Many aeons ago, I came up with an idea for a TV series. I knew a leading prime-time executive who I thought might be interested in programmes about foreign property as an investment.

The programme idea was unimaginatively called A Castle in the Sun and I thought it would be a huge success – as we Brits spread our property obsession worldwide. The executive feigned interest and muttered: “Sorry, David, it’s a nice idea, but property just wouldn’t make good telly – it’ll be like watching paint dry! Also we British would never look on a villa in places like eastern Europe as an investment.”