The 'sporting paradise' of Portugal

Published 28th Sep 2007

Mention Portugal to people and its sporting associations will spring quickly to mind…

Usually they involve footballing figures like Jose Mourinho or Cristiano Ronaldo, but for those looking to invest in Portuguese property there is another sporting angle.

The Silver Coast does not just possess, as the name suggests, white sandy beaches. There are also great sporting attractions. As the Daily Telegraph property guide pointed out at the weekend, one major feature of the area is its golf resorts.

Like many popular locations in Spain, the region has attracted property development on this theme, attracting all those who love the sport, which is one of the few that can be played well by people of different ages. Scotland might be the home of golf and have both historic and picturesque courses, but it cannot hope to match the sunny weather.

Horseplay
The Telegraph actually notes that there is plenty more to sport in the area than balls and clubs, featuring the opening of an equestrian centre at Quintas de Bidos by British Olympic showjumper Jessica Kuerten.

Those looking to come to the Iberian peninsula for a bit of horseplay can certainly look beyond Andalucia. Miguel Pereira de Abreu, the owner of the town's country club, where the equestrian school will be based, told the paper he had already noted the popularity of the area with the equine community.

For those looking to invest in the area, the appeal of golf, horses and sunshine may suggest considerable appeal to start with. But in addition to this, investors in property in the region can also find some bargains, as the paper points out, with prices in the area 30 per cent lower than the Algarve.

Silver coast beats the Algarve
The same theme was raised recently by local firm Orizon Compo Real. Chairman Eduardo Netto de Almeida told propertyshowrooms.com: "Many buyers are attracted to the region's natural beauty and prefer it to the high-priced Algarve," noting that prices had consistently enjoyed ten per cent annual capital growth.

In addition, the website noted the endorsement of the country by the Irish Independent, which said rising property prices, good economy and extensive tourist facilities all made Portugal a good investment bet.

Thus for those looking for their next buy-to-let investment, it may well be that the Silver Coast is the place to look. And while they're there checking out the bargains, enjoying its sunshine and maybe even dabbling in its sporting attractions, they may even bump into a man called Jose with time on his hands.

Source: ' Move Channel Ltd '

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