops being available in nearby Luz and Lagos.  There are plenty of great cafes, bars and restaurants in Burgau. In the summer, as the number of visitors increases, the centre can get pretty busy so make sure to get to your favourite spot early, or book ahead. Some popular spots are Café do Burgau, where you’ll find a fresh, healthy menu in a relaxed atmosphere. Caffé Bombordo is another favourite, tucked away in the back streets of Burgau. Just up from the beach you’ll find Miam Burgau and Restaurante Ancora, both of which are very popular and have great sea views.  For after dinner, A Prateleira bar has a large terrace and often has live music during the summer. Bar One is another popular spot for those who live in and visit Burgau, with a wide selection of drinks and food on offer.  Local Amenities The village also has a sports centre where you can play tennis, squash and football as well as partaking in various fitness activities. The centre also has a swimming pool and a terrace where you can sit down and relax, and enjoy something from the onsite café.  For those looking to move to the area with children, it’s worthwhile knowing that Burgau is home to the Vale Verde international school for children between the ages of 5-18. It follows the British curriculum but is a bilingual, Portuguese/ English school. It’s one of the leading private, international schools in the area and is a great option if you are coming with children.  Whilst only small, Burgau is full of charm and spirit. Many people choose to reside here and in the surrounding area full time. You’ll find many of the services and amenities you need either in the village of Burgau, or close by in Lagos or Luz. Burgau is only an hour’s drive from Faro and just under three hours from Lisbon.  Have a watch of our video on Burgau and our latest project there here Feeling Drawn to Burgau? Make sure to take a look at one of the latest projects in Burgau. This condominium will be situated just a few minutes from Praia do Burgau and consist of two bedroom apartments, all of which will have private outdoor space and access to a communal swimming pool as well as private parking and storage. These apartments will provide the ideal base to enjoy the beautiful town of Burgau in comfort and style. For a place that’s ready to buy and move into, this two bedroom apartment just outside the centre of Burgau in a wonderful rural setting is perfect. This two bedroom apartment is also situated in the same condominium.

Last week we spoke about how interest in villas and rural properties had increased since the beginning of the pandemic. It’s clear that the events of the past year have led to a shift in buyers’ priorities, and larger properties, outside of cities, with more outdoor space are becoming more sought after. When the pandemic restrictions came into force, more people started to see the immense benefits of living further outside of cities and having outdoor space, both in terms of their properties and surrounding areas. As restrictions continued, we got more and more used to the idea of working from home and developed new routines that didn’t involve long commutes, through busy cities to the office. The appreciation for more outdoor space and being able to go out and roam around the countryside became far more valuable than being in the centre of a city. These memories won’t fade quickly and the fear of further lockdowns will linger for a while. Thinking About Buying In the Countryside? There are always things to look out for and consider when buying property, whether it’s a city apartment, a seaside villa or a countryside property. There are certain factors you need to be particularly aware of however if you’re thinking of buying a rural property, especially as an international buyer who may not have much local knowledge. Here’s a list of six of the top things to consider when buying a rural property. Define Why You Want a Countryside Property Really think about why you want to buy a rural property and what you want from your home and lifestyle. Do you have your heart set on a particular location? Do you want somewhere with lots of land? Are you looking to renovate or do you only want somewhere that’s ready to move into? Not only will this help you in your search for a property, but will also help you define what you absolutely won’t compromise on, and likewise which things you would be willing to forego if necessary to make a purchase within your budget. Get the Right Advice Having a good team of people to help with your purchase is crucial. To start with, make sure you are working with an agent who has good reviews and is happy to invest time in helping you with your search. Hiring a lawyer is absolutely essential if you’re looking at purchasing a rural property. You want to work with someone who is trustworthy and who has plenty of experience in the purchase of rural properties. Paperwork is so important in Portugal and you need to make sure everything is in order. Many who look into buying property in the country encounter problems with property deeds. Before you make an offer, you need to see the original property deeds and this must be thoroughly checked by a lawyer. Without the deeds, it could make selling the property impossible and someone else may even be able to claim legal ownership of the property, even after you’ve purchased. If the seller is not able to obtain the deeds, then any offer you make must be conditional to them obtaining them. To warn you, this can be a lengthy process.A lawyer can also help verify that everything is legal, and alert you to any potential issues you may encounter. It’s a good idea to discuss any plans you have for the property with a lawyer and/or architect, to make sure that they will be possible. You want to speak with someone who understands local planning regulations and can find out information quickly for you. Budget More Than You Think You Need This is especially true if you are renovating. No matter how well you plan, there are always extra costs that come up, be that for materials, labour or to fix problems that hadn’t been budgeted for. With older houses, the likelihood of unexpected problems appearing is much higher. Make sure you are connected to all utilities and if you’re not, make sure that you are able to do so. Running water, electricity and reliable internet aren’t always a given, so make sure to double-check which utilities you need to get sorted, and how much you’ll need to spend on doing so.You don’t want to run the risk of running out of money halfway through a project and not be able to finish or sell. Visit Properties in Person With the pandemic, more and more people are opting for virtual house tours and are signing documents remotely. In many cases, this works fine but for rural properties it’s very much recommended you visit in person. It can be much harder to gage if a rural property is right for you through a video tour, than it is with a city apartment. Visiting in person will allow you to properly look around the property or land, and get a feel for the area. It’s a good idea to visit a few different properties to give you a chance to compare your options. If you are doing any work on the property then make sure to visit the site regularly or have someone do so on your behalf, to check that everything is running according to your timeline and work is being carried out properly. Scout Out Your Local Amenities Figure out where your nearest amenities are; local markets and supermarkets, medical centres, petrol stations, and transport hubs. Whilst the idea of being completely in the middle of nowhere might be appealing to some, it is always a good idea to know where to go to pick up essentials and where you need to head to get medical assistance. It’s far better to know where you need to go and how far you need to travel for this before you buy, or think about putting in an offer. Whether you’re purchasing an apartment or a country house, there are always things to consider before buying. With proper planning and consideration and help from the right group of people, the buying process will be smoother and any potential problems will be easier to spot and deal with.  Once you find a suitable property, you’ll not only have a wonderful place to spend your time in a peaceful setting but could also gain a fantastic investment. The demand for rural properties is unlikely to slow down, especially for those that have been refurbished and finished to a high standard.

Over the past year, the demand for villas and housing outside of town and city centres has risen significantly. According to idealista.com, between April 2020 and April 2021 villas made up 37% of the total number of property purchases in mainland Portugal, up from 33% the previous year. This means that 4 out of 10 of all properties purchased during the pandemic were villas, a rise of which hadn’t been seen before the onset of the pandemic It’s thought the increased demand for such properties has been influenced by the lifestyle changes and priority shifts seen during the pandemic. More buyers are searching for properties away from busier cities and towns and instead, looking towards more rural areas.  The Influence of a Rise in Remote Working The pandemic saw an increase in the number of people working remotely, a trend that is likely to continue for a significant proportion of workers. This increase in remote working as well as the rise in those who own digital businesses, has meant that living close to a city in order to commute is no longer such a high priority, allowing those who have wanted to move to more rural and quieter locations to do so.  The increased location flexibility as a result of the rise in remote working has also opened an opportunity for those who have wanted to spend more time abroad or move permanently. Portugal has seen a rise in interest from buyers working remotely for companies in the USA and UK, leading to an interesting development in the international client market.  The continued efforts to improve the digital infrastructure across Portugal will help attract buyers to more remote areas of Portugal. A lot has been invested into ensuring high-speed internet is available across the country. This, together with benefits like the low cost of living and good year-round climate, has attracted an increasing number of digital nomads to Portugal in the past few years.  Demand Still Far Outweighs Supply  An increase in activity was seen in the real estate market after pandemic restrictions eased, mostly due to pent-up demand and a continued increase in enquiries. Construction activity also recovered after declining in the first quarter of 2020, helping boost the number of properties available on the market, especially in urban areas.  Whilst city apartments still make up a large percentage of the properties bought in Portugal, it’s clear that consumer behaviour is shifting. Properties in more rural settings, that are closer to nature with lower population density are factors that a growing number of people are prioritising.  The number of villas and detached properties available for sale in Portugal is still not sufficient to meet the rising demand. It’s predicted that demand for such properties will continue to remain high, if not increase over the coming months. More space, both indoors and outdoors and quieter locations are increasingly in demand and as such properties that offer these benefits, especially in places with good digital infrastructure, will continue to be in demand as well.   Looking for property in Portugal? Check out our portfolio or get in touch with us to let us know what you're looking for.

A trip to Portugal isn’t truly complete without sampling its cuisine. From fresh seafood and frango piri piri to the iconic pastel de nata, Portugal offers an array of culinary delights, focusing on high quality yet simple ingredients, to create both tasty and healthy dishes. Taking a Culinary Tour The different regions of Portugal vary in terms of their specialty cuisine. The northern region typically focuses on heavier dishes, with richer sauces and uses a variety of different cuts of meat. One of Portugal’s relatively young dishes that has exploded in popularity in the north is the francesinha, a sandwich made with thick bread, ham, linguiça (a Portuguese sausage), steak or roast beef and the whole everything covered with melted cheese and a special tomato and beer sauce. Heavier stews and soups such as Feijoada à Transmontana are also popular here, which work well in the cooler climate of the region.  Meat dishes like roasted suckling pig are popular in central Portugal, as well as meat stews like Cozido and Ensopado de borrego. The region also produces a variety of famous cheeses, including Azeitão, Serra da Estrela and Queijo de Nisa. The majority of the country’s olive oil comes from the Alentejo region, which together with its bread, fresh vegetables, and olives, make up the core ingredients of many of the region’s specialties.  The Algarve and the islands of Madeira and the Açores specialise in different seafood dishes, unsurprisingly given the historical importance of fishing in these regions. You’ll find plenty of grilled fish and vibrant seafood stews and soups being served up in these areas as well as a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Açores are also particularly renowned for their cheeses, with some of most famous being Queijo São Jorge, Queijo do São Miguel and Queijo Vaquinha. History Seen Through Food  Portugal has been inhabited by cultures from across the globe ever since prehistoric times and as such, many different foods and culinary traditions have been taken in by Portugal throughout history. The Romans brought wheat, onions, garlic, olives, and grapes to Portugal and later, the Moors introduced figs and rice and planted almond, lemon and orange trees.  The presence of the Moors in Portugal between the 8th and the 14th centuries can be seen in its cuisine today, with many famous Portuguese dishes and cooking methods being introduced by early Moorish settlers. Many of Portugal’s famous soups and stews came about because of the influence from the Arabic presence in Portugal during this time.  Dishes such as Cataplana, a type of stew cooked in a metallic dish, also called a cataplana, and Escabeche, a sauce made with tomatoes and vinegar used as an accompaniment and a way of preserving fish, both came about as a result of the culinary practices of the Moors.  The country’s famous bacalhau (salt cod) came about because of the need to preserve food on the long journeys undertaken by sailors. It was a staple of the Portuguese Navy’s diet throughout the exploration era and is now said to be an ingredient in 365 dishes, one for each day of the year.    Portugal also played a major role in food globalisation and introduced a myriad of different foods and cooking practices to both Portugal and the European continent, including tea, coffee, pineapples, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes, as well as different herbs and spices like coriander, pepper, ginger, saffron and paprika. Something to Sip on As you’re exploring Portugal’s culinary scene, make sure to sample a glass of Portuguese wine. Whether you fancy a glass of Porto wine, a rich red from the Alentejo or Douro region or a glass of light and refreshing vinho verde, Portugal has a vast range to choose from.  Portugal has some of the oldest wine regions in the world. Its vineyards were first thought to have been cultivated around 2000 BC. The Romans are thought to have contributed the most to the modernisation of vine culture and enhanced production of wine. Wine production really began to develop in the 12th century and during this time, it became the main exported product from Portugal. To this day, Portugal produces some of the world’s finest wines.  Trying Authentic Portuguese Cuisine Across Portugal, you’ll find many wonderful places to try out all different types of Portuguese dishes. For an authentic and reasonable menu, you can head one of the local and often family owned, taverns called tascas. Upon entering these tascas you’ll be greeted by simple decor and the aroma of the Prato do Dia (dish of the day). Pop into a local bakery in the morning and pick some of the famous pastéis de nata. You’ll likely be able to smell these cinnamon dusted pastries baking from afar. Local markets are another great spot for inspiration and to pick up some local produce, meat, freshly caught seafood and cheese, as well trying out some of the homemade  desserts and sweet and savoury pastries. There are endless opportunities to explore the culinary landscape in Portugal. Just by branching out, asking around and exploring your area a little more, you’ll surely discover some incredible places to have a taste of Portugal’s diverse and exciting cuisine. 

If you have learned Portuguese, or any other language, you will have noticed that there are words or phrases that are hard to directly translate into your mother tongue. They will often convey an emotion or feeling that might require several words to describe in other languages. These differences are some of the aspects that make learning different languages so interesting and poetic. In Portuguese, saudade is one of these words. It is difficult to fully translate, but it describes a feeling that is familiar across all cultures. It is a word that appears a lot in Portuguese; in everyday language, literature and music. The Meaning of Saudade  Saudade is often translated as missing in English, but it is actually much more than this. It refers to a state of deep longing, melancholy and nostalgia. You can feel saudade for a person, place or period of time. The way you feel is often a mixture of sadness and happiness together. Importantly, it can be used to describe the yearning you feel for something that might not have happened, or may never happen which is why it cannot be translated as merely nostalgia. You can feel saudade for aspects of both the past and future. It can be felt when you are with someone in the present, enjoying their company. Saudade can be experienced as you imagine how you’ll feel when the time with this person comes to an end, meaning you feel that longing and sadness in advance of their absence.  If someone is no longer a part of your life, saudade can be used to describe together the happiness you feel when you think about good times you had with them, and the sadness that they are no longer a part of your lives. It describes something arguably deeper than just missing, but an incompleteness: that feeling that a part of you is missing in the absence of a person, or as changes happen with the passage of time. Likewise, it can be used to express that bittersweet longing that arises when thinking about a period of time that has passed, or will pass. This can be your childhood, a significant chapter of your life, friendships, romantic relationships, or a period of time in those relationships that you miss and can’t get back to.  The Influence on Portuguese Culture Saudade is deeply engrained in Portuguese history and culture and is reflected in its music, literature and poetry. One example of this is Fado: a popular genre of music or singing in Portugal, which is famous for its sad and melancholic qualities. It is a deeply emotive type of music designed to evoke the feeling of bitter-sweet, existential yearning that comes with saudade in those listening, and to connect with the audience through this shared sentiment. It is also a word that has appeared in Portuguese literature and poetry for hundreds of years, in those pieces sharing stories of love and longing. A lot of the literature and poetry written during the Portuguese Age of Discoveries reflected this sentiment. Saudade was also a central theme in a lot of poetry written during the Portuguese Renaissance. The Origins of Saudade It’s often thought the term originated during the Portuguese Age of Discoveries as a way of expressing the longing that families felt for their loved ones who had set sail to distant lands, and the incompleteness they felt in their absence. Likewise, it portrayed the yearning experienced by sailors for their loved ones back home, during these voyages.  As Portuguese colonies formed in distance lands, the term saudade was used to convey the collective longing or homesickness felt by those living in different places for Portugal, the memories they had made there and the ones they left behind.  Whilst this time may have popularised the term, it actually first appeared much before the Age of Discoveries, in 13th century literature as soidade. It was used in poetry to depict to the feeling of desperate yearning felt by distant lovers, not able to be together. It has also likely been influenced by the Arabic word expressing melancholy, sawda (سَوْدَاء). This influence is highly plausible considering the strong Arabic influence in Portugal.  A Universal Feeling  Something so beautiful, and yet tragic, about saudade is that it can’t be felt without having experienced intense happiness, contentment and completeness. It is such an inherently human feeling, to feel both intense joy and sadness when thinking about the people and places you have connected with. Whilst saudade can be uncomfortable and sometimes unwanted, we will almost always risk this bittersweet feeling to experience the joy that precedes it.      

As of Monday the 5th of July 2021, real estate meditation companies are required to strictly follow new regulations to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorism financing within the real estate sector.   There will be new obligations to comply with, emphasising due diligence, the importance of identifying clients suspected of money laundering or terrorist financing, and reporting doubts surrounding the veracity or adequacy of identification data.   As for general identification and due diligence procedures, the new rules require the obtaining of identification from real estate transaction customers, or their representatives, when they establish business relationships or carry out transactions for amounts equal to or greater than 15,000 euros, regardless of whether the transaction is carried out through a single operation or across several, apparently related, operations.   There has been an additional two paragraphs added to this article however, to extend this obligation of identification and due diligence when "it is suspected that the transactions, regardless of their value and any exception or threshold, may be related to money laundering or terrorist financing", and when "there are doubts about the veracity or adequacy of the customer identification data obtained".   This new regulation, which had already been in practice since the publication of the last diploma in 2019, also maintains the obligation of real estate entities to communicate to IMPIC, all elements related to lease agreements whose monthly rent value is equal to or greater than 2,500 euros, or the elements related to each real estate transaction in which the broker is an intervening party.   The regulation, that had been in force since 2019 and since been repealed, already included the obligation of identification (of clients, individuals or companies, and beneficial owners), control and communication of real estate purchase, lease, sale or exchange transactions.   The identification of the client must be taken according to the diploma, before the establishment of the business relationship and must include data such as name, address, nationality, NIF (Tax Identification Number), profession and employer, or in the case of companies, the address of the headquarters or branch, or the identification of owners with shareholdings greater than 5%.   Real estate mediation companies, and all the intermediaries in the real estate transaction, maintain the obligation of a written record of collected information. This record has to be kept on file for a minimum period of seven years. It is also mandatory for all mediators to define risk management models that allow the identification of operations suspected of money laundering or financing of terrorism.   Author: Paulo Lopes

The four most important questions about investing in real estate in Portugal. Why should foreign investors make real estate investments in Portugal? Portugal offers extremely attractive conditions for international investors. It is a safe country with a low cost of living, excellent public and private health services and a fantastic public and private education system, including a wide range of schools, international educational institutions and universities that are among some of the best in the world. Portugal offers an ARI Investment Visa program that puts it on the map for international investors. For those who decide to obtain residence by investment and wish to make the permanent move over here, Portugal is an excellent country to live in for the whole family. What are the advantages of investing in Portugal? Our country still offers many business opportunities compared to other countries, as it is a still growing market with low population density and great potential for the next 20 years. The digital infrastructure, the adaptability of the Portuguese and attractive tax arrangements for foreigners all add value and help attract foreign real estate investment. Given the low required investment value within the real estate sector compared to other countries with similar schemes, this investment route still promises high returns over the coming years, and will naturally continue to attract a large number of investors. What will the outcome of the change to the Golden Visa (ARI) be, if you try to channel real estate investment inland for reasons of political ideology? In my opinion, it will be a disaster because it affects freedom of investment for those who come to Portugal and, thus, who want to invest in Portugal. This visa program has rejuvenated our two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto. Many of us have forgotten what Lisbon and Porto were like 10 years ago: there were streets in the centre where people didn’t dare go at night, because there were so many dilapidated buildings inhabited by people who had no other place to live. The ARI program, better known as the Golden Visa, enabled Lisbon and Porto to renew and modernize themselves, with the money from foreign investment. In addition, it became a huge marketing machine for Portugal, and attracted many international investors who may not have considered investing in Portugal otherwise. The level of safety, social and economic stability and opportunity has increased dramatically since the introduction of this program. Has the Portuguese real estate market suffered from the restrictions of the pandemic? Since 2020, the travel restrictions for foreign customers have limited the possibility of visiting properties in person and, as a result, made the purchase of such investment properties more difficult. Technology such as video visits (Teams, Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime), 360º photography, 3D images and video conferencing have helped us navigate some of the limitations faced. Above all, the confidence and trust our investors have in our company, as they’ve watched us continue to sell real estate despite these testing times, has allowed more remote sales to take place. It is however necessary to see things as they are: the flow of sales and customers has decreased, but the investment value per unit has increased. The pandemic has brought about big changes in the needs of customers and has also altered the way in which these customers make decisions. Decisions are often being taken faster and there is more reliance on images, videos and lots of detailed information about the property and location, as it has been far more difficult to travel to visit properties, and the visits to Portugal by international clients have often come with more time restraints. summary: Portugal is one of the most attractive countries to invest in real estate. It provides investors with security, good access to public services and a strong education system. The exceptional hospitality and adaptability of the Portuguese, the space available for the development of new economic ideas and businesses, combined with one of the world's best digital infrastructures are some of the many reasons Portugal is such an attractive prospect for foreign investors. There are still an abundance of excellent opportunities for real estate investment in Portugal and the market hasn’t been affected by the same level of inflation seen in other similar countries. The quality of life and cost of living are excellent compared to many other countries, but Portugal stands out the most as a host country and takes pride in warmly welcoming those who visit, or who wish to call this country home. Author: Paulo Lopes - Casaiberia

Chiado and Estrela are by far the most sought after and most expensive neighborhoods in Lisbon. Chiado, Santo António, Misericórdia and Estrela are the most expensive neighborhoods to buy housing in the city of Lisbon. Here the average values are around 900,000 euros. The most sought-after typology with the mediators has been the T2 and the properties with surrounding green spaces, with preference to elevators, garage, and easy access to public transport or even the proximity of green areas such as gardens in the city of light. According to data from casafari and other sites, the most expensive neighborhood is Chiado with a value per m2 of about 10,000 euros. Chiado is the most sought-after neighborhood among all the districts of the capital. Then follows the neighborhood of Santo António, where the price per m2 runs the 5,395 euros followed by Mercy with 5,058 euros m2 and the Star with the average price of 4,347 euros a m2. The reason for the evolution of price in these neighborhoods, is linked to the scant supply of real estate in these neighborhoods. And the new projects are waiting for the permits, caused by excessive bureaucratic delays of the municipal chamber of Lisbon and the public function that in this matter leaves much to be desired. Therefore, the price is dictated mainly by the scant supply, even if demand is higher in other parishes. This is the case of Avenidas Novas, Belém and Parque das Nações that join Estrela, Bairro Alto, Graça, Alfama and Príncipe Real in the list of neighborhoods with the highest demand in the capital. The average price per bairo: Bethlehem is around 4,000 euros m2, Parque de Nações 4,300 euros m2 Star 4,300 euros m2 Avenues New 4,700 euros m2 Chiado 10,000 euros m2 Principe Real 10,000 euros m2 What brings us to the future? In our opinion, and by our market monitoring we are predicting that more and more the buyer will be younger and the product that is looking for higher quality and higher price. This trend is not a national phenomenon or our capital, it is something that is happening more and more at international level, both in large urban centers and especially in the various capitals of the European continent. The proximity of work, the offer of fun and digital and educational infrastructures is the engine of this movement, as well as the cure of quality of life increasingly earlier and less dictated by the day of reform. Houses with surrounding green areas, gardens, balconies, or office room are now the most important for buyers.