The popularity of emerging tourist markets like Bulgaria is quickly gaining pace.

Britons tend to retire to countries which already have a strong market for tourism and holiday homes, while sunny spots across the channel are favoured due to their warm weather, the online property advice provider explained.

Paul Collins, overseas property editor for BuyAssociation, said Spain, France and Portugal were still very much the leading countries in terms of retirement destinations, followed by Cyprus and Italy.

However he added that improvements in infrastructure in emerging markets had helped to raise their popularity among retirees.

"We're starting to see places like Bulgaria again, as that market starts to emerge and things like healthcare and transport links improve, then people start to see that as a viable option," Mr Collins explained.

"It may be another five or ten years before we see it as a really serious retirement destination but it's something that's out there and people are thinking about it.

"When you retire you want a slightly slower pace of life, and to be able to enjoy that extra time that you've got. And for a lot of people the [warm] weather is not only more relaxing, it helps with the aching bones as well," he added.