Region focus · Portugal · §34i

Algarve — mortgage for non-residents

Portugal's most attractive coast for foreign buyers — the best loan-to-value ratios in southern Europe (up to 80%). 300 days of sun, the mildest winter, lettable year-round.

Market analysis

West Algarve & East Algarve: two markets, one country

West Algarve · premium

Lagos, Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago

The pricier half. Premium resorts, golf settings, high-priced villas with sea views. British and German premium buyers dominate. Price per square metre: €4,000–8,000/m² and more in top locations.

East Algarve · growth

Tavira, Olhão, Cabanas, Vila Real

The quieter, more original half. Considerably cheaper (€2,000–3,500/m²), more authentic, habitable year-round. Those who buy for the long term find significantly better returns and fewer tourist crowds here.

Faro · hub

International airport

Direct flights to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich. A day trip from Germany is possible. Faro itself offers urban infrastructure (hospitals, university) and is increasingly interesting as a place to live.

Loan-to-value & terms

Up to 80% LTV

Portuguese banks: up to 80% loan-to-value for non-residents — one of the most attractive ratios in southern Europe. The bank avaliação determines the value (which can differ from the purchase price). Terms up to 30 years possible. Purchase costs 7–10% (IMT, IS, notary, NIF).

Climate

Europe's mildest winter

Even in January rarely below 12 °C. 300 days of sun a year. Year-round lettability or personal use possible.

Buyer groups

DE · UK · NL strongly represented

British buyers still active despite Brexit. German and Dutch communities growing. An ideal market for my multilingual advice.

Tax

NHR is history — IFICI is new

The old NHR regime ended in 2024. Its successor, IFICI, applies only to highly qualified employees. For classic buyers, standard tax law now applies. Clarification with a tax adviser recommended.

Rental yield

4–6% gross depending on location

East Algarve typically 5–6% due to lower purchase prices. West Algarve typically 3–5%. An AL licence (Alojamento Local) is required for tourist letting, regulated locally.

Example financings

Two realistic scenarios

Concrete sample calculations for typical foreign buyers — as a guide for your own plan.

West Algarve · Lagos

Lagos · €450,000 purchase price

  • Equity€135,000 (30%)
  • Mortgage€315,000 (70%)
  • Purchase costs (~9%)~€40,500 (IMT+IS+notary)
  • Loan-to-value70% LTV (Portugal max. 80%)
  • Example payment (25 yrs, 3.4%)~€1,560/month
  • Bank typeMillennium BCP / CGD · non-resident

Model calculations without guarantee. Not binding offers. Terms vary depending on credit profile, property and bank. No tax or legal advice.

East Algarve · Tavira

Tavira · €280,000 purchase price

  • Equity€84,000 (30%)
  • Mortgage€196,000 (70%)
  • Purchase costs (~9%)~€25,200
  • Loan-to-value70% LTV
  • Example payment (25 yrs, 3.4%)~€970/month
  • Bank typeSantander Portugal · growing market

Model calculations without guarantee. Not binding offers. Terms vary depending on credit profile, property and bank. No tax or legal advice.

Mortgage calculator

Calculate your costs quickly

Pre-filled with typical values for this region — adjust and calculate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Algarve

How high is the loan-to-value on the Algarve?
Portuguese banks finance non-residents on the Algarve up to 80% of the purchase price or bank value (avaliação) — one of the most attractive LTV ratios in southern Europe.
What is the difference between West and East Algarve?
West (Lagos, Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago): premium segment, €4,000–8,000/m², British and German premium buyers. East (Tavira, Olhão, Cabanas): quieter, €2,000–3,500/m², better rental yield.
Are tourist licences difficult to obtain on the Algarve?
Regulated locally. In Lagos and Albufeira there are partial restrictions (containment zones); in Tavira/Olhão they are largely freely available. I check the municipality's AL status before purchase.
Which bank is suitable for an Algarve mortgage?
Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), Santander Portugal and Novobanco offer non-resident programmes. I compare and find the right bank for your situation.
Is the Algarve still worth it despite the end of the NHR regime?
Yes — the NHR tax saving was only one of many factors. Climate, loan-to-value, the rental market and quality of life remain just as attractive. Standard tax law is considerably more favourable than in Germany.

Request a mortgage

A free initial consultation in English — also German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Russian. I review your situation and find the right bank in Spain or Portugal.

Legal notice

Author & regulatory separation. Content author: Siegfried Perini. Mortgage brokerage in Spain and Portugal is carried out under the §34i permit of Olga Nikushkina (BAFA-notified). This page does not replace legal or tax advice.