With UK house prices still rising, it comes as little surprise investors are looking further afield when expanding their property portfolio.

With many holiday hotspots such as Barbados, Florida and Bulgaria in the middle of a property boom, there is money to be made from buy-to-let properties abroad.

There are many schemes in place to encourage investors to buy rental homes overseas.

One is called the leaseback purchase, popular in France. An investor buying under this scheme only has to pay the deposit for the new-build and then can sign an agreement with an on-site rental management company to let out the home at a fixed, inflation-linked price, for a minimum period.

The income is regular and guaranteed, whether the home is actually being let out or not and the company takes care of security, maintenance and cleaning of the home. Owners can use the property for holidays themselves.

A large number of agents, including Bromley-based Abbey Global, guarantee rental returns for two years.

Managing director David Messer said: "This scheme has become very popular over the past year.

"Investors can put a deposit down before the home has been built, usually between 10 and 30 per cent, and do not pay anything else until the development's completed, usually about two years later."

He added: "Then the two-year rental returns kick in, meaning the owner doesn't physically have to part with any more money for around four years.

"The best thing about this is the home will be gaining capital growth the whole time, making it a sound investment."

However, although these deals sound like a win-win situation, David does have some advice for people thinking of investing in buy-to-lets abroad.

He said: "Make sure you do your sums.

"Although buying abroad can prove fantastic value for money, many investors assume the rent will cover the mortgage all year round, whereas for 32 weeks per year is more realistic.

"Make sure the home is in a good area. Location is everything when investing in a property abroad. Speak to a reputable company you can trust, with a proven, successful track record."

He added: "There may be a lot to consider but, managed correctly, a buy-to-let abroad can be a fabulous investment."