Holiday Lettings news - Glamorous beach resorts and their affordable alternatives

Glamorous beach resorts and their affordable alternatives

Beachside homes in glamorous resorts are always in demand, but how far will your money go? Property investors who can't quite afford bricks and mortar in the hotspots still have plenty of up-and-coming areas nearby to choose from.

The Times selects its favourite beach resorts and explains what overseas property investors can get for their money.

• St Tropez. This is "the place to see and be seen", meaning that property comes at a premium; the average price is about £8,000 per square metre. If this is out of your budget then consider St Raphael or Ste Maxime. Just across the Gulf of St Tropez, property in these locations is about half the price and just 15 minutes' away by boat.


• Costa Smeralda. The north-east corner of Sardinia is "one of the world's most prestigious holiday spots"; Roman Abramovich bought a villa there for £24m last year. The discreet villas are very expensive with prices starting at approximately £2.4m. Just a few miles in either direction the prices drop sharply and the beaches and scenery are just as beautiful. The northern coastline is one of the most affordable areas, although investors need to factor in buying costs and an annual "luxury tax" for non-residents.


• Seychelles. Until recently it was almost impossible to buy there but the Seychelles' government has opened up property ownership to foreigners via certain developers. "Competition is fierce" and prices are high. Most developments are leasehold but ownership in a big development usually confers residency rights.


• Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach in Sydney is gradually "moving up in the ranks" from its reputation as a paradise for "surf dudes". Property on the beach could cost between £4m and £6m but prices are a lot lower a few blocks back. If you definitely want a beach view then you should head further south to suburbs such as Tamarama where beach properties are more affordable. Non-residents buying in Australia need to have their purchase approved by the government and buy through a state-approved specialist.


• Ipanema Beach. Ipanema "has long been one of Brazil's most exclusive enclaves and one of the most expensive places to live in Rio de Janeiro". Beachfront property costs about £3,800 per square metre but prices in Copacabana are about half that. The Bahia region, north of Rio, is less hectic and plots of ocean-facing land are available from £200,000.

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