Where would you set up your holiday home?

This week, I heard about Park Caravans giving away their older mobile homes to get people started on the second home property ladder (and you thought you were having trouble getting on the first home ladder). But if you are in a position purchase a second home, it’s certainly not a bad investment. You’ll probably only use it for a few weeks of the year, but you can make a fair whack on rental if you’re in the right area – definitely enough to meet the mortgage repayments.

But where do you settle for? Do you choose somewhere like Spain with an already established holiday property market, or do you choose somewhere a little out of the ordinary, in the hope of jumping onto the market when it gets more popular?

Of course, if we’re dreaming, let’s go a step further. Where would your ideal holiday home be?

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The pied à terre is such a romantic idea, isn’t it? A pretty little home from home for when you’re working in the city, but really, you live in some huge mansion out in the country. Idealistic it may be, but what about if your job means you work across two cities? If you’re between Paris and London it’s not so bad, but if you’re in New York half your time, then your own little apartment might not be such a bad idea. Plus, I watched Sex and The City repeats last night and New York is seeming like a very glam place right now. So, let’s have a look at some homes for rent.

East 84 Street: £1490 a month

This 1 bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side is pretty decent for its size. After all, you’re paying for location, but you also get a washer-dryer and dishwasher as well. Sounds all very dull and practical, but it’s everything you need to make living away from home easy. Because a home from home isn’t meant to feel like a hotel, is it?

Heart of Manhattan: £1761 a month.

My goodness this is pretty. Look at that floor! Look at those stairs! I know this is meant to be a home from home, but I’d live here all the time if I could. It’s stunning, and it’s right by Fifth Avenue too for all those shopping trips. You get a 24 hour doorman too which is vital if you’re only going to be there half the time.

Paris in New York: £3048 a month.

Now, if you’re flitting between Paris and New York (frankly I’m a little jealous of you) I think this place will suit you just perfectly. French windows, stunning views, and it’s even got a balcony. Oh, and it’s on Madison Avenue. I’d like to move there right this second.

Town House: £9,415 a month

If the thought of an apartment doesn’t give you ideas of home living, then what about a townhouse? There’s something lovely about townhouses. They’re very… civilised. This one has four bedrooms, so if you’ve got a family, it might be a more suitable option than a one bed flat.

All this talk of flitting between two cities has given me itchy feet. Now I just have to find a job that will let me travel to New York every other week and pay for a pretty place like one of these at the same time. That should be easy, right?

If you’re interested in buying a property overseas, here are some useful tips to keep in mind when searching for and buying your holiday or investment property.

1. In the first instance, clearly decide what sort of property you’re looking for (a house, villa, apartment or farmhouse) and what sort of environment you want it to be in (a town, city, in a village, near the sea, in the countryside or in a gated community).

2. Think carefully about the areas you’re interested in – having too wide a focus may give more variety, but could get complicated when you’re trying to view everything. A narrower focus, within a certain mile radius, is better – although too narrow could be limiting – so try and get the balance right from the outset.

3. Also consider how you’re going to use the property – will it be a holiday home, an investment property, somewhere to retire to or rent out?

4. It may sound obvious (and is surprisingly overlooked by some buyers), but do thoroughly research the area in which you wish to buy before parting with your cash. Avoid the urge to randomly pick a location off a map without ever visiting it.

5. Find out where the current hotspots, or popular areas, are – both with locals and tourists – and suss out any areas that may be benefitted by new developments, such as new airports, flight routes, train routes, tourist developments or schools.

6. Set a budget for your purchase and sort out any financing issues. Don’t forget to take buying costs into consideration too, so you know where you stand; these vary depending on which country you’re buying property in, but could add up to 10% to the cost.

7. Find reputable estate agents through a website like Primelocation.com. It helps considerably if they speak English, especially if you’re not up on the local lingo.

8. If you’re planning a trip to the country to go and see the properties, contact estate agents and arrange your viewings in advance, so you don’t turn up and find nothing much is available to see.

9. Be clear about exactly what’s included in the purchase price and, if it’s an apartment, don’t forget to check out potential service or upkeep charges.

10. Before you purchase the property, make sure you fully understand the buying process in the country in question. Seek independent advice from a qualified solicitor and surveyor.

If I was living abroad (and indeed, if I had won the lottery), a vineyard would be a dream come true. I don’t know all that much about wine, but I do rather enjoy a glass. And there’s something rather romantic about rolling hills and serene countryside. That would be quite a nice view if you coupled it with a glass of white. Don’t you think? So here are my picks of the best vineyard finds.

France

This stunning French vineyard property is just 18 miles north of Bordeaux. It comes with 45 hectares of vineyards (the property has a whopping 75 hectares of land you see). There is potential to develop it into a hotel, and at £14 million you might want to see if you could get some of that cash back, but I can’t quite get past how pretty it is. I’d much rather keep it all to myself. Although exactly what I’d do with 20 bedrooms I’m not sure. Still, if you’ve got a few million quid in the bank, a (very) large family and a penchant for a good bottle of plonk, this place could be for you. Or, you can check out these other French vineyard properties.

 
Italy

We couldn’t write about vineyards without mentioning Italy, could we? We this lovely pile of stone is right in the heart of Chianti (yes, get your Hannibal Lecter impressions out of the way now, go on). And well, it’s not only a stunning building, it produces a staggering 250,000 bottles of first class wine each year. Yet it does that and still manages to look like a charming little Italian farmhouse. Isn’t that clever. I want this one. If you’ve got a spare £13 million then it’s all yours. I might have to save my pennies for a little while first. In the meantime I’ll drool over these too.

Portugal

OK, so I’ve gone a little teensy bit crazy with the pricey houses. And I don’t really need 20 bedrooms. So this Portuguese vineyard property might just be within reach. If you’ve got a million lying about in your pocket. But still, you’re saving heaps if you go for this one instead. It’s got 6 bedrooms, and a circular lounge with an all-important library. Whether or not the books are in Portuguese I don’t know. But there’s a vineyard in the grounds too, which is what we’re after. Great news. You can enjoy a tipple while you’re in the Jacuzzi. Wow.

Q. We have paid a deposit to an international property developer to reserve a villa in Spain. Our intention is to fly out in May on an inspection tour laid on by the developer. However, they have asked us to sign a preliminary contract and have sent this to us now which is ringing alarm bells. Is this procedure correct? I was under the impression that our deposit should be sufficient goodwill?

A. I would strongly advise not handing over either deposits or reservation fees without first inspecting the property/plans and/or taking proper legal advice from an independent English-speaking lawyer to advise you that the transaction is a sound one. At present, the developer has €2,000 of your money and you have absolutely nothing in writing except a tenuous and non-legally binding verbal agreement. In my view, it is a recipe for disaster. I suggest that you find such a suitable lawyer quickly, have them check the credentials and previous building history of the developer and ask the developer to put his lawyers in touch with yours so that a proper, binding contract which protects your interests can be drawn up. Until then, do not sign anything, nor release any further monies.

Most of us want to be happy in our work and life, so I was interested to see that Rough Guides have a new book out called the Rough Guide to Happiness. Last week in The Times the author, Dr Nick Baylis, rounded up 10 of the happiest places to holiday and find contentment, both in the UK and abroad.

It would be fair to say that if you’re looking to buy a holiday home abroad for relaxed, inspiring and happy weekends and holidays, then some of his recommendations could be worth a shot, even though happiness is partly dependent on what you make of it. So based on this, here’s a look at three varied international destinations that could, in their own way, provide happiness and contented times.

Norway

Norway is one of the world’s most stunning countries and is perfect if your ideal holiday getaway features fresh air, mountains, glaciers, skiing, nature and fjords. Western Norway boasts several world famous fjords, including the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, which are both on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

In the Arctic Circle area, the sun doesn’t set during the summer months, producing the famous midnight sun, and in the winter months there’s the magical northern lights phenomenon to see – if you’re lucky. If you simply want to relax, unwind and breathe in the pure air, or get out and about, actively exploring or skiing, Norway offers plenty of options to keep you happy.

New York

It’s a stark contrast to Norway and features less of the natural phenomenon, but if your idea of happiness is to be in a city that’s alive day and night, then New York could fit the bill. Buzzing with nightlife, culture, shops galore, a global array of restaurants and, of course, good old Broadway, you can’t fail to be bored in this city.

Whether you want a to live like a native New Yorker for a while, or follow the tourist trails, then owning your own property in the city or suburbs allows you the freedom to visit without the expense of shelling out for hotels or other accommodation.

Toulouse

The capital of the Midi-Pyrenees region is located in the heart of Southern France, about halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Nicknamed the ‘La ville rose’ (rose red city), due to its distinctive buildings made from red bricks, the city is ideal for those seeking a European holiday home base that’s not too far from the UK, but far enough to feel like you’re on holiday.

This modern city has retained plenty of its historical charm, which is seen in its many architecturally impressive buildings, and has a wide cultural appeal. You could unwind in one of the many quaint cafes, explore the regular outdoor markets or take a tour of its historic buildings.

Do you have memories of your happiest ever holiday? And where would your happiest place for a holiday home be?

Q. Having recently become benefactors of a family inheritance, we would like to buy a property abroad which we can visit as well as rent out during the summer months. We quite like Morocco. Can you tell us a little about the typical prices and sales taxes we might have to pay?

A. Morocco has a lot to offer tourists and investors alike – and, as a hotspot, is becoming a major attraction for those wishing to invest in holiday rental property due to its excellent climate and relative close proximity to mainland Europe. The topography of Morocco also lends itself perfectly to beach resorts which give excellent rental potential, with a number of high-end developments having been constructed in recent years.

The process for purchasing property in Morocco is fairly straightforward. The buyer, once an offer has been accepted, is usually required to pay a deposit of around 30% to secure the property and freeze the price. For property costing £100,000, expect to pay around £2,500 in transfer tax, roughly £1,000 in lawyer’s fees and a further £2,500-£3,000 for notary’s fees which include land registry and other certificates. My best advice is to do lots of research, visit your target area several times before buying – as well as talk to UK investors who have already bought property out there to find out the pitfalls. One of the key benefits of owning Moroccan property is that there is no inheritance tax.

British food is the third most missed home comfort for Brits who move abroad, but if you can’t live without your favourite foods, it could set you back a tidy sum.

New research carried out by Foreign Currency Direct, a specialist foreign exchange provider, has revealed the true extent of the cost of expat foods. Depending on where you choose to live abroad, the cost of enjoying your traditional British favourites varies significantly. The US does itself proud by catering most for the tastes of so-called Limeys. In fact, British favourites such as baked beans, English tea bags and Heinz Tomato Ketchup actually cost Brits 17% less than they’d pay for them back in the UK. But, sadly, that’s not the case in all countries.

In France, for example, instead of saving money on buying British food, expats will have to fork out about 133% more if they want to eat their favourite foods. A basket of shopping that includes six large free range eggs, 200 English tea bags, Heinz Tomato Ketchup, a jar of Branston Pickle, baked beans, 12 rashers of unsmoked bacon and a pint of beer or lager would set you back £35.75 in France. The comparative price in the UK is only £15.36 and in the US it would be £12.82.

It’s a similar situation elsewhere in the Eurozone, where many countries are selling British goods at a premium; the average price is now £27.04 (compared to £15.36 in the UK). In Italy, the cost of 200 English tea bags has risen to £12.78, more than three times the price in the UK, and in Greece expats are paying up to 92% more.

The full cost breakdown of a basket of food, based on the top 10 countries Britons would most like to move to, is as follows:    

UK – £15.36
US – £12.82
Australia – £16.11
New Zealand – £16.79
Canada – £18.29
Spain – £25.48
Cyprus – £26.31
Portugal – £27.25
Italy – £27.25
Greece – £29.48
France – £35.75

(This is based on a basket containing: six large free range eggs, 200 English tea bags, Heinz Tomato Ketchup, a jar of Branston Pickle, baked beans, 12 rashers of unsmoked bacon and a pint of beer or lager).

Of course, it all begs the question can you live without your age old favourites and, if you’re moving abroad, should you not try and adapt more to the diet of the locals? With the cost of some of the British food abroad, it seems that adapting may be the cheaper option!

If you fancy a change of scene for a few days away, or a long weekend break, owning your own city pad can make quick retreats all the more easier. With no accommodation to find at short notice, all you need to organise is your transport and tickets, and you can be on your way in no time.

Choosing to buy an apartment rather than a house can work out well if you’re intending to use it yourself, as there’s generally less upkeep to be done and less to worry about when you’re not around. Plus, if you do decide to let it out in the future, apartments in city centres stand a good chance of being rentable, both on a short and long-term basis.

Here are some ideas for prime pads in desirable cities.

Paris

It’s got to be one of the top city locations for a weekend away, especially the romantic kind, and is easily reachable from the UK. Whether you want to enjoy some sightseeing, or while away time drinking coffee and watching the world go by, there’s plenty of variety in Paris.

If the café culture meets your approval, then this two-bedroom apartment in a period building has a café almost on your doorstep. Set in the heart of the trendy Marais area of Paris, with its designer boutiques, it’s been recently renovated and is on the market for £656,838.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal stakes its claim as being the westernmost capital in mainland Europe. Compared to other capital cities in Europe, it’s relatively small, but that makes it perfect for exploring.

If you fancy living in an historic building, then this 18th century palace has been sensitively converted into contemporary, designer flats. Benefiting from river views, there are two bedrooms and great transport links nearby.

Budapest

Hungary’s capital has had a strong reign in the property investment stakes over the years and remains a popular location for tourists. It’s serviced by a variety of airlines, including several budget airlines, which makes getting there relatively easy.

Five star hotel services are on hand at this luxury waterfront development in District 13 of Budapest. The two-bedroom apartment, overlooking the water, have hotel services on tap – perfect for weekend breaks where you don’t have to do anything.

If you’re interested in finding out more about buying a home abroad, and have got nothing planned this weekend, then head to Earls Court in London.

The largest overseas property event, A Place in the Sun Live, which is now in its 10th year, is taking place at Earls Court from 3-5 April 2009. It’s been cleverly scheduled to run alongside the Ideal Home Show, so both overseas and non-overseas buyers can pick up some great ideas and be inspired.

Based on the Channel 4 TV series presented by Amanda Lamb, A Place in the Sun is the show to attend if you’re interested in getting on the overseas property ladder. Over 40 destinations around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America and France, will be represented under one roof and they’ll be plenty of help and advice on all aspects of the buying and moving process, from finding a home for sale, to sorting out a mortgage, dealing with legal issues, finding an overseas removal specialist and handling the emigration process.

The seminar programme will be hosted by overseas property experts and TV personalities such as Amanda Lamb, Jonnie Irwin and Jasmine Harman will be making special appearances. Seminars include advice about how to buy property during the credit crunch, letting your holiday home and investing in fractional ownership properties.

If you’ve ever fancied being on TV, then screen tests for the TV series, A Place in the Sun, will be taking place too… you never know, you could find yourself on the next series! When your feet are sore from walking around, then the Turkish themed area is the perfect place to head for to taste some Turkish food.

Tickets cost £10 each on the door and under-16s get in free.