Our Journey to Finding our Home Away From Home in Tavira
Our journey to acquiring our home in Tavira began with a practical idea—purchasing a property for tax benefits. But as soon as we set our sights on Tavira, it became clear that this would be more than just a financial decision; it would be our "home away from home" in Europe. With family in Spain and a climate that we could enjoy year-round, the decision quickly became obvious. What we discovered next were even more delightful surprises that appealed to all our senses.
Safety is a priority for us, and we were pleasantly surprised by how secure Tavira feels. Walking through its narrow streets, even in the dark, we felt a sense of safety and peace that is rare to find.
Culinary delights are just steps away from our home, as we are within walking distance of the local market, where we discovered organic fresh produce, fragrant herbs, fresh meats, and wild seafood caught that very morning. The vibrant flavors and freshness of these ingredients have added a wonderful dimension to our time here, allowing us to truly savor the taste of Tavira.
The warmth of the local people has been another unexpected joy. Tavira’s residents are welcoming and kind, and we found it easy to communicate in English while also making efforts to learn Portuguese. Our attempts to speak their language are met with appreciation, making our interactions even more meaningful.
When it began...
Our first and second visits to Tavira were in January, both in 2023 and 2024. The weather was ideal—sunny skies and sweater weather during the day, with evenings cool enough for a jacket as temperatures dipped to around 7 degrees Celsius. Every day, we soaked in the bright sun and clear blue skies, feeling liberated and at peace.
We closed on our home in January 2024, after two previous attempts to purchase other properties. While the journey had its challenges, particularly with understanding the differences in real estate standards and processes in Portugal, we became more comfortable as we navigated the complexities. For instance, we quickly realized that working directly with the listing agent was more beneficial, as real estate practices in Portugal differ significantly from what we were used to.
In our first two attempts, we were drawn to the idea of living on the second level (referred to as the first floor) and opening a café or ice cream shop on the ground level. Negotiating was an interesting experience. Through our buyer’s agent, we learned that the market heavily favors sellers. The listing agent would often inform our agent of other offers, including specific details like amounts, closing dates, and whether they were cash or financed. This made us question the purpose of having a buyer’s agent, apart from providing essential contacts such as lawyers, inspectors, and banks.
Ultimately, we successfully purchased our current home in January of this year, working directly with the listing agent. We are more than satisfied with our decision and are happy to share our contacts to help make your experience as peaceful and rewarding as ours. Ah! As for the ground level cafe -- life is full of surprises! We shall see! Contact me for any questions you may have.
Tavira has not only given us a home but has also filled our lives with unexpected joy and tranquility. We hope you find the same happiness here that we have discovered.
Carinhosamente,
Liliana
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