From your first enquiry to collecting the keys to your new home, Algarve Property Shops is your trusted local relocation partner.
Whether you are retiring, purchasing a holiday home, investing, or moving permanently, we provide local knowledge, trusted introductions and personal support throughout your journey.
Based in Conceição de Tavira, we specialise in the Eastern Algarve and understand that relocating involves much more than finding the right property. We help clients plan, purchase, settle in and feel at home.
Authentic towns, beautiful beaches, exceptional food and a calmer pace of life—all within easy reach of Faro International Airport.
Curated property options matched to your lifestyle, priorities and budget.
Personal introductions to the towns, villages and local services that matter to you.
Access to independent lawyers, accountants, mortgage advisers and other professionals.
Support with property management, maintenance and settling into your new life.
Ideal for clients exploring the possibility of a move to Portugal.
Comprehensive guidance through your property purchase and move.
2% Success Fee is payable only if we successfully find and secure your ideal property.
Book a ConsultationA bespoke concierge relocation service with personalised assistance.
2% Success Fee is payable only if we successfully find and secure your ideal property.
EnquireWhether you're buying a new home or investing, here's what to expect — and what it costs.
Once you find the right property and agree a closing price, the first step is a Reservation (Reserva) — a simple one-page document signed between you and the seller, along with a reservation fee. Its purpose is to take the property off the market and stop other buyers making higher offers, protecting you. Depending on the property, the fee can range from €5,000 up to €20,000. It is refundable if, for any reason, the purchase doesn't go ahead. This step gives your lawyer time — usually 15 days — to check the property's legal documents. Clients who wish to can go straight to the Promissory Contract instead.
Once the documents are checked, you move to the promissory contract. It sets out the closing price, full details of buyer and seller, what's included in the sale (furniture, works, etc.), payment terms and other conditions. At this stage you normally pay around 20% of the purchase price — for new developments or off-plan property, the deposit may be higher or lower depending on how advanced construction is. The contract is signed by both parties (or their lawyers, via power of attorney) and is legally registered. If the seller pulls out after this point, they must repay you double your deposit. If the buyer pulls out, they lose their deposit.
The final deed is signed in front of a Portuguese Notary once all information is cleared. You pay the remaining balance plus the Purchase Tax (IMT), and the purchase is complete.
Taxes must be paid roughly a week before the final deed. As a guide, budget around 8% of the purchase price for IMT and related transaction taxes, plus a lawyer's fee of between 1% and 2%.
Property, visas, tax, schools, healthcare and settling in — everything covered in our full relocation guide, in five chapters.
Tavira is a 2,000-year-old market town on the Gilão river, 30 minutes from Spain and an hour from Faro airport. Its historic centre is a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of whitewashed houses, Roman bridges, baroque churches and red-tiled rooftops, and it's been described as one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. Beyond the setting, it's genuinely liveable: a relaxed pace without being sleepy, and a real international community — British, Irish, Dutch, German, American and Portuguese — alongside an authentically Portuguese character that the western Algarve has largely lost.
| Eastern Algarve (Tavira area) | Western Algarve (Vilamoura / Lagos) |
|---|---|
| Lower property prices | Higher prices |
| Quieter and less developed | More international resort infrastructure |
| Ria Formosa natural park | Better-known internationally |
| More authentic Portuguese character | More expat services established |
| Growing expat community | Higher cost of living |
| Better value for money overall | More tourist traffic year-round |
Key facts: 300+ days of sunshine a year, with mild winters rarely below 12°C · 1 hour from Faro airport, with regular low-cost routes to the UK, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany · the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with Ilha de Tavira rated among Europe's finest beaches · full services in Tavira town, with a hospital in Faro (35 minutes), a local health centre and a weekly market.
Beyond the step-by-step process above, here's what to budget and what's available on the market:
| Cost | Rate | Example on a €400,000 property |
|---|---|---|
| IMT (property transfer tax) | 0–8% (sliding scale) | ~€20,000–24,000 |
| Stamp duty (IS) | 0.8% | €3,200 |
| Solicitor fees | 1–1.5% | €4,000–6,000 |
| Notary & registration | Fixed | €1,000–1,500 |
| Total buying costs | ~7–8% | ~€28,000–35,000 |
Rule of thumb: budget 8% on top of the purchase price for transaction costs — this is non-negotiable.
Property types in the eastern Algarve: Apartments in Tavira, Cabanas and the surrounding area typically range €250,000–€800,000 depending on location, size, views and amenities. Detached villas generally range €450,000–€1 million+, with luxury homes higher. Traditional townhouses within Tavira's historic centre typically run €350,000–€900,000+. Quintas (country properties) generally start around €350,000 and can exceed €2 million for exceptional estates.
EU citizens: EU/EEA nationals (including Irish citizens) can live and work in Portugal without a visa, but must register at the local council (Câmara Municipal) and obtain a Certificado de Registo within 90 days of arrival.
UK nationals (post-Brexit): Those living in Portugal before 31 December 2020 retain residency rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. New arrivals from the UK need a visa — the D7 is the most common route for retirees and those with passive income.
The D7 Passive Income Visa is aimed at retirees, remote workers and those with pension, rental or investment income. Requirements include: proof of regular passive income (minimum approximately €820/month for the primary applicant, based on 2025 figures, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per dependent child); a clean criminal record certificate, apostilled and no more than 3 months old; proof of accommodation in Portugal; and private health insurance covering Portugal until you qualify for the state health service (SNS).
NHR / IFICI — the tax advantage: Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident regime, now updated as the IFICI (Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação), offers tax advantages for new residents who haven't been tax resident in Portugal in the previous 5 years — potentially a flat 20% rate on qualifying Portuguese-source income and possible exemptions on foreign-source income, for up to 10 years. Rules changed significantly in 2024, not all income types qualify, and it must be applied for in the year residency is established. This is an overview only — always take advice from a certified Portuguese tax accountant before making decisions based on tax.
Healthcare: Portugal's public system (SNS) is available to EU citizens and legal residents via the local health centre (Centro de Saúde). The main hospital for the eastern Algarve is the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve in Faro, 35 minutes from Tavira. Many expats also take out private health insurance for shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors.
Tavira International School offers an English-speaking environment, small class sizes and an international community, and is well placed for families in Tavira, Cabanas, Conceição, Santa Luzia and the surrounding area.
Utilities checklist: EDP electricity contract (needs NIF and bank account, allow 5–10 working days) · water contract via the local council (SMAS Tavira) or a private supplier · internet and phone via NOS, MEO or Vodafone, with fibre available in Tavira town · IMI registration (annual property tax, paid to the council) · multi-risk home insurance (seguro multirisco), usually required by mortgage lenders.
Vehicles: EU licence holders can drive on their existing licence indefinitely; UK and non-EU licence holders should exchange theirs for a Portuguese one via the IMT. Importing a vehicle from outside the EU incurs ISV (vehicle tax), which varies by engine size and age — buying locally is often more cost-effective.
Pets: Pets from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport, microchip and up-to-date rabies vaccination. Pets from the UK, US and other non-EU countries need additional paperwork, including a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and, for dogs, tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before entry.
| Category | Monthly cost (2 adults) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | €350–500 | Local markets & supermarkets (Lidl, Pingo Doce, Continente) |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | €120–180 | Varies by season; summer A/C increases electricity costs |
| Dining out | €200–400 | Local restaurants €10–15pp; evenings €25–40 for two with wine |
| Transport (one car) | €100–200 | Fuel, insurance, annual inspection (IUC) |
| Health insurance (private) | €80–200 | Per person; depends on age and coverage level |
| Property costs (mortgage/rent + IMI) | Varies widely | No mortgage: IMI ~€600–1,500/year for a typical property |
| Estimated total (comfortable lifestyle) | €1,500–2,500/mo | Excluding property costs and major travel |
For comparison: a couple spending €2,000/month in Tavira would typically need roughly £4,500–5,500/month for an equivalent lifestyle in London.
Yes. International buyers can purchase property in Portugal. We recommend obtaining independent legal advice before proceeding.
Yes. We can begin with a remote consultation, understand your needs and prepare a personalised plan before your visit.
No. We introduce clients to suitably qualified independent professionals who can advise on legal, tax, residency and financial matters.
Yes. APS provides property management, maintenance coordination, owner services and ongoing local support.
Book a complimentary consultation with Algarve Property Shops and tell us what you are looking for.