Moving to Albufeira
A classic expat destination for those looking to enjoy a new life soaked in sunshine nestled right by the ocean. But before you get too far ahead, take a look at a few of the basics…
How much do you need to live on in Albufeira?
Prices in the Algarve region are a little higher than in the bulk of the country due to the high influx of expats driving up the prices. If your budget can stretch to approximately £1,800 a month for rent, transportation and living costs then you will be able to live comfortably in most locations in Albufeira. One of the downsides of living in this region is that due to the high density of tourism related jobs, there are fewer high-paying professional jobs than you might find in some of the major cities. Bear this in mind, combined with the lower wages in Portugal compared to the UK, when making your calculations to avoid stress and disappointment.
Buy property in Albufeira
Property prices do ebb and flow in this part of the country due to the constantly changing demands of the tourism industry. That said, the region is consistently popular with visitors from all over Europe which means if you make a home for yourself here, there will never be a dramatic shortage of buyers if you wish to downsize or move to another part of the country.
What if you don’t speak good Portuguese?
People in Albufeira will be well used to meeting English people due to the tourism industry, so don’t worry if it takes you a little while to pick up your new language. As long as you make the effort and don’t shy away from it, you’ll find the locals are only too happy to give you a helping hand and a few pointers whenever you get tongue tied.
What are the main costs of running your home?
Whether you choose to rent or buy, your utilities and local rates will be the same. They will cost a similar fraction of the take home pay as in the UK — around 10-20% depending on property size and usage. Keeping things as a percentage of your monthly wage is a great way of simplifying the comparisons between the UK and Portugal so you’re not caught out by the lower wages offered in Portugal. For those not used to the hot climate, you may also want to invest in air conditioning which will put your electricity bill up by as much as 20% in the summer months.
Anything else you need to know about Albufeira?
As a tourist destination for Brits, Albufeira will not get you away from the masses back home if that’s what you’re after. Take this into consideration when making your final choice on when and where to relocate and you’ll be able to enjoy your new life with everything just the way you like it.