There are plenty of reasons for buying a property. Perhaps you want to live in it, maybe it’s for a family member, you could even be intending to resell it or let it out. But whatever your reason, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you need to buy somewhere relatively close to your current abode. The whole world is your oyster. So why not venture further afield? Here are a few of our favorite property hotspots around the globe to get your imagination going.

USA

The USA is a huge place, so don’t feel the need to stick to your home state! Mix things up a bit and try moving to the other coast. Take your budget into account, as well as your work prospects in the new area. If you’re a marine biologist, chances are there isn’t going to be much work in your field in central Texas. So bear your personal circumstances and needs in mind! First, stop on the East Coast? California, of course! The state has plenty of affordable housing, especially if you stray away from oceanfront properties. On the West Coast? The big apple. New York is renowned for its lofty property prices, but don’t let this put you off. There’s a reason that so many people flock here. There’s a seemingly endless pool of jobs which will allow you to support the inevitably higher living costs. Culture abounds, with world famous museums, cafes, shops and the beautiful Central Park.

United Kingdom

Oh, Britain! If you’re a fan of tea, scones and all things royal, this may be the place for you. But do your research before investing in any old property. Britain may seem small, but it has hugely different cultures in different cities throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so work out which will best suit you! Many don’t consider investing in a property in Scotland, the most northern of the countries. But it is full of charm and towns that you will quickly fall in love with. Renowned for haggis, kilts, Irn Bru, the bagpipes and the Loch Ness Monster, the country is full of surprises. If you are fond of quaint towns with cat cafes, castles and traditional buildings, opt for Edinburgh. If you prefer more nightlife and modern buildings, Glasgow may suit you better. If you are reserved and enjoy your space and a little isolation, head for the highlands! If you’re more of an inner city person, why not head to the capital? London is home to almost 8.8 million people of all sorts of backgrounds, religions, and ideologies. London will be one of the most culturally diverse places you could wish to live in. On top of this, it has some of the world’s best public transport links with an effective tube system and major international airports.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s property marketing is booming and it’s not hard to see why. The main city that springs to mind in the region is its world renowned capital city: Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur may be one of the most expensive places to live in Malaysia, but it’s stunning urban landscape with a skyline filled with skyscrapers and bright inner city lights make any investment worth every cent. The region’s property market is currently slowing, with property prices settling down/ This is a good time to look at houses for sale in the area, as things are relatively stable and predictable. Houses are still turning over a healthy profit, especially in areas such as Kedah and Selangor. If you’re looking for something cheaper, why not check out Perlis? This is Malaysia’s smallest state, bordering Kedah and Thailand. However, it is also home to the cheapest average house prices, making it ideal for first-time buyers.

Australia

Australia have relatively strict immigration procedures, but if you have qualifications that will prove beneficial in the country, you have a good job of being accepted through the borders. What lies beyond? Well, sun, sea, surf, and sand of course. Well, that’s if you opt to live near Bondi Beach in Sydney, the Main Beach at Byron Bay or perhaps Lizard Island in Queensland. If you head further into the outback, you will face more dry expanses of land, scattered with tumbleweeds and a whole host of wildlife. Just remember to check your shoes before putting them on. You don’t want to end up standing on a creepy crawly of gigantic proportions.

Iceland

Iceland may not be the top of your list, but this beautiful country has been ranked as the most gender neutral place in the world. Historically, it is noted for being the first country in the world to legalize abortion and was also the first to elect a female head of state. What’s more? It is also the first country in the world that has legally enforced gender equal pay within positions. So if you’re tired of earning less money than your male co-workers for the same work, this could be your dream home. The country also allows ninety days paid paternity leave for fathers who want to stay home to raise their child. Does this place get any better? Well, if you think that this would be impossible, check out pictures of the beautiful Blue Lagoon (a naturally heated geothermal spa), the country’s view of the Northern Lights, whale watching tours and almost alien landscapes decorated with geysers and waterfalls.

France

Bonjour, Paris! France is one of the most romanticized countries in the world, but we can completely understand why. Paris is host to quaint, traditional buildings, endless cute cafes, some of the best cuisines in the world and stunning monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. Inner city apartments are notoriously costly and small, but this is to be expected and perfect for cozy types who like to nest in their homes. If you’re looking for more room, move a little out of the capital to Marseilles. This is still in Ile-de-France but has lower costs and larger homes.