We're all working longer hours than ever, with more unpaid overtime and less holidays. So it's not surprising that we want to invest our cash in overseas property, creating a sunshine escape route for our retirement. But, property investment can be a risky business for first time investors- what are the pitfalls? And where should you choose to direct your cash?

The promise of a warm, sunny retirement or a secure nest egg is a comforting prospect after a hard day at the office. Investing in bricks and mortar abroad is booming, lured by a more attainable property ladder, the promise of a better climate and money making possibilities, another 5% of the population is expected to sell up and leave their home country permanently in the next couple of years.

But before using the family savings to buy a dream home abroad, it's essential to seek proper advice and research the area in which you are looking to buy.

I chatted with my own investment advisor Charlie Pritchard and asked his advice. He has helped thousands of UK residents grasp the first rung on the foreign property ladder. He has the following words of wisdom for those seduced by the flood of overseas property programmes brightening up the TV schedule…

Q: Why are more families choosing to invest in property rather than more traditional means such as stocks and shares?

A: I would say that the main reason for investing in property is down to the possibility of good capital growth in most countries. And of course, the climate abroad is a huge pull so a property overseas also offers the possibility of holidays throughout the year.

Q: Which are the most popular markets currently for overseas investment?

A: There is lot of interest in Egypt, I think because most people had time over Christmas and New Year to go away for a break and then spend time doing research online. There is also a lot of interest in Brazil. A little bit closer to home, the laws are relaxing in northern Cyprus so that is becoming more popular as an investment destination.

The standard favourites such as France and Spain are still going strong but there is also a move towards the old Eastern Bloc countries such as Estonia and Latvia.

Q: What is the first step for would be overseas investors?

A: Research, research, research. Look into the country you are considering investing in. A big pause for thought should also be taken when deciding what you actually want to do, why are you considering buying the property? A lot of first time buyers plan to retire to their home overseas because they don't want to live in the UK after they stop working. If you're looking to retire to your home overseas eventually, then the property you buy needs to be centrally located. You don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no access to health services, transport links and general infrastructure.

Serious investors buy one or two properties and consider the purchase purely an investment with the possibility of it being a holiday home. If this is the case, then you must consider security and location from airport before looking in to what's on the market.

Q: What safeguards should be taken when purchasing abroad?

A: The first thing to bear in mind is that the whole of the overseas market is unregulated. There are moved afoot by companies wanting to act in particular way and be seen as professional to form their own industry bodies. These are slowly being established but there is nothing in place to effectively protect you. The best advice is to deal with an agent as the buck stops with them. In emerging markets however, you won't see a governing body or this kind of self regulation.

In some of the emerging markets, English is not widely spoken or written. This means that you are forced to rely on translations of contracts. You must then place a great deal of faith in the translated version and your contacts to do a good job for you. Unfortunately, a lot of people have fallen into the trap of meeting someone on a development site, putting down a substantial deposit and then finding out that the person with their cash wasn't actually in any position to sell the property. To avoid spending money and coming out of it with nothing, work through a reputable agent.