The Golden Triangle investment case for UK buyers

The Algarve's Golden Triangle — the prime residential corridor running between Faro and Albufeira — has established itself as the most durable property market in southern Europe. For UK buyers, the case rests on three things.

Access

Faro is served year-round by inexpensive direct flights from across the UK, and sits within thirty minutes of every address in the triangle. That is not true of most competing Mediterranean markets, and it is the single biggest driver of rental occupancy in the shoulder seasons.

Currency

Sterling buyers are exposed on both the purchase and the running costs. Forward contracts on the deposit and balance are worth more attention than most buyers give them — see our guide to sending money overseas.

Structure

At the top of the market, corporate ownership changes the arithmetic significantly on both purchase costs and eventual resale. It is not right for everyone, but above €1m it deserves a proper conversation with a lawyer before you commit to a structure.