‘Our clients are investing to enjoy their life in Portugal’

Speaking at the inaugural Portugal Investment Forum – a five-day touring debate on how to capitalise on the country’s economic growth – one of Portugal’s most respected developers told an audience in Lagos it was not a “get-rich-quick” market… but therein lies its appeal.

Irish entrepreneur Gerry Fagan has spent more than 25 years delivering homes and mixed-use projects in the Algarve.

Now chairman of developers DDM, he told the high-profile audience: “You’re not investing in a return if you come to live in Portugal; you’re investing in life. That’s a different style of investment.

“Generally speaking, all our clients are here to enjoy life.”

He adds: “Portugal is not an economy that produces consistently very high returns all the time. But it produces reasonable returns. It’s a place for steady investment.”

He says it comes against a shifting dynamic, as hedge funds pile in – eyeing its potential and recent growth.

He explains: “You’re not talking about a €40 or 50 million investment. In some cases, hedge funds are allocating maybe €1 billion.”

Their targets are frequently existing assets such as golf courses and hotels. But rather than simply holding them, the developer says, the new owners are “coming in and they’re improving them”.

The result is delivering financial returns which, in turn, deliver for the funds’ investors.

Gerry Fagan adds: “For the people who are considering investing here, make sure you have the right professional people around you, to give you good advice.

“My family's been raised here and we love Portugal.”

The Portugal Investment Forum was organised by Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club.

Portugal Pathways is an independent strategic guidance and concierge platform for affluent, high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families who are considering, or have already chosen, a life in Portugal.

The Portugal Investment Owners Club brings together like-minded people who have committed to Portugal, gathering them in some of the country's most stunning locations to share ideas, build lasting relationships and contribute to the country's future.

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About Portugal Pathways

‍‍Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (PIO Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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