How Much Did We Pay for Our Portugal Renovation Project? - #19

We get a lot of questions and one of the most popular ones is "how much?". How much did we pay for our abandoned Portuguese farm house and (almost) 1 acre of land?
In this video we answer that question and give you some insights into the additional costs that go along with buying property in Portugal and how much we've spent so far on all the renovation works in the house and on the land.
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[@nicarazzi]

“Physical labour tells you that you’re alive and at almost 50 it’s good to feel alive” - bravo!

[@StephenSmith-ge1qf]

We moved out of the UK 8 years ago. Looked in Greece, Spain, France and southern Italy with no success. Then one day going for a walk in the north of Italy, an area which we knew well as my partner is originally from the area, we passed a gate with a "for sale" sign. We'd already ruled this area out as unaffordable, as it's only 5 minutes from the Swiss border and is a major tourist zone (lake Maggiore). But, out of curiosity we called the agent anyway. Turned out that nobody wanted the place because the owner had planted a huge forest of conifers right in front of the house, turning it into a dark, damp and gloomy place. So we made a silly, cheap offer and bought it. Cost €1000 to get the legal permits to remove the conifers and another €20k to get the house up to scratch. Plus a lot of hard work. But now, 8 years on we have a nice 4 bed house with 7500 square metres of mixed garden and woodland with amazing south-west views of the lake and mountains and we are finally self-sufficient in heating and vegetable production. Not off-grid but total energy costs are under €400 a year.

[@Ogma3bandcamp]

Respect

[@freddiemoses467]

Very nice...would love to see you do a tour of the place! I'm currently looking in Bulgaria and am going to be expanding my search to other countries.

[@anadorsamp3560]

Tuvisteis visión! Ese es el secreto ❤️

[@joshlehan8057]

How much did you pay for the house in the end 👏

[@lirazdemasure936]

Amazing! Happy for you!

[@DerDummePunkt]

The title: A question. The simple answer: In the first second. This is how it's supposed to be, I absolutely love it :D

[@flowersflowers473]

100% agreed! No faffing!

[@joe4me]

Yes! I appreciated that very much so I've watched the whole thing.

[@Lordosvk]

And still watch the whole video. I agree great

[@ygreq]

Not quite. The answer in the first question was about the aquisition cost, not the renovation. ;)

[@izoyt]

he actually didn't answer. they paid 70k for deserted house (+land), about 5k for paper work (which will probably add up at least once more with new installations/permits). now if you want some quality living, they estimated about 100k for renovations (which is about i would say), but that really depends what they want at the end, since there are also some utility buildings presents etc. it can go even much higher than that..

[@offgridwithakid1503]

We bought a renovation project in Puglia, Italy. Our place is very comparable to the house in this video. It needed a new roof and full internal renovation. We paid €30,000 for the house, €35000 on renovation and architects. And another €10,000 to finish it off with bathroom, and kitchen. We're off grid for water and solar electric. We have 5000 sq meters of land. All round very similar. Interesting to see the comparison with Portugal. We considered Portugal when we left the UK. Great video.

[@paulanogueira6640]

It makes me so proud that you chose our county to live and that you find better quality of life here,hope my people are nice to you 🌺

[@suzipam1234]

I hope I live up to this as I want to be a good Portuguese citizen

[@offgridwanabe]

It will last a long time I am 70 now and still have to get out in the garden and dig or labour every day it is what keeps us alive.

[@terrimccullough724]

I love Kylie’s chuckling.

[@spartahill]

Thanks for the up-front answer regarding the purchase cost instead of burying it obscurely in the content. This brand of honesty encourages viewers to stick around for the journey you've embarked upon. V/r Liked and subscribed.

[@vascolemos]

Hi, new sub here. Welcome to Portugal guys, hope you like the sun! As portuguese, I don't think 70k is overpriced, considering the scale of the land you have. Registering the land is good and you really done well, but registering the outbuilding, in my opinion, no one does that. Ask to your neighbors if anyone registers their outbuilding, I bet no one did that. It will result in more IMI (tax per year for the house and land). Don't get me wrong, you are doing the right thing, the correct thing. I wish you guys all the best. if I lived close by, it would be a great pleasure to help you with your work and socialize with you. Cheers.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Yep, we considered not registering the outbuildings but we want to redevelop them (and show the work on KZbin) so thought it was a good idea. The tax is only an extra €13 per year so not a big deal. Loving the Portuguese sun, people and way of life 😍

[@Jana-wz7dr]

Almost 50? Absolutely no way!!!!! You are amazing and correct. Physical work is very satisfying. Looking forward to watching all your videos and learning more about you.

[@carlosdelagarza8983]

Oh, how I appreciate everything you show us! I doubt I will ever realize my dream of a similar adventure, so I live vicariously through your hard work. Well done, and many thanks! 😃

[@curiouscat3384]

Don't doubt - follow Abraham Hicks - Law of Attraction - Go Carlos !

[@TomBTerrific]

I believe there are many that are doing as you Carlos. Me being one. Of course most of us have had our adventures in the past perhaps not in Portugal or building a future farm to live on but adventure just the same. I’m 72 now and know what my limits and skill sets are in this phase of my life. I’m just grateful we have the WWW so we can share other’s experiences.

[@JKun-bm8km]

I will watch any hour long video you post 😂 it’s the best of entertainment!!

[@sereniebellini]

I agree!

[@Neilhuny]

I also agree! But I see their point - maybe it is best to split it up. I suspect that there is a happy point where length of video vs no. of videos vs advertising vs income etc all meets to everyone's satisfaction.

[@bearders22]

I follow about 20 similar channels but this is by far my favourite - informative, funny, well edited. As Depeche mode sang in the 80s “I just can’t get enough’!

[@joanneflanigan1276]

I am THRILLED you are going to tell us what happened to your other channel. I was feeling like that kid that came home from school to find his parents had moved away, not telling him where.. or why! I know you do not know US, but we know you and have an interest in your health and well-being. Nothing but good wishes for you both ;-)

[@thebigchip]

Whatever the reason for the challenge change in name, I am just very glad you were able to continue providing content.

[@user-mc6zp9rh1y]

Добрый день,я из Украины,Киев.Мы тоже построили дом и посадили тысячи цветов,сейчас у нас война,много стресса,будущее неопределенно….Но я смотрю вашу прекрасную работу,радуюсь вашим достижениям,восхищаюсь вашим трудолюбием!Вы необыкновенные труженики!Я тоже не люблю сидеть без работы,люблю вязать тёплые вещи зимой.Желаю вам успехов и пусть исполняются все ваши планы!

[@peasparsleyandprayers2817]

You guys are doing such an amazing job. I love when your videos come out. And I wanted to say I am Subscribed to close to 80 channels I think and have been for years on some of them, YOU ARE THE FIRST to ever answer me back on a question I had. So thank you for that. I know how busy you two are and for you to take even a couple minutes of your precious time to answer me was amazing.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Wow, that’s crazy!! I wish I could answer more of the emails/messages/comments that we get ... but 24 hours really isn’t enough in the day 😂

[@TracyCul]

Your veg garden looks amazing!

[@simonwalker8300]

I'm with Kylie, just keep moving, i think/analyse best while i'm moving around doing something useful. I've got ten years on you, and i still swear by it, 'sit down, die' is a mantra, if you look around, you will see just how true that is. I'm having fun watching, even after a hard days work, watching is just getting me tuned up for the same thing next in life. Thank you.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

I think the Portuguese version of that saying (at least here in the rural parts) is ‘stop working, you die’ 😂😂

[@dawnford5919]

I do appreciate the smaller video format for questions. I don't like watching long sessions to try to get to what I'm interested in, so I don't do it. That way of answering questions and sharing information is much better. Thank you.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@karenb3690]

No questions. I am just amazed by how much you have done. Good job! Loved watching your year end wrap up.

[@RuebensTravels]

Thank you so much for putting the costs out there. It helps people like me who are considering to make the move. Thank you again.

[@mindofalbion]

underrated channel. Thx for getting straight to the point.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Thanks, and you’re welcome. We hate that clickbait sh*t where you have to wait until the end, or even worse, they don’t even answer the question 😂

[@Strange-Viking]

@@MAKEDOGROW 🤣

[@jenaemarieAZ]

I appreciate you taking us along for the journey (adventure)!! I admire you both!

[@myitaliantherapyginafiore4414]

fantastic growing. Love the chicken coop. Love seeing Joseph that you bought the chickens from him. Love the community. Keep going. Hope to see yall this winter when I come to buy my farm...

[@annie1626]

You Kylies (= Kylie + Guy) are inspirational. You're further down the road than me, but you have clearly worked your butts off even before you appeared on YT to make this happen. I'm not sure what people get by telling you what you paid for is overpriced or what they base that on, but I see what you see - a really gorgeous piece of land with a very stylish period house on it. I think you absolutely made the right choice about the plot size and with the features of the land, as long as the location works for you, you have hit the jackpot. I'm not a builder or architect, but it just has a really nice coherence to it. It's got a je ne sais pas to it, nothing shouty, but it is definitely a gem. I have no doubt that when you finish renovating it, it will be a really, really classy place inside and out, and what's more, will honour the local building tradition. It's got a definite feeling of place, which you no doubt sensed as well when you chose it. Personally, I am fixated on those concrete pillars that run from the house to the centre of the land. They make me want to get on a plane and come and plant some climbing flowers - jasmine, trumpet flower, wisteria - at the base of each one, and create a cooling dappled walkway. Can't help myself! It's so nice also that you are integrating into the local community, and that your neighbours have shared some of the history of the place. You are doing the community proud!

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Everyone comes from their own context, and I guess for some people who don’t love property and perhaps can’t see the potential it’s too much money. But we fell in love with the features, the setting, the history and what it will be when we’re finished. You have to be able to look past the current ... which can be difficult when faced with damp, collapsed building, 70s decor etc. What you’re envisaging for the pathway is pretty much how we’d like it to end up .... with fairy lights illuminating all the vines and flowers 😀. Lots of work to get there however: rebuilding the garden wall on the veg garden side, levelling the path, fencing/trellising, and all the planting/propogating of plants 😃

[@annie1626]

@@MAKEDOGROW By the way, the ones I suggested are low-maintenance, and wisteria at least is a great shade plant, so should be easy to start off with and then replace further down the line.

[@vickisainty3428]

Love that you are doing more vids. Enjoy watching from Australia.

[@bryansarty3821]

Another informative, quality, inspiring installment. Thanks Kylie and Guy!

[@alvinbryant8893]

I personally love watching all the videos keep up the strength and effort to get to the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again

[@srantoniomatos]

You are a great duo. Great workers. Realistic.Great videos, open, aswer all question. One of the best "central portugal new rurals project" channels.

[@carolbulmer8253]

Thank you for sharing this information. I look forward to the Q&A episodes.

[@erinb6365]

Great video and really looking forward to the Q&A series. Appreciate your transparency!

[@GrankySpanky]

Well done! I am very inspired by learning about your adventure. Thank you for sharing you wonderful project with us.

[@luminyam6145]

Marvellous video. I am just glad that you did not decide to stop doing youtube videos. I was wholly invested in that drainage work and worried that it wouldn't work and then very relieved when it did work! I think you are an amazing couple.

[@MsBrowntoad]

Love your re-worked channel and the direction you are going!

[@celiasnyman2885]

I'm in awe of what you've done to the place. we've watched you work yourselves into a standstill!!!

[@jeanbroman4814]

Enjoy watching you creating a new life in Portugal. Lot of hard work and vision to reach all your goals. What a wonderful way to live. Wish I could live a life like you. Wishing you the best in all your new home.

[@john-xx8nc]

Very good vid and update , your rite digging keeps you fit it's knowing when to stop all the best john

[@filipar949]

Yes 👍🏼 I totally agree, feeling alive doing it 🤓 is also, probably part of the reason you moved, not being lived. Take your time and enjoy 😊

[@chrislarsen2684]

Wow - what a beautiful garden!!

[@jeniceowen5184]

Thank you for explaining so much. Really enjoy your videos.

[@kenigor]

Fantastic. Thank you for the detailed information.

[@torisharpley2370]

Wow you guys are adventurous driven and brave, good luck. Will be watching the progress.

[@iandrago3361]

So happy to have found your new channel! I have always enjoyed your videos.

[@LorraineinAustralia]

Cheers to you both.. glad you are having great weather. Coldest start to winter in eons here in Oz. Loving your work. Love and bubbles, Lorraine.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

34C today and due to be 36C tomorrow .... summer has definitely arrived 😀

[@gaynor3976]

I love seeing you've posted and what progress you've made in a week. It's all coming together under your own pace. How did you both meet?

[@gracegomes2632]

Super excited about the answer short videos! You are both very motivational hard working and extremely educational! Can't wait til i can make do and grow! can't understand the lack of builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians etc. in Portugal? With so many people renovating and people in need of jobs, you would think they would outbidding themselves!

[@dinac7361]

I absolutely love uour content ,you both work so hard and you ard doing an awesome job

[@pauline-bc-com-missp]

Thank You! Thank You! For this series, Awesome information

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

Good to see you again!!! 😊

[@dianeleirer9878]

Your channel is the best thing on KZbin. 💚

[@carolined3058]

Oh I like the idea of hempbrique building , looking forward to that project.

[@Bobrogers99]

From watching a bunch of videos from Portuguese sales agents, I gather that one important issue is that property there is either "urban" or "rural", and that the buildings on rural land are often not licensed for human habitation. Getting permission to build a home on rural land can take time and money, but at least your house is legal. That accounts for some of the difference between what you paid and the seemingly cheaper properties that are being offered for sale on the Internet.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Yes, so much of what is on the market doesn’t have the right paperwork. A little like our outbuildings. And of course that can be fixed, but takes time, money and a LOT of patience 😂

[@terminator4974]

Where u guys look for these opportunities?

[@1965gracebug]

I agree about physical labor keeps me alive! I’m 57 & 1/2 and my husband and I just bought a 5 acre farm with 4 pastures and a barn. We have 22 chickens, we just processed 12 meat chickens today for the first time in our lives, we are getting a couple cows and like you both, the land was grown over and house needs some renovations, so cleaning the land and fixing things keeps us strong and healthy! Bless you both and prayers for your adventure!

[@elizabethtoet1113]

You are doing just great, be proud. Keeping track of expenditure is very important. It also lets you know that you are in control of your project. BTW your lettuces look fabulous, those chickens will be enjoying the spoils.

[@lorimontcalm9086]

That was short and direct!! Look forward to more vlogs. Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@cleaningtime8156]

You Guys doing an amazing job on that beautiful Land.

[@peacepoppy3809]

Thank you for putting so much considered thought into what your listener might want to know

[@rudymazar8666]

Great work you two. Even if you spend 100 k ...but I think your labour is worth another 100k

[@mk-xq1tt]

The glimpse of the veggie garden looked very good indeed!

[@louisecooper4803]

We are inquisitive aren’t we! Thanks for answering some viewer’s questions.

[@eddiegribben1397]

beautiful project already transforming into a beautiful garden love kyle attitude to work ,what a woman

[@aussie_granny]

So glad I found you again on KZbin.

[@leonasimmons162]

Thank you for sharing.❤

[@accountmward]

Great to find you back after ending Eco and Beyond! I have now a number of videos to catch up on

[@pamelareeves3574]

Great job! It is going to be a beauty when you are finished.

[@halfabee]

I was once interested in purchasing a property in Spain. Obtained the papers for it including land area. Went on to google maps and measured the perimeter which in turn gave me the area. The measured area was half that of the sales area!! Finally spoke to the Agency who actually were selling the property (In Spain it appears every estate agent advertises a property) Only to be informed that the property had been stripped bear by thieves. But the cost of the property had not been reduced to cater for the theft. I walked away.

[@Strange-Viking]

Good choice. Its human mentality isnt it, things like that get sold if all ok, but with something like that happening you wouldnt buy for that price, mutually the seller wont sell because of "well I can just wait for someone else to come along". This kind of mentality of (the seller) greed, not wanting to invest in it and yet wanting to make the most out of it assures that complete villages get wiped out in Spain, Italy and Portugal. And that some buildings sit empty for ages until it has to get demolished. Its not just the excuse of younger people moving to cities. I noticed this allot more in southern European and in Latin American cultures, but its absolutely evident all over the world, though many places have policies and rules in place to avoid it on bigger scales.

[@kataskatowski5740]

As expensive as it might look, but hiring a lawyer who can check all the papers and property before buying is very important in Spain. Alot of properties have very suspicious paperworks, alot of new laws and documents standarts were issues in last 30 years and most of houses have just handwritten paper which describes like "a house with X amount of space and land X size". Renewing papers cost arround 5000 euros and takes 6-18 months. Also, if there is a park it's another story, since all the paperwork has to be confirmed by local townhall AND park. You can check property and papers yourself, but before signing anything find a lawyer. And no, "notario" won't help much, they main job is to transfer the paper works not the property. P.s.: lawyer can suggest you some ways how to safe some money on taxes and so on.

[@maerten9517]

Interesting. When we bought our abandoned place in Spain, I was initially no interested in it because it had no land. I asked who owned the land across the street and only then was I told that it was the same owners that were selling the house and that they split up the sale I presume, to make more money. Seemed like a little bit of a racket, but we ended up getting both after some wrangling.

[@Arthur-Silva]

So good! What a beautiful property!

[@gintautaskorinth5862]

Good job you did and very useful informations. Thank you for that.

[@ourjourneyonpicoisland-car552]

That’s what we paid in the Azores now we are in the middle of renovating and it’s taking forever because of the lack of workers but it’s getting there! Love the garden!!

[@manuelacavaco4147]

Fantastic project!Congratulations!

[@skyplanet9858]

Thank you for not making me wait to watch the whole video to learn how much it did cost. For that I watched your whole video out of respect.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Hope the other info was also useful 😀

[@skyplanet9858]

@@MAKEDOGROW it was, thank you! Though 45K in renovation cost came a bit of a sticker shock. But I think that you are doing an awesome job.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

@@skyplanet9858 there was quite a bit of equipment in that initial spend: €6.5k for our solar setup, another €6.5k for a walk behind tractor (BCS) and probably another €10k on tools, and approx €5k for our deck/ tent setup. So actual spend on renovation and land work is the smallest part

[@SwimCoach8]

I don't think people realize the savings from sweat equity. Your labors and investments in tools and materials all add up to savings. Paying professionals is expensive and usually happens on their time line not yours. You guys are doing great and should be very proud of how far you've come!! Btw the gardens look fantastic.

[@chrismalcomson7640]

I agree with you. Besides, the harder you work on your place, the more you like it... You've always got youtube video's if you're not a builder...

[@terryuller2479]

Straight in with the price, subbed 👌

[@dulceiacevedo]

Love you work, Iam in Independance Kansas and I enjoy watching every thing you do.

[@terrya448]

I watch a lot of European Reno’s. I think you did well in what you picked. Prices in Canada 🇨🇦 are outrageous.

[@katiepandey5023]

Dude you need to do a podcast. Great voice!

[@Drhiggythered]

Hi K&G. Love the videos and love the idea of short Q & A vids. Some other YT channels can have 90 minutes versions and I know I tend to avoid them. Once again thanks for all the content.

[@kathybaugh3823]

If you hadn't mentioned age Kylie I would have guessed 10-15 years younger. A great example of how physical work keeps you young. I admire you both and thoroughly enjoy your videos. 👍🐓

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Oh, how I wish 😂

[@catherinekevin6252]

Same, I was so surprised to hear that!!

[@Edward33direct]

Great video! Thanks.

[@markduncan6690]

Your courtyard is tidying up quite nicely!

[@rockcrazygal5166]

I just subbed ur channel. Love what your doing!😊🇨🇦

[@hwinny2]

I can’t wait for the reveal😊

[@celiapereira5223]

Great video 👍 thanks for sharing 🤗

[@collinbompart2790]

Can't wait!

[@nowornever8473]

I have to say the lawyer you used and you gave me her name which must be possibly a year ago has been great 👍 in that year we have purchased 2 properties using the same lawyer. We originally looked near Serta but found our property near Pampilhosa da Serra and couldn’t be happier even tho lot of work to be done ( not quite to the extent of yours tho) Better than U.K life ❤️

[@MAKEDOGROW]

That’s amazing to hear ... glad you’ve found your own slice of paradise 😃

[@oleggold]

Who's the lawyer?

[@MAKEDOGROW]

@@oleggold drop me an email and I’ll send her details [e-mail]

[@vikotto]

Definitely a labor of love.

[@donk9171]

Yes, wondering what happened to you-know-what-and-beyond. However, I am not going to stop watching. Would love to tackle something like that too to feel alive.

[@jangjiao1]

I am so incredibly glad that one of the new videos was pushed into my feed, have been binge watching all of them. And i'm looking forward to future content your progress.

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

Everywhere looks lovely and tidy.

[@whyohwhy3407]

What a wonderful way to be living- amongst nature and not in a ‘ concrete jungle’! I stumbled upon this, and love the way you explain. Have you mastered Portuguese yet? How long did it take? Good luck in everything you do.

[@corinnetonelli489]

Thank you

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

My SWAG is that when you are done restoring all of the buildings, you will have put in more than TWICE your purchase price (€150k). Not trying to discourage you, I think your progress so fare has been fantastic ! Slow and steady wins the race !!

[@aaronolsen2737]

Have you all ever thought of doing WorkAway to get some help with your project? I'd love to come camp for a few months and help out with the labor!

[@Audrii382]

So beautiful place ❤️❤️❤️

[@shannonmann5501]

We would watch an hour of Q & A with the two of you ; )

[@jamesmackay4652]

A fair bit of dosh spent but look how beutifull it`s coming allong and how great it will become.

[@mariajoaocarvalhomarques4973]

You are so brave !!! Is amaising follow you … big hug

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@sgrvtl7183]

bountiful garden!

[@suzie2080]

You two are so easy to watch and SO interesting. I love your humor and watching your hard work. It's fun to see how people "homestead" in different parts of the world and hear their story. It looks like you have such abundance. That lettuce is amazing. I'm so glad I found your channel.

[@monalingan9523]

I enjoy anything that you put out. You two are such a great team. I admire what you have done in the 18 months that you’ve been there.