People building up overseas housing portfolios are sticking to tried and tested investments such as French property, it has been claimed.

A new study of investment hotspots by Conti has revealed that French property is the number one search term among potential buyers, accounting for almost one-third of all enquiries.

Clare Nessling, Conti’s Operations Director, said: "In the current economic climate, British buyers are sticking to the more traditional overseas locations, especially those with history of providing good rental returns.

"The smart investor is no longer simply looking to where the best bargains for a swift return can be found, but to where security lies for a longer term investment."

Spanish property is also proving popular with wannabe property tycoons, according to the figures, with a 22 per cent enquiry share, while Italy property and Portugal property are the fourth and fifth most popular, respectively.

The Olympia in London hosted a major French property exhibition earlier this week, following a similarly successful show in Harrogate earlier this year.

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