Have you been looking at property for sale in the western Algarve? If so, you’ve no doubt come across plenty of striking villas, complete with bags of space and shimmering swimming pools.
However, if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to something like that, there’s no need to give up on the dream of a life in Portugal. One of the (many) great things about the country is that there are options for all budgets, even in the popular and sunny Algarve.
In this article, we look at property for sale in the western Algarve, on offer for both “budget” and “bling” prices. As well as exploring some areas, we take a look at some example properties at both ends of the scale. Whether you intend to spend £100,000 or add a zero to the end, you can still buy into the sunshine and seafood of the desirable Algarve.
Find the best places to look for property for sale in the Western Algarve for all budgets.
Where is the Western Algarve?
For the purposes of this article, we’re discussing the southern coast of the western Algarve. This begins just west of Albufeira. It runs all the way to Cape St. Vincent, the most south-western part of Europe.
It’s important to note that the Algarve also has a west coast. This is a much less developed part of Portugal, where the wild Atlantic surf pounds the often-deserted beaches.
Lagos
Lagoa
Portimão
Praia da Luz
Ferragudo
Armacão de Pèra
Amenities for all budgets
Even though prices have risen in recent years, Portugal remains a very affordable place by European standards. If your budget is more “studio apartment” than “villa with pool,” you still get to enjoy all of the Algarve’s wonderful attractions.
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The beaches are all free, for starters! Portugal also excels when it comes to inexpensive food and wine. Whether you’re trying the latest Michelin starred restaurant or digging into a sub-ten-Euro menu del dia, you’ll still likely be eating the freshest fish, caught that very day.
Another significant factor to think about is that you can often experience a more authentic side of Portugal when you spend less. Modern golf developments aimed at an international crowd certainly appeal to plenty of people. However, you’re arguably more likely to meet ordinary Portuguese people and begin to integrate if you live in a more “ordinary area.” And that’s no bad thing.
Something to keep in mind
Below, we’ve suggested three luxurious places to find property for sale in the western Algarve, and three places that you will find more affordable. However, it’s important to note that Portuguese towns don’t neatly divide into “bling” and “budget” categories.
You will find inexpensive, rustic homes in Lagos, and you’ll find luxurious villas around Portimão. However, the advice in the article should broadly help you to find the highest concentration of properties within your budget.
Where to find budget property for sale in the Western Algarve
Portimão
Portimão is home to an increasingly luxurious marina, and the beach resort of Praia da Rocha. However, the city itself remains authentic and only superficially touched by tourism.
The pleasing outcome of this is that Portimão is a place where you can still find very affordable property. Older city centre apartments, in particular, can prove great value. Many have been renovated and offer both bags of space and much lower price-tags than those on newer developments around the sea front and marina.
Portimão is home to an increasingly luxurious marina, and the beach resort of Praia da Rocha. However, the city itself remains authentic and only superficially touched by tourism.
You miss out on very little by choosing one of these homes. The city has an attractive waterfront, and some of the area’s most authentic restaurants. The beaches are only a stones-throw away.
Example property:
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This one-bedroom apartment is perfect as a holiday home, or ideal for a couple as a permanent residence. It’s newly renovated and comes fully-furnished too, so you can just pack a bag and go. It has a balcony for catching the rays in private, and is only 500 metres from the beach. On the market for just €114,000.
Ferragudo
Just over the river from Portimão is the less well known town of Ferragudo. It actually faces Portimão marina, and you can catch a water taxi between the two places.
Ferragudo has much more of a small town feel than Portimão. It remains authentic, but it’s not undiscovered. You’ll find members of a small, friendly expat community at the cafés and bars around the pretty square.
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Ferragudo has some beautiful beaches, and they’re far quieter than those in front of nearby Praia da Rocha’s many hotels. Off-season, you may well have a huge stretch of sand to yourself.
Example property:
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This huge duplex apartment is priced at the higher end of “budget.” However, it’s notable how much property you get for the money, especially if you think about what a home like this would cost in a more expensive area!
It’s brand new and comes with enormous private terraces. It also enjoys access to a shared roof space with brick barbecues and tables – perfect for entertaining. There’s lots of modern tech on offer, including electric blackout blinds and support for solar heating. On the market for €270,000.
Armacão de Pèra
Armacão de Pèra is a popular summer resort. However, it’s all rather low-key, and attracts more of a Portuguese crowd than sun-seekers from elsewhere in Europe. The town does have a distinct season, making it blissfully quiet in the winter months.
The beach here is sandy and golden, and much less busy than the Albufeira beaches not far to the east. Almacão de Pèra is one of those places that’s not hugely well-known, but all the better for it.
Example property:
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This two-bedroom apartment offers stunning sea views from full length windows. It’s all newly renovated, and there are two bathrooms, including one en-suite and another with a hydro massage bath. It’s a bright and modern home with fantastic terrace space. On sale at €169,000.
High-end property in the Western Algarve
Lagoa
Lagoa, located 5km inland, is a sprawling municipality, dotted with high-end golf resorts and lavish secluded villas. Here you find some of the Algarve’s most luxurious hotels and sought-after restaurants. Some of the finest cove beaches are just a few kilometres away too.
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While there are homes here for those on a lower budget, overseas buyers in this area are generally those with money to spend on one of the desirable villas. This region also has the attraction of being home to one of the Algarve’s most prestigious international schools.
Example property:
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This four-bedroom golf resort villa comes with more than a touch of luxury. No expense has been spared on the marble and wood finishes. A striking staircase sets the tone for a home perfect for those well-used to the finer things in life.
There’s plenty of privacy here. The landscaped garden comes complete with that all-essential centrepiece swimming pool. On the market for €1,890,000.
Lagos
Lagos is as varied and cosmopolitan as anywhere in the Algarve region. Its modern marina is perhaps a little less-known that the one in Vilamoura, but still well-used by super yachts and their wealthy owners.
There’s a lot to Lagos, including a substantial old-town area, a huge surf beach (Meia Praia), and several other cove beaches. There’s been a lot of development in this small city lately, especially in terms of luxurious and modern new developments.
Example property:
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This superb four-bedroomed villa is incredibly convenient. It’s only steps away from one of Lagos’ beautiful cove beaches, and an easy walk from the old town.
Despite this, it still offers a huge amount of space and privacy. There’s a fabulous pool area and numerous terraces. This home is full of light, and two of the bedrooms have en-suites with whirlpool tubs. On sale for €875,000.
Praia da Luz
A few kilometres further west of Lagos is the small resort town of Praia da Luz. It’s not the most authentic Algarve town, and could never claim to be undiscovered. However, this is a place with a strong international community where it’s easy to integrate and make friends.
This is a place with a strong international community where it’s easy to integrate and make friends.
There’s a good choice of housing here, including smaller homes steps from the beach. However, those with a big budget will definitely want to look at villas on the outskirts of the town. Sweeping sea views are the norm here, as are modern developments with golf and other sporting facilities.
Example property:
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This renovated four-bed villa is a literal stone’s throw away from the sea. No expense has been spared, least of all on high-tech amenities. There’s a central vacuum system, surround sound installation, and underfloor heating.
There are several terraces and balconies as part of this property, including one that’s home to a large jacuzzi just metres from the sea. On sale at €1,000,000.
Regardless of your budget, you will find plenty of property for sale in the Western Algarve. Find out more about life in the area by reading our round-up of the best of the Portuguese lifestyle, and browse our property portal for more beautiful homes to buy in the Western Algarve.
If you still have questions about buying in Portugal, you can call our Portugal Buying Specialists in the free Resource Centre on +44(0)20 7898 0549 or arrange for us to call you using our form below.
