Depending on where you want to live, your money will get you much further in certain areas of the world and house prices even vary considerably within countries. If you are planning in living in London you will, by default, be able to buy a much lower quality and smaller house than if you were to look for your dream property up North.

Likewise, if you were contemplating living in Australia and thinking of totally Australia, as opposed to the UK, you would be able to buy a much nicer house for the same price, probably with a decent sized garden and pool.

The same holds true in France. While the Languedoc region is only three hours drive from the Cote d'Azur, it could be in another world when it comes to prices. What will buy you a four bedroom house with pool and a garden in the Languedoc will barely get you a two bedroom apartment in a complex in Nice or Cannes.

Most people do not have unlimited budgets and you have to decide what is most important to you. Many people have fixed ideas on living in a particular area and are willing to trade off space, whereas others are flexible with where they live and prefer more for their money.

It really comes down to personal preference, but you can get a much better house if you are open minded.