With UK property prices so high, many of us are looking overseas for investment opportunities. Whether you fancy investing in the latest hotspot or want to emigrate, read our guides to buying abroad.
(All prices correct summer 2006.)
Denmark has a high standard of living, low unemployment, and 70% plus of the population speaks English, so it's easy to understand its big appeal. You can buy a three-bedroom townhouse in Copenhagen from £240,000, or a two-bed apartment at £90,000-less expensive than comparable homes in many of the UK's bigger cities. A home of a similar size in a rural location, for example on the stunning island of Langeland costs about £1,270 per sqm.
Buying a permanent home in Denmark is relatively straightforward, but holiday homes are less easy. "If you haven't been resident in Denmark for five years, you need to get permission from the Danish Ministry of Justice to buy a property," says Palle Ulstrup, Chief Executive of The Danish Association of Chartered Estate Agents. "Similar rules apply to buying dwellings, flats, timeshare flats and tenancy agreements. EU citizens may buy property for permanent habitation, but holiday homes may only be acquired by persons who have lived permanently in Denmark for at least five years."
As a European Economic Area member you are entitled to settle in Denmark without a permit. Contact the Danish Embassy for more info. Unemployment is low – the employment department, called "Arbejdsformidling", will tell you if you can continue your career in Denmark.
It's best to contact local agents- try The Danish Association of Chartered Estate Agents and OverseasPropertyOnline for starters.
Loving Copenhagen, but hating the price tag? For a better bargain within easy reach, hop over the Oresund bridge to Malmo, Sweden. Flats in Copenhagen are twice the price of those in Malmo, the third largest city in Sweden. So thousands of Danes have moved to Malmo since the opening of the bridge, with apartments near the harbour and docks most popular, and commute to their jobs in Copenhagen. There are no restrictions for Brits buying property there.
Why not see how far your money might go if you buy abroad? Search for your dream overseas property on aplaceinthesun.com
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Amanda Lamb is on her travels finding you the ideal location for your new house
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