Hot Property 1

La Primavera, France. From €79,259.

In a nutshell: Situated in Cap d’Adge in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon, this complex of 80 apartments is on three floors with swimming pool, sun terrace, and trilingual reception. The area is famous for its 267 days of sunshine a year and its rich architectural and cultural heritage. Cap d’Agde is built around an important sailing resort.

What’s so special about it? The Primavera Residence is ideally located only 200 meters from the sandy beach “Plage Richelieu” accessible by a pathway bordered of reeds and water, and is 5 minutes away from the marina and golf course. Apartments are built in the regional seaside style and some have seaside views.

Pros: A good development for the Irish market as there are direct Ryan Air flights from Dublin and Shannon into two nearby airports. It is a leaseback development so clients receive the refund of 15% VAT soon after purchase. With 4.5% per annum rental yields, it could be a sound investment as well as holiday home.

Cons: Properties in this area are selling quickly and this one is complete so interested buyers may need to make a fast decision.

Agent: Aquarius Properties Abroad. +353 1 278 2900 www.aquariusproperties.com

Hot Property 2

Villabranca, Portugal. From €170,000.

In a nutshell: Located in the historic town of Lagos in the Algarve, 
Vialbranca is a development of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, children's play area, restaurant and bar. Later phases will include villas and townhouses.

What’s so special about it? Set in a residential area, homeowners and visitors are away from the bustle of the resort but within comfortable walking distance of the centre of Lagos and Porto de Mós Beach. A regular courtesy bus transports you between the resort and beach and there are many small traditional villages and top class golf courses nearby.

Pros: The properties come fully furnished and air conditioned and have the option of a 5 year rental guarantee with unrestricted personal usage form November to March - a good option for combining investment with a holiday home.

Cons: The Algarve is a busy route as it has become very popular with the Irish but the upside of this is that flights are increasingly regular.

Agent: Myoverseasproperty.ie Ph: 086 8163777

Hot Property 3

Laurentians on the Lake, Canada. €180,000.

In a nutshell: This is a classic lakefront home 15 minutes from Tremblant in the charming Quebecois village of Amherst. Nestled into 12340 square feet of rolling lot accessible by a private path, it is only 10 minutes from the popular St-Jovite, Mont-Tremblant resort, and 5 of the most beautiful golf courses in Quebec. There are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a finished walkout basement.

What’s so special about it? Its southern exposure gives it plenty of light and a 4-sided gas fireplace complements an open floor plan. There are interior brick and window walls, gleaming wood floors, a large terrace with breathtaking views, and a private dock. It's all about space, abundant light, and the views of Lac Brochet and the surrounding mountains.

Pros: It is ideally located near to the main resorts but in the heart of the forest. Great for fishing, hiking and swimming, it is also near the well-known P'tit Train bicycle path. This property is perfect as a buy to let or home. With low reservation and closing costs it is also virtually ready to move in or to rent out.

Cons: Although it is only 1h 30 minutes from Montreal it is still quite a trek for the Irish market.

Agent: Imoinvest 01 674 90 00. www.imoinvest.com

Hot Property 4

Ruhpolding, Bavaria. From €118,000.

In a nutshell: This is a small development of apartments in Ruhpolding with views of the Chiemgau Alps. It is an eight minute walk to the village centre and wellness amenities and a six minute walk to the nearest ski slopes.

What’s so special about it? The air in this region is the freshest you will find anywhere, not just because of its proximity to the Alps but because for decades Bavaria has had an outstanding environmental protection record. It hosts major international sporting events such as the International Speed Skating Championships held in Inzell, and the Biathlon and World Cup in Nordic Combination held in Ruhpolding. In winter, Ruhpolding turns into a snowy wonderland with activities including skiing, skating and snowboarding. A 15 minute bus / car journey brings you to one of Germany’s best ski areas Winklmoos-Alm, which has almost 40 different runs.

Pros: At 30 minutes from Salzburg airport and an hour and 30 minutes from Munich airport it is easily accessible for the Irish market all year round.

Cons: Bavaria is for healthy livers who like outdoor pursuits in both summer and winter, so couch potatoes might prefer elsewhere.

Agent: OGH Premium Properties Ph 01 4594777 www.oghpremiumproperties.com.

Hot Property 5

Pano Lahania, Rhodes. From €167,000.

In a nutshell: A one off development on the Greek island of Rhodes with a total of 54 units. Apartments, maisonettes and villas are scattered around a public square creating a focus for true village living. Architectural features are drawn from the neighbouring properties of Old Lahania, home to numerous European writers and artists.

What’s special about it? Pano Lahania has been designed to form an inseparable part of the old village, with the purpose of combining the traditional element with the conveniences of modern buildings. The town plan, along with the streets’ layout corresponds to that of an old Rhodian village. High walls, elaborate chimneys, imposing gates and external stairways stress the houses’ traditional characteristics.

Pros: Each villa has a large, private swimming pool and extensive outdoor area. It is a one-hour drive from the airport and five minutes from some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The southern part of the island has remained untouched by the effects of tourist development. Neighbouring areas include Plimmiri, an area of ecological importance and breeding ground of the marine turtle.

Cons: This is a quieter holiday destination than some of the Greek developments, but the upside is that it remains unspoilt.

Agent: Cybarco Ph: 1890 876 875 www.cybarco.com

This piece was published in The Sunday Tribune in 2008.