Thanks to recent TV programmes and now Channel 4's interest in central Portugal it is becoming well known as a great place to invest. With property prices about 10 years behind the Costa Del Sol or the Algarve and tax laws very similar to the UK it's smart to INVEST IN PORTUGAL PROPERTY.

Place In The Sun: Amanda Lambs' programme voted the Silver Coast in Portugal as the third best investment after Romania and Poland with over 500% return based on rental yields and possible growth of €100,000 investment over 10 years. Sorry Romania and Poland but I know where I'd rather be!

CLIMATE Daytime temperatures on the coast average 25-30 in summer and 15 -18 in the winter so you can still enjoy the mild portuguese winter and lots of sunshine without having to fork out ALGARVE prices. Check out www.wunderground.com site for LISBON. We have cheaper properties, a very low cost of living (50c for a coffee) and a more temperate climate. This area is already known as the 'wise-mans' ALGARVE!

FORGET THE CREDIT CRUNCH! RELOCATION Property in Portugal is big business!

We have seen many clients discontented with the way of life in the UK and being squeezed ever tighter financially many have already cut their losses and moved to a brand new life here on the Silver Coast. Buying a great value home for less than 150,000 euros could be the answer to the credit crunch for you. Cheaper than the UK, a portuguese mortgage may also help you to create a new life here. There are english speaking international schools for your children and and some very reasonable private health care insurances available.

SILVER COAST 'V' ALGARVE ?

Learning from their mistakes in the Algarve a lot of the development of the Silver Coast or Costa De Prata has been tastefully controlled by the local Camara Municipals with much greater restrictions on size, style and height of properties- especially along the magnificent coastal landscape of the Atlantic ocean.

For a fraction of the Algarve prices you can buy an exact replica here in the Silver Coast with views as breathtaking as the west coasts of Ireland or Scotland. Of course with a whole lot more sunshine and less rain (tho' that's not difficult eh?!)

Portugal has property to suit every lifestyle requirement

and every budget and the people are friendly too!

Foz Do Arelho is one of the Silver Coast's most attractive seaside villages with fantastic views over the turquoise waters of the lagoon - Lagôa de Óbidos. As a result it is a highly desirable place to live.

If instead you are looking for a country property or idyllic rural hideaway you won't be disappointed either. Portugal's Silver Coast has a lot to offer both the relocation market or the holiday-house hunter and the property investor. It is possible to find a rural farm house ripe for renovation or a traditional townhouse to develop if you are willing to forgoe the ocean views for charming rustic Portugal. The scenery is as spectacular as any Scottish highland landscape we have seen! There are also new build properties for those who really do want to come on holiday to relax and enjoy all that this area has to offer.

ACT WISELY USE THE PROFESSIONALS

Before you start hunting for your perfect home, make sure any estate agent who assists you is licensed by the government. In Portugal a license is only granted by the State to an estate agent if they have all of the required qualifications to operate. Our AMI licence number is one of the first ever issued in this area AMI60. There are now more than 8000 in Portugal so it shouldn't be difficult to find one - please just remember that despite the regulations some people will say ANYTHING for a sale so try to use your instincts too. If something sounds too good to be true then it probably isn't true !

ATLANTIC COAST WAVES. This is my view every day I take the dog for a walk- lucky me!

Exactly where are we in Portugal? www.googlemaps.com

Exactly where is that property? www.mapquest.com

What's the weather really like? www.wunderground.com

What are the real rental opportunities anyway?

Never take an agent's word for rental possibilities check this link for yourself!

www.ownersdirect.com

FOZ DO ARELHO LAGOON ENTRANCE

TYPICAL PORTUGUESE VILLAGE

CALDAS FRESH FOOD & FLOWERS MARKET

LISBON IS JUST LESS AN HOUR AWAY

FOZ DO ARELHO VILLAGE CENTRE

ÓBIDOS ANCIENT WALLED VILLAGE & CASTLE