Is it better to paint an Algarve villa empty or furnished?

Why an empty property is easier

Clear rooms give unobstructed access to walls, skirtings and ceilings. Preparation, drying and inspection can follow a logical sequence, with less risk of accidental contact or dust reaching belongings.

That does not mean no preparation: fixed joinery, floors, sockets, glazing and equipment still need appropriate protection.

How to plan a furnished or occupied villa

Decide who moves furniture and what must not be handled. Small items, fabrics, artwork and valuables should be removed by the owner or an agreed responsible person. Larger pieces can sometimes be grouped and protected, but that reduces working space and may require rooms to be completed in phases.

Agree daily access, alarm procedures, pets, parking, ventilation and which bathroom or bedroom must remain usable.

• List excluded rooms and fragile items
• Define furniture-moving responsibility
• Confirm keys, alarm and authorised contacts
• Plan a clean route for materials and waste

Make the remote handover visible

For an absent owner, use the same camera positions before and after. Record repaired areas, colour and finish references, product labels and any items that were moved. The final report should also state ventilation, drying and cleaning precautions that remain after the team leaves.