In pictures: Top property markets in the world

David Hughes, senior area manager, PIC (Middle East), says Manhattan has been one of the key markets since the financial crisis. Above, the Lower Manhattan skyline. Gary Hershorn / Reuters

Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, above, is starting to attract investors and enjoy strong growth. Bazuki Muhammad / Reuters

London, New York, Singapore and Hong Kong have benefited most from cheap money policies adopted by central bankers. Above, residential housing in Singapore. Roslan Rahman / AFP

Following two consecutive years of decline, luxury prices in Geneva should stabilise as buyer confidence improves. Above, a general view of Montreux from Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Philippe Desmazes / AFP

Dubai authorities have moved to tighten lending criteria in a bid to ease residential price growth, which has been running at a rate of 18 to 22 per cent a year. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo

There is strong underlying demand for prime residential property in Sydney. Above, houses line the coast of Sydney harbour. Saeed Khan / AFP

Prime prices in Paris are at similar levels to five years ago and an increasing number of foreign buyers now see value in the market. Thomas Coex / AFP

Prime residential prices in Hong Kong will fall owing to increased supply and stringent cooling measures. Alex Ogle / AFP

David Hughes of PIC (Middle East) says San Francisco has been one of the key markets since the financial crisis. Above, the famed Painted Ladies victorian houses in San Francisco, California. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images / AFP

Investors have traditionally made a beeline for London when looking for a reliable place in which to sink their cash and gain appreciable returns. But several other locations have been rising in popularity lately.