The total amount of money raised to invest in real estate debt has risen 54% in just six months, as funds target European bank portfolios, according to new research.

In the six months to June, the total amount of equity raised for investments in property debt rose to $29bn from about $19bn at the end of 2011, according to a report by property firm DTZ. The rise comes as investors continue to pursue opportunities from loan sales by European banks and raise funds to lend on senior and mezzanine debt deals.