For those with the money to purchase an investment property there has been much concern about the old adage of putting your money into bricks and mortar given the looming recession in the UK and US. However, this saying still holds true but you need a little more care as to where you buy your investment property.

The world is an ever smaller place now and it is possible to buy a property anywhere, renting it out through an agent and recovering a fairly decent income even after expenses. The best way to get a good deal is to do your homework and find an investment property in an up and coming area that other people haven't stumbled upon yet.

There are many websites and news items that will give you tips on where to buy the next hot property and it also pays to keep an eye on the current political stability of a country that you may be interested in. It is possible that past problems have put a dampener on the property market and you should be able to snap up a bargain. People have short memories and you will soon recoup any outlay in a resale.

Countries that form what was once Yugoslavia are a good option for investment property at the moment. Political unrest and war are a bit of a distant memory and many are seeing the rare beauty of the countryside surrounding places like Bucharest. Located in the south east of Romania and near the Bulgarian border, Bucharest is home to some of the most amazing architecture of the world where modern meets ancient in a jumble that just seems to work and always means you coming away with the feeling you have seen something unique that you couldn't experience elsewhere.

It is an excellent central location for trade between the Middle East and Europe. Bucharest is central to the economy of Romania and has grown consistently over the last eight years. Cultural must sees are the opera, ballet and their symphonic music and are all things that the Romanians take a great pride in and which seems to come so naturally to them.

There is something for everyone when it comes to entertainment. Festivals and events take place all year round and there are a multitude of casinos and cinemas and jazz clubs to choose from. Transportation is efficient and easy and a flight from London to Bucharest takes less than three hours. This makes it an ideal place for an investment property as you have the ideal location that is easily reached from London.

Built on the banks of the River Dambovita and home to some of the most spectacular lakes surrounded by parks, woodlands and botanical gardens, make Bucharest a place to truly relax. Man-made structures are not the only thing to be appreciated. Awesome natural landscapes throughout the countryside take one's breath away.

As far as the available investment property goes, the occasional traditional bargain can be picked up. However, this is much regeneration going into this country and new builds are widely available. New build apartments start at around 70,000 Euros and have the advantage of being in areas that are being prepared for the tourist trade which is gradually increasing as popularity and trust gain momentum.