The problem with using search engines is that it becomes a bit of an art to be able to sift through the billions of possible results to get the property you want. And even if you get the right search result, the property could have already been sold, as search engines take "snapshots" of websites that are constantly changing with new and sold properties.

A more methodical approach is to find estate agents websites and search each individual agents property portfolio.

This, in my opinion, is the best approach. It will take a bit of time and effort, but it could save you a lot of money, and ultimately help you find your dream house.

AlgarveAgents.com is designed to help you do this very easily. Every agent listed has a link to their own website, (if they have one), where you can search for property according to your own criteria.

I have also included an option on this website for you to just email every agent you may think of interest, instead of physically searching their website.

Try and be as specific as possible, as this will definately help in your search, and look at as many agents as possible - not just the ones in the town you would like to get your property, as a lot of them have properties across the Algarve.

Here is an example:

I like the hills in the central algarve, as I think they have spectacular views, but I need to be as close to Loule and Almancil as possible, as my business is located there (PTPATIO in case you have not already guessed). My budget is €350000 and I would like a villa with 2-3 bedrooms.

With this kind of budget I am not going to get a new build Villa, but I might be able to get one that is about 20 years old, which is habitable, and I can renovate over time to add value.

I am now armed with some rules, with which I can narrow down my property search:

Type of Property = VILLA
Number of bedrooms = 2-3
Minimum Price = €250000
Maximum Price = €500000 (my budget is €350000, but remember that price fluctuations between agents are common)
Location = 15mins from Loule with a great view

Now I will go to every estate agent website I can find, starting with the councils of Faro, Sao Bras and Loule, and search for suitable properties that match these criteria.

After I find a suitable property I will save it in "Favourites" on internet explorer in a folder named by the location of the property. Once the search is finished, I should have a folder filled with properties that I can cross-reference to find the same properties advertised by different agents, and then contact the agent that has the lowest asking price to arrange a viewing.