Belgium's largest newspaper chooses Immo Portugal to show why Belgians are investing in the Silver Coast

Het Laatste Nieuws, Belgium's largest newspaper, has once again chosen Immo Portugal to show why more and more Belgians are buying property in Portugal. For more than ten years, their editorial team has been following our homebuyers' stories, Portuguese lifestyle, culture, and the unique real estate opportunities that our beautiful Silver Coast has to offer.

Last July, the team travelled to Portugal again to share Erik & Nicole's property journey, a Belgian couple who have been devoted to this region for years. Their Portuguese adventure began with the purchase of a villa in Salir do Porto through Immo Portugal. Years later, again with our guidance, they decided to build their dream home in Quinta de Santo Isidro, an exclusive development area overlooking the charming Caldas da Rainha.

Nicole and Erik. © HLN Photomontage, ID/ Gregoire De Poorter, Getty Images

From first purchase to dream home

The couple once again chose the guidance of Immo Portugal's team of certified realtors, which guided them through the entire process. In the interview, Nicole explains how challenging building in Portugal can be: “Doing and figuring everything out yourself is almost impossible in Portugal. Just getting a permit often takes years. And if something goes wrong, you're stuck.”

 

However, with the support of Immo Portugal, the process was clearly structured and transparent. While they continued to live in Belgium, their villa on the Silver Coast was built – entirely according to their wishes.

Why the Silver Coast?

For Erik & Nicole, the climate is one of the biggest advantages. Erik explains: “The Silver Coast faces the Atlantic Ocean. This brings cooling, so it always remains pleasant to go on trips or sit on the terrace in the sun. It never gets really cold in winter either. Last year, I was still swimming in November.”

With an orchard at the front, a forest at the back, and the sea just a 15-minute drive away, Erik & Nicole found the perfect location for their second home in Portugal.

Caldas da Rainha, one hour north of Lisbon, is now their second home. “It's a medium-sized city with 50,000 residents. We live close to a symphony orchestra, and I have a regular hairdresser here where I pay only 12 euros for a haircut. Life here costs 35% less than in Belgium,” says Nicole.

In the morning, they enjoy the first rays of sunshine on their breakfast terrace. “With a cup of coffee in hand, this is the perfect place to start the day. We have the most beautiful view of the 18-hectare orchard and can see the medieval town of Óbidos in the distance.”

The location also plays a major role: within a 15-minute drive, they are at the sea, and cities such as Lisbon, Óbidos, and Nazaré are also nearby.

A villa with character and comfort

Their beautiful 240 m² home is filled with natural light, space, and functionality. The design maximises the surrounding nature in the living area, with large windows overlooking an orchard and a pool terrace.

Some special features include:

• Energy-efficient living: solar panels, underfloor heating, and energy label A.
  
  
• Smart layout: three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, plus additional multipurpose rooms.
  
  
• Indoor-outdoor experience: a breakfast terrace to enjoy the morning sun, a swimming pool with panoramic views, and a living room that feels like a hotel suite.

 

Nicole sums up the feeling beautifully: “The first time we entered our finished house, we felt like we had arrived at a hotel. We only had our suitcases with us, because the interior had been furnished in advance by the real estate agent (Portugal Interiors).”

An investment & quality of life

In addition to the daily pleasure of being here, Erik & Nicole also see their villa as an excellent investment. Property prices on the Silver Coast have doubled in the last ten years, thanks to growing international interest.

Click here to read the full article!

Be inspired by Erik & Nicole's story

Their journey from a first apartment to a fully customised villa is a wonderful example of how a dream can become reality—with the right guidance and a passion for Portugal.

Would you also like to take the first step toward your own place under the Portuguese sun?

Book a no-obligation consultation with our team today and discover how we can make your dream come true.

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