Portugal still a favourite with British expat retirees

For elderly Brits, retirement nowadays is a far cry from a bungalow in Brighton, as the entire world truly is their oyster.

One all-time favourite is still high on the list for British retirees looking to enjoy their retirement day by day is Portugal. Many would-be expat retirees start by buying a holiday home in the Algarve, getting used to the laid-back lifestyle slowly but surely. When it comes time to leave Britain, they’re already acclimatised to the weather and the deliciously slow pace of life. Although Portugal is a relatively small country, there’s plenty to see and do and many charms to discover.

Real estate prices in the country are still reasonable, with Algarve resales in coastal areas going for around 160,000 euros. Properties further inland are even cheaper, with resales averaging 73,000 euros and new build properties at around 120,000 euros. Obviously, retirees looking for city life with all its entertainments and shopping opportunities will need to pay more for an apartment or private villa in one of the country's cities. Portugal’s property spectrum ranges from whitewashed rural homes all the way to ultra-modern apartments on Albufiera and Vilanoura, so there’s a great choice covering all needs and wants.

One of the most important reasons for choosing Portugal as a retirement haven is its excellent healthcare, ranked as 12th best on the planet by the World Health Organisation. Better still, it’s free for Britons with state pensions, although it’s not yet sure how Brexit might impact on this. The Portuguese government is more than happy to keep welcoming expat retirees, and is now putting into place dedicated entry channels as well as funds for new businesses. It’s possible these improvements may also include even better service as regards healthcare for seniors.