Developer Unique Living has said that the Algarve in particular is a favoured destination, with managing director of the firm Serge Cowan remarking: "Easy accessibility from the UK with a short flight time of around two hours and a wide choice of carriers makes the Algarve a natural home for golfers."

He added that prices are as competitive as they have ever been, meaning that there are good prospects for investors to see their values rise over the next few years.

The company noted that Portugal has staged a number of major tournaments down the years, with 59 European Tour events due to have been held there by the end of the season, while the country is one of six bidding to host the 2018 Ryder Cup.

Earlier this month head of the Carlyle Real Estate acquisitions team for Spain and Portugal Rachel Lupiani told Property Week News the country's market had coped well with the credit crunch.

Algarve Golfers Car Hire