With beautiful beaches, guaranteed sunshine and affordable living, it's no surprise that thousands of Brits choose southern Spain as their home-from-home. The good news is that buyers are spoilt for choice in terms of property to choose form, which just leaves the tricky part – finding the right one for you. We’ve gathered some tried-and-tested tips from British expats that have moved to Spain in the last year, to help you on your way.

Don’t buy the first property you fall for

Before you get overwhelmed by the charm and character of Spanish homes, consider what you're actually looking for. Rental properties don't need to match your specific tastes, and your head should rule your heart to secure a bargain. If you’re buying for personal use, will you visit for a few weekends each year, or does it need to support your lifestyle for months at a time?

Do try before you buy

Avoid buyer's remorse by “test driving” a lot of homes along the coast. Each location enjoys different traditions and quirks, so work out which fits best with your own Spanish dream. Weather is also a key factor, as it's not unusual for summers to sizzle in the mid-thirties, while some places drop close to freezing in winter. Treat yourself to mini-breaks in as many places as you can, experiencing everything from a “sugar cube” in Casares to a luxury villa in Marbella.

Don’t isolate yourself for a bargain

Many expats are delighted to discover the property possibilities with even a modest budget, especially in the countryside. The truth is that many are unprepared for the impracticalities of living in a remote retreat, surrounded by desert or mountains. Open windows quickly turn your home into a sand pit, and you’ll soon tire of the twenty-minute drive to civilisation. Besides, if your property is too far from the action you may find yourself a little short on visitors, leading to a very lonely life!

Do plan for the future.

If you ever intend to stay in your casa for longer than a week, plan accordingly. If you run out of milk, or fall ill, how easy is it to get to a shop or pharmacy? Are the nearby communities populated with expats, or will you have to learn Spanish to integrate?

For those dreaming of a sunny retirement, think carefully about the type of property, too. Climbing three flights of stairs to reach your townhouse roof terrace might be fine today, but in twenty years your knees will be crying out for a bungalow.

Don’t be seduced by extra bedrooms.

A sweeping pool, two living rooms and six double bedrooms - of course villas seem like the ultimate luxury. They also require a lot of cleaning and maintenance, which can quickly lose its novelty when you lack the guests to make it worthwhile.

A high-spec apartment with a modest square footage will be far more enjoyable, and give you time to actually relax on your well-earned breaks. You’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas, shared responsibility for amenities and a much better chance of meeting new people.

Do check the service charge.

Keep in mind that most complexes will charge a service fee, payable every single month, regardless of whether your home is occupied. Depending on the amenities (communal gardens, swimming pool, lifts) and the management company, service fees typically range between £20 - £400 a month, or £240 - £4,800 a year.

Don’t feel stuck to the beach.

The south of Spain is famed for its gorgeous beaches… But your holiday home doesn’t have to sit right on the seafront to enjoy them. Heading even few streets back will save you from the beaten track of tourists, lower the premiums of local food and produce, and help you become more immersed in the local culture. Besides, while the beach is buzzing during the high season, once the temperature drops you’ll find that holiday hotspots become ghost towns for tourists and locals alike.

Do consider further inland for a better price.

If your family aren’t natural beach bums, consider properties 20 minutes or so from the coast. You’ll see dramatic drops in price for significantly more privacy and space. Add that to the fantastic mountain views and the fact you’re still just a short drive from the sea, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t look further inland, sooner.

Don’t expect to get a mortgage.

The Spanish mortgage market is vastly different from the UK, and in many instances securing a loan can depend on who you talk to, and when. If you need a Spanish mortgage, it's strongly recommended that you hire a broker who understands the industry, and can explain the stipulations to you.

Freeing up funds by becoming a cash buyer in the UK will make the process a lot easier, and give you a stronger position when it comes to securing your Spanish home.

Do take advantage of a good exchange rate.

It's not unusual for buyers to decide on a property, only to find that the fluctuation in currency rates adds an extra 10-15% onto the final price when it comes to completion.

Once you are ready to purchase, avoid financial uncertainty by using a money exchange service like World First to buy Euros at a fixed price. Alternatively, you can request an alert for when the rate improves, to save yourself some money by waiting.