Another agonizingly brief British summer has rocketed past, with citizens up and down the country now reaching for vitamin D tablets and sun lamps, after the scientific advisory committee on nutrition advised that the UK simply doesn't get enough sunlight to provide healthy levels of this essential nutrient. Some people are going one step further and chasing the summer sun overseas with a property purchase in Portugal.

Whether it's for occasional use as a holiday home or the perfect property to retire to, owning a home in Portugal is a sure-fire way to boost your vitamin D levels. For Ken and Marion Lamb, the Algarve's glorious sunshine was a key reason behind their decision to purchase a beautiful three bedroom home at O Pomar, in the sleepy eastern Algarve village of Cabanas.

Speak to most Spanish property agents and developers and they are likely to tell you that the market has finally bottomed out, but sales data from various sources is still conflicting, with some surveys showing selected strong property price growth and some indicating falls.

For instance, the latest index from the Spanish Property Registrars shows prices rising 5.12% in the year to June 2015, the highest rate since the global economic crash. Prices are also accelerating, rising 2.8% in Quarter 2, 2015, up from 2.65% in Quarter 1.

This immaculate 2 bedroom Fully furnished modern house is situated in the charming village of Benafim, Algarve and is priced to sell at just €125,000.

With garage, a courtyard and balcony the property has stunning views over the roof-tops to the hills and sea beyond.

Greece is leading a rebound in European property demand. The country, which agreed new bailout terms with the European Commission, has seen enquiries surge.

Greece is now the 12th most popular property destination in the world, according to TheMoveChannel.com's latest Top of the Props report. The country climbed four places in the rankings in July 2015, accounting for 1.28 per cent of all enquiries on the portal - up from 0.81 per cent in the previous month.

There’s more to Alvor than meets the eye – a tasteful blend of traditional fishing village, stunning natural beauty and modern day coastal resort. It’s a great time to invest in Alvor property, so we’ve handpicked a few of the many homes for sale in the area for you to view, from smart budget apartments to impressive multi-million villas.

"Everywhere you turn in Europe, history is waiting to speak to you. The continent just oozes with it."

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, of luxury fractional ownership holiday home company Appassionata, lived in the UK and the US before settling down in Italy. She feels passionate about promoting Europe's unique charms.

"It's not just the well-known monuments and famous landmarks," she continues. "You can feel the depth of the ages in everything from tiny rural churches to ancient fortifications."

The main airport which services the Algarve is having an overhaul. The next two years will see an injection of €33 million spent on increasing capacity at Faro Airport.

After the summer rush of 2015 is over work will begin in earnest and the project will increase passenger hourly rates from 2400 to 3000.

Circumstances have combined to make Portugal one of Europe's most tempting property purchase options, a leading estate agency has revealed. Algarve-based boutique agency Ideal Homes Portugal has highlighted the impact that low interest rates and favourable foreign exchange rates have had when it comes to the country's real estate sector. Founding Director Chris White comments,

"We've seen interest rates in Portugal drop from 13.85% in January 2012 to 2.41% in May 2015 and this has led to many mortgage providers slashing their rates. At the same time, the best FX rate for eight years means that UK buyers can now get a lot more property for their pound. It's the ideal combination for those looking to pick up a bargain dream home in the sun."