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. 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. Since 1 January 2013 Algarve Housing is an official registered company in Holland. Please ask Michele for more information.

Where are you based?

Our properties you can find all over the Algarve; the southernmost region of Portugal. From Lagos in the west till Tavira in the East. Most holiday homes we rent are in the center like Silves, Boliqueime, Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Messines.

How do we get there?

Most of our guests arrive at 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 the Algarve. 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 (Book now button). When this is done, we will send you an invoice with details of the booking and payment. To confirm the booking, 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. If you pay the damage deposit to Algarve Housing, you will receive an email after your departure of the villa to fill in your bank details and we will, if all okay, return the deposit back to your bank account. 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. In order to avoid bank charges we have a company called Currency Direct, you can arrange the payment with. Those details you will also find on your invoice. You can pay by credit card via our PayPal account.

If you are interested in a holiday villa on the Algarve Housing website, please check the availability, but bear in mind, not all calenders are up-to-date. Best check with Michele. If a villa is available, let Michele know if you want her to hold the dates, so ask for an option!!! This gives you time to sort out flights etc.

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 generally all inclusive, electricity, gas, water, towels, linen and cleaning. If not this is mentioned at the tap 'prices'. Often you need to pay extra for air-conditioning, check at the tap 'prices' what is included or excluded. We charge per booking 25 euros administration fee.

Generally, in the winter there is an extra charge for heating. This varies per villa.

The only extra costs is for renting a car and your travel insurance. Please check our car rental link for the best car rental prices. We do advice always take a travel insurance!!!

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, where you can see the availability. BUT not every owner gives us the availability, and some does, but are not very strict, so it is possible the calender is not up to date!

Please contact Michele for latest update of bookings.

How can I pay?

Algarve Housing is a Dutch based company, therefor payments will be to a Dutch bank account. if you live in a non euro country, we have made arrangements with a company called Currency Direct to avoid high bank charges. Details you will find on your invoice. If you prefer to pay through our Paypal account, this is possible, but we will charge an extra 4%. See for more details 'Can I pay by credit card'. Often we can arrange a part to be paid cash on arrival, if this is more convenient to you.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes you can, we will send you an invoice from our Paypal account. This is free of charge when the money comes from PayPal account. When the money comes from a debit or credit card or PayPal Credit we need to charge a 4%.

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. In the case of paying the damage deposit befor arrival to the Algarve Housing bank account, we will return this, if all okay, the week after your departure. you will recieve an email to return with your bank details.

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, Monday till Friday.

Do I need a visa?

Not if you are European citizen.

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.