Italy
Although less popular than France and Spain, Italy has long been favoured by British buyers. Tuscany and Umbria have been joined by a host of new areas - most notably the south.
Price rise: One year 4%
Good value: Perugia
Don't go there: Venice, Tuscany, Umbria and the lakes
Although less popular than France and Spain, Italy has long been favoured by British buyers. Tuscany and Umbria have been joined by a host of new areas - most notably the south.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors says the overall market rose 4% in 2006 (the second homes market rose 5.5%) "and it continues to be fairly flat". Property tends to be kept in the family and sold as a last resort, or when a foreigner makes a crazy offer.
The vast majority of Italy is not cheap; if you have less than euros 100,000 (pounds 67,652) to spend you will not find much - unless you are prepared to throw caution to the wind and go for one of the new-builds appearing all over the south. It is now possible to buy a flat in a coastal town for as little as euros 40,000 (pounds 27,059).
Steve Emmett, managing director of Brian French Associates, advises caution. "The opening up of these areas is entirely down to the arrival of Ryanair but you have to wonder what these flats would be worth if the airline pulls out? I'd advise buyers to stick to the well-known areas even if it means buying a smaller house in a better area."
He suggests one of the best overall packages of value and desirability is the area one hour's drive from Perugia. When pressed he suggested buyrs looks at little-known Castiglione del Largo.
Buyers can expect to pay 10%-15% on top of the price in fees and taxes.
Where? Castiglione del Largo.
Why? A lovely town on the on the banks of Italy's fourth biggest lake Trasimeno - bang in central Italy. Good transport links: a choice of airports in easy reach, including Ryanair into Perugia, excellent local food and wonderful views of the lake. Top location.
What do you get? Prices in and around the town start at euros 75,000 (pounds 50,732) - but that is for an inhabitable shack. An option if you are able to do the work yourself, but be prepared for a serious challenge.
Reasonable done-up but small ish properties are closer to euros 150,000 (pounds 101,456) - most two and three bed homes are euros 300,000 (pounds 202,911) and above. However, some in the area cost as much as euros 1.1m (pounds 743,995) - and you're only getting three bedrooms.
The 75sq m two-bed cottage with garden restored 30 years ago, is in a hamlet near Castiglione and is on the market for euros 115,000 (pounds 77,781) through brianfrench.com.
Downsides? Prices, though not rising fast, are still steep. The area can be swamped by weekenders from Rome. At least the pizza and gelati are cheap.