Whether you’re settling into a permanent residence or managing a rental property, these property maintenance tips for Portugal are essential knowledge.
While dreams of sunshine, fresh seafood, and fine wine are enticing, owning a home in Portugal requires attention to practical details. A well-maintained property ensures you can fully enjoy the Portuguese lifestyle.
Essential tips for keeping your Portuguese home in top condition!
Property maintenance in Portugal is an inescapable reality, but it doesn’t have to delay your relaxation. Fortunately, keeping your property in good shape is straightforward, with readily available tradespeople and well-stocked DIY stores throughout the country.
However, certain unique practical and cultural aspects are worth noting. This guide highlights key tips to help you and your guests maximize enjoyment – minimizing disruptive maintenance issues.
Finding Reliable Tradespeople
Seek recommendations from other expats regarding tradespeople they’ve used.
Finding tradespeople often starts the same way worldwide: online. Many use local social media groups to describe their needs and seek recommendations.
While this can be helpful, exercise caution. Many inexperienced individuals may offer services, and be wary of instant friend tag recommendations.
While expat groups can provide viable recommendations, thorough investigation is crucial. Look for multiple recommendations for the same firm. Does the company have a website with examples of past work? Are you dealing with a legitimate company – with qualifications and insurance – or an uncertified individual?
Personal recommendations are valuable, especially with visual examples and cost details. Take your time before deciding.
Specific Property Maintenance Considerations in Portugal
The local climate dictates that property maintenance differs from colder countries. A damp winter, especially in vacant holiday homes, can quickly necessitate using anti-mold products.
Extreme heat also presents challenges, like air conditioning upkeep, and the potential impacts of forest fires and Saharan dust.
Expect a learning curve in your first few years of Portuguese homeownership. Adjusting to focusing on cooling instead of heating may be necessary, so may dealing with challenges such as palm tree caterpillars and fire ants, rather than northern European garden pests!
Cash Payments?
Portugal’s “grey economy” is well-known. You may face conversations around cash payments when negotiating property maintenance costs.
Proceed with caution for several reasons. Rental property owners require proper receipts for tax. Plus, “under the table” deals can leave you unprotected against shoddy work.
It’s best to use registered, professional and insured companies to maintain your home, and keep the receipts. Cutting corners can lead to more expenses down the road.
Rental Considerations
Rentals in Portugal come with responsibilities under the Alojamento Local licensing scheme, including fire equipment, signage, manuals, and effective light-blocking shutters and curtains.
Licensing is one step; maintaining compliance is ongoing. The tourist board and ASAE (Food and Economic Security Authority) may conduct inspections.
Investment property owners renting to tourists must address Alojamento Local requirements regularly – either personally or through an agency.
Small things make a big difference in visitor reviews. Breakages and irritations, such as dead lightbulbs or missing remote batteries, can reduce quality perception. Consistent attention separates great property managers from mediocre ones.
Condominium Considerations
Rental apartments in Albufeira.
Condominium owners benefit from shared amenities, such as pools, gyms, gardens, and car parks without direct maintenance responsibility.
Active participation on the management committee ensures your voice is heard.
For example, many Portuguese swimming pools are unheated, as locals consider the height of summer (and swimming) to be at a particular time of the year. Visitors to the country may want to swim on warmer days in Autumn!
You don’t want unhappy reviewers complaining about closed pools. By influencing condominium decisions, you’ll shape facility maintenance and availability.
Similarly, you must be able to voice concerns about inadequate upkeep. While the past years have been plagued by ill maintained areas, facilities should have a minimum standard.
Property maintenance in Portugal doesn’t have to be worrying. Involving reliable people and close supervision of work are essential. These tips apply worldwide.
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