AS the autumn rain descends on Britain after what feels like the shortest summer ever, we should be forgiven for dreaming of sunnier climes.
If you’re pining for some time in a country where there’s more guaranteed sunshine, we’ve rounded up a selection of very cheap holiday homes – from as little as £12,000.
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A two bedroom house in Tuscany, Italy with stunning panoramic views – £42,160
Tuscany is a winning combination of rolling hills, beautiful beaches , great food and history, making it a popular destination for holidaymakers.
This semi-detached house is tucked away in the hillside village of Pastina and boasts stunning panoramic views over the valley.
Just 3km away is Bagnone, a small town in Lunigiana, nestled among the streams and peaks of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park.
The property has two levels – on the ground floor is an entrance hall, two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, terrace and living room with a balcony.
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On the lower ground floor there are three cellars and three store rooms, so plenty of storage.
A bar and restaurant is located nearby, and nearby attractions include Castello di Castiglione del Terziere.
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A two bedroom apartment in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, with communal pool and nearby beach – £44,000
Cape Verde’s white-sand beaches, mountain landscape, and year-round sunshine are just some of the reasons tourists flock to the island.
This two bedroom, furnished apartment has an open plan kitchen and living room with a terrace overlooking a communal swimming pool.
While the pool is currently undergoing restoration, those desperate to take a dip can take a short walk to Santa Maria Beach – a stunning 3-4km long stretch of white sand.
The apartment is also a short walk to a mini market and cafe and restaurant, as well as the centre of Santa Maria with all its amenities.
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A two bedroom detached house in Bulgaria, with amazing forest and mountain views – £12,500
Bulgaria is known for its diverse natural landscape and it’s fast becoming a Brit holiday favourite thanks to its affordability.
This attractive detached property in the city of Targovishte has the mountain of Preslav and Vrana River on its doorstep.
While a new bathroom will need to be installed, the house is sat on a corner plot, so is south facing, with plenty of space and good views.
There are also additional outbuildings, plenty of garden space, and Varna is just an hour and a half drive away.
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A three bedroom house in Mineo, Sicily, with a roof terrace and incredible views – £36,258
Sicily is all about pristine coastline and ancient cities, and its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.
It can be an expensive holiday destination, but there are some affordable homes ready to be snapped up.
This end of terrace home with three bedrooms and three bathrooms has a roof terrace and views over Mount Etna and the old town of Mineo.
The house is an old construction but has been restored and extended while still retaining its charm.
Sports facilities, including outdoor swimming pools, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball and a bike park are all less than a mile away.
The beach is 21 miles away, ski stations 46 miles away, and food stores, restaurants, and walking and bike routes are all close by.
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A two bedroom villa in Hua Hin, Thailand with a pool and beach and golf course nearby – £39,499
Hua Hin is a beautiful resort located on the western coast of Thailand with plenty of beaches and one of the original night markets.
This two bedroom villa is located on a 400m2 plot and has a pool, large spacious living room and kitchen area, and one bathroom.
The beach, city services, and a golf course are all a 10 minute drive away.
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A four bedroom stone cottage in Sellano, Italy with pretty hillside views – £23,610
Nestled between the peaks of the Umbrian Apennines and the unspoiled wilderness of Valnerina is Sellano, a paradise for mountain lovers.
This four bedroom property is located in the hamlet of Montalbo in Sellano and spread across three floors, with a small piece of land.
It has an exposed stone exterior, a kitchen with a fireplace and a cosy living room on the ground floor, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, and two more bedrooms on the second floor.
The plot of land is around 350m2 and just a few metres from the house, and there are panoramic views of Montalbo.
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An eight bedroom manor house in Latvia, surrounded by picturesque lakes – £44,690
Latvia is best known for its natural beauty, particularly its marshes, lakes and nature reserves.
This eight bedroom property has all that on its doorstep.
Located in Gulbene, a town in northeastern Latvia, the house also has one bathroom and sits on the edge of a ravine.
It’s also a 10 minute walk from Lake St Meriena, which is a great swimming area.
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A two bedroom house on the Greek island of Chios, located in a medieval village – £59,055.50
Chios is the fifth largest Greek island, popular for its many medieval village with unique architecture that resembles medieval fortresses.
This two bedroom house is located in one of those villages – the medieval village of Kalamoti.
Kalamoti is one of the largest medieval villages in Chios, described as being quiet and friendly.
This two bedroom renovated stone house is located across two floors, with internal and external stairs.
One of the most important features of stone houses is it keeps them cool during summer and warm in winter.
Komi Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Chios, is just over 2 miles away, and Chios Airport is 12 miles away.
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A three bedroom house nestled at the foot of a mountain in Mayenne, France – £48,906
The highest point in western France is in Mayenne – Mont des Avaloirs in Pré-en-Pail Saint-Samson.
This three bedroom house is located at the foot of the mountain, which means its surrounded by stunning landscapes and an abundance of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, rock climbing, paragliding and kayaking.
Its also on a quiet round in the town, close to the famous ‘Voie Verte,’ (green path) which is a cycle track/bridleway that can take you as far as the Mont Saint Michel or Paris.
What you need to check before buying a holiday home abroad
Here are some things in certain countries to consider…
All the costs involved – including mortgage, surveyor, international bank transfers, legal fees and tax.
For the mortgage – the interest rate, repayment period and fees.
For tax – see if the country offers tax benefits to expats.
Maintenance costs – if it’s a holiday home, what it will cost for regular maintenance and upkeep when you’re not there.
Research – thoroughly investigate the property legally and structurally. The UK government recommends getting independent legal advice from an English speaking lawyer who is experienced in property sales.
Foreign exchange rates – be aware of the value of currencies as these are constantly changing.
In Italy, non-residents pay higher taxes than locals.
In Cape Verde, you’ll need a Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIF) to buy a property.
In Bulgaria, you’ll need to get the relevant visa to live in your property.
If you’re staying in Italy, including Sicily, you and your family will need a residence permit. If you’re not living in Italy, your country of origin must have an international treaty with Italy that allows property purchases.
In Thailand, British citizens can expect to pay a transfer fee of 2% of the assessed property value, as well as legal fees.
In France, you’ll need to pay two taxes on all residential property: “Taxe d’Habitation” (Local Tax) and “Taxe Foncière” (Land Tax).
The home has a dining room, open plan kitchen, a spacious lounge, three bedrooms, a large bathroom, and a staircase that leads to an attic, which can be converted.
The entrance hall leads to a room that opening on to a conservatory that overlooks a small courtyard.