The USA has been one of the most popular destinations for property purchases from UK investors. The infamous "credit crunch" started in the USA through irresposible lending by the major mortgage lenders and impacted adversely on property values. Many who bought at the peak are suffering heavy negative equity. The market, however, is turning. The USA is officially out of recession and property prices have stabilized and in some locations have started to rise again.

For the astute investor, now is the ideal time to look for a bargain. Steady capital growth is expected nationally for the forseeable future, with certain areas likely to outperform the rest. Rental yields can be impressive as more locals are renting than buying and the holiday market is also gaining speed.

Florida is without doubt the most important region for UK property investors. The no.1 tourist destination in the United States, Florida is home to a large number of the major theme parks, mainly in the Orlando area, the Kennedy Space Centre, a huge selection of championship standard golf courses and much more. These attractions coupled with hundreds of miles of beaches on both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts attract in excess of 60 million tourists per annum.

Nicknamed the Sunshine State, Florida really does offer a 12 month season, with sub-tropical climate to the north and central regions and a true tropical climate to the south.

For property investors the future re-sale market looks particularly strong. Out of the 80 million retiring baby boomers in the US over the next 10 - 15 years, 42% plan on retiring to the South East with Florida being the number one destination which should create a surge in property prices due to the increased demand.

Many developers are offloading stock at substantial discounts in order to gear up for new projects while land prices are so competetive. Low prices, a bouyant rental market and strong capital growth expected have put Florida back at the top of overseas locations for all property investors.