Organisers claim it is the largest dedicated property investment event held in the UK, with almost 300 exhibitors. The fact that around 60% of this year's show will be dedicated to property outside the UK, provides proof, if any were needed, that millions of us seem to have become obsessed with owning our own place in the sun - somewhere we can escape to, or which is going to effectively be our pension when we are older.

But that was the early investors; future returns are likely to be far less sparkling. Below, we've highlighted some of the more exotic locations now coming on to our radar - including Lapland and Cape Verde off the African coast.

Cape Verde

Why there? Cape Verde is a group of islands 300 miles off the west coast of Africa, touted as the new Canaries.

How you get there There are no direct flights to Sal and Sao Tiago, bumping up the journey time. It's not cheap either. Flights from Gatwick to Sal cost between £500 and £900. Direct flights from the UK to Sal start in November, bringing prices down.

Advantages Good capital appreciation over the past year. Warm and dry all year round.