Why the Western Algarve Tops the List for Second-Home Buyers

The Western Algarve is emerging as Portugal’s top second-home destination, offering authentic living, modern comfort, and lasting value for buyers.

By LiveAlgarve on 19th September 2025 - 4 m. reading time

The Western Algarve isn’t just beautiful. It’s increasingly strategic. As the market evolves, second-home buyers are turning to this region for its blend of natural authenticity, modern infrastructure, and balanced lifestyle. Positioned away from the glitz of the Golden Triangle but rich in cultural depth, the Western Algarve is quietly becoming the smart choice for buyers seeking property to buy in algarve that deliver long-term value.

Rising Demand in Specific Spots

Early 2025 has seen a surge of interest in resort style properties like those found on Boavista Golf Course, with demand driven particularly from UK and US buyers. Properties starting around €340,000 are meeting new demand, reflected in a 19% rise in enquiries across the Algarve in recent months. The trend reflects a shift in buyer priorities: many are seeking quieter, lifestyle-driven locations rather than crowded tourist hubs.

A Foreign-Focused Market with Room to Grow

Foreign buyers account for roughly 80% of second-home transactions in the Algarve (Idealista), with many under 55 seeking a mix of coastal living and year-round activity. The Western Algarve, known for its beaches like Praia Dona Ana, and authentic feel, is a natural fit. Unlike highly commercialised resorts, towns such as Lagos, Carvoeiro, and Praia da Luz still balance authenticity with international accessibility. Buyers considering property in Lagos Portugal often cite the mix of dramatic coastlines, preserved nature, and vibrant culture as key motivators.

Natural Living That Inspires Loyalty

What sets the Algarve apart is its environmental authenticity. From the cliffs near Sagres to the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, this region offers immersive outdoor experiences that connect directly to the landscape. Buyers often seek properties that enable access to hiking, cycling, surfing, and sailing - lifestyles that encourage longer stays and deeper ties. Homes here are becoming part of a long-term relationship with the area through positive local experiences. 

Amenities Anchored in Outdoor Living

The Western Algarve doesn’t sacrifice convenience. The region benefits from Portugal’s well-regarded healthcare network and modern transport links, including easy access to Faro Airport and major roadways (OECD Health Report). For active buyers, the outdoor amenities are a highlight; including championship golf courses to world-class surf breaks, the Algarve offers a lifestyle upgrade rooted in the outdoors. The balance between modern infrastructure and open natural spaces makes it especially appealing for international buyers planning extended stays.

Market Momentum with Sustainable Growth

Property prices in the Algarve continue to show resilience. In 2024, luxury property prices increased by over 30% in high-demand zones, while overall transactions grew by nearly 5% (INE Portugal). Even beyond ultra-exclusive areas, the Western Algarve is benefiting from this upward momentum. The market here reflects steady, sustainable appreciation rather than speculative spikes, making it a sound choice for buyers looking at both lifestyle and long-term value.

A Region Built for Endurance, Not Flash

What truly defines the Western Algarve is its enduring appeal. Unlike destinations driven primarily by seasonal tourism, this region has invested in sustainable communities, cultural preservation, and environmental protections. Its authentic towns, expansive coastlines, and rich traditions provide stability in a global market often marked by volatility. For buyers seeking a second home that balances luxury with long-term resilience, the Western Algarve delivers both substance and security.

Why the Western Algarve Wins for Second Homes

The western Algarve is no longer a quiet alternative to Portugal’s other options, it is a region that sets the standard for second-home ownership. With growing demand from international buyers, landscapes that inspire loyalty, and a market built on sustainable growth, it offers more than just property. It offers a lifestyle grounded in authenticity and resilience. For second-home buyers in 2025, this part of the Algarve represents both an upgrade in quality of life and a sound long-term investment.