Indeed the international property picture remains overridingly positive, with enquiries already showing promise according to Robin Haynes of Foreign Currency Direct.
Indeed France, Portugal, Italy and Cyprus have all been earmarked to do particularly well in 2008.
“There has been considerable nervousness over the economy recently, but we believe that the majority of the established markets will remain robust over the next 12 months," said Vanessa Bird, of financial services company Baydonhill.
"The key is the diverse selection of buyers who look to purchase in these destinations, from second home owners to those relocating for retirement. The huge variety present here – in terms of age, financial circumstances and motivation for buying – is the driver behind the constant supply of purchasers.”
Haynes added: "British buyers are still in love with the idea of a place on the Costas. Spain remains the number one destination according to enquiries through our portal PropertyLine.co.uk. Indeed, we sent more payments to Spain in 2007 than in 2006.
The emerging property markets currently revolve around Central and Eastern Europe, with Brazil, Venezuela and Thailand taking the investment focus.
Bird explained: “The challenge for these markets is to go beyond the 2-3 year popularity span which so many are experiencing. Bulgaria is a good example of this as it has got to the stage where many of the properties are now being completed and investors are finding out whether they will actually see the rental returns that were promised at the beginning.
"If returns are achieved then this will bolster confidence in other emerging European markets - such as Romania and Latvia."
