Developed by Pelicano, one of Portugal's biggest real estate development companies, Palmela Village has been designed as a four-star scheme, with all homes fully furnished and fitted out. Buyers get a threeyear 5% net guaranteed rental.

About 30 minutes drive from Lisbon airport, this scheme is expected to appeal to buyers looking for an easily accessible holiday home, and investors seeking properties ready for use. Improved access to Lisbon, with six direct flights from Dublin every week, is also expected to draw buyers.

And with prices starting from 98,000, this area is obviously a lot less expensive that the Algarve.

Left of the River Tagus, in the Setubal Peninsula, the resort is within easy driving distance of Lisbon, Estoril and Sintra, all pretty tourist villages. Palmela is also close to beaches along the coast from Costa da Caparica to Melides.

On offer in this phase are a mix of studios and one and two-bed apartments. Studios have a floor area of 40sq m (430sq ft), while one-beds are around 50sq m (538sq ft), and two-beds are very spacious at 90sq m (968sq ft).

Contemporary in style, apartments are laid out in twostorey buildings which are slightly maritime looking with round windows and steel balconies and staircases. Interiors are also cool and contemporary with white flush kitchens, cream and white tiling throughout and ultra-modern bathrooms. Kitchen and living areas are open-plan and have large windows ensuring good natural light. Prices also include free golf membership at Palmela Village.

Price: studios from 98,000, onebeds from 125,000, and two-beds from 225,000 Agent: Larionovo 01-6599625