Algarve Property Report 2022: Reasons to Buy a Property in a Golf Resort in Portugal
There are a lot of reasons to buy property in Portugal
The following map of golf resorts in the Algarve shows that not only have property options become a lot more diversified over recent years, but the reasons for wanting to buy a property in a golf resort in Portugal are also pretty enticing.
Easy access to the sport, both for professional players and beginners, with lifetime direct discounts for owners and family members, high-level security and property maintenance services, the stunning surrounding areas and the social life thanks to a host of activities, events and tournaments, are just some of the reasons behind this allure.
Algarve is a Golfing Destination with over 300 days of sunshine a year
The Algarve is one of the world’s most popular golf destinations (crowned Best Golf Destination in the World 2020 by the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators, IAGTO) due to the natural beauty that blends ocean views with countryside landscapes, the promise of over 300 days of sunshine a year and the safety levels of that which has been rated as the third safest country in the world.
In some cases, with daily rate discounts of 50% off the retail price and others with lifetime golfing rights and access to other resort areas and services, all owners receive special treatment and are encouraged to play golf continuously.
From different types of apartments, some of which are signature projects, to villas with six or more bedrooms, plots to build and, in some cases, with the option of fractional ownership, the choices that the 12 golf resorts included in our map present are ideal both for tourists who want to be part of the Algarve dream and for property owners looking to buy a property in Portugal for a first or second home.
Ombria Alcedo Villa
The highly qualified property management teams and the guarantees, sometimes of 5% return on investment within the first few years of purchase, validate the condominium and other maintenance fees. Usually, these costs cover the maintenance of all roads and lighting, security and surveillance services, maintenance for gardens, swimming pools and other common areas, as well as the costs of property management and reception services. Waste collection, cable TV and infrastructure tend to be included in these costs as well.
Key Figures by Golf Resorts in the Algarve
1. Quinta da Boavista, Lagos
Information relates to the resort as a whole, with a total of 190 apartments and 160 villas and a further 116 properties still to be built.
2. Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, Lagos
Information relates to the resort as a whole, including signature apartments, luxury villas and plots for construction, foreseeing a total of 460 properties.
3. Pestana Golf Resort
Information based on the project as a whole: Gramacho and Vale da Pinta, Silves Golf, Gramacho Residences and the brand new Valley Nature Resort.
4. Amendoeira Golf Resort, Armação de Pêra
Information based on the resort as a whole, with a total of 241 properties.
5. Balaia Golf Village, Albufeira
Information based on the resort as a whole, with a total of 453 properties built and sold as freehold.
6. Pine Cliffs Luxury, Albufeira
Information based on the resort as a whole composed by 2+1 bed townhouses, 3, 4 and 5-bed villas and 2 and 3-bed apartments.
7. Vilamoura World
Information referring to the properties available at Vilamoura World, responsible for the promotion of residential, touristic and hotel plots within the Vilamoura estate of 1,700 hectares.
8. Vale do Lobo
Based on the real estate as a whole, with a total of 1,500 properties.
9. Ombria, Loulé
Information referring to the first phase of construction of the resort; two following phases to come.
10. Quinta do Lago, Faro
Information based on the resort as a whole, with a total of 606 properties + private condominiums including apartments with different typologies, townhouses, and 26 plots in San Lorenzo North.
11. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Vila Real de Santo António
Information based on the first phase of the resort’s construction, where a total of 169 properties were released (apartments, townhouses and plots).
12. Castro Marim Golf & Country Club, Vila Real de Santo António
Information based on the tourist resort with 61 properties plus 6 (3-bedroom) townhouses.
A closer look at the Resorts
Western Algarve: Quinta da Boavista, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, Pestana Golf Resort and Amendoeira Golf Resort
Quinta da Boavista with a Tennis Court, an indoor Swimming Pool, a Golf Shop and full Spa Services
Located near Lagos, Quinta da Boavista sees an 18-hole golf course designed by architect Howard Swan perfectly fitted into the natural environment with lake areas. Besides golf, the resort also has tennis courts, full spa services, indoor swimming pool and golf shop. The Clubhouse restaurant has an international menu and provides an excellent opportunity for socialising.
Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, an architectural quality Resort with a surrounding Natural Arena that extends to the Sea
A 10-minutes’ drive from the historic town of Lagos, and with stunning views over Meia Praia beach and the Alvor estuary, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf has made a name for itself in the Algarve thanks to its natural beauty and exceptional architecture. With an award-winning, 27-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the resort also has a five-star hotel with ocean views from every room and the new Clubhouse, designed by award-winning RCR Arquitects, as well as the fine-dining restaurant Al Sud. What sets this resort apart from the others is, the “low density of construction, the combination of architectural quality with the surrounding natural arena that extends to the sea”, as highlighted by Alda Filipe, marketing and sales director of Kronos Homes, owners of the resort.
Pestana Golf Resort is one of the Biggest Names in Golf Tourism
Gramacho, Pestana
Pestana Golf Resort has two 18-hole golf courses, Gramacho and Vale da Pinta, both in Carvoeiro and near the sea but with views to the Monchique mountains. With several different real estate options to buy a property, the brand already owns four developments in the Algarve: Gramacho and Vale da Pinta, currently with properties for resale; Silves Golf, which is at the end of the second phase of construction; and the Pestana Gramacho Residences, with apartments and hotel rooms offering a 5% guaranteed return in the first two years of purchase. The group’s latest acquisition is the brand-new The Valley Nature Resort, a set of 44 villas (V1+2) and 32 apartments (T1+2). Although the project is still in the early building stages, it will all be done in one phase.
Amendoeira Golf Resort sets its Course Apart from any other in the Country
Still in the western Algarve, between Silves and Alcantarilha we find the Amendoeira Golf Resort, which has something that sets its course apart from any other in the country. In addition to the award-winning Faldo and O’Connor Jr courses, both with 18 holes and whose names pay tribute to their creators, there is also Portugal’s only illuminated par-3 course.
But aside from golfing structures, which include an academy with a certified golf pro, the resort also features a football pitch with natural grass for professional teams, two five-a-side football pitches, six tennis courts and two for padel, two communal pools and a playground for children. Totalling 241 units ranging from two-bedroom apartments to villas with three, four and five bedrooms, all properties are fully furnished and fitted. “The low construction density, the natural beauty and the resort’s focus on sports and family are some of the main cornerstones at Amendoeira Golf Resort,” says Alda Filipe, marketing and sales director of Kronos Homes.
Central Algarve: Balaia Golf Village, Pine Cliffs, Vilamoura Marina, Quintas & Casas, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Ombria
Balaia Golf Village with New Opportunities to Buy Property
North of Albufeira, Balaia Golf Village, with a nine-hole par-3 course, appeals to both curious amateurs and confident pros, and there is a golf academy with a resident instructor. Totalling 453 properties, the resort is developing a new project, The Greens, which foresees the construction of 296 units, including apartments, townhouses and villas to buy. “All owners and direct family members benefit from a unique and exclusive daily rate, which is 50% of the rack rate,” says Maria José Pinto, the resort’s golf director.
Pine Cliffs: Townhouses, Villas and Apartments, New or for Resale, present a Unique Opportunity to Buy Property in Portugal
The Pine Cliffs Luxury resort, a reference among luxury family resorts in Europe, stands out not only for the excellence of the services available but also for the natural spectacle one can enjoy during a round of golf. “The direct and privileged access to one of Portugal’s most awarded beaches, Praia da Falésia, and the variety of services available including a national and international award-winning spa [Serenity Spa]” are some of the highlights at Pine Cliffs, located between Albufeira and Vilamoura. Townhouses, villas and apartments, new or for resale, present a unique opportunity to become a property owner at a resort managed by the Marriott International group, where you can benefit from several discounts, such as 10% on equipment rental, shops and individual golf lessons, a set price for green fees, 25% off on food and drinks and 10% off at the Serenity Spa.
Vilamoura, where you will find the Best International Marina of 2021
Vilamoura Marina
Part of the “Golden Triangle”, Vilamoura boasts five award-winning golf courses and the 2021 Best International Marina, beaches of unmatched beauty and easy access to education and health services as well as sports and culture. “Vilamoura is the only resort in Portugal that offers all services without people having to go elsewhere, and our property offer is maximised through a wide range of residential options at different price points, available in one place,” says the Vilamoura World property management team.
Quintas & Casas offers the Possibility of Customisation of their Real Estate Offers
Meanwhile, Quintas & Casas guarantees the customisation of their real estate offer according to the unique interests of each client. One of the most ambitious projects on its real estate stock list is Casa do Lago, meticulously designed for a lifestyle of luxury and entertainment. Following a smart home concept, this eight-bedroom villa has tennis courts, a bowling area, cinema, swimming pool, gym and amazing golf views.
Vale do Lobo, the Largest Luxury Resort in Portugal run by a Single Company
Also in what is one of the most luxurious and best areas in the Algarve for golf, Vale do Lobo is the largest luxury resort in Portugal run by a single company. Combining links and fairways with cliffs, lakes and bunkers, the 18-hole Royal Golf Course is home to the most photographed hole in Europe: number 16, a demanding par-3 where three imposing cliffs meet the tee and the green. With a real estate plan featuring around 1,500 properties, from apartments and villas to plots with ocean and golf views, the resort provides a number of services and amenities that ensure a lifestyle at the highest level, including 24-hour surveillance and medical assistance.
Quinta do Lago: at the Forefront of International Golf
Finally, part of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of international golf since its inception, with three golf courses — South (named as ‘Portugal’s Best Golf Course’ at the eighth annual World Golf Awards.), North and Laranjal. Quinta do Lago has been also named Portugal’s number one golf resort in Golf World’s inaugural poll of the ‘Top 100 Courses and Resorts in Portugal’.
Aside from the luxury Reserva apartments, semi-detached villas in condominiums and townhouses with three to seven or more bedrooms, apartments are being marketed at the Wyndham Grande Algarve that allow up to 12 weeks of use. The resort also has 26 plots at San Lorenzo North, of which only six are currently available, starting at €3.2 million.
Ombria Resort Coming up with an Innovative Project
The upcoming and innovative Ombria Resort, which is now in its first phase of construction, features an 18-hole golf course, a five-star hotel designed like a typical Algarve village with restaurants, swimming pools, a gourmet shop, astronomical observatory, spa, Kid’s Club, conference centre and 141 keys, of which 76 rooms and 65 one- and two-bedroom tourist flats are being marketed and completion is scheduled for the second half of 2022. There are also 12 luxury detached villas being marketed and which can be customised. Located in the Algarve’s inland, near Loulé, the development stands out for its eco-luxury living concept, the use of renewable energies, such as geothermal and solar energy, and its seamless integration in the landscape of green hills and streams, so typical of the inland Algarve. The Viceroy Residences at Ombria Resort are now ready to book for viewings.
VICEROY RESIDENCES Apartment view
Eastern Algarve: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club and Castro Marim Golf & Country Club
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club considered “Best Golf Experience in Portugal”
Still in the first phase of its real estate development, the magnificent Monte Rei Golf & Country Club was considered “the best golf experience in Portugal” by IAGTO. The resort’s real estate offer is quite diverse, and the available regimes include direct sale, resale and also acquisition with the benefit of guaranteed return on your investment (4% for four years, available only for select properties). In 2019, the resort’s signature restaurant, Vistas Rui Silvestre, received its first Michelin star, the first in the eastern Algarve.
Castro Marim Golf & Country Club is the perfect Slow Living opportunity
The easternmost resort in the Algarve is Castro Marim Golf & Country Club, which boasts three nine-hole courses and presents a slow living opportunity typical of the Lower Guadiana region. With a low density of construction and the possibility of joining the Golden Visa programme — which from January 2022 will only be available in five municipalities in the Algarve — the resort has townhouses, detached villas and plots of land and is ideal for those who appreciate the influences of Andalusian gastronomy and culture, due to its proximity to Spain.
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