“The first half of 2017 broke the record for the last nine years in half-yearly terms for houses, building industry association FEPICOP said.

In the first six months 72,000 homes were bought and sold, worth a total of €8.9 billion.

Lisbon and surroundings was responsible for the lion’s share of the deals, 35% in number and 48% in value, which was up 17% and 29%, respectively compared with the same period in 2016.