But across Spain, thousands of foreign buyers have fallen foul of cowboy builders who build without permission and dodgy estate agents suspected of buying the silence of corrupt town hall officials. However, most people find that their budget kicks in before reaching the maximum square metre size.
Foreign exchange is not a regulated industry, so check you are dealing with a reputable, well-established broker before parting with any money.
For us teachers, it was a chance to continuously quiz the natives about local habits and customs.
Fortunately each element from taps and interior doors to wall tiles and bathroom furniture is clearly defined and costed within our contracts. Look for a property convenient for the local airport and attractions such as beaches and golf courses. Why do I need a basement?
The larger the plot, the larger the natural areas and therefore the greater the amount of privacy and distance from your neighbours.
A local court is already investigating allegations property promoters bribed town hall officials into turning a blind eye to the building of green belt homes.
However, once the build process is underway, the information superhighway can take the strain. In most countries, handing over your deposit commits you to buying the property, with penalties for pulling out. After a few hours of intensive English we were nearing our destination, to the obvious relief of many Spaniards. This means that English, Welsh and Northern Irish citizens can will their Spanish property to whomever they see fit.
Spanish citizens are unable to avoid the law of obligatory heirs thus ensuring that their estate remains in the family for ill or for good.
Firstly, find out how much you are allowed.
But overseas house hunters and pensioners often overlook the cost of sending money abroad. Hundreds of the homes have been built inside a nature reserve, with many of them sold to expats seeking a new life in the sun or a holiday home.
And as one local estate agent said to me, the Brits just don't seem to realise it's there. For the language students, it was six hours of intensive conversation daily, being exposed to a range of accents, dialects, and personalities.
Some countries charge a wealth tax simply for owning a property, while most charge capital gains tax on any profit when you sell. But across Spain, thousands of foreign buyers have fallen foul of cowboy builders who build without permission and dodgy estate agents suspected of buying the silence of corrupt town hall officials. From here it's a two-hour journey north to a Spanish hamlet where English is the official language.
As the coach made its tortuous route down into the valley, it became clear just how deserted this area was. Even in the case of married partners who are UK citizens, the surviving spouse of the deceased would only be entitled to half of the Spanish estate if no will was made to state otherwise. Where no will is made the whole of the estate would be divided equally among the surviving children. Your mortgage lender should be able to recommend one. At the end of the road, Valdelavilla is miles from shops, petrol stations, pubs, restaurants - in fact, from almost all of modern Spain.