2010

Got the nerve to negotiate?

We know it's a buyers' market in many countries and there are deals to be had. But just how cheeky can you be with your offers – with many asking prices already heavily discounted – and which countries are game for a bit of haggling? Let's find out

1 April 2010

How are Blue Flag beaches classified?

The Blue Flag programme has been going since 1987 and is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). We look at how they decide which beaches are awarded Blue Flag status.

1 April 2010

A Place in the Sun's 10 best places to buy abroad in 2010

An introduction to A Place in the Sun's list of 10 best places to buy a holiday home this year

1 March 2010

Amanda Lamb on a decade of highs and lows for overseas property

"This decade has seen some real highs and real lows when it comes to buying property abroad. In the early days it was such a new concept for most people"

1 March 2010

Builders guarantees in France

We give you the lowdown on builder's guarantees in France, to make sure your building project goes smoothly.

1 March 2010

Property-owners help out “ash cloud” travel victims

In a gesture of goodwill holiday homeowners have been reducing their rental rates to help out fellow Brits whose flights back to the UK have been cancelled by the volcanic ash cloud.

11 February 2010

Jasmine Harman and Jonnie Irwin on why a mountain bolt-hole can have the edge over a beach pad

"A Mountain bolt-hole has many advantages over a beach pad. It has year-round appeal, so would suit families with energetic kids"

1 February 2010

Be my guest in Portugal

Discover the attractions of Portugal's gorgeous Silver Coast whilst staying at Jonathan and Debbie Kendall's villa

1 February 2010

Meet the taxi driver

Simon Byrne, and his wife, Heather, swapped Oxfordshire for Savoie in the Alps in 2003. Simon tells us about his seasonal ski transfer firm that brings in enough to live on all year.

1 February 2010