The service hopes to highlight the careless way that Irish people buy and manage overseas property compared to how prudently they apply themselves to the purchasing and caring for domestic property.

Of the estimated 50,000 Irish who have bought homes in Spain over the last decade, research shows that most people have relied on the property developer or agent's recommended lawyer to complete the sale without seeking any independent legal advice.

On top of this, research also showed that most Irish property owners in Spain are unknowingly tax compliant.

And while the Spanish revenue authorities have not yet conducted any major tax clampdowns and investigations similar to that in Ireland, it looks like it's only a matter of time before thousands of Irish property owners will be faced with hefty tax bills, according to IFG Spain.

"More Irish people than ever before are choosing to buy a property abroad and whether it's for use as a holiday home or as an investment, there are a number of issues that need to be dealt with at various stages. Getting legal, tax and administration issues sorted out is imperative if the ownership is going to be hassle-free, " says Elaine Higgins, MD of IFG Spain.

WWW.IFGSPAIN.COM

A TASTE OF FRANCE IN DUBAI

IRISH investors are going further and further afield these days, with property in Dubai selling well, according to Pat Cody of Marlborough International Property, who is marketing the last seven units, "ve apartments and two commercial, in the France District of International City, just 8k from Dubai centre.

"Dubai is very popular with Irish investors, " says Cody, explaining that of the 53 units recently released from plans, only seven remain. And with rental yields between 10% and 12%, Cody says Dubai is a good investment. "In the past, Irish investors were part of a niche market but now more and more investors are looking to purchase property to obtain high rental income."

This scheme is in the Central District of France, described as the nerve centre of International City's commercial activity, which will also house a variety of residential and leisure amenities.

International City itself has been designed as a world-class hub for international investors, traders and retailers from around the world, and will eventually be home to more than 60,000 residents. It is a pre-designed complex where apartments will be designed in several architectural styles to re"ect various countries such as Italy, Morocco, Greece, Russia, Thailand and France to name but a few.

The completion date is 2007, and prices range from 67,200 to 84,000 for the studios and one-bed apartments, while the commercial units are priced from 150,000 to 300,000.

Bordering this enormous development on three sides will be a large area for permanent and temporary exhibitions, along with two upmarket hotels facilitating around 350 bedrooms each.

The scheme is about five minutes' walk from the edge of International City, and the entire district is designed to have a neighbourhood atmosphere with beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains and recreational areas to give a community feel.

Agent: Marlborough International Property 01-4964136.

Price: apartments from 67,200