Buying in Europe is easy, taking a punt further afield, more risky - but as SCOTT HUGGINS exclusively reveals - it's so much easier if you do the research and understand what you are getting yourself into.

IT is the classic paradox - the world is big and the world is small. Travelling it has never been easier and opportunities for work, investment and fun have never been more abundant.

The pages of the Sunday papers are full of adverts tempting us to invest in overseas properties and we know that Brits are buying in Spain, France and the USA in ever-increasing numbers. The motives are varied but then if you are an adventurous soul - by nature and by inclination when it comes to buying property abroad - where else should you look?

Scott Huggins is a man who knows. As a TV presenter with a specialised knowledge in buying abroad he puts his head on the block before millions. But not for him is it a matter of wild speculation. He will, and does, put his money where his mouth is.

So what does he think are going to be the new property goldfields outside of Britain and familiar Europe. The list is longer than you would expect. "There are quite a few emerging markets right now," he said.

"These are the places that come to mind but I need to point out that it is not a non-exhaustive list.

"How about these countries for starters; Turkey, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Croatia, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Brazil, Panama. Then there is the West Indies - how about St Kitts, St Vincent and St Lucia."

It is a pretty diverse set of countries - and it naturally begs the question - why these places?

Scott has the answer. "The reason for this diversity is because many of the traditional West European markets are quite flat at the moment - just look at England, Spain and France. They are not as vibrant as they once were.

"But there is another factor. These emerging countries are showing potential for growth - if you like it is a futures market. Those telltale signs that suggest a bright future are political and economic stability, low cost base and that allows room for growth.

"Throw some of the other factors into the mix - and they all have a negative or positive affect - like the marketing of the country or area by the local and/or national government.

"Commitment of this sort, through publicity and promotion can be seen as a statement of intent. Then there is hard, tangible evidence in the shape of early investors and real estate companies making a commitment and a start.

"The benefits when it all falls into place make for a positive financial outlook and as a general rule growth can be expected to be high and fast - at least over the next few years."

Of course if it were all as easy as that, and so simple to spot, then everyone would be jumping on the bandwagon. There are dangers and you need to be aware of them.

"You have to remember it is different," added Scott. "Some of these places I've picked out as emerging are not used to a sudden dramatic change to their infrastructure and it can go wrong and it can bring its own unique problems.

"Think of the property explosion when Spain first became a package holiday destination. Hotels and apartment blocks were flying up without little - if any - thought for the environment or the long term. It was a learning curve.

"Now, these new markets have a template to follow if they want but there are still problems. If you are buying you have to understand local ways. The culture might seem strange and the language might be different - that can lead to misunderstandings.

"And that's not the end of it. Local customs and local laws can have an impact - again look at Spain and the land grab problems in the Valencia region as an example. There might even be a dislike of foreigners, there could be a lack of good information and you might find yourself falling prey to currency fluctuations.

"What it all adds up to is a need to be vigilant; the approach is with your eyes wide open and your ears listening to the advice coming your way."

As Scott is eager to emphasise it is all a matter of risk assessment, of doing your research and as proof that he backs himself, he admits to having invested in Bulgaria, South Africa and Turkey. "I am looking at Croatia, St Lucia and St Vincent at the moment," he added.

"I'm continuously researching markets and locations, and developing relationships with local experts - it's impossible for someone like me to know enough about everywhere. Basically, if the art of choosing the right property is location, location, location, then the art of doing it in foreign parts is research, research, research."

And that research needs to have focus: find a good, trusted English-speaking lawyer, property agent and tax consultant. The ex-pat community and the knowledge of those who have done it before is invaluable.

For many people the issue of trust is a big one. Some countries have problems that are well-documented. The World Bank and the IMF publish country "corruption" tables and Asian and African countries score fairly badly. It seems to work on the basis that the poorer the country, the more likely you are to have problems with corruption.

Playing a big part in your final decision is the reason for your move.

There are, according to Scott, three classes of foreign buyers - those relocating, emigrating and planning to start a new life; there are investors whose interest is the money and then there are the lifestyle movers. This group tends to have its main residence back in the UK.

"You need to know which class you are in and then focus on the corresponding aspects - investment is about yield and/or capital growth; lifestyle is about many things from the culture, the cost the ease of access and the versatility of the property when it comes down to you living there,"

said Scott. "The relocation group is all about the location and how it fits with your new life.

"Signs that an area is up and coming are stability in the region - think of the Serbia-Croatia problems and the settled state that now exists. The place is booming. In the future look at Zimbabwe and a bit further down the line Iraq. Prices starting to rise are also a sign - see Hong Kong and Japan."

Beyond the research there are other crucial factors that need to be considered - not least among them is the need to understand and immerse yourself in the local culture. As Scott said: "You should not consider moving anywhere if you cannot make the effort to integrate and the same can be said of places that you are buying and intending to use. The onlyoverseas purchases where this does not apply are those made purely for investment purposes."

For some people the worry caused by potential risk is too much and they play safe. But there is a price to pay. "If you stick with buying only within the European Union then the mechanics of the transaction are easier and the degree of trust is greater," he said.

"But having said that I have heard stories of corruption in some pretty affluent EU countries. That noted - the safer the buy and the lower the risk - then the lower the returns."

Of course there comes a time to sell - earlier rather than later if your overseas buy is for investment purposes. What tips does Scott have?

"If your chosen country turns out to be the next big thing then it might be very easy to sell on," he said. "It all depends on how far ahead of the herd you purchased - that's if the herd follows at all!

As someone once said, 'it's not advisable to turn up as the first guest at a party because you don't know if anyone else is going to show!"

Once you have jumped through the hoops, made sure in your own mind that you are doing the right thing, there is the small matter of maintaining the property - especially if the purchase is not a relocation job.

"Again," advised Scott, "you should do your research. You need to know that there is coverage in the area - either an ex-pat looking for work, and there are lots of them in Spain, through to a reputable and professional property management company."