A combination of healthy rental demand, capital gains of up to 15 per cent a year and cheap property - compared with the UK - makes it the firm's number-one tip for future gains.

It reckons the Cote d’Azur, Languedoc, the Alps and Paris, where prices have been rising about 10-15 per cent per annum for several years, are the areas to target.

The Cote d’Azur, in particular, is proving to be a very buoyant market, according to Assetz, with rental yields of up to nine per cent per annum eminently achievable.

And it agrees with me (see last month's newsletter) that Cannes is probably the best town on the Cote d’Azur to invest in, as its rental demand is boosted by its two-week annual film festival and its popularity as a convention venue.

Assetz managing director Stuart Law says there is a trend towards small 'lock up and leave' developments in France as they appeal to those who want a second home "but don’t want the hassle of looking after the garden, irrigation or swimming pool".

With that in mind, I'd take a serious look investing off-plan at small, select developments in the South of France with a view to making a quick, or medium-term, profit as prices will inevitably continue to rise.

Further information on Assetz France from http://www.assetz.co.uk or call 0161 456 4000.