May 13 (Reuters) - Spanish real estate group Colonial reported a doubling in first-quarter net profit on Monday supported by inflation-linked rental income and high occupancy rates.

The Barcelona-based firm posted a net profit of 54.5 million euros ($58.9 million) versus 27.8 million a year earlier.

Its portfolio, which includes buildings in Spain and France, rose 6% in like-for-like rental income as lease contracts were adjusted upwards due to high inflation.

Occupancy in buildings rented by the group stood at 97% on average, with properties in Paris at full levels.

Its net profit result did not include an updated valuation of its assets, which real estate companies are required to file every six months.

The real estate sector has been under pressure since the end of 2022, as volatile markets and tightening financial conditions have slowed property investment.

The European Central Bank is expected to cut rates in June after keeping them at a record high since last September, which should make investment in real estate more attractive.

($1 = 0.9256 euros) (Reporting by Matteo Allievi; editing by David Latona and Jason Neely)