Britons are more likely to invest in a second property overseas than almost any other nationality. A nation once derided as 'shopkeepers' by Napoleon are now a nation of property developers on the lookout for the next hotspot to invest in. Partly as a result of a strong Pound and partly as a result of high property prices within the United Kingdom - particularly the south east of England - overseas property is more attractive to more people than ever before.
It's hardly surprising that British money is flowing overseas when a combination of high prices and bad weather make Britain a less attractive place to live; particularly for pensioners who see their savings shrinking by the week. A whole range of properties to buy abroad are now potential investment targets for the canny Briton, rather than just the Spain property with which we have always been fascinated.
The properties Turkey has to offer are equally appealing but generally offer better value than Spain. If Turkey joins the EU, which looks highly likely, the value of housing in the country is set to rise further, making now a good time to invest there. It is worth noting that limits are in place restricting the amount of Turkish property which can be purchased by an individual investor, although these will not affect the majority of private investors.
If you are considering a new property Morocco may not be the first place that springs to mind. The African country is well worth a look, on the other hand, as some phenomenal bargains are there for the taking. Some people are deterred by the prospect of buying in a country which seems so far away, however Morocco is now served by the UK budget airlines and is seeing record investment from private UK homebuyers.
If you are looking even further afield for properties Mexico is a new and exciting destination worth considering. Whether the insane bustle of Mexico City or the good times on offer in Cancun, the USA's southerly neighbour is causing a stir among UK property buyers. Mexico is popular among investors looking to build an international property portfolio and is less common as a location for a second home.
If the heat of Mexico appeals to you but its distance from Marble Arch is less appealing, Cyprus properties are far closer to home and offer a similar level of blistering sunshine for much of the year. Interestingly, the Cypriot Pound is one of the few currencies on the planet worth more than the British Pound.
If you are ready to buy abroad, what are you waiting for? Start your search today!