Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

Wreck of the week: Scarning, Norfolk. This four-bedroom Georgian farmhouse with outbuildings stands in nearly five acres of land near Dereham. It has an asking price of £495,000. The roof is in iffy condition and the decor and fittings need rescue – £100,000 should do it. The electrics, plumbing, central heating and Aga are new but not connected. It is a big project.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01603 612333 Photograph: <a href="http://www.jackson-stops.co.uk">Jackson-Stops & Staff</a>

In the country: Nympsfield, Gloucestershire. By Cotswold standards this home near Stroud is an idyll and at £315,000 it’s a bargain too. The limestone flooring is heated from beneath and there is a double garage. It’s only a small disadvantage that sloping walls in the third bedroom restrict standing room.
Murrays, 01453 755552 Photograph: <a href="http://www.murraysestateagents.co.uk">Murrays</a>

In town: London.This apartment in the Wenlock Building offers a chic foothold on the edge of Islington. The development perches on the banks of Regent’s canal, and this studio has a balcony to absorb the views. The flat is a little on the small side with only 411 sq ft of living space. Asking price: £325,000.
Chesterton Humberts, 020 7288 0330 Photograph: <a href="http://www.chestertonhumberts.com/home">Chesterton Humberts</a>

Bargain of the week: County Durham A dainty slice of Wolsingham in County Durham served up for £107,000. If you sank £20,000 to £30,000 into the kitchen, bathroom and the slightly weary rest you would be left with a three bedroom, two-reception room house worth nearer £200,000. It’s in the heart of a market town with a pretty back garden and dramatic country walks.
George F White, 01388 527966 Photograph: <a href="http://www.georgefwhite.co.uk">George F White</a>

Over the sea: Portugal. This is the latest in the story of the Algarve – a gated tranche of homes overlooking the nature reserve and a championship golf course at Vale do Lobo. Once you have mustered the entry fee – £391,000 for a one-bedroom linked villa – sunshiney bliss is all around you in form of a tennis academy, 2km of sandy beach, the bars, shops and your own private swimming pool. Roca bathrooms and Siemens kitchens are ready fitted.
Chesterton Humberts, 020 3040 8210 Photograph: <a href="http://www.chestertonhumberts.com/home">Chesterton Humberts</a>