Bright sunny days, fantastic sandy beaches, wonderful cuisine to be savoured, friendly locals, low, low prices and direct flights from the U.K. are all part of Goa's attraction today as a holiday destination.

Goa borders the clear waters of the Arabian sea with an enviable coastline stretching over 130 kilometres from North to South. Goa is divided into two areas each with their own distinct appeal. This tiny, gentle Indian state is a far cry from the usual notion of what India is all about. Indeed, many first time visitors believe Goa to be an island. An understandable mistake, as this small state is encircled by mountains, rivers and estuaries which effectively separate it from the rest of India.

Goan food is truly wonderful. With it's Portuguese and Indian influences, it would be impossible to describe the fragrant and delicately spiced dishes on offer, dining out is truly a memorable experience. Renowned for seafood, the ocean in this part of the world is still fished the traditional way, producing plump lobsters, giant tiger prawns, pomfret and kingfish, generally barbecued in tandoori ovens only hours after leaving the sea. The Kingfisher beers served ice-cold, together with the local liquor certainly hit the spot. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that wherever you dine, you meal will not cost more than £6 per head.

The magnificent beaches are unbelievable, with their fine yellow sand and a backdrop of coconut trees. Whether in Tiracol to the north with its Fort, the heart of North Goa from Arpora / Baga through to Calangute / Candolim, or in the quieter south, the beaches are spectacular. There is nothing more relaxing than walking along the sand barefoot early in the morning when the fishermen are bringing in their catch, or in the late afternoon when the wonderful warm light radiates beauty...the sunsets are simply irresistible

As you may be aware, Goa is a beautiful city in India with lots of beaches, it is a safe place to holiday / live, and cost of living is very cheap. Goa is a very popular tourist destination, and real estate is appreciating

Global investors are rushing to invest in Goa. Five years ago, the Indian property market was one that went right under the overseas investors' radar. A build quality that was variable at best, poor infrastructure, economic uncertainty and a host of regulations to restrict non-Indian buyers were among the reasons that most property hunters looked elsewhere, despite temptingly low prices. There has been a sea change among buyers looking for a perfect holiday home due, in part, to the fact that even beachside properties still sell for what seems like silly money compared with Europe and Asia.

In Goa, which has a British expat community of about 5,000 and a growing number of British buyers, it is possible to pick up a two-bedroom apartment for less than pounds 30,000, Compared to Phuket, Thailand, where a beachside apartment is currently on sale for pounds 190,000, or the Costa del Sol, where pounds 150,000 might be a realistic figure, it's a steal. Yet the real boost to the Indian housing market, and what could lead to a relaxation in the country's protectionist property laws, has been the influx of multinational companies and their money Old Goan houses, particularly in North Goa, with high ceilings, wooden beams and old-style brass-work have an attractive heritage look. Buyers retrofit them and upgrade them with modcons.

Renovation of old properties is, however, one of many options. Because of the stringent coastal regulation zone rules (no further construction within 500 metre from the beach can be made without prior permission) and the tourist rush, property buyers now prefer village homesteads which are away from the beaches, but within driving range.

• Safe and peaceful holiday destination
• Low crime rates
• Clean and green with scenic beauty and sunny beaches
• English spoken widely;
• No urban hassles, traffic, pollution
• Costs of ownership including council - taxes, stamp duty, land registry expenses etc. are lower in Goa than in other parts of India.
• Quality healthcare at a fraction of costs, overseas.