Accommodation in Portugal

Your search for rented accommodation could start in the UK. Many daily/weekly publications, both journals and magazines, hold ads for private rented villas, the majority of which are situated in the Algarve. Usually, however, these will be short term and, as they are designed more for large groups sharing costs, pound for pound they will probably be an expensive option; however, if all else fails it is at least one avenue you could explore.

Once on Portuguese land the hunt should be easier. Again your main lead could be via the local journals, both English and Portuguese. If you envisage a language problem your choice is limited to what's on offer from the, mainly, ex-pat community. Ask around in bars, and keep a look-out for signs. In the Portuguese sector there will be a far wider choice, particularly in tourist areas, and you should turn to the journal pages marked Classificados: imobiliario: Aluga-se, for rent. Interpreting the ads can sometimes be a problem.

Prices may range from approximately £50 per week for a small unfurnished flat to £500 per week for a luxury apartment in parts of Lisbon and Oporto. Remember they will mostly be apartments unless you venture out to country regions.

Another source of renting is via an estate agent, and certainly the tourist areas are teeming with ex-pat-run businesses which can give you advice and sort out any administrative work. A relocation agency can save you time by searching out property to a brief given by you, but it is a costly way to proceed.

Word of mouth is one of the best means of finding a bargain through friends, colleagues, school contacts - and often the local Tourism offices have leads you can follow up - it really pays to talk to people.