Redefining the luxury real estate experience

Mario Sardo has over two decades of experience in the luxury real estate industry, with services that make buying a house in the Algarve both easier and cheaper.

SARDO is a property buying agency. In contrast to traditional real estate agents, they earn their fee from the home purchaser, not the entity trying to sell, and thus their allegiance is to the buyer every step of the way. “This is a property buying agency that exclusively represents purchasers, not sellers”, Mario Sardo told The Portugal News. “We are contracted and paid by the buyer, applying over 20 years of knowledge and expertise to listen to the client’s objectives, search the entire marketplace, shortlist properties that precisely match the brief and then negotiate the best possible terms.”

“Over the past 18 months, SARDO has negotiated an average of 8 percent off listed properties and more than 30 percent of the properties we transacted on weren’t even on the open market”, he added. “We assemble trusted legal, tax, and technical advisors to manage due diligence and oversee the transaction end-to-end, saving our clients time and money, and helping them to avoid any costly mistakes.”

Navigating the property market

The Portuguese property market can be a tricky one to navigate when you’re new to the country. “I have met many foreigners who felt they were let down by their real estate agents and the traditional real estate model – they felt estate agents had poor product knowledge, they were pressured to buy from limited property portfolios, and they received biased advice on how much to pay for the property”, Mario recounted. “SARDO was founded to redefine luxury property purchases in Portugal by putting the buyer first. Ultimately, estate agents are not working for the buyer, as the seller pays their commissions. I therefore created an advisory-led service that represents and protects international buyers throughout the entire purchase journey. Our mission is clarity, transparency, and superior outcomes for clients seeking to purchase a home in the Algarve.”

Originally from Cape Town, in South Africa, Mario moved to the Algarve back in 1994 and formed relationships early on with property developers through the field hockey and cricket scenes. In 2002, he joined one of the Algarve’s leading luxury real estate brokers, beginning a journey spanning two decades. After 20 years, he decided to launch his own company focused on supporting buyers’ source and secure their dream home in the Algarve while avoiding costly mistakes along the way. “I’m extremely proud of our vision that has allowed SARDO to grow into the region’s leading property buying agency”, he shared. “We have built a business around market experience and client advocacy, ensuring buyers are protected and empowered to make informed decisions on their purchases across the Algarve.”

“Unlike estate agencies, whose legal duty is to the seller, we are solely committed to the buyer,” Mario reassured. “We do not list properties for sale. Our dedicated team works with hundreds of estate agencies, property developers and has access to off-market listings to provide a 360-degree view of the market. Our service provides deeper market coverage through data and analytics, independent valuation and negotiation, property due diligence, and a coordinated team of professional advisors. The result? Full transparency and materially better purchase outcomes.”

Tailored to buyers

SARDO accompanies the buyer through every step of the process. Here’s how it works: first, the buyer outlines their specific vision for the home they want, including all requirements and objectives. The team will also conduct a comprehensive market search and compile a shortlist of properties that align with the buyer’s requirements. Then, they’ll plan visits to each property, doing their due diligence beforehand to secure the properties that meet the buyer’s standards and don’t contain any unforeseen negative aspects.

Once a suitable property is selected, the team will engage in negotiations with the seller, drawing on their extensive market data to ensure the final deal is reached at the best possible price. The deal being made isn’t the end of their services, though. They’ll accompany the buyer through the entire transaction process, working with legal experts, tax advisors, surveyors, mortgage brokers, currency specialists, and several other professionals to provide a smooth experience where all factors are accounted for and regularly updating the buyer throughout. Lastly, with the transaction officially finished, SARDO’s job isn’t done, as they’ll offer assistance with legal structuring, property management, relocation services, and securing schooling for the family.

Mario specialises in assisting the luxury market, with many international buyers seeking his services. “Our clients are mostly established professionals, entrepreneurs and retirees, wealthy individuals from the UK, Ireland, USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Monaco, Hong Kong, Singapore and beyond,” he explained. “They seek holiday homes or full-time residences that deliver lifestyle, safety, and security, with many also expecting rental income potential. Typically, they would buy properties in or near sought-after golf resorts, beachside locations, or countryside settings. The types of property they buy include luxury apartments, townhouses and villas, ranging in price from €2,000,000 to €4,000,000, up to ultra luxury villas which can range from €5,000,000 to €20,000,000.”

An appealing destination

From his perspective, the Algarve is one of the absolute best places to seek out a home. “The region is entering an exceptionally strong phase as a leading Southern European destination. Its high quality of life, safety, and limited overdevelopment underpin a stable, healthy market”, Mario elaborated. “It continues to outperform most Southern European destinations, and I believe the best is yet to come. Continued geopolitical uncertainty, ongoing war, and global political divisions are likely to drive further demand from buyers seeking safety, security, and an attractive lifestyle. My advice to new buyers is to engage our services at an early stage, secure reliable legal and tax advice, and prioritise properties that match lifestyle and long-term value fundamentals.”

“It’s my commitment to serve the needs of buyers by ensuring they are protected and empowered to make informed decisions on their property purchases. Buyers benefit from having a single trusted advocate whose sole duty is to protect their best interests, allowing them to find their dream property at the right price, and enjoy this beautiful country that I am blessed to call home for the past 32 years”, he concluded. “My focus, and that of my team, is to continue defining and professionalising the buyers’ agency’s role in Portugal, and to expand awareness among international buyers who have not yet used this service and have yet to experience all its benefits. The buying agency movement has begun, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

If you’re interested in buying a luxury property in Portugal, you can contact Mario Sardo at www.sardorealestate.com or follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.