Westmark: From a Bold Move to a Remarkable Success Story in the Algarve

Wouter van de Westelaken and Mark van Griensven are reflecting on the moment they decided to add a new real estate branch to their already thriving property management business — just six years after moving to the Algarve.

Back in the days just before COVID-19, the two entrepreneurs made the brave decision to leave the cold weather of the Netherlands behind and settle along the warm, sunny coasts of Albufeira. What started as renting out their own homes soon developed into a professional property management company — and in September 2024, they took the next big step: expanding into real estate sales.

And what a success story that has become.

A Year of Growth and Achievement

Over the past year, Westmark has experienced impressive growth — not only in numbers but also in reputation. The company has expanded its team and by the end of this year will count four real estate professionals, two property management specialists, a dedicated team of six property cleaners, and one financial professional.

Westmark is steadily evolving into one of the most trusted all-round property businesses in the Algarve. Not necessarily the biggest in turnover or size, but undoubtedly among the highest in client satisfaction, now standing at an outstanding 98% overall.

Exceptional Sales Results

In the past year alone, Westmark sold 20 more homes compared to the year before — achieving on average 93% of the asking price. This means that sellers working with Westmark consistently obtain strong results and excellent returns on their properties.

An impressive 80% of all sales were made to clients within Westmark’s own buyer database, while 20% came through cooperations with other agencies.
“This shows both the strength of our own client network and our professional way of collaborating with other real estate agencies,” explains Wouter van de Westelaken, co-founder of Westmark.

The Power of a Transparent Business Model

The foundation of this success lies in Westmark’s transparent business approach and the company’s strong focus on knowledge sharing.
“Our realtors have an exceptionally broad level of expertise because we invest heavily in learning and sharing experiences,” says Van de Westelaken. “Not just through expensive consultants, but by truly learning from one another.”

He continues, “In a commission-driven market, it’s not always common to share insights — but at Westmark, we’ve built a team that trusts one another. That trust is the key to our success. It strengthens our people, our teamwork, and ultimately our brand.”

A Careful Approach to Growth

The company’s property rental division has also seen outstanding expansion — growing by an incredible 150% over the past year.
However, Westmark is careful not to let growth compromise quality.
“At the moment, we’ve decided to temporarily pause taking on new rental properties,” says Van de Westelaken. “We want to ensure that every property is managed to the highest standard. Westmark stands for quality, not quantity.”

Looking Ahead

From two Dutch entrepreneurs following their dream in the Algarve to a respected, fast-growing property company — Westmark’s story is one of courage, transparency, and teamwork.

With its talented professionals, satisfied clients, and a philosophy centered on trust and collaboration, Westmark is setting a new benchmark for real estate and property management in the Algarve.