Selina Scott's top 5 tips for buying a home abroad
My top 5 tips for buying a home abroad are:

1. Don't rush into it. No matter how pressing the agents/lawyers/sellers your peace of mind comes first. This is particularly true in a country where English is attempted with great aplomb, but Spanish is the one that counts with the deeds of the house.! Escrituras (deeds of the house), land and methods of payment are all done the Spanish and not the British way.

2. Get a good lawyer.

3. Learn Spanish, so that you can double check on your solicitor and know that what he recommends is what you think he is recommending, but more importantly 'think' Spanish! Spaniards may look steady, they are certainly very smart, but they tend to rush at projects with enormous gusto and enthusiasm. Let your British reserve keep you both in check.

4. Don't let cheaper booze prices rush to your head. Don't drink too much and fall over. Hospitals in Spain are excellent but crowded.

5. Be adventurous. Estate agents in Mallorca categorise the British as 'apartments overlooking the sea' types. Think Country for a change. It will surprise you!

I bought my home in Spain because it was in a lovely unspoilt location, ideal for getting away from it all, and only 2 hours from London. My work in the US meant I could only visit the house in the early days very infrequently but once on the island, I was able to get to the sea easily during the summer and walk in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains when the weather was cooler. I had a garden to tend and an interest in wildlife. In general, I have found local Spanish people are a joy to live near. They are family orientated and kind. They also attempt to make you feel welcome.

My Spanish home is a finca which was totally run down when I bought it. It had no water or electricity. It took years of work to get it right. Builders, planners, muchas problemas later, it is finally finished. And of course, through it all, the days and nights have been warmer and clearer than any found over the years in the UK!