Rhona Hutchinson is an expert on all aspects of buying property in Spain and is frequently quoted in the national press. Here is a selection of recent press coverage.

Daily Mail:

Valencia's winning formula: The Grand Prix city has all the buzz of Barcelona, but far lower prices

For many holiday home buyers, Spain means sun, sea and sand — but it can also mean 'city'. And many Britons dream of a place in the fashionable hubs of Barcelona or Madrid. But for those who cannot afford the price tags of these glamorous options, Valencia, on Spain's Mediterranean coastline midway between Barcelona and Malaga, can be an affordable alternative.  Read Full Article

The Guardian:

Spanish Property: Playing it cool in the coastal hotspots

“Refine the search to established developments that are mature and run well. Buying from individuals may be a better option than from developers. Prices may be 30% to 40% lower than last year, and further negotiation is possible,” says Rhona Hutchinson of Integrated Relocation Spain.  Read Full Article

Telegraph:

Property in Spain, but not as we know it (Menorca)

“The island’s homes remain expensive – as on all the Balearic Islands – but better value than before. “Prices are 30 to 40 per cent down on Menorca as they are throughout Spain,” says Rhona Hutchinson of Integrated Relocation Spain, a buying agency. “They are also much lower than on nearby Majorca.

“Majorca is a little brassier than Menorca, where Britons are lower-key and concentrate on their homes and boats,” says Hutchinson. “There are also stricter planning laws that prevent the oversupply of high-rise flats that scar many mainland costas and parts of Majorca.”  Read Full Article

Telegraph:

Buying abroad, cutting the risk of getting burned

“A sumptuous villa is tempting but consider the costs and practicality of upkeep when you are back in Britain for more than 90 per cent of the year. A property with a garden and pool will add considerably to ongoing costs and require looking after while you are away. Be aware of the security aspect while the property is lying empty,” advises Rhona Hutchinson of Integrated Relocation Spain, a buying agency.  Read Full Article

Telegraph:

Ask the Experts – buying in Andalucia

The Market

I know people use search agents to help them find the perfect house and I wondered if there were any firms, or individuals, offering the same service for foreign property. We want to buy somewhere in Andalucia but can’t afford the time to fly back and forth to find what we’re after. We want a traditional house with character, if possible a restoration project.

Lorna Vestey writes:

Buying abroad obviously has potential pitfalls and there are plenty of reasons to make retaining a good search agent a sensible plan. The language and local law will contain unknowns and, when judging by appearance only, it is difficult to distinguish the good and honest advisers (or sellers) from the incompetent and devious. Added to that is a lack of local knowledge and the practical difficulties of searching for a property in a country where you are not based.

For reliability, choose a member of EuRA, the international professional association of relocation agents. While most members in Spain specialise in the corporate sector, Integrated Relocation Spain also offers property search to private individuals (0844 598 3222; integratedrelocationspain.com) and I suggest you contact them.