Love, Adventure and a Place to Call Home: Sarah and Mike’s Journey Buying Property in Portugal

Hey there, fellow wanderlusters! 

Today, we’re excited to share an adventure story by a couple we’ve met recently – and their story on buying a property in Portugal! Grab a glass of vinho verde, and let’s dive into the story of how Sarah and Mike have turned their Portuguese dream into reality. 

Here is their real story, described in first person:

🇵🇹 Why Portugal Stole Our Hearts

Picture this: cobblestone streets, breathtaking beaches, and pastéis de nata that make your taste buds dance. That’s Portugal in a nutshell. But for us, it was more than just a vacation spot. It was where we wanted to write the next chapter of our love story.

Our Top 5 Reasons for Choosing Portugal:

1. Affordable living compared to other European countries
2. Friendly locals who welcome expats with open arms
3. A perfect blend of history and modernity
4. Amazing food and wine (did we mention the pastéis de nata?)
5. Golden Visa program for non-EU citizens (hello, opportunity!)

💑 Our Property Buying Journey: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Spoiler alert: Yes, foreigners can buy property in Portugal! But our journey wasn’t without its ups and downs. Here’s a glimpse into our emotional rollercoaster:

• 😍 Excitement: “We’re really doing this!”
• 😰 Anxiety: “Wait, can we actually afford this?”
• 🤔 Confusion: “What’s a NIF and why do we need one?”
• 😅 Relief: “Thank goodness for our buyers agent!”
• 🎉 Joy: “We got the keys! Time to celebrate!”

🔑 The Nitty-Gritty: What You Need to Know

Alright, lovebirds, let’s get down to business. Here’s what we learned about buying property in Portugal as foreigners:

💖 Relationship Real Talk: Buying Property as a Couple

Let’s be honest – buying property together is a test of any relationship. Here’s how we survived (and thrived!):

• Communication is key: We had weekly “Portugal Property Pow-wows” to discuss our progress and concerns.
• Divide and conquer: Mike handled the financial stuff, while Sarah focused on design and location research.
• Compromise is crucial: Sarah wanted the beachfront, Mike wanted the city center. We found a perfect spot in between!
• Celebrate the small wins: Getting our NIF? Champagne time. First viewing? Pastéis de nata for everyone!
• Keep the romance alive: We made sure to explore Portugal as tourists too, not just property hunters.

🌟 Lessons Learned and Tips for Couples

1. Do your homework: Research, research, research! Knowledge is power (and prevents arguments).
2. Budget for extras: There are always unexpected costs. We learned this the hard way!
3. Trust the experts: Relying on a credible Portuguese realtor was worth their weight in gold.
4. Learn some Portuguese: It goes a long way in winning over locals and understanding contracts.
5. Keep your sense of humor: Things will go wrong. Laugh about it and move on together.

💌 Your Turn: Is Portugal Calling Your Names?

Buying property in Portugal as foreigners was an adventure we’ll never forget. It tested our patience, our savings account, and yes, even our relationship at times. 

But standing on the balcony of our new Portuguese home, watching the sunset with a glass of port in hand, we can honestly say it was all worth it.

So, dear wanderlusters, is Portugal calling your names? Are you ready to embark on your own property-buying love story in the European Union? Remember, home is where the heart is – and sometimes, that home has an ocean view and comes with a side of pastéis de nata.

Até logo, and happy house hunting!

Love,
Sarah and Mike

P.S. Got questions about our Portuguese property journey? Drop them in the comments below. We’re always happy to share our experiences (and our wine recommendations)!