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Over the last decade there has been a growing trend towards buying homes in far-flung and emerging destinations, often to capitalise on rising property values.

However, in today’s economic climate, buyers have reverted back to traditional, established second home destinations and buying for lifestyle, rather than purely investment purposes according to the latest results of a survey carried out by Savills International and HomeAway.co.uk .

The Bay, Talland, makes a special spring retreat with 21st century comforts - superb insulation from April showers, contemporary fixtures and fittings - all in an idyllic and peaceful setting, just minutes from the beach.  This successful development of holiday homes overlooking a beautiful stretch of Cornwall’s south coast has just released its final phase of just 20, three bedroom properties.

Purchasers can choose from four striking designs - The Sky Deck, The Sky Garden, The Light House and Pool Side - all situated by a natural outdoor swimming pool.  Prices start from only £350,000 up to £385,000.

Country Life magazine has listed its ideal dream second home locations for 2010 - provided money was no object.

Italy is one of the most favoured with Chianti in Tuscany; Venice and Florence still highly desirable.

Britons who own and let flats and chalets at ski resorts could face a threat to their investments from global warming, The Guardian reports.

It said that research by Unesco's environment programme suggested long-term global warming would push up the snowline worldwide in years to come.

Most Britons who own homes abroad (71%) will shun the UK in favour of their offshore retreat, according to a survey from Primelocation International.

And, while they are not renowned for adopting the native lifestyle when holidaying abroad, when it comes to celebrating Christmas overseas, Brits are keen to immerse themselves in the local seasonal customs, with over half swapping the tree for a nativity scene and Father Christmas for Père Noël.

Searches for international property in September were 10% higher than in August and 32% higher compared to the same month last year, as consumer confidence begins to return, according to the latest Primelocation International Search Index.

While a monthly rise in searches was expected, as interest in foreign property traditionally increases in September after the holiday season, the year-on-year increase of 32% suggests that consumers are increasingly confident in the strength of the fledgling market recovery.

Overlooking a magnificent stretch of Cornwall’s south coast, The Bay, Talland offers the perfect Cornish bolt hole for holiday and weekend breaks throughout the year, and rests above the rocky coves and small, picturesque beaches of Talland Bay, an unspoilt and ‘hidden gem’ between Looe and Polperro, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with direct access to the South West Coastal Path.

Instead of the damp and basic holiday homes of yesteryear, families can now enjoy contemporary, custom-finished homes and hotel-standard facilities year-round, including an indoor pool, sauna, gym, tennis court and licensed café.

Ireland is now in a prime position for carefully selected property investment, according to investment specialists Assetz, following a long period of over-inflated prices impacting heavily on returns.

With the focus now firmly on sustainable high income as opposed to growth, property investors with a long-term view are beginning to seek a return to the Emerald Isle, where yields have reached new heights as house prices have fallen.

Summer has sizzled out and holiday homes site www.holidaylettings.co.uk has surveyed its home owners to find out the quirkiest possessions left in holiday homes by forgetful holidaymakers.

From a runaway bride’s wedding dress to a two foot long machete we start to question what people do on their summer holidays?

Villas or chateaux in warm foreign climes with access to their own vineyards have become increasingly popular with British holiday home seekers and retirees over the past couple of years.

Searches for these properties now make up 16% of all "key word searches" for lifestyle and pursuits related homes in July 2009, according to Primelocation International.