An overseas property expert has advised people who are thinking of living in France or other foreign locations to ensure they are aware of all the options available. There are many more options and "products" available.

Speaking to Bill Gleeson of the Liverpool Daily Post, Alan Bevan, who runs an overseas property advice firm, said that the popularity of buying foreign property has grown.

French investment can be profitable

He added that buying a property for investment "is often far more profitable with overseas property".

"Not only can you charge a higher rent to tourists, but you also have a holiday home that is paying for itself," he said.

Mr Bevan added that the other option for those thinking of moving to France is to buy a property with the potential to increase in value over time.

Be savvy when investing in France

However, as with any investment, it is vital that as much, if not more care is taken in terms of choice of location, costs and advisors. There are in France, for example, buy to let, leaseback, off-plan and reversion property packages to consider.

According to Mr Bevan, many overseas investors are tempted to rely on just one adviser or just visit one region but he recommends that people shop around.

"While lots of people might have preferred solicitors for property transactions, it's important to have someone with specialist knowledge of where you're buying."

He added: "Don't be bought by glossy pictures and promises. You should never buy without seeing the location and site of your property."

He added that France still remained popular with British buyers and warned people away from the "Black Sea rip offs" in Bulgaria.