“As we leave another long winter behind and the signs of spring creep in, we find ourselves at a time when people start to think about putting their UK property on the market,” says overseas property and finance expert Simon Conn.

Some of these potential buyers and sellers will spend their Easter holiday abroad and come home wondering if they can afford to move to a different country permanently.

With property prices recovering and the pound’s strength against the Euro, buyers will get more for their money, and the continuation of low interest rates is also attracting potential purchasers.

The overseas property market is expected to see an increase in the number of people interested in buying a property outside the UK for use as a holiday or retirement home, or for immediate investment through rental return or future growth.

Popular countries are expected to include France, where more properties have been built and purchased recently, and there are potentially new areas of development.

Interest rates have dropped due to European Central Bank rates being reduced and mortgages are still available up to 80/85% loan to value.

Spain is already seeing a massive increase in interest and there are signs of new developments being built, and unsold projects being resurrected/renovated, but in the latter case purchasers should ensure all the relevant planning permissions and building/habitation licences are in place.

Interest rates are low, but loan to value rates are not as high, with a maximum 60% to 70% and lender underwriting is still very strict.

Interest has been very strong in recent times in the most popular States/areas of the USA, such as Florida, California and New York, and interest is already growing in other areas.

Interest rates are also quite low and maximum loan to value rates vary between 70% and 75% depending on the state and type of property being purchased.

One country which is also popular and continues to grow is Greece, where despite the fact that the local economy is still suffering, there is expected to be an increasing number of buyers in properties on both the mainland and islands.

Restrictions remain in place on lending, but there are signs this may eventually improve.

Italy is flourishing and low interest rates are attractive to buyers, with loan to value rates between 60% and 70%. Property values and sales are increasing in Portugal and mortgages are available up to 80% on a case–by-case basis, although the low Euro interest rates are of benefit.

Bargains can be found in Turkey where it is still considered value for money. Property prices are lower when compared to other parts of Southern Europe, although on the down side, interest rates are high compared to others. Mortgages are available between 50% and 75%, depending on an applicant’s location and financial status.

A word of warning before you buy a property abroad – make sure you use an independent lawyer, arrange for an independent valuation to be carried out and never sign a document you do not understand.

• www.simonconn.com