When it comes to buying a holiday home abroad to let out, it can be difficult deciding where in the world to invest, but new research suggests that perhaps close to home is the best.

A report from property rental site holidaylettings.co.uk found that in January many Britons already knew what they wanted from their summer break, with 54 per cent claiming to have their plans for their summer holiday sorted.

And despite the entrance of new EU countries into the rental market, it was traditional holiday destinations close to the UK that were witnessing the most enquiries per holiday home from potential tenants.

Spanish mainland properties took 37 per cent of all July and August booking enquiries made in January, despite accounting for 31 per cent of properties advertised on the site. Meanwhile Balearic Island properties accounted for six per cent of enquiries despite representing just two per cent of properties on the site.

French properties received 18 per cent of enquiries but made up 14 per cent of properties advertised and Italy attracted ten per cent of enquiries, despite accounting for eight per cent of properties.

Ross Elder, managing director of holidaylettings.co.uk, commented: "These figures show that despite ongoing debates of the prospects of overseas property investment and prospective rental markets, there is still very much a demand for self catering accommodation in traditional locations, including those just a couple of hours from home."