25k Portugal Quinta - How we got here from there and what did it cost?

Hello and welcome to Portugal on a shoestring. We are Brian and Diane and in 2023 we bought a 120 year old abandoned property in central Portugal. Join us as we begin a new life, renovating our house and managing our land on a shoestring budget. Watch as we learn new skills, make mistakes and discover our new home.
We welcome any and all questions and suggestions. One thing that we found difficult in our preparations for moving to Portugal was finding our about costs and processes, so we would like to be as open as possible and will try to answer your questions as honestly and openly as possible.
Today we answer some questions about how we decided on Portugal, how we found our property, what we live on and how much things cost.
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[@BrendanClark03]

You two are so sweet...this is one of the best youtube videos ive watched about people moving to Portugal

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments ❤️

[@robinhopkins4131]

The first videos were not terrible at all--they're what got me hooked on your channel. You two are just so natural and conversational and FUNNY. Please never change, I'm thoroughly enjoying your journey!

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, we aren't good enough to put an act on so natural is all you're going to get 😂

[@BrendanClark03]

Fantastic info on yourselves and makes viewers want to get to know you more

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, that's nice to know 🙂

[@patriciabrown8301]

It lovely to watch two people that are down to earth and say how it is hope you do allot more vids looking forward to se the work your doing on your home

[@Portugalonashoestring]

That is so lovely of you to say, thank you and welcome to our journey 😊

[@severnsaint]

Your story is beautiful. I am sure that many couples can relate to it. All the best of luck on your exciting adventure!

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@padraigbeag]

Good luck on your journey folks, thank you for your update.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you very much, knowing people are enjoying our videos makes it all worthwhile 🙂

[@isabelinhagomes9076]

I'm very happy you've chosen Portugal. I hope you will feel very well here and enjoy yourselves. I wish you tons of good health and happiness.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Obrigado , we have been very warmly welcomed ❤️

[@sarahdeshay1394]

I can’t remember how many windows I climbed through last fall in central Portugal, or houses that we just went and looked at the outside of, we chose not to have an agent spend countless hours showing us houses that we almost certainly were not going to buy. Once we narrowed it down to a few then we had the agent show us the houses that we were seriously considering. We never could seriously consider any house with out seeing a spectrum of houses in various conditions. We knew that we wanted something move in ready or close to it but wanted some projects to occupy our time. After a few weeks of investigation we found two houses (separate urban articles) that were attached to each other, one move in ready the second in need of restoration, each about 110sq meters. We closed on the home in March and spent two months there buying a car and fixing a few items that needed attention (nothing serious) and have returned to the US for a visit and to let some time pass so we will be eligible for a 90day stay starting the first of August! We will almost certainly apply for visas this coming winter while we settle our affairs here in the US and then will become full time residents. This is an exciting time in our lives and it was time for what we call our next adventure, something we seem to undertake every 10-15 years although this may be our last since we are both in our 60’s and these changes take a lot of effort. Hope all is going as planned for you both. Thanks for the heartfelt video.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

That is a fantastic story, congratulations and I hope everything goes well and you manage to get over here permanently....or for the next 10-15 years anyway 😁. We would to know how you get on so please check in whenever you would like to share. Good luck 🤞🙂

[@CupcakeBaker1982]

I agree people don’t let us know much in these videos. My husband and I are moving to Portugal in a few years and have been frustrated by this too. Thank you so much for being so open! New subs here!!

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much, we did another video a few weeks later talking about specific costs too if you haven't already found it. We are glad it is helpful and good luck with your plans. If there is anything we can help with just ask 😊

[@patassion]

Listening here in west coast Canada. Love hearing your frugal story.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Awesome! Thank you! 👍

[@TheFabriciaDiniz]

You are just delightful to hear, I could go for 40 more minutes on this video alone!

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much, that is lovely of you to say 😊❤️

[@carolwalsh1839]

Love settling down to watch our weekly catch up....thanks for keeping us all up to date back home. Loved this video, its much better that everyone knows you and how you've ended up there living the dream haha! keep it up ! xxxxx

[@Portugalonashoestring]

One is pleased to be of service 😉👍🏻

[@carolandjohnwalsh]

@@Portugalonashoestring :)

[@heidispawsandfins]

What a lovely couple you are!! Just found your channel and we'll be following you. At some point we'd love to do what you've done but we're both very early 50s ATM and have older family members still reliant on us. But our time will come!! Look forward to seeing more of your content. Enjoy your wonderful piece of Portugal xx

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you for your lovely words. Keep dreaming and with determination your dreams will come true. If you ever need help or information please don't hesitate to contact us ❤️

[@heidispawsandfins]

Awww thank you, that's so kind of you ❤

[@rmur4820]

I'm glad to have found you two. You seem to be great people and great neighbors. My husband and I are looking at relocating from the US to Portugal soon on a D7 visa. Your video's are a great source of information and I really need info. I am retired and still very handy at most building tasks as I've built or remodeled homes for years. I am 63 and can still gut a room and remodel it. BTW, your tile work looks awesome, it's not your first time. LOL I subscribed and look forward to watching your upcoming video's.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you for your lovely words. You are in a better state than I am! I am only 60 and can only manage a couple of hours work each day before I have to have a beer and a breather😉 . Good luck with your plans, I hope it all works out for you and if there is anything I can help with don't hesitate to contact us 🙂

[@eileenkillen1481]

❤Blessings from Ireland 🇮🇪🙏❤️

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much 😊

[@SusanWaller-y8v]

Thank you for being honest and most helpful regarding the finances, I will be watching your future video’s regarding moving to Portugal

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Glad it was helpful!🙂👍

[@preppyandanimals4833]

Wow beautiful home and gardens !!, and so refreshing to see realistic almost reachable , fir us near mortals !!! ❤

[@Portugalonashoestring]

So nice of you🙂

[@paulamay362]

Just found your channel. Very enjoyable. Interested in seeing your progress and changes to your new home. I’m in Oklahoma, U.S. During this tornado season, Oklahoma has had over 100 confirmed tornados. Sincerely hope you do not have to deal with severe storms in your area.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thanks, it is about 32°centigrade (About 90 Fahrenheit for u.s. viewers) and bright blue skies at the moment, I hope Toto is safe and you take care. 🌞

[@FoldintheFlour]

Just found you with this video - thank you so much for sharing your story. We are approaching retirement in a few years and dreaming of something similar, so it’s inspiring to hear your experiences. Wishing you well, and will be watching along!

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much 😊 I hope you have the opportunity to make your dreams come true. If there is anything we can help with in the way of information or advice please don't hesitate to contact us ❤️

[@FoldintheFlour]

That’s really kind of you - thank you ❤

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

You are wonderful , just found you and subscribe. Love your laughter Diane, you are both so sweet. I send you best wishes from Australia, hope you do well❤❤❤

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much! That is really lovely of you to say ❤️

[@sarinhaavila]

Enjoyed your infectious happiness- congratulations!🎉🎉🎉 will subscribe for more!

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you for your lovely words 🙏

[@sd5899]

Just come across you …the shoestring bit got my attention….brilliant please keep the info coming …❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you very much 😊

[@sheilajoseph9953]

I stumbled on your channel and absolutely love you. Original down to earth and heart warming couple. Im looking forward to following your journey. Thankyou for sharing. 💚

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much! That is lovely of you to say 😊

[@infour44]

From the other side of The Mersey, I hear you both! What an adventure and good luck.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Awesome! Thank you! 😊

[@rachelbassett4942]

Lovely honest story ❤ you are going to have a wonderful new life in Portugal x

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, that is lovely of you to say 😊

[@jackiesmith8622]

Just come across your video will catch up with the previous videos also. Great information. I loved how you said you just need our stuff as we all do.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Awesome! Thank you! We just want to be as real as we can (mainly because we couldn't keep a pretence up to save our lives🤣🤣)

[@DavidTownsend-fn9zr]

Only just started watching your Bloggs, love your attitude hope life carries on treating you well. Portugal is a fantastic place to live the only people who don't seem to understand this are the Portuguese , s bit sad really.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, we are very lucky to have a steady income from renting our houses in the UK. I would struggle to live on what the Portuguese get paid! And they are hard workers too! 😔

[@lyndaward5179]

It’s interesting to see that some people have been able to gain from the council selling off the housing stock. But the out come of this over the years and still continues to day is that this is one of the reasons other people are homeless as there are only private renters available at a large cost which people on an ordinary wage. Even a couple cannot afford. Sorry to be so negative this is the case. Good luck with your new life. You have obviously worked for it but you have also had some good luck. Keep free. Keep safe from Lynda

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, we acknowledge that we have had more than our fair share of luck in the past, and when we bought our properties we made a commitment to ourselves that we would keep our rents affordable and only rent to families wherever possible. We are happy that we made that decision and as well as paying something back to society, keeping the rents affordable has meant that our tenants have stayed with us for years at a time and looked after our properties. 🙂

[@melaniegarnett2169]

hi how very brave & wonderful move 2 make my partner has rheumatoid arthritis too & we are looking in spain & portugal too for our main home to relocate..he suffers daily pain with the damp weather and his 12 hour graft ...its lovely to see good honest vlogs like this ..thankyou 4 sharing your story i cried in happiness in parts ..thats a sign of a truly beautiful love story :)

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you are able to make your dream come true soon. It is the best decision we have made in a long time. Don't get us wrong, there are problems and difficulties but they are totally outweighed by the wonderful experience as a whole. Don't hesitate too long! And if there's anything we can do to help with in the way of information or advice please don't hesitate to contact us ❤️🙏🙂

[@brianwall7115]

My1st time and enjoyed your talk on Portuguese looking forward to the next one.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

So glad you enjoyed it thank you 😊

[@ruxod9002]

Love the life ,,,

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 😊

[@FreeFinca]

At last, normal people telling it how it is! Right, off to binge from the start of your videos...

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much 😊

[@FreeFinca]

@Portugalonashoestring I'll be honest. I got as far as you discovering time-lapse and awful music and that was it for me. No offense intended, because you seem like lovely people. Good luck with everything 🤝🏻

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thanks for your feedback, no offence taken at all 🙂👍

[@fionaworrell4535]

I love that we can easily access cheaper cuts of meat here and in exact amounts you want,not all prepacked like most supermarket's in uk, and that if you want something minced you can specify which bits of meat you want..you could even mince sirloin if you were mad enough 😅 its all done to order except just a few options in grab packs in chillers

[@Portugalonashoestring]

That's true, all the supermarkets still have butcher's counters with all parts of the carcass available. Fresh meat is not a silly price either 😁

[@flyingriders631]

Lovely couple! I just retired at the end of May 2024. Not sure if my wife and I will retire in Portugal but it's always an option. It's a bit too cold in Canada, especially in winter, so it's nice to move to a warmer country and retire there.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Even at its worst Portugal is going to be warmer than Canada in the winter 🥶😂 thanks for your lovely words, if there is anything else you would like to know don't hesitate to ask 🙂

[@stefanomotta2131]

Great video and info. Thanks for Italy

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Our pleasure! 😁

[@lali7839]

what a lovely couple you are, just subbed and will be watching your progress with enthusiasm

[@Portugalonashoestring]

That is lovely, thank you very much 😊

[@JennySanderson-st7kv]

Just found your channel, went back to old posts, We're in South Africa have similar issues with watering. Try cutting off the base of a 2litre cool drink plastic bottle , bury it top down without the top with the plant, water into the bottle. The water is drained at the roots where it's needed and no loss to evaporation. Also use the loquats for jam rather than eating as they are.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

We have just done something very similar, we will show it on an upcoming video, but Diane cut the bases from some six litre water bottles and half buried them upside down. Very easy to fill and, as you say, gets the water directly to the roots. Thank you 👍😊

[@ginamime3890]

Your story is inspirational. Thank you for sharing.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@dweamy1]

Thank you for being so open, you're right, it's hard to know how much costs when you're not in the country. I've subbed to your channel and look forward to seeing your renovation.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, we got lots and lots of information from KZbin and other internet sources and really want to give back to others where we can 🙂

[@mariabooth697]

Aww you 2 are lovely and friendly given some great info you're doing what we want to do, we're just waiting for hubby to turn 60 then we're off. I'll continue to watch you great vlog xx

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Don't wait, do it now!! 😉 Thanks for saying that, it helps to know that people enjoy the videos 👍❤️

[@SusanWaller-y8v]

Thank you

[@Portugalonashoestring]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@perunut4656]

How do you travel when you arrive by plane? Hire car is probably easiest, but you have to return it at some stage. Trains? Bus? Looking forward to seeing how you get on.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, we hired a car for three weeks which we collected when we arrived at Lisbon airport. In the first two weeks I found and purchased a small van and then drove the hire car back to Lisbon when the time was up and caught a coach back to our closest town.

[@madeleinescola6100]

New subscriber now! Thank you for all that information, really enjoyable.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Welcome aboard! And thanks for your kind words 😌

[@mychills123]

Great informative video really enjoyed it thanks for all the information, very helpful 👍

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Glad you enjoyed it😊

[@brianingram-do2dr]

I love your videos good luck to yous

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much for your kind words 😊

[@SusanWaller-y8v]

Really look forward to your next video

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 😊

[@Carpe-Diem]

Great stories 👍. Very similar to ours, but we sold everything and also used Algarve Removals for all of our 5 cubic meters!! 😂😂😂. But we’ve been here for four years and still not in our house! Looking forward to seeing you r journey.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, Diane keeps reminding me that about twelve of our twenty cubic metres were my tools 😂

[@melaniegarnett2169]

Also we would love you to take us round a portuguese supermarket or food market outdoors please ..many thanks in advance

[@Portugalonashoestring]

That's something we would love to do 😁

[@ritagodinho2004]

First time 😊 love your way and simpaty ❤

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@janehadfield2417]

Absolutely love your blog! Pair of Nutters me thinks? 😅 But good fun and great information. Really nice to see openness on prices of things. We are over here at the moment in Alpedrinha looking at places. And I actually learnt something from watching you today 😊thank you! I’m going to watch the rest and catch up as soon as I get a moment 🙄 Do have a quick question 🙋🏽‍♀️ What did you pay for your electric? And do you have to pay a set amount monthly like I heard on the 🍇 Grapevine 😉 ( had to get that in! ) what area did you settle for also? Much love 🥰 Jane xx

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Hi Jane, thanks for joining us. Our standing charge on the electric is €17.68 for 30 days. Plus whatever electric we use at €0.24/0.14 per kWh (daytime and nighttime rates) this is on a 6.9kva supply, if you have a higher supply then standing charges are about 50% higher I believe. We settled in northern Leiria in the municipality of figueiro dos vinhos but we are in the countryside about six miles outside of the town. We hope you find your little piece of heaven and if there's anything else we can help with don't hesitate to ask 🤞🙂

[@paularthur1451]

You can eat nettles,safe after boiling & dandelions 😊

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Yeah, you can live on it.....😉😁

[@The4wildboys]

We New subs to Bri & Di … great channel guys 👍.. we are looking in your chosen area 😁

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you! Fantastic! If you need any help let us know, good luck 🤞🙂

[@The4wildboys]

@@Portugalonashoestring Thanks guys 👍.. close to 3 years looking & 4 attempts at buying 😂 .. we currently still waiting for paperwork to be completed 😵‍💫..

[@DanSmith-v4l]

Thank you.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

You're welcome! 😀

[@1000djf]

New sub 👍 ! What a lovely genuine couple

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thanks for subbing! And thanks for your lovely words 😊

[@frivoloustofrugal]

what a great channel title!!

[@frivoloustofrugal]

i had the same experience with some agents - like they are doing you a favour

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 👍

[@sambotros1918]

lovely

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 😊

[@tinanieborg787]

what a great story, i want to come to Portugal too. I am a dutch woman, so i won"t need a visa. also i have my pension. but is a bit harder to make this step if you are alone. love to follow your journey

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Go for it! The only thing holding you back is yourself! I am sure you would soon meet like minded friends here. But in the meantime we are honoured to have you following our adventures 😊

[@AnnaAdventuring]

I’m also an older solo female planning to move to Portugal 😎 UK resident but entitled to Irish passport, which I need to apply for 😄

[@AnnaAdventuring]

New subscriber 😎 I love finding new Portugal stories on KZbin I’ve been researching extensively and weather is a factor in deciding which region. You mentioned arthritis, and I was wondering how the winter rain affects you? Watching several channels through the last winter, it seems to have been very wet and often cold! I’m assuming you’ve found it to be okay? I’m also interested to know (approximately 😊) where you are. I think you mentioned Leiria in relation to solicitors? Central seems to cover from east of Coimbra over to Castelo Branco area, which is quite a big area. Looking forward to following you. You two have a lovely energy 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Get that passport sorted as soon as possible. It makes the whole immigration process so much easier, good luck 🤞

[@AnnaAdventuring]

@@Portugalonashoestring I really need to! Unfortunately I’m a ‘never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow’ ADHD type of person 😂😂 I really must get my finger out!! 😂

[@deborahwhite2339]

Hi! I'm coming at you from rural Nova Scotia. We do have our share of problems, but it is a good place to live. Portugal looks wonderful. Living is alot more affordable.🙂👍🇨🇦

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you. We have no experience of costs in Canada but we think it is a mix here in Portugal. Utility bills, local taxes, car insurance etc are really cheap but food, furniture, electronics etc are more expensive 😞

[@gee3883]

Best thing you could do, the UK is an overcrowded, polluted, tinderbox.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 👍

[@fionaworrell4535]

Interesting to hear some of your back story,was worried that you would get hammered with tax here owning property which is rented out in uk

[@Portugalonashoestring]

We have looked into it and we should still be eligible for non habitual residence status in Portugal because we started the process in 2023. But even if we don't qualify for that the rental income barely surpasses the tax threshold for the two of us, so there should be little or no extra tax to pay in Portugal. 🙂

[@James-um8pq]

Hi, stumbled across channel and pleased I did, would love to get a list of that D7 paperwork please or a video,

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Hi James, if you send an email to my email address listed in the description I will try and send as complete a list as I can. We will also do a video of the process in more detail in a few weeks. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@James-um8pq]

@@Portugalonashoestring I will do that thank you, your right many people on YT do these videos but few talk about costs, I will add those that I find useful, I never knew about the embassy in Manchester as we are in Skipton, thought I would have to do it all in Portugal, I have state and other pension so clear the >€800

[@miriammuskal5402]

Show us the inside of the house

[@Portugalonashoestring]

If you check back on our earlier videos we have shown the interior of the first section and this week's video will have a segment showing the other section 😁

[@SusanWaller-y8v]

Can I ask what area you looked at in the end before you found your home?

[@Portugalonashoestring]

We originally had it in mind to buy somewhere in alentejo, possibly near Beja. But totally changed our minds when we travelled up to Leiria and saw the beautiful countryside...blew our socks off!! 😁

[@nomchenikoloski7729]

😊😊❤

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 😊

[@tramtoby]

Just wondering what area you are in.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thanks, we are in northern Leiria in central Portugal and our nearest town is Avelar 🙂

[@marybates2201]

Pastel du nata, i adore them, over here in Leicestershire. Maybe 1 day i will get to taste the cake of the God's I can sympathise with the arthritis pain. I have it in all my joint plus i have (fibromyalgia, ans sorry but i think you may have it but undiagnosed ) but i digress. I am 54 and before my 54th bday i had 3 replacement joints. Itis my dream to come to live in Portugal. The heat for some pain relief too x

[@marybates2201]

Sadly for me will need to win money to realise it. But in case ( got to keep hoping), i do make it did your health history affect the visa Application. Sorry i sm new to you ss justcame across you today x

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you, there was nothing in the application process for the visas which referred to any medical history. Both Diane and I both have joint problems, Diane has arthritis in her hands and also in her back after a motorcycle accident several years ago. I have spinal stenosis and also starting to get arthritis in my hands so we are a right pair! But we take it easy and plod along. I hope you have some good fortune and that your dreams come true. Take care 🙏🙂

[@marybates2201]

@Portugalonashoestring thank you for replying. Well that is good news and 1 thingnless fir me to think zbout , i was worried it would stop me

[@TraceyAllen-d1z]

Hi do you get your visa before you come out or do you have to live there first please.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you for your question, I am assuming you are from the UK like us, in which case you need to apply for the visa first in your country of residence. As far as I know, the only way to come here first and apply from Portugal is if you are married to a Portuguese resident already. Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know 🙂

[@marybates2201]

You need to show us this wonderful cake please x

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Next time we go to Lidl we will get some... purely for KZbin content of course! 😉😁

[@marybates2201]

@@Portugalonashoestring of yes purely for yountube purposes haha

[@speterson6668]

Hi, you said car insurance was 170 euros is that per month or 6 months?

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Hi, thanks for your question, I am sorry to shock you, but that figure is for a full year! And that also covers the vehicle for ANYONE with a full licence to drive it! 😁

[@mariatajes9054]

Wow, I'm in Spain and I pay 420 a yr and that is not full coverage.

[@speterson6668]

Wow!! That is wonderful to hear. I'm in America and that is unheard of prices. We are moving in November and I so look forward to being there

[@kl5631]

@@mariatajes9054 I have a home in inland Andalucia. I pay €154 per year. Admittedly my car is a small basic hatchback 12 years old.

[@miriammuskal5402]

Nice people

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 🙏

[@portugal1969]

D7 visa, did you do it solo or engage a solicitor.

[@Portugalonashoestring]

We did everything ourselves for our D7 visa. It is only two forms and plenty of advice available online. The hardest part is gathering all the paperwork ready for the first interview. We will do a separate video in a few weeks concentrating on the visa process but if we can help before then just ask 👍

[@BrendanClark03]

What's your nearest town ? Are you in Central Portugal

[@Portugalonashoestring]

We are in northern Leiria, central Portugal and our closest town is Avelar🙂

[@sarahdeshay1394]

Just saw that you are near Avelar we are in Arega about 15km south or Avelar. Maybe our paths will cross this summer/fall. I know exactly what you meant when you said when you found this area you felt you were where you belonged. We constantly say to ourselves how lucky we feel to be living in such an amazing place, only a handful of people get to live in this place and we feel privileged to be two of them.

[@kathleencarter308]

Why don’t you think about solar power , x

[@Portugalonashoestring]

We did look at solar power as, initially, it seemed sensible. But it would have cost almost half as much as the house again (Three quotes, the lowest was €11,000) and take 13-18 years to recover the cost, by which time batteries and panels would also need replacing making the break-even time even longer. This is Portugal on a shoestring! While cost isn't everything, it is an important factor 🙂

[@SusanWaller-y8v]

Can I ask about healthcare etc?

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Good question, we needed to get health insurance as part of our visa applications(90 euro each per year through ACP)but we haven't had the chance to utilise it yet. Once we become full residents of Portugal (we have another visa stage to get through first)we will be able to register with the free national health service which is reportedly very good. 🙂

[@SusanWaller-y8v]

@@Portugalonashoestring thank you for the information, most helpful

[@fionaworrell4535]

Do you try the different fish and shellfish? It's like a whole new world! And do you have little vans that call round, here we have a Baker 6 mornings a week,a fish van twice a week and a minimarket twice a week..very handy ( though a little pricey)

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Personally I am not a great fish lover, but I will keep trying them to find ones I like. We don't have any vans coming near us, but there is a small bakery about half a mile away 🙂

[@portugal1969]

D7 visa , diy or solicitors

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Thank you 👍

[@miriammuskal5402]

Are you going to renovate yourselves

[@Portugalonashoestring]

We are going to try to do as much as we possibly can ourselves. We have renovated a couple of houses in the UK before so have the basic skills, we may still need to bring professionals in where necessary but we would like to keep that to a minimum, partly because of cost but also because of the satisfaction of knowing that you did the work yourself and created something (hopefully) wonderful 😊

[@gee3883]

Can you please give me the name you mention @16:50 can't understand your dodgy pronunciation ha ha. cheers

[@Portugalonashoestring]

Sorry for that, I have difficulty with English so Portuguese is a nightmare 🤣🤣 the city was Elvas 👍

[@gee3883]

@@Portugalonashoestring I'll let you off, ha ha cheers.