Three World Financial Crises

Property sales in Mozambique are somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of the amount of properties being purchased and those who can afford them. Looking forward, we estimate Bank Lending Rate in Portugal to stand at 2.31 in 12 months time. Buildings insurance is mandatory when buying a property with a mortgage in Portugal. Mortgages for property in Portugal are normally available for up to 75 percent of the value of the bank valuation (loan to value LTV).

We speak Portuguese and are very aligned with the local banks and other stakeholders and know the mortgage process inside and out. If a mortgage is denominated in a currency other than your home currency, there is a risk that changes in the exchange rate may increase the equivalent value of the debt in terms of your home currency.

Alternatively, fixed rates are available at 4.1% for up to 5 years based on loan to value ratios of up to 70%. Whether you are looking to own a home or a Western Algarve property For Sale business in the sun, the mortgage requirements in Portugal are similar to the process in France or Spain - and the property prices can be competitive.

Despite much economic uncertainty in recent years, not to mention an unstable housing market, all the major Portuguese lenders continue to provide mortgages to suitable individuals, including overseas nationals, purchasing property in Portugal. The amount of housing loans that were granted this year is the highest since the beginning of the financial crisis.

We can provide fantastic deals on Mortgages for Portugal no matter what your age. There is also a likelihood that going direct to a Portuguese mortgage lender for your overseas property will mean having to take the bank's own or recommended home and life insurance, which could heap on additional costs.

Firstly the Euribor (Euro Interbank Offered Rate) is historically lower than the LIBOR (London interbank offered rate) which means the cost of borrowing for a mortgage in Portugal is normally less than the cost applicable to an equivalent UK mortgage.

Mortgage lenders in Portugal have generally been averse to following the negative Euribor rate, with interest rates for prime borrowers hovering between 3.25 percent and 5.25 percent, depending on the specifics of the loan, although lower mortgage rates may be offered in certain situations.

Mortgages in Portugal are generally up to 70% for non resident so clients should budget to have circa 30% of the purchase price at their disposal plus the cost of taxes and fees. But most banks will lend only to a resident foreigner who can show income in Panama.

A typical fixed rate for a 5-year term could be 2.5%, depending on the bank. In Portugal Banco Santander Totta operates as a universal bank, offering retail, private, corporate and investment banking products and services. Remortgaging is possible in Portugal but the rates are higher and there is more scrutiny in the process.