Property Guides 
Why learning a bit of Spanish can be a lifesaver when buying a home in Spain
“You’re in Spain. You can’t expect everyone to speak English, and an attempt at some Spanish will definitely be appreciated by the locals. It will also make your early days in Spain a lot easier – take it from me!” says Ailsa, a Spanish homeowner who is now 15 years into her Spanish language learning journey.Read more...
Do you dare to buy “sight unseen” in Spain?
Covid-19 may be preventing us from travelling to Spain right now, but it needn’t stop us buying a home there. Estate agents are doing virtual viewings and video walkthroughs of properties, and lawyers and notaries are all working remotely. Moreover, faced with a potential second summer of lost revenue, some holiday home owners are selling at bargain prices.Read more...
What’s the latest in Portugal?
We’re all craving some Portuguese sun. Hopefully, we can get back there soon, but in the meantime, we take a look at what’s been happening in Portugal recently…Read more...
Why international buyers love the Western Algarve
Ah, the Algarve. Known around the globe for its prestigious golf and leisure resorts, golden sandy coves and lively nightlife. But there is so much more to Portugal’s Faro district. If you want to experience the authentic Portuguese lifestyle, head west…Read more...
Empty nesters in Greece: how and where to spend your new-found free time
You’re child-free now, which means more ‘me-time’! The world is your oyster, so why not get out and explore? If you’re feeling anything like bored housewife Shirley Valentine did in the 1989 comedy film, life can seem quite repetitive in the UK. Greece offers a range of exciting activities and projects so you can make the most of your new-found freedom.Read more...
Escape the crowds in beautiful Provence: 5 quieter spots
Provence is one of the most widely known areas of France and has retained a certain cachet about it. However, its ongoing popularity means that some areas can get quite busy, especially in the summer months. So, where can you go in Provence to get away from the madding crowds?Read more...
A postcard from Corfu
Exactly a year ago, Corfu property specialist Diane returned from London to Corfu, knowing that there was some sort of virus beginning to spread. Heathrow seemed to have normal passenger volume, but Athens airport was very quiet and shortly after her return, Greece went into its first lockdown. There were no UK incoming flights to Corfu’s regional airports until July.Read more...
A holiday home in Puglia, Italy
When you own a holiday home in Puglia, you can escape to your own feel-good space surrounded by trees, sea and sunshine. Where else can you find countryside villas, townhouses and apartments, a short distance from the sea, at such great prices?Read more...
Buying your home in Spain with golf in mind
There are so many reasons to buy a home in Spain – wonderful climate, great way of life, the cuisine, the people and all-year-round sport, in particular, golf. Spain has a total of 398 golf courses on the mainland, 23 in the Balearic Islands and 24 in the Canary Islands.Read more...
What is your local Mairie and why is it important?
In the UK, you may have little idea about what happens in your town hall, the purpose it serves and what to use it for. However, in France the town hall or ‘Mairie’ can be one of your first ports of call. Often the centre of town or village life in France, there are usually countless reasons to visit your local Mairie. Our writer in France, Beth, explains what it’s used for and why it can be extremely helpful when settling in.Read more...
Portugal’s Golden Visa: invest your way to residency
If you want to live in Portugal post-Brexit, some things have changed. British people are now considered “third-country nationals” in EU member states. This means that we no longer have freedom of movement within the Schengen zone and can only spend 90 days there, within a 180-day period.Read more...