Why Buy Property in Spain?

The first decision is of course - what country? Why not nearby France, the laid back rural lifestyle of Tuscany, the beautiful clear blue waters surrounding a Greek island, the Englishness of Cyprus or Malta, or even the cheap properties of Florida? Why not! People follow all of these alternatives but for many it is a simple choice between Spain and France. In the last few years, Spain has overtaken France in popularity for both holidays and new permanent residents. Why?

Partly of course it's the sun. Cross the Pyrenees and you're in the baking deep south of Europe and the lure of lovely weather is always going to make the sunniest part of Europe attractive. A house in wet and windy Brittany is just too close to England. But it's much more than that. France is a peculiarly old fashioned country. Spain is fresh, new and vibrant. Who wants to spend hours considering the merits of French history or looking in a musty Left Bank bookshop when in Spain you're more likely to spend your time in a noisy bar with a cross-section of society debating the merits of anything that is loud, or where to go to that night for some good food and wine?

Look at Spain's advantages. The Spanish are open, passionate warm and fun loving. The Spanish go out late, drink a lot and eat simply. They talk in the streets, sleep in the middle of the afternoon and dance till dawn. They're laid back about life. Everyone knows by now that Barcelona is cool and elegant with the amazing Ramblas , Madrid is vibrant and cultured with fantastic art galleries, Seville is ravishing with romantic squares and flamenco hanging in the citrus-scented air. Bilbao is no longer just a port but now has the Guggenheim. Valencia has its new science museum.

Sitting on the porch in the evening, holding a glass of wine, watching the sun setting over the sea, soon to be followed by a visit to the local tapas bar for some food and drinks. Hello and welcome to Spain! A holiday home or a retirement home in the sun is a dream, but one that can come true.

Whether your dream is a country house enveloped in vines, a secret retreat for golfing holidays, or a cosy apartment for the family to enjoy and drink too much sangria, all you need is the courage of your own convictions. Whatever the goal, question not the sunny days ahead, merely an ambition to succeed.