The Herald - The Herald Magazine
FIND YOUR OWN PLACE IN THE SUN
AT this time of year, those idle daydreams start taking shape. Perhaps young children have started school, or older ones have moved on to university, or maybe these dark evenings just make you long for a burst of sunshine.
Whatever stage you are at in life, autumn is definitely a time to think big and consider buying a beautiful bolthole somewhere sunny in time for next year.
The desire to own a holiday home shows no sign of slowing down. Channel Four’s longrunning series A Place In The Sun – which has helped hundreds of people to view homes abroad – reports that each year the number of participants going on to buy their dream home is increasing.
Regular presenter, Laura Hamilton, told The Herald: “Our statistics show now more and more people are buying in every episode.
“Even if people don’t buy we are still able to provide them so much information which they won’t get anywhere else. It’s brilliant because you know you’re making a big difference to somebody’s life. And it is really rewarding to be able to do that.”
Adding to the help available to participants, A Place in the Sun Live takes that expertise on the road to London, Birmingham and Manchester and – following a spike in enquiries from Scottish buyers two years ago – once again to Glasgow.
The SEC show on October 28 and 29 enables members of the public to meet experts from all corners of the globe and to explore all aspects of the buying process. Last year 4,200 people attended and among the advisers on hand will be Laura, along with her acclaimed colleagues Jonnie Irwin, Jasmine Harman and Amanda Lamb.
“The exhibition is the perfect opportunity for people if they want to come and meet us, just say hi, or if they want to ask any questions. Even if they want a screen test to go on the show!,” she says. The most commonly asked question of the presenters is ‘Where should I buy?’ but exhibition goers may not receive a straightforward answer. “People ask me whether they should buy in France, Spain or Portugal, but they are totally different places. It is almost like saying should I buy in London or Scotland? How can you tell?,” she says.
Thinking hard about what you want from a property is essential before you even begin researching the locations.
“It depends what you want to be using your holiday home for,” says Laura. “Are you going to be using it peak time when the area might be busy? The worst thing would be to buy a holiday property where the restaurants might be open in the summer months but in the winter months things are quiet and there is nowhere to do anything.”
In common with buying a home in the UK, buyers should view a property several times, find out what the traffic’s like at rush hour and have a look at neighbours to see who is around. “Research thoroughly. That is probably my biggest tip,” adds Laura. “Make sure you appoint an independent lawyer to deal with the legal side of things for you so you can focus on the basics.” buyers. However, France, Italy, Portugal and Florida are also in the running. And although Laura does not have one favourite destination, she has a number of recommendations.
Ibiza, which many consider a party island, has a pretty and very family friendly side – and is very quiet in winter.
“When I filmed there recently I was totally expecting it to be just a party place and I couldn’t have been proven more wrong,” says Laura. “The Canary Islands is good for extended winter sun. Madeira has an almost Caribbean feel - it is very pretty, covered with flowers … although it is quite hilly and lacks beaches.
“Portugal is another great place to consider – it has no time difference from the UK, beautiful beaches and delicious food. But I absolutely love Majorca,” Laura admits. “I think it is great. It has such variety for such a small island. The city of Palma, with its cathedral and stunning the architecture, is so vibrant. You’ve got Port de Soller with the old tram that runs through town. The beaches are beautiful, the water’s clear. It’s cosmopolitan. I actually think Majorca is a great place to buy.”
Legal, financial, tax, currency issues and all aspects of the buying process will be uncovered at the show and all visitors will receive a copy of A Place In The Sun magazine – and A Place In The Sun Live Show Guide.
Agents from the around the globe will be keen to showcase all the latest and most enticing developments with information on new and underexplored destinations, upcoming resorts, sound investments, retirement locations and dream holiday escapes.
In short, the show is an essential date if you’re considering making your dream a reality anytime soon. Don’t miss it.