Brazil

Fast becoming the darling of international investment market, Brazil is now considered one of the most attractive options for long-term overseas investors.

Prices in some areas can increase by 20 per cent annually, according to investment experts AmberLamb.com.

The country is the largest in South America – the fifth largest in the world – and has the tenth largest economy in terms of GDP.

The main language is Portuguese - which is essential for residence - but French, Spanish and English are all spoken in the legal sector for investment purposes.

Key coastlines

While the country covers over eight and half million square kilometres its population of just less than 200 million is located largely along the 7,500 km of Atlantic facing coastline.

The vast sprawling metropolitan Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo dominate the south of the country, while the Portuguese colonial towns of Salvador and João Pessoa are the northern focal points.

The country has been a popular tourist destination in recent years and now beginning to catch the eye of investors. However, although the country is vast, only a few areas offer realistic chances of investment returns.

Rio de Janeiro is the obvious choice – famous for its carnival, spectacular natural setting and tourist beaches. The former capital is one of the key economic and social centres of the country and perhaps the best choice for investors looking at the country.

Sao Paulo is also popular, having begun to shed its violent reputation recently.

Bahia, on the north-east coast is another popular destination – based largely around a developing tourist sector in the region.

Hot locations, cool prices

Average property prices in these in-demand regions are a fraction of those in Europe, at around £38,000, according to InternationalPropertyLink.com.

A number of carriers fly directly to Brazil from the UK, providing a further boon to investors.

A series of infrastructure projects across the country are also being implemented to improve the social, political and economic cohesion of the Brazil.

The country also has a year-round tropical climate which has proved irresistible to investors from the rainy UK.

According to overseas investment experts PropertyFrontiers.com there is also a low risk of war, terrorism and natural disaster – further enhancing the South American country's reputation.