The message from the international sales team at Knight Frank this week is that perennially popular or ‘core' locations are the most sensible places to go second home hunting in 2010.
Italy
Chianti in Tuscany: has seen increased interest as buyers revert to the trusted markets in times of trouble
Venice: one of the only places in Italy which has a good year-round rental market
Florence: Italians are increasingly interested in buying city apartments
Bargains: Northern Tuscany - the area known as the Garfagnana - is still offering good value for money, has excellent access to the coast and Pisa airport
Mallorca
South West of the island: Bendinat is close to Palma, has good golf courses, the new marina at Port Adriano, and international schools
Deia: the favourite with Bohemian expats and arty types and restricted building will keep supply short
Bargains: Prices for property in inland villages such as Alaró, Bunyola and Santa Maria have come down by about 15%
France
St Tropez: recent planning law banning building within 300m of the coast has restricted supply
Dordogne and Gascony: investment in Bergerac's airport is dispelling rumours that budget airlines might be pulling out
Alps: Chamonix where prices are now more affordable
Portugal
Western Algarve: where prices have come down by about 30%
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Polluting water executives now face up to two years in prison, but will the new laws make much of a difference?The Government has announced that water company executives caught covering up illegal sewage spills could now be imprisoned for two years, under new laws — but many still have their doubts.
