Property Assessment and General Services for Rural Land Purchasing and Language Translation in Portugal
Property Assessments primarily in and around the Dão-Lafões, central Portugal region: Viseu, Mangualde, Penalva do Castelo, Tondela and Nelas.
Hello! We are Steven Barich (US) and Freya van Dien (NL), quinta (smallholding) owners, artists, educators, environmentalists and proponents of the “good life” living in Portugal. In 2021 we started our consulting services for people and groups looking for property in various municipalities in the Dão-Lafões region.
In recent years, as quinta owners ourselves since 2013 in Portugal, and while managing an activities and tourism business alongside environmental awareness and regeneration projects, we have been frequently solicited for advice and guidance related to our experiences in this lifestyle. The increase in requests for knowledge sharing and the positive experiences we have had in our early modes of consultancy gave us motivation to offer our services professionally.
The consulting services and the knowledge we offer stem from our experience of living on a 3.5 hectare off-grid quinta since 2013. The quinta is called Moinhos do Dão – Eco Quinta and is an old millers farm on the banks of the Dão river. It houses an eco-tourism business, Artist-in-Residence, hosts volunteers and interns as well as organizes activities such as guided hikes through the Dão valley and small-scale nature conservation. Over the last 9 years, we have gained experience as to “what it takes” to own and maintain an off-grid quinta, and run an activities business in the ‘Centro’ region of Portugal. We have built an extensive network in and knowledge of the Dão region.
OUR APPROACH TO CONSULTING
People from different parts of the world move to Central Portugal because of its beautiful nature, affordable property prices, climate and Mediterranean lifestyle…just to name a few reasons. These are all qualities we value as well. As consultants, we aim to help prospective buyers to understand what a property might require beyond the purchase, in terms of upgrades, maintenance, bureaucracy, safety, long term habitation and the developments in the surrounding area. We will take a close look at the potential, and the challenges, that someone who is new to a region, cannot foresee. We desire to provide an honest, no-nonsense overview of any prospective property via an in-person visit and a follow-up analysis with pros and cons based on our own experience and views, as well as addressing what questions or issues the buyer may have.
WHY WE CHOOSE TO DO THIS WORK
The Dão valley and this region have become our home and we feel committed to an integrated and sustainable development of the region. We aim to offer our clients a greater understanding and appreciation for what the region has to offer, and to assist them in making the smoothest transition when choosing to live here.
WHAT WE OFFER AS CONSULTANTS
Our services are focused on assessing the constructed—or potential for construction—and natural/environmental aspects of a property, taking into consideration the skills and budget the potential buyer can put in to bring it to the desired result.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ADDED VALUE WE BRING
• Fluent in Portuguese, English, Dutch and some French and German• Understanding of off-grid utilities such as: solar and hydro power, septic systems and potable water supply.
• Understanding of property registration paperwork: articles (Predials) and land rights• Knowledge regarding building possibilities, zoning, utility independence, etc.
• In depth knowledge of the Dão valley and regional developments with regards to land use and business development
• An extensive network of professionals and citizens in the Dão region
• Understanding of bureaucracy related to property paperwork
CONSULTING PROCESS
- Initial conversation – getting to know your ideas and possibilities?
- Site visit to look at:
• Existing facilities (buildings and utilities),
• Infrastructure (roads, access, terraces et.),
• Terrain management ( incl. exposure to elements)
• Presence and drainage of water and humidity (climate zoning)
• Existing soil and vegetation
• Adjacent land(s) and region perspective/assessment
• Fire safety - Written assessment of the site and questions we deem important to resolve.
- ADDITIONAL SERVICES
• Translation and interpreter work
• Referrals to solicitors, lawyers, contractors, etc.
Interested in working with us and want to know our fees pleases contact us by:
Email: info @ gratidaoconsulting.naturural.org
Whats App or Telephone: + 351 933 956 630 (Freya)
TESTIMONIALS
“Freya and Steven helped us assess a property we fell in love with in the area of Tondela. We’ve asked Freya and Steven’s to help decide on the purchase of the plot. They took all the time to walk the property with us, talk to the neighbours and the owner’s agent and have finally delivered a report consisting of a comprehensive evaluation of the plot. The report has helped us to see the property as it is, it’s values, but also the challenges and risks associated with it. Based on that report, we’ve decided to keep looking. I’m very grateful for their input. It helped us look at the property in a sober, down to earth perspective, rather than being swept away after a dream. They have eye for detail, good knowledge of local regulations, take their work seriously and are friendly, calm and honest people.”
Amir Grosman. November 2021
“When we got the information about properties in this region from Freya and Steven we could apply this immediately.It helped us a lot in our search for the perfect property. Especially the licence needed and the Portuguese way of doing things.”
Janneke and Frank. January 2022. www.starbase18.com