Portugal villa rental - how to avoid being scammed?

[Guest]

I am looking at a villa rental for next summer in Portugal. Probably Algarve area, but not really fixed on anywhere specific as never been.

But - a) seems quite expensive esp in comparison to Orlando villas ! B) keep reading threads and warnings about lots of scamming in this area.

So villa owners have to have a licence number which they are supposed to show on the advert. Does anybody know how I can check it or what else I can do to determine authenticity?

[Myakka17]

Hi we are off to the Algarve this summer. You are right they are more expensive but we used a Villa company ( actually based in our local city) but had come recommended on here. They had lots of different areas on the Algarve to choose from.

[fleurbie]

Hi
It's a long time ago but ive rented two villas in the Algarve and 1 in Madeira, I don't know about a code however I used owners direct each time and also would suggest do not transfer money into a bank account or western union, they didn't have air b and b back then but I know they have safe guards in place as well :

[Guest]

Thank you. Not doing a straight bank transfer sounds sensible. Will also check out Airbnb and owners direct.

I think the rental license code is fairly new. I can find the website that you use to register for a code but not a site where you can check one.

Do you mind me asking where you rented and whether you would recommend that part of the Algarve?.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Myakka17

Hi we are off to the Algarve this summer. You are right they are more expensive but we used a Villa company ( actually based in our local city) but had come recommended on here. They had lots of different areas on the Algarve to choose from.

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Do you mind sharing the site with me?. I would be interested to know how far in advance you booked too. It seems to be a balance between too early to look and they haven't released the dates to completely full. Nothing in-between. Is sub-3000 a reasonable price expectation for s 3 bed in your view?

[fleurbie]

Hi
The first place we stayed was in Villmora it was really lovely the harbour is beautiful but quite expensive in the area I can't remember the next place it was nearer to Albufeira again really good but much cheaper to eat out etc

[Glee Fan]

I've used Villaplus a few times for Algarve villas. They've always been lovely.

[Guest]

Thanks all, will continue my search tomorrow.

[Loopylooloo]

We stayed in a beautiful villa in Portugal- Villa Valhalla the owner was very genuine and we had no issues at all - homeaway/p54391

[Guest]

Thank you all for your help and the villa company suggestions and villa links - they all look fantastic - definitely getting more excited about this now. Just have to settle on an area to look in!