Portugal

• Located in South Western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe.
• Due to its warm climate, superb beaches and spectacular landscapes and quality golf courses, property buyers have flocked to Portugal for years.
• Portugal is now renowned as one of the most stable property investment regions in Europe.
• Having been an EU member since 1986, it's political and economic stability and mature mortgage market, make Portugal the ideal destination for all types of property buyers.
• Portugal enjoys a very high standard of living with excellent health care and education systems.
• A research survey about standard of living by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Quality of life Survey places Portugal as the 20th best country for quality of life in the world.
• Portugal offers a safe platform for foreign property ownership whether as a non resident or a resident living in the country.
• There is a strict legal process protecting foreign investors over ownership and land rights.

• Channel 4's 'A Place in the Sun' cited Portugal as the third best overseas option for investors behind Romania and Poland.
• Research indicates a potential 360% return for investors over the next ten years.
• Capital Growth has remained consistent in Portugal between 10-15% per year since 2000.
• Portugal is seen as a safe low risk investment being an established member of the EU with steady economic growth.
• Prices are the same as some non EU countries and over 50% less than neighbouring Spain, creating massive potential for growth.
• Notably, the Silver Coast is labelled 'The Real Portugal', it's 'tourism industry is not yet as developed as that on the Algarve, but it does have many great beaches and properties priced significantly less than similar examples on the south coast.'
• Portugal has strong economic fundamentals: GDP convergence with EU average, remarkable decrease in inflation, unemployment consistently lower than EU average, and sound public accounts.
• Next to Ireland, Portugal was the country with the highest GDP growth rates in Europe over the last forty years.

• The Silver Coast is certainly the "secret" jewel in Portugal's crown, ideal all year temperatures, seemingly endless stretches of white sand and blue water and all on the doorstep of one of Europe's most vibrant and historic capital cities.
• Ranging from the coast of Central Portugal from Lisbon to Porto, the Silver Coast gets its name from the effect of the sun on the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The region offers exceptional coastal scenery, traditional quaint Portuguese villages and some of the best beaches in Europe.
• Property prices are roughly half those on the Algarve and it's anticipated that the Silver Coast will see the same growth levels as seen by investors in the Algarve over recent years.
• The Silver Coast enjoys sunshine throughout the year. In the winter, temperatures cool down averaging around 17C.
• There is a quality selection of championship golf courses available and the region has cultural and historical buildings, castles, fortresses, monasteries and Cathedrals where people can marvel over the traditional architecture. Tourists are able to enjoy these places of interest and other outdoor activities all year round.

• With an established tourism industry, the Silver Coast stands out as a safe attractive opportunity, against emerging markets that are yet to establish themselves.
• Due to overdevelopment witnessed in the Algarve and the Costa del Sol, a planning law was passed in 1993. Plano Regional de Ordenamento do Territorio Algarve/PROTAL. This has restricted overdevelopment in the region keeping tight control of property developments and enforcing strict planning regulations. The quantity of new builds has been restricted which continually adds value to property prices in the area.
• Recognising the demand for Golf, world class golf courses have been developed along the Silver Coast to benefit from Portugal's lucrative sports-tourism market.
• The international Association of Golf Tour Operators has awarded the Lisbon Coast in 2007 'European Golf Destination of the year' ahead of the Algarve, Spain, Ireland and other more established golfing regions.
• In 2006 there were 6 million tourists in Lisbon's hotels, up 11.8% from 2005. Lisbon is now becoming more popular amongst tourists than the Algarve which is beginning to have a knock on effect for the Silver Coast.
• European Airlines fly to Portugal daily all year round. Flights with Easy Jet from the UK to Lisbon cost around £130 return.
• The London to Lisbon flight time is 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Lisbon, one of Europe's most popular destinations is less than 45 minutes from the main hub of the Silver Coast.