As Turkey prepares itself for a record-breaking summer tourist season, with 25 million visitors expected by Turkish officials this year, the country’s property market looks set to attract a record number of British buyers. Indeed, a Nat West survey of British mortgage lenders has identified Turkey as the third most popular country to buy property in the next three years.

“There is growing interest in Turkish property due to its excellent value, with high-quality apartments from as little as £40,000,” explains Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey guide. “Huge investment is being channelled into the development of the coastal areas as part of the government’s plans for Turkey to become one of the world’s top five tourist destinations by 2023. On the ground, this means new airports, roads, golf courses, marinas and hotels- all of which have a very positive effect on the desirability of Turkish property and values.”

In addition to the million-plus British tourists that visit Turkey each year, the pleasant Mediterranean climate, relaxed way of life and low cost of living are attracting a growing number of permanent British residents and retirees.

In 1956, just five short years after the introduction of electricity onto Hilton Head Island, Charles Fraser purchased land on the southwestern tip of the island in order to develop the community now known as Sea Pines Plantation. The first of Hilton Head’s plantation communities, Sea Pines covers over 5,000 acres of thriving natural environment reminiscent of Eden and offers over five miles of gorgeous public-accessible beaches.

Real Estate Information – Homes, Condos, Lots

In 1958, the first deed to a Sea Pines Plantation lot was signed and within four years, beachfront prices grew by close to 50%. Examining the current real estate market for new homesites, homes, villas, and condos, it’s easy to see why the prices have continued to grow so drastically. From small, picturesque cottages to sprawling mansions, the Sea Pines Plantation community contains everything you could want when looking to invest in a home. Numerous single- to five-bedroom homes are available, ranging from $450,000 to over $8,000,000.

Ten years ago cheap French property brought a lot of people to the country. New air routes were opening up and with the associated cheap flights it became much easier to get here. As a result, prices increased more or less everywhere and finding cheap property in France isn’t as easy as it was. They are still out there though, and I have an extra little tip that the French use that could save you eight or nine per cent of the price if you buy your French house from the right place!

The price of the property you are looking for will, of course, depend a great deal on location. A flat in Paris or Cannes is never going to be cheap. On the other hand a French farmhouse in need of renovation at the eastern end of the Loire valley can still be had remarkably cheaply. The cost of renovation is another matter and will depend to a large extent on whether you want to get your hands dirty or if you have the necessary skills.

Whether you think something qualifies as cheap French property will also depend on your budget and the kind of house you are looking for. The French tend to prefer to buy new so renovation properties remain affordable. On the other hand coastal properties, like in most other countries, command a premium. If you’re not concerned about fast international travel then you will find prices cheaper away from the airports and main cities. The center of France (a big rural area of farms and forests) is least expensive, with properties in the “Indre” region probably the cheapest of all.