5 minute read
MOVING TO A WARMER CLIMATE
CHANGING CLIMATES
Robert Bijker, managing director of Yellow Homes - Land & Houses Algarve, discusses the current situation in the property market
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Working from home either part-time or fulltime has never been as popular with both employees and employers. It took a pandemic to accelerate a trend that started some years ago and looks like it is here to stay. Both seem to like it for different reasons. Companies are quick to realize that they can do with less and often expensive office space in city centres leading to significant cost savings without causing a fall in productivity while employees appreciate the flexibility that working from home offers. Although working from home may increase the cost of the monthly utility bills, it is likely to be offset by the cost saving of not having to commute to the workplace. Not many people live near their workplace and thus do not have the opportunity to walk or cycle to work. Most need public transportation or the subway. We all know that the air quality in the subways has always been poor even before the pandemic. Many people avoid to travel on the Covid-19 petri dish that is the London Underground so when offered the alternative of working from home it is welcomed. I’m sure that it
is no different in other cities that have a subway system. Another Yellow Homes – Land & Houses Algarve benefit is the enormous time saving of not having to commute www.algarvepropertysearch.com to work. If the average daily time to commute is one and a half www.algarve-portugal-immobilien.de hours, this amounts to 33 hours per month or almost 15 days per year! Vilamoura Office Working from home from the kitchen table or from a make shift 8100 - 068 Boliqueime desk in the bedroom is not an ideal situation. Needless to say Tel: 289 301 294 a separate workspace is without exception preferred, but not always available. This often means that a property becomes no Tavira Office longer suitable due to new requirements. In addition, coming Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 out of lockdown many people are re-evaluating the meaning 8800 - 354 Tavira of freedom and may desire to live in a low population density Tel: 281 320 281 area outside of their town or maybe even in a different country (AMI - 6232) providing there are good internet and (international) travel connections. In the past people could not make this decision as there were technological hurdles to overcome (the lack of fast internet and video conferencing solutions) as well as the social acceptance by colleagues and GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS businesses to work from home. It will be interesting to see the impact of the pandemic on all of this, which may lead to new trends in demand for residential property. Early signs indicate that the desirability for properties with a large terrace or private garden with or without swimming pool have risen. This could lead people to sell their homes and buy a larger more suitable property in the countryside for the same price or less. One only really starts to appreciate the availability of having your own outdoor space during a lockdown. AMI: 6232
Not all jobs can be done from home. It is estimated that up to 30 – 35% of all employees can work from home in one form or another. Some may decide this is the time to pursue their long-awaited dream of living abroad; a long held desire for many but postponed because of the fear of the unknown. Portugal and in particular the Algarve are well positioned to be their top choice. Good means of transportation and internet facilities are a priority. In the Algarve many properties have broadband internet. The roll-out of fibre optic services continue steadily and are now also reaching urban areas of small villages in the country side, broadening the choice of places
to live.
NEWLY BUILT FRONT LINE PENTHOUSE WITH UNIQUE SEA VIEWS NEAR TAVIRA Absolutely unique opportunity to own a two bedroom penthouse apartment with superb quality of finishings. Frontline to the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve Park with stunning views over the lagoon towards the sea. From the terrace a staircase leads to a roof top terrace with fitted Jacuzzi and space for sun loungers. Gated condominium with infinity pool an manicured garden with lawn. 2 parking spaces in underground garage. Completion Q1 2021. Highest energy efficiency rate. Viewings highly recommended. Ref : LHA-1483p | Price: 640.000 Energy efficiency A + Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
Portugal has received many awards over the years as the best place to live in Europe. It is considered to be a safe, expat friendly country with a pleasant climate and relatively low cost of living. All our consultants have been living in the Algarve for a long time and would be pleased to answer your questions. They are ideally positioned to inform you about the pros and the cons. EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime
AMI: 6232
