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00:00Today I'm on the East Coast of Spain house hunting around the beautiful Marmenor.
00:07I'm Ben Hillman, an interior designer and property expert.
00:11For the past few years I've been helping house hunters find their dream properties
00:14whilst giving them a little design inspiration too.
00:17Today I'm going to be using all my skills to find the perfect place for Sharon
00:21who's house hunting with her daughter Hayley.
00:24And I'm full of surprises.
00:26Just shopped at what you can get for your money really.
00:29Are you?
00:30Yeah, I am.
00:31As I feel the need to become Dr. Bev.
00:33Shall we see if it's got a heart?
00:38It's got a heart.
00:39OK.
00:40It really has got a heart this place.
00:42I find a luxury property that's very temptingly move-in ready.
00:46Is this a full-time home?
00:48No it's not, it's a holiday home.
00:50That's sacrilege.
00:51I know, it's crazy.
00:52I'll take it on.
00:53It's hard to believe.
00:54But at the end of the day do I find my house hunters their perfect place in the sun.
00:58Well this is what we were looking for.
01:01From the word go.
01:02Yeah.
01:03Yeah, from the outset.
01:07Sharon's late mum always dreamed of owning a holiday home in Spain and gave Sharon the advice to go out there and achieve what she never managed to do herself.
01:17Now, with the help of daughter Hayley, she's looking to do just that by using her inheritance to honour her mum's memory and create a happy place for her five children and seven grandchildren to all enjoy as one big family.
01:32Retired secondary school teacher Sharon has a budget of £80,000 to buy a holiday home for her and the family and can't think of anyone better to help her on the search than her eldest daughter Hayley.
01:45What I love about Hayley is that she's always there for me. If I've got any issues, any concerns, need any backup, need any advice, then she's the one that I can contact and know that it will be a thought through piece of advice.
02:00We are always on the phone to each other, always messaging each other, asking each other advice, guidance and obviously choosing very similar clothing.
02:14To get to the Marmonor in south-eastern Spain, you fly into Mercia Airport, which takes just over two and a half hours from the UK and then it's around half an hour's drive.
02:26The Marmonor is Europe's largest saltwater lagoon, separated from the Med by a 14-mile long strip of land called La Manga.
02:35It's the lesser sea to the Mediterranean's Mar Mayor, or Greater Sea.
02:39All that blue wet stuff, unsurprisingly, makes it very popular with water sports enthusiasts.
02:46And away from the sun, sea and sand, there are loads of places to relax and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.
02:52No wonder it's so popular with holidaymakers and homeowners.
02:56The Marmonor is well known as one of the more affordable places to buy property on Spain's east coast.
03:01And despite an increase in demand and a rise in prices by 17% over the past year, you can still find a two-bedroom apartment with a pool and close to the coast from upwards of £63,000.
03:16Which for Sharon's budget means I should have some very interesting options to show her.
03:20Before we get started, I'm meeting up with my house hunters in the town of Los Alcáceres, one of the main hubs of the Marmonor.
03:28And I thought we'd chat on its lovely main beach.
03:31Sharon and Hayley, welcome to the Marmonor. Happy to be here?
03:35Oh yes, definitely.
03:37How many times have you been here before?
03:39Never.
03:40What has made you decide on the Marmonor as an area to look for a property?
03:45I've done quite a bit of social media research on it and I just feel that this area just matches what I'm looking for.
03:52Tell me about the family because it's a big family.
03:54It certainly is. I have five children, Katie, Ben, Lewis, Remy.
03:59Seven grandchildren from those five children and then I've got almost two great-grandchildren, one's due in January.
04:06How lovely.
04:07Sadly, I lost both mum and dad last year.
04:11OK, so it's been a hard, terrible year for you.
04:15My mum loves Spain so much.
04:18She almost bought somewhere in Costa Blanca about 30 odd years ago for £7,000 but she was just never brave enough.
04:28So I really am here to carry on her legacy so that the whole family can benefit.
04:34That is really lovely.
04:37This is something that we envisage being a legacy almost for them to give to the family.
04:44So it's something that we can all use throughout the year.
04:48Well, years chatting about what this could be.
04:51Yeah.
04:53What could it be? What are you hoping to find out here?
04:56I know you have a budget of £80,000. Potentially how much more if I was to push it?
05:00Well, I wouldn't want to go any more than £90,000.
05:04OK. So with that in mind.
05:06I think ideally we would like two bedrooms.
05:09Yep.
05:10Bearing in mind that, you know, couples and they have two children or one child.
05:14Yeah.
05:15And maybe you might bring a friend with them or whatever.
05:17We did say ideally we'd like some swimming pool, really, or access to one, a communal one that wasn't too far away.
05:26We would like some outside space as well.
05:29It's just nice of an evening, isn't it, to be able to sit outside where you live and soak in the atmosphere later on into the evening with a glass or two.
05:37That's what it's all about.
05:38Yeah.
05:39So, you've never been to the Marmonor before.
05:41Location-wise, what do you know of it? Where do you think you want to be?
05:46But I'm not so sure it's necessarily the area so much, but the feel we get for this home-from-home environment.
05:53And until we've been to see...
05:54So you need to be here to know it.
05:56Exactly. You can't tell by looking at a picture or reading in a book. You need to actually experience it.
06:00Are you ready to go and see some property?
06:03Oh, we're so excited.
06:04Shall we do it?
06:05Beside ourselves, yeah.
06:06Come with me. Let's go.
06:08Well, I've got no doubt I'm going to have a lot of fun with these two.
06:11And I'm also pretty confident I can find Sharon that perfect home-from-home with her maximum budget of £90,000.
06:19It'll also be fun showing her and Hayley the many delights of the Marmonor.
06:23Before visiting property in number one, we're making a quick stop off in the centre of town.
06:27What do you think? I know it's your first impression, but what are your thoughts on the town so far?
06:32Really nice. I think so far we're impressed.
06:35What I've learned is that it gives what I'm looking for, which is that it's a working town.
06:41Yeah.
06:42There's a lot going on. It's on the Marmonor, which is so tranquil.
06:47Perfect for children. Lots to look at. Lots of places to sit and chill out.
06:52I see the plaza down there being an integral space for you, getting to know everyone, becoming part of the community.
06:59Yeah, definitely.
07:01Go and see our first property. It is walkable. It is a 40-minute walk from here.
07:05Okay.
07:06But it's all very flat.
07:07Yep.
07:08But it is on the bus thing straight in.
07:09Perfect.
07:10We actually jumped in the car and made the short drive to a part of town called Los Narejos,
07:16where there's a roughly 50-50 mix of Spanish and residents from other parts of Europe.
07:22Despite being less than 20 minutes walk from the beach, it's a very affordable area.
07:26And the first place I found for Sharon comes in quite a bit below budget.
07:30So, welcome to Los Narejos, lovely little neighbourhood, Los Alcafres.
07:36The property I'm going to show you is in here.
07:39Yeah, I like it.
07:40Nice-sized community, I think, and it's got a bit of a kind of Moroccan vibe to it.
07:44Yeah, it does.
07:45Yeah, yeah.
07:46As you can see through these lovely little archways, there is a pool.
07:49Yes.
07:50A communal pool.
07:51Yeah.
07:52Fantastic.
07:53I'm going to show you a property that's been on the market for eight weeks.
07:56It's on the first floor.
07:57It's actually on the other side of the building.
08:00Two good-sized bedrooms.
08:01It's good.
08:02It's good to go.
08:03It's in great decorative order.
08:04Great.
08:05It's under budget.
08:06It's just over £68,500.
08:07You're joking.
08:08No.
08:09I'm not.
08:10Excellent.
08:11Yeah.
08:12Let's have a look.
08:13I'm saying all the right things.
08:14You certainly are.
08:15Let's see if it's all good inside, shall we?
08:17Yeah.
08:18Please.
08:19As well as access to the communal pool, this first floor apartment has its own enclosed
08:23private balcony.
08:24Inside, there's a semi-open-plan living, dine-in and kitchen area, the main bedroom, which
08:30opens onto the balcony, a similar-sized second bedroom and a bathroom.
08:36So, let's step into your first ever property in Spain.
08:41Yeah.
08:42Good first impressions, I think.
08:43Yeah.
08:44Oh, smiles.
08:45Yeah.
08:46Definitely.
08:47I think the decor's all right as well, isn't it?
08:48Yeah.
08:49It's nice and light and bright.
08:50Yeah.
08:51Yeah.
08:52And then, through the lovely Spanish arch, because you've got to have one of those,
08:56is your, it's kind of a semi-open-plan kitchen, but it's all very new.
09:00Yes.
09:01Which is great.
09:02Brilliant.
09:03Isn't it?
09:04It's ideal for being able to prep breakfasts and things like that for the family, so definitely,
09:09yeah.
09:10Right, we're going to head off to the main bedroom.
09:13Sharon, step into your room.
09:15I call it your room, because you've got these lovely French doors to step out to the balcony.
09:19Yeah, lovely.
09:20So, how does this stack up?
09:22Well, I'm just, I'm just shocked at what you can get for your money, really.
09:26Are you?
09:27Yeah, I am.
09:28Well, how about waking up to this in the morning, stepping out having your coffee?
09:32It's quite flexible in the fact that you could use this area just to sit in, or you could
09:36have it where you could sit and eat your meals.
09:40Feels like a room as opposed to a balcony, which I like.
09:43Yeah.
09:44So, I didn't expect to have something like this.
09:45Well, would you like to go and check out a bit more of it?
09:48Yes, please.
09:49And I'll hang around for you.
09:50Okay.
09:55Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they like it.
09:59And if things carry on like this, I think it's shaping up to be quite a good search.
10:05Oh, this is a nice side room.
10:07And again, nice clean, modern feel to it, and really neutral decor, so...
10:13Yeah.
10:14And I like the bars protecting the windows as well, you know, for safety for the children
10:19as well.
10:20Yeah, that's great.
10:21Yeah.
10:22I really like it.
10:23Yeah, I do.
10:24Well, it's always nice to get off to a good start, and there isn't even a smidge of doubt
10:27I've done that with this apartment, which is on the market for a budget-busting just
10:31over £68,500.
10:33Both Sharon and Hayley seem super-duper keen on it.
10:38Right then, how are we feeling now we've seen the rest of it?
10:41We're feeling good.
10:42Really good.
10:43How good are we talking?
10:44Super good.
10:45Well, this is a brilliant first property to set the bar.
10:48Well, it's definitely ticking the pool, the two bedrooms...
10:52Outdoor space here.
10:53Outdoor space here, yeah.
10:55The feeling of community, of being in a sort of home-from-home environment.
10:58Yeah.
10:59You could step in and just have a holiday immediately, yeah.
11:02And location, if you're out here on your own, how are you feeling about that?
11:05Yeah, it feels safe.
11:06And the fact that you've got a security gate on the outside and, you know, everything else
11:10inside here that's secure, yeah.
11:13Real contender for you.
11:14Oh, definitely.
11:15Definitely.
11:16Yeah.
11:17If you could improve at all, what would it be?
11:18Where would it be?
11:19Yeah.
11:20Maybe additional outside space.
11:22Mm-hm.
11:23Maybe slightly larger inside.
11:25Yeah.
11:26Well, look, given that this is so far under budget...
11:28Yep.
11:29OK, and you love it, I reckon the world is our oyster.
11:32I think so, too.
11:33Isn't it?
11:34Yeah, definitely.
11:35It's shaping up, wow.
11:36Shall we go and see more?
11:37Yes, please.
11:38Bye.
11:42Coming up, if it's more space that Sharon and Hayley are after, then I'm hoping my next
11:46property, a two-bedroom ground-floor apartment with its lovely front garden and plenty of room
11:51for entertaining will hit the spot.
11:59Today I'm on the east coast of Spain helping Sharon and her daughter Hayley to find the perfect property for family holidays close to the ever-popular Marmenor.
12:08And having only shown them one property so far, we may have already found their happy place.
12:14My house hunter Sharon, helped by her daughter Hayley, has a maximum budget of £90,000 to find her ideal holiday home.
12:22And they both really liked this two-bedroom apartment with an enclosed balcony.
12:26So we're staying in the town of Los Alcatraz for property number two.
12:31This time, though, we're much closer to the heart of things in an area where prices and demand are currently soaring.
12:37So my next place comes in a touch over Sharon's budget.
12:41Though I've been told there's a little bit of flexibility here.
12:44Well, I'm excited to show you this pool area at our next property.
12:48This is really nice.
12:50Really pretty.
12:51Yeah.
12:52I like the sort of garden feel about it.
12:54Yeah.
12:55I think this is really nice.
12:56That's good.
12:57Perfect.
12:58We're going to go and see the house.
12:59Can't wait.
13:00Can't wait.
13:03So you've got your very own garden this time, no balconies to talk of.
13:07I do like a garden.
13:09I think it's very low maintenance as it is.
13:11Yeah.
13:12So if it is, you know, a property that we're not here for all the time.
13:14Yeah.
13:15This kind of setup is probably better.
13:17What do you think of this property from the outside?
13:19I do like it.
13:20Yeah.
13:21And I like the fact that you come out straight onto your own garden.
13:24So this is, again, two double bedrooms.
13:27Okay.
13:28Okay.
13:29Open plan, kitchen, living, plus dining space.
13:33But we are closer to town and that does mean prices are higher here.
13:36Yeah.
13:37Okay.
13:38So this, unlike the last property, which was below budget, this is just over the top of your top budget.
13:45Okay.
13:46Just over £90,500.
13:47Mm-hmm.
13:48I'm not saying that's not negotiable a little bit.
13:51Okay.
13:52But it has recently been brought down in price.
13:53Okay.
13:54Okay.
13:55It's been on the market six months, but I think truly now it's priced to sell.
14:00Yeah.
14:01Let's have a look inside.
14:02Yes.
14:03Let's.
14:04As well as access to the communal pool, this ground floor apartment has a private front
14:09garden and a small enclosed terrace.
14:12Inside, there's a light and airy open plan, living, dining and kitchen space.
14:17Two similar sized bedrooms.
14:21And a family bathroom.
14:25Great little porch area.
14:27And then how about this for a good sized living space?
14:31Better than the last, I would argue.
14:33Yeah, I like this.
14:34Do you?
14:35Feels more open.
14:36Yeah.
14:37Doesn't it?
14:38Yeah.
14:39Plenty of room to manoeuvre, really.
14:40It's definitely a lot larger.
14:42So therefore, you know, you could fit a few more people in here without feeling like you're
14:46on top of each other and feeling cramped.
14:48Yeah.
14:49Yeah.
14:50Especially as you can spill out into the garden as well.
14:51Yeah.
14:52Yeah.
14:53Furniture is staying here as well.
14:55So what do you think about that?
14:57Yeah.
14:58I mean, it's good to start you off, I think.
15:00Definitely.
15:01And you know, as long as you're comfortable as soon as you come here and you've got somewhere
15:04to relax and everything else, that's something you could change over time if you wanted to.
15:09Yeah.
15:10Let's go and see a little bit more, shall we?
15:11Yes, please.
15:12So into our first bedroom and pretty much the same size as the other.
15:17The bedroom seemed brighter than the last property and I think maybe that's because you've got the garden
15:22and everything else sort of coming into the room as well.
15:25Yeah.
15:26And I do like the built-in wardrobe as opposed to freestanding.
15:29Yeah.
15:30So this is all working for you?
15:31Yeah.
15:32Have a look around.
15:33See what you think of it.
15:34Yeah.
15:35Will do.
15:37Oh, there you go.
15:38The last property was going to be hard to beat, but this seems to be doing the trick.
15:43I only hope I can keep up the pace.
15:46Oh, this is another good size room.
15:48Yeah.
15:49I did expect there to be a double bed, but I mean, obviously you can get a double bed in here.
15:53Well, yeah, clearly there's plenty of space in here to be able to push the beds together,
15:58get a double bed in, even bunk beds we could put in here, couldn't we?
16:01Yeah.
16:04Okay.
16:05This is a nice kitchen, actually.
16:08The units are looking great.
16:10Plenty of them.
16:11Yeah.
16:12Oh, this little breakfast bar as well, the option of popping a couple of stools here,
16:17you know, getting the food out for the kids so that you can have a chat with them while
16:21you're doing other things, making dinner and not doing any washing up.
16:25That's a good idea, actually.
16:26You could do that.
16:28Well, this ground floor apartment, which is on the market for a negotiable just over £90,500,
16:33is pricier than our current contender, but it's also a lot more spacious.
16:38And without doubt it's made a big and positive impression on Sharon and Hayley.
16:43Well, I'm wondering, do I have two happy shoppers on my hands?
16:46Yeah, I think you do.
16:48Ooh.
16:49I like the outside space.
16:51I like the access to the pool.
16:53And I also like the fact it feels almost like a bungalow inside, all the bedrooms on one side.
16:59Are you trying to say you like it?
17:01I do.
17:02That's great.
17:03I think now this has almost thrown a little bit of a spanner in the works because it's
17:08really shown us what we can do if we push the budget to the top.
17:12I think it is a contender, do you agree?
17:14Yeah, I do like it.
17:16Yeah.
17:17It's just got the feel about it that, you know, makes it feel, I don't know, maybe a little bit more superior.
17:24This one is?
17:25Yeah.
17:26It's this edge in it?
17:27Yeah.
17:28Got the edge.
17:29Okay, but they're both in the running still?
17:30Yes.
17:31Oh, yes, most definitely.
17:32Come back.
17:33Already?
17:34My goodness.
17:35Well, obviously, these apartments have worked very well for you.
17:38But I want to change things up a bit and try something a little bit different, okay?
17:42Ooh, intriguing.
17:43Yeah, are you?
17:44Intrigued?
17:45Yeah, I am intrigued.
17:46Good.
17:47Let's go.
17:48Well, I'm a happy camper right now, and more importantly, so are Sharon and Hayley.
17:51And I reckon I can keep those smiles on their faces with property number three.
17:55Before we pay it to visit, though, I thought it would be a good idea to meet up with someone
17:59who can give Sharon and Hayley the lowdown about what life is like out here on the Marmonore.
18:05Sharon and Hayley, I'm excited to introduce you to Linda here.
18:08Hi.
18:09Who's been patiently waiting for us.
18:10Thank you, Linda.
18:11You've been living in Los Alcathedis for quite a number of years now, haven't you?
18:15Fifteen, yes.
18:16Fifteen.
18:17Glorious years.
18:18Beautiful.
18:19It's a lovely place to live.
18:20What's the local transport like?
18:22Very good.
18:23The buses run every 20 minutes in all directions, and in the summer there's a little train that
18:29you can use to go from the old town to the new town, as long as you wave at the people
18:34in the bars as you go past.
18:36I think it's about a euro or a euro fifty, something like that.
18:40Oh, that's something the kids would really like, isn't it?
18:42Yeah.
18:43Yeah.
18:44So you can easily live out here without a car?
18:46Yes.
18:47Oh, yes.
18:48It's quite a safe place for a woman on their own as well.
18:51Fantastic.
18:52Well, look, we are going to go and see and have a property, but before we do, any advice?
18:57Key words of wisdom?
18:59Go with your heart.
19:00Oh, don't say that.
19:01Not to this one.
19:02You can buy them all.
19:03Go with your heart.
19:04Brilliant.
19:05Thank you so much.
19:06Enjoy.
19:07Thank you, Linda.
19:08Bye.
19:09See you later.
19:10Bye.
19:11Bye.
19:12Coming up, I can't wait to show Sharon and Hayley my next property, a two bedroom bungalow
19:16with this lovely outdoor space and an interior that's good to go.
19:22Today I'm house hunting on Spain's glorious Marmonor with Sharon who, with the help of daughter,
19:32Hayley is in search of the perfect holiday home.
19:35And with two contenders already, things couldn't be going any better.
19:39Sharon, who has a maximum budget of £90,000, is looking for a property to honour her mum's
19:45memory.
19:46She and Hayley have liked both apartments I've shown them so far, and they're also big fans
19:50of the town of Los Alcatraz, which is home to both properties.
19:54So we're staying there for property three back in the Los Narejos district where we saw
19:58our first place.
19:59This mainly residential area is a 20 minute walk from a great beach and a 15 minute bus
20:04ride from the centre of town.
20:06And as it's a fairly affordable part of the world, I've managed to find Sharon a different
20:10type of property, a bungalow no less, for a bit below that maximum budget.
20:16Right then, I am excited to show you this.
20:19We are back in Los Narejos.
20:21We are looking at a standalone property, a bungalow.
20:24I think it's really sweet, isn't it?
20:27Yeah, it's very traditional in my eyes.
20:30Yeah.
20:31I think it's got charm.
20:32That's the word I was looking for.
20:34Ah, excellent.
20:35Yeah, charming.
20:36This is your main outdoor space, but you've got outdoor space at the back, which you could
20:39dress up and jazz up a little bit.
20:41It's a two bedroom, one bathroom property.
20:44Price wise, it's good news.
20:46It's been on the mic for two months, but only last week they reduced the price by £8,000,
20:50which does now bring it into budget.
20:52Okay, it's priced at just over £86,000.
20:55Okay.
20:56That's good.
20:57Yeah.
20:58Any concerns?
20:59Pool question.
21:00I'm assuming no pool with this one.
21:02Yeah.
21:03Public pool is a six minute walk down the road.
21:05Okay, so not far at all.
21:07And that's the nearest one, because there are two.
21:08Okay.
21:09And actually, with this space out here, for the small ones, you could still have room for
21:13a paddling pool?
21:14You could, definitely.
21:15A little plunge pool?
21:16Yeah.
21:17It'd be lovely.
21:18The kids would love it.
21:19Yeah.
21:20And even the big ones.
21:21Let's get inside.
21:22This bungalow has a garden at the front, a covered terrace used for storage at the side,
21:27and a courtyard at the back.
21:29Inside, there's a semi-open plan, living, dining and kitchen area, the main bedroom,
21:35a second bedroom, and a bathroom.
21:40Okay, step inside.
21:42I like this.
21:43I like this.
21:44This is something totally different, isn't it?
21:46From what you were expecting outside?
21:47Yeah.
21:48Okay.
21:49Yeah.
21:50Very much.
21:51This has got real character.
21:52Yeah, I'm loving the fireplace and chimney.
21:54I don't know about you, but I think that really brings, like, a central point to the room.
21:58They're quite unusual.
21:59Yeah, it gives it character.
22:00Shall we see if it's got heart?
22:01It's got heart.
22:02Okay.
22:03It really has got heart, this place.
22:04Shall we go and see more?
22:05Another lovely archway into your kitchen, which, again, great size, proper family kitchen, isn't it, this one?
22:22It works, doesn't it?
22:23Yeah.
22:24I think an ultra-modern kitchen would not work in this property because it needs something
22:30that does have the same sort of traditional style to fit the house.
22:35So you're quite happy with this?
22:37Yeah.
22:38It's a good-sized kitchen, isn't it?
22:39Yeah.
22:40Well, we'd better go and see some more then.
22:41Yeah.
22:44Right, so this bedroom is at the front of the house.
22:47It looks over that lovely little garden there.
22:50But we've got a lot of space around, haven't we?
22:53And built-in wardrobes, Mum.
22:55Yeah.
22:56Yeah, I do like the doors, actually, throughout the house.
22:58I think they're a real feature.
23:00Would you like to go and soak up a bit more of this property while we're here?
23:03Yeah, thank you.
23:04You go and enjoy that, and I'll see you in a bit.
23:09Do you think they like it?
23:10I reckon they do like it.
23:12But to be honest, look, every property search has a little element of luck to it.
23:17But our Los Alcatas is proving to be a bit of a gold mine.
23:22Oh, this is a nice room as well.
23:24Yeah.
23:25Another nice-sized room, again, built-in wardrobes ideal.
23:29Works for us well.
23:30Mm, really like it.
23:33Well, this is a nice, handy area.
23:35It's just such a multi-use space, really, isn't it?
23:38You could have a dining table out here, get your Barbie on the go.
23:42Yeah.
23:43It really works.
23:44No, it's good.
23:45This house hunt has been going superbly, and it looks like that's continuing with this bungalow,
23:49which is on the market for just over £86,000.
23:52Even though it's different from my two current contenders, I'm so pleased Sharon and Hayley can see the benefits of each property I'm showing them.
24:01Right, how do?
24:03How do?
24:04Have you got that neon Casabarbra sign ready to go up over this one?
24:10Well, it's a nice house. We like the layout.
24:13Yeah.
24:14And the size of it as well. I mean, it's much bigger on the inside than we thought from the outside.
24:20Mm-hmm.
24:21However, I think there's a question mark over the pool situation still.
24:25Is there?
24:26Yeah?
24:27That means a lot to you, the pool, does it?
24:29Mm-hmm. Not for me personally, but I think for the wider family, especially as there are so many grandchildren,
24:35and they do like to dip in and out of the pool all day, on and off.
24:40Yeah.
24:41I think that is quite an important consideration.
24:43I don't think we're ruling it out because there are pools nearby.
24:46We've just got to work out where the priorities lie.
24:49We've got a hat trick of contenders, which is great news. It's amazing news, actually.
24:53Yeah.
24:54Well, look, given the success we've had in this area, I think we're going to change tack just a little bit
24:59and head to a new area.
25:00Ooh.
25:01Is that all right?
25:02Yeah.
25:03See something a little different?
25:04Yeah, that would be good.
25:05Come on.
25:06Well, apart from the lack of pool, this place made a real splash, and with three properties in the bag,
25:12I'm happy to roll the geographical dice and head just over half an hour's drive up the coast
25:17to a place called Los Altos, close to the town of Torre Vieja.
25:21It's more of a holiday area than a year-round one, and it's a little bit pricier around here
25:26than on the Marmon Ore, so property number four comes in a touch over Sharon's budget,
25:31though I know there's some wiggle room on the vendor side.
25:34Now, first things first, we'd better talk about pools, because that is what was missing at the last property,
25:40and this is a whopper.
25:42Yeah, it's a really good pool, and I like the surrounding area as well, so you can chill out a little bit.
25:48There's places to sit, spaces to put your sun lounger out.
25:52This is hitting the mark.
25:53Yes.
25:54As it stands.
25:55Okay, well, look, the house is a couple of doors up that way.
25:57Let's go and see that now.
25:58Okay.
25:59So, we are outside our fourth property.
26:04There's the pool.
26:05There's the house or apartment.
26:07First floor.
26:08What can you glean from it, from the outside?
26:13Nothing, clearly.
26:16I'll tell you something about it then, Sharon, I don't want to overwhelm you.
26:21You have a roof terrace.
26:23You have a huge roof terrace.
26:24What?
26:25A solarium, as they're known out here.
26:28You've got a shared stairway going up, but you've got a private roof terrace to your property.
26:33Wow.
26:34Yes.
26:35Two bedrooms, one bath, really good order.
26:38The price of this, this is an interesting one.
26:41It's just under £90,500.
26:43Okay.
26:44So, again, it's over the top of your budget.
26:47But the agent has said there is a deal to be done on this property.
26:51Okay.
26:52So, I think you could negotiate relatively hard on it.
26:55Yeah.
26:56Well, look, head up those stairs, have a look around, and I will catch you on the roof terrace when you're done.
27:01Oh, fantastic.
27:02Yeah.
27:03Can't promise a cocktail in hand though, I'm afraid.
27:05No.
27:06All right.
27:07See you in a bit.
27:08Okay.
27:09Duh.
27:10I do love my job.
27:12As well as access to the communal pool, this first floor apartment has a balcony and a large roof terrace with views over the town.
27:19Inside, there's a living and dining room, a separate kitchen, two similar sized bedrooms, and a shower room.
27:30Well, this is a nice open space.
27:33Yeah.
27:34Very nice.
27:35And I like the balcony.
27:37Yeah.
27:38I think it's really well kept.
27:39Yes.
27:40Excellent condition.
27:41Very well looked after.
27:42And there's room for two sofas as well, which is quite nice.
27:45Mmm.
27:46Nice kitchen.
27:47I think it's going to work.
27:49I think it's a good functional kitchen.
27:51It is.
27:52I don't think, on the other hand, it is my favourite kitchen.
27:55No.
27:56Out of the properties that we've seen.
27:58Okay.
28:00This is the main room.
28:01This is a nice size.
28:02Yes.
28:03This is a really good size room.
28:05I've noticed though that you're a bit quiet about this one.
28:10You're not feeling this one?
28:11No.
28:12No.
28:13No, no, no.
28:14It's in an area we're not particularly, you know, aware of so much.
28:19But also, I feel like this area is a little bit too built up for you.
28:22Yeah.
28:23Yeah.
28:24Should we go and have a look at the solarium anyway?
28:26Yeah.
28:27It'd be nice to see what you've got up there as an extra.
28:29Yeah.
28:30Okay.
28:32Wow.
28:33Oh, this is lovely.
28:34Yeah, this is a really nice terrace, isn't it?
28:37Yeah.
28:38This is the icing on the cake to this property, I think.
28:40Yeah, definitely.
28:41I mean, it's by far the best conditioned property we've ever seen.
28:46But it still feels to me like a holiday home.
28:51Well, this apartment, which is on the market for a negotiable just under £90,500, is a bit
28:57of a risk given that it's not near the Marmonore.
28:59But I think it was useful to bring Sharon and Hayley to see what this area could offer
29:04them.
29:05So, what's their verdict?
29:06Not the home from home.
29:07No.
29:08I am hearing things I don't want to hear.
29:09No.
29:10Um, is it not working?
29:13That's what I heard coming up the stairs.
29:16We just jointly think it feels a little bit too holiday home-ish.
29:22Okay.
29:23A little bit too built up.
29:25This area is absolutely wonderful.
29:27But then, actually, when you look out, it consolidates how built up the area is.
29:31Sure, yeah, yeah.
29:32I think there's positives and negatives to all of the ones we've seen.
29:37This space is a massive positive to this.
29:39Right.
29:40But the layout for the bungalow, for example, felt more natural, more of a flow.
29:45Okay.
29:46So, we like that one, I feel, a little bit better internally from a layout perspective.
29:50You're feeling the same, Sharon?
29:51Yeah, definitely.
29:52Okay.
29:53We've still got three goodies, though, haven't we?
29:55We have.
29:56All right, then.
29:57Should we try and get a fourth?
29:58Oh, yes.
29:59Yeah.
30:00Let's go and have a look at that.
30:01Coming up, I hope to get back on it with this apartment with a lovely roof terrace.
30:05There's a lot to think about now, I'm afraid.
30:07Yeah.
30:08So, you're feeling this one, then?
30:10Today, I'm in sunny Spain with mother and daughter, Sharon and Hayley.
30:18They're after the perfect holiday home for all four generations of the family to enjoy.
30:24And with three properties in the running, I'd be lucky enough to make it a fourth with my
30:29final one.
30:30Sharon, accompanied by daughter Hayley, has a maximum budget of £90,000 to find a holiday
30:35home here on the east coast of Spain.
30:37They both liked the first three properties I showed them.
30:41And I think my fifth and final place, this two-bedroom apartment with a roof terrace,
30:46could turn that trio of contenders into a quartet.
30:51But before we go there, I'm heading to the golf resort of La Manga Club to take a look
30:56at this recently renovated five-bedroom, seven-bathroom villa with some lovely outside
31:01space overlooking the greens and fairways.
31:04I'm meeting Agent Paula for the tour.
31:06Paula, great to see you.
31:08Great to see you, too.
31:09Welcome to La Manga Club.
31:11I'm happy to be back here.
31:12This looks a little bit special, doesn't it?
31:13It's a very special villa.
31:14Can't wait to see it.
31:15Should we go outside?
31:16Yeah.
31:18So here we've got the lounge area.
31:21I like the shape of this room.
31:23It's not conventional, is it, with its curved wall and sort of semi-volted ceilings
31:27and then beautiful view out as well.
31:29Yes.
31:30It's really interesting.
31:31Yeah, so this is the architecture of this villa.
31:33So what you've got behind there is the tower, which is currently the dining room.
31:37Are you going to impress me with the amazing bedrooms?
31:39Yes, I am.
31:40Yeah?
31:41Is it special?
31:42What an entrance.
31:45Look at this.
31:46This is rather grand, isn't it?
31:48Yes.
31:49And it's traditional, but then you've got this most amazing contemporary window.
31:54Yes, this is the most modern part of the house.
31:56This is the extension.
31:57And throughout these windows, you can see the golf course.
32:00Yeah, and you can understand why they went to all the effort of building this,
32:04because that view is absolutely knockout.
32:07Are the views as good from the garden?
32:09Just as good.
32:10Better prove it.
32:11Let's go and see them.
32:12Let me show you.
32:13Gosh.
32:14Do you know what?
32:15It's when you step out here, the shape of this house, all of a sudden it makes sense,
32:19because it hugs that view, doesn't it?
32:21Yeah, the view is absolutely fantastic.
32:23We are overlooking the third fairway of the north course of La Manga Club.
32:27It's a bit of a corker, this house, isn't it?
32:29It is.
32:30It's quite special.
32:31Is this a full-time home?
32:32No, it's not.
32:33It's a holiday home.
32:34Basically, not lived in for most of the year.
32:35Is that what you're telling me?
32:36That's right, yeah.
32:37That's sacrilege.
32:38I know, it's crazy.
32:39I'll take it on.
32:40It's hard to believe, yeah.
32:41Well, if I had how much?
32:431.8 million sterling.
32:45It's on the market for.
32:46Maybe I won't take it on then.
32:47I'd love to.
32:48Well, thanks for showing me around, Paulie.
32:51No problem.
32:52It's definitely above par.
32:53My pleasure.
32:54This property.
32:55Let me show you out.
32:57Oh, I do love a golf pun.
33:01And now I have a fair way to go to meet back up with Sharon and Hayley and continue this
33:06house hunt somewhere I think will really suit them.
33:09The town of Playa Flamenca, which is just under half an hour's drive north of Los Alcáceres.
33:14And I thought we'd check out that Playa for a sec before visiting my final property.
33:19Well, look, the sun has come out.
33:21We're back at the beach.
33:22This is Playa Flamenca.
33:23It's a nice one.
33:24It's a good family beach.
33:25I really like this beach.
33:26You can tell it's a good place for the children to come down, collect shells, build sandcastles,
33:32jump in the waves, that kind of thing.
33:34So it's a really nice natural beach for that.
33:37Are you leaning one way or other in terms of the Med or the Marmonor?
33:40Actually, it's quite nice to see the waves again.
33:44Is it?
33:45Yeah.
33:46At the last property, you felt a little bit disconnected from the coast, didn't you?
33:49Yeah.
33:50We will not have that at the next one.
33:51It's a 25-minute stroll away.
33:53So this will be one of your closest beaches, and I think it's a good family option.
33:56Yeah, I agree.
33:57Let's go and see another property.
33:59Let's go.
34:00Playa Flamenca is currently a very popular area for buyers from all over Europe, including
34:06Scandinavians, Germans and French.
34:08Demand is high, and so are prices, all of which means my fifth and final place, which
34:14I think will really work for Sharon and Hayley, comes in a teensy-weensy bit over the top
34:19end of the budget, though there is some flexibility there.
34:22Right.
34:23Last property.
34:24This is it.
34:25We're still in Playa Flamenca.
34:26Okay.
34:2725-minute stroll from the beach, a short stroll from the shopping mall.
34:31I know with the previous property, it was a bit built up.
34:33What are we feeling about this location?
34:35It's a nice wide street.
34:37It feels more open.
34:38Very nice street here.
34:39So, yeah.
34:40I like it.
34:41Good stuff.
34:42Communal pool.
34:43There is one.
34:44It's at the end of the street.
34:45Okay.
34:46Okay.
34:47What we're going to be looking at, which is on the first floor, is just up there, two-bedroom,
34:52one-bathroom.
34:53Probably the most modern, best-finished property, I would say.
34:56Okay.
34:57Out of all of them, it comes furnished.
35:00It's slightly over the top of your budget.
35:01Mm-hmm.
35:02Just under £90,500.
35:03However, it is negotiable because the owners have already moved on.
35:07They've already found a place and now they want rid.
35:09Okay.
35:10It's been on the market for eight weeks, so I think there's a deal to be done on this
35:13one.
35:14Okay.
35:15Interesting.
35:16Yeah.
35:17Let's go and have a look, shall we?
35:18This first and top floor apartment has a terrace out front and a large roof terrace up
35:23top.
35:24Inside, there's a modern, light and bright open-plan living, dining and kitchen space,
35:30the main bedroom, a slightly smaller second bedroom and a bathroom.
35:36Nice little bistro table there on your front terrace.
35:40Mm.
35:41This is nice and airy, isn't it?
35:43Nice and light and bright.
35:45And, yes, very modern in terms of the decor and the feel.
35:50Definitely, as you said, the best condition one we've seen.
35:54The most turnkey property, I think, so far, given the fact that the furniture comes with
35:59as well.
36:00Yeah.
36:01And it's fairly modern, too.
36:02Yep.
36:06Nice and light, isn't it?
36:08Wow.
36:09This is a really big room, isn't it?
36:11I think...
36:12It does feel that way.
36:13Yeah, it does.
36:14There is absolutely nothing so far that would need to be done to this property, even down to
36:18the furniture, which is a big consideration.
36:21Of course.
36:22Yeah, there's a lot to think about now, I'm afraid.
36:24So, you're feeling this one, then?
36:26Yeah.
36:27And whilst it's at the top of the budget, walk in, do nothing apart from leave your suitcase
36:30on the floor and go and get by the pool.
36:32So, yeah.
36:33Go and enjoy.
36:34Yeah.
36:35100%.
36:36We haven't seen all the dream yet, have we?
36:38Shall we head upstairs?
36:39Yes.
36:40Okay, lead the way.
36:43Whoa.
36:44Look at this.
36:45Mmm.
36:46This is a handy area, isn't it?
36:47It's not too bad, is it?
36:48I was not expecting this up here.
36:50Were you not?
36:51No, no.
36:52Even got your little barbecue behind you there.
36:54Yeah.
36:55As well.
36:56It's all private as well, isn't it?
36:57Yeah.
36:58That's it.
36:59You're not sharing this at all.
37:00Mmm.
37:01Is it big enough for you?
37:02Definitely big enough.
37:04Yeah.
37:05Well, this is what we were looking for...
37:07From the word go.
37:08Yeah.
37:09Yeah, from the outset.
37:10Wow.
37:11I do have one reservation about this space, then.
37:14Oh, yes.
37:15That's the stairs.
37:17Yeah.
37:18Now, those stairs are a spiral staircase,
37:21and I can imagine you'd really need to keep your eye on the children
37:25going up and down that.
37:26You really would.
37:27So, that is a big reservation from that perspective.
37:30And I get that.
37:31Yeah.
37:32100%.
37:33Maybe if you were concerned, you'd come up with them anyway
37:35and stay up here with them.
37:37Mmm.
37:38Would you like me to leave you to look around the rest of this?
37:41Yeah.
37:42Yes, please.
37:43Give you a bit of time.
37:44Yeah.
37:45And I'll see you out on the street when you're done.
37:46Yeah.
37:47Lovely.
37:48Got it.
37:52Fourth contender.
37:53That's what I think.
37:55They're making all the right sounds.
37:57But, of course, the staircase is a concern.
38:00But I'm not going to worry because we've got so many good properties.
38:08Yeah, I like it.
38:09It's modern.
38:10I like the fact that it's all nice and light and bright.
38:13And I like the worktop.
38:14All good condition.
38:15You wouldn't have to do any replacing.
38:17Which is a bonus.
38:18It is a bonus.
38:19Yeah.
38:20Well, I had high hopes for this apartment which is on the market for a negotiable just under
38:27£90,500 as I think it's a great property in a cracking location.
38:32And I'm really pleased to say it seems that Hayley and Sharon agree with me 100%.
38:41Now then.
38:42That is it.
38:43That is all five properties.
38:45So, this one.
38:47How are you feeling?
38:48I know when I left you.
38:49A little concerned about the staircase.
38:50Yeah.
38:51Now that's sunk in.
38:52Where are you at with it?
38:53Yeah.
38:54Well, I think it's left us open to more debate.
38:59Oh, I think we're sort of 75% there with an inkling of what we want to do.
39:05So, does this now mean we have four contenders?
39:08I don't think we have four anymore.
39:10I think we've narrowed that down slightly now.
39:12Okay.
39:13I think this is still in the running, but it's something that we're going to have to talk
39:16about from that health and safety perspective.
39:18And what's it going head-to-head with?
39:20Er, I would probably say property number two, the garden apartment, is going head-to-head.
39:25Is that right?
39:26So, it's between this and that?
39:28Yeah.
39:29Oh!
39:30Nice evening of chatting.
39:31Yeah?
39:32And we can meet up tomorrow.
39:33And maybe by then, you'll know what you want to do.
39:37Yeah.
39:38Do you think you will?
39:39I think we'll get there.
39:41Well, best of luck.
39:42With a push.
39:43I'm going to go and put my feet up.
39:45Come on.
39:46If you'd like more information on any of the properties featured on today's show,
39:52you know what to do.
39:53Go to aplaceinthesun.com forward slash programs.
39:56We've now shown Sharon and her daughter Hayley all five properties in and around the Marmenor
40:01in Spain for Sharon's budget of £80,000 with an additional £10,000 wiggle room.
40:07And after a fantastic search, we've ended up with two strong contenders.
40:11This garden apartment in Los Alcáceres, and this apartment with a roof terrace in Playa
40:17Flamenco.
40:18They're two great properties, but in very different locations.
40:22When I left you yesterday, it seemed like there were two clear favourites with the garden
40:26flat and, of course, the roof terrace flat in Playa Flamenco.
40:31Have you discounted any of our contenders?
40:34Yep.
40:35The apartment with the garden.
40:36The downside to that potentially might have been it needed some work.
40:40That kind of made our decision sway.
40:43I did it.
40:44Yes.
40:45So that left us with one property.
40:47Yeah.
40:48Which was the one, surprisingly, in Playa Flamenco.
40:52And it was key ready.
40:53Yeah.
40:54You know, nothing needed doing to the property at all.
40:56Super modern inside.
40:57Yeah.
40:58So you're settling on the final property in Playa Flamenco?
41:03Yes.
41:04So is it all on that final apartment now?
41:07Is that the one for you, would you say?
41:09I think so, yeah.
41:10Really?
41:11Most definitely.
41:12Are you thinking you want to make an offer on it?
41:15Yes.
41:16Right.
41:17Okay.
41:18That's so exciting.
41:19That property, which is pretty much immaculate and good to go, as you know, is on the market
41:25for just under £90,500.
41:28So slightly over the top of your very top budget, what have your thoughts been on an offer on
41:35it?
41:36Well, we've kind of got an idea of what we would want to pay for it, but we want to go
41:41in with a cheeky offer to start off with and see.
41:44How cheeky are we talking here?
41:45We're thinking of starting at £83,000.
41:48Okay.
41:49We know the position of the vendors, so, you know, don't ask, don't get is the policy.
41:54So we want to go in at that and see where that takes us.
41:57I like your style.
41:58You can only go up.
41:59We know that.
42:00You can't come down.
42:01So would you like me to put that offer in of £83,000?
42:05Go on.
42:07Go on.
42:08If you must.
42:09Hello, Darren, it's Ben here from A Place in the Sun. How are you? Good stuff. I'm sat
42:18here with Sharon and Hayley. We were just discussing the apartment you've got for sale in Playa Flamenca.
42:23Do you know what? They really do like it. They really do.
42:26So much so, they would like to put an offer in.
42:29The situation is, I know your vendors are sort of motivated to sell at the moment.
42:33They've found somewhere that they are moving on to.
42:36The good news is, we're also cash buyers as well this end.
42:40But given all said and done, we would like to make an offer.
42:45And that offer, Darren, is £83,000.
42:50Please do, yeah. That would be great.
42:52Absolutely, Darren. Look forward to hearing from you in a moment.
42:56That sounded quite positive.
42:58Did it? If you ask me.
43:00Yes.
43:01Hmm.
43:02He said, oh, we're quite close.
43:04Well, there you go.
43:05That's honesty, if ever I heard it.
43:07I think good to go in low there.
43:08Yeah.
43:09Yeah.
43:10Well, it's great that you know the position of the vendors.
43:13And we've put a lot of thought into it as well.
43:15It's not just been sort of on a whim.
43:17Yeah.
43:18You know, since we've been here, especially.
43:19Yeah.
43:21So.
43:22We know your parents are looking down on us.
43:24Yeah.
43:25They're on our side.
43:26I think they're working a bit of magic in the background, if you ask me.
43:28Oh, Nan did love a bargain, so hopefully she is.
43:31Oh.
43:32Let's see if we've got one, shall we?
43:35Hi, Darren.
43:36What news?
43:38That's right.
43:39Yeah, yeah.
43:42Well, that's fantastic.
43:43That will do very nicely.
43:44Thank you, Darren.
43:45I will do.
43:46And Sharon and Hayley will be in touch with you very shortly.
43:48OK.
43:50Thank you very much, Darren.
43:51Take care.
43:52Bye.
43:53Bye.
43:54Well, you've got the place.
43:56What a result.
43:59Goodness gracious, come here.
44:01I need a big old hug.
44:04Well done, you.
44:05Well done.
44:07How wonderful.
44:08I told you.
44:09I told you.
44:10Your mum and your dad.
44:13Your mum and your dad are working wonders for you up there.
44:17Perfect outcome.
44:18Yeah.
44:19And it couldn't happen to nicer people.
44:22OK, so I think we should raise a glass to your new future out here in Spain.
44:25Oh, thank you.
44:27And to your mum and dad as well.
44:28Cheers.
44:29Congratulations.
44:30Casa Barbara, here we go.
44:31Absolutely.
44:32What a fantastic result.
44:39And Sharon has finally fulfilled her mum's legacy of a house in Spain for the whole family
44:45to enjoy.
44:47I wish them all the very best.
44:49If you'd like to be on a place in the sun to find your own dream home, go to channel4.com
44:54forward slash take part.
45:02Bye.
45:03Bye.
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