France

As the second largest country in Europe, France has quickly become an extremely popular location for overseas property ventures, and over the last 20 years has seen investment from abroad increase dramatically. Thousands of migrating Brits (lovingly referred to as "Rosbifs" by the native French) flood to French shores each year, particularly to the south of the country where the continental weather and rustic Gallic charm help reconcile the long suffering of grey, wet English summers.

Due to the influx in the last two decades, French property prices have spiked, but for the smart investor there are still plenty of fantastic deals to be had - and with France boasting "the best quality of life in the world" for 2007, many people busy themselves searching for their perfect slice of French life - the easygoing lifestyle, fuelled by sunshine, wine and the haute cuisine for which the country is so famed. 75% of the population of France now live in its towns and cities, somewhat different from its rural history.

France has a whole lot more to offer than just the Eiffel Tower, an annual bicycle race and an ability to shrug your shoulders without using your arms: two thirds of the fifth most populous nation in Europe is made of mountains and hills, affording the inhabitants some breathtaking views as well as offering vineyard owners plenty of slopes that have simply perfect conditions for making some of the world’s most sought-after wines.