Hey bro! You should be really proud of yourself. You have created an awesome video covering Portugal. I speak Portuguese too. And you english is very on point. Keep up the good work brother!
I've lived in rural Portugal since 2002. I've seen this country get better and stronger, year after year. In my little area, I've seen energy infrastructure vastly improved, mains water installed, internet expansion, roads widened and tarmacked. The list goes on and on. Houses renovated, house values increase exponentially. Local's incomes increasing steadily, modern car ownership increasing. I'm not looking at the country through rose coloured lenses, but my honest opinion is Life, health, affluence and leisure activities have improved year after year since we arrived.
Great info! We bought and love our life in Torres Vedras...Hidden gem!! Lisboa is unaffordable at this point and I hope the locals persevere!! Prices must come down...❤is with Portugal!!
Prices will not come down since so many RUclipsrs promote places where wealthy foreigners end up going and they then over spend since they think they are getting a bargain but could be getting a steal and that would help the less fortunate in the country and less fortunate who would love to move too but are out spent ❤
@@migpow nothing wrong with brazillians beautiful people, but the question is “why are people leaving?” In the title, and he interviews the people that are actually coming in, it’s not accurate, as Portugal is still a better place to live at then Brazil, and seeing it’s not hard to find Portuguese people, in Portugal, it’s kinda… weird
As a lone wolf who likes to do road trips and who is thinking about traveling throughout Europe during my retirement years, these tiny cities in Portugal are becoming more and more attractive as a possible homebase. I won't have any need for employment or entertainment. Low cost of living, a fast internet connection, basic utilities and a campervan for my road trips are all I need.
@@rir79 But wouldnt he or she be paying for health insurance which would cover that and also be spending their pension buying stuff in Portugal which would be contributing the local economy, so thats a good thing
@@samjones7038 private health insurance means nothing when it comes to retirees from abroad, if you have a sudden heart attack or any emergency you will NEVER be sent to a private hospital, you will be sent to a public hospital which is paid by PT taxpayers, not that “expat” who has never contributed to our country. They have never paid any income tax or social security here. Why should I or any PT taxpayer pay for that bill with our low wages and huge income tax?? That is nonsense! Some countries in Europe make foreigners pay for public health insurance for at least 5 years, whether you use a public hospital or not. That is only what I consider fair on the system and especially on the local population. I think Portugal needs to do the same asap.
@@WhyWhyWhy-ms3we exactly! Lowest wages of Europe with a huge tax burden. Only affordable if you are getting money from another decent country to pay your bills.
Prizes are increasing because of greedy investors and real-estate managers. Coastal areas are being pushed as good opportunities while in fact the best opportunities are outside of these areas, there you can buy something from the first owner, something that hasn't been sold with profit several times before, but you don't see them a lot on social media. Look a little bit further into the centre and you'll see a whole different world with all kinds of opportunities. This greed is eventually going to destroy the housing market in the popular areas and sales will drop hugely. Think good before you buy!
@@jasoncrandall that's a very unintelligent assumption from somebody who doesn't even know me. Does it please you to talk to people this way on social media?
@@onri-vk4cm Nah, its not only that. Portuguese are paying more taxes than foreigners or returners that live here. Where is the justice on that? Besides that we an huge wave of immigrants coming here to work on very bad jobs that dont do nothing for the average portuguese, like working on tourism/mass production agriculture/food industry, etc while 30% of the people on fertility ages left the country. Portuguese situation is very similar to South Korea or Japan. The old people took over the country, and they just want more taxes from the work class, while selling their houses for the foreigners and buying other expensive ones. And because they are more, they keep voting on very left wing politics and more welfare for them, while condemning the young ones to emigrate. The Brazilian guy that left the country spook the truth, this country is doomed, is ruled by an old elite that has no notion off day to day struggles and they keep let foreigners come here to work for them almost for free or to sell them properties.
I would love to see more intergenerational support. The elders who know so much about the land, making wine, bread, fishing, curing meats, making pottery, crochette work. And what’s going to happen to all of the British who moved to Portugal 30 years ago and are now old with no one to take care of them? So many things to consider and most of us are shortsighted.
The Young know everything and dont have the Humility or interest to learn about harvesting or pressing Olives, keeping Donkeys for Milk or artisanal cheese or wine making...the Language is a big obstacle..its a language I have tried to learn..although I picked up Spanish, Italian, French, English easily...also, getting Building Permits is often next to impossible..and if so, they require unionized work only..the communist ideology permeating through..but who is this helping really. Hows that working out for you Portugal>
The poor portuguese people struggle and are often poor like in some areas of the UK now. They are really lovely especially to us british and my family have been going there over 50 years and have a deep love of them, their class, manners, kindness and culture. ❤❤❤
I love Portugal . Government is the problem not the solution. Where I live the government decided to bring down the cost of housing. The committed to building 200,000 houses. In the 6 years they have been in power and made all their changes we have seen the second highest rise in hose prices in the world,
Great mini-doc. Portugal seems like a great place to visit. Not sure I will ever get to live there, but helps to see that it faces similar problems to my own city.
Lived here since 2009... It was the People that clinched it,friendly,generous and welcoming. We live in the country and have been made welcome and included in everything that happens... People power.
The EU ( incl Portugal ) has very poor future prospects. Huge welfare system and growing number of pensioners over next 10 years. It's unaffordable .! Importing an underclass of low pay , basically unskilled immigrants is NOT a long term solution. The German economy is entering a long decline in economic growth which is unstoppable . And the consequences will be very unpleasant. . My advice : make the most of it now while it lasts. !!
@@andreabisoni6651 Canada is up a creek as well - I’d stay in US before risking my life in CA ‘healthcare’. The gig is up in ALL the West, though countries w/open arms will do better in short term (examples found in Eastern europe, for instance Poland, etc)
Canada is garbage. It's a socialist hell hole overran by migrants. High taxes, high prices, without the European flair and style of life. It's gray, drab, and cold most of the time. The people are passive-aggressive shallow bores. Spend a few years there, and either you develop a mental health issue or become a drug addict.
Both my parents were born in Leiria, Portugal. My grandparents moved to Mozambique and then South Africa, where my parents then met, and my brother and I were born and raised in South Africa. Now, I moved to Australia with my wife and children. After my dad passed away, my mother has gone to Leiria to look after my grandmother as they left South Africa to go back to Portugal in the 90's. Needless to say, my wife and I could have gone to live in Portugal as we have citizenship, but I suppose growing up in South Africa, going to Australia was the option we chose being similar to how we grew up in South Africa. We both have family in Portugal and have visited it as children, but both of us didnt want to live there, the lifestyle is very different to the standard english way of living we got used to in South Africa and have now in Australia.
That sounds as if the English way to live is the best...I have holidayed in Australia, SA, UK (and 42 other countries) and believe me, it isn't. I also lived in the USA for 40 years where I moved to as a young teenager. I finally came back home to Portugal and wish I had done it sooner. Life in Portugal is safe, wonderful and beautiful. Many people may have difficulties, but boy...I sure saw tons of such in Sydney and Capetown to mention a few. Leiria now is a totally modern city with a very old history. I love it and it's a quite popular place nowadays.
@@patricksweeney5308 Right on.Totally agree and tks so much for your kind words. We certainly are not perfect and still have much to accomplish but we sure try.
I moved from Dublin Ireland to a village near Leiria. If you have a fairly decent salary (>1.5k ) and no rent or mortgage, this is the best place to live. Especially for families with children. Leiria has grown on me to be honest. There so much to do and honestly in terms of shopping, eating out it beats Dublin hands down. Not to mention the climate which is one of the best in Europe.
@@RobIn-ky4uz For sure, this place is really quite nice despite its money woes. I was born and grew up in Lisbon, and I had the best childhood. To grow up here Is a privilege to most. There is always something going on, the weather is sunny and lovely for 90% of the time, it is SAFE, travel is easy, food is good... honestly, two working even on a minimum salary can make it quite well, so I don't quite get why someone wouldn't snap up the chance to live here. Maybe they can't...God knows it took me 40 years to return having left as barely turned 13 year old, and to each it's own, but having travelled all over the world, all I can say is that I have seen so much worse. Life is not just about money in the bank, capitalism, and manicured infrastructures. I love Eire, it's so beautiful, but so cold, rainy, dark and expensive!! So thanks for choosing us. May you continue to be healthy and safe in Portugal!
I'm very pleased you at least had the opportunity to move to Australia. My husband and I tried to move to Australia years ago but we didn't have any luck. We now live in England ( worst nightmare of a choice ). It has been the worst 5 years of my life.
Reminds me of NYC. Its impossible to live in this area. Its rare to here a NYC accent. Everyone is either an immigrant from Central America or a well-to-do immigrant from suburban America. Rents are 4 times the minimum wage. Unless you're lucky to have parents who bought a home in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx when no one wanted to live here, you have to be rich or live 4 to a one bedroom apt. Worse part is that NYC is getting rid of public housing and rent controlled apts. NYC keeps importing illegal immigrants to work for minimum wage and live 9 to a 2 bedroom apt. But how long can this last? I remember when NYC was a fun city that never slept and everything was cheap. Today everyone is angry, stressed out and restaurants and clubs are all closing up as they're arent enough rich people to visiting these establishments.
If you replace NYC with London it's exactly the same, just different immigrants speaking different languages from the Subcontinent and Eastern Europe mainly, although 300 languages are spoken. I was born in London 6 miles from the centre, live 3 miles from the centre for 60+ years so seen it change dramatically over the decades. It doesn't become enjoyable anymore when the population is transient, speaks pigeon English and English sense of humour goes over their head. White flight has exacerbated things and there is no sense of community anymore. You become an Alien in your own country. I'm not leaving btw, they'll have to carry me out in a box!
Great video ! I tried moving to Portugal now reflecting on things it seems like a bad situation because the cost and you don’t get what you’d expect from other more advanced European countries.
As a Northern European, I think a lot of Portugese natives will return once they realize what life is really life up North. Sure, the wages are higher, but so is cost of living. And there's a lot more crime, increasing demographic and religious conflict, poverty, etc. Housing is unaffordable there too, which is part of why a lot of us moved to Portugal to begin with. The grass isn't always greener, I'm afraid. They'll be back. It's crazy that there are no taxes on abandoned houses. That's what's done in my country and at least that way you both improve the way neighbourhoods look, aswell as create more housing opportunities for young people to start families. I don't understand why this isn't done here.
As a Portuguese who wants to move to a Nordic country, I believe I fit perfectly to comment here, and please bare in mind that I am in no way criticizing your answer, this is just my perspective. Portugal is becoming unaffordable for Portuguese people, simply because salaries are not following rent, either by greed or market. The way I see it, you either live with somebody else or have an amazing salary, or a remote and lower salary but living in the interior. It is almost impossible for you to be fresh out of university and be able to afford a flat because even though your salary might be enough for rent, you have bills and food. The only people I know that are able to afford to be living alone, are people who already have a career established and are earning above average to be able to afford rent and the other essential things we need. With this hybrid regime we have for work at the moment ( not even counting professions that really require for you to be at your workplace ) you could move to a cheaper location but then most likely you would need a mean of transportation, most likely a car.. and then you would have more expenses. Of course the grass is not greener on the other side, and I know what it is like to live abroad as I am moving back to Portugal later in the year ( due to personal reasons at the company/country I am currently living in ), but even though I have a house to stay at which I dont have to pay rent, I am not planning on staying for long, because cost of living is through the roof at the moment. The reason I am planning on moving to a Nordic country is simply because that is something I have always wanted to try. I got some offers years back but they were offered at the wrong time. I have reliable people living now in Norway and Iceland that inform me what is really like to live there ( as a foreigner ) and from their perspective and market research, it is definitely a better move for me there. What I gathered from all my friends that live abroad when i speak to them, including the ones living in the Nordic countries, is that they will definitely not be back. ( I believe they are trying something at the moment related to the abandoned houses/flats, but I cannot guarantee that )
@@agostinhofmmatos Oh don't worry, I understand completely. And you are right, housing is unaffordable for young people. The problem that most people fail to understand, is that it's the exact same complaint in every other European country. Go on any UK forum or social media account and you'll see literally the exact same complaints as I see on Portugese forum or social meida accounts ... And the same in Belgium too, where I've also lived for decades and was looking into buying a house myself. So I know from first hand experience how much less you get for the same money in Belgium than you would in Portugal. In Belgium I would have to pay 250.000 for a complete dump with a tiny back yard, and it would need 50-100k in renovation work, so a seperate loan on top of a mortgage, which is already unaffordable. In Portugal, you can find a very nice starting house for 150.000 that might need 50.000 renovation work, and also much less regulatory requirements and taxes. Not to mention huuuuge plots of land! I'm almost 40 now but for years I was considering getting a roommate in Belgium too, just because even with a decent wage, I couldn't afford a proper downpayment. I see the same complaints in Portugal. I work remotely now and I'm only just starting so pay is lower, but I know I couldn't afford to live in a Nordic country, or I'd have to work myself to death to do so. Also I don't think their societies would be a good fit for me. I prefer southern mentality. (even with the downsides) But it also depends where you are in life. I do believe that it was a good move for me to stay and work in Belgium for so many years until I was in the right place financially and mentally to move South, and I also firmly believe a lot of Portugese people will realize the same think eventually. Northern Europe isn't heading to a good place and I don't think a lot of Portugese people understand that, because they don't have the same problems. To many of us, if the only issue was housing, it would really suck but still be bearable. If you have high house prices on top of many other issues, then it becomes unbearable. But I hope it works out for you! Perhaps those countries are a better fit. Good luck!
@@konraddobson As a Portuguese national living abroad let me tell you that you are completely wrong and that comparing the situation in Portugal to Belgium and Nordic countries is just damn stupid. We are straight up 3rd world in the European context right now. You have not had the consequences of 50 years of socialism/communism which was superseded by many decades of dictatorship. It is not only about housing, it is about our healthcare collapsing and doctors and nurses all leaving the country. Belgium keeps asking for doctors and nurses and many are going there. If these people settle and have a family there, they will stay wherever they have settled with their families. And we are actually aware of the increase in crime and migrant crisis, Portugal is suffering from it as well. Our newspapers keep trying to mask things but we know that violent crime has deeply increased also due to this unbearable wave of migration with no proper plan. Knowing the Portuguese as I know and having family that have moved abroad all I know is that none have come back, ever. And houses are at a point where not even earning more means you are able to afford one easily. In Portugal you earn money for years just to pay bills, you can hardly manage or save money as there is none available. What Portuguese look for in Nordic countries is great work/life balance. There is plenty of that in Sweden but none in Portugal. I know people working from 8am and getting home at 7pm or later with many unpaid extra hours. Portugal is a good place to visit swiftly, not to stay for too long.
@@rir79 And you havn't had the consequences of decades of mass immigration from third world countries, mainly North and Central Africa. Which is in part why countries like Belgium need all those doctors and nurses in the first place. But if you live in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, or Liege, then you'll know what that type of immigration does to a country. I agree Portugal is a mess in terms of wages, but it's still a lot better in many other areas. The crime levels are much lower, and it's still largely a homogenous country that takes pride in their culture and history, and has huge amounts of beautiful nature and cheap land. I hear you. It sucks. And it sucks for a lot of people up North aswell, which is why we come South as you go North. I just think in time, you will realize wages are not all that matter. In fact, I'm came to Portugal fully intent on earning less, because I've come to value those other parts of life more. But I have managed to save a little bit. In recent years I saw a lot of Portugese people coming to Belgium, and there's no doubt in my mind most will return to Portugal after 5-10 years. Some won't, and those will be the vocal minority.
Thanks for all the info.... pity the 'background' music is so much in the foreground though.. had to 'mute' and activate subtitles.. but otherwise.. very informative
Also, many times the tax laws penalize people with second homes because they are considered “rich”, so when parents and grandparents die the families can’t keep the homes because of the tax burden.
@@HansGrob DOnt speak about what you dont know... If you sell a house in Portugal, a big percentage of the sale goes mandatorly to the government. So its a bad deal to sell a house in Portugal..
Among the very last people who deserve 'pity' are the Portuguese who inherit properties and land from their families. By holding on to those assets for dear life rather than sell, as many of them do, they are one of the reasons why there are so tens of thousands of vacant properties in the country. Or then they turn them into temporary AirBnB-style holiday rentals, thereby jacking up rental and property prices and driving out locals and the not-wealthy all over the country. They are part of the housing crisis fiasco that is currently f**ing up Portugal and many Portuguese.
Pombal although much smaller than Lisbon and Porto is still a decent size city, there are many, many smaller cities and villages that are breathtaking as well as super inexpensive. There are of course little to no job opportunities but the quality of life can not be beat anywhere making then great retirement areas. We chose a small village about 60km south of pombal and feel as if we are two of the lucky few that get to live in this wonderful place.
I spent almost three months exploring parts of Portugal last year, and I was shocked by the prices of food stuffs in the supermarkets. I was on a budget myself, so I did most of my food shopping at small fresh produce markets to keep costs down. A packet of biscuits in Portugal can be 2x more than the same pack in the UK! There is little to no second hand book market in Portugal. So if say, a student was studying English, they would have to purchase brand new books - the books I saw were retailing at 13Euros +. I met a few students who had made the decision to transfer their courses from Lisbon to a quieter area, to reduce their rental fees. I also encountered many migrant workers and students in hostels too. I too, enquired about the rental costs and the wages. Some mentioned their parents earning 700Euros a month, and having to save for many many years to be able to afford for their kids to go to University or college, purely because of the rental fees.
@@jaycee8553 yeah, it’s that bad right now. And you are right on the price of food, even in Spain it’s possible to find cheaper prices. Second hand books are almost exclusively an online market. We used to have some second hand book stores, but the rise in rent made them close down their business. Some landlords are asking for 4000€ to 5000€ in rent….
Magellan, Columbus, Vasco Da Gama were well aware the earth was round. That's why they sailed west in the first place hoping to open another route to the far east. They didn't bargain on the Americas being in the way.
Not even a question. The Greeks already knew, as all informed person. Ptolemy, Strabo, Erathostenes (who measured the meridian), Posidonius, etc. Etc. No one ever doubtet.
Magellan did not started his journey from Portugal but from Sevilla, Spain, in a mission for the spanish King. The portuguese King did not believed and did not want to finance his project. The whole enterprise was spanish excepting a couple of foreigners like the expedition leader Magellan. Please note this.
King Manoel of Portugal was becoming increasingly frustrated with Spain's growing power in the East, especially in the Moluccas, commonly known as the Spice Islands, and was furious when Magellan pledged his allegiance to Spain and offered its king, Charles V, his plan to find an alternate route to India
In 1505, Magellan joined the fight, traveling to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. But his days in service to Portugal were numbered: He was accused of illegal trading and fell out with Manuel I, who turned down his proposal to locate a new spice route.
the reason was simple, the maritime way into the Indies was controlled by the Portuguese, as stated in the Tordesilhas treaty signed in 1494, so it was against Portuguese interests that a westward rout was to be found on the west, that was under Castilhe controled area...
@@JoaoMariaNunes yes. And therefore, he parted from Sevilla, leading a spanish fleet to never return. It was just a short group of spanish sailors lead by Juan Sebastián Elcano that made the whole voyage around the globe.
Portugal’s sailing ability and geographic & cartographic knowledge was like / comparable to having the best “secret spy intelligence” -best meaning WAY better than other countries’-nowadays. Portuguese sailors and fishermen would return to Europe with TONS of cod fish from the Grand Banks off of NewFoundLand, and they kept their source and knowledge secret
The problem is with all of this remote workers people who come to big city like Lisbon and Porto because they wanna have fun and they are raising the prices for everything. They don’t wanna go to Little Village and live quite life and work on computer they want to have a nice café good food. They wanna go out they wanna hang out put the pretty picture on Instagram And that’s what screwed up Lisbon and Porto.
@@so_what_else_is_new Dutch people need to complain of the housing in their homeland and Portuguese of the prices in Portugal. The Netherlands is the homeland of the Dutch, if you buy a house in Portugal saying that in Portugal it is cheaper, where will we go??? Please do your job and don’t compare apples to oranges and stay in your lane. Bye.
@@rir79 I can answer you with a lot of things that I won't. I just want to say that housing prices in Amsterdam are high because of the expats. The same as in Lisbon.
@@so_what_else_is_new the expats in Amsterdam are working for Dutch companies, which is not what is happening in Portugal. Most “expats” are working for companies abroad, so little little of their income is going to the standard Portuguese citizen. And BTW, it’s not expats it’s immigrants, that is what Portuguese people in the Netherlands are. I know some working there and I know how bad the housing is there and that they need to share housing most of the time. But what they bring in return is a lot more than what Portugal is getting from the retirees and “digital nomads”. To me both of these groups should have restricted access to Portugal. I also know you keep comparing apples to oranges. Both Portugal and the Netherlands need to fix the housing situation but their economic and social situation are different so a different approach is needed. Goodbye 👋
True in the U.S. investors buy 5-6 rentals, driving up prices every 12 months. Im moving to southern Portugal for a year. Where are legitimate yearly rentals listed ?
@@pedropinheiroaugusto3220 only the old, the ancient and brainless remain in Portugal. Portugal gives nothing to anyone ( except its corrupt politicians) , Portugal only knows how to beg the EU for money
Seems like dozens of new you tube channels showing British people buying abandoned houses and farms and renovating then over a year or so, it's graft but.they seem happy doing it.😂😅
The wrap up at the end of ur videos is awesome man. I’ve always dreamed of moving to Portugal or Spain so ur content is scratching that itch. Maybe Ireland can teach Portuguese how to bring in better paying jobs but in the meantime Portuguese ppl have a lot to offer and I’m certain they will overcome these obstacles just as they have done since the Roman times. Thanks for the content
@@lewiskinser8320 As a PT person who already lived in Ireland I don’t agree we should learn anything from the Irish case. Counties with no proper hospitals, horrible transportation system and loads of former coworkers of mine (Irish BTW) were leaving to go and live in Australia and New Zealand as buying a house is impossible. The IRish GDP is not reaching the Irish Population, only the big corporations.
@@rir79 Exactly! This notion that Ireland is a 'great example of an economy' is ridiculous! It's become nothing but one of the most expensive countries in Europe where the rich are stinking rich, many people are struggling or destitute and that thrives on being the biggest whore to corporations.
"Vey beautiful" is a stretch, as is "well maintained". Compared to what? This hyperventilation over Portugal is frankly ridiculous - nice enough country with some interesting places, nothing more.
Tons of abandoned houses but they're all too expensive for what you get, usually. 😬 Those prices in Pombal are not cheap! You can buy houses in Germany and The Netherlands for 100k if you're not picky. That's the problem with Portugal, prices are the same as the ones from northern European countries while salaries are much lower. 1200 euros is welfare level in The Netherlands. Plus taxes are much higher in Portugal too, sadly. Health care is good in Portugal, though, and food is a bit cheaper, specially restaurants, something I don't use in The Netherlands.
@@TheSimArchitect healthcare is not good, at least the public healthcare which all Portuguese people pay with their taxes. Emergency services closed during the weekends and waiting times of more than 14 hours with elderly people waiting there for too long in a room with no food and no fresh air. That is not what I should call good.
Sounds like he missed the "thousand" part. "147€", "125€" are pretty cheap... Aside from that, yes 147000€ isn't cheap in the middle of nowhere, even if the climate is good.
Correction. Healthcare is rubbish in Portugal. I don't know why foreigners insist on this myth that Portugal has 'good' healthcare. No, it does not. Hospitals are closing left and right, there's a massive shortage of doctors and nurses, waiting times for tests and follow-up exams can be multiple months, even years, or just plain non-existent. The local medical centres (centros de saude) are a shadow of their former selves, with many also closing or also beset by huge waiting times and a lack of competent staff. STOP the mythologizing of a piddly little country of 10 million people that is frankly going down the toilet.
An acquaintance of mine works in Lisbon near the main bus station of Campo Grande. . He lives in the small town Santarem to the Northeast one hour away by bus which has Internet and is happy. In your video you interview only Brazilians, no problem.
There's too many people in Portugal right now, not technically in the whole country, but concentrated in the big cities along the coast. The portuguese did not expected this, we were a dwindling country just a few years back, we didn't have the resources to build housing for everyone. We didn't create laws to allow old buildings to be restored for outsiders or laws to accomodate them into our society. So things are messy. But at least we still have the sanctity of our forests and mountains, not many people there. :)
@@Ruben55431 , that makes a huge difference. Barring the language (which some Brazilians, like the author of this video, even choose to shun), I would say that there aren't 2 more different countries in the world.
Most beautiful countries are getting empty because of emigration. But people in USA are moving out of big cities back to countryside and starting their permaculture and self sufficiency , they grow their own healthy food and raise animals on the farm .
my mother and i wanted to live in Portugal and retire. but, with being almost double taxed we will make barley the min. to live there. most people are charging over 1400 eros for rent and it would be cheaper to stay in America. a lot of us are in the same boat. the only people living large are the wealthy investors. I don't think the locals know that the non investors are in the same boat they are.
Same here -we are from Germany and had planned to retire in Portugal but they changed it (I think they don’t want only older people there ) investors in big style is what they want BUT the countryside is mostly empty!!oh well we will keep looking were we will go !
@@testerintester864the countryside is almost empty? I am from the north of Portugal and can assure you there are many people living in the countryside and smaller towns! The cost of rent is also cheaper than if you move to a bigger city! Go to Portugal and see for yourself regarding what the costs are and you might be pleasantly surprised!
Cara !! {Dude, Bro, amigo, irmão, camará} You’ve hit the nail on the head regarding saindo & mudando. I would very much like to move to Brasil or Portugal & continue improving my second language. I would be HAPPY to eat only beans-&-rice everyday if that meant I could have time the relax, rest, think, write, & play music. The problem of spending the OVERWHELMING majority of one’s earnings on housing is really beating down the American (USA’s) people, and it has started to hurt the wider economy. By and large, United States people are less internationally-minded, so escaping into a different economy isn’t something most consider. It’s a solution I would definitely take, although I don’t feel great about leaving my fellow Americans with this problem. I’d feel better if the problem would be addressed by and for everyone.
I visited only once. Back in 1993. It was very poor back then. But people were super friendly. Always wanted to go back there..... Back then there was even a little German community of kind of "alternative" people. Some were a bit sketchy but overall they were okay and helpful to get to know the locals. They were located at the Atlantic coast, south of Lissabon. There were few tourists as the water and wind could be very cold even in the summer - totally different from the Mediterranean coast.
It seems like there is a shortage of available units to rent or buy but a surplus of abandoned properties. Sounds like a an easy fix why don’t people buy up and renovate the abandon properties??? Are there some sort of restrictions to buying the abandon properties??
I don't think that it is only Portugal having this happening currently. All countries with touristic interest, a mild climate and high quality of living are experiencing the same: prices go up, locals cannot afford to live there anymore, real estate is going through the roof and the cosy local atmosphere is being swapped for a mass tourism structures.
I left Portugal at age 5 and moved to the USA the reason you see so many abandoned homes in Portugal is because the parents die and their kids are all over the world and either can’t agree on prices or who gets what or won’t come back to Portugal to do the paperwork so the property remains there or they can’t reach the kids who now own the property for example my parents left land for us we attempted to give the land to the township but they wanted us to pay the closing costs so the property just sits there not saying that’s what always happens but it happens a lot just came back from vacation in Portugal 2 days ago what a marvelous country and my people are some of the friendliest people in the world
8:05 "It could be a shopping mall". You totally lost me here, that's such a reductor mindset. So, a big shopping mall without windows in place with that view, with international brands that you can find anywhere in the world to destroy what's left of the local stores.
Thank you for your video. It’s difficult to understand how all those buildings are being abandoned. The population of Porto is 240,000 . The UK imports four times that every year and the weather is awful!!
I watch channels where young people have settled in abandoned farms or small holdings in areas like Castelo Branco. They work hard on the land, they love the life, and Portuguese neighbours are very friendly. Mostly they went there before Brexit. What is the feeling among the Portuguese about these foreigners?
Great video but I still don't understand why rents are so high when there are abandoned houses. Here in the UK, especially the south where I live, rents are also way too high but we don't have many abandoned houses.
Hi. I don't live there, but I was in the process of moving there. But the...feelings I was getting was that the sentiment was changing. Anyway I did lots of research, had an immigration lawyer, real estate person etc., So there is drain on the youth. The young people are doing (at least) 2 things; moving from more rural areas to larger city areas. And they're leaving the country! They're going everywhere else in Europe. So it's pulling the workforce/and consumer base/tax base. The country does have a substantial tourism base and immigration base of funding--but my feeling is that those funds keep the country afloat, but it's not what's needed for major property restoration and maintenance. Next, abandoned properties in the rural areas are super high. Entire villages. And it's high in the cities also, but with wages being low but development costs being high-it's a vicious circle. The only people who can really do those renovations are the expats coming in--which they were doing. But, then those rehabbed properties have high rent, which the locals can't afford (see, the low incomes referenced earlier). So, it's my opinion there are multiple vicious circles. They also killed the "Golden Visas" which both contributed to renovated properties, but also high rent. But the bulk of immigrants were not the Americans or British--it's actually the Chinese, Indians, and Brazilians. Even though the Algarve has a really large Brit community/tourism numbers. I have one other opinion, but it's regarding the UK. I've watched channels like "turd town" and others where they show many, many towns and villages going bankrupt. And tons of people on food assistance and boarded up main streets. I think this guy @Tom_Nicholas just did a video on it. I don't point this out to say "your country is just as bad," but to say economies/youth movement/jobs have these sort of strange effects that are hard to predict or reverse. I'm in the US and LEAVING, because there's so many different KINDS of problems.
@BobKnight-mm2ze Hi Bob, thanks for that detailed explanation. It really makes sense now and you have highlighted what is probably a global problem. It is true that in Cornwall in the UK there are so many second homes and holiday lets and the locals can't afford the rents. Also the difference in property prices between north and south is massive. What it really boils down to is the growing gap between rich and poor and young people seeking a better life in the cities which seems to be happening everywhere. I can't afford to buy a property here and may end up moving to Nigeria. But that's another story! All the best with your endeavours!
@@geogoringHaha, trust me, I'll be traveling to that area too as I look for the place where I plant myself. The plan is "up and down" Europe/Africa for a few years. But I think you're probably right; the world is moving in a sort of Feast or Famine direction. I think it's a lot of factors, but this transition from sort of industrial age society to a sort of snowballing techno/information thing. Long story short; I think or tech is outpacing are ability as a society to adjust at the same pace is maybe at the core of it. And money. Everything comes back to money. Sigh...
@BobKnight-mm2ze Yes that is how the world is going. I think some people want us to believe it's all about money but actually that's a lie. I try to see limitations positively in that they can channel us in the direction we need to go, rather than what satisfies our desires which can be harmful to us. So all is good, brother!
problem is that this dude has no fkin idea what he is talking about. Rents are high mostly in big cities as everywhere around Europe. And what makes it high for example in Lisbon is supply and demand, to much ppl want to live here, try to live in london center and see how much u have to pay. Its just someone who hasnt enough information to make a video about the subject.
The population of Braga at 200k residents is the size of a small town here in the UK. Interesting place though. I've holidayed only on the Algarve but intend to visit Lisbon on my next holiday.
I went to porto twice. Did the free walk tours. They explained the issue of the abandon houses. You can find it online. The guy on the video has not explained well.
People are leaving since 2014, as the salary at the time was 430€ or below while the house rents were at 500€ (which became gradually higher), forcing people to either leave, which most did it to Countries like UK, France and Luxemburg, or get into relationships so the couple together could pay the rent and sustain their leaving (at least one of the two must have a full time job).
By the way, forgot to tell that Algarve (South Portugal) has a major problem where every restaurant, grocery store, bar, pub, hostel, etc does the most blatant form of tax evasion, as they don't allow any form of credit card payment, forcing you to pay with physical money. Needless to say that 0% goes to the state. This is a kind of irony as the prime minister in 2016 said that Portugal is rising back with the help of tourism, when the very toursim itself evades taxations.
you keep mentioning problems in your videos and creating titles for a quick click but love to be in Portugal and love the opportunity it has given you. Interesting positioning you have
The housing situation in Portugal is complex and unclear. Other than the massive disruption by Covid it seems like terrible planning in general. The land laws which change from region to region has a big impact. Inconsistent red tape. Thousands of properties on land not zoned for habitation. So you can't renovate or invest fully in them. Slow moving Government departments. No forward planning to create more available land for Portuguese citizens. No real property development outside and close to Lisbon for locals. No funds to renovate old buildings. Some of those old buildings should just be cnocked down and rebuild in the traditional style. Hundreds of houses not registered as they are rented without contracts. Portuguese people need tax breaks or incentives to start new businesses and to renovate properties. Stop the second home taxation. Tax is still too high on the lower lvels. Portugal does not have a very diverse economy. That's why the Government need to incentivise to get small and medium manufacturing on the go.
You said "hot place", and it's not like that at all. Well, besides not using the word 'warm' instead, you didn't even mention that harsh winters are very common in certain regions, and also how windy it is even in the south all throughout the year; and if it's sunny it's windy; also there's more people suffering from cold in Portugal than in northern Europe.
sorry to correct you, magellan sailed from spain , sanlucar de barrameda, he was portuguese but was at the service of the king of spain in an expedition organized and paid by spain, he did not finish , Elcano fiished and arrived back in spain having gone round the world
So if rent is expensive and there are a lot of abandoned houses, why are people not just moving into them to live rent free? Is that sort of thing prosecuted harshly there?
it is sadly the same in most countries right now. the wages of your country do not afford you the ability to live a good life anymore. and it does not feel good to abandon your home country to live better in a cheaper country because you cause worse problems for locals. but what can you do?
@@jakew1362 Portuguese people have only one homeland and that is Portugal. Being forced to leave is awful and tbh you are trying to compare apples to oranges. The US is still a country where people live in states where income tax is low and life is still affordable. People in the US are not being forced out, they are just looking for a cheaper place to stay. If you want to have a lower pace of living and a new philosophy of life, try to bring it to your homeland instead of creating issues for the natives of other countries. Most people coming to live in Portugal are not working for Portuguese Companies. So you want to live I Portugal, but deep down you don’t wish to live like the Portuguese, isn’t it??? I understand that, but if you want to live here, you need to have your income tax to go to Portugal, not the US, otherwise why are you here? The crisis of the Portuguese youngsters leaving is that most are now highly qualified and working and paying taxes abroad as the rent+food combo is unaffordable to the Portuguese. Big difference.
@@jakew1362 so “what can you do”??? Try claiming land in your homeland and settle there when you can afford land there. Most people from the US and UK I know have more than enough money to buy land in their countries but somehow prefer to go to a country where English is not even the official language and “settle” there. This is a downright invasion prompted by the greediness of foreigners and a government that hates its own citizens.
US retirees cannot afford to grow old here. I live in Seattle (40 yrs now), my very small old uninsulated house on tiny lot in ‘ok’ n’hood costs over $830 in Property Taxes Alone. Food is through the roof. I wear many layers of wool and fleece w/hat right this minute while I type this. My water,electric,phone, internet is insane. Self employed career, I get $730/mo from SS . . . not enough to buy groceries. I have a 2005 Toyota that cost$ plenty … let’s not talk about car/house/health insurance - either prices or Hassles/real value. US is all about corporate scams these days, greedy investors US or Chinese, Mx or Russian, etc. And, yes, LOTS of immigrants from Africa, Asia and Europe. Indians and high educated grab our ‘big pharma’ etc PhD jobs. One can complain . . . or use the internet to find a livable situation. The inflation is Global, so are floods/forest/grassland fires/heat/drought. . . do your homework! For me in US is poor aesthetics of buildings, car culture and guns. And Prices.
IF I emigrate to find a less generally greedy culture I will bring my high education in environment/architecture/food growing/soil-building, along with a lifelong involvement in improving my local community (my highest value). If Portugal, biggest challenges Portuguese (am well versed in Sp) and the more serious/negative/victim oriented mentality : (
É ele mesmo do Vida Infinda. Agora vai para uma audiência maior em inglês. O mundo vai para Portugal com Eliezer. Vai acabar sendo condecorado pelo presidente de Portugal por promover o turismo para Portugal.
altoughh you didnt get everything right (especially pombal location on map), you did a great job exposing the problems for foreigners wanting to move here. there are other huge problems culturaly that could be adressed too, like the desertification of the interior. if you think Porto has many abandoned houses, try Guarda Covilha, Castelo Branco, there you can see the real extent of the problem
Oh, God, I wish you wouldn't. The last thing Portugal needs is yet another person from northern Europe going there with their stronger currency / big pension / higher purchasing power to drive up property prices, thereby continuing the farce that Portugal is a 'wonderful' place to live. Think of the locals and the less-haves who have the right to enjoy and afford their own country. Live in your own country, mate.
Tuscany has the same problem, plenty of charming small towns almost empty, in the next 10 years will be abandoned. I think the only way to make them survive is remote working. If you can work remotely and you want to have a family these small town are a paradise for kids than the prison-like childhood in a big town
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Your documentary was very well done. I've visited Portugal twice so far. I really love that country.
Hello Rebecca, how are you doing?
Hey bro! You should be really proud of yourself. You have created an awesome video covering Portugal. I speak Portuguese too. And you english is very on point. Keep up the good work brother!
I've lived in rural Portugal since 2002. I've seen this country get better and stronger, year after year. In my little area, I've seen energy infrastructure vastly improved, mains water installed, internet expansion, roads widened and tarmacked. The list goes on and on. Houses renovated, house values increase exponentially. Local's incomes increasing steadily, modern car ownership increasing. I'm not looking at the country through rose coloured lenses, but my honest opinion is Life, health, affluence and leisure activities have improved year after year since we arrived.
isn't Portugal a developed country ? so the infra(s) should have been there anyways ?
BTW: what about the corruption level, any observation on that?
Great info! We bought and love our life in Torres Vedras...Hidden gem!! Lisboa is unaffordable at this point and I hope the locals persevere!! Prices must come down...❤is with Portugal!!
Prices will not come down since so many RUclipsrs promote places where wealthy foreigners end up going and they then over spend since they think they are getting a bargain but could be getting a steal and that would help the less fortunate in the country and less fortunate who would love to move too but are out spent ❤
@@JuanMoreno-wo5yb You make a very valid point.
Nobody speaking in this video is actually Portuguese, everyone pretending to be Portuguese is actually Brazillian… very misleading content…
Lol😂 its true
And what's the problem of that? They didn't say they were Portuguese...
A Brazilian RUclipsr interviews Brazilian residents… what’s the issue? The cost of living is the same
@@migpow nothing wrong with brazillians beautiful people, but the question is “why are people leaving?” In the title, and he interviews the people that are actually coming in, it’s not accurate, as Portugal is still a better place to live at then Brazil, and seeing it’s not hard to find Portuguese people, in Portugal, it’s kinda… weird
@@migpow
I prefer places with fewer people, the abandoned villages would make an awesome retreat 🙏🏼💚☺️🌈
You got to check out my village
As a lone wolf who likes to do road trips and who is thinking about traveling throughout Europe during my retirement years, these tiny cities in Portugal are becoming more and more attractive as a possible homebase. I won't have any need for employment or entertainment. Low cost of living, a fast internet connection, basic utilities and a campervan for my road trips are all I need.
Stay in your country, we are sick of pensioners using our health system without contributing a cent.
@@kyungshim6483 low cost of living ?? 😳😂😂😂😂😂😂 Portugal has low QUALITY of living with HIGH European prices
@@rir79 But wouldnt he or she be paying for health insurance which would cover that and also be spending their pension buying stuff in Portugal which would be contributing the local economy, so thats a good thing
@@samjones7038 private health insurance means nothing when it comes to retirees from abroad, if you have a sudden heart attack or any emergency you will NEVER be sent to a private hospital, you will be sent to a public hospital which is paid by PT taxpayers, not that “expat” who has never contributed to our country. They have never paid any income tax or social security here. Why should I or any PT taxpayer pay for that bill with our low wages and huge income tax?? That is nonsense! Some countries in Europe make foreigners pay for public health insurance for at least 5 years, whether you use a public hospital or not. That is only what I consider fair on the system and especially on the local population. I think Portugal needs to do the same asap.
@@WhyWhyWhy-ms3we exactly! Lowest wages of Europe with a huge tax burden. Only affordable if you are getting money from another decent country to pay your bills.
Prizes are increasing because of greedy investors and real-estate managers. Coastal areas are being pushed as good opportunities while in fact the best opportunities are outside of these areas, there you can buy something from the first owner, something that hasn't been sold with profit several times before, but you don't see them a lot on social media. Look a little bit further into the centre and you'll see a whole different world with all kinds of opportunities. This greed is eventually going to destroy the housing market in the popular areas and sales will drop hugely. Think good before you buy!
It's called gentrification. It happens every where, México city, Bogota, Lisboa, Madrid etc etc
It’s ok for you to make money but not anybody else?
@@jasoncrandall that's a very unintelligent assumption from somebody who doesn't even know me. Does it please you to talk to people this way on social media?
@@ErwinMaasI’m responding to what you wrote. Knowing you isn’t part of the equation.
@@onri-vk4cm Nah, its not only that. Portuguese are paying more taxes than foreigners or returners that live here. Where is the justice on that?
Besides that we an huge wave of immigrants coming here to work on very bad jobs that dont do nothing for the average portuguese, like working on tourism/mass production agriculture/food industry, etc while 30% of the people on fertility ages left the country.
Portuguese situation is very similar to South Korea or Japan. The old people took over the country, and they just want more taxes from the work class, while selling their houses for the foreigners and buying other expensive ones. And because they are more, they keep voting on very left wing politics and more welfare for them, while condemning the young ones to emigrate.
The Brazilian guy that left the country spook the truth, this country is doomed, is ruled by an old elite that has no notion off day to day struggles and they keep let foreigners come here to work for them almost for free or to sell them properties.
Being a Portuguese myself that is currently living in the UK, I can confirm all that. Is unfortunate, but is very true.
Hi. I’d lived here for soon 8 years and I think you are spot on the problem that Portugal has. Keep on what you’re doing 😊
Am watching this from Japan, very interesting my friend.
Thank you for your courage in making this video. Thank you!
Good video. Interesting that you also shared info about the small place (pumbal/pombal) because that clarified things too.
I would love to see more intergenerational support. The elders who know so much about the land, making wine, bread, fishing, curing meats, making pottery, crochette work. And what’s going to happen to all of the British who moved to Portugal 30 years ago and are now old with no one to take care of them? So many things to consider and most of us are shortsighted.
The Young know everything and dont have the Humility or interest to learn about harvesting or pressing Olives, keeping Donkeys for Milk or artisanal cheese or wine making...the Language is a big obstacle..its a language I have tried to learn..although I picked up Spanish, Italian, French, English easily...also, getting Building Permits is often next to impossible..and if so, they require unionized work only..the communist ideology permeating through..but who is this helping really. Hows that working out for you Portugal>
The poor portuguese people struggle and are often poor like in some areas of the UK now. They are really lovely especially to us british and my family have been going there over 50 years and have a deep love of them, their class, manners, kindness and culture. ❤❤❤
🙏❤️
I love Portugal .
Government is the problem not the solution. Where I live the government decided to bring down the cost of housing. The committed to building 200,000 houses. In the 6 years they have been in power and made all their changes we have seen the second highest rise in hose prices in the world,
Great mini-doc. Portugal seems like a great place to visit. Not sure I will ever get to live there, but helps to see that it faces similar problems to my own city.
Very informative! Thanks for sharing this information.
Portugal is a tiny country, but its people are among the world's greatest!!!
Portuguese people are among the most infertile!!!
@@josephrego2527 what’s so great about them and why is this the first time I’m hearing this ?
@@oPrimoTV LOL
@@oPrimoTV en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Tordesillas.just to start.
Lived here since 2009... It was the People that clinched it,friendly,generous and welcoming. We live in the country and have been made welcome and included in everything that happens... People power.
This video is well presented and got lot of information. Thank you.
The EU ( incl Portugal ) has very poor future prospects. Huge welfare system
and growing number of pensioners over next 10 years. It's unaffordable .!
Importing an underclass of low pay , basically unskilled immigrants is NOT
a long term solution. The German economy is entering a long decline in
economic growth which is unstoppable . And the consequences will be very
unpleasant. . My advice : make the most of it now while it lasts. !!
What a deep sociological analisys!!!let's all emigrate to little Europe, Canada
@@andreabisoni6651 Canada is up a creek as well - I’d stay in US before risking my life in CA ‘healthcare’. The gig is up in ALL the West, though countries w/open arms will do better in short term (examples found in Eastern europe, for instance Poland, etc)
Canada is garbage. It's a socialist hell hole overran by migrants. High taxes, high prices, without the European flair and style of life. It's gray, drab, and cold most of the time. The people are passive-aggressive shallow bores. Spend a few years there, and either you develop a mental health issue or become a drug addict.
Both my parents were born in Leiria, Portugal. My grandparents moved to Mozambique and then South Africa, where my parents then met, and my brother and I were born and raised in South Africa. Now, I moved to Australia with my wife and children. After my dad passed away, my mother has gone to Leiria to look after my grandmother as they left South Africa to go back to Portugal in the 90's. Needless to say, my wife and I could have gone to live in Portugal as we have citizenship, but I suppose growing up in South Africa, going to Australia was the option we chose being similar to how we grew up in South Africa. We both have family in Portugal and have visited it as children, but both of us didnt want to live there, the lifestyle is very different to the standard english way of living we got used to in South Africa and have now in Australia.
That sounds as if the English way to live is the best...I have holidayed in Australia, SA, UK (and 42 other countries) and believe me, it isn't. I also lived in the USA for 40 years where I moved to as a young teenager. I finally came back home to Portugal and wish I had done it sooner. Life in Portugal is safe, wonderful and beautiful. Many people may have difficulties, but boy...I sure saw tons of such in Sydney and Capetown to mention a few. Leiria now is a totally modern city with a very old history. I love it and it's a quite popular place nowadays.
@@patricksweeney5308 Right on.Totally agree and tks so much for your kind words. We certainly are not perfect and still have much to accomplish but we sure try.
I moved from Dublin Ireland to a village near Leiria. If you have a fairly decent salary (>1.5k ) and no rent or mortgage, this is the best place to live. Especially for families with children. Leiria has grown on me to be honest. There so much to do and honestly in terms of shopping, eating out it beats Dublin hands down. Not to mention the climate which is one of the best in Europe.
@@RobIn-ky4uz For sure, this place is really quite nice despite its money woes. I was born and grew up in Lisbon, and I had the best childhood. To grow up here Is a privilege to most. There is always something going on, the weather is sunny and lovely for 90% of the time, it is SAFE, travel is easy, food is good... honestly, two working even on a minimum salary can make it quite well, so I don't quite get why someone wouldn't snap up the chance to live here. Maybe they can't...God knows it took me 40 years to return having left as barely turned 13 year old, and to each it's own, but having travelled all over the world, all I can say is that I have seen so much worse. Life is not just about money in the bank, capitalism, and manicured infrastructures. I love Eire, it's so beautiful, but so cold, rainy, dark and expensive!! So thanks for choosing us. May you continue to be healthy and safe in Portugal!
I'm very pleased you at least had the opportunity to move to Australia. My husband and I tried to move to Australia years ago but we didn't have any luck. We now live in England ( worst nightmare of a choice ). It has been the worst 5 years of my life.
Reminds me of NYC. Its impossible to live in this area. Its rare to here a NYC accent. Everyone is either an immigrant from Central America or a well-to-do immigrant from suburban America. Rents are 4 times the minimum wage. Unless you're lucky to have parents who bought a home in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx when no one wanted to live here, you have to be rich or live 4 to a one bedroom apt. Worse part is that NYC is getting rid of public housing and rent controlled apts. NYC keeps importing illegal immigrants to work for minimum wage and live 9 to a 2 bedroom apt. But how long can this last? I remember when NYC was a fun city that never slept and everything was cheap. Today everyone is angry, stressed out and restaurants and clubs are all closing up as they're arent enough rich people to visiting these establishments.
If you replace NYC with London it's exactly the same, just different immigrants speaking different languages from the Subcontinent and Eastern Europe mainly, although 300 languages are spoken. I was born in London 6 miles from the centre, live 3 miles from the centre for 60+ years so seen it change dramatically over the decades. It doesn't become enjoyable anymore when the population is transient, speaks pigeon English and English sense of humour goes over their head. White flight has exacerbated things and there is no sense of community anymore. You become an Alien in your own country. I'm not leaving btw, they'll have to carry me out in a box!
Great video ! I tried moving to Portugal now reflecting on things it seems like a bad situation because the cost and you don’t get what you’d expect from other more advanced European countries.
As a Northern European, I think a lot of Portugese natives will return once they realize what life is really life up North. Sure, the wages are higher, but so is cost of living. And there's a lot more crime, increasing demographic and religious conflict, poverty, etc. Housing is unaffordable there too, which is part of why a lot of us moved to Portugal to begin with. The grass isn't always greener, I'm afraid. They'll be back. It's crazy that there are no taxes on abandoned houses. That's what's done in my country and at least that way you both improve the way neighbourhoods look, aswell as create more housing opportunities for young people to start families. I don't understand why this isn't done here.
Totally agree with the tax on abandoned houses!!!
As a Portuguese who wants to move to a Nordic country, I believe I fit perfectly to comment here, and please bare in mind that I am in no way criticizing your answer, this is just my perspective. Portugal is becoming unaffordable for Portuguese people, simply because salaries are not following rent, either by greed or market. The way I see it, you either live with somebody else or have an amazing salary, or a remote and lower salary but living in the interior. It is almost impossible for you to be fresh out of university and be able to afford a flat because even though your salary might be enough for rent, you have bills and food. The only people I know that are able to afford to be living alone, are people who already have a career established and are earning above average to be able to afford rent and the other essential things we need. With this hybrid regime we have for work at the moment ( not even counting professions that really require for you to be at your workplace ) you could move to a cheaper location but then most likely you would need a mean of transportation, most likely a car.. and then you would have more expenses. Of course the grass is not greener on the other side, and I know what it is like to live abroad as I am moving back to Portugal later in the year ( due to personal reasons at the company/country I am currently living in ), but even though I have a house to stay at which I dont have to pay rent, I am not planning on staying for long, because cost of living is through the roof at the moment. The reason I am planning on moving to a Nordic country is simply because that is something I have always wanted to try. I got some offers years back but they were offered at the wrong time. I have reliable people living now in Norway and Iceland that inform me what is really like to live there ( as a foreigner ) and from their perspective and market research, it is definitely a better move for me there. What I gathered from all my friends that live abroad when i speak to them, including the ones living in the Nordic countries, is that they will definitely not be back.
( I believe they are trying something at the moment related to the abandoned houses/flats, but I cannot guarantee that )
@@agostinhofmmatos Oh don't worry, I understand completely. And you are right, housing is unaffordable for young people. The problem that most people fail to understand, is that it's the exact same complaint in every other European country. Go on any UK forum or social media account and you'll see literally the exact same complaints as I see on Portugese forum or social meida accounts ... And the same in Belgium too, where I've also lived for decades and was looking into buying a house myself. So I know from first hand experience how much less you get for the same money in Belgium than you would in Portugal. In Belgium I would have to pay 250.000 for a complete dump with a tiny back yard, and it would need 50-100k in renovation work, so a seperate loan on top of a mortgage, which is already unaffordable. In Portugal, you can find a very nice starting house for 150.000 that might need 50.000 renovation work, and also much less regulatory requirements and taxes. Not to mention huuuuge plots of land!
I'm almost 40 now but for years I was considering getting a roommate in Belgium too, just because even with a decent wage, I couldn't afford a proper downpayment. I see the same complaints in Portugal.
I work remotely now and I'm only just starting so pay is lower, but I know I couldn't afford to live in a Nordic country, or I'd have to work myself to death to do so. Also I don't think their societies would be a good fit for me. I prefer southern mentality. (even with the downsides)
But it also depends where you are in life. I do believe that it was a good move for me to stay and work in Belgium for so many years until I was in the right place financially and mentally to move South, and I also firmly believe a lot of Portugese people will realize the same think eventually. Northern Europe isn't heading to a good place and I don't think a lot of Portugese people understand that, because they don't have the same problems. To many of us, if the only issue was housing, it would really suck but still be bearable. If you have high house prices on top of many other issues, then it becomes unbearable.
But I hope it works out for you! Perhaps those countries are a better fit. Good luck!
@@konraddobson As a Portuguese national living abroad let me tell you that you are completely wrong and that comparing the situation in Portugal to Belgium and Nordic countries is just damn stupid. We are straight up 3rd world in the European context right now. You have not had the consequences of 50 years of socialism/communism which was superseded by many decades of dictatorship. It is not only about housing, it is about our healthcare collapsing and doctors and nurses all leaving the country. Belgium keeps asking for doctors and nurses and many are going there. If these people settle and have a family there, they will stay wherever they have settled with their families. And we are actually aware of the increase in crime and migrant crisis, Portugal is suffering from it as well. Our newspapers keep trying to mask things but we know that violent crime has deeply increased also due to this unbearable wave of migration with no proper plan. Knowing the Portuguese as I know and having family that have moved abroad all I know is that none have come back, ever. And houses are at a point where not even earning more means you are able to afford one easily. In Portugal you earn money for years just to pay bills, you can hardly manage or save money as there is none available. What Portuguese look for in Nordic countries is great work/life balance. There is plenty of that in Sweden but none in Portugal. I know people working from 8am and getting home at 7pm or later with many unpaid extra hours. Portugal is a good place to visit swiftly, not to stay for too long.
@@rir79 And you havn't had the consequences of decades of mass immigration from third world countries, mainly North and Central Africa. Which is in part why countries like Belgium need all those doctors and nurses in the first place. But if you live in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, or Liege, then you'll know what that type of immigration does to a country. I agree Portugal is a mess in terms of wages, but it's still a lot better in many other areas. The crime levels are much lower, and it's still largely a homogenous country that takes pride in their culture and history, and has huge amounts of beautiful nature and cheap land. I hear you. It sucks. And it sucks for a lot of people up North aswell, which is why we come South as you go North. I just think in time, you will realize wages are not all that matter. In fact, I'm came to Portugal fully intent on earning less, because I've come to value those other parts of life more. But I have managed to save a little bit. In recent years I saw a lot of Portugese people coming to Belgium, and there's no doubt in my mind most will return to Portugal after 5-10 years. Some won't, and those will be the vocal minority.
I'm enjoying your videos - most informative, thank you! (Stuck in the UK with good wages, high house prices but retirement looming)
Thanks for all the info.... pity the 'background' music is so much in the foreground though.. had to 'mute' and activate subtitles.. but otherwise.. very informative
Also, many times the tax laws penalize people with second homes because they are considered “rich”, so when parents and grandparents die the families can’t keep the homes because of the tax burden.
So they sell them and get rich in money. What is the problem with that?
@@HansGrob DOnt speak about what you dont know... If you sell a house in Portugal, a big percentage of the sale goes mandatorly to the government. So its a bad deal to sell a house in Portugal..
Among the very last people who deserve 'pity' are the Portuguese who inherit properties and land from their families. By holding on to those assets for dear life rather than sell, as many of them do, they are one of the reasons why there are so tens of thousands of vacant properties in the country. Or then they turn them into temporary AirBnB-style holiday rentals, thereby jacking up rental and property prices and driving out locals and the not-wealthy all over the country. They are part of the housing crisis fiasco that is currently f**ing up Portugal and many Portuguese.
Pombal although much smaller than Lisbon and Porto is still a decent size city, there are many, many smaller cities and villages that are breathtaking as well as super inexpensive. There are of course little to no job opportunities but the quality of life can not be beat anywhere making then great retirement areas. We chose a small village about 60km south of pombal and feel as if we are two of the lucky few that get to live in this wonderful place.
I could not think of anything more depressing or soul-crushing than living in rural or small village Portugal. Jesus.
What is the name of your village?
@@vittoriobollo3408 May I ask if you think Pombal would be as soul crushing, in terms of the locals’ mentality? Thank you ….
I spent almost three months exploring parts of Portugal last year, and I was shocked by the prices of food stuffs in the supermarkets. I was on a budget myself, so I did most of my food shopping at small fresh produce markets to keep costs down. A packet of biscuits in Portugal can be 2x more than the same pack in the UK! There is little to no second hand book market in Portugal. So if say, a student was studying English, they would have to purchase brand new books - the books I saw were retailing at 13Euros +.
I met a few students who had made the decision to transfer their courses from Lisbon to a quieter area, to reduce their rental fees. I also encountered many migrant workers and students in hostels too. I too, enquired about the rental costs and the wages. Some mentioned their parents earning 700Euros a month, and having to save for many many years to be able to afford for their kids to go to University or college, purely because of the rental fees.
@@jaycee8553 yeah, it’s that bad right now. And you are right on the price of food, even in Spain it’s possible to find cheaper prices. Second hand books are almost exclusively an online market. We used to have some second hand book stores, but the rise in rent made them close down their business. Some landlords are asking for 4000€ to 5000€ in rent….
Im portugiese from Lisboa.and I agree totally with you...😢
Magellan, Columbus, Vasco Da Gama were well aware the earth was round. That's why they sailed west in the first place hoping to open another route to the far east. They didn't bargain on the Americas being in the way.
Not even a question. The Greeks already knew, as all informed person. Ptolemy, Strabo, Erathostenes (who measured the meridian), Posidonius, etc. Etc. No one ever doubtet.
@@rukk_tx5285Galileo
Magellan did not started his journey from Portugal but from Sevilla, Spain, in a mission for the spanish King. The portuguese King did not believed and did not want to finance his project. The whole enterprise was spanish excepting a couple of foreigners like the expedition leader Magellan. Please note this.
King Manoel of Portugal was becoming increasingly frustrated with Spain's growing power in the East, especially in the Moluccas, commonly known as the Spice Islands, and was furious when Magellan pledged his allegiance to Spain and offered its king, Charles V, his plan to find an alternate route to India
In 1505, Magellan joined the fight, traveling to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. But his days in service to Portugal were numbered: He was accused of illegal trading and fell out with Manuel I, who turned down his proposal to locate a new spice route.
the reason was simple, the maritime way into the Indies was controlled by the Portuguese, as stated in the Tordesilhas treaty signed in 1494, so it was against Portuguese interests that a westward rout was to be found on the west, that was under Castilhe controled area...
@@JoaoMariaNunes yes. And therefore, he parted from Sevilla, leading a spanish fleet to never return. It was just a short group of spanish sailors lead by Juan Sebastián Elcano that made the whole voyage around the globe.
Portugal’s sailing ability and geographic & cartographic knowledge was like / comparable to having the best “secret spy intelligence” -best meaning WAY better than other countries’-nowadays. Portuguese sailors and fishermen would return to Europe with TONS of cod fish from the Grand Banks off of NewFoundLand, and they kept their source and knowledge secret
The problem is with all of this remote workers people who come to big city like Lisbon and Porto because they wanna have fun and they are raising the prices for everything. They don’t wanna go to Little Village and live quite life and work on computer they want to have a nice café good food. They wanna go out they wanna hang out put the pretty picture on Instagram And that’s what screwed up Lisbon and Porto.
Check housing prices in Amsterdam for comparison...
@@so_what_else_is_new Dutch people need to complain of the housing in their homeland and Portuguese of the prices in Portugal. The Netherlands is the homeland of the Dutch, if you buy a house in Portugal saying that in Portugal it is cheaper, where will we go??? Please do your job and don’t compare apples to oranges and stay in your lane. Bye.
@@rir79 I can answer you with a lot of things that I won't. I just want to say that housing prices in Amsterdam are high because of the expats. The same as in Lisbon.
@@so_what_else_is_new the expats in Amsterdam are working for Dutch companies, which is not what is happening in Portugal. Most “expats” are working for companies abroad, so little little of their income is going to the standard Portuguese citizen. And BTW, it’s not expats it’s immigrants, that is what Portuguese people in the Netherlands are. I know some working there and I know how bad the housing is there and that they need to share housing most of the time. But what they bring in return is a lot more than what Portugal is getting from the retirees and “digital nomads”. To me both of these groups should have restricted access to Portugal. I also know you keep comparing apples to oranges. Both Portugal and the Netherlands need to fix the housing situation but their economic and social situation are different so a different approach is needed. Goodbye 👋
@@rir79 🤐
cool vid. please reduce volume of background music, it makes it slightly hard to hear you . cheers .
I guess thats a Problem all Capital or big Cities in Europe have in common.
trie to rent a flat in Parague for example. Don't speaking of London, Paris or Barcelona.
True in the U.S. investors buy 5-6 rentals, driving up prices every 12 months. Im moving to southern Portugal for a year. Where are legitimate yearly rentals listed ?
Problem is that most of the colonizers cannot colonize any more and get rich on the blood and tears of the poor....😂😂😂
This was a really Good Video about Portugal! Thanks 👍
The Marquis de Pombal rebuilt Lisbon - Pombal is his town. Greetings from another old dominion of Portugal - Goa - Estado da India.
In fact, many young people are leaving because they can't afford a house. It's a huge problem.
@@pedropinheiroaugusto3220 only the old, the ancient and brainless remain in Portugal. Portugal gives nothing to anyone ( except its corrupt politicians) , Portugal only knows how to beg the EU for money
Sweden is heading the same path too now sadly, I suspect most of the western world too...
Lembra aqueles programas do canal Cultura do Planeta Terra de antigamente kkkk, boa Eliezer!
Well, I stayed in Villamoura-Quarteira for 3 years, I used to get E3000 euros in the summer and 1/2 that in winter, selling hot dogs and burgers !!!
Which brings me to my question: If Tourism $ or Euros are so high why are the locals not getting richer off the revenues?
Very well done. Thank you. I would like to visit some day.
Help me understand. If rent is so high why don't the abandoned houses get fixed up to be rented out?
most are way beyond repair
Seems like dozens of new you tube channels showing British people buying abandoned houses and farms and renovating then over a year or so, it's graft but.they seem happy doing it.😂😅
The wrap up at the end of ur videos is awesome man. I’ve always dreamed of moving to Portugal or Spain so ur content is scratching that itch. Maybe Ireland can teach Portuguese how to bring in better paying jobs but in the meantime Portuguese ppl have a lot to offer and I’m certain they will overcome these obstacles just as they have done since the Roman times. Thanks for the content
@@lewiskinser8320 As a PT person who already lived in Ireland I don’t agree we should learn anything from the Irish case. Counties with no proper hospitals, horrible transportation system and loads of former coworkers of mine (Irish BTW) were leaving to go and live in Australia and New Zealand as buying a house is impossible. The IRish GDP is not reaching the Irish Population, only the big corporations.
@@rir79 Exactly! This notion that Ireland is a 'great example of an economy' is ridiculous! It's become nothing but one of the most expensive countries in Europe where the rich are stinking rich, many people are struggling or destitute and that thrives on being the biggest whore to corporations.
you are wrong, ist not a nightmare for locals. I love my country,
It can be bad for people who only make a minimum wage and can’t afford now the house they used to afford before so many wealth foreigners came.
Algarve is a nightmare
Totally correct re the Algarve, this is true
Very interesting video, thank you very much.
@@JuanMoreno-wo5ybforeigners are not the cause but the result. Blame your politicians.
I want to visit both Portugal and Spain someday just to hang out and eat all the delicious food and drink your wonderful wine.
Go to Spain, we have way too much scammers in Gastronomie in Portugal
Professionally made. Congratulations
One of the most beautiful countries in the world and such beautiful people
Very beautiful cities and well maintained too in my opinion....porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, Aveiro, Fatima etc... would love to visit some day.🎉❤
"Vey beautiful" is a stretch, as is "well maintained". Compared to what? This hyperventilation over Portugal is frankly ridiculous - nice enough country with some interesting places, nothing more.
Interesting and informative documentary, thank you, I'm from the UK but I know some people that have moved to Portugal
Good information , like your channel 🎉
Tons of abandoned houses but they're all too expensive for what you get, usually. 😬
Those prices in Pombal are not cheap! You can buy houses in Germany and The Netherlands for 100k if you're not picky. That's the problem with Portugal, prices are the same as the ones from northern European countries while salaries are much lower. 1200 euros is welfare level in The Netherlands.
Plus taxes are much higher in Portugal too, sadly. Health care is good in Portugal, though, and food is a bit cheaper, specially restaurants, something I don't use in The Netherlands.
@@TheSimArchitect healthcare is not good, at least the public healthcare which all Portuguese people pay with their taxes. Emergency services closed during the weekends and waiting times of more than 14 hours with elderly people waiting there for too long in a room with no food and no fresh air. That is not what I should call good.
@@TheSimArchitect Food is actually cheaper in Spain, Ireland and the UK, even Germany is cheaper.
Sounds like he missed the "thousand" part. "147€", "125€" are pretty cheap... Aside from that, yes 147000€ isn't cheap in the middle of nowhere, even if the climate is good.
Correction. Healthcare is rubbish in Portugal. I don't know why foreigners insist on this myth that Portugal has 'good' healthcare. No, it does not. Hospitals are closing left and right, there's a massive shortage of doctors and nurses, waiting times for tests and follow-up exams can be multiple months, even years, or just plain non-existent. The local medical centres (centros de saude) are a shadow of their former selves, with many also closing or also beset by huge waiting times and a lack of competent staff. STOP the mythologizing of a piddly little country of 10 million people that is frankly going down the toilet.
An acquaintance of mine works in Lisbon near the main bus station of Campo Grande. . He lives in the small town Santarem to the Northeast one hour away by bus which has Internet and is happy. In your video you interview only Brazilians, no problem.
There's too many people in Portugal right now, not technically in the whole country, but concentrated in the big cities along the coast. The portuguese did not expected this, we were a dwindling country just a few years back, we didn't have the resources to build housing for everyone. We didn't create laws to allow old buildings to be restored for outsiders or laws to accomodate them into our society. So things are messy. But at least we still have the sanctity of our forests and mountains, not many people there. :)
Hope to visit Portugal and Lisbon soon.
Thank you very relevant and interesting information provided 👍
15:50 I knew of the Marquis de Pombal, so I figured there had to be some locality of that name...
4:10 I hear her saying: 2’300.-, not 1’300.- Euros?
Thank You ! Very interesting Enjoy your life in safe Portugal and sleep well at night.
But like, everyone you interviewed is Brazilian. No Portuguese?
Minuto 16:30 los precios de venta de casa es caro. Hay lugares en USA con precios mejores que esos.
Real estate agent is even brazilian...not even a portuguese.
What difference does it make?
@@Ruben55431 , that makes a huge difference. Barring the language (which some Brazilians, like the author of this video, even choose to shun), I would say that there aren't 2 more different countries in the world.
Most beautiful countries are getting empty because of emigration. But people in USA are moving out of big cities back to countryside and starting their permaculture and self sufficiency , they grow their own healthy food and raise animals on the farm .
High quality video thank u
Homestead is living off the grid. Must be nice but I prefer a small city with all type of services. I don't like lonely deserted villages.
@@onri-vk4cm What is an eample of a favorite small city, as I prefer those as well. Walkable but not mountain-climbing on cobblestones ; )
my mother and i wanted to live in Portugal and retire. but, with being almost double taxed we will make barley the min. to live there. most people are charging over 1400 eros for rent and it would be cheaper to stay in America. a lot of us are in the same boat. the only people living large are the wealthy investors. I don't think the locals know that the non investors are in the same boat they are.
Same here -we are from Germany and had planned to retire in Portugal but they changed it (I think they don’t want only older people there ) investors in big style is what they want BUT the countryside is mostly empty!!oh well we will keep looking were we will go !
@@testerintester864the countryside is almost empty? I am from the north of Portugal and can assure you
there are many people living in the countryside and smaller towns! The cost of rent is also cheaper than if you move to a bigger city!
Go to Portugal and see for yourself regarding what the costs are and you might be pleasantly surprised!
You raise an excellent point.
Do you know? Portugal was the first nation to introduce red pepper to the Korean Peninsula via Japan. Koreans need to thank Kimchi Spice to Portugal.
Pity they dont apply it to their own cuisine.
We here in Kerala, India call Portuguese "parankikal"which literally means pepper people.
...we do.@@almira565
🧢🧢
@@almira565 But we eat a lot of cabbage 🥬
Amazing video. Thank you.
Cara !! {Dude, Bro, amigo, irmão, camará} You’ve hit the nail on the head regarding saindo & mudando. I would very much like to move to Brasil or Portugal & continue improving my second language. I would be HAPPY to eat only beans-&-rice everyday if that meant I could have time the relax, rest, think, write, & play music. The problem of spending the OVERWHELMING majority of one’s earnings on housing is really beating down the American (USA’s) people, and it has started to hurt the wider economy. By and large, United States people are less internationally-minded, so escaping into a different economy isn’t something most consider. It’s a solution I would definitely take, although I don’t feel great about leaving my fellow Americans with this problem. I’d feel better if the problem would be addressed by and for everyone.
I visited only once. Back in 1993. It was very poor back then. But people were super friendly. Always wanted to go back there.....
Back then there was even a little German community of kind of "alternative" people. Some were a bit sketchy but overall they were okay and helpful to get to know the locals. They were located at the Atlantic coast, south of Lissabon. There were few tourists as the water and wind could be very cold even in the summer - totally different from the Mediterranean coast.
Im portuguese, thank you for shading some light on the situation of our contry. Yes its barely impossible to survive here for locals
It seems like there is a shortage of available units to rent or buy but a surplus of abandoned properties.
Sounds like a an easy fix why don’t people buy up and renovate the abandon properties???
Are there some sort of restrictions to buying the abandon properties??
I don't think that it is only Portugal having this happening currently. All countries with touristic interest, a mild climate and high quality of living are experiencing the same: prices go up, locals cannot afford to live there anymore, real estate is going through the roof and the cosy local atmosphere is being swapped for a mass tourism structures.
I left Portugal at age 5 and moved to the USA the reason you see so many abandoned homes in Portugal is because the parents die and their kids are all over the world and either can’t agree on prices or who gets what or won’t come back to Portugal to do the paperwork so the property remains there or they can’t reach the kids who now own the property for example my parents left land for us we attempted to give the land to the township but they wanted us to pay the closing costs so the property just sits there not saying that’s what always happens but it happens a lot just came back from vacation in Portugal 2 days ago what a marvelous country and my people are some of the friendliest people in the world
8:05 "It could be a shopping mall". You totally lost me here, that's such a reductor mindset. So, a big shopping mall without windows in place with that view, with international brands that you can find anywhere in the world to destroy what's left of the local stores.
Thank you for your video. It’s difficult to understand how all those buildings are being abandoned. The population of Porto is 240,000 . The UK imports four times that every year and the weather is awful!!
Thanks for your info good work
I watch channels where young people have settled in abandoned farms or small holdings in areas like Castelo Branco. They work hard on the land, they love the life, and Portuguese neighbours are very friendly. Mostly they went there before Brexit. What is the feeling among the Portuguese about these foreigners?
Great video but I still don't understand why rents are so high when there are abandoned houses. Here in the UK, especially the south where I live, rents are also way too high but we don't have many abandoned houses.
Hi. I don't live there, but I was in the process of moving there. But the...feelings I was getting was that the sentiment was changing. Anyway I did lots of research, had an immigration lawyer, real estate person etc.,
So there is drain on the youth. The young people are doing (at least) 2 things; moving from more rural areas to larger city areas. And they're leaving the country! They're going everywhere else in Europe. So it's pulling the workforce/and consumer base/tax base. The country does have a substantial tourism base and immigration base of funding--but my feeling is that those funds keep the country afloat, but it's not what's needed for major property restoration and maintenance.
Next, abandoned properties in the rural areas are super high. Entire villages. And it's high in the cities also, but with wages being low but development costs being high-it's a vicious circle. The only people who can really do those renovations are the expats coming in--which they were doing. But, then those rehabbed properties have high rent, which the locals can't afford (see, the low incomes referenced earlier). So, it's my opinion there are multiple vicious circles.
They also killed the "Golden Visas" which both contributed to renovated properties, but also high rent. But the bulk of immigrants were not the Americans or British--it's actually the Chinese, Indians, and Brazilians. Even though the Algarve has a really large Brit community/tourism numbers.
I have one other opinion, but it's regarding the UK. I've watched channels like "turd town" and others where they show many, many towns and villages going bankrupt. And tons of people on food assistance and boarded up main streets. I think this guy @Tom_Nicholas just did a video on it. I don't point this out to say "your country is just as bad," but to say economies/youth movement/jobs have these sort of strange effects that are hard to predict or reverse. I'm in the US and LEAVING, because there's so many different KINDS of problems.
@BobKnight-mm2ze Hi Bob, thanks for that detailed explanation. It really makes sense now and you have highlighted what is probably a global problem. It is true that in Cornwall in the UK there are so many second homes and holiday lets and the locals can't afford the rents. Also the difference in property prices between north and south is massive.
What it really boils down to is the growing gap between rich and poor and young people seeking a better life in the cities which seems to be happening everywhere.
I can't afford to buy a property here and may end up moving to Nigeria. But that's another story!
All the best with your endeavours!
@@geogoringHaha, trust me, I'll be traveling to that area too as I look for the place where I plant myself. The plan is "up and down" Europe/Africa for a few years.
But I think you're probably right; the world is moving in a sort of Feast or Famine direction. I think it's a lot of factors, but this transition from sort of industrial age society to a sort of snowballing techno/information thing. Long story short; I think or tech is outpacing are ability as a society to adjust at the same pace is maybe at the core of it. And money. Everything comes back to money. Sigh...
@BobKnight-mm2ze Yes that is how the world is going. I think some people want us to believe it's all about money but actually that's a lie. I try to see limitations positively in that they can channel us in the direction we need to go, rather than what satisfies our desires which can be harmful to us. So all is good, brother!
problem is that this dude has no fkin idea what he is talking about. Rents are high mostly in big cities as everywhere around Europe. And what makes it high for example in Lisbon is supply and demand, to much ppl want to live here, try to live in london center and see how much u have to pay. Its just someone who hasnt enough information to make a video about the subject.
The population of Braga at 200k residents is the size of a small town here in the UK. Interesting place though. I've holidayed only on the Algarve but intend to visit Lisbon on my next holiday.
Oxford and Aberdeen are small towns in your books then...right
@@RobIn-ky4uz with exception of glasgow and edinburgh, the rest of scotlands cities are like small towns lol
I went to porto twice. Did the free walk tours. They explained the issue of the abandon houses. You can find it online. The guy on the video has not explained well.
People are leaving since 2014, as the salary at the time was 430€ or below while the house rents were at 500€ (which became gradually higher), forcing people to either leave, which most did it to Countries like UK, France and Luxemburg, or get into relationships so the couple together could pay the rent and sustain their leaving (at least one of the two must have a full time job).
By the way, forgot to tell that Algarve (South Portugal) has a major problem where every restaurant, grocery store, bar, pub, hostel, etc does the most blatant form of tax evasion, as they don't allow any form of credit card payment, forcing you to pay with physical money. Needless to say that 0% goes to the state. This is a kind of irony as the prime minister in 2016 said that Portugal is rising back with the help of tourism, when the very toursim itself evades taxations.
Just one correction, braga is the second older city, First Évora, then Braga then Porto. As a Portuguese, i feel we are beeing FDup. I live in Porto
Well every place there’s a abandoned place not only Portugal.
Sorry, but no, not like this. Portugal is a beautiful country, but many ruins.
Not a huge problem, but it's a fact.
Very nice thanks ❤😊😊😊
you keep mentioning problems in your videos and creating titles for a quick click but love to be in Portugal and love the opportunity it has given you. Interesting positioning you have
You make a good point. This video was hardly 'scathing' about Portugal - and there's plenty to be scathing about the country.
Very informative video 🎉
Too much positive marketing . Standard of living is abysmal
The housing situation in Portugal is complex and unclear. Other than the massive disruption by Covid it seems like terrible planning in general. The land laws which change from region to region has a big impact. Inconsistent red tape. Thousands of properties on land not zoned for habitation. So you can't renovate or invest fully in them. Slow moving Government departments. No forward planning to create more available land for Portuguese citizens. No real property development outside and close to Lisbon for locals. No funds to renovate old buildings. Some of those old buildings should just be cnocked down and rebuild in the traditional style. Hundreds of houses not registered as they are rented without contracts. Portuguese people need tax breaks or incentives to start new businesses and to renovate properties. Stop the second home taxation. Tax is still too high on the lower lvels. Portugal does not have a very diverse economy. That's why the Government need to incentivise to get small and medium manufacturing on the go.
You said "hot place", and it's not like that at all. Well, besides not using the word 'warm' instead, you didn't even mention that harsh winters are very common in certain regions, and also how windy it is even in the south all throughout the year; and if it's sunny it's windy; also there's more people suffering from cold in Portugal than in northern Europe.
Amazing ❤❤❤❤
Fascinating, thsnks
sorry to correct you, magellan sailed from spain , sanlucar de barrameda, he was portuguese but was at the service of the king of spain in an expedition organized and paid by spain, he did not finish , Elcano fiished and arrived back in spain having gone round the world
Amazing video.
Thank you from Atlanta 🇺🇸
So if rent is expensive and there are a lot of abandoned houses, why are people not just moving into them to live rent free? Is that sort of thing prosecuted harshly there?
it is sadly the same in most countries right now. the wages of your country do not afford you the ability to live a good life anymore. and it does not feel good to abandon your home country to live better in a cheaper country because you cause worse problems for locals. but what can you do?
Yep ! Portuguese move to Germany and UK. Brazilians move to Portugal . Venezuelans move to
Brazil ..??? Where does the merry -
go - round stop ?
@@jakew1362 Portuguese people have only one homeland and that is Portugal. Being forced to leave is awful and tbh you are trying to compare apples to oranges. The US is still a country where people live in states where income tax is low and life is still affordable. People in the US are not being forced out, they are just looking for a cheaper place to stay. If you want to have a lower pace of living and a new philosophy of life, try to bring it to your homeland instead of creating issues for the natives of other countries. Most people coming to live in Portugal are not working for Portuguese Companies. So you want to live I Portugal, but deep down you don’t wish to live like the Portuguese, isn’t it??? I understand that, but if you want to live here, you need to have your income tax to go to Portugal, not the US, otherwise why are you here? The crisis of the Portuguese youngsters leaving is that most are now highly qualified and working and paying taxes abroad as the rent+food combo is unaffordable to the Portuguese. Big difference.
@@jakew1362 so “what can you do”??? Try claiming land in your homeland and settle there when you can afford land there. Most people from the US and UK I know have more than enough money to buy land in their countries but somehow prefer to go to a country where English is not even the official language and “settle” there. This is a downright invasion prompted by the greediness of foreigners and a government that hates its own citizens.
US retirees cannot afford to grow old here. I live in Seattle (40 yrs now), my very small old uninsulated house on tiny lot in ‘ok’ n’hood costs over $830 in Property Taxes Alone. Food is through the roof. I wear many layers of wool and fleece w/hat right this minute while I type this. My water,electric,phone, internet is insane. Self employed career, I get $730/mo from SS . . . not enough to buy groceries. I have a 2005 Toyota that cost$ plenty … let’s not talk about car/house/health insurance - either prices or Hassles/real value.
US is all about corporate scams these days, greedy investors US or Chinese, Mx or Russian, etc. And, yes, LOTS of immigrants from Africa, Asia and Europe. Indians and high educated grab our ‘big pharma’ etc PhD jobs.
One can complain . . . or use the internet to find a livable situation. The inflation is Global, so are floods/forest/grassland fires/heat/drought. . . do your homework! For me in US is poor aesthetics of buildings, car culture and guns. And Prices.
IF I emigrate to find a less generally greedy culture I will bring my high education in environment/architecture/food growing/soil-building, along with a lifelong involvement in improving my local community (my highest value). If Portugal, biggest challenges Portuguese (am well versed in Sp) and the more serious/negative/victim oriented mentality : (
I can see you are proud of Portugal me to. I am not Portuguese but it's home (Coimbra) I love it.
Man vc é indentico a um maluco aqui no Brasil
A maioria dos zucas tem cara feia e são mestiço, o rapaz n é nem uma coisa nem outra.
É ele mesmo do Vida Infinda. Agora vai para uma audiência maior em inglês. O mundo vai para Portugal com Eliezer. Vai acabar sendo condecorado pelo presidente de Portugal por promover o turismo para Portugal.
altoughh you didnt get everything right (especially pombal location on map), you did a great job exposing the problems for foreigners wanting to move here. there are other huge problems culturaly that could be adressed too, like the desertification of the interior. if you think Porto has many abandoned houses, try Guarda Covilha, Castelo Branco, there you can see the real extent of the problem
Thank you I love Portugal it’s people and the lifestyle I am retired in UK and am looking to move to Portugal 🇵🇹
Oh, God, I wish you wouldn't. The last thing Portugal needs is yet another person from northern Europe going there with their stronger currency / big pension / higher purchasing power to drive up property prices, thereby continuing the farce that Portugal is a 'wonderful' place to live. Think of the locals and the less-haves who have the right to enjoy and afford their own country. Live in your own country, mate.
@@vittoriobollo3408 I am not rich I am a retired nurse and was hoping to volunteer in a hospital or care home
Tuscany has the same problem, plenty of charming small towns almost empty, in the next 10 years will be abandoned. I think the only way to make them survive is remote working. If you can work remotely and you want to have a family these small town are a paradise for kids than the prison-like childhood in a big town
Its nightmare who is working here .....all people come for passport only then they move to better country....all immigrants do like this