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 France
France is blessed with a rich and varied countryside that incorporates stunning beaches and coastline on its Mediterranean and Atlantic seaboards, spectacular mountain scenery in the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central - and a mainly temperate climate in which to enjoy such diverse splendours.

The French have a strong appreciation of the good things in life and are considered to be among the most cultured of people. The price of experiencing life in a more measured and relaxed manner is cheaper than in the UK but not as inexpensive as it was a decade ago. France has seen average property price increases of 80 per cent since 1997, and prices continue to appreciate by approximately 10 per cent annually.

However, it is wholly possible to pick up a stone house - the very epitome of France - in a rural location, overlooking sun-kissed, rolling hills, for £30,000. It may well require an additional £70,000 of work to make it habitable, but £100,000 for your very own piece of the good life doesn't seem an awful lot to pay, does it?

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