The property market in Portugal is looking more attractive to investors thanks to higher loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages now being offered by the country's banks.

Managing director at estate agency Infinito Real Stephen Anderson pointed out it is possible to obtain a 100 per cent LTV loan on repossessed homes being sold by the nation's financial institutions.

He added Portuguese real estate offers good prospects from an investment perspective, with rental yields of around five per cent available. "A stronger exchange rate versus a year ago also means that prices are even more affordable, with a 20 per cent gain to be had on sterling to euros," Mr Anderson stated.

Last month, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey highlighted the strength of the lettings sector in the country.

The research noted an increasing number of households are being forced to rent as they are unable to afford to buy a property, which has helped boost the rental market.