PEOPLE Algar Vila

Algar Vila

We meet Patricia, owner of Algar Vila, one of the oldest Real Estate Agencies in Tavira.

Algar Vila first opened it's doors in January 1986, in Luz de Tavira by cousins Ricardo Martins and Cesariano Martins. In 1988 the company was bought by Patrick Bonadie and it was during this time Luisa Cabecudo worked for Patrick. When Patrick retired in 2000, he offered the company to Luisa, although as she was already working as a qualified lawyer, her neice Patricia was offered the managers role. The two now work together in harmony. Patricia says 'It is quite unique to have both lawyer and Real Estate working together in the same building. It saves a lot of time during the process of buying or selling a property'. Today, Patricia has been running the business for 21 years. In that time she has seen many people come and go, and recognises many faces around Tavira. In fact, she has 'bought and sold' the same properties several times, for different buyers and sellers. In 2009 Algr Vils saw its first big crash in the property market. Patricia managed to survive the crisis due to the fact that her costs were low, and staff were minimum. She has seen incredibly low prices, back in the day when details had to be faxed and sent in the post. In her early years her main clients were English, German and Dutch. During 2005/06 the market was swamped by Norwegian, Swedish and Danish. Patricia says that 'Today, due to 'Brexit', the British are not buying so much, more are selling and we are seeing the German market increase again… many are cash buyers'. 'The Covid-19 pandemic does not seem to have affected property prices. More people are working from home and are realising they can do so from anywhere in the world. They are choosing to stay in the place they would usually holiday, and why not?' 'Also, people with smaller apartments are now looking to buy property with more outside space and selling up. The younger generation are buying these properties which is healthy for the market'. Patricia's only concern is that more people are trying to buy or sell their properties without using an agent or a solicitor. She says 'The risk in doing this is very high. It is the agents job by law to ensure all paperwork is correct and the land/building is registered correctly. Also debts are checked to make sure the property is clear. These steps are taken before the property is listed, ensuring buyers don't waste a lot of time and money on what they thought was their dream home'. Algar Vila is a small family business. Their approach is not aggressive at all. Patricai says 'I see people first, then the business. I like to be as transparent and as honest at all times. It is for this reason I keep in touch with many clients, and most of our work comes through recommendations. Algar Vila is located in the centre of Tavira close to the Maritime Police sation. Why not pop in and say hello the next time you are passing. Contacts: Travessa das Cunhas, nº 29, 8800-372 Tavira. Tel; (+351) 281 324 115, Tlm. 00351 963 660 971 Email: geral@algarvila.com www.algarvila.com

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