Hi, we are considering moving to the Algarve and would much appreciat some advice on the following
Are there many Brits living in Carvoeiro Permenantly?
What are the winters like, does the town close and die or is there still a good social scene?
Are there any problem letting permanently and how much per month would the average 2 bedroom fetch on a permanent basis
Thanks in advance
Krill

Message to Steen:

Why isn't there a dedicated section for this topic? Can't you set one up with all (or most) of the relevant information instead of having it posted each time a poster enquires?

Message to MC.

I have to apologise, Steen had set up the FAQ where I was going to collect all sorts of general info for this purpose. Unfortunately, I have not gotten round to finishing it.

@krill

please bear with us for a bit while we work on the fine tuning. In the meantime, please try the search function to seek out the topics that cover most aspects of you queries.

anyway…… how many Brits are there living permanently in cvo? I’d also be interested to know the No. in all Algarve and other parts of pt.
Are there any official figures?

Sorry, cant help you with official residence figures. Populational statistics are not a strong point in Portugal, but feel free to browse through www.ine.pt and see what you can find.
I might be able to find out how may brits died in car crashes over the last year though..

There are quite a few permanent ex-pat residents - and more arriving every year. The village does go quiet from Nov-Mar but I think it's at its best then - and it's certainly not deserted, at the moment we have a healthy Canadian population on long winter lets to liven things up

It is difficult to get a permanent let as most people prefer to get holiday lets in their properties, outside of Carvoeiro in the less touristy parts is easier. It's probably best to arrive at the end of the season when winter lets are more available then see how it goes and try to get a long let once you are here.

Yes I must agree with kteee's comments as my wife and I moved initially to Vilamoura in October 2004 and then to Carvoeiro in December and are still trying to find a long term rent for a T2. They are few and far between unless you want to live in Portimao or Praia Vau etc. Unless you buy a property, you should be prepared to move a few times before you get the right place. But Carvoeiro is great!

Thank you all for taking the time to reply, what I was asking about the rent was how much I could expet for an average 2 bed property if I bought one to let? sorry if i didn't make myself clear. I am also interested in moving to the Algarve so can you recomend Carvoeiro or do you all wish you were some place else

E-mail on its way to you.

k

Krill, it's the most popular spot on the Algarve bar none. Everybody comes back for more. Mike, Chislehurst.

Carvoeiro is an excellent place to live.....Also Lagos and surround is extremely nice. There are Many many Brits and other Northern Europeans living here all year.......we came two years ago and could socialise every night with friends if we so wished.....just not enough time........but you have to get out a mix a little because many Brits do stay rather private here and then often remark they have few friends. We also have many Portuguese friends that visit often to our house and also invite us to theirs.
For rental values...just look into the Villa for rent section and its all there......To let long term ????......Difficult one cause everybody has their own idea of rent...BUT a very nice newish T2/3 will average about £500 a month plus all expenses....Electric/Water etc.....The problem is that one can let a nice place here for just 4 Months and make the same money in that time that you will make to let above for a year. .........BUT,,..if you do your sums you will see that the buy cost od a T2 X about 4 or 5% is your yearly income........it isnt great ..but you work on Capital growth (Hope the value will increase).......about the same as puting your money in the bank at 5% ..plus the cap growth............not a bad investment in the long term like everywhere else ..but you will make more in the old eastern Block anf less in the UK....as many are now discounting to sell by up to 10 to 15 %...........I know...I am you in reverse and have just bought back into the UK market having negotiated a 12% discount..very easily..

Good Luck