Those thinking of buying into the Portugal property market will be particularly well served if they enjoy a game of golf, it has been stated.

A number of leading players own golf-related property in the country – particularly the Algarve region – such is its popularity and reputation for quality, the Daily Telegraph reports.

One example it gives is that of Vilamoura, near Faro, where open champion and European Ryder Cup team member Padraig Harrington has a five-bedroom villa.

Qualified accountant Harrington told the paper: "Buying at Vilamoura not only gives me the security of a quality property investment, but will allow me to practise on a different course every day of the week."

The paper adds that deals available to buyers include that through locally-based company Oceanico, through which a gold title can be bought in perpetuity with a property for £30,000, allowing access to the seven courses owned by the firm.

Portugal was recently stated to be the best place in the world to play golf by the International Golf Travel Market, reports the Portugal News Online.

This story was brought to you by Rightmove Overseas, the UK’s leading overseas property portal and part of Rightmove.co.uk. It’s time to stop dreaming and start searching!