FAQ

What is Algarve Housing?

Algarve Housing is an intermediary between villa owners and holiday makers. In 2003 we started our business with holiday villa rentals and villa management. We started with just one special villa and soon more followed. The combination of unique properties, stunning locations and 300 hours sun per year has worked very well so far! Apart from unique villa’s, we also offer car rental, catering service, massage at your holiday villa, baby sit and a whole range of outdoor activities like Mountain Biking, Nordic Walking and guided walking tours.Plus we have very good contacts for Sailing! Please ask Michele for more information.

Where are you based?

Our properties are mainly in the Silves region of the Algarve (the green heart of the Algarve; the southernmost region of Portugal) but we expanding our business, as there are other nice and special places in the Algarve, like Alvor, Lagos, Almancil, Boliqueime, Faro, Tavira and Loule.

How do we get there?

Most of our guests arrive via Faro airport, by plane. Some fly into Lisbon or Seville. Some decide to drive and arrive by car. Lissabon and Sevilla are generally 2.5 hours drive a way. From Lisbon there is a toll road (approx 20 euros), from Seville no toll road.

What is the booking procedure? option/payment terms/security deposit?

When you book a villa you need to fill in the booking form on the website. When this is done, we will send you an invoice with deatils of the booking and payment. We ask you to pay 50% deposit within one week after receiving the invoice. Your booking is a provisional booking until we received the deposit. Six weeks prior your arrival, we need to receive the other 50% of the total amount, the balance payment.After the balance payment, we will send you all details for your arrival including directions and contact person during your stay. Some villa owners ask the balance cash on arrival, some will ask to pay the refundable damage deposit together with the balance, and we will return this, after inspecting the villa. Those details you will find on the website at the tap 'prices' and the invoice you will receive after you have filled in the booking form.

How far is the beach from our chosen villa?

Check with the description on the website. We list distances to beach, restaurant, shops and airport. Most of our villas are located not further away then 30 minutes drive from the beach.

What are the extra costs on top of the rent?

The prices are all inclusive, electricity, gas, water, towels, linen and cleaning.Often you need to pay extra for air-conditioning, check at the tap 'prices' if this is included or excluded.

In the winter there is an extra charge for heating. This varies per villa.

The only extra costs are for renting a car and your travel insurance. Please check our car rental link for the best car rental prices.

What is not provided?

Beach/pool towels and sun cream please bring your own. Some villas provide pool/beach towels, please check at section 'prices' if this is included.

Long term rental

Not every villa is suitable for winter let, as the winter evenings are generally fresh, and good heating is necessary. We kindly advise you which villa is suitable for winter let.

There are villa’s available for long term rent; most of the villa’s are available for long term winter let. We also have villa’s available for 12 month’s rent, some are not on the website, so please ask Michele for more details.

How do I know if the villa is available?

All villas have a availability calender, here you can see the availability. BUT not every owner gives us the availability, and some does, but are not very strict, so the calender can be not up to date!

Please contact Michele for latest update of bookings.

How can I pay?

By international bank transfer. When you book the villa shortly before arrival, we still ask to pay 50% in our bank account, but the rest can be paid cash on arrival.

Can I pay by credit card?

Sorry, we don’t have that service, nor we have Pay Pal.

Do I have to pay a damage deposit?

Some villa owners ask to pay a damage deposit cash on arrival, others ask to pay the damage deposit toghether with the balance payment, some they fully trust you, and a damage deposit is not needed. Most deposits will be returned after full inspection of the villa at the day of departure by the owner or the villa managers, sometimes we will return the deposit by bank transfer. All the above variations are stated in your invoice and details on the website at the section prices.

How do I get Euros?

In the Algarve the currency is Euros. There are many ATM machines to get money. They accept bank cards, like master card and Visa cards. Banks are open from 9 am till 3 pm.

Do I need a visa?

Not if you are European citizens.

Usually yes, if you reside outside the European Union. Check with your local Consulate and allow plenty of time for the application to be processed.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, please ensure your passport is up to date and covers the period of travel.