COMPASS PROPERTY SALES
As an owner operated agency with over 40 years of combined experience, Compass Property Sales offers clients valuable local knowledge and trusted guidance throughout the entire property journey. We understand the ever-changing Algarve market, from pricing trends and buyer demands to the areas offering the best lifestyle and investment opportunities.
Over the years, we have built strong relationships with reliable local professionals, allowing us to recommend trusted lawyers, mortgage advisers, builders and property services when needed. Our vast experience helps clients make informed decisions with confidence, while ensuring the buying or selling process feels clear, straightforward and fully supported from start to finish.
At Compass Property Sales, our aim is to offer a professional, modern and highly personal approach to estate agency. We invest in high-quality marketing, professional photography and wide international exposure to showcase every property at its very best, helping us achieve excellent results for our sellers.
For buyers, we provide honest advice, clear communication and friendly guidance without pressure or unnecessary sales tactics. We believe that buying or selling a property should be a positive, transparent and enjoyable experience, with service built on trust, reliability and long-term relationships. Everything we do is focused on delivering exceptional service and helping our clients move forward with confidence.
Originally from northern Germany, Sandra pursued her education across Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal before choosing to make Portugal her permanent home in 2005. Her connection with Tavira and the Eastern Algarve began during a national table tennis competition — an experience that inspired her decision to settle in the region she now calls home.
Sandra began her real estate career in 2007 and has since earned a reputation as one of the most respected and trusted property professionals in the Eastern Algarve. Known for her professionalism, integrity and deep local expertise, she provides a multilingual advantage to clients, speaking fluent German, Portuguese, English, and French.
Originally from Bolton, Greater Manchester in the UK, Paul always had a passion for international living. After many visits to the Algarve throughout the 1990s, he made the move permanent in 2000.
With more than two decades of experience in the Algarve property market, Paul spent his first 11 years specialising in residential sales and development plots within the Golden Triangle. From 2011, he expanded his focus to include key Central Algarve areas such as Vilamoura, Boliqueime, Loulé, Almancil, São Brás, Santa Bárbara de Nexe, and Estoi. Since co-founding Compass Property Sales in 2020, Paul has developed a strong connection with Tavira and the Eastern Algarve, bringing his extensive knowledge, professionalism and enthusiasm to the region.
A Tavira native, Sara brings a wealth of industry experience and local insight to her role at Compass Property Sales. She began her career in 2002, working with both local and national agencies, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the real estate market.
After a brief period working outside the industry, Sara returned to her passion for property and joined Compass Property Sales as Client & Property Portfolio Manager. Her deep local knowledge, dedication to client service and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the team.
Born and raised in New York to a Portuguese father and South American mother, she brings a naturally global outlook to her role at Compass. Rena earned her BA in Communications and Journalism from City University of New York, where she developed a strong foundation in public relations. Her career has taken her from New York to London, working with special events and media production companies, where she became known for her dedication to clients, and genuine team spirit.
Having lived in the Algarve for eight years—and visiting regularly since childhood to spend time with family—she feels a strong connection to the local community. With her international experience, genuine warmth and client-focused approach, she is a valued member of the Compass Property Sales team.
At Compass Property Sales we are committed to working with the very best people the Algarve has to offer. Whilst we do not have any positions available currently, we are always happy to hear from full or part time property listers as well as experienced sales people keen to join our highly motivated and successful team. Candidates must be fluent in English & Portuguese. Please contact us below and attach your curriculum vitae and if a position in our team becomes available, we will contact you.
Compass Property Sales was founded at the height of the Covid pandemic, transforming a period of global uncertainty into the foundations of what has since become one of the East Algarve’s leading independent real estate agencies. From the outset, our focus has been clear: to combine experience, integrity and local knowledge with a genuinely client focused approach.
Our success is built on decades of hands-on experience, long-standing relationships and a belief that property is, above all, about people. We pride ourselves on offering sound advice, measured guidance and a service that is both professional and personal.
Having established a successful sales career in the UK throughout the 1990s, Paul Greenhalgh relocated to Portugal at the turn of the millennium to begin a new chapter within the real estate sector. Joining a well-established agency in the world-renowned Quinta do Lago, Paul quickly gained invaluable insight into the Algarve property market. This move marked the beginning of over 25 years of continuous experience in residential property sales across the region.

Following her relocation from Germany to Tavira, Sandra Swoboda began her real estate career with a local Tavira based agency. Her meticulous approach, strong communication skills and commitment to client service soon set her apart. With a deepening understanding of the East Algarve market, Sandra built a reputation for reliability, transparency and results.

Paul moved from Quinta do Lago to a leading agency in Vilamoura, broadening both his geographical reach and market expertise. This transition provided valuable exposure to the Central Algarve and further strengthened his ability to advise clients across a wide range of property types and locations.

Bringing together their shared values and complementary experience, Sandra and Paul founded Compass Property Sales and opened their first office in Tavira, East Algarve. Their ambition was simple but purposeful: to create an independent agency centred on trust, clarity and client satisfaction, where quality of service would always take precedence over volume.

In response to changing global circumstances, Compass Property Sales embraced digital solutions, introducing virtual property tours and remote consultations. This allowed international clients to continue their property search with confidence and ease. Throughout this period, the team remained firmly committed to providing a highly personal, attentive and responsive service.

Sara Encarnação joined the Compass Property Sales team, adding invaluable local insight and strengthening the agency’s presence across the East Algarve. Her knowledge of the area and client-focused approach further enhanced the level of service offered to buyers and sellers alike.

Recognising the importance of strong visibility and clear communication in today’s digital marketplace, Compass Property Sales has partnered with a specialist SEO consultancy to enhance its online presence and better connect with clients worldwide. This strategic move reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable growth, innovation and modern best practice within the property sector.

Today, Compass Property Sales is proud to be recognised as one of the leading real estate agencies in the Eastern Algarve. Our reputation has been built on consistent results, long-standing client relationships and a service that is professional, approachable and trusted.
The team has continued to grow with the addition of Rena McHardy, who brings an international outlook and a global perspective to Compass. Combining extensive experience with genuine warmth and a strong client-focused approach, Rena has quickly become a valued member of the Compass Property Sales team.

Compass Property Sales continues to build on its strong track record of successful property sales across the Eastern Algarve. Demand for well-presented homes in the region remains robust and our focused marketing approach, local expertise and international reach ensure our clients achieve excellent results.
With a steady pipeline of qualified buyers and a commitment to delivering a high standard of service, we look forward to many more years of continued success and growth for both our sellers and purchasers alike
