by Kaye Turner

In recent times, with low interest rates making everything so much more affordable, it seems to have become increasingly popular to purchase a "second home" in Europe, particularly in the south of Spain, in order to spend the winter months in sunshine. The weather is warm and there are now plenty of reasonably priced flights and some excellent medical facilities - both private and state run. The cost of living is a third lower than in the UK and Spain has a reciprocal tax arrangement, so if your pension is taxed in the UK it will not be taxed again in Spain.

As you drive along the coastal roads you will notice a plethora of building sites in various stages of completion and in the towns numerous agencies can be seen, all advertising properties at varying prices.

The national papers are chock full of agencies advertising these 'places in the sun' and many offer long weekend 'inspection visits' with subsidised flights and hotel rates. Exhibitions are held at hotels throughout the UK where you can receive advice and a more detailed description of the properties and areas available.

Some of the most popular sites, apart from those located near to the beach, are those that also have golf courses nearby and indeed many developments have been erected around golf courses!

These residential areas are particularly 'English' with their own shopping precincts, restaurants, swimming pools and sports complexes.

When purchasing a property in Spain you would be wise to take the time to find out what, if anything, is going to be built directly in front of you obscuring those much vaunted 'panoramic' views. Planning laws are more lax than they are here and it can seem that the Spanish are able to erect houses wherever and whenever they wish.

You should also be aware that life moves at a slower pace than it does in the UK and everything seems to take ages - you could well find yourself spending your first year living on a building site! Installation of telephones. TV and much electrical equipment can also tend to take somewhat longer than advertised.

Once all the problems are overcome there is nothing nicer than sitting on your veranda in the evening warmth, listening to the sea and planning your next round of golf. Having dined on local fish from a nearby restaurant (or having cooked it yourself) you can then take much comfort watching the weather forecast for Britain during those winter months via your satellite television!