France retains top spot with UK buyers

French property continues to be the number one choice for UK residents when buying property overseas according to data supplied by Conti an overseas mortgage specialist.

Almost half of all mortgage enquiries to Conti are for real estate in France; the next popular country is Spain bringing in 24 per cent followed by Turkey the three countries together account for 85 per cent of all overseas enquiries.

Properties in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates or any of the eastern European countries did not register at all in the top ten locations.

A spokesman for Conti revealed enquiries to French mortgage lenders was three times greater than it was two years ago possibly due in part to the stability offered by the French proeprty market plus the excellent rental opportunities and no doubt helped by the devaluation of the Euro.

Despite the recent troubles experienced in the country's property sector Spain is still attracting almost a quarter of all enquiries. Some areas have seen property prices drop by 40 per cent.