WHY EXPATS ARE CHOOSING AZORES. Portugal's hidden secret - Live the simple island life. Ep 103
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- Hi Guys!
Welcome to this weeks video, its nice to be back from a much needed break.
On this video we look back and share our thoughts & experiences on the purchase of our vacation property on the island of Pico Island Azores, almost 2 years a go.
We thought it would be great to share what we have learned, and how we see the Real Estate market in the islands at this point and time. We discuss affordability, Real Estate agents & platforms, construction and much more. A lot of expats are finding out more and more about this unique nature destination, this video will hopefully give you a bit of insight.
We also give you information about the Azores and some of the islands, including Pico & Faial. Not everyone knows a lot about these North Atlantic islands, this video might give you a taste and feel of what the Azores are all about and if its suited for your lifestyle. Most Expats that are either living full or part time on the islands and agree that it check most of the boxes.
Here are some use of our links
www.picoholidayexperts.com/ho...
www.picoholidayexperts.com/on...
You are able to rent this amazing property on the thumbnail - contact me if interested.
www.picoholidayexperts.com/ni...
Here are a few Real Estate Agent links
www.azoresproperties.com/
www.azoresrealestate.pt/en-gb
www.iadportugal.pt/en/real-es...
I would love to hear your thoughts on our expat workshop.
We can always send you more information on it, when we have it ready. Please email me.
www.picoholidayexperts.com/pi...
We hope that this video is helpful and enjoyable.
Thank you for taking the time to watch it, it means a lot.
Love having you with us on our journey
Carlos and Laura
xoxo
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great video and very informative , excellant presentation .
Thank you so much. I'm glad you liked it. Take care!
Thank you for taking the time to provide all this information. We were inspired to visit the triangle islands. Loving it!
That is awesome Lucy, glad your loving it. Cheers!
Great, informative video!! Just gets me more excited for our visit in October!! Thanks again, and until next time!!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video, you will be on Pico in no time. See you in October Susie! Cheers!
Thanks for another nice and informative video. Can’t wait to get back to Pico for another stay.
Congrats on the recent mention in your regional magazine.
Thank you, appreciate your friendship and support. Can't wait to hook up again on Pico, we might have some work for you. lol. Have a great Camino experience! Stay safe!!!!
2 thumbs up!
We are meeting with @azores properties this morning on Faial to look at a dream house!
Thanks for taking the time to go through this information.
That is amazing, happy for you Marcus. Say hi to Renns! Good luck! Saude!
Another great information filled video about the Azores! We really appreciate your dedication putting these together week after week. Would very much be interested in hearing more about the workshop, and since its not likely to land during our visit to Pico in September, a live stream would definitely be a great option. Best Wishes!
Hi Glenn, hope life is treating you well. We really appreciate your kind words. It is harder that it seems, we enjoy it. We are thinking of doing this workshop in either April or May/2023; if there is enough interest. Send me an email, I will add you to the virtual list. Not sure when you're going to Pico, we will arrive around September 15 or so.
soarescarlos64@gmail.com
Great video, well done!
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
My husband and I just want to say thank you for your channel. We discovered you about 1 year ago. Your videos helped cement our plans to move to the Azores. We are currently in the throes of selling our current home and working to solidify a bid on a new home near Nordeste, São Miguel. We are exhausted, stressed, and hopeful. The release of today’s video put the wind back in our sails. So perfectly timed for us. Thank you so much, Carlos and Laura. Best wishes from Wisconsin!
PS, We especially loved the driving video where you stopped for chicken wings at Sal E Braza (sp?) and that talkative parrot took the spotlight. 🤣 So funny!
We are very happy for you, glad we played a part on you making the Azores your new home. That parrot was unexpected and a total joy. Keep us posted on your progress. Take care.
I love Nordeste so much! Great choice!
I'm also in Wisconsin --- small world!
@@melindasoares-furtado9473 We still haven't made it over to Nordeste, we will soon! Cheers!
@@melindasoares-furtado9473 Wow! Hello, fellow Wisconsinite! It really is a small world. We are in Appleton. And thank you- we agree, Nordeste is gorgeous!
Great information
Thank you so much Jothy, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
Thanks Carlos and Laura, glad you like our business Azores Properties. When you are back drop by and have a look at some more exciting properties we are renovating and the ones that are finished. As always keep your channel going with more info. You are great ambassadors for the Central Group of the Azores. Cheers, Rens
Thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot. We will be back mid September and will definitely visit. Keep up the great work as well. Take good care Rens!
I just found your video today ., very interesting
Thank you for sharing
Glad you found us Theresa, enjoy! Take care!
Finding the right island was easy thanks to you two (and Rahel). I looked at all nine islands and Pico is a diamond among rubys.
That is awesome, happy for you. Thank you so much for sharing, maybe we will bump into each other on Pico. Take care Andy!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 We will definitely visit someday. And Portugal's non habitual resident tax program makes it very attractive for American retirees.
Hard to believe that it has been 5 years since we were on the Azores. Loved it. And Pico was our favorite island.
It looks like its time to go back, maybe we will bump into each other. Take ccare!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 we may have bumped into each other back then. We were part of a Craig Travel group. We were walking in a village on Pico and ran into a group campaigning for a local candidate. One of the group was from Oakville. It may have been you? Sorry but I don’t remember what he looked like. He did give me a T-shirt that I passed on to my son in law whose family is from Sao Miguel.
@@junco477 I have heard of Craig travel, but that wasn't me. There are quite a few people that used to live in Oakville, especially in the village of Sao Mateus. Take good care!
Thanks!
Thank you Jolene, that is so nice. Say hello to Darren!
This will be me IF I had enough money to move to the Azores. It us a great place to live and very gorgeous indeed. Lucky ate folks who can afford to buy property overseas, they are the luckiest people in Earth! ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏👏👏👏👍👍
Thanks I really enjoy your channel. I’m also from pico
Thank you so much, it means a lot. See you on Pico cheers
I'm stressed! FOMO! Can't retire until August of 2026. This is Tim and Joni from Pennsylvania and we've enjoyed a few of your videos! What's funny is that there's a degree of familiarity that builds with you both from watching your videos. The workshop is something that sounds great for getting the grand view of all the possibilities the Azores offers. I'm kicking around the idea of not buying a property and sort of snowbirding via renting for month long visits anually. Of course, that would hinge on rental availability. Would love to hear your thoughts on that, Carlos and Laura. Thanks!
Hi Tim, glad you enjoyed the videos. There are quite a few expats spending quality vacation time on Pico or other islands of the Azores, before retiring. There is always rentals available in the office season, away form the tourist summer months. You can find all types of vacation rental options, suited for all budgets. You can always send me an email when you know the time period you want to go. We will be releasing more information the Expat work shops, this would be a very good way to learn about the islands and buying or renting property. I hope this helps! Cheers!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 Thanks for the reply! I'm going to talk this over with my wife and see if she's up for doing some of our vacation time next year and come check out Pico. I'll reach out via email if we decide to go with it. First things first is getting our passports renewed.
@@1515cando That sounds like a great plan. We are here if you need us! Hope to see you on Pico! Take good care!
Thank you
Thank you for watching! Cheers
Great work .. thinking to move to Azores now.. from mississauga canada near border of Oakville 😊
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. We are neighbors, Azores is waiting. Cheers
Happy Birthday dear Carlos. I have Birthday too. I like our canal and I follow your canal from the beginning.
I hope to visit Pico Island for next year.
Have a nice Birthday. Greatings from Germany, Annette
Happy B'day to you Annette! We will be waiting on Pico for you. Take good care! Saude!
@@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552 Thank you dear Carlos and Laura.
Have a good time in this hot summer.
I hope to make it back to Pico next summer god willing. I really enjoy your channel and maybe one day I will buy a property there. We sold the house I was born in there years ago.
I hope you make it back, sooner than later. Spending some time on Pico or any of the other islands can add years to our lives. Take good care!
Thank you! I love your gentle energy and the great content. Are there any tropical areas on Pico like on San Miguel?
Glad your enjoying the videos. appreciate your kind words. The Azores are sub tropical, so you will find a variety of tropical flora like palm trees, forest, and other exotic plants. There are also protected geopark nature areas, Some on the iskands have gojd and lava beaches. The big island of Sao Miguel has the most variety. I hope this answers your questions.. cheers
Hi! You two are awesome! I appreciate your openness and good nature. We will be coming to Pico in the next week and looking at a bunch of properties. I was wondering if you could give some insight to the north side (Sao Roque/ Santo Amaro etc. and the South Side (Sao Caetano / Calheta do Nesquim). Which has a tendency to be hit by the brunt of winter storms? Which do you enjoy more etc... Thanks! I hope to see you by chance.
Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the video. Both north & south sides of Pico have of a variety of amazing communities, some smaller than others, some a bit higher back from the coast, but all have the amazing ocean views, land for cultivation etc. They say the the south of the island gets the most sun, probably not that much of a difference. When a big storm hits he island, all areas will feel it. The key is to visit the island and see which area connects with you the most. Personally we prefer the south side, there are more quaint coastal villages to choose from, in our opinion. We will be showcasing a more in depth look at various areas/villages around the island when we get back. Stay tuned! Take care!
I appreciate your honest reviews as always guys.
The Azores is a funny one. On the one hand yes, you have development and tourism and there is plenty interest, but you can't transform a culture overnight and its still Portugal. Its super remote and the local population/lifestyle hasn't adapted to the snappy efficiency which is common in northern Europe and such countries. There is clearly a skills shortage so this should be looked at as an enormous opportunity for local builders to adapt, or for mainland portuguese looking for an opportunity in nature with a constant reliable flow of entrepreneurs and expats who need efficiency, no language barrier and climate specific (breathable/anti humidity) construction.
Happy Birthday, by the way !!!:)
Totally agree Toad! This is why we say there is no perfect country and a lot of room for improvement all around Portugal. I would love for the bureaucracy to minimize, labor to improve etc. You are also right on the money about the opportunity that is opening up all over the country, we see it on the islands as well. I will still choose Portugal, especially the islands over a lot other places around the world. Take care my friend!
Hi Carlos and Laura,
Always fun watching your videos with great information. Considering a move to the islands at some point (maybe Santa Maria for family reasons); one difficulty we can't seem to find any info on (even asking family), is about the education system. I know in continental Portugal there are a few schools that offer High-School with a program in French and Portuguese ; am wondering if that is even possible in the Azores ? (We are from Quebec if you did not guess from the question)
We're glad you're enjoying our videos. We're trying to learn more about the education system in the Azores, not easy. We will send anything we find. Email me at soarescarlos64@gmail.com
Take care Samuel!
WELCOME 🙏 🤗 BACK. P.S. Let me know ,When Some Beautiful Property comes on the Market...any Island...Please. B.t.from North York.
Glad your watching our videos. Will do! Cheers!
I would be very interested in a workshop!
That is great, Kat. Click on this website link and send in a request for info. Take care.
www.picoholidayexperts.com/get-help-to-retire-semiretire-buyproperty-in-the-azores
I've been looking at moving here for over a year now...
Pico will wait for you! Take care!
❤️ ❤️
Good 😘👌👍🥰🥰🥰
Great!
If I move to another country, I’ve believe the Azores would be the best place !
There are not too many places on the planet like the Azores. In our opinion, it checks most of the boxes. Take care!
Hi guys thanks for the video and great insight. I am currently trying to convince the other half to sell up and buy a patch of paradise in the Azores. i was hoping you might be able to answer some questions i'm struggling to find answers too. 1. from what i gather skilled traders are hard to get a hold of on the islands; how and what do traders charge hourly or daily? i'm a trader myself and would be looking to work on the islands. mainly kitchen and bathroom renovations but can do must things. 2. is it a viable option for foreigners to find work in the Azores when we barely speak the language.
This kind of move has to be thought out & planned properly, as you are aware. I will also add that a lot of people that have been same move are really enjoying what these islands have to offer. As for labor; definitely a shortage of quality workers. The average rate per hour rangers between 8 to 12 euros, depending on the worker. The main problem is when the lower quality worker takes longer to do the job, in this scenario you wind up paying more in the end. There is definitely a need for quality trades people, language would not be a deal breaker. Keep in mind that you would be mostly working for people that came in like, immigrants and locals...most speak English. We will be discussing more on this subject when we finish our reno. Take care.
Great video and I would like to know more about who I need to contact in order to purchase a place as I have three places on Faial I have an interest in. I was looking at going to Faial at the end of August/September.
Thanks Darren, glad you enjoyed it. I would contact Renns from Azores properties, here is the email. Tell him I gave it to you. Keep in mind that he is very knowledgeable, professional and transparent. Good luck!
laurentius@azoresproperties.com
How are you dealing with high humid? Meldew? Thank you
There are various ways to deal with it:: Heating/AC units, dehumidifier, Fireplace. high quality insulation etc. You can choose which option is the most suited. Cheers!
Hi, in Pico are there some shop for solar panel for water and elettricity?
Yes there is Alberto. Even if there wasn't, you can bring in from the mainland quite easily and not too expensive. Take care Alberto!
Did you ever do that workshop?
Hi Susan we are doing the workshop May 12-22😀
If you set up a workshop, could you make it a Zoom meeting or Team's meeting as well? I would love to attend virtually.
We will keep you in the loop. Cheers
Yes I agree that it would be a great idea . Perhaps a zoom live or recorded for a larger audience.
Thank you
@@philomenacox4863 That would be great, will advise. Cheers!
Hi Andy! Are you able to send me an email, we can then update you on the workshop. We are thinking to doing it in April/May/2023, if there is enough interest. Take care!
soarescarlos64@gmail.com
@@philomenacox4863 Hi Philomena. Are you able to send me an email, we can then update you on the workshop. We are thinking to doing it in April/May/2023, if there is enough interest. Take care!
soarescarlos64@gmail.com
Hey; my husband Pedro is from Sao Miguel and I'm from Toronto. We are living in the Muskokas and plan on buying and retiring in the Azores. I'd love to connect with you guys. I have some questions. How can we go about doing this?
Hi Guys! Here is my email, best way to reach me. I can then advise you what the best options to connect are. Cheers! soarescarlos64@gmail.com
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🙏
What type of property do you recommend buying as a rental investment? Studios? Villas? T2? Commercial real estate?
We personally like rustic homes that heed minimal work. Cheers
My wife and I are both Portuguese citizens we are aware of needing a NIF and an account and having money. We live in Toronto but would we still need a sponsor to get a mortgage in terceira or even just buy the house without a getting a mortgage? We are thinking of retiring there thank you very your time and advice..
Appreciate you reaching out. There are definitely advantages for being Portuguese citizens, but might still need more. The problem might be the fact that you are not a resident, this would chance once you retire and move there. This is just my opinion, best to contact a bank agent. Send me an email and I'll send you the name. Best get info directly from the proper source. Cheers
soarescarlos64@gmail.co.
One thing we have been told is non-Europeans need to have 50% down payment to qualify for a loan. Quite different than the 20% in North America.
I have never heard that, maybe its true. We put down 20%, not sure if that was because I was a Portuguese citizen. Send me an email, I can then give you a good bank contact to answer that question, if you want. soarescarlos64@gmail.com
Take care Brent!
Good day Carlos and laura,
I have been looking towards the Azores as a retirement destination for awhile but I am starting to have apprehension. I am thinking after the ten years of the Non habitual that the the taxes would rise exponentially on pension income and the real estate taxes may be high as well. Do you have any insight or information on this? Thank you
Good afternoon Ken. We're not well versed in this area, quite a bit to still learn. Here is an expat information link that might help. Cheers!
beportugal.com/reasons-to-retire-in-portugal/
Thank you for the link. Very helpful
@@kenhunt3010 Will pass on any new learned information on this subject, maybe even do a video at some point. Cheers.
Building there is not fun and I can say this with certainty. It is a huge challenge and one that can, and does, keep people from building a home on Pico. Trades and builders are sorely lacking. If you are looking to build from the ground up (like me) get ready for a long exhausting ride....speaking from experience here.
I have to agree Brian, this has been our experience as well. We are frustrated, but using all of it as a learning experience. We do have hope that things will improve, lets stay in touch. Take care!!!
What about hiring builders from eastern Europe and delivering materials by freight?
@@toadtoadersson2239 What i'm starting to see is that people are hiring builders from other Azores islands, mainly the most populated, Terceira and Sao Miguel. I'm looking at this as a possibility but be prepared to adjust your budget.
Keep in mind that the building practices on this archipelago are very different from other places. Some builders may have trouble with that and it may only exacerbate your frustration.
Did you have to stay there for your renovation?
We were not able to be here through the whole renovation, better if we were. Either way, it's coming along cheers.
Sou de Sao Caetano Pico. Any properties for sale there?
We love Sao Caetano, we haven't heard of many properties for sale. Yo should check out idealista.com, I think there are a few listed. Cheers!
Hey guys you have any properties for sale I’m looking for sao Miguel pico is nice but not where I was born let me if have good realtor
Hi Manuel. We only know a few good realtors on Pico & Faial Island. Not sure if you know the Real Estate platform called Idealista.pt, they will list properties and realtors on here. Cheers!
I would like to hear more of Laura I like your narrative but I don't hear too much of Laura
Totally understand, I would too! Sometimes it has to do with the subject of the videos, no other reason. A lot of the videos we do from Canada are a bit more in the educational side, real estate, tourism, etc. The ones we do in the Azores showing the island are easier for both of us to talk. Either way I'm more of a talker than her, lol. She will also comment on this, lets get her take on it. Appreciate your comment.
And so the ruination of the Azores begins.
Don't think so, nobruination here! These newcomers to the islands are more protectors of nature than not.The Azores will be just fine. I appreciate you taking the time. Cheers
Americans want to be called "expat" because you want to look down on the working the working class,Expat is a word Americans like to use to avoid calling g themselves immigrants they cannot be at the same level as an immigrant that are of inferior races ,I am from Europe/spanish and every country in Europe is considered a immigrant NO MATTER what they do or why they left their homeland , only Americans use that word ,why is not a professional from another country not called an 'Expat?? ,Americans living in Finland refuse being labeled as an immigrant because their arrogance ,their self image of superiority does not fit the idea that that the term immigrant invoke in them which is a highly racialized & class based category ,only Americans have chosen to identify themselves that way but ALL EXPATS are just glorified immigrants ,and the word "expats" is on its way of being abolished....so go ahead say it without feeling shame "I am a proud immigrant" 😊 😁 😆 and if that hurts your American superiority you can go back home
The British also referred to themselves as Expats. I am thinking that the British invented the word “Expats”. There are many British citizens living in Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, Thailand etc. where they separate themselves from other immigrants.
I guess different people refer to Expats in various ways, in my opinion all positive. Thanks for taking the time. Take care!
Eggplant is what they call it in the US, Canada and Australia; aubergine is what they prefer to call it in the UK and Ireland, and brinjal is what they prefer to call it on the Indian subcontinent, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa. The point is that it's all the same plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae, and somehow most of us have arrived at a truly superior and arrogant level of thinking where we don't tell other people to go home, presume what nationality someone is, or insinuate that someone is racist for not using the word that we think someone else should use when they describe their own identity. Talk about arrogance, my God. Look in a mirror. Please keep your far-left puritanism to yourself.
@@wayneparks Thanks for sharing this clarification. appreciate it. To be honest, I was a bit lost for words. Stay well Wayne!
Cringe comment, Agree with Wayne.
If your culture doesn't fully appreciate and/or utilize the wonders of the English language, then Boohoo. Expatriate means what it means, its not a euphemism or otherwise. Expat is used by non white expats in other countries too, just search "expat meetups". Talk about a victim complex.
Sad!
Thanks!
Thank you so much Wayne. A huge Pico hug from Laura and I. See you in September(I think there is a song with this title). lol