There’s a reason why one of Spain’s most expensive homes for sale is in Marbella. The Costa del Sol destination is synonymous with luxury and international glamour and is the Spanish equivalent of St Tropez or Monte Carlo. Marbella abounds with multi-million pound yachts, high net-worth individuals and celebrities including Sean Connery and Antonio Banderas.

So it was no surprise when a Marbella property for sale at an eye watering €50 million landed in our inbox. It’s not the average home a Brit looks for in Spain but there is no doubt a market for this exquisite luxury home.

La Casa Lorianna, as it is called, was built in 2002 and sits elevated just above the Golden mile beach. It’s walking distance into town and close to the Marbella Club Hotel, a longstanding favourite with the holidaying elite.

Not that the new owner of La Casa Lorianna would need to be near a hotel – as this home is designed with entertaining in mind and can sleep 20 guests – in suites with their own bathrooms and balconies. And for those seeking some extra privacy there’s a separate guest house and a beach house. Plus there’s separate accommodation for 3-4 staff which is ideal help to look after all those visitors.

The Spanish mansion not only offers the luxury lifestyle of Marbella, it has an enviable quality of life from within its grounds as well. There’s a cinema, health centre with sauna, Turkish bath and gym, a swimming pool – complete with waterfall and grotto and the top floor accommodation is all for the lucky owner with an office, library, his and hers bathrooms, walk in wardrobes, a terrace from which to enjoy the sea view and – in case you fancy the mountain view – a terrace to cover that vista too.

Exclusively available through Fine & Country Spain.

Still struggling to gauge the sheer luxury and expense of this Spanish pad? Check out the video of it below:

This Friday the Channel 4 TV show A Place in the Sun begins its three day tenancy at Earls Court in London and Primelocation International will be there, along with 160 companies offering overseas properties for sale and homebuying services.

Headlining the event will the show’s three most famous presenters – Amanda Lamb (who presents the show’s video, below), Jonnie Irwin and Jasmine Harman – who will be appearing on stage to give advice about buying foreign property and answer questions about their work as TV presenters and signing copies of A Place in the Sun magazine. But they will also be joined by other experts including LBC radio presenter, property investment guru and Apprentice TV show contestant James Maxx.

VIDEO: Watch Amanda Lamb introduce this year’s A Place in Sun Live show

Primelocation International’s property analyst Nigel Lewis will also speaking every day at the show on the main stage, revealing ‘ten things you didn’t know about overseas property’ including which country has the easiest buying/conveyancing process; which town the Spanish holiday home revolution started in, which country offers the best quality of life and which day was the best financially to buy a property in Europe over the past year. Catch him during the show at 11.45am on Friday, 12.30pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.

And if you want a free ticket to attend the show – follow this link to claim yours.

The property market on Spain’s Costas has, if you want to be charitable, been in freefall for nearly three years now but there are promising signs that the unbearable pain in Spain may soon be over – sort of.

Spanish-English developer Taylor Wimpey de España tells me this week that the Brits are back – at last – and the sighs of relief at the company’s Malaga, Alicante and Mallorca offices are palpable.

But the company says it’s only prime properties that are attracting British buyers and usually only in upmarket locations in Majorca and the Costa del Sol. As is always true in recessions, recovery always takes place first in the safest and most familiar markets.

We may have put our dreams of a Spanish home to one side during the recession but Taylor Wimpey España tells me this summer has seen an 80% yearly increase in enquiries from Brits desperate for the Spanish lifestyle including the sunshine, golf courses and Mediterranean beaches. And it’s no longer just the retirees heading to the sun, so far this year 80% of Taylor Wimpey buyers were aged between 30 and 55 years old.

I talked to Victor Sage at Taylor Wimpey, who told me: “Buyers have been waiting for the market to bottom out before they invest. In premier destinations, like Marbella, this is without doubt now the case hence the spike in interest and serious buyers”.

Victor explained that there is oversupply in certain areas of Spain but it is a localised problem and changes from town to town; “the best units in the best resorts will always sell” he assures me.

Prices are 20-25% lower than 2007 but Victor said that if the current demand continues it will push up prices, he thinks that “for those who have been sitting on the fence, sensibly watching the market, now is an excellent time to buy to make the most of the reduced prices and excellent property on offer”.

With less disposable income our property budgets have reduced since 2007 when 45% of us were spending between €250,000 and €350,000 on our Spanish homes. Now 72% of us are on a lower budget of between €150,000 and €250,000 with 60% looking for two bed room properties.

For more information on Taylor Wimpey’s Spanish developments for sale visit their website

We’ve offered you the chance to own your own village, but how about your own island?

Yes, islands do come up for sale and in some gorgeously exotic locations, too. Not surprisingly, they (mostly) come at quite a price, so it’s not a purchase for the faint-hearted. But if you’ve won the lottery, are a self-made billionaire or simply fancy doing a Richard Branson, then owning your own island could be a distinct possibility.

One of the benefits of owning your own island is that it can be what you want it to be. You can set the rules and choose who comes to stay. You never need worry about getting a space on the beach, as you own it. You can grow what you want and build where you want. And if you simply want peace and quiet, you can head off to your island retreat on your own and not have to worry about noisy neighbours.

Sounds ideal? Here are some real life islands to get you dreaming.

Exuma Cays in the Bahamas is a 681 acre private island that’s up for sale at a price of £23,706,130. It’s surrounded by gorgeous turquoise sea, has plenty of secluded bays and beaches and tropical foliage. For those who own a private jet, there’s a 2,500 feet airstrip already in place, but there’s room to extend it further. The main property on the island is a two-storey house with six bedrooms, plus there are staff quarters nearby too. If you’ll only visit your island for holidays, this one comes complete with a resident caretaker – their quarters are at the other end of the island.

Bird Cay, part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas is a 250 acre island that’s on the market for £14,041,608. This lovely looking island is located 30 minutes away (by air) from Nassau and was originally developed in the 1940s by Francis Francis, heir to the Standard Oil Company. The island comes complete with a main residence, five waterfront cottages, a guest house and a boat house, plus it has the pre-requisite sandy beaches, ocean views and exotic planting. This could be your own private island retreat or work as a holiday business venture.

I bet you didn’t expect to find an island for sale in Italy? But, yes, you really could purchase a small, 6,000m island in the Venetian Lagoon. The island was once a fortified point, which has been restored by the current owners, and features a four bedroom villa. The island, which comes with all mod cons, is reached via two large navigable canals and there are two wharfs for mooring boats. It’s up for sale for £10,911,600.

Also in the Bahamas is Leaf Cay, part of the Exuma Cays. This lovely little 45 acre island has almost pure white, sandy beaches and is surrounded by stunning turquoise seas. It’s located between Lee Stocking Island (what a great name) and Norman’s Pond Cay and has excellent fishing opportunities. This gem will set you back £3,510,402.

White Island in Grenada could be yours for the somewhat more affordable sum of £3,047,931. This immaculate Grenadine island is located 35 miles south of Mustique and one mile south of Carriacou and a 15 minute flight from Grenada International Airport (a private jet would be handy). This untouched island, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, has its own mountains, woodland and 3000ft of coral sand beaches. It’s the ideal place to relax and unwind, or make the most of snorkelling and diving in the sea.

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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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?

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.

Moving abroad to work and start a new life is a big step, but one that many people choose each year. Some even go one step further and start a new business abroad too.
If you’re looking to move abroad full-time and are after some inspiration and ideas as to what you could do work-wise, then here are some links to tales of people who’ve already taken the plunge.

For the couple in this feature, it was an olive grove in the Le Marche area of eastern Italy that caught their eye. They offer some insight into what it’s really like moving from high-earning, stable careers to working the land and growing olives for a living.

Owning a vineyard and getting into wine production is also a common theme amongst some expats, and the British couple who run Domaine de Lauroux in France are no exception. You can read about their story on their website – their Vineyard Diary offers particular insight into the actual work involved in growing, harvesting and running a vineyard business.

Aside from growing olives or grapes, many younger Brits are heading overseas to live and work in countries such as Dubai. Here you can read what it’s really like for young Brits who’ve taken their careers to the bright lights of the United Arab Emirates.

Sadly, not every new venture abroad works out quite as planned. A feature in the Independent last week looked at the highs and lows of running a business abroad and featured a couple who bought a ski chalet and run ski breaks, plus someone who bought a riding holiday business in Spain.

When you’re considering your options for working abroad, it’s also important to assess whether you have the types of skills that your chosen country would benefit from. To find out more about how your skills could help or hinder you, then check out this article.

At this time of year, when foreign property owners are planning relaxing trips away for Christmas, New Year or a holiday break, the benefits of owning your own property abroad become crystal clear.

During peak holiday periods, such as December, early January, Easter, half terms and during the school holidays in July and August, the prices of holidays abroad tend to soar. Rental holiday property costs hike up (sometimes doubling or trebling what they are in low season), especially in the popular areas, which adds expenditure to your trip. Even the cost of flights or other means of transport can be more than during off-peak times. Although there’s the temptation leave it late to book, hoping to get a decent last minute deal, you still can’t guarantee that you’ll secure a good offer and it may prove decidedly stressful.

Those that own holiday homes abroad though, don’t have to worry about sudden price increases in rental fees, as they’ve already bought property and have a readymade base awaiting them. It’s especially handy for those with families, who have to take holidays during the peak seasons to fit in with children’s school holidays, as it means they don’t have to worry about the increased cost of holidaying abroad at those times of the year. Or if you’ve got a large family and need a certain amount of space, at least you can rest assured that your home can comfortably accommodate everyone.

(Plus, if you’re ever thinking of renting out your property, you could also cash in on the peak season rates!)