1. Make sure that you consider other areas rather than just Tavira itself. Because the area is not, as yet, that well known there are often great properties and bargains to be found in the neighbouring villages such as Cabanas, Vila Real de Cancela and Santa Luzia. These properties may be hard to find but could be well worth a look.

2. Do consider a property that might require a little bit of work or updating. It used to be the case that English speaking and reliable tradesmen were hard to find in Tavira. This made undertaking any renovation or refurbishment work a much harder task than it is today. Nowadays there are a number of top class English speaking builders and contractors of all types who can carry out work efficiently and to a high standard. The other good thing is that prices for this sort of work remain reasonable.

3. Do watch out for a well known estate agents trick. In Portugal there is generally no sole agency. What you may find is that different estate agents will have the same properties on their books but simply call it by a different name to someone else and then charge a different price. Different estate agents can charge different levels of commission and you will find the odd one who will try and charge considerably more. This could result in your paying thousands of extra Euros for your property.

4. Do consider using a Property Broker to combat this type of thing. Property Brokers such as Tavira Property Brokers work on behalf of the buyer not the seller. Their service is completely free to buyers and they can access the whole of the property market. They can find you your perfect property and, more importantly, make sure that you buy it at the best possible price.

5. If you do use a Broker, use them to carry out the research on your behalf. A lot of properties are advertised on the internet but there will always be some that are a little harder to locate. A Broker with a local presence and local contacts can sometimes unearth the best bargains.

6. Do not visit Tavira to carry out property hunting during the month of August. You will find that it is just too hot for doing much more than relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Also, a lot of estate agents take their holidays at this time and it could be that a property viewing trip will turn out to be a frustrating experience with many offices closed.

7. Do try to learn a few words of Portuguese before you go. Whist a lot of the locals will speak a few words of English they really do appreciate it when visitors at least havea go at speaking some Portuguese. Even a simple Ola is well received.

8. Make sure that at the start of your property search in Tavira you find yourself a reputable English speaking lawyer. Again, this will be something that your Property Broker can help with. It is always the case that you should use an independent lawyer and not one who acts on behalf of the estate agents selling the property you are interested in.

9. Remember you will need an NIF number to buy a property in Tavira or anywhere else in Portugal. This is an identity number for foreigners buying property in Portugal and is a legal requirement. Your Property Broker or your lawyer will be able to help you obtain and complete the necessary paperwork.

10. Finally, please do remember to relax and enjoy your property search in Tavira. The buying process is not too complicated, particularly if you remember the tips in this article. I am sure you will find your perfect property in Tavira and, who knows, one day, we could be sat together sipping a nice cold beer whilst looking out at the Mediterranean sea.