A Non-national in Portugal – a Personal Story
VerdeOeste were formed when our MD John Gilsenan moved with his wife and three young children from London to Cascais, where he dreamed of a new family home with space and light. Despite John’s expertise of project delivery in London, he knew he had little knowledge of the local policies, procedures or protocols necessary to secure a successful outcome. Through good fortune he met Luís Prudêncio, a Portuguese Engineer and Project Manager with more than 35 years of experience of delivering prime residential and tourism projects in Portugal. Luis supported and guided John through his personal project and a friendship and mutual respect developed.
As John’s project progressed, observing notable characteristics considered routine within John’s UK construction company, John and Luís received multiple enquiries for guidance and support from others looking to develop projects with a better communication and a more certain outcome. From these initial calls for help came formal commissions and a realisation that expats and foreign investors were in need of expert Project Management and project representation services which wasn’t readily available.
VerdeOeste’s service offer is based on John’s 30+ years of experience in property and arts projects and as founder of the Westgreen Group (now in its 20th year since incorporation) and Luís’ expansive local knowledge having worked in several contracting and development businesses and subsequently moving client-side for investors and tourism resorts.
VerdeOeste are pleased to support Portuguese and non-national private, corporate and Government clients through the different stages of project conception and delivery.
Luis & John onsite on John’s house project
Build or Refurbish a Property in Portugal
Project delivery in Portugal requires knowledge of the applicable legal and technical requirements. Each project will present different demands and it is useful to access local expertise to help explain and navigate each step of the way. Whether you’re looking to move to Portugal or considering a Portuguese property as an investment, VerdeOeste are available to represent your interests as specialists in quality project delivery, supporting a diverse range and scale of projects.
Often assuming Client Representation & Project Management duties, VerdeOeste present unbiased and transparent advice in the procurement of third-party services necessary to deliver a project, including but not limited to estate agents, legal representation, designers, contractors and suppliers. We work on a fixed-fee basis and do not pay or accept commissions to or from third parties, so can be assured of impartial advice in the best interests of the Client.
VerdeOeste are often engaged during the earliest stages of a project’s conception, quite often even before the client has a specific property identified for acquisition. We support clients in finding properties and opportunities to meet their requirements and can provide expert, unbiased guidance throughout design, tendering and construction in Portugal. VerdeOeste can be a ‘one-stop-shop’, acting as Client Representative in any situation.
Engaging VerdeOeste as your ‘Project Guardian’ will guarantee a more certain and secure outcome, allowing you to get on with other things and engage in the parts of the process which matter to you.
VerdeOeste in the Azores with Hugo Stroud, a South-African client implementing a multi-unit housing project
“As newcomers to the Portuguese market, we were keen to appoint a professional manager with local expertise to help us negotiate the planning regulations and appoint the best resources. We have been impressed with their recommendations for professional services, their local knowledge and ability to keep things moving forward all the time.”
Private clients (Irish nationals)
Palacete Afonso Sanches, Cascais
“We would not have been able to navigate the multitude of issues which have arisen since this project was conceived without the expert guidance, direction and support we have received from Luis, John and their team and diverse range of contacts.”
Hugo Stroud, Client (South-African national)
Azenhas do Mar – Santa Maria, Azores
“The experience of working with VerdeOeste was a very positive one for the Embassy. VerdeOeste brought a vital blend of ‘can do’ and practical realism to our project. We found VerdeOeste to have a strong awareness and commitment to the need for cost control and adherence to deadlines, which was exactly what we needed.”
Orla Tunney, Irish Ambassador to Portugal and Morocco
Irish Ambassador’s Residence, Lisbon