For years, overseas property investors have regarded Portugal as a prime location with a steady real estate market and good rental yields in popular resort areas.

Only a few years ago, when the name Portugal was mentioned, the one truly recognizable area of the country was the Algarve due to its warm summers, cool winters, year-round temperate climate and various leisure activities, most notably golf.

Despite lower growth rates than its Iberian neighbour Spain, Portugal has maintained its appeal as a tourist and second home or retirement destination and its safe and solid economic climate continue to draw investors looking for stable medium to long term gains.

Today the outlook for Portugal remains as solid and strong as it ever has, with one noteworthy addition, the picturesque coastline north of the capital Lisbon, known as the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast).

This newly emerging investment area of Portugal is now gaining popularity with prices still at an average 30% lower than in the better known resorts on the Algarve.

Wide sandy beaches and charming fishing villages string mainland Europe´s western most coast. The Atlantic Ocean has a calming influence on the climate, keeping the winter warm at an average 15 degrees and a comfortable summer heat average of 30 degrees.

- One of the lowest costs of living in the EU
- Ranked number 1 in Europe by the NatWest quality of life survey
- A wealth of history and culture
- Stable and transparent property transaction process
- One of the lowest crime rates in Europe
- Construction density limits guarantee preservation of the natural environment
- The largest area covered by golf courses in southern Europe
- Shortage of property in popular resort areas
- Easy access via budget airlines and an advanced road infrastructure
- Founding member of NATO
- Member of European Monetary Union since 2002

Due to the quality of build, overseen by strict guidelines on construction and legislation, Portugal is seen by many as a safe haven for off-plan purchasers, whether they are investors seeking to secure safe capital appreciation or rental yield, or those seeking a brand new, state-of-the-art property built to the latest specification for their own lifestyle choice.

With the unique location of the Silver Coast Beach Resort, MRI Construction can offer a brand new, modern condominium apartment complex, looking directly onto the beaches of Areia Branca, whilst surrounded by protected lands preventing any future buildings in the immediate vicinity.

Indeed, the range of clientele we have seen already purchase in the Silver Coast Beach Resort range from the experienced investor who knows a great product when they see it;through to the 1st time buyer seeking to secure a foot on the property ladder, right through to the lifestyle holiday/retirement home seeker.

Portugal has excellent direct flight communications with the UK and the rest of Europe, making it a convenient holiday destination. This accessibility increases potential investment yields and reinforces the continued success of Portugal as an investment location. The location of the Silver Coast Beach Resort in Lourinhã is only a 35 minute drive from the International Airport in Lisboa.

Add to this a relatively low cost of living, great quality of life, pleasant, warm climate, stunning sandy beaches and a safe and friendly environment and one can easily understand the valuable contributing factors to Portugal's successful property market.

There are dozens of Blue Flag beaches, great nightlife and stunning restaurants offering some of the finest seafood, fresh from the ocean. The area boasts historic sites, museums and castles. There are also several thermal baths, and an increasing number of Championship-standard golf courses.

The Silver Coast area of Portugal has now become one of Europe´s top golfing destinations where 3 courses have received international acclaim including Praia del Rey, recently voted Europe´s top golf course. There are a further 14 new developments underway in the area all helping to make the Silver Coast one of Europe´s top golf destinations.

Mortgages are readily available in Portugal for foreign investors, with still banks lending up to 80% of the property purchase price as the Portuguese banks sensibly steered clear of involvement in the US mortgage market.