Europe is still leading the pack when it comes to desirable locations for the British to invest in property, with Italy, France and Spain remaining as prime locations. In regional terms, Tuscany, the Dordogne, Marbella and Andratx in Mallorca seem to be the ideal regions for purchasers.

Paddy Dring, head of Knight Frank’s international department, says that prices in the Dordogne are down by up to 50% from their peak in some areas, with the opportunity for investors to benefit from future capital growth. Lisbon and Barcelona are also considered to be an attractive location for a ‘home-from-home’, with both cities providing a diverse mix of beaches, culture and affordability.

Those looking for a quiet, cultural location often cite Florence as an ideal getaway while for easy access to nightlife and partying in high season, Ibiza remains a popular choice for many investors.

For winter getaways, the Arlberg region of Austria and the Swiss resort of St Moritz have both received a lot of interest from skiing enthusiasts.

“Switzerland has been our best-performing destination over the past nine months and is expected to continue on this path for the foreseeable future“, says Robert Green, general manager of Abercrombie & Kent International Estates.