Motivated by affordable properties many British investors are, and have been, investing abroad. The thinking is often that second homes can be rented out during the year. The buy to let market also appears to be strong, largely supported by property investors. Potential UK landlords it seems are increasingly setting their sights abroad.

The gradual decline in UK property prices, the uncertainty of the stock market and the realisation that pensions will not match expectations is influencing many to invest in holiday homes as part of their retirement planning. Buyers ought to be aware of the potential tax advantages that can be acquired from property in the UK.

The benefits of buying in the UK are that you can take advantage of tax relief structures, and inevitably the issue of currency fluctuations is not an issue. Often the country in which people buy second homes can present buyers with complicated laws and regulations. Unfamiliar legal jurisdiction especially in a foreign language can be a huge disadvantage when buying abroad. Another important issue to look at is tax placed on the property abroad. Income generated from the property may be subject to tax when brought into the United Kingdom, so again, something else to think about.

Current statistics has it that three out of four property investors are considering investing abroad. France and Spain continue to bed hot spots. A recent survey discovered that some eighty percent of potential buyers are not thinking about the exchange rates when purchasing property abroad. The fact is that currency fluctuations often have a large impact on property prices.