Picture this: sun-drenched beaches, the soothing sound of the sea, and warm, golden sand beneath your feet.

It’s a vision many Britons hold dear, dreaming of owning a vacation retreat where they can soak up the summer sunshine.

Recently, the allure of owning a second home has been on the rise, spurred by an increasing appetite for holiday rentals and surging property values in sought-after locales.

This trend is particularly evident with self-catering accommodations and static caravans, which have captured the interest of many.

For numerous individuals, these holiday homes represent not just a personal escape but a potential source of income, especially when situated in bustling tourist hotspots.

And these are the best places to head to for a holiday home.

Research by Property Finder has revealed the best country in the world for buying a second home. 

Read on to find out the top five.

Research by Property Finder has revealed the best country in the world for buying a second home. Spain came in top 

1. Spain (Score: 79.3/100)

Brits are known for their love of Spain, with around 18 million UK tourists visiting annually.

The country earned the highest overall Vacation Score of 79.3 out of 100, thanks to its cultural richness, strong accessibility and attractive lifestyle appeal.

According to the ranking, Spain is the best fit for culture, art and architecture enthusiasts, in part due to the fact that it is home to 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Spain offers relatively good value for money, which, combined with its good accessibility, lifestyle, and destination appeal, makes it one of the most desirable second-home destinations in the world.  

The average price for a two-bedroom flat in Spain is approximately £183,000.

2. France (Score: 69.4/100)

Pictured: A view of luxury resort Villefranche-sur-Mer and bay on French Riviera at Mediterranean Sea

In second place is France with a Vacation Score of 69.4 out of 100. 

Like Spain, France tops the lifestyle and environment category (76.7/100), reflecting the country’s extensive natural and cultural resources.

The country has 54 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage register and it is one of the most visited countries in the world.

France is one of the least affordable countries on the list, making it a suitable second-home destination for high-income buyers.

3. Portugal (Score: 65.8/100)

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a relaxed pace of life and property prices that remain competitive, many Brits choose to buy second homes in Portugal. Pictured: Lisbon, Portugal 

A popular spot for avid golfers, Portugal takes third place with a Vacation Score of 65.8 out of 100. 

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a relaxed pace of life and property prices that remain competitive, many Brits choose to buy second homes in Portugal. 

Its location, rich culture and long history make it one of the most appealing destinations for overseas vacation home buyers. 

The average price for a two-bed flat in Portugal is approximately £186,000. 

According to Rightmove, Portugal’s southern coast continues to top the wish list for many overseas buyers. 

4. United Arab Emirates (Score: 65.4/100)

House prices are not the most affordable in the UAW, but high-net-worth individuals can buy townhouses in Abu Dhabi or Dubai and obtain more property per pound than in other countries. Dubai city is pictured

The UAE ranks fourth with a Vacation Score of 65.4 out of 100, reflecting its combination of accessibility, stability, quality of life and incentives. 

With eight international airports and six national carriers serving more than 600 global destinations, the UAE is a powerhouse in air transport.   

House prices are not the most affordable, but high-net-worth individuals can buy townhouses in Abu Dhabi or Dubai and obtain more property per pound than in other countries. 

This, combined with 100 per cent foreign ownership of property, the Golden visa scheme for property owners and zero tax costs on property ownership, makes the UAE an ideal destination for vacation-home buyers.

5. United States (Score: 64.4/100)  

Pictured: A new development near Atlanta, Georgia, USA

The United States also placed within the top five with a Vacation Score of 64.4 out of 100.

The United States is not the most price-competitive, but its price-to-income ratio is in the 97th percentile.

And buying property outside major cities offers excellent value for the money. 

It has an edge for second-home buyers who want good value, accessibility and diversity.