How Americans Can Buy Property in Portugal by Claire Wheatley is a complete, step-by-step guide for Americans dreaming of moving, retiring, or investing in Portugal. Learn about visas, taxes, property laws, and expat life — all explained in simple, actionable steps.
Introduction
For many Americans, the dream of living abroad often begins with a simple idea — what if I could start a new life under the Portuguese sun? With its warm climate, coastal beauty, affordable lifestyle, and welcoming communities, Portugal has become one of the most desirable destinations for expats worldwide.
In How Americans Can Buy Property in Portugal, author Claire Wheatley transforms that dream into a clear, actionable plan. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide is more than just a manual for buying property — it’s a bridge between aspiration and reality, offering expert insights, legal clarity, and emotional reassurance for anyone considering a move overseas.
A Clear Roadmap for the American Dream Abroad
Unlike generic relocation books, Wheatley’s guide speaks directly to the American audience — addressing their unique financial, legal, and lifestyle concerns when buying property in Portugal. The book moves seamlessly from big-picture understanding to practical details, helping readers answer the questions that matter most:
- Where should I live? — Whether it’s Lisbon’s cosmopolitan charm, the Algarve’s coastal serenity, or the rustic calm of Central Portugal, Wheatley breaks down each region with lifestyle insights and investment potential.
- How do I handle visas and paperwork? — From the D7 and Digital Nomad to the D2 and Golden Visa, she demystifies complex immigration rules with clarity and empathy.
- What about taxes, financing, and hidden costs? — Every legal obligation — IMT, stamp duty, IMI, and capital gains — is explained in plain English, saving readers from confusion and costly surprises.
Through a blend of checklists, case studies, and practical tips, Wheatley transforms the intimidating process of buying abroad into a series of manageable, confident steps.
The Author’s Dual Perspective: Expert and Expat
What sets this book apart is Claire Wheatley’s unique vantage point. As the founder of Moving Currency Ltd, she has years of hands-on experience helping international buyers safely move their money and manage foreign exchange transactions during overseas property purchases.
But beyond her professional expertise, Wheatley writes as someone who’s lived the journey herself — a single parent who relocated from the UK to Portugal, learning the nuances of building a new life in a foreign land. This personal layer makes the guide both empathetic and empowering, offering readers not just information, but encouragement.
Her voice is practical yet warm — the kind of guidance that comes from someone who has navigated both the bureaucracy and the emotional challenges of relocation.
Why This Book Matters
In a world where relocation advice is scattered across blogs and forums, How Americans Can Buy Property in Portugal stands out for its structure, credibility, and specificity. It’s a reliable companion for three major audiences:
- Retirees seeking sunshine and a more affordable cost of living.
- Families looking for a healthier lifestyle and better international exposure.
- Investors aiming for long-term European real estate value.
The guide not only explains how to buy, but also helps readers envision why — balancing logic with inspiration. From handling red tape to celebrating the joy of settling in, it captures both the technical and emotional sides of building a life abroad.
Writing Style and Tone
Wheatley’s writing feels like a conversation over coffee with a trusted friend who happens to be a financial expert. Her style is clear, concise, and jargon-free, making complex topics accessible without oversimplifying them. Each chapter flows naturally into the next, ending with actionable takeaways that empower readers to move forward with confidence.
Her inclusion of real stories from Americans who’ve already made the move adds authenticity and relatability — grounding the advice in lived experience rather than theory.
About the Author
Claire Wheatley is the founder of Moving Currency Ltd, a boutique foreign exchange firm that specializes in helping international buyers transfer funds safely and cost-effectively during property purchases abroad.
Originally from the UK and now based in Portugal, Claire combines her financial acumen with personal experience as an expat. Her mission is to simplify the relocation process for others — demystifying international property buying while empowering clients to make smart, confident financial decisions.
When she isn’t guiding clients or writing, she’s often seen running along the Algarve coast or enjoying Portugal’s vibrant community life with her two children and dogs, Toby and Poppy.
How Americans Can Buy Property in Portugal is her first book — and a remarkable debut that fills a crucial gap in expat literature.
Conclusion
For anyone dreaming of a life surrounded by sunshine, sea, and a slower pace of living, How Americans Can Buy Property in Portugal is the essential companion you didn’t know you needed.
It’s not just a relocation guide — it’s a handbook for new beginnings, written with heart, precision, and lived wisdom. Claire Wheatley has distilled years of professional expertise and personal experience into a guide that feels both reassuring and revolutionary.
With this book in hand, your dream of living in Portugal isn’t just possible — it’s practical.
Book Details
| Book Title | How Americans Can Buy Property in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide for Americans Moving, Retiring and Buying Property in Portugal |
|---|---|
| Author | Claire Wheatley |
| Genre | Non-Fiction / Real Estate / Travel / Expat Living |
| Print Length | 122 pages |
| Language | English |
| Publication Date | October 16, 2025 |
| Amazon Link | https://a.co/d/dwFY70y |
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