Brazil

Brazil is something of an enigmatic nation - it may be the 5th largest country on the planet, but so much of it is taken up by the Amazon river (the largest in the world), as well as the Amazon rainforest it feeds (also the largest in the world - over 25% of the world's rainforests, in fact), that its size in terms of actual living space is often overlooked. However, the country best known for the prowess of its football team is actually a fantastic opportunity for property investment, and has been for many years now - it just seems like the marketing has been somewhat overlooked.

Also associated with areas of abject crime and poverty, Brazil may not immediately seem like the ideal location to set up a second home or buy-to-let property. While a few areas still suffer from these serious cultural issues, Brazil boasts plenty of safe, affluent cities and towns in which overseas investors are harvesting the rewards of early investment. More and more highly regarded developers are setting up shop in Brazil, and the quality of the properties on offer is constantly improving, and at any time is better than ever before.

Brazil's exotic climate, vibrant population, low living costs, burgeoning property market, strengthening economy and the proliferation of its tourist industry (30% growth last year alone) stand as reason enough for outsiders to invest in the country; but in simple terms, it's a great place for an inexpensive holiday home in a beautifully exotic location.