From your own holiday home in the Algarve, to the best Dutch-speaking real estate agency in Portugal. 

WESTMARK did not start at a drawing board with a comprehensive business plan, but by accident because there was room for improvement. It started with something much more personal: our own experience as a property owner in Portugal.

In 2016 we bought our first apartment in Albufeira. With that, we not only discovered how beautiful it is to own real estate in Portugal, but also how much is involved if you are not permanently present yourself.

We started looking for a good property manager and soon noticed that there was room for improvement. Unclear packages, high commissions and little flexibility were the rule rather than the exception.

We wondered: there must be another way, right?

From the Netherlands to Portugal

At the beginning of 2020, we took the step that had been in our minds for some time: we moved from the Netherlands to Albufeira.

A big change, especially since shortly afterwards the world went into lockdown due to COVID. Still, we decided to persevere. We not only wanted to live in Portugal ourselves, but also do something with our experiences as property owners.

This is how WESTMARK Property Management was born in 2020.

Our starting point was simple: property management as we would like it as owners. Clear agreements, a personal approach and services that match what someone actually needs.

Not a standard package because that's how it's offered, but a solution that suits the owner and the home.

From property management to brokerage

As WESTMARK grew, we also started to delve further into the real estate market. By gaining experience in real estate, we not only got to know the market better, but also the people who are active in it.

We met Dutch and international buyers with very different reasons to buy property in the Algarve.

One wanted to emigrate.
The other was looking for an investment.
Another wanted to buy a house to rent out.

And precisely because we have made these different choices ourselves, we understand that the best purchase is not the same for everyone.

For example, a property that is perfect for rental may not be the right choice for someone who wants to live here.

That knowledge and experience formed the basis for the next step: WESTMARK Estate Agency.

A different view of real estate

We also saw a need for more clarity and a personal approach in real estate. That is why we chose to extend the same philosophy to our services for buyers and sellers.

We don't just look at a home, but especially at the purpose behind it.

What do you want to achieve?
Why are you buying or selling?
Is it an investment, a second home, a rental property or perhaps the start of a new life in Portugal?

We think that conversation is at least as important as the home itself. We discover what makes your home special and translate that into a presentation that stands out, makes you curious and sticks.

At WESTMARK, we are therefore not only real estate agents, but also storytellers and seducers. 

Because in a market where everyone demands attention, a strong home presentation is not an extra. It is essential for a successful sale.

Dutch roots, Portuguese experience

WESTMARK originated from Dutch sobriety, but has grown through our years of experience in the Algarve.

We know the questions of international owners, but also the Portuguese market, culture and way of doing business. We live and work here and have experienced first-hand what it means to buy, own and manage real estate in another country.

So we don't just know the theory. We know the practice.

This helps us to advise customers better and to create realistic expectations.

Where WESTMARK stands today

In the meantime, WESTMARK has grown into a full-service real estate company for the Algarve. We assist clients with purchase, sale, rental and property management.

But the basis has remained the same as in 2017.

Personal contact. Clarity. Short lines. And above all: understanding what someone wants to achieve with their real estate.

Because real estate is ultimately not just about bricks and mortar.

It's about an investment, an income, a second home or perhaps a completely new life.

And because we know those different stories ourselves, we know how important it is to have someone next to you who understands the market and where you come from.

That's WESTMARK. We would like to get to know you, will you get to know us? Feel free to contact us and find out how we can help you with your next step.

UNIQUE HOMES. TRUSTED ADVICE.

Would you like to listen to the story?  Here you can find our podcast on this topic: