Overseas: Six to view

Down by the riverside

Pont Du Loup, Provence, France
Price: £830,000
Agent: Savills Riviera Estates
Tel: 00 33 4 93 77 11 19

They say: A charming property beside the river Loup, with spectacular mountain views, 25km from Nice. The stone villa has four bedrooms plus a separate, self-contained studio and pool house.

We say: Very pretty home in a lovely and popular location. In addition to the spacious accommodation and well-maintained gardens, there are nice, traditional touches such as a stone fireplace, terracotta floors and a wine cellar.

Cape crusaders
Rosa del Mar, Sal, Cape Verde
Price: from £153,000
Agent: Investments Worldwide
Tel: 020-7788 7446

They say: The first loft-style development on the island of Sal features environmentally sound technology, as well as beautiful contemporary design and a stunning location.

We say: Unlike many Cape Verdean properties, these sleek eco-properties offer a high internal spec and have a prime position overlooking the beach and marina.

La dolce vita
Golfo Gabella, Maccagno, Italy
Price: from £145,000
Agent: Pure International
Tel: 020-3031 2860

They say: Overlooking beautiful Lake Maggiore, this development has 90 one- to three-bedroom apartments with award-winning interior design, private moorings, and excellent on-site amenities.

We say: A stunning location within reach of Milan. The apartments are spacious, and many have terraces with beautiful views. A sailing school and spa are planned.

Arabian heights
La Hoya, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Price: from £61,000
Agent: Dream Homes Worldwide
Tel: 0800 019 3847

They say: A luxurious project of studios and apartments on islands in the newly developing emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It's in a prime waterfront location with marina, and on-site leisure facilities.

We say: Much cheaper than anything in Dubai, just 45 minutes away. A waterfront lifestyle with state-of-the-art facilities at a good price.

Winter warmer
Red Leaves, Muskok, Canada
Price: £143,000
Agent: Red Leaves
Tel: 0845 130 8768

They say: A 566 hectare resort on the shores of Lake Rosseau. This "apart-hotel" is operated by Marriott and is being sold as a leaseback investment, with guaranteed returns of 7 per cent for the first four years.

We say: An attractive collection of studios and one-bed apartments in a stunning rural location, two hours from Toronto. Better for investors than second-home owners as you'll only get a week's use each year.

Life's a beach

Ambergris Cay, Turksand Caicos, Caribbean
Price: £1.8m
Agent: Quintesentially Estates
Tel: 0845 224 3658

They say: This four-bedroom, four-bathroom "Grand Cottage" is right on the waterfront, on a 1,100-acre private island which has beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and historic ruins.

We say: There's no doubt the beachfront setting is the main attraction of this substantial property. However, other facilities are currently being developed, including a spa, marina and private airstrip.