With that in mind, I think the Greek island Corfu offers good value for money in Europe, and you get the reliability of good weather and food.
The classic locations for British buyers are of course France and Spain, so if you are looking there take the time to hunt around. Going slightly off the beaten track could get you a better deal and a more authentic experience, if that is what you are looking for. I am not sure that if I bought a holiday home abroad I would want to be surrounded by too many of my fellow Englishmen doing the same thing, but maybe that is just me.
Once you have settled on a location, maybe it is somewhere you know well and have been before, then it is time to start thinking more technically.
Find out about the whole of the property market, not just the houses. For example, are there limits on foreign ownership, and what sort of visa do you need to buy and visit regularly?
Furthermore, can you buy in cash or would you need an overseas mortgage provider, and how does that work? Will you need a local lawyer who can navigate the tax codes?
Take France. The country’s forced heirship law requires you to leave a significant part of your estate to your children. If you pass away in France as an expat the tax authority considers all your assets, worldwide, as subject to the law.
Importantly, if you are buying in a non-English speaking county, are you confident enough in your language abilities that you understand the nuances of the country’s property system and can buy successfully?
I know this is a lot of big questions all at once, but I really would suggest you research as much as possible. Then you can start the fun part of looking at properties with a clear picture of what’s ahead, and avoid disappointment further down the road.
Once you are ready to start looking, I would recommend enlisting a buying agent to support you.
Unlike an estate agent they work solely for the buyer, can often find off-market properties and can represent your interests when it comes to negotiations. If you can’t be in the country for long stretches of time to keep looking they can be a valuable investment.
If I had had a better idea of potential value increases in Ibiza all those years ago, I think it could have worked out differently.