Chania or Heraklion: uncover Crete city for you
Chania and Heraklion are amazing Greek cities on the beautiful Island of Crete. They are both by the sea and combine the beauty of historic buildings with the convenience of modern shops and facilities. But, which would you choose as your local go-to city?Read more...
Smart tech for your home
You’ve worked hard for the house of your dreams – now it’s time to make your house work hard for you. With voice-activated, energy-efficient smart tech your life can run more smoothly as your own house caters to your every whim like an army of personal assistants! Not only does it take care of the jobs that you don’t fancy, it ensures you never forget to switch things off, to miss a vital ingredient for your dinner party, or to feed your pet ever again. We’re investigating the best smart-tech options for your home.Read more...
The Algarve’s Golden Triangle
The Algarve’s “Golden Triangle” has been a magnet for the global super-rich since the 1960s. But while other high-end locations have fallen victim to their own success, these resorts have invested and found exciting and innovative ways to stay ahead of the game, and of superior quality. Here’s why you should buy a property in the Algarve’s Golden Triangle.Read more...
Make a splash with your swimming pool design
If your swimming pool isn’t there, isn’t big enough or needs a revamp, where do you start and what are your likely costs when designing your swimming pool? And if you want to swim in style, what are the latest swimming pool fashions? Distinction by Property Guides went in search of pool paradise.Read more...
Buying a home on the French Riviera
Cannes, Saint Tropez, Antibes, St Jean-Cap-Ferrat… names to evoke images of perfect blue skies and perfect beach bodies, sophistication, beauty and the ultimate in fine living. But where should you be looking to buy a property on the French Riviera?Read more...
Three graceful cities of Spain
For anyone with a generous budget, Spain offers superb properties, not just on the coast but in its major cities. With Spain’s healthcare named this year as the best in Europe, we look at three options for those seeking an upmarket lifestyle. All three cities have excellent international schools and shopping facilities.Read more...
City or Lake? Two fabulous Italian locations
Property in Milan or property around Lake Como? Lombardy offers high-end homebuyers an enviable choice, with easy access to skiing and watersports, fashion, a business centre and outrageously great shopping. No wonder the A-listers love it!Read more...
How to purchase a home in Portugal
Portugal’s picturesque whitewashed villages, sunny climate and wonderful leisure opportunities, including world-class golfing and yachting, are big draws for anyone looking for an amazing quality of life. The buying process is quite straightforward, but there are potential stumbling blocks if you’re unfamiliar with the language, the legal system or finances. We’re running through the key steps in how to purchase a home in Portugal.Read more...
How to purchase a home in Spain
It’s time to start seeing buying a home in Spain as being as safe as buying one in the UK or US. These day, a network of property professionals has replaced the cowboy operators and dodgy developers of the pre-financial crisis market. Of course, you need to employ a good lawyer and currency company, but with these in place you can buy in confidence. Here is how you purchase a home in Spain.Read more...
How to purchase a home in Italy
Italy has a wealth of choices for discerning buyers, from grand palazzos to picturesque farmhouses and super-stylish modern villas. Buying a home here doesn’t depend on EU citizenship, and you can use it as you wish, including earning an income from rentals. Even better, prices are more than reasonable at the moment, and you can take advantage of our free property hunting service. So if you’re looking for your own Italian renaissance, here is how you buy.Read more...
Restoration masterpiece
One of the joys of buying abroad is taking on the challenge of creating something outstanding. Who hasn’t seen that down at heel French chateau or Italian palazzo and wondered, “could I?” We spoke to a lady who took on the challenge of restoring property abroad, and came back for more! Julia Silk says there is nothing more rewarding than taking an old building with all its unique style and character features and transforming it into the home of your dreams. Having renovated large properties in Greece, Croatia and Italy, here is her advice.Read more...