That's why it's vitally important to choose not only a reputable agent to act on your behalf, but an organisation that is experienced and knows the market inside-out.

Alongside is a simple guide that could save you unnecessary worry and anxiety.

• Be sure you are being shown the type of property that best suits you - not the agent that is selling the property!
  
  
• Don't go on a party inspection trip. Make sure you have an individual guide assigned to you so you can view the properties you want to see.
  
  
• If you have any concerns, raise them with your agent. You need to be fully confident before committing to a legally-binding purchase.
  
  
• Choose a reputable agent so that you can be sure your interests are fully represented. You can't be in Spain throughout the construction of your property - choose an agent who can!
  
  
• Make sure your chosen agent has a local UK office which you can telephone or visit at any time to discuss any aspect of your dream home in the sun.

Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca is of course famous for its miles of white 'Blue Flag' sandy beaches, and boasts up to 320 days of sunshine a year. The average temperature is 19ºC, so even in winter you can enjoy a warm, comfortable climate. The World Health Organisation has described the Costa Blanca as the 'ideal environment', and it's easy to see why. The vibrant and ancient port city of Alicante offers a rich and bustling cosmopolitan lifestyle - and fantastic shopping! Then there are the quieter, traditional towns such as Gran Alicante and Castalla, set in the hillsides and valleys, offering superb, panoramic views. Along the eighty-mile stretch of coastline are countless resorts offering the widest choice of amenities, including fabulous shops, tapas bars, restaurants and the famous weekly markets that sell fresh local produce. Among others, resorts like La Manga and Torrevieja offer superb beaches, watersports, and of course, a huge range of golf courses, for which La Manga is especially famous. Torrevieja is also known for the healing properties of its natural salt lakes.

Costa Calida

If your vision of a life in Spain is miles and miles of some of the last remaining unspoiled virgin beaches in the Mediterranean, then Costa Calida is the place you've been searching for. A stronghold of the Spanish Moors for centuries, the influence of this ancient culture is still evident today in the rustic white-washed villages that are spread throughout this breath-taking landscape. Yet despite Costa Calida's pride in its ancient origins, the region still offers a superb and varied range of modern restaurants, hotels and entertainment complexes. Costa Calida is also famous for its natural parks and mountain regions, and historic points of interest, such as the ancient settlements and castles, further examples of Costa Calida's Moorish heritage.

Costa de Almeria

Enjoy the sand, sea and snow! Costa de Almeria is close to the world-famous Sierra Nevada ski resort, as well as boasting fabulous beaches, so whether you're into sunbathing or skiing, the area provides an envious choice of both. Gourmets and gastronomes will know the Costa de Almeria for its world-famous tomatoes and avocados, its rich assortment of exotic vegetables, and fresh fish caught daily in the Mediterranean, all of which is served up in the area's wide assortment of restaurants and bars. The coastal town of Garrucha offers perhaps the tastiest fish on the coast, and of course fabulous beaches. Costa de Almeria is especially famous for its unique architecture, and boasts historic monuments from the Iberian and Moorish eras. As in Costa Blanca and Costa Calida, the Costa de Almeria offers an unrivalled choice in sporting pursuits, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to its famous choice in golf courses. There is also a huge variety of watersports to chose from, including diving, water-skiing and windsurfing. Or you can always just sit back, take it easy and enjoy the sun!