Algarve, Portugal
A lower risk investment, suitable for someone who wants to use their investment as a lifestyle choice, for personal enjoyment, (holidays, weekends away), and make some money if they choose to sell in years to come. Algarve is a slow burner, steadily growing in capital appreciation, explains Nick Freeston, international manager at Chesterton. 'There will always be steady growth, and you won't see the boom and bust of Spain, for example. The planning is on the sensible side, not too stringent and not too relaxed.' A reasonable two-bed apartment in the Algarve will start at £200,000 - for £350,000 you can buy a villa. He adds that there are a number of high-quality developments are set to come on the market which will increase interest in the area further.
www.chesterton.co.uk

Cape Verde
Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, has a similar climate to the Caribbean, but it's not so far away from the UK. There are plans for a new international airport, due to be completed next November, which will mean direct flights from the UK with flight times of less than six hours making the area even more accessible. 'Currently, Cape Verde has only a couple of thousand visitors each year. These figures will increase dramatically once direct flights into the new airport commence. Cape Verde is looking a viable prospect economically, with strong economic growth forecast over the next three years,' adds Andrea Hill of escapes2.com. Prices here start at £50,000 for a one-bed flat.
www.escapes2.com

Brazil
In recent years Brazil has realised its potential as a tourist and residential tourist hot spot and is now enjoying an influx of foreign investment. It is easy to see why Brazil has huge potential: there is plenty of sunshine; over 7,000 kilometres of coastline stretching across various climate zones; a good infrastructure; and importantly, good accessibility. There are over 240 scheduled flights a week from the main European airports. "Residential property investment is following hot on the heels of the boom in tourism, and recent years have seen property price increases of up to 20 per cent per annum" comments Andrea Hill. 'The rate of exchange is favourable for foreign buyers and inflation is at an all time low. The cost of living is considerably lower than Europe and foreign investment is actively encouraged by the government.' Prices also start at £50,000 for reasonable two-bed properties by the beach.
www.escapes2.com

Florida, United States
It's not a new market but there are still exceptional opportunities for growth, plus a weak dollar offers potential currency gains. 'It's experienced one of the highest capital gains growth in the world,' explains Simon Palmer of the Prestige Group. 'So far its continued growth has defied all expectations.' There is a high rental market, particularly in Orlando (Disneyland), which remains strong throughout the year. Indeed, property went up by 22 per cent in 2004, and a whopping 27 per cent in 2005. 2006 is expected to be similar. Be very careful though, as investing here is high-risk. Prices can't go up at this rate forever and the property bubble is bound to bust at some point. Not for the faint hearted and definitely seek advice before buying. £60,000 will get you a two-bed flat.
www.theprestigegroup.com