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.
What’s in store for Spain in 2024?
From politics to housing laws to cultural highlights, here’s a round-up of the headline stories to come out in Spain in 2023. Plus, what can the country anticipate for 2024?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...
10 surprising things about living in Oz
Before my big move Down Under, I dreamt of a beautiful, sun-kissed country with a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle. I fully expected to wear a cork hat, drink cans of Fosters and put shrimps on the barbie. Although excited about the sun, sea and sand, my family and friends were keen to warn me about the dangers of the Outback; “Watch out for the spiders and snakes!” and “Be careful of the sharks!” were remarks I heard again and again. So what is life in Australia really like? Here are ten surprising things I learned…Read more...
Small cities see big rise in property prices
Property prices in New Zealand have been growing steadily in rural areas, while the bigger cities are going through more of a correction. Hastings and Whanganui remain firm favourites among buyers, with demand causing a leap of over 20% in prices. Meanwhile, in the South Island, Dunedin is also seeing a boost in house prices.Read more...
Building your own, part 3: finding a builder
Now that you’ve sourced the perfect plot of land and found the architect who is going to bring all your property daydreams to life, there is one final – rather essential – step: finding a builder. In Part three of our series, we’re looking at where to find a decent builder and the steps involved in getting your house built when you move to New Zealand.Read more...