Property prices in much of Great Britain have skyrocketed in recent years. Between 1995 and 2005 the cost of the average English property has doubled in many parts of the country.

This is bad news for young people looking to get onto the property ladder for the first time, but great news for for homeowners who have suddenly become very wealthy by international standards.

The price of property in South Africa, for example, has been consistently lower than in the UK for many years. The whole South African economy is undergoing massive change at present as the Black Economic Empowerment program takes root, leaving the country in an interesting position. Foreign investment is being encouraged, as the country finds its feet.

Property in Spain has always been popular with British investors. A house on the Costa Del Sol is the dream for many OAPs and is becoming increasingly attainable for homeowners, particularly those in south eastern England. Similarly, many Britons consider purchasing property in Cyprus; perhaps we feel at home with the Cypriot pound?

Restrictions on the purchase of property in Turkey by foreign investors were recently put in place by the Turkish government. This is because foreign investors had 'wised up' to the fantastic bargains available in southern Europe. Fortunately, the restrictions still make it possible to purchase an apartment in any of Turkey's bustling cities or beautiful tourist resorts.