Latest property news
Read the latest property news from all around the world from our expert writers located all over the world. Get the latest on buying, travel, emigration, retirement and much more. Whether you are buying a sunny property to spend your summers, or making a big move abroad you will find everything you need to know here.
Kefalonia: the greatest Greek island?
When comparing ratings of Greek islands, Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands, came out on top. It received a full five stars for beaches, food & drink, scenery, and peace and quiet.Read more...
How Catalans celebrate Lovers’ Day
Did you know that the Patron Saint of England is also the patron saint of Catalonia? He is also the saint for other countries, such as Malta, Portugal, Georgia and Romania. It seems that he is celebrated in one way or another everywhere except in England. Could that be due to King Henry VIII, who was excommunicated from the Catholic Church and became the Defender of the Faith of the Anglican Church? I don’t know, but it seems a shame that there are no special festivities on his day.Read more...
April property market update
Latest reports suggest that the current demand for housing in Spain will continue rising by around 10% throughout 2016, stimulating further growth in house prices throughout the year.Read more...
April property market update
For the past few years, the French property market has been fairly stagnant, with little to no movement in the average house price. This has not been particularly great for the sellers across the country, but for buyers from overseas, holidaymakers and expats alike, it presented a great opportunity – forming what can only be described as a buyers’ market.Read more...
Tips on how best to renovate your new French home
There are still some wonderful bargains around in France if you are looking for a house with outside space, which may need complete or partial renovation. For many years, the French have realised that it is the Brits who love renovation, and historically, they have not been too interested in improving their properties. This means that you are unlikely to have any trouble finding a character property with original features (perhaps a barn, as well as outside space), which needs updating or modernisation in some way. But are you up for it? You need to consider how you will go about renovating thRead more...
France still skiing while rest of Europe shuts
With the traditional end of the French ski season this weekend, agents and buyers should be getting down to the serious business of buying and selling property from Monday. A late flurry of snow last week, plus up to 15cm more snow expected today, will extend the season, however, with French resorts staying open while most of Europe shuts down.Read more...
Home rental is the future of quality tourism, says Airbnb
If you had a friend visiting from overseas, where would you take them to show them the best of your country? According to the boss of Airbnb, it probably wouldn’t be the places that the tourist industry are taking us. He believes that new tourism models need to develop, and overseas home-owners are uniquely placed to deliver them.Read more...
If Brittany is the new Cornwall, then where’s the new Brighton?
According to The Times newspaper, Brittany is the “new Cornwall” for London’s wealthy looking for a second home. “In many ways it’s like a bigger version of Cornwall but with more sun and homes at a fraction of the price,” says the newspaper: “The average value of a property in Brittany hovers about the €150,000 (£120,000) mark and it’s not that difficult to reach.”Read more...
Work and School Balance
Is work culture about to change in Spain? It certainly seems possible, thanks to a recent landmark decision by a court which permitted an employee to be “late” to work so that he could take his son to school. Could this be the beginnings of a new realistic view of the rights of working people across Spain?Read more...
Attempts to form a government in Spain
Spain held a General Election on 20 December 2015. Now, almost five months later, the country still has no government as Acting Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, (former Prime Minister) has been unable to form one due to lack of support.Read more...
Confidence in French market soars
There has been positive news for the French property market this week, as renewed market stability and improved buyer confidence has helped to entice would-be overseas buyers back to the country.Read more...