Some people refer to Europe as the 'Old Continent'. Some neo-conservatives have gone one further and divided the 'Old Continent' into Europe and 'Old Europe'. One thing's for sure, however, and that is that some of the world's finest summer resorts can be found in Europe. The south eastern part of the continent enjoys fantastic weather for much of the year, making it an ideal place for Britons to invest in a second home.
Even twenty years ago, second homes were perceived as being the preserve of the seriously wealthy, but that is no longer the case as more and more hard-working people are coming to the ends of their careers and spotting the potential for a 'little something' overseas. The spread of budget airlines has also contributed to this phenomenon, with Bulgaria properties and houses abroad in Croatia now as cheap and easy to visit from London as a second home in Scotland. Added to that, Bulgaria and Estonia have some of the best, unspoilt ski slopes in Europe, well away from the crowds and perfect for enthusiasts.
Croatia also enjoys famously warm summers, with glorious Mediterranean sunshine and plenty of beaches upon which to enjoy the weather. If, however, five months of glorious weather simply isn't enough for you, overseas properties in the Canary Islands could be just what you are looking for. The Canary Islands bask in African sunshine all year round, with very little variation in temperature and barely discernable seasons. Whether you are drawn to the stunning beaches of Fuertaventura or the heady nightlife of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote, the Canaries offer the ideal location for a place in the sun.
Another country beloved by sun-worshippers is Greece. Home of the Olympics and democracy, Greece is also becoming a second home to a large number of Britons who know a property bargain when they see one. The properties Turkey and Greece offer are more stable than in many other parts of Europe. Greece and her islands also offer a unique lifestyle which is very attractive to people who have spent a lifetime in the grind of British life.
The number of British residents with property overseas is hovering around the million mark; this is a huge increase on the early nineties, when the figure was less than half of that. High house price inflation at home and the increasing strength of Sterling on the international property markets has entirely changed our concept of overseas property ownership. Some Morocco properties, for example, are now being marketed specifically at Brits.