1.    As an Owner, do I need a property management company?

Having purchased a valuable asset in a new community and a new country, you will want to know that your property is being properly looked after at all times.   Whether it be regular checks on the property when you are away, building upkeep and maintenance, the payment of bills or preparing the property for your use or that of your friends or family, a property management company provides an essential service whilst also offering peace of mind.

2.    What property management services are available?

A professional property management service provides all the necessary support to keep the property in good condition and ready for use.   These services can start from the time you purchase the property and continue for as long as you require them, helping you to gain maximum use and enjoyment from your new home.

The services offered by Palheiro Property Management (“PPM”) include the following:
•    Assistance with initial connection of utility services
•    Regular visits to check your home
•    Verification and payment of bills including electricity, gas, water and telephone
•    Payment of annual property tax to the local authority
•    Regularly airing and cleaning the property
•    Garden maintenance including management of irrigation systems
•    Swimming pool maintenance
•    The operation of the alarm system, including liaison with the security company if needed
•    Undertaking any necessary maintenance using experienced tradesmen including plumbers, electricians, carpenters and painters
•    Preparing the house for arrivals, including food pack, change of linen & towels, fresh flowers, etc.
•    Friendly and supportive assistance to those using the property in terms of local knowledge, contacts, purchasing discounts, car rental, etc.
•    Identifying the need for and implementing any necessary repair work
•    Renting out the property
•    Regular reports on the condition of the property and expenses arising

3.    What services am I likely to need?

The services you are likely to need can be placed into two categories.   Firstly, the Essential Services necessary to administer and look after your property and, secondly, the range of Additional Services which can be tailored to fit your needs.

Essential Services include regular visits to the property; cleaning and airing; garden and pool maintenance and payment of bills.    Additional Services include occasional maintenance, improvement or repairs; rental services; preparation for arrivals, etc.   We recommend a consultation take place with PPM to discuss your requirements and enable PPM to prepare a proposal tailored to your specific needs.

4.    Can I obtain an estimate of annual property running costs?

Yes.   PPM can provide an indicative estimate of annual running costs for your Palheiro Estate property.

5.    What is the cost of the property management service?

In respect of the essential services described above, PPM charge a fixed annual Agreement Fee plus the costs of services provided, with the overall cost largely dependent on the type and size of property.    Please contact PPM for full information.

6.    Can I select the services I want from the range of services offered?

In order to take responsibility for a property, PPM need to provide the essential services covered by the annual Agreement Fee, together the cost of the services considered to be essential to keep the property in good order and available for use.   Other than this, Owners can select the services they wish to receive.

7.    Who will maintain my property?

PPM act on behalf of the Owner to ensure their property is kept in good condition and available for use.   PPM agree at the outset the regular, routine maintenance necessary to achieve this objective.   From time to time, additional maintenance or repairs may prove necessary and PPM can advise the Owner of the need to carry out such additional work; recommend how it be done; provide a cost estimate and, if the Owner decides to proceed, arrange for and supervise the work on behalf of the Owner.

8.    Can I rent my property?

Owners can rent their property themselves or use the services of PPM to arrange and manage the rental activity.   PPM works with a number of specialized European rental agencies and can assist you to realise the full rental potential of your property.


9.    Is there a set of regulations governing the development?

Yes, there is a set of Condominium Regulations which form part of the purchase & sale documentation for every property within Palheiro Village.   These regulations set out the structure of management and control of the condominium, including the voting rights held by each Owner.

10.    Can PPM assist at the stage of construction completion and handover?

Yes, PPM will be pleased to assist in making the necessary arrangements leading up to and following construction completion and handover.  This can include:
•    Opening a local bank account
•    Utility contracts (electricity, gas, water, telephone, TV)
•    Building and contents insurance
•    Sourcing local purchase of furniture, fittings & equipment
•    Receipt of furnishings, fittings & equipment imported into Madeira
•    Placement of furniture, fittings & equipment in the property
•    Installation of light fittings, bathroom fittings, etc.

11.    Is the development safe and secure?   How is access into Palheiro Village controlled?

Madeira is widely regarded as a safe and secure destination, with a low incidence of crime.   In spite of this, Palheiro Village incorporates a range of security measures designed to minimize security risks and protect both residents and property.   When complete, Palheiro Village will include the following security measures:
•    All apartments & villas have a built-in security system
•    At the option of the Owner, the individual security system can be linked to the security company (the local office of Securitas)
•    The entrances to Palheiro Village have security barriers with an on-site security guard and CCTV monitoring
•    Villas & apartments are built with safety and security in mind, incorporating such features as smoke & gas alarms; laminated external glass and security rated front entrance doors

12.    How can I get around – car, taxi, public transport?

Getting around Madeira is easy – a good road network; easily arranged rental car services; reasonably-prices taxis with knowledgeable, English-speaking drivers; plus convenient and cheap public transport in the form of bus services.   A bus stop is located directly in front of Paheiro Village with a regular service into the centre of Funchal starting at 07.30 hrs. until late at night.


Any other questions?
If there are any other questions you would like to ask, please contact us and we will be pleased to respond.



Palheiro Property Management
(SERVISIB Serviços, Gestão e Projectos Imobiliários, Lda.)





6 February 2008