You could be forgiven for thinking that property is the new dot.com. It seems that anybody with a few extra bucks to spare is trying to get in on the current boom. Pushed along by the many television programmes selling hot new property destinations, newspaper articles regularly highlighting the returns to be made in foreign property markets, and the abundant websites offering property all around the world, would be investors are rushing by the thousands into emerging markets accompanied only by the certainty of making a killer return.

Many of these are young people who, priced out of their home markets are eager to get a foot on the property ladder in cheaper markets abroad. Others are coming in off the back of property booms in their own country, particularly the British and Irish and increasingly, the Spanish.

But while investors may be dreaming of a property that will offer high rental yields and high capital growth at the same time, sourcing the right property markets in which to make that investment is vital to achieving solid returns. With so much attention being focused on emerging markets, it is difficult for the rookie investor to know exactly where the next revolution in property is going to be.

Bulgaria, for many, is the obvious choice. For the small time investor or holiday home buyer, Bulgaria offers an affordable entry point. Receiving massive attention from the media, it has become a hot bed of investor activity, particularly around the Black Sea Coast and the Ski resorts. With property prices far below the EU average and capital growth averaging 60-70% per year, it’s not surprising. Bulgaria’s growing reputation as a tourist destination is also in its favour and many speculate that the Bulgarian property market will mirror the trends that were seen in the Spanish property market, particularly after its entry to the EU.

Many predicted that the "Eastern Eight" - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Slovakia, on entry to the EU would contribute to the biggest property boom Europe has experienced in at least the last 10 years. While investor interest in the new Europe countries is significant, particularly among the Irish, British and Germans, prices are not rising at alarming rates and to some extent over saturation of the market by investors has meant that rental yields are not as high as they might be. While the property market in some of these countries has taken off on the back of EU accession, others such as Slovakia are struggling to raise their profile when it comes international investors.

Investing in European emerging property markets brings the risk that comes with investing in any new territory. However, for those daring enough to take the risk, the returns are far higher than those achieved by investing in the more traditional markets such as France or Spain. Take Romania as an example. Moving into a markets such as Romania now would require a great deal of courage, particularly when the country is still battling organised crime and negative world opinion, but the chances are that ten years down the road, Romania’s small Black Sea coastline will take off in much the same way as Bulgaria’s has over the past five years. The rewards are always greater for those brave enough to go in early.

Dubai is another strong contender among investors interested in emerging markets. Dubai, for many, has the winning formula; sun, sand, glamour, spectacular developments, liberal tax regimes and reasonably priced property. Though Dubai’s property market is probably the most glamorous and sophisticated in the world, it is still possible to pick up a bargain property that is sure to yield high returns. A one bed roomed apartment just 20 minutes drive outside Dubai can still be bought for around £35,000. While rental yields have dropped from 8 – 9 % in the last year to a more realistic 6 – 7 %, these are still healthy returns compared to major Eastern European contenders. The major concern with Dubai is that currently it is largely a speculators market, with properties being bought and sold several times before the builders have even left. If speculators decided to pull out, it could lead to total collapse of the market. However, measures are being implemented to discourage speculation with banks lending only on the original cost of the property, leaving investors the task of seeking alternative finance for the premiums that can be incurred on transfer of properties.

It is worth bearing in mind that all property markets, not just those that are newly emerging, carry risks. The key to making a success of any investment is good research. Gathering as much information as possible and keeping up to date with market trends is vital to making an investment project go smoothly. This is even more relevant when buying property in foreign markets. Seek professional advice, work with reliable agents and always be willing to do your homework.

Tracey Meagher writes for and maintains several Property Newsdesks including Property Newsdesk Dubai and Property Newsdesk Central and Eastern Europe She also offers freely downloadable detailed articles on buying property abroad. These are available at PropertyAuthors.com

Since the Northern Cypriots famously voted ‘yes’ to the UN backed Annan plan for the peaceful reunification of Cyprus in 2004 the world has awoken to the secret and hidden beauty of this untouched jewel in the Mediterranean crown. Those open-minded and individual thinkers seeking elegant living, unrivalled Mediterranean-region investment property opportunities or their own hideaway are today embracing Northern Cyprus.

Discover a new world, discover a new opportunity, discover North Cyprus.

Basking in the beautiful Mediterranean, enjoying 320 days sunshine a year, with stunning natural beauty, a rich and diverse 10,000 year history, rare and abundant flora and fauna is Aphrodite’s island of Cyprus. The Northern third of this island paradise has the most beautiful and unspoilt coastline on the Mediterranean because during the 1960s and 1970s when bad building practices in the rest of the world allowed for ugly concrete high-rise buildings on every beach, Northern Cyprus remained completely untouched.

Today the forward thinking Turkish Cypriot people have been rewarded for their hard work in protecting their paradise and they’re proud to welcome visitors to their uniquely preserved island haven, to introduce new residents to their incredible quality of life and to embrace investors looking to nurture and develop this corner of heaven on earth.

The Turkish Cypriot Government encourages sensitive, low density, high quality property development and they’re establishing an incredibly attractive and strong property market as a result.

The attraction of the property market in North Cyprus is obvious and manifold, for example: -

o Where else in the world can ‘normal’ people afford to live in an untouched, unspoilt and underdeveloped location with the perfect climate, year round sunshine, pretty harbours, crusader castles, stunning mountains, wild natural beaches, trendy bars, quality restaurants and endless entertainment opportunities?

o Where else in the Mediterranean region can you purchase quality housing from as little as £40,000?

o Where else in the world is there such a huge discrepancy between house prices than in Cyprus with properties in the South selling for up to 150% more than properties in the North?

o Independent expert analysis predicts that the property market in the South will continue to rise over the medium term, that the property market in Northern Cyprus will come in line with the South over the medium term and that investment in property across Cyprus is “highly attractive,” with the property market in Northern Cyprus “about to boom.”

o Property prices in the North have at least doubled in recent years making significant short term gains achievable.

o Those who invest for the medium to long term will maximise capital growth and investment returns.

Purchasing property in Northern Cyprus couldn’t be simpler, there’s no need to establish a company to purchase, no need to learn a whole new legal system or even a foreign language, no need to add 20% to the purchase price for hidden taxes and no need to worry that you could buy better for less anywhere else on the Med! Non-residents can own freehold property in North Cyprus, the legal system is based on the British system, lawyers, estate agents and developers all speak English to a high standard and legal fees and taxes are low and always clearly detailed.

One word of warning, care needs to be taken relating to the title deed of any property you’re considering purchasing. Negative press reports you may have read regarding the purchase of illegal property in Northern Cyprus relate to people who have not bought property with clean title deeds. Despite propaganda to the contrary, it is internationally accepted that many types of land and property purchase in North Cyprus are 100% legal with correct application; the legality and legitimacy of the purchase depends on the title deed the property holds. Therefore, just as it is essential to appoint legal representation when buying property ‘back home,’ so it is equally essential to appoint independent legal representation in Northern Cyprus and for your lawyer to research the title deed of the property or land you’re seeking to purchase and to advise you on the legality of the transaction accordingly.

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource that guides you to a low tax, maximum investment profit lifestyle abroad.

Shelter Offshore features three main channels - offshore investment, property investment abroad and overseas lifestyle.

Rhiannon Williamson is also the author of ‘The Offshore Advantage’ http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/shelter/offshore_advantage/ which teaches readers how to build secure wealth using their secret offshore advantage.