"We Bought a Home in Portugal Without Ever Visiting!"

Buying Property in Portugal

In the latest episode of Portugal The Simple Life Podcast, Dylan Herholdt sits down with Portugal Realty clients Amy and Jeff, a Canadian couple who took a leap of faith to make Portugal’s Silver Coast their home—without ever visiting before!

From Canada to Portugal: How It All Started

Amy and Jeff first discovered Portugal through a magazine article that consistently ranked the country—especially the Silver Coast—as one of the best places to retire.

Their extensive research led them to choose the Silver Coast over other parts of Portugal, like the Algarve. For them, it was about finding the perfect balance.

"We don’t want to be hot all the time," Jeff said. "We come from Canada with four seasons. We wanted two seasons, and this is perfect up here. Not too hot, not too cold."

While exploring YouTube, Amy stumbled upon Portugal Realty videos featuring Dylan Herholdt.

"I'm all about vibes," she explained. "When we started watching some of your podcasts, I just said to Jeff—almost instantly—I just love this man's vibe."

Their first interaction with Dylan only confirmed their instincts. "I reached out, and you got back to me within a day," Amy shared. "From there, the ball started rolling."

Despite never having visited Portugal, Jeff and Amy decided to purchase an off-plan apartment after just a few Zoom meetings, including one with a lawyer.

They chose a new-build apartment in Salir do Porto, a charming seaside village on the southern shore of São Martinho do Porto Bay—the perfect place to enjoy retirement in sunny Portugal!

The Buying Process: "A Leap of Faith"

When Amy and Jeff told their friends and family about buying a home in Portugal without ever visiting, they were met with disbelief.

"Did anybody say to you guys: Are you crazy? What are you doing?" Dylan asked.

Amy laughed, recalling, "Yeah, so many people. I think almost everybody we told!"

They describe working with Dylan and the Portugal Realty team as a "leap of faith."

"We really did take a leap of faith with you… and it worked out tremendously," Jeff shared.

Their first time setting foot in Portugal was unforgettable.

"We drove into the town of Sao Martinho and we were like: Oh my God! We live here?! This is crazy!" Amy said.

On their visit to the construction site, their apartment was still a concrete shell, with no bricks, plaster, or finishing touches. But even then, they could see its potential.

As the months passed, they watched their apartment take shape, transforming into a beautifully crafted home.

"The quality of workmanship is fantastic," Amy shared. "It’s everything we imagined and more."

Now, settled into their completed home, they call it "a dream come true."

📸 See more photos of this project:
Portugal Realty - Sant'Ana Bay Apartments

A Warm Welcome to Portugal's Simple Life

Since moving to Salir do Porto, Amy and Jeff have been overwhelmed by the beauty of the region and the warmth of the Portuguese people.

"The Portuguese people have been great," Amy shared. "We love their culture, their food, their wine… it just feels so comforting here."

Beyond the mild climate, they highlight safety, healthcare, and cost of living as key reasons they love their new home.

"We can go out for dinner, have a couple of drinks, a bottle of wine, two beers… for 40 euros. At home, that’s $200 Canadian," Jeff explained.

From walking along the countryside to exploring nearby gems like Nazaré and Óbidos, the couple has fully embraced the Simple Life.

Advice for Aspiring Expats

For anyone considering a move to Portugal, Amy and Jeff offer valuable advice:

✅ Work with professionals. "Get somebody who knows what they’re doing to help you," Amy said, referring to the visa process and property purchase.

✅ Trust your instincts. "Find somebody that you trust," Jeff added. "We feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have met Dylan and his team."

✅ Take the leap. "It’s worth it," they assured listeners. "If this is a thought you’re having, the Silver Coast is a beautiful place, and we highly recommend Dylan."