FINAL PORT OF CALL

After sailing around the world for 20 years, Pernilla Johansson chose to settle down in the Algarve

BY PAUL ROUSE

With memories of family summer holidays sailing around the islands of the west coast of Sweden, it’s easy to see where Pernilla Johansson’s love of the sea came from. “I’ve always said – give me sea and blue sky, and I’ll be happy anywhere. So life’s pretty good at the moment,” she says, gesturing at the Atlantic waves rolling in as she takes her morning walk along Pescadores Beach in Albufeira. “After what seems a lifetime of travelling, who knows? I think I might have found my spiritual home in the Algarve. It’s certainly a wonderful place to wake up every day.”

Not that Pernilla is ready to retire just yet. But having turned 40 last summer, she decided it was time to put down some roots. And while she’s busy juggling her job for an Algarve-based UK real estate company with the weekend classes she teaches in reiki and Thai yoga massage, she still finds time to enjoy the glorious weather and fabulous beaches of what has become her new adopted home.

“I’ve had lots of long holidays here over the years,” she explains, “and always used to rent apartments. It seemed to be a good idea to make the move permanent and buy somewhere of my own at last.” After leaving Sweden, and a spell as a tour rep in the Mediterranean, Pernilla went on to work for Seabourn and Crystal, two of the world’s top cruise lines, first as a receptionist, then training as a masseuse, before finally moving into a management role. Apart from a period spent living in St Barths in the Caribbean, she has spent most of the last 20 years sailing around the world, through Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

“It was a fantastic way of life,” she admits, “but the time was right to move on. Having been almost everywhere, I was in the perfect position to find a location that offered me exactly what I wanted in terms of climate, lifestyle and value for money. I have all these things here, as well as a wide circle of friends – English, Portuguese, Austrian, Swedish – in what is a very international community.”

As a result, Pernilla has just bought a one-bedroom apartment overlooking Albufeira marina for €170,000 – and is now starting to turn it into a real home. With all the rooms leading out onto the large balcony, it’s ideal for entertaining, or just chilling out after a busy day at the office. The brand-new Encosta da Orda complex includes communal gardens, two outdoor pools and a tennis court, and will be home to a mix of second-property owners and full-time residents.

“That was an important consideration,” she says. “I didn’t want to live in a place that dies in the winter.”

Pernilla looked at several options before buying, including a number of different apartments in the complex itself. “A couple of them were directly overlooking the swimming pools, which will be busy in summer, and one – admittedly with a better view – wasn’t sheltered enough. You’ve got to realise you’ll be here all year round.”

The overall location, however, couldn’t be better. “I’m within walking distance of the beach and the old town of Albufeira, and if I want the nightlife, it’s not far away either. I have the best of both worlds.”

Prices in the Algarve are holding up well – another reason to buy here. “Working in the property industry, I would say that, wouldn’t I?” laughs Pernilla, “but it’s true. This is a long-term financial investment, as well as an investment in myself.”

Having spent part of the last two winters on training courses in Thailand, Pernilla is now a Reiki Master and a qualified Thai yoga massage therapist, and will be passing on her skills by holding weekend classes to teach the ancient arts.

“Ideally, I’d like to do it full time,” she says. “For the moment however, I know I have mortgage commitments, and I’m enjoying my job, helping other people find their own property here. It’s busy, but it’s rewarding.”

Not that life is too stressful. Her Reiki website (www.ekantakaruna.com) takes its name from a Sanskrit phrase that roughly translates as “in a compassionate place”.

“I think that sums up where I am at the moment,” she smiles. “Don’t you?”

Pernilla’s property picks

Look at off-plan developments as well as re-sales.
Shop around – don’t buy the first place you see.
It’s not all about outdoor space – take account of the winters.
Rural retreats are fine – but might be too remote for some.

Tips for buying property in Portugal

1 - Use an independent estate agent. Portugal has strict laws and all agents have to be licensed. Licensed agents cannot list a property for sale unless they have checked out all the building/habitation licences. Find an agent you like and feel you can create a relationship with, as UK-style “exclusive” estate agency representation is not the norm in Portugal, and one agent can usually source any property for you, saving you the time and hassle of talking to lots of different people. If you’re a cautious buyer, you might find it easier to talk to one of the agents either owned or affiliated with a UK company, who will speak English and help with the buying and legal processes.

2 Explore the option of Portuguese mortgages. Foreigners can borrow in Portugal with an 80% mortgage which is secured against the Portuguese property. The base rate in Portugal is 4% – considerably lower than the UK. The banks are quite keen to lend to foreigners, although you still have to prove the ability to pay, and declare tax returns. Companies such as UK estate agent Winkworth, with seven offices in Portugal, has an in-house team of advisers who can help you apply for local mortgages.

3 Don’t get sucked into low-cost inspection trips. They are normally high pressure, and don’t necessarily show you the best options available, as they are tied into specific developers, and earn in excess of 10% of the purchase price in commission from the developer. Stick with a registered estate agent – you will pay the full price for your trip, but the decision to buy will be yours, not one coloured by fancy meals, pressured sales techniques and promises of eternal capital growth.

4 Think of your exit strategy. It’s all well and good buying your dream overseas home, but what about selling it, if and when the need arises? Portugal has a 30-year solid and stable property history. Buy the best you can afford, and decide whether it’s purely for investment, lifestyle or a mix of both. Smaller resorts, extensive facilities and high-quality specifications will last, and re-sale opportunities will be better.

GETTING THERE

Fancy ditching the British weather and settling down in sunnier climes? Why not take a trip to the stunning Portuguese Algarve? bmibaby flies to Faro from Birmingham and East Midlands. For more information, visit www.bmibaby.com. You never know, you may not come back!