More ruins to admire

There's a cream coloured villa on the opposite side of the road that's been up for sale for 4 or 5 years - the want 850,000 for it  .
Can't see anyone buying that to live next to a building site and/or a ruin

The Albufeira Crowne Plaza site from up on high taken 1st November

http://wp.me/p16mGY-wy

I think prices have steadied and are now realistic for the most part. I don't see why anyone would regret buying if they do their homework properly and take sensible advice.

Absolutely agree about taking proper advice,as for regretting it ... Best thing we ever did

We do have two places in mind Quinta pedra dos biscos and parque da cocorvada, love the location of pedra dos biscos. Very helpful advice j2me thankyou, can you tell me the forums you refer too please. 

Best thing we ever did. Absolutely no regrets at all. Just go for it.
If you don't you might end up regretting it forever.

Hi Gerry, do you rent them out or keep for your own use only? My husband wants to be able to keep for our own use only but let friends and family use, i am thinking if we rent out will help with the finances. We could remortgage here to have the funds to buy, but only have 3 years left on current mortgage so would be better saving 30 per cent deposit then getting additional mortgage to buy in Albufeira i think?? My luck prices will then increase. Job to know what the best option is.

The question that you need to ask yourselves is simple - is this an investment or is it for pleasure.

If it for pleasure, end of story. Take your time. Select the cheapest source of finance (the lowest interest rate), be that UK or Portugal. Simply put, this is an almost hassle free strategy and an ideal solution for many. If you can afford this approach, it is only a question of how much you can afford. The selection of a property will be the result of trade-offs (location, condition and size being the obvious concerns).

If it is for investment, there are two returns possible. The first is income. The best you can realistically hope for here is to subsidise the cost of investment. However, that subsidy will possibly allow you to purchase a more desirable property which you would not otherwise achieve. There will be little or no 'profit' for several years because there is so much competition for that business in Albufeira. Just look around and you to see the situation. At the same time, there are lots of holidaymakers. Think of 'supply and demand'. Think about what the holiday maker actually wants and is willing to pay for.

The second return will arise from capital appreciation (the rising value of the property, assuming there is a rise in value). You will not achieve this until you sell the property, and for most people, that is not their plan in the first place. If this is your strategy, then think 'location, location, location'.

Just some last words to motivate you - 'Dream'. Hopefully this helps to build the encouragement you need to put more effort into making your dream come true.