Renowned for its full-bodied fine wines, the Douro is not just a fantastic destination for wine lovers. The Douro is home to some of the most delicious foods in Europe, with vineyards aplenty that date back hundreds of years. Indeed, the Douro Valley has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because there is so much history, tradition, and culture coming together in one place. In this Douro real estate guide, we’ll uncover everything that you will need to know about this beautiful region.
The Douro has excellent views, which are paired excellently with the incredible wines and the local food delicacies. Living a European lifestyle is a dream that has come true for many that have invested in real estate in this region.
In this article we’ll provide you with information on the following:
- Buying a house in Douro
- Why buy a house in Douro
- What to consider when buying a house in the Douro Valley
- Things to do in the Douro Valley
Plus much more!
Buying a House in Douro
The Douro region of Portugal, also known as the “enchanted valley” has incredible properties for sale. Waking up to views of the fabulous Douro, perhaps with a coffee in hand, is the perfect start to the day. The Douro attracts many visitors, particularly in the summer months, so there are good amenities and services. What’s more, if you are thinking of renting out your property during the summer months, then you should be able to make some money on your investment.
Why Buy a House in Douro
In this section of our Douro real estate guide, we’ll provide you with some of the key reasons to consider buying a house in the Douro. First things first, the Douro Valley offers some really good prices compared to other popular expat destinations around Europe, making it a great location that will not break the bank as you might expect. Here are a few more reasons to set the Douro Valey in your sights.
Peaceful Urban Life
If you are looking for a quiet corner to raise your family, then the Douro valley may hold the answer. The views from apartments in the Douro are unique, and you can enjoy panoramic views from the vineyards and mountainous landscapes. Alongside this, you can choose to live on a top-floor apartment, with a private pool or in a spectacular penthouse unit that offers lovely views.
Amenities
The apartments and homes in Douro have been designed with style and class in mind. The fully equipped kitchens are excellent. Aside from this, you may invest in semi renovated villas and add your own personal touch to them. Some properties have large garages, backyards, and gardens where you can fully get to grips with nature.
Residency by Investment
If you buy real estate in the Douro, not only will your investment increase by a significant amount but you can also get your hands on Portuguese residency.
With a qualifying investment, you can also benefit from the Portugal Golden Visa. The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most popular residency by investment schemes in the world and provides investors with a pathway to better their personal and financial freedoms.
This is open to any non-EU/non-EEA/non-Swiss citizen and offers all of the benefits that come with residence in the EU, such as visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, access to world-class healthcare and education, as well as the security of obtaining second residence in a politically and economically stable country.
With your Golden Visa, you and your family can stay in Portugal as long as you would like to, without needing any other paperwork. In addition to this, after five years you may be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
For the residential real estate investment route, you will need to invest in a property that is located in an interior area of Portugal and that is worth at least €500,000 (or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project). If the residential property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20% discount applies. The Douro region is considered interior and has been pinpointed as an area with high growth potential, so is a very attractive location for Golden Visa investors.
You can discover more about the Portugal Golden Visa here.
Proximity To Porto
If you want to live in a peaceful area and be able to enjoy city life whenever you wish, then you are in the right place. Porto is reachable by train from the Douro Valley and the scenic journey takes about four hours, making for an excellent city break or weekend getaway. Indeed the Douro river flows all the way to the city.
What To Consider When Buying a House in Douro Valley
There are some important things that you should keep in mind before purchasing property in Douro. In this section of our Douro real estate guide, we’ll provide you with some things to look out for.
Neighborhood
The search for the perfect property is far from easy. Before you buy any property, be sure to fully complete due diligence and make sure you take note of every aspect of the property. However, it is also important that you speak with your neighbors and check out the neighborhood to make sure that you can picture yourself living in the area. Things to look out for are hospitals, schools, restaurants, and cafes. Buying a property is a very important investment so make sure you take the time to get to know the area well before buying.
Property Analysis
Check all aspects of the property and analyze any repairs that you will need to make, such as water fittings, wiring, or heating systems. It can get cold in the winter months, so make sure you have a well-functioning heating system. Making a note of these expenses will help you estimate how much money you may have to spend and what additional work needs to be done on the property.
Paperwork
Make sure that the house that you are buying has all the paperwork. Check for any red flags or indications that it may not be all it seems, such as legal disputes or missing paperwork. To make sure everything is in order, and perhaps to avoid potential difficulties further down the line, it is a good idea to seek professional help in this regard.
Things To Do in Douro Valley
There are lots to do in the Douro Valley. In this section of our Douro real estate guide, we’ll show you some of our favorites.
- Make your own wine: Try your hand in creating your own blend of wine at the Montverde Wine Experience Hotel. First, you will decant a measure from green grape varieties that are growing on Quinta da Lixa vineyards and will also be able to design labels with all that luxury in hand.
- Giant wine barrel sleepover: Yes, you read it correctly. Wine enthusiasts can go one step further and sleep in large wine barrels in Quinta da Pacheca. It is placed right on the shore of the Douro river in the Douro Valley. The barrel suite has unique architecture, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and comfy bedding to keep you cozy.
- Surreal views of the Douro Valley: The views are the best part about staying at Vila Galé Collection Douro. From the balcony, you can watch as vineyards turn into farmland and then disappear amongst the rolling hillsides. Make sure that you do not miss out on tasting Portugal’s finest wines and cheeses because they have an excellent wine cellar here and the match of the wines and cheeses are out of this world.
- Experience the local cuisine: Visit a traditional tasca (typical Portuguese restaurant) and ask what they recommend. We are pretty confident that it will not disappoint, as the food in this region is very good.
Conclusion
You can enjoy a life of peace and luxury in the Douro Valley. Consider all the aspects and make sure that you are working with the right professionals before starting your new life in this beautiful corner of the world.
How we can help
Our Douro real estate guide is just a brief introduction to the region. If you are looking to buy property here, you can get in touch with one of our team who will be able to discuss your options for buying property in this beautiful corner of Portugal.
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique residency and citizenship by investment company, focused on finding the right investment, citizenship, or residency program for individuals across the world. We work solely on behalf of our clients throughout the process for an easy and hassle-free journey to your desired route.
With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, get in touch today to see how we can understand your objectives and help you move towards becoming a global citizen.
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Our real estate division, Goldcrest, has recently launched their new e-book on how to buy property in Portugal. You can order your copy here. The book provides an easy guide to buying property in Portugal, including navigating taxes, bureaucracy, finding a mortgage, amongst other important information.
