Croatia's Dalmation coast: Everything under the sun

What makes Croatia so appealing is that it appears to have cornered all the best bits of every other European country. The historic walled towns and red-roofed villages of Italy rub shoulders with the quaint harbours of Greece, the dramatic mountains bordering the coast are reminiscent of southern Spain and the marinas filled with expensive yachts are dead ringers for those of Mediterranean France.

Its charms haven't gone unappreciated and property buyers have moved into the popular area around historic Dubrovnik and hip Hvar island. In both locations prices for two-bed apartments start at around £300,000, while villas under £650,000 are rare.

But those looking for less glitz and lower prices have moved up the coast between the towns of Split and Zadar. This area has opened up with increased flights and new roads, so visitor numbers have risen dramatically, yet the region remains largely unspoilt.

It's for this reason that developers such as Andrew Piper have also moved into the area. He's currently building Kavanjin, a village resort on the picturesque island of Brac, an hour's ferry ride from historic Split. The development of spacious apartments, alongside communal leisure facilities, is on the edge of the photogenic fishing harbour of Sutivan.

This is one of several lovely towns on Brac and comprises neat streets of stone houses, with cafés and restaurants lining the harbour. "I was looking for somewhere that offered potential, not just as an investment but with regard to surroundings," says Piper. "Brac is a friendly and peaceful location but it has the services and utilities homeowners need."

Piper feels Croatia offers the lifestyle of more expensive areas, such as northern Italy, at prices that are still relatively reasonable.

Apartments at Kavanjin start at £124,000 through Cushman and Wakefield and Piper is also selling properties from £77,000 in Putinak, overlooking the stunning harbour of Sumartin on Brac, through local company Broker Supertar.

Andrea Marston of Investment Group Croatia is a fan of the central and north Dalmatian coast and favours small towns, such as pretty Rogoznica, and less developed islands such Ugljan. "You can buy one-bed apartments from around £80,000 and two-beds from £160,000," she says, "you'd pay twice that in Dubrovnik."

You'd also pay a lot more in many areas of Italy, Greece and southern France but why go there when Croatia seems to have it all?

Cushman & Wakefield: 020-7152 5767, www.kavanjin.com ; Investment Group Croatia: 01753 859 548, www.investment-group-croatia.co.uk ; Broker Supetar: 00 385 99 210 2785; www.broker.hr

Croatia: A buyer's guide

*Ownership of many old properties in Croatia is unclear. Never buy without being sure the vendor has undisputed title.

*Developers must have title to the land and government licences to build in Croatia, the sales contract should also offer to indemnify buyers in the case of disputed land ownership after sale.

*Legal changes have made buying in Croatia easier and laws are set to be relaxed further next February.

*You need a licence in order to legally rent your property and must pay income tax on your earnings either in Croatia or the UK.