About 152,000 homes were sold in Portugal in last year, between 25 percent and 30 percent more than in 2016, Xinhua reports.

The Chinese state-run news agency, citing data given by the Association of Portuguese Real Estate Promoters and Agents, says housing prices rose in Lisbon by up to 35 percent and in Porto by up to 29 percent.

The report says housing in Portugal is still cheaper than in many other parts of Europe, and thus attracts foreign buyers.

The association estimates that foreigners bought about 25 percent of the homes sold in Portugal last year.

The association expects the number and value of sales of Portuguese housing to keep rising this year, Xinhua says.