Buying a property in Tavira
Tavira, known as the “Venice of the Algarve” is one of the Algarve’s prettiest towns.
Located in the eastern Algarve on Portugal’s south coast, it avoids the heavy tourism of Vilamoura and Albufeira, making it ideal for year-round living. It is a great place to look for traditional, slightly more affordable homes.
Why buy a property in Tavira
The town is divided by the Gilão River, connected by several bridges, including the notable seven-arched Roman bridge. The main square, Praça da República, features a water fountain, charming cafes and a small amphitheatre.
Tavira Castle, partially destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, and the 13th-century Santa Maria do Castelo Church are key historical sites. It also has a bustling local market, full of fresh produce. There is a more modern side to Tavira too: the Gran Plaza shopping centre has chain stores, a food court and a cinema.
Ilha de Tavira, part of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, is a short boat ride away and known for its picturesque Blue Flag beaches and camping spots. In Tavira, there is a small stretch of beach facing Ilha de Tavira that is a local secret among beach fans.
Tavira is close to the border with Spain. You can be in Seville in less than two hours.
How to get to Tavira
The closest airport to Tavira is Faro International Airport (FAO), a 30-minute drive away. Faro has great connections to Europe. For long-haul international flights, you will need to travel to Lisbon.
The weather in Tavira
Tavira has warm, short summers followed by cooler, windy winters. January is the coldest month with an average maximum of 16°C. The hottest month is July with an average daily maximum of 29°C and up to 12 hours of sunshine a day. While June through to September is considered the summer, temperatures are still pleasantly warm in May and October.
What can you buy for your budget in Tavira
Property in Tavira is less expensive than the more developed areas of the Algarve, like Albufeira or the Golden Triangle. Land plots and renovation projects tend to go for upwards of €50,000. Small, ready to move into apartments cost upwards of €150,000. The starting price for a family townhouse or villa is €400,000. Tavira does not have as many new development opportunities as other areas in the Algarve.
Is property in Tavira a good investment?
Millions of people visit the Algarve each year, and while most will be interested in areas with extensive amenities and more accessible beaches, like Lagos and Albufeira, the growing reputation of Tavira should see visitors keep on coming.
Tavira is seeing more development and interest, which could lead to property appreciation and make it a good long-term investment.
Steps to buy in Tavira
- Set a budget: Work out your finances, speak to a currency company (if applicable) about exchange rates and get a mortgage approval in principle if required.
- Do you research: Depending on your reason for buying a property in Tavira, you may wish to connect with an independent lawyer to discuss your residency and visa options as an international buyer.
- Online search: Once you know how much you have to spend in euros, you can start browsing available homes. Properties are listed on many online portals and estate agent sites. We recommend exploring the area on Google Earth too, which will help you get an idea of the area.
- Book a viewing trip: When you have narrowed your online list as far as it will go, speak to an estate agent and book your trip to Tavira.
- Make an offer: When you’ve found a property you like, you can make an offer via your estate agent.
- Reservation contract & deposit: Once accepted, you may be asked to sign a reservation contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda) and pay a deposit. Before you pay the deposit, we recommend speaking to a currency specialist who can help you lock in the rate for the duration of your property purchase, to avoid it fluctuating with the markets. The deposit is usually around 20% of the purchase price.
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