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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 Dubai
Dubai is perhaps best known for its sandy beaches, world-class shopping and striking contemporary architecture, but there is much more to it than that. It is a place of contrasts, where east meets west, and past and present co-exist harmoniously.

The capital, Dubai City, offers outstanding quality of life. Because the vast majority of its inhabitants are expatriates from around the world, it has an overwhelmingly cosmopolitan feel. The environment is clean, the selection of goods is excellent and entertainment and sporting facilities are, in many cases, world class. Crime is low, and there is almost full employment.

On the downside, prostitution, though illegal, is rife, and the poorly regulated employment system has attracted the attention of human rights groups worldwide.

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