Hope this video can help you avoid some crucial mistakes. If you have any other considerations that I didn't mention, feel free to let us all know! In this blog post I go a bit deeper into the subject: www.rootsreconnected.com/homestead-property
Great practical tips! I have been making a youtube playlist with watershed development, water harvesting video's etc and can find quite a bit about China, India, Ethiopia, etc. but haven't found that much yet about southern Europe. Wondering if you have any good tips that I could maybe add from the Portugal, Spain region. --- What is Watershed management - th-cam.com/video/KQEu9t5ZMVk/w-d-xo.html
Best video i have seen on this topic. 100% Based on my experience visiting hundrees of places (because i do landscaping as a job), many of those own by expats, i would add: 1- the best taken care places were almost all relativitly small (under a hectar, most under a acre - 1/2 hectar) , not off grid (water and power connection to the grid), not isolated, and owned by older couples. 2 - Consider buying a property with the fundamental shelter and buildings already mostly ready to use. Having to build or rebuild a house, and big renovations are always more costly and time consumming then people expect. Usually have more legal problems, etc. And finding good help, even professional help, for constrution and landscaping in portugal isnt always easy... people have no ideia of the machines time and work they need just to keep the land clean and safe, and thats just the basic... 3 - Buying off grid is temptimg, and fashion now, but many times its a mistake. Connection to the grid facilitates everything from start. And you can creat off grid systems later anyway. Water is even more important then power. 4 - buy small. Too big land, and renovations, in many cases is cause to...give up, and go away after a few years. Usually a acre - 1/2 hectar is enough to have great gardens and forest around house for a family. And small lands are almost always better taken care then the bigger ones. More produtive, more beautiful and less costly. 5 - Being a couple, specially if its a family, usually also helps, because unity and stability over time is needed... this must be a process, for life, like a marrige, not a project, like a fast dating...see many people comming to do something and show it on internet, friends, clients...not to built a life and take care of the land. Land, house, animals, and flora are family, you should be ready to commit, compromise, take care, forever, all the time, no vacations...
I would disagree with 4. Buying more land is always a good option when you can easily pay the included taxes and has low price. Though utilizing only small parts of the land and progressively use more of it as you are established is the more appropriate advice.
@@alexandervlaescu9901 buying more land isnt always good, at all. In real worl, normal people - not rich, have to work, have families, low to medium diy, etc. - , have trouble maintainning 500 sqm gardens. Wich, by the way, can be incredibly productive. 1/2 hectar is at the limit of diy, without big machinery, for most people, even if they have the will to do it, wich is rare. A hectar or more will envolve tractores, with its acessories and maintainance, just to keep it safe (so you can walk on it, and avoid fire risks, etc). Most people i see dont have the money, the time, the knowloge and the will to do it. So, they have to hire someone to take care of it. Or left it to wasteland...becomes a burden. We are not talking about comercial agriculture, but homesteading.
I went from: a ground floor appartement in big city, 25 m2 terras, plant in pots; to 900 m2 house + garden + house, with 70 m2 vegetable garden; to now 1900 m2 house, lawn garden and hopefully 200 to 300 m2 vegetable garden with possibility to extend it to 1000m2. I am living near the same big city. It was expensive but given I got the needed bank loans I feel it is fine. I think growing from small to bigger is possible. Starting big is also possible. But as mentioned: location is nr 1 priority.
Love your channel! Please plan for an extensive medical kit for your home and vehicle. Definitely need some tourniquet s. Disposable diapers and feminine hygiene supplies make good wound covers. You might want to speak with a paramedic in your closet town as to what they would recommend you purchase. Knowing how to suture a simple wound might be something you may want to learn. Utube has some very good videos on suturing wounds. So glad your daughter is recovering! Blessing to your family❤️
As a lawyer, I am glad to hear about a realistic, risk-averse approach to legal issues. Legal advise is sometimes considered to be expensive - but neglect of legal issues definitely is much, much more expensive.
I found that the legal part is what brings most surprises. Things you haven‘t even dreamt of can actually happen. Authorities have so many rules you would never think of.
the quality of the water may be important to grow the plants you wish. at certain times in some regions there is some iron content. some plants do not like iron - ions . this may happen also with other minerals . The Dutch Farmer said: - if - you find the right lawyer , i know some (2 , sad) stories wrt. Portugal wrt. buying some land with broken houses .
I could not agree more! My „Off Grid ATEF“ project.. Before buying my 41 Hectares - authorities told me I can use the water from the river where my land is located; BUT after I bought the land - now they say I can’t🤔
Property came up for sale near here and l talked to a well driller about it. He said you literally can't hit water on it or on surrounding property because of topography. Not with his equipment anyway. Ground water was way down and there was no surface water.
I just bought land in Portugal in the south and can confirm all you said especially the laws and seller part, took us 1 year to find our little piece of land and it was a journey for sure !
Nice! One more point on weather is wind. Sheltered land has a much better growth than land open to strong wind. Here in the south-west of France you see that land facing south-east protected against northern and south-west winds provides the highest productivity of the vegetation.
I'm glad that at the end of the "Access" section he talked about LEGAL access, not just having a road going up to it. A family member of mine bought cheap land in the middle of nowhere, but then found out that they did not have a legal right to any access. They were eventually able to get an easement from one of the neighboring landowners that allowed them to get to the land, but it took months of hassle for that.
In many EU countries this is impossible. The law assures access. Surrounding owners can nag, but won't be able to keep you out. Check out the locally applicable laws.
@@breakbollocks9164 the guys is dealing with lawyers, where i am sadly municipalities arent very helpful. my access road is a panhandle which belongs to the state, it was overrun by blackwattle trees and they refused to clear it. i had to bear the cost of clearing their road.
Spot on! People, listen to these wise words and do your DUE DILIGENCE. Thanks for a comprehensive list of things to take into consideration BEFORE you buy. Great advice, Dutch Farmer! 👍🙏
Fantastische video! Waar wij ook steeds rekening mee hebben gehouden is een check van het water. Een labo test is niet duur maar zeker de moeite. Wij stonden op het punt een land te kopen maar toen bleek dat er veel pesticiden in het water zaten door de vele plantages in de buurt.
And also: learn the language, the local habits/ traditions and 👉🏼 beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend….as the Dutch like to say….it’s better to have a good neighbor than a friend that’s far away. Love all the info you gave it’s good to know you are not dreamers 🤓
We live in Australia and have water tanks. This provides all our water needs unless we have a particularly dry Summer. (Then water is purchased) we have never had to do this yet. The tanks catch all the rain water from our home and barn.
I've started from scratch 3 times in rural Tasmania - never had a water source other than what fell from the sky. First thing was always to put in an access road, second to prepare ground for a minimum 10,000 litre poly water tank and third was to get it filled! Fourth - build a shed, usually to live in temporarily and keep equipment safe, then such joy to hear the rain on the tin roof knowing the tank was being topped up! Water is EVERYTHING!
Covid was a disruption from seeing my sons - 3 years is a long time when you are over 70! So do consider how familily and friends can visit / you can visit them - because flying might become a heavy burden soon ! Luckily we use Discord = video and chat, but it is not the same as hugging :(
I don't know if you have any Comfey, but you may want to consider putting some in. It makes for a beautiful ornamental and you can make comfey tea to use as a fertilizer when you water. It's very concentrated, so you must dilute it when you water. I always keep a quart jar of it in the house to feed my house plants and they love it. Congratulations on the hard work you've done.
Great advice. I have seen so many people who have struggled with many of the issues your speak of here. It took me a year to find my peice of land that ticked all the boxes. The one no no I commented was to blow nearly all my budget on the land leaving me with just £4000 to build the homestead. I have experience with farming and a partner in full time employment, so I thought about it long and hard and took the risk. I would not recommend it unless you really know what your doing and have a workable business plan to build your farming business. I'm based in UK, but I have an interest in Portugal because my partner owns a Finca in central Portugal.
Brilliant video! I'm the dreamer, my hubby is the planner:] Hope lots of would be off-gridders see this video, it could help save a lot of heartache and frustration! So very helpful!!
I wish I would have watched this video 15 year's ago when I bought land because I made a lot of these mistakes back then 😔 . So listen to this advice people 😉
This is a great summary, I can tell you speak from experience (: one thing I’d add is: make sure all existing buildings and structures are legal, and up to snuff legally (especially septic tanks, sewage systems etc)
Great points about water. We are looking at properties in Northern California and drought is very real here. The more properties we looked at w/o water already available the quotes we received to drill wells maybe things cost prohibitive. Keep the great content coming!
Hey Moreno! What a VALUE BOMB! Great Video! This is also such an amazing guide! I loved the business part which nobody talks about. I'd love if you consider sharing some numbers when you start selling anything and making money if you want to transparent with would be really be amazing. Watched all your videos and following your Portugal journey, thanks for making videos!
Most (90%) small rural homesteads - under 2 or 3 hectars, arent business viable. The ones wich can make it, 90% are rural turism. Some permaculture homesteads also do workshops to get some income. All the others have other external incomes to maintain the homestead. Just to maintain a land of 1 hectar clean and safe you can count on around 100 e a month of expenses, even if you do part of the work. Thats just basic...property rights taxes are still low, wells pay taxes...power and water, grid or off grid have fix expenses... animals and gardenning means expenses...maintainning a rural homestead is like having a child.
As a quite pragmatic dreamer (is there such a thing? this video showed me YES, there is!) for more than 40 years, I felt relief in such a solid lesson. I never tried myself because there were so many imponderable variables, and people who were interested to join were either too much on one side or the opposite when it came to "ok nice, but is it even possible?". And neither seeemed willing to discuss things thoroughly. Well... other times, climate crisis was not an issue yet, and burnout working in the cities not yet a plague. Too sad I'm now too old - but it gives me SOOOOO much hope others like you folks will also try - and be successful. It's all about new knowledge that keeps adding up, isn't it? (BTW: A big fan of permaculture since the day I first learned about it).
Here in South Africa, these points count as well. Excellent stuff. Some comments state things that are relevant so specific locations and people's wants and needs. Being extremely remote has its dangers, but so does being localised. Depending on your preparedness, planning and long-term views, any property will work for your dream. The fact that every perk has a cost, this is true. Thanks for the Video DF, very good advice.
Thank you for a very informative video - I hope it will help prospective homesteaders avoid the pitfalls of purchasing their dream property. What impresses me most about your personal history is how much experience you and your wife had before you actually bought land and began to develop your farm. I watch a lot of TH-cam videos about farming and it is very clear that it’s a physically, emotionally and mentally demanding career that isn’t for everyone. Anyone imagining an idyllic life in nature, full of sunshine and fresh air is missing the complete picture - farming is full of long hours, hard work and setbacks as well as beautiful moments of harmony with the earth, water and sky. People should spend some time visiting small farms, talking to the farmers who own them and hopefully getting some practical experience before deciding to make a drastic change in their lifestyle. I’m very happy that your daughter is doing well after her accident - sending prayers and healing energy for her rapid and complete recovery🙏🏻.
couldn't agree more, we work 7 days a week, miss out on meet ups with friends etc as our goats have to come first.... but we love it so no complaints from us. Although having animals is not as easy as just buying them, there are several laws and licences you need, in fact i see many youtubers transporting animals in the back of cars etc which you can not do and if caught can have a fine of up to 30,000 euros.
Excellent video packed with no-nonsense information. Two other things to consider: how much top soil is there in case of rocky underground; and what are the rules for having immovable and movable assets, ie. can you rebuild an existing ruine or have a caravan, trailer, chalet etc. on site. With the amount of land you have, you could consider planting hemp and making your own toilet paper. Veel succes.
Excellent recommendations. And I hope your daughter is ok! I wanted to add I was really surprised (shocked, really) by how many red signs I saw posted on rural roads all over Portugal during hunting season, stating hunting is allowed in those areas, including private lands.
Hunting is allowed on nearly all land, the only way you can prevent access to your land by hunters is to put up a fence, as without a fence there arent really any trespass laws. You then need to go to the hunting club that runs your area and have your land registered as 'no hunting' and then place a certain sign with a specific 'no hunting' symbol on it every 50 meters around the boundary of your land. just putting a fence up is not enough, the hunters will just pass your fence as they will have the right to pass it. We have a registered herd of milking goats and only because they are registered, hunters are not allowed on our land.
I've bought a few parcels of vacant land. First thing you need is legal access. There's a lot of cheap land that is landlocked. The only way to get there legally is by parachute! Second, you need water. Where are your neighbors getting their water? Wells!? How deep? The deeper the well, the more expensive it will be. These days, you can get power off grid This video is spot on.
As a Portuguese, I confirm - I myself have been working in other countries because there are no good opportunities here - The minimum wage is 700€ and the cost of living has been increasing, it is more difficult to rent or buy a house with low wages or even think to start a family - That's why the majority of Portuguese people choose to emigrate
@@soraia9445 Yes they are socialist and this is why they come over here to America. I am Portuguese but second generation there is opportunity to make it here and then you can take it back to Portugal go visit whatever
@Cara Du Who is a socialist? those hard-working Portuguese people like my parents and grandparents. That left Portugal for more opportunities in the USA?
@@Axelcat11 The country of Portugal is socialist. They're a socialist country. It's very sad you can work hard and go nowhere. This is why so many come to America because they can work hard and they can build their wealth
This is a tremendous amount of information, to take in. But yes, I agree, I should come to Portugal's, and buy land next yours, and develop it into an oasis, then turn around, and sale it. Using the money to buying other land, that s dry and desert like to develop this country into a more productive and sustainable environment. I have been watching videos where men have been building weird, and small dam like structures to restoring their desert like surrounding. It's fascinating to see th potentials available. Perhaps one day, I can come to your farm and visit. Love and Peace Brthrn Jeff B. B-Strong, B n Christ.
Talking about water brings back one of THOSE memories. My professor was trying to pound the concepts of Zoning and Water Rights into the heads of some VERY thick-headed students. Sadly, some otherwise well-educated young people completely failed to grasp the concept that a government office had the right to say "You cannot use any of that river that crosses your land. No. None of it. Not one drop."
All good points. Aside from knowing the seller doesn't owe taxes, you should find out how much the taxes are annually and budget for it. Also budget for the transfer costs of making the purchase, which can be a surprising percentage on an inexpensive piece of land depending on where you buy.
One point to consider when moving to another country is how to get access to Health Care ,especially if you are not on the payroll and contributing. And it differs by country. But generally within the EU getting residency means you need private health care. As a Dutch national in Ireland I had to take that and pay about 300 euros per month for a couple. I lived for years in Spain and had to buy it even though it really only works as an addition to the public healthcare where you may not have official access to. In Ireland it is actually needed here because the public healthcare is very poor. In the Netherlands, you also need Private healthcare . Also, what are you going to do when you are old and need care and have not contributed to any pensions etc.? Not all countries are as generous as The Netherlands.
You do need it here in the Algarve, if you to see a doctor. Sometimes while wards of public hospitals are closed here, due to lack of staff. Our local public health care basically told us to not even try to see a doctor, they only get a doc 2 afternoons a week, randomly, and on weekends. Pregnant mothers and children are prioritised, so no room for us basically.
I struggled to move on my land as the majoity was treed mostly Mimosa,, but even this weed I use to fuel the log burner in the house, which I installed as was no form of heating. The rest mostly pine and oak. All my steep slpes which aren t terraced I am currently growing oak seedlings to plant out this next backend. Yes the pines are handy for sjade if nothing else as the local pine is only fit for fire and paper. I am growing some pines if I can get to germinate.
I am looking for land at the moment, you have given me an insight which I was not aware of, this video has meant a lot to me. Thanks for sharing you hard earned knowledge.❤
Great planning.. I live in a city and haven't the money BUT I have my own garden and also grow inside . I grew millions of pots this winter with homemade soil ! I have a few hens too
for me i plan on terraforming the desert, water and power are no issues, i have no problem constructing a cistern, planting trees and greening my property
Thanks for making this video I'm sure it will help a lot of people. Language is important also and often forgotten when considering moving and living in a different country. Why have a dream that's ultimately going to be in a language you don't yet understand? You might love a country and have a dream to change your life, but if you can't read or write the native language you wont understand or be able to learn about the local customs and cultures. Would you want to be illiterate and unable to talk to the people around you in your current country? If you do, great but some people will hit a huge communication and culture barrier if they are unprepared for the shock.
I think it's invaluable that folks looking for a lifestyle change, try that change first before buying land. If you are coming from the city you will be reacting to that environment and may overcorrect toward someplace that is really quiet but not practical. And you run the risk of finding out you don't like that lifestyle after all. There is a middle ground! It's OK to live on the outskirts of a village or town, and still have a good quality rural lifestyle growing your own food. You can live near people and services and still raise chickens and garden. This allows you to have the social benefits of being in a community, reduces your environmental impact by being able to leverage public services, and still gives you the benefits of having green space of your own to live in. For sure the deep rural lifestyle is a must for some people but it's important to see that there is a middle ground.
My access road can be accessed by very big trucks (borehole rig went up) even when it rains, however my car has no chance. Phase two of our access road is layering it with gravel.
Well the more you look deep into things the more problems you start discovering. Best way is to know if there is water running under your feet and you don't even know about it. After all some are remediable and some like an unwanted marriage.🙂 great video and lessons and chances in life. Good luck.
Even though I'm not planning to live off-grid (yet)... I find your videos very interesting and helpful for my inner city garden which has fruit trees, herbs and vegetables
Thanks for the video, Im from Portugal and have been Looking for a plot of land in Ribatejo, near Lisbon. I would love to visit your homestead and learn more about your progress and challanges! Good luck!
I am not sure about south facing slopes in dry places like southern Spain or Portugal... unless you have plenty of water or no wind at all. Great video. Very much down to earth.
great informtive , one point that you didnt mention as i almost bought a old fram in portugal was told i could rebuild, The more i looked into the laws for rebuilding . The old house being being just 3 meters from my boundarie, but by law to reubuild i would have to be at least 30meters from boundarie. I had a lawyer but find they work more for the agent than thier client. Was put off buying as lost trust.
Awesome video, great advice. Fire is quite a hassle in souther european countries as there are many people mishandling it. I did take care of all the elements, but every year in september my land catches fire ;). Quite a problem.
Wauw Moreno, Super handige tips! Sommige had ik zelf ook bedacht maar degene waar ik niet aan had gedacht zijn zeer behulpzaam. het doel voor mij is soortgelijk aan die van jou. Voor mij staat Portugal zeker boven aan de lijst. Dank je wel voor je inspirerende video's. Ik zal ze zeker gebruiken voor alle nuttige tips, adviezen en inspiratie 😀
Hi there, We are from Czech Republic and here it would be biggest problem with "territorial plan / land use plan". We would not be able to dig any trenches, any houses basements, nothing... neighbours has to agree you basicly everything ;(
"Imagine if you run out of toilet paper, you're screwed!"😂🤣 Moreno, my heart dropped into my stomach when you said your darling daughter got hurt pretty badly,🥺 I'm glad she's on the mend and you had the forethought to be close to emergency care. As for t.p.😏 issue, surely you could grow some sort of sustainable plant substitute!🤣♥️
Olá. Thanks for the tips and video explanations. when i saw the first 2 videos i was thinking how you got the permits to construct a do all those moviments.. even to be able to park a tent.. Because most of forest is not allowed!! it's prédio rural!!
Thanks for making a video about what is needed to live here and make a life legally, i think there is lots more that could be said but with the laws and regulations out here it could turn into a 4 hour video😉... we have just been talking about doing a video along the lines of this subject. Can i ask how you got permission for your van and yurt, assuming you are living in them?
Hope this video can help you avoid some crucial mistakes. If you have any other considerations that I didn't mention, feel free to let us all know!
In this blog post I go a bit deeper into the subject: www.rootsreconnected.com/homestead-property
Great practical tips! I have been making a youtube playlist with watershed development, water harvesting video's etc and can find quite a bit about China, India, Ethiopia, etc. but haven't found that much yet about southern Europe. Wondering if you have any good tips that I could maybe add from the Portugal, Spain region. --- What is Watershed management - th-cam.com/video/KQEu9t5ZMVk/w-d-xo.html
This video is 100% amazing. I hope you don’t mind me correcting you on one point. Debt is pronounced “det.” The letter b is silent.
Great video. Really good stuff. You mentioned CBD as a business opportunity in your area. do you mean CBD as in hemp?
Awesome - symantics on my part but closeness to city can also be replaced with closeness to a reasonably provisioned town or village.
Thanks Mr Moreno for your trainings god bless you and your family
Best video i have seen on this topic. 100%
Based on my experience visiting hundrees of places (because i do landscaping as a job), many of those own by expats, i would add:
1- the best taken care places were almost all relativitly small (under a hectar, most under a acre - 1/2 hectar) , not off grid (water and power connection to the grid), not isolated, and owned by older couples.
2 - Consider buying a property with the fundamental shelter and buildings already mostly ready to use. Having to build or rebuild a house, and big renovations are always more costly and time consumming then people expect. Usually have more legal problems, etc. And finding good help, even professional help, for constrution and landscaping in portugal isnt always easy... people have no ideia of the machines time and work they need just to keep the land clean and safe, and thats just the basic...
3 - Buying off grid is temptimg, and fashion now, but many times its a mistake. Connection to the grid facilitates everything from start. And you can creat off grid systems later anyway. Water is even more important then power.
4 - buy small. Too big land, and renovations, in many cases is cause to...give up, and go away after a few years. Usually a acre - 1/2 hectar is enough to have great gardens and forest around house for a family. And small lands are almost always better taken care then the bigger ones. More produtive, more beautiful and less costly.
5 - Being a couple, specially if its a family, usually also helps, because unity and stability over time is needed... this must be a process, for life, like a marrige, not a project, like a fast dating...see many people comming to do something and show it on internet, friends, clients...not to built a life and take care of the land. Land, house, animals, and flora are family, you should be ready to commit, compromise, take care, forever, all the time, no vacations...
I can agree with everything except part 5 =)
@@buenosdias8606 with what do you disagree?
I would disagree with 4. Buying more land is always a good option when you can easily pay the included taxes and has low price. Though utilizing only small parts of the land and progressively use more of it as you are established is the more appropriate advice.
@@alexandervlaescu9901 buying more land isnt always good, at all.
In real worl, normal people - not rich, have to work, have families, low to medium diy, etc. - , have trouble maintainning 500 sqm gardens. Wich, by the way, can be incredibly productive.
1/2 hectar is at the limit of diy, without big machinery, for most people, even if they have the will to do it, wich is rare.
A hectar or more will envolve tractores, with its acessories and maintainance, just to keep it safe (so you can walk on it, and avoid fire risks, etc). Most people i see dont have the money, the time, the knowloge and the will to do it. So, they have to hire someone to take care of it. Or left it to wasteland...becomes a burden.
We are not talking about comercial agriculture, but homesteading.
I went from: a ground floor appartement in big city, 25 m2 terras, plant in pots; to 900 m2 house + garden + house, with 70 m2 vegetable garden; to now 1900 m2 house, lawn garden and hopefully 200 to 300 m2 vegetable garden with possibility to extend it to 1000m2. I am living near the same big city. It was expensive but given I got the needed bank loans I feel it is fine. I think growing from small to bigger is possible. Starting big is also possible. But as mentioned: location is nr 1 priority.
Love your channel! Please plan for an extensive medical kit for your home and vehicle. Definitely need some tourniquet s. Disposable diapers and feminine hygiene supplies make good wound covers. You might want to speak with a paramedic in your closet town as to what they would recommend you purchase. Knowing how to suture a simple wound might be something you may want to learn. Utube has some very good videos on suturing wounds. So glad your daughter is recovering! Blessing to your family❤️
As a lawyer, I am glad to hear about a realistic, risk-averse approach to legal issues. Legal advise is sometimes considered to be expensive - but neglect of legal issues definitely is much, much more expensive.
As a retired accountant, I am glad to see realistic planning.
I found that the legal part is what brings most surprises. Things you haven‘t even dreamt of can actually happen. Authorities have so many rules you would never think of.
Refreshing to hear Moreno speak VS the "action only" videos. Water is key folks, don't buy anything with no water! Great video as usual.
the quality of the water may be important to grow the plants you wish. at certain times in some regions there is some iron content. some plants do not like iron - ions . this may happen also with other minerals . The Dutch Farmer said: - if - you find the right lawyer , i know some (2 , sad) stories wrt. Portugal wrt. buying some land with broken houses .
I could not agree more!
My „Off Grid ATEF“ project..
Before buying my 41 Hectares - authorities told me I can use the water from the river where my land is located; BUT after I bought the land - now they say I can’t🤔
@@andreytrigubko3373 Can you sue them?
@@andreytrigubko3373 God is the only authority is this world.
Property came up for sale near here and l talked to a well driller about it. He said you literally can't hit water on it or on surrounding property because of topography. Not with his equipment anyway. Ground water was way down and there was no surface water.
Great road map for all to follow. Definitely reduces the luck aspect with a reality based plan.
I just bought land in Portugal in the south and can confirm all you said especially the laws and seller part, took us 1 year to find our little piece of land and it was a journey for sure !
Nice! One more point on weather is wind. Sheltered land has a much better growth than land open to strong wind. Here in the south-west of France you see that land facing south-east protected against northern and south-west winds provides the highest productivity of the vegetation.
I'm glad that at the end of the "Access" section he talked about LEGAL access, not just having a road going up to it. A family member of mine bought cheap land in the middle of nowhere, but then found out that they did not have a legal right to any access. They were eventually able to get an easement from one of the neighboring landowners that allowed them to get to the land, but it took months of hassle for that.
One of my neighbours is in a current tiff with the guy next to him about approx a hectare of access road the neighbour claims is his
In many EU countries this is impossible. The law assures access. Surrounding owners can nag, but won't be able to keep you out. Check out the locally applicable laws.
@@breakbollocks9164 the guys is dealing with lawyers, where i am sadly municipalities arent very helpful. my access road is a panhandle which belongs to the state, it was overrun by blackwattle trees and they refused to clear it. i had to bear the cost of clearing their road.
Gelukkig zijn er blijkbaar ook nog realisten …tussen de dromers !
Succes met jullie mooie project.
Mot toch beginnen met een droom nie
@@alex_poly1147
Dromen blijken vaak bedrog…realisme heeft daar minder last van 😉
Spot on! People, listen to these wise words and do your DUE DILIGENCE. Thanks for a comprehensive list of things to take into consideration BEFORE you buy. Great advice, Dutch Farmer! 👍🙏
Fantastische video! Waar wij ook steeds rekening mee hebben gehouden is een check van het water. Een labo test is niet duur maar zeker de moeite. Wij stonden op het punt een land te kopen maar toen bleek dat er veel pesticiden in het water zaten door de vele plantages in de buurt.
And also: learn the language, the local habits/ traditions and 👉🏼 beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend….as the Dutch like to say….it’s better to have a good neighbor than a friend that’s far away. Love all the info you gave it’s good to know you are not dreamers 🤓
Also don't come to Portugal thinking we are California or this is a homo-hippie state
Lots of people are living in a bubble and keeping out of the local community
@@antoniodasilva1230 They shouldn't. They are in Portugal now.
@@romanus4879 shouldn't? They should we are Portuguese and those that move need to be part of our culture not we bending over and losing our style
@@antoniodasilva1230 They shouldn't live in a bubble as you said, I mean. I agree with you. They have to adapt to our country
This is a must watch video for anyone even thinking about buying land in ANY country. Very powerful and to the point. Well done!! 😁
What a great video, very professional and packed full of really important advice.
Glad your daughter is OK.
We live in Australia and have water tanks. This provides all our water needs unless we have a particularly dry Summer. (Then water is purchased) we have never had to do this yet. The tanks catch all the rain water from our home and barn.
Do you use water for growing food or just for household?
I've started from scratch 3 times in rural Tasmania - never had a water source other than what fell from the sky. First thing was always to put in an access road, second to prepare ground for a minimum 10,000 litre poly water tank and third was to get it filled!
Fourth - build a shed, usually to live in temporarily and keep equipment safe, then such joy to hear the rain on the tin roof knowing the tank was being topped up! Water is EVERYTHING!
This is the best vídeo
for all of us dreaming a new life. Thank you.
Covid was a disruption from seeing my sons - 3 years is a long time when you are over 70! So do consider how familily and friends can visit / you can visit them - because flying might become a heavy burden soon ! Luckily we use Discord = video and chat, but it is not the same as hugging :(
I don't know if you have any Comfey, but you may want to consider putting some in. It makes for a beautiful ornamental and you can make comfey tea to use as a fertilizer when you water. It's very concentrated, so you must dilute it when you water.
I always keep a quart jar of it in the house to feed my house plants and they love it.
Congratulations on the hard work you've done.
This video came at the perfect time as I look for land for our homestead. Thank you so much for putting together such insightful content!!
Like your channel name :) Going to take a look at your channel
Great advice. I have seen so many people who have struggled with many of the issues your speak of here. It took me a year to find my peice of land that ticked all the boxes. The one no no I commented was to blow nearly all my budget on the land leaving me with just £4000 to build the homestead. I have experience with farming and a partner in full time employment, so I thought about it long and hard and took the risk. I would not recommend it unless you really know what your doing and have a workable business plan to build your farming business. I'm based in UK, but I have an interest in Portugal because my partner owns a Finca in central Portugal.
Can you give the list u were going through
@@sunflower5103It’s all in the video.
Brilliant video! I'm the dreamer, my hubby is the planner:] Hope lots of would be off-gridders see this video, it could help save a lot of heartache and frustration! So very helpful!!
Sounds like a good combination to balance each other out :)
This is so important. I've been tempted but cheap pieces of land, but like you said, there's a reason it's so cheap
One reason would be the very bad economic crisis in Spain, that is making many Spaniards leaving the country for a better wage elsewhere.
This is, by far, the best, most concise, and informative video for anyone going to buy land. Thank you for so generously sharing.
I wish I would have watched this video 15 year's ago when I bought land because I made a lot of these mistakes back then 😔 . So listen to this advice people 😉
I’m glad your daughter is ok, and I laughed at the toilet paper joke. Loving all the videos, speaking and silent!
This is a great summary, I can tell you speak from experience (: one thing I’d add is: make sure all existing buildings and structures are legal, and up to snuff legally (especially septic tanks, sewage systems etc)
Great points about water. We are looking at properties in Northern California and drought is very real here. The more properties we looked at w/o water already available the quotes we received to drill wells maybe things cost prohibitive. Keep the great content coming!
You are so well prepared!! so much work put into your videos, it's really amazing and inspiring
Hey Moreno! What a VALUE BOMB! Great Video! This is also such an amazing guide! I loved the business part which nobody talks about. I'd love if you consider sharing some numbers when you start selling anything and making money if you want to transparent with would be really be amazing. Watched all your videos and following your Portugal journey, thanks for making videos!
Completely agree, if the business side doesn't work, then it's not viable. More creators should talk about money in farming.
Most (90%) small rural homesteads - under 2 or 3 hectars, arent business viable. The ones wich can make it, 90% are rural turism. Some permaculture homesteads also do workshops to get some income. All the others have other external incomes to maintain the homestead. Just to maintain a land of 1 hectar clean and safe you can count on around 100 e a month of expenses, even if you do part of the work. Thats just basic...property rights taxes are still low, wells pay taxes...power and water, grid or off grid have fix expenses... animals and gardenning means expenses...maintainning a rural homestead is like having a child.
As a quite pragmatic dreamer (is there such a thing? this video showed me YES, there is!) for more than 40 years, I felt relief in such a solid lesson.
I never tried myself because there were so many imponderable variables, and people who were interested to join were either too much on one side or the opposite when it came to "ok nice, but is it even possible?". And neither seeemed willing to discuss things thoroughly. Well... other times, climate crisis was not an issue yet, and burnout working in the cities not yet a plague.
Too sad I'm now too old - but it gives me SOOOOO much hope others like you folks will also try - and be successful. It's all about new knowledge that keeps adding up, isn't it?
(BTW: A big fan of permaculture since the day I first learned about it).
A big hug to your daughter, may she recover soon!😘
Here in South Africa, these points count as well. Excellent stuff.
Some comments state things that are relevant so specific locations and people's wants and needs. Being extremely remote has its dangers, but so does being localised. Depending on your preparedness, planning and long-term views, any property will work for your dream. The fact that every perk has a cost, this is true. Thanks for the Video DF, very good advice.
Thank you for a very informative video - I hope it will help prospective homesteaders avoid the pitfalls of purchasing their dream property.
What impresses me most about your personal history is how much experience you and your wife had before you actually bought land and began to develop your farm. I watch a lot of TH-cam videos about farming and it is very clear that it’s a physically, emotionally and mentally demanding career that isn’t for everyone. Anyone imagining an idyllic life in nature, full of sunshine and fresh air is missing the complete picture - farming is full of long hours, hard work and setbacks as well as beautiful moments of harmony with the earth, water and sky. People should spend some time visiting small farms, talking to the farmers who own them and hopefully getting some practical experience before deciding to make a drastic change in their lifestyle.
I’m very happy that your daughter is doing well after her accident - sending prayers and healing energy for her rapid and complete recovery🙏🏻.
couldn't agree more, we work 7 days a week, miss out on meet ups with friends etc as our goats have to come first.... but we love it so no complaints from us. Although having animals is not as easy as just buying them, there are several laws and licences you need, in fact i see many youtubers transporting animals in the back of cars etc which you can not do and if caught can have a fine of up to 30,000 euros.
Excellent video packed with no-nonsense information. Two other things to consider: how much top soil is there in case of rocky underground; and what are the rules for having immovable and movable assets, ie. can you rebuild an existing ruine or have a caravan, trailer, chalet etc. on site. With the amount of land you have, you could consider planting hemp and making your own toilet paper. Veel succes.
Who needs toilet paper? Bottol tjabok...
Excellent recommendations. And I hope your daughter is ok! I wanted to add I was really surprised (shocked, really) by how many red signs I saw posted on rural roads all over Portugal during hunting season, stating hunting is allowed in those areas, including private lands.
Hunting is allowed on nearly all land, the only way you can prevent access to your land by hunters is to put up a fence, as without a fence there arent really any trespass laws. You then need to go to the hunting club that runs your area and have your land registered as 'no hunting' and then place a certain sign with a specific 'no hunting' symbol on it every 50 meters around the boundary of your land.
just putting a fence up is not enough, the hunters will just pass your fence as they will have the right to pass it.
We have a registered herd of milking goats and only because they are registered, hunters are not allowed on our land.
I like what you said about market gardening or other source of income to live this lifestyle, meaning it won't be easy to be self sustaining
I've bought a few parcels of vacant land. First thing you need is legal access. There's a lot of cheap land that is landlocked. The only way to get there legally is by parachute! Second, you need water. Where are your neighbors getting their water? Wells!? How deep? The deeper the well, the more expensive it will be. These days, you can get power off grid This video is spot on.
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible depth of knowledge. Much appreciated. Hope your child recovers well.
20% of the Portuguese people are living abroad, that should tell you enough about the challenges of earning a living in Portugal.
As a Portuguese, I confirm - I myself have been working in other countries because there are no good opportunities here - The minimum wage is 700€ and the cost of living has been increasing, it is more difficult to rent or buy a house with low wages or even think to start a family - That's why the majority of Portuguese people choose to emigrate
@@soraia9445 It's different for people who have saved and can afford to live off grid growing their own food.
@@soraia9445 Yes they are socialist and this is why they come over here to America. I am Portuguese but second generation there is opportunity to make it here and then you can take it back to Portugal go visit whatever
@Cara Du Who is a socialist? those hard-working Portuguese people like my parents and grandparents. That left Portugal for more opportunities in the USA?
@@Axelcat11 The country of Portugal is socialist. They're a socialist country. It's very sad you can work hard and go nowhere. This is why so many come to America because they can work hard and they can build their wealth
I'm looking forward to viewing more of your progress, and learning from your sharing on your videos. Love bjb, B-Strong, B n Christ.
Great information, especially for first time purchasers. Thank you.
This is a tremendous amount of information, to take in. But yes, I agree, I should come to Portugal's, and buy land next yours, and develop it into an oasis, then turn around, and sale it. Using the money to buying other land, that s dry and desert like to develop this country into a more productive and sustainable environment.
I have been watching videos where men have been building weird, and small dam like structures to restoring their desert like surrounding. It's fascinating to see th potentials available. Perhaps one day, I can come to your farm and visit. Love and Peace Brthrn Jeff B. B-Strong, B n Christ.
Talking about water brings back one of THOSE memories.
My professor was trying to pound the concepts of Zoning and Water Rights into the heads of some VERY thick-headed students.
Sadly, some otherwise well-educated young people completely failed to grasp the concept that a government office had the right to say "You cannot use any of that river that crosses your land. No. None of it. Not one drop."
All good points. Aside from knowing the seller doesn't owe taxes, you should find out how much the taxes are annually and budget for it. Also budget for the transfer costs of making the purchase, which can be a surprising percentage on an inexpensive piece of land depending on where you buy.
One point to consider when moving to another country is how to get access to Health Care ,especially if you are not on the payroll and contributing. And it differs by country. But generally within the EU getting residency means you need private health care. As a Dutch national in Ireland I had to take that and pay about 300 euros per month for a couple. I lived for years in Spain and had to buy it even though it really only works as an addition to the public healthcare where you may not have official access to. In Ireland it is actually needed here because the public healthcare is very poor. In the Netherlands, you also need Private healthcare . Also, what are you going to do when you are old and need care and have not contributed to any pensions etc.? Not all countries are as generous as The Netherlands.
You do need it here in the Algarve, if you to see a doctor. Sometimes while wards of public hospitals are closed here, due to lack of staff. Our local public health care basically told us to not even try to see a doctor, they only get a doc 2 afternoons a week, randomly, and on weekends. Pregnant mothers and children are prioritised, so no room for us basically.
I struggled to move on my land as the majoity was treed mostly Mimosa,, but even this weed I use to fuel the log burner in the house, which I installed as was no form of heating. The rest mostly pine and oak. All my steep slpes which aren t terraced I am currently growing oak seedlings to plant out this next backend. Yes the pines are handy for sjade if nothing else as the local pine is only fit for fire and paper. I am growing some pines if I can get to germinate.
Great video - well done! Looking forward to seeing the farm grow and evolve in the coming years.
I am looking for land at the moment, you have given me an insight which I was not aware of, this video has meant a lot to me. Thanks for sharing you hard earned knowledge.❤
Great advices. Very useful for people who wonder if this kind of life is for them. Thumbs up and groeten uit Nederland.
Very helpful video for those considering this lifestyle. Thank you.
this is a true gem! amazing inspiration and the best so far extensive to-do list, new points spotted ! thank you so so much
Een stuk land is de droom, in maart vertrekken we met onze camper :) hopelijk vinden we ooit ons plekje!
Just LOVE your survival instinct. Your family are very lucky
Thank you for sharing your experience
Moreno, it's been a while since we've seen/heard from you. I hope all is well for you and your family! Looking forward to your next video.
Great planning.. I live in a city and haven't the money BUT I have my own garden and also grow inside . I grew millions of pots this winter with homemade soil ! I have a few hens too
for me i plan on terraforming the desert, water and power are no issues, i have no problem constructing a cistern, planting trees and greening my property
Thanks for making this video I'm sure it will help a lot of people.
Language is important also and often forgotten when considering moving and living in a different country.
Why have a dream that's ultimately going to be in a language you don't yet understand? You might love a country and have a dream to change your life, but if you can't read or write the native language you wont understand or be able to learn about the local customs and cultures. Would you want to be illiterate and unable to talk to the people around you in your current country? If you do, great but some people will hit a huge communication and culture barrier if they are unprepared for the shock.
Brilliant!! Thank you for this very valuable info.
I think it's invaluable that folks looking for a lifestyle change, try that change first before buying land. If you are coming from the city you will be reacting to that environment and may overcorrect toward someplace that is really quiet but not practical. And you run the risk of finding out you don't like that lifestyle after all. There is a middle ground! It's OK to live on the outskirts of a village or town, and still have a good quality rural lifestyle growing your own food. You can live near people and services and still raise chickens and garden. This allows you to have the social benefits of being in a community, reduces your environmental impact by being able to leverage public services, and still gives you the benefits of having green space of your own to live in. For sure the deep rural lifestyle is a must for some people but it's important to see that there is a middle ground.
My access road can be accessed by very big trucks (borehole rig went up) even when it rains, however my car has no chance. Phase two of our access road is layering it with gravel.
Well the more you look deep into things the more problems you start discovering. Best way is to know if there is water running under your feet and you don't even know about it. After all some are remediable and some like an unwanted marriage.🙂 great video and lessons and chances in life. Good luck.
Wow Mario you have Just send me back to school thank you so much for the info, most people will not tell you what you have just said
Even though I'm not planning to live off-grid (yet)... I find your videos very interesting and helpful for my inner city garden which has fruit trees, herbs and vegetables
Where you at? If its Ontario Canada you can come see how bloody hard its been, also how worth it its getting.
Thanks for the video, Im from Portugal and have been Looking for a plot of land in Ribatejo, near Lisbon.
I would love to visit your homestead and learn more about your progress and challanges!
Good luck!
Thanks excellent advice looking forward to see more videos of how you and your family and land grows.
I am not sure about south facing slopes in dry places like southern Spain or Portugal... unless you have plenty of water or no wind at all.
Great video. Very much down to earth.
Hard core facts to consider, great advice 👍
great informtive , one point that you didnt mention as i almost bought a old fram in portugal was told i could rebuild, The more i looked into the laws for rebuilding . The old house being being just 3 meters from my boundarie, but by law to reubuild i would have to be at least 30meters from boundarie. I had a lawyer but find they work more for the agent than thier client. Was put off buying as lost trust.
Your information is new to me, greetings Indonesian farmers
Thank you for this incredible work! Some really great points to consider. After doing this checklist one's decision will be much clearer.
Awesome video, great advice. Fire is quite a hassle in souther european countries as there are many people mishandling it. I did take care of all the elements, but every year in september my land catches fire ;). Quite a problem.
Wauw Moreno,
Super handige tips! Sommige had ik zelf ook bedacht maar degene waar ik niet aan had gedacht zijn zeer behulpzaam. het doel voor mij is soortgelijk aan die van jou. Voor mij staat Portugal zeker boven aan de lijst. Dank je wel voor je inspirerende video's. Ik zal ze zeker gebruiken voor alle nuttige tips, adviezen en inspiratie 😀
Cannot miss your videos great stuff!
Hi there,
We are from Czech Republic and here it would be biggest problem with "territorial plan / land use plan".
We would not be able to dig any trenches, any houses basements, nothing... neighbours has to agree you basicly everything ;(
Excellent video❤️🤗
Fabulous video! Thank you for sharing you knowledge and experience. Take care
good list very similar to what we used when we bought our 20 acres (about 8 hectares)
Propably the best and most informative land buying video I’ve ever seen ❤
Thanks you Moreno,this is exactly we need to advice for new buyers
Really good information. Therte were a fewI did not think of, Obrigado
This is super helpful Moreno! Lots of things I've learned and to ponder on.
Very useful information! Thanks
Thank you so much for this important piece of information
Awesome video, Dutch myself and planning to make the jump in a few years! So thanks for the information.
Excellent video, tx for sharing, and good luck!✌🏻
Randomly found a video now I am going to subscribe. I am 20 and on my hustle to buy my own land
Very useful info thank you 👍
Those misty hills can provide a lot of water if you have those fog collector screens, might help filling up that pond a bit quicker.
"Imagine if you run out of toilet paper, you're screwed!"😂🤣 Moreno, my heart dropped into my stomach when you said your darling daughter got hurt pretty badly,🥺 I'm glad she's on the mend and you had the forethought to be close to emergency care. As for t.p.😏 issue, surely you could grow some sort of sustainable plant substitute!🤣♥️
You just need to grow the toilet paper plant
@@danwilkin3031 along with the bacon plant and the money tree.😏😂
Excelente conteúdo, tiro sempre valor dos teus vídeos, obrigado.
Jullie zijn echt goed bezig. Zeer veel goede tips gehoord.
Olá. Thanks for the tips and video explanations. when i saw the first 2 videos i was thinking how you got the permits to construct a do all those moviments.. even to be able to park a tent.. Because most of forest is not allowed!! it's prédio rural!!
Appreciate your practical and honest approach.
Suuper precious info. This might save a lot of time and finances for the people. Thank for sharing!!! : )
The world needs to think like this
Thanks for making a video about what is needed to live here and make a life legally, i think there is lots more that could be said but with the laws and regulations out here it could turn into a 4 hour video😉... we have just been talking about doing a video along the lines of this subject.
Can i ask how you got permission for your van and yurt, assuming you are living in them?