At the same time, the glut of buy-to-let properties meant that many amateur landlords found they could not get the level of rent they wanted to pay off their mortgages and maintain and improve the properties.

New entrants to the UK buy to let market on doing their sums are finding they'll be getting a return of maybe 4% against a potential drop in value of their asset.

Bad news!

Not so in France, where the price of property is still low but rising over the last two years at an average of 15%, and is likely to go on rising. Property in France also attracts not just long term domestic rental but also holiday lets. For example, a town house in La Rochelle bought for £91,000 in 2002 is now worth around £120,000, and has according to the owner has brought rental income of about £4000. With very low rates and a better class of tenant, the gross return is in the region of £25,000. The owner of course has his eyes set on buying another property.

So if you're looking for something to do with Grannie's inheritance, forget buy-to-let in the UK, forget world cruises around the Isle of Wight - and invest in French property instead.

Regions we suggest you look at are Normandy, central Brittany, Charentes-Maritime and the south of France.

If you'd like any further info on properties available, click on the search link above.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.