The north of Portugal is attracting both international and Portuguese buyers at the moment with a number of upmarket developments currently under construction in the region.
One of these is the Norte Golfe Group's Vale Pisão Valley Nature Resort, where the first phase of 115 homes is almost completely sold.
Situated just a 10-minute drive from Porto in Santo Tirso, the €100m development also has a golf course, swimming pools, a hotel, spa and shopping area.
According to reports on www.myportugalproperty.com luxury homes have been springing up all around the Greater Porto area and the outskirts.
In Vila Nova de Famalição, Famiscasa has created Domus Calle, a luxury condominium of 30 apartments and following the success of the Parque Marechal development of a dozen houses costing more than a million Euros each there now follows the Essenza luxury development, also in Invicta.
In Gaia, the British Fladgate Partnership is to invest €100m in a residential project. The houses are to be built in the Croft wine cellars region but will preserve the main architectural features of the building.
Meanwhile a development of apartments and terraced houses with integrated swimming pools by Rei Ramiro Terraces involves the redevelopment of the old monastery and royal palace on the river next to Cais de Gaia Quay. It is expected to be completed later this year.
Far from the bustle of city life and a 60-minute drive from Porto, several developments are also taking place in the Douro region which guarantee quality of life and sheer relaxation.
Many have breathtaking views of the river and the vineyards beyond. As well as boasting a hotel, the Aquapura Douro Valle development has 21 properties for sale and business is brisk, with villas being snapped up by the international market.
Property sizes vary and prices start at €540,000. They are being marketed within a buy-to-let scheme that guarantees the owner an annual income of six per cent and then between four and five per cent. The owners can also take advantage of a two-weel stay in any three of the Aquapura brand units abroad, in Brazil, Prague and Budapest.