Neel Sachdev, global vice-chair of international law firm Paul Weiss and head of its London office, is one of the investors behind Laranjeiras, a development in Santa Bárbara de Nexe, near Faro.

The project began in 2022, when Sachdev’s neighbour and long-time business partner found a former orange grove in the Algarve with potential for development. After visiting the area, Sachdev decided to invest alongside him.

The land was purchased for €1.5 million and has since been named Laranjeiras, the Portuguese word for orange trees, in reference to its former use.

Sachdev’s holiday home has already been completed, while another 10 properties are now at different stages of construction. The homes will be available either to buy or rent, with the entire development expected to be finished by 2028.

As reported by the Financial Times, each of the properties will measure between approximately 465 and 557 square metres and will have its own swimming pool. Sachdev said the homes were valued at more than €3 million each this year.

His own four-storey property gives an idea of the type of lifestyle the development is intended to offer. The house includes a gym and a 25-metre swimming pool, which was particularly important to Sachdev as a keen swimmer.

Inside, the design is kept relatively simple, with white walls and wooden furniture. The house also includes high-end details, including Dolce & Gabbana kitchen appliances and an integrated sound system.

However, the project is not simply a passive property investment for Sachdev. The Financial Times reports that he has taken an active interest in its development, while his business partner, who has also built a home on the land and now lives there, oversees the work on a daily basis.

Local architects, builders and interior designers have been involved in creating the properties. Sachdev praised both the local talent available and Portugal’s openness to international investment.

The lawyer sees strong potential in Santa Bárbara de Nexe, which combines a quieter countryside setting with easy access to Faro Airport, the coast and some of the Algarve’s best-known resorts.

The launch of United Airlines’ seasonal direct connection between Faro and New York has also made the region more accessible to American travellers and property buyers. For Sachdev, the Algarve’s climate, outdoor lifestyle and growing international appeal give it similarities to California.

Sachdev is well known in London’s legal world. He moved from Kirkland & Ellis to American law firm Paul Weiss in 2023 and has since overseen the rapid growth of its London office, which expanded from around 15 lawyers to approximately 275.

Property investment is not entirely new to him either. He and his business partner previously invested together in London’s Hackney area, before it became one of the capital’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

Now, they are placing a similar bet on the Algarve, with Laranjeiras representing their most ambitious property project so far.