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!)