Insanely Inexpensive Europe
It’s an exciting time to be in Europe.
Too early to see how things will play out just yet, of course. But since the euro and pound have slipped against the dollar since the Brexit referendum shook the world, we’re watching closely.
Our international real estate expert Lief Simon believes that all this uncertainty over the future of both the U.K. and the EU will help push down real estate prices in Britain and in places where the British buy second and retirement homes.
And, one of the top foreign escapes among British expats and holiday-makers just happens to be Portugal’s Algarve where we’re stationed this week for our second Live and Invest in Portugal Conference.
Looking out from the dramatic cliff-top perch of the Carvoeiro Beach Resort (our base for this week’s event), you feel you’re in a completely different world—far from the drama that dominates the media. While Brexit will certainly be part of our discussions here this week, it can’t possibly overshadow this remarkable stretch of European coast that somehow manages to remain off the radar of most Americans.
Though on the Atlantic, the Algarve has a distinct Mediterranean feel. Its beaches vary from powder white to gold sand, lapped by turquoise waves (by way of full disclosure, the temperature of these turquoise waves is undeniably Atlantic). Portugal also benefits from more sunshine hours than anywhere else in Europe—hence its appeal to thousands of British and Irish visitors up into late October.
The Algarve truly represents the best of Old Europe… but at a cost that’s hard to match in any other part of the continent. Expat Stephanie Calcott, who’ll share her story with our guests here in Carvoeiro later this week, told us that she was blown away by how affordable the good life here turned out to be for her young family:
“The amazingly low cost of living has made a big difference in our ability to just up and move with just one full-time income. At the current exchange rate, our rent works out to US$1,000 a month for a four-bedroom, three-bath house with a yard and a pool. Our groceries end up being about US$400 a month. Our car insurance was US$200 for the year, and full coverage private health insurance for the three of us is US$2,000 for the year.”
We have a lot to get through over our three days together here in the Algarve. Our guests on the ground will get the lowdown on everything from visa and residency options to senior and retirement living options (a big opportunity in this neck of the woods)… buying property safely… health care options… banking matters… investment opportunities in the Algarve, Lisbon, and the stunning Cape Verde Islands… learning Portuguese… managing a rental property… volunteering opportunities… and lots more.
Of course, we have a great line-up of expat speakers, too… all of whom are excited to share their stories with attendees. These include Californian expat Stephanie Calcott who I mentioned earlier… British expat Alyson Sheldrake who’s been living here, along with her husband Dave, for five years… and long-time friends of Live and Invest Overseas and full-time expats in Portugal, Paul and Vivian Lewis.
I’ll share some of their insights with you in next week’s letter. But, if you’re dreaming of a European lifestyle—and the chance to experience the good life at a fraction the cost—you owe it to yourself to hear the full story…
As with every event, you’ll have the opportunity to hear absolutely everything that attendees in Portugal are privy to this week… but without the cost of a flight… with our Live and Invest in Portugal Home Conference Kit. Don’t miss your chance to get a hold of it at the lowest price we’ll ever offer, here.
More from the scene next week. In the meantime, Happy Fourth of July!
Valentine Fouché
Editor, Live and Invest Overseas Confidential
Tel. 1-888-627-8834 (toll-free in the United States)
Email: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com
