Tightening visa rules: New Zealand’s strategy to attract skilled workers
In an attempt to reduce migration levels, New Zealand has tightened visa rules and wants to attract more highly skilled workers. Here is what it could mean for your plans.Read more...
Building your own home in Spain, part 2: architects and planning permission
How do you find an architect and get the planning permission to build your own home in Spain? Last month we covered buying a plot, and the basic types of land to build a property. When you’ve bought the plot, if you haven’t already, you will need to get an architect in Spain. Together you will be able to test the basic feasibility of your project, refine it, cost it and get planning permission.Read more...
Why the Côte d’Azur may be just the place for you!
The very words “Côte d’Azur” conjure up an image of glamour and prosperity in one’s mind, from the Cannes film festival to the luxurious villas of Menton and Nice (not to mention the endless sunshine and delicious cuisine). However, it’s not all as pricey as you might think – join us as we take a property tour of the French Riviera.Read more...
Settling in and making friends in France
You’re all ready to take the plunge. You’ve decided to change your life and your lifestyle. You’ve done the due diligence around practicalities of moving to France but that final nagging doubt suddenly creeps in: How will I cope away from friends and family? How do I go about making friends in France? Here are some tips to help.Read more...
Don’t wait for the pound to recover!
What’s happened to the pound!? Well, we know why the pound has weakened, the more important question is what we should do about it! Spanish home owner and property writer Richard Way explains why buyers shouldn’t wait for the pound to recover, but how to protect themselves from future losses.Read more...
The benefits of fractional ownership
For some buyers abroad, there are huge benefits to owning a share in several properties rather than all of one. For others, the benefits of fractional ownership have been obscured by memories of mis-sold time shares. It’s time to look at a new generation of co-ownership, where the benefits have been kept and the risks removed. So why should you be considering fractional ownership?Read more...
Is Basilicata the new Tuscany?
With Apulia and Sicily already wowing international property buyers, the latest southerly region turning heads is Basilicata. Is it time to look for a property in Basilicata? Matera is a great place to start looking. EU Capital of Culture 2019, the city has been attracting buyers from around the world. We give you the lowdown on the city and wider region, and speak to Greg from Manchester, one of the first foreigners to fall in love with the authentic Italian lifestyle. He didn’t only fall in love with the region…Read more...
Building your home in Cyprus, part 2: how to get planning permission
So, you’ve secured and bought your plot of land to build your own home here in Cyprus. What next? Well, it’s time to get your dreams of how the home will look down on paper, and get permission from the authorities to get started. Here’s how to find the right architect and go through planning permission.Read more...
Building your home in Portugal, part 2: architects and planning permission
Once you’ve found your perfect plot of land to build your dream home on – with a sea view, or in the heart of the Alentejo countryside, perhaps – then it’s time to turn your thoughts to how you want that home to look. And, to put that down on paper and into a viable plan, you’ll need an architect.Read more...
The Spanish cities we’ve fallen in love with this summer!
Which surprising cities have been attracting international buyers? Where do most British couples go on holiday to Spain? And which country is repackaging Spain’s liquid gold and selling it as its own, allegedly? Read the travel, business and property news from Spain.Read more...
Spain’s top 10 family-friendly islands
Sun, sea, sand and short flights from home – Spain’s islands have been firm family favourites for decades among tourists and property buyers alike. Our recent survey showed that almost 1/4 of our readers want to buy in the Balearics or Canaries, so this week, I’m looking at the very best, family-friendly islands to purchase a home.Read more...