In the recent turmoil of the credit crisis the difficulties of Spain have been well documented, with falling prices, controversy over illegal building coming to a head when some properties were summarily demolished and a general feeling that a few chickens had come home to roost.

While such a view may underestimate the variety of possible new opportunities that Spain can offer now or in the future, which may arise from the development of new resorts, airports and public transport links, the situation in Portugual appears to be of an altogether different order.

This point was made by Paul Luetchens, managing director of property portal Hotproperty.co.uk. Mr Luetchens stated that one of the key perceived failings of Spain - that of poor design and overdevelopment on the Costas - is an error that the Portuguese are keen to avoid.

He commented: "I think the Portuguese market is .....