Overseas purchasers buy for a number of reasons but generally the reason is leisure, investment or a mix of both.

Increasing numbers of northern Europeans and in particular the British are snapping up properties in ever more exotic locations. Spain and France are still major destinations for property purchasers but the emergence of many eastern block countries and the development of regions such as Dubai and Florida have encouraged purchasers to become a little more adventurous, in fact many are now buying in counties such a Morocco, Brazil and even Pakistan.

For anyone who invests in property, overseas property brings an essential balance to an effective portfolio and therefore considerably reduces risk. When one market is slow another will be strong and therefore any negative effects are countered. Annual capital growth of 30% or more is quite achievable and local mortgage restrictions are being eased in many countries thereby enabling even greater returns.