President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Jean-Claude Trichet has said that the world economy may face a tough 2009, but should see recovery in 2010.

Speaking in Tokyo, Mr Trichet commented that the ECB had some major decisions to make to help ensure this happens, stating: "Confidence today relies equally upon the audacity of our immediate decisions and upon the soundness of our exit strategies," Reuters reports.

If the ECB head is correct, the right decisions could help overseas property investors enjoy better prospects when buying in the eurozone or elsewhere in the world in the near future as the global economy improves.

The central bank is looking to use other means to boost its economy beyond the cutting of interest rates, Mr Trichet announced.

A period when there has been a slump in activity in the international property market is a good time to buy, it has been suggested.

Director of overseas property portal Nubricks Adam Samuel advised that wise investors should buy when the majority are selling and vice versa.

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