Accommodation in the Algarve

From golf resorts and city-centre apartments to homes on the rural hillsides of the interior, the Algarve offers a broad range of accommodation options for expats. Prices vary widely across these different settings and their appeal may vary depending on different lifestyle preferences. Many expats choose rural or coastal villas with pools or properties within tourist complexes.

Property in the Algarve is more expensive than in many other parts of Portugal, Lisbon being the main exception. But Portugal is still one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe to find a home and the Algarve presents plenty of options for all budgets whether buying or renting. 

Types of accommodation in the Algarve

The Algarve offers a wide range of accommodation options, from apartments to villas and everything in between. Both traditional homes and modern apartment blocks can be found in the urban centres. Tourist complexes may present an opportunity for holiday-rental income if an expat will not be in residence all year round. These complexes tend to have communal facilities such as pools and gardens that are maintained for a fee, making them easy to ‘lock up and leave’.

There are also many expats living in the countryside away from the coast, either on golf estates or independently. The regions further inland tend to be very isolated, lacking main roads and amenities, and are populated mostly by Portuguese locals who have lived in the area for generations. Renovated or more recently built homes are also plentiful in the countryside, ranging from modest to high-end luxury. 

Finding accommodation in the Algarve

Property in the Algarve is advertised on international property sites and by numerous estate agents in almost every town. Both rental and sale properties can be easily found through these portals. Expats can also choose to go through local rental agencies, but these tend to take longer and often charge high finder's fees. 

Renting accommodation in the Algarve

There are a number of options for those preferring to rent.

Short-term rentals

Owing to the high number of visitors to the Algarve, there are many holiday properties of all descriptions and locations available for weekly rental during the spring and summer months. Many of these are also available for winter lets at a vastly reduced rate. These properties are fully furnished and ideal for exploring the region before purchasing, or for those not residing in the Algarve year round.

Furnished or unfurnished

Long-term rental properties are usually unfurnished, while short-term properties are typically furnished.

Deposits

It’s standard for landlords in the Algarve to ask for the equivalent of two months’ rent as a security deposit before a tenant can move in.

Leases

To rent accommodation in Portugal, expats will need to sign a tenancy agreement (contrato de arrendamento). This agreement should outline the length of the lease, when it should be reviewed and how much notice the tenant or landlord needs to provide when ending the contract early. Rental contracts can be either open-ended or fixed-term. In the case of a fixed-term contract, the duration and expiry date need to be clearly stated in the contract. Expats must ensure they understand each aspect of the contract before signing it.

Utilities

Typically, those renting accommodation in the Algarve won't have to set up their own utilities. Expats will also need to check with their landlord whether utilities are included in their monthly rental fee, as this varies.