Property Guides 
5 places to buy within an hour of Athens
Athens may be one of the greatest cities of the world, but living there can be a little frenetic! So where offers the best of both worlds – countryside, seaside, and a base near the city? Long-term expat in Athens, Lynne Evans has a few suggestions.Read more...
Seven surprisingly affordable Mediterranean coastlines
If you’re dreaming of that perfect beachfront pad, you might be surprised to know how affordable it could be – as long as you know where to look. This week, I’m discovering some of the Mediterranean’s top spots to buy a seafront home without breaking the bank, whether you want a traditional fishing village or a bustling resort.Read more...
News update: Overseas buyers buying more – and budgets are up
The secret seems to be out about Portugal: the latest stats show the number of overseas buyers continues to grow, and they’re generally willing to spend a lot more than locals on their dream home. A move abroad’s the perfect time for a new start, and one Brit is making headlines with a rewilding project near the Serra da Estrela.Read more...
How much Greek do you need when living on mainland Greece?
If you’ve spent holidays on the islands, you may believe everyone speaks English. You might be wary of buying a property on the mainland because fewer people will speak English in the countryside. Actually, neither of these are 100% true! However, English is still a second language, and learning Greek will open so many doors (with the odd hilarious mistake along the way).Read more...
We swapped a career in the police for an art studio in Portugal
When Dave and Aly Sheldrake retired from their busy careers in the police, the last thing they were looking for was a quiet retirement – so they swapped the UK for a new adventure in the western Algarve, pursuing their dreams as a photographer and artist. Eight years on, they know it was the right decision, saying they’ve ‘never felt happier or more relaxed about life’.Read more...
A-Z of French for property buyers
Anyone moving to France will tell you that a big part of settling in is learning the language – so don’t miss this handy list of phrases for property buyers to make sure you know your DPE from your VEFA and your longère from your promesse de vente. Plus, we’ve got a special offer from Frantastique for a month’s free trial of online French lessons.Read more...
Spain, France or Italy: which would suit you?
I have been lucky enough to live in three European countries, neighbours but all very different in several ways. What is OK in one country doesn’t necessarily go down well in the others and local habits, humour, behaviour and culture still remain firmly embedded in each, despite a so called united Europe. Here’s a lighthearted look at Spain, France and Italy.Read more...
“We’ve never looked back”: swapping the London rat race for the peace of the Languedoc-Roussillon
Diane and Kevin Sowells knew there was more to life than daily commuting to London from their Brighton home, struggling with their mortgage and yearning for warmth and sunshine. Six years ago, they realised their long-held dream when they found their perfect home in the Minervois wine region. I spoke to them about their new life in the sun.Read more...
“We swapped overpriced London for sunny, affordable Barcelona”
Struggling to get on the housing ladder, it’s little wonder young professionals are dismissing London for cheaper more exciting European hubs. We speak to recent graduate Olivia Way about her relocation to Barcelona and outline other cities where the lifestyle and job opportunities are attracting sun-seeking millennials…Read more...
Could you get paid to move to Molise?
Move to Molise and start a business, and you could be rewarded with 700 euros a month over the first three years. This tiny Italian region hopes this exciting new initiative will help regenerate small villages that are becoming depopulated, and bring in new life to its rural communities. So what are you waiting for?Read more...
From neglected shell to quirky seaside retreat – renovating a property in France, part two
With little practical experience, I took on a project to renovate a sad and neglected grande dame on the quayside at the beautiful port of Barfleur in Normandy. Learning traditional skills from scratch, I managed to transform her into a quirky seaside retreat within a reasonable budget, with a mix of good luck, hard work and the help of excellent workmen.Read more...