France has maintained its position as the most popular country for Brits buying property abroad, according to Conti.

The overseas mortgage specialist’s latest overseas property ‘hot spots’ report found that France topped the list for the third year running, with a 39% share of mortgage enquiries received by the company this year. However, enquiries about French mortgages are down by 4% on last year.

Spain is staging a recovery, however, with 31% of enquiries received, up by 7% on last year, and by 9% since 2009. It is the second most popular nation for Brits buying internationally.

Portugal, accounting for 12% of enquiries, took third position for the first time, enjoying a 5% increase on last year. Conti said that a surge of enquiries during August meant that it pipped Turkey, which has taken third place for the last three years, to the post. Interest in Turkey has declined slightly as it claimed 11% of enquiries compared with 18% last year.

Clare Nessling, Conti’s operations director, said: “There’s no doubt that France offers the full package for British buyers – easy access