The Quinta Journal» savills

Investment opportunities – August

debbie — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:36:28 +0000

Here is a small selection of properties, which we consider to be particularly good investment opportunities. These are located within Quinta do Lago and the general area, and will most probably be the next properties that will sell.

Click the images below to view these properties and for more information contact us at info@quintaproperty.com or on +351 289 396 073.

Cool cash vs warm sunshine…

Quinta Properties — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:38:03 +0000

Risk averse and focused on secure, long-term investments is the best way to describe investors today. As such, many continue to favour property, and those in the know are investing in Quinta do Lago and other tried and tested developments.

Savills Quinta Properties’ clients are regularly reporting that they are seeking safe investments for their cash and see property as the most attractive alternative to the volatility and low returns offered by banks today. In addition, unlike other forms of investment, property is a real and tangible asset, which not only has always proved to be one of the best long term investments but, and very importantly in difficult times, can also be enjoyed while not sold on.

So the question is, where to buy? In today’s world, the most valuable things are time and space. We are generally running out of both and we believe that this is only one of the many reasons why property in Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo remains in demand, and is holding its value.

“…Property in Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo remains in demand.”

Driving to and around Quinta and Vale do Lobo there is clear evidence of the continued interest, and redevelopment in the area; thoroughfare roads in Almancil and between the two resorts are being upgraded. Some very exciting and glamorous developments, such as The Conrad Hilton and The Keys are up and about to be launched. Within Quinta do Lago, developers have invested heavily in improving the driving range and Clubhouse, and the resort’s infrastructure cannot be faulted. Most impressively of all however, are the numerous new large magnificent villas that are being developed by both private investors and end-users. All of which show a market, which is strong and almost oblivious to the storm that rages in so many other markets.

So why are Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo so different? There are many contributing factors. The Algarve is but a short hop from most European counties, allowing travellers to save time and avoid long haul flights. Staying within Europe, from a safety and security point of view, remains attractive to many seasoned travelers and especially families. And let’s face it, the Algarve is one of the sunniest places in Europe. All this in simple combination is enough to give most investors the confidence to keep their money safely invested in the area.

Clients, who continue to invest, have usually been in the area for many years and with more than 65% of Quinta Properties’ clients being repeat buyers they obviously like what they see. Quinta do Lago with its wonderful sense of space, limited amount of properties, strict building restrictions, world class facilities and style have made this resort somewhat immune to the drastic drops and soaring peaks in property values seen across other European resort destinations. Certainly prices are currently not increasing, and of course there have been a few fire sales here too, and for the first time in many years, supply has increased. This all makes it now exciting times for buyers. There are some fabulous properties on the market. Buyers should come and look but be warned – prices have not dropped and many owners of properties in these two resorts will need to be tempted with good offers before they surrender their investments for cool hard cash. Too often have we heard our vendors ask what to do with the cash once they sell – most are only too happy to keep their money in the warm sunny boundaries of the Golden Triangle!

Quinta Properties, the busy local Savills associate and leading agent for many years in the Quinta do Lago area, appreciates that for many these are tough times. But we are optimistic about the future and continued success of the area. For more information on the market and what properties are currently for sale, please give us a call. We would be delighted to talk you through the possibilities.

Telephone: +351 289 396 073 . Email: info@quintaproperty.com

Best Real Estate Agent!

Sandy — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:23:53 +0000

Savills Quinta Properties has been named Best Real Estate Agent in Portugal by the International Property Awards, Bloomberg Television and Google.

We were delighted to be told the news that we had won such a coveted award this week. The Award is in recognition of our successful track record in Quinta do Lago, our strong client partnerships and our committment to investing in marketing. The International Property Awards, now in its 17th year, has a judging panel of 80 property professionals and has become recognised as the highest standard of excellence throughout the global industry.

Savills named top superbrand

Sandy — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:57:28 +0000

Quinta Properties is extremely proud of its long association with Savills and is delighted to report that the global property giant has been named number one real estate brand in 2011′s UK Business Superbrand chart.

Savills also ranked number 71 in the overall league table of the top 500 Business Superbrands. Adding to the accolades, according to Property Week’s annual survey of property advisors, Savills is the number one property services firm for the eighth consecutive year and since the survey was established. This is according to turnover.

Quinta Properties, the leading agent in Quinta do Lago, has been a Savills International Associate for 12 years, and is consistently Savills’ top selling international agent.

Green Portugal a World Leader

Sandy — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:21:03 +0000

Portugal, is a country leading by example. Already, it produces 43% of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind and hydropower, but the country has now increased its environmental commitment and taken up the green car challenge nationwide.

A network of public charging stations for electric vehicles has been installed across Portugal by Oracle and Portuguese not-for-profit company Inteli, as the transport industry gears up for anticipated public enthusiasm for electric cars across the world.

In doing so, by encouraging drivers to switch to electricity the country will grow even less reliant on fossil fuels and, in turn, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the magazine of Energy and Environmental Management has reported.

The Portuguese project, known as MOBI.E, will help Portugal increase its use of renewable energy and become less reliant on fossil fuels. It has seen 1,300 slow charging stations and 50 fast charging stations built as part of the government’s MOBI-E vehicle electrification project.

In an economic boost, it has also been announced that Portugal will also host one of Renault-Nissan’s battery plants, which will support the rollout of electric vehicles across Europe.

Visit the Magazine’s website for more on this story.

Area Spotlight…Fazenda Santiago

Sandy — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:43:58 +0000

Fazenda Santiago: A tranquil haven bordering Vale do Lobo, Fazenda Santiago is a secure and intimate development of luxury villas and townhouses, many of which benefit from sea views. A peaceful and private oasis with beautiful landscaping and some resort facilities. View below a selection of properties currently for sale in Fazenda Santiago by Quinta Properties.

Beautiful Algarve beach properties

Sandy — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:51:19 +0000

With summer just around the corner, what better time to secure a beachside property in the Algarve for enjoying the fabulous weather and white sands of the Ria Formosa!

Quinta Properties’ latest property showcase: Beautiful Algarve beach properties reveals just a small selection of our premier beachfront estates, villas and apartments in the Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and surrounding areas.

For more information on these, or any other of our beachfront properties please email us at info@quintaproperty.com or call on +351 289 396 073.

Quinta Properties Market Report – Spring 2011

Sandy — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:38:30 +0000

Welcome to our latest Quinta Properties Market Report. As the dust settles on the numerous news headlines regarding Portugal’s economy, we felt the time was now right to provide you with an update on our business and our view of the local property market.

The Market

Well, we have been busy. Alison and Kerstin handle new offers and try to negotiate sales almost on a daily basis. There are plenty of cash rich buyers looking to invest but they are very specific in what they are looking for.

Many buyers insist on buying only the best properties in the best locations, which always achieve top prices. Others are looking to buy only what they would consider to be “a good deal”. From our point of view, buyers are still keen to invest in what is seen as a good and safe investment – namely Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and the areas in-between. At present, inquiries for other areas are much rarer.

The good news for buyers is that there is a great deal on the market and there is more choice of beautiful, quality property than in recent history. The downside is that not all vendors are as keen to negotiate as they may expect.

Analysing our sales over the past three years, if only looking at our bottom line, not much has changed. Average yearly sales for the past few years have been remarkably similar. To date, we have done about as many sales as previous years, and average prices have also not changed significantly. Some exceptions have balanced out our averages; a few properties have sold at low prices as vendors were keen to move on, however, at the same time, some properties have sold at top prices because as always, prime locations achieve a premium.

There is frustration in the market but this is a result of the large number of properties that are available for sale, and not because properties are not selling – because they are. Vendors do need to look closely at their asking prices and take the advice of their agents. We are not suggesting to drop prices, but to price realistically.

Recent Quinta Properties marketing efforts

During the Easter week, we launched the 8^th edition of our Buyers’ Guide Passion for Property, culminating in our biggest ever annual party. It was a huge success and we were absolutely delighted to see well over 300 Quinta Properties’ clients walk the red carpet at our James Bond themed event. Throughout the evening the champagne flowed and exquisite delicacies were prepared and expertly served by the talented team from the two Michelin star restaurant, Vila Joya. It was a wonderful evening – visit the Quinta Properties website to see a selection of photographs of our clients looking fabulous.

We are in the process of sending the Guide out to all of you – should you not receive it in the next week or so, please do let us know!

The new billboards are up. On the day of our James Bond launch party, new billboards were erected around town featuring Quinta Properties as Special Agents and replacing the Best Sellers signs. This campaign has successfully put a smile on people’s faces.

Furthermore, and just in time for our annual party, we renovated our offices and hope to have achieved a fresh look in which our clients will feel welcome and well looked after. Please do pop in when you are next here – the coffee is still as good as ever!

Next on our busy to do list is the launch of our new Quinta Properties website and branded email marketing. We are working hard on designs and improving technical capabilities to help buyers find and navigate the website easily; and importantly we aim to make the website even more attractive and interesting so that we can continue to drive inquiries to our professional sales team.

In Summary

We are confident in our market. Our area remains in demand and our success is reflected in the fact that we continue to be Savills’ Number 1 International Associate for the 4^th year running.

As a result, we will continue to invest in marketing, our team and our business so that we can provide both our vendors and buyers with the very best service. We are incredibly grateful to all of our clients for their continued support and loyalty and we are exceptionally proud of the fact that more than 65% of our buyers continue to come through referrals and repeat business.

If you would like to contact us with any feedback on this newsletter, we would welcome that. If you would like to discuss your own property needs, please do call or email us.

Alison and Kerstin

Global wealth still looking for property…Quinta do Lago a favourite.

Sandy — Thu, 26 May 2011 11:44:09 +0000

Global wealth is still looking for property and buyers are favouring the purpose-built resort of Quinta do Lago, the UK’s premier country and lifestyle magazine, Country Life, has reported.

In an interview with our very own Savills, Director of International Residential, Charles Weston-Baker, Country Life named Quinta do Lago as a prime location in its investigation: Where are the most popular areas to buy a second home?

For more visit…Country Life

International valuations

Sandy — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:26:43 +0000

Savills International Valuations team covers professional valuations throughout Europe, North Africa and the Caribbean. In addition we support Savills agency teams further afield, such as Quinta Properties in Quinta do Lago.

Based in London and Oxford, the team has unrivalled experience with specialists in every sector from residential and holiday accommodation, hotels and resorts to visitor attractions, golf courses, sports venues and water based activities. Acting in close co-operation with our network of offices providing up to date, on the ground agency knowledge we can provide valuation advice for all purposes.

All Savills valuers hold a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors qualification with established links to all national bodies in the countries in which we work. Our valuations are covered by comprehensive Professional Indemnity insurance and valuations are provided for loan security, private transfer, development strategy, accounts, tax, divorce, litigation and numerous other purposes. Our valuations are tailored, in depth and priced to the requirements of our clients. We are panel valuers for all UK and most foreign banks, and are used to meeting the individual criteria set for any specific purpose.

Savills offers the reassurance that only the “best in class” can give, backed by the best possible available information. For those investing in property of any type abroad, our valuers can advise not only on pricing and value, but are familiar with local taxation, local planning functions and requirements, and local ownership, occupational and tenure structures.

We consider the effect of flights and local travel infrastructure patterns, the capacity and extent of local power and utility services, the financial stability of the region, the ability of leisure and other providers to maintain and extend facilities and the reasonableness of any service charges. Amongst a myriad of factors affecting value, we take into account resaleability, either for a planned exit or in the case of unforeseen circumstances, and letability, either long term or for short lets.

Our relationship with our international Associates is extremely important and provides us with local databases and a fund of knowledge on the issues affecting properties in every location. Above all, we promise to provide a service second to none.