We have already discussed the fact that the property market in these countries is likely to be driven by a series of significant price spikes.

What we cannot determine, however smart we are, is the timescale in which these spikes will occur. We can certainly look, as we've done already, at other examples of countries joining the EU and when investment has kicked in for them.

But, while this kind of examination acts as a good indicator for the future, it is, of course, no guarantee.

So how can we be sure of a good buy, when we can't be certain of the timescale of price rises?

Here's the ABC answer:

A. Buy property that is easy to rent to high-end tenants. This means making inquiries about which areas are most in demand and by what kind of renter.

What this useful combination adds up to is: high occupancy and low maintenance - a landlord's dream!

B. Only ever buy property that is cash positive, in other words the rent covers any loan you may need to take out for the purchase as well as any other letting costs.

C. Buy property in an area that, based on all the criteria in this book, has excellent medium-term capital growth prospects.

If you can honestly say that your property investment meets these three criteria, then you can be pretty certain that you have backed a winner. We'll look at selecting areas according to positive signs for growth later.

Meanwhile, the big question, of course, is exactly how long is the medium term? Well, whatever anyone might tell you, the truth is that it's quite simply impossible to say with any real precision how long you will need to wait for an acceptable return on your investment.

Naturally enough, this will also depend on what you consider to be an acceptable return.

For all the reasons outlined earlier, there certainly will be a series of spikes in the prices of property in these countries - either that, or a gradual and sustained rise in prices in the years following EU entry.

And, in fact, the beauty of this ABC strategy is that the question: 'how long is the medium term?' becomes less important. So long as your investment is cash positive, how long you have to wait for the property price spike to kick in is not relevant.

However long the medium term ends up being, you, the investor, are in a fine position to sit things out. You can hold the property without risk whatever the medium term turns out to be - two years, or ten years.