Spain still popular with buyers (From Dorset Echo)

Spain still popular with buyers

9:00am Saturday 11th August 2007 in

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With sun virtually on tap and relaxation a priority, Spain remains the favourite destination for Britons planning a move abroad. But many are now shunning the traditional Costa regions and looking further afield.

Recent research from the likes of Bank of Scotland International, Halifax and HiFX puts Spain at the top of the popularity tables whether the focus is on lifestyle, holiday homes, retirement or investment. This is despite recent rumours of a Spanish property market slump.

For people planning on buying a holiday home or moving permanently to Spain the attractions seem obvious. There's the balmy climate, of course, and excellent beaches. But there's also stunning inland scenery, from the dry and dramatic landscapes of the south to the lush, mountainous regions of the north.

A growing trend among Britons buying Spanish property is to look at less developed areas which have only small expat communities, and offer good value for money.

"Many are attracted to the country because they know others who have settled there or are familiar with the destination. Others see it as a good long-term investment or simply enjoy the climate and culture," says Gerry Bell at GE Money Home Lending.

"However, many see Spain - rightly or wrongly - as being a "Little Britain on the Costas" and are keen to find somewhere with its own distinct culture and feel, rather than one which is so heavily influenced by a big expat population."

Less developed areas attracting attention from those seeking a more peaceful way of life, include Murcia with its beaches, unspoilt villages and warm weather, and the province of Almeria.

Most buyers of Spanish property, however, are still heading for well-known southern coastal regions such as the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava. There is no doubt these markets are cooling in terms of house prices, but the good news is that short-term investors who bought there just to make money are now selling up so they can tap into new markets.

"For holiday homers, the oversupply in some Spanish markets can lead to real bargains as property sticks and investors look to extract themselves," says Mark Bodega at foreign exchange specialist HiFX.

As with any property purchase abroad, you may not be familiar with all the formalities of buying a home in Spain. It is helpful to use a specialist property adviser who is a member of the Association of International Property Professionals. AIPP members are vetted and abide by a professional code of conduct. And always use a reputable estate agent and lawyer.

Free copies of the Echo guide to buying property in Spain, Turkey, Portugal and Cyprus, sponsored by Parador Properties, can be obtained by calling 0870 834 7583. Calls cost less than 8p per minute from a BT landline.