and they 'look happy' simply because of the shape of their mouths. Bit like us assuming dogs wagging their tails means they're happy. It actually means their tense/confused.

Nothing if you park it outside the airport opposite the petrol station or off the main road approaching the airport roundabout!

Check the ads in Get Real or Algarve Resident but shop around - some are very expensive.

My grateful thanks to you all, and especially you Pickwick. Certainly a lot to think about.

Certainly there are a lot of backhanders going on in this country - the true breakdown of charges is rarely visible to British clients as there are so many cuts and percentages between property managers, builders, gardners, cleaners, estate agents. It's a can of worms.

Pickwick that erm4.com website is interesting, reading the testimonials, and thanks for your offer of advice. Have often felt that service providers in the Algarve could do with a reality check (and a kick up the ..) - property managers, lawyers, bank staff it's as if we're doing them a favour being...

So d'you think there's a need for UK based owners of property here to have their property management service checked/audited for performance v cost....
I wonder of there are other services owners need eg to maximise the value of their property here or cut costs in this economic downturn...?

Hello, Thanks to the recession my I’ve lost my job here. Rather than go back to Britain I’m racking my brains to think of services that are needed by British people who live here or who come over here a lot. What’s missing here? -eg services in Portugal that would make life easier for second home ow...

Maybe for the best Aussie. Think of all the rainy days, even down here, from Nov to March....

Thanks Aussie, I've looked for a Bob posting further back but couldn't find anything.

Hi,
is anyone trying to sell a property in Portugal and interested in buying one in the UK? I have a detached 4 bed house in Bristol that I would consider exchanging for one in Portugal, subject to valuations, etc.

Hi, I'm a responsible person available to house/flat sit, take care of pets/plants, preferably in the Lagos area but flexible, from now until Jan.
Have references.

Caroline checked somewhere for me recently, so she's definitely here doing surveys.

What do you need them for?
I know a good chartered surveyor who checked all parts of my building in detail before I bought it:
Caroline Thomas 916388119 carlthom@lycos.com

Its worth getting an experienced decorator because the conditions and products here in Portugal are different to the UK.
A very good decorator, who is experienced and has stood the test of time, is
Luis Lourenço, tel: 966889694