With soaring house prices and washed out summers, it's no wonder more of us Brits are buying property abroad. Check out some of our favourite overseas hotspots...

Buying property in Italy
For many years Britons choosing to buy in Italy focused on three areas: Venice and Florence, Tuscany and the Isle of Capri. The realisation dawned finally that from Lake Como to Marche and from Umbria to Sicily, Italy was home to some stunning properties of exceptional value, from wonderful ski chalets and mega-chic city apartments to tumbledown farmhouses.

There aren't many places in Europe where you can eat and drink better, or find people who adore the idea of spending an afternoon in the shade of an old tree with a large group of friends and family, all enjoying a meal that has been prepared by the whole group amid shouts of laughter and large helpings of drama.

Italian property prices have risen in recent years - it's no use denying an obvious fact - but, in comparison to other countries, Italy remains pretty good value, especially in rural areas. Of course, anyone looking for a property overlooking the Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice had better have a pretty deep purse.

More info: Buying in Italy podcast I Overview of Italy I Buying guide
Be there: Book a flight to Italy