There are loads of property programmes on television in the UK at the moment, some about property renovation and property development, others aimed at people buying abroad. You might find some useful background information about different countries on the programme websites (but bear in mind that the programmes are aimed at Brits):

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/buyingabroad/index.html
http://www.channel4.com/4homes/buyingabroad/countryguides/index.html