Romanian property has already seen large price increases following the country's accession to the EU in January 2007. However, current prices still reflect Romania's status as a new player in the Romanian property market and offers excellent value for money, with a spacious two bedroom apartment in a popular tourist resort valued on average at £100,000.  Prices are around 40 per cent lower than other Eastern European hotspots, but are expected to increase by 15 to 25 per cent in 2008.

"We have seen the huge impact that the presence of low-cost airlines has had on other Eastern European countries, and Romania is set to follow this trend," says Ben Mason of Someplace Else .  "The country is one of the most beautiful in Eastern Europe and offers a wealth of history and culture as well as a diverse landscape, from medieval towns, such as Transylvania, to Black Sea resorts, the Carpathian Mountains and the magnificent architecture of Bucharest."

Ryanair's two new routes to Romania will be from the UK to Arad, on the western side near the border to Hungary, and the ancient city of Constanta, which is located on the coast of Romania, east of Bucharest. 

"Constanta is the oldest city in Romania and the home to many of the country's architectural treasures," says Mason. "Its historical monuments, ancient ruins, grand Casino, museums, shops, and proximity to beach resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism and its popularity is set to soar with the introduction of low cost flights from the UK, making it a location prime for Romanian property investment.  The A2 freeway is also expected to be completed this year which will connect the city with Bucharest."

Property in Constanta are currently offering a selection of Romanian properties from between 105,000 and 154,000 euros. The properties are located on the Black Sea Coast, and a number of payment plans are available.

The other area that experts from the Homebuyer and Property Investor show are tipping as an investment hotspot is the Southern Alps. In December 2007, Easyjet launched more flights from the UK to Grenoble, coinciding with the start of the ski season and capitalising on the region's status as the top destination for British skiers.   

Nick Dowlatshahi, Managing Director of Leapfrog Properties, comments: "Some buyers had looked to Bulgaria for low-priced ski properties, but found an extreme lack of infrastructure and limited snow.  The French Alps have always been popular with buyers and those on a budget are returning to the area attracted by the small, high-up resorts which are easily accessed from the UK."    

Les Arcs and La Plagne have grown in popularity, but the average price per square metre of a property is still significantly lower than traditional resorts at €5,000, compared to Meribel which varies from €10,000 to €40,000 per square metre for large luxury apartments and chalets in the centre of town. As a result of low cost flights and improved affordability, it is expected that property prices in this region will increase by 10% in 2008.

Try Erna Low property  for a selection of ski chalets in Les Arcs and La Plagne. One-bedroom apartments start at approximately 189,000 euros.  

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Article first published 22 January 2008