0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to what promises to be a sizzling Escape To The Continent.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10Now, for over 400 years, this vast 6,000-seat Roman theatre lay
0:00:10 > 0:00:14undiscovered beneath the streets of the surrounding town here.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18But where do you think we've come to reveal this remarkable discovery?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Well, join us in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43'On today's show, we are meeting a couple who want to move abroad
0:00:43 > 0:00:47'for their golden years - but they are not looking for a quiet life.'
0:00:47 > 0:00:48Oh, you can do anything in here.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51You could even extend the kitchen out from there.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Tell you what, this would make a lovely dining room.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Nice big patio doors here. Just take that wall out there.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58You've got a bit of work to do.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59THEY LAUGH
0:00:59 > 0:01:03'But will they find somewhere they're tempted to dive into permanently?'
0:01:03 > 0:01:06I guessed you'd find something,
0:01:06 > 0:01:07but nothing like this.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Well, today we are in Spain, in the region of Murcia
0:01:14 > 0:01:18and this is the Roman theatre at Cartagena.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Now, it was built back in the first century BC
0:01:20 > 0:01:23and was in good use for some 200 years,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26but as the fortunes of the Roman Empire in Spain crumbled,
0:01:26 > 0:01:31so too did the theatre and as the city of Cartagena grew up
0:01:31 > 0:01:32it was covered, buried.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36By the 16th century, nobody even knew it was here.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40But a chance discovery in 1987 revealed three of those
0:01:40 > 0:01:44beautifully carved Corinthian capitals that now sit
0:01:44 > 0:01:46once again on top of those columns.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Believe it or not, they were found in builders' rubble.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53What followed was an ambitious 16-year programme of restoration
0:01:53 > 0:01:56that not only excavated the theatre, but also restored it
0:01:56 > 0:01:58and brought it back to life.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03It is just part of what makes this region of Spain so appealing.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Murcia is a two-and-a-half-hour fight away from the UK.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08It is located in the south-east of Spain,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12just north of the Costa Del Sol in neighbouring Andalusia.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17With over 300 days of sunshine on average a year,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19the weather is a big draw.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21One of the highest European temperatures has been
0:02:21 > 0:02:25recorded here - a staggering 47 degrees Celsius.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31Luckily, the coastline is dotted with 192 beaches. Perfect for a dip.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35The longest is La Manga, a 13-mile sand split separating
0:02:35 > 0:02:39the Med from the inland sea of Mar Menor, a haven for beach lovers.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Yet, this region has plenty more to offer than beautiful coastline.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48The historic regional capital is Murcia City,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51founded by the Moors in the ninth century.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52It's seriously laid-back.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56The cathedral itself took more than 300 years to complete
0:02:56 > 0:02:58and has the tallest belltower in all of Spain.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01But to really cool off, head inland
0:03:01 > 0:03:05to the Sierra d'Espuna National Park.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08The spectacular rugged scenery, threaded with trails,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10is idyllic for walkers and mountain bikers.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Now if you do fancy a nice mix of traditional Spanish life,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20along with a lively expat community,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and you'd like it to be somewhere that's a lot less crowded
0:03:22 > 0:03:25and a lot cheaper than the neighbouring Costa del Sol in
0:03:25 > 0:03:30Andalusia, then Murcia does deserve some serious consideration.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33To put it in perspective, back in the UK at the moment your average
0:03:33 > 0:03:38detached property is currently going to cost you £275,000,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42but here three-bed homes regularly go for just 130,000.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46But let's face it, the only figure that really matters to most of us
0:03:46 > 0:03:48who want to move here is the weather.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51It is currently 35 degrees centigrade.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55So while I go and cool off, why don't you meet today's buyers?
0:03:57 > 0:03:59West Country couple Andy and Jenny
0:03:59 > 0:04:03have been together for 26 years, after meeting on a night out.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Originally from Bristol, they moved down to Cornwall
0:04:06 > 0:04:10seven years ago but they didn't leave their busy lives behind.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14We both work full-time. I work in a children's centre. I love it.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19My passion. By the time we both get home we are absolutely shattered, aren't we?
0:04:19 > 0:04:22We love Cornwall, but if we stay in Cornwall
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- we'll just carry on working and working and working.- Yeah.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Least when we move abroad we can have a more relaxed atmosphere,
0:04:29 > 0:04:35a quieter life, don't have to concentrate on work and do more things together.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37But Andy won't be giving up on work completely.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40He's going to continue part-time as a project manager
0:04:40 > 0:04:41in the construction industry,
0:04:41 > 0:04:45either in Spain or by commuting occasionally back to the UK.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48And he's made sure their planned move to Murcia is built
0:04:48 > 0:04:50on sturdy foundations.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51We have been quite a few times now.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54We've got friends who had a couple of villas over there,
0:04:54 > 0:04:55so we've stayed in those places.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58And we've toured around looking at various properties
0:04:58 > 0:05:00and we just thought, "Well, it's the right time now".
0:05:00 > 0:05:04We're not fazed about moving at all. And we've gone into great detail.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06We just like a challenge, so we'll go for it.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Andy's also a keen sailor,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12and as well as working hard they both love to play hard too.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13We love entertaining.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16We have barbecues as regular as we can with the weather.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19We have a few friends round. We do dinner parties.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24I love my darts here. We play darts to win.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26But if we don't, we accept it,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29as long as we have a few bevvies, we have a good time.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32So I will try and get people rallied and round
0:05:32 > 0:05:34to build up another darts scene.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37And they're hoping the great transport links to the region
0:05:37 > 0:05:40will mean they won't miss their nearest and dearest.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43I'll be sad to leave my family of course, and friends.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48But my family are two hours away from me now,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and they'll be two hours away from us in Spain. Free holidays!
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Well, they have that now. - Yeah, of course they do,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56but it'd nice to have free holidays in the sun.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57At least over in Spain...
0:05:57 > 0:06:00You're not GUARANTEED guaranteed the weather,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02but you're pretty much guaranteed.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05And there's going to be a lot more that we can do with them.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07But it's not just Jenny's two children
0:06:07 > 0:06:10and two grandchildren that they'll be leaving behind.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14I must have about 150 pairs of shoes.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16I must have 80 handbags.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19So I'm going to get rid of all my stuff here to buy all new in Spain.
0:06:19 > 0:06:25I'm selling a lot of my stuff before we go for the local hospice.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27We've raised quite a bit of money so far.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31And hopefully before I go I can raise a lot more.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35And uprooting to the continent isn't daunting this confident couple.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38People thought it was a risk us moving from Bristol down to here.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- We settled in within weeks.- Yeah.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44If you don't take risks, you don't get anywhere.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Our buyers want to be near the coast for sailing as well as the beach,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55so we're going to be focusing our search on the towns and villages
0:06:55 > 0:06:56in the south of the region.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58They offer more value for money,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01with the added benefit of being closer to Almeria airport.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06But to learn more about what they're hoping for, I'm off to meet them.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Well, Andy, Jenny - welcome to beautiful Spain.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10- Thank you, Jules! - Thank you, Jules.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11And welcome to Murcia,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14this is a part of the world you actually know quite well, don't you?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17We love it here. Absolutely love it.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20It's a nice area, there's plenty of shopping, nice beaches.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Quiet and very friendly.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Now let's be clear, this isn't just another holiday home, is it?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27No, it's going to be our home as well.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31We're looking to retire/semi-retire. I couldn't retire completely.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32I mean, I have a two week holiday,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36and the second week I'm pacing around like a caged lion.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38So I need to keep active.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Looking to maybe renovate some places, maybe build some log cabins.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- Maybe do up a cave house. - A cave house?!- Yes.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47So Andy's going to be busy, Jenny - what about you?
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Oh, I'm going to be busy.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53What I want to do is come over here, get a darts team up together,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56but also, I'd like to do some sort of voluntary work.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00And take up my sewing again, because I love sewing, dressmaking.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02So, hopefully, start something from there.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05So the future looks extremely busy for the pair of you.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07You're going to be busy renovating anything that isn't already
0:08:07 > 0:08:10done up by the sounds of it - including cave houses!
0:08:10 > 0:08:13You're getting back into the darts and the dressmaking.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16How much do you want to spend on this new endeavour?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18£200,000.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22£200,000. And what exactly are you looking for in your new home?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Three beds minimum. Definitely a pool.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30A lot of space for my clothes, shoes and handbags, basically.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32And I'd like a little bit of land to go with it.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- And you, presumably, would like somewhere to tinker?- I would, yes.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Nice little workshop. I quite fancy being a blacksmith, actually.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Really?- Yeah.- There are not going to be enough hours in the day for you.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Oh, there will. - And a terms of location,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47for many people coming here it's the draw of the coast
0:08:47 > 0:08:49that attracts them. Is that the same for you?
0:08:49 > 0:08:51I think it would be when we have visitors over,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53so we don't want to be too far away.
0:08:53 > 0:08:5520 minute, 25 minute drive would be nice.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56Well, we've got four, I think,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58very interesting properties for you to look at.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So fingers crossed, we might get there,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- and help you kick off your new life in the sun.- Wonderful.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- That would be fantastic. - Really looking forward to it.- Good.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Come on then, let's go.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16Jenny and Andy want to spend £200,000 on their Spanish home.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19They'd like the property to have at least three bedrooms,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21one of which must be an en suite.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23A swimming pool is also an essential,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27along with a substantial garage and a bit of land.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28And what's more,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31if there's potential to build on it, even better.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34We've got a fantastic line-up of four Spanish homes with which
0:09:34 > 0:09:36to tempt our buyers.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Andy's enthusiastic about getting his hands on a project property.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43But will he be tempted to bite off more than he can chew
0:09:43 > 0:09:45with our final, mystery house?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48They'll also have a chance to get involved
0:09:48 > 0:09:50in the local expat community.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54As well as staying in a rented Murcian home whilst they're here.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Just to make sure that this sunny Spanish spot really is
0:09:57 > 0:09:59the right place for them to call home.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Our hunt is getting underway in the village of La Escarihuela.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Almeria and Murcia airports are both 70 miles from here,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16and Alicante's not much further,
0:10:16 > 0:10:20so the family will be spoilt for choice when booking a visit.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22With a friendly village bar,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25this cluster of rural life is surrounded by farms.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30A 25 minute drive away is the seaside town of Aguilas,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33or Eagles, in English.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36The historic focal point is the Castle of St John of the Eagles,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39which overlooks the pretty marina and beaches.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43For a taste of home there's also a British pier, built
0:10:43 > 0:10:47by the South Eastern Railway Company at the end of the 19th century.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Our first potential property in La Escarihuela
0:10:52 > 0:10:55is on a spacious plot with plenty of room for a project.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01But I am a little worried that first impressions might not do it justice.
0:11:03 > 0:11:09- There we go. We'll kick-off our property hunt with this one.- OK.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Interesting.- Yes, very.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Not something I was looking at originally, but...
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Is it because it's single-storey? - I don't know. It's more, erm...
0:11:18 > 0:11:20sort of cottagey effect.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Believe it or not, it dates from about 1930,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25which I think for this part of Spain makes it relatively old.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28And in terms of location, 12km away in Lorca,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31you've got a nice, big shopping supermarket.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34And every day of the week, within about 20 minutes of this
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- particular property, there is a market.- Oh, yes!
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- That's you catered for. - Yeah?- I love markets.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43But up here in the hills, A, it's a bit cooler,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- but it's much more rural.- Excellent. I want to see inside!
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Come on then, let's have a look.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Initially deceptive, this property is actually beautifully spacious.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54And you're greeted by a large,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58open-plan living space that's full of character.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- Oh, wow!- Wow, this is nice.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Oh, I do like this. - I wasn't expecting this.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07When I seen it from the outside, I thought, walk in here,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09ceiling's going to be low, it's going to be dark...
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Now you've got the height, it opens the whole thing up.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Obviously with a single-storey it could feel quite low and oppressive,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- but here they've pushed it right up into the rafter space. - Yeah.- Really though.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23His face has changed, Jules, since we were out there. It's changed! LAUGHTER
0:12:23 > 0:12:26I'm delighted to hear it! Come and have a look at the rest of it.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Obviously, dining end here.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30But have a look at the kitchen, all nice and new.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Oh, this is nice. It's big enough. - It's big enough, isn't it?
0:12:33 > 0:12:36I like the worktop, and especially the sink in the corner.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- That's a real nice feature. - Nice, isn't it?- Yeah, it's great.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- I like that feature as well, it's nice up there.- The stone?
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- The stone up there, yeah. - It does all flow rather nicely.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Now, in total it's three bed.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47Two of them are off the hallway,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50but the master is just through that door there. Go on, Andy.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Tell us what you think of this.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Wow.- Oh, I like this. Oh! Look at this!- I like this, very nice.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Oh, my goodness!
0:13:00 > 0:13:02It's fabulous!
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Oh, my goodness!
0:13:05 > 0:13:06Oh, I love it.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- That is so neat!- Do you like it? - Yeah, it's different!
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- I take it from your face you like it.- Oh, I love it!
0:13:12 > 0:13:16It's got a nice feel, I feel... I don't know what it is. It's just...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Comfortable?- Yeah, that and relaxed, already.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25So Jenny is a big fan from the off.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30The other two spacious double bedrooms are also both en-suite.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33They're located on the opposite side of the central living space,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36giving Jenny and Andy a little privacy from visiting guests.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Although room for entertaining
0:13:40 > 0:13:43is not something they need worry about here.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- Wow! - Now, this is what Spain's all about.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Isn't it just?- It is.- Come on down. - Fantastic. Look at that!
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- There you go.- Beautiful. Look at the view.- You can't beat that.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57If you put the family on a plane now and brought them over here,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- what would they think? - They'd fall in love with it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- I know they would.- They'd say, "When you buying?"- Yeah, they would.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- "When are you buying, when are we coming?"- Yeah.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08But what I think is really exciting about this property
0:14:08 > 0:14:11is that there are so many opportunities for development.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14You can see the garden beyond, the gravel garden. Obviously that's yours.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17There's also another parcel of land behind this hedge here,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20which is going to take a bit more thought, but again,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24that's really to be developed with a decent project manager, if you could find one.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27They're hard to find, I'll tell you.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31My concern was that it might have been a little bit too rural.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35It is too far away from a town, really. But we could work with it.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I could work with it.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I could.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42We have one more tricky thing we have to discuss before this
0:14:42 > 0:14:44house tour is over and that, of course, is the price.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- Who's going to go first?- I'll go first.- Go on, Jenny.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51I would say 175?
0:14:51 > 0:14:57- 175.- I'd say a little bit higher. I think I'm going to go 185.- OK.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58175, 185.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03You're right, it's £175,000.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08- So comfortably under budget. - Mm-hmm.- And very nice to boot.- Yes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10You're not going to beat this, I don't think.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Well, you never know, we cross our fingers, don't we?- This is perfect.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16I'm going to give you some time here to go
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- and have a look around. And I will catch you later.- Thank you.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Off you go.- Thank you very much.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Brilliant. Well, what a start.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It doesn't get much better than that with any property
0:15:28 > 0:15:30in any part of the world, frankly.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Under budget by £25,000,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35this single-storey property boasts many character
0:15:35 > 0:15:40features in the large, open-plan reception, kitchen and dining areas.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42There are three en-suite bedrooms
0:15:42 > 0:15:44so that the family can visit in comfort.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47A pool, two garages and plenty of outside entertaining space
0:15:47 > 0:15:50for Jenny and Andy's dinner parties.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Plus, it stands in nearly five acres,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55providing a wealth of development options.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58I still love this kitchen, darling.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Oh, wow, love! - It's another garage, wow.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05I tell you what, this would make a lovely dining room.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Board those doors over with some nice big windows.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Ideal, straight from the kitchen into the dining room. Good thinking.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13You've got a bit of work to do.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20The view. Of course, the pool. Just fabulous.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I could just sit out there forever, it was beautiful.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26And Andy's got his workshop. Which helps.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- Oh, you can do anything in here. - Yeah.- Your welding, anything!
0:16:33 > 0:16:34My blacksmithing.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Have we sold it to you?- You have.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Ha-ha, look at your face, it's a picture!
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Yeah, I'm holding onto the wallet.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Well, hang onto it for a bit longer,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47because we've got a few more properties to show you.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- But I think, a cracking start. - Very good.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58If Andy does find a property he'd like to develop,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02he'll need to do his homework about local planning rules.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Each municipality has different regulations, and even minor
0:17:05 > 0:17:09changes to property interiors need to be submitted for approval.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12A recommended builder or architect experienced in the local
0:17:12 > 0:17:16regulations can draw up plans to present to the town hall.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22So whilst our first property was a hit,
0:17:22 > 0:17:24I know in a perfect world Andy and Jenny would like to be
0:17:24 > 0:17:27closer to the social hubbub of a town or larger village.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33So with that in mind, our next offering is ideally
0:17:33 > 0:17:36located in the town of Puerto de Mazarron,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38which I think they'll love.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40It's just an hour from Murcia airport,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42and 40 minutes from historic Cartagena.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Puerto de Mazarron has the sea to the south
0:17:46 > 0:17:50and mountain ranges to the north, gifting it with a microclimate
0:17:50 > 0:17:54which results in even better weather than the rest of Spain.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56There's a great beach and stylish marina,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59both lined with bars and restaurants.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05The property is on a residential road with an English pub
0:18:05 > 0:18:06and a Spanish bar,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10so Jenny's new darts team could be just a stroll away.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13And with shops and the beach just a five-minute walk away,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16there's no denying this is a prime location.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Hopefully this will bring a smile to your faces.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23Yes, oh, that's lovely.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- You don't expect that when you first come in, do you?- No.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28This is a very different proposition to property number one
0:18:28 > 0:18:30in that we are much more urban here.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35And what we've got you is this three-bedroom, very compact villa.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Corner plot, so you get a bit more space,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40you see you've got some room for loungers here. So is this appealing?
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- It is at the moment. - Yes, it looks very accommodating.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Come on, let's have a look inside. - OK.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51It seems the pool and exterior of this two-storey villa have
0:18:51 > 0:18:52made a good first impression.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55And this place is really all about the outside.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00It even has a second, alfresco kitchen and living area.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03So let's see what they think once inside.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06Ah.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10What kind of an "ah" was that, then?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- It's not very big, is it?- No.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- I'm just thinking if I have kids over together...- Yes.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- I think that's why they've made more of the outdoor space.- Yeah.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23It's sort of a reverse Tardis -
0:19:23 > 0:19:25it looks a lot bigger from outside than it does inside.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- Do you think so?- I do. - But have a look in there.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Two of the bedrooms on offer are down on this floor,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- that's one of them, have a look at that.- OK.- See what you get.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Not en-suite.- No, little bit small.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I mean, to be honest, you could have it as another reception room.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- This is what I was thinking.- Yeah.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Because the other bedroom, next door, similar size,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49but it's next to the ground-floor shower and bathroom.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- So that would be a better guest room, I would think.- Yeah.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- This would be nice as a dining area. - Yeah.- Let's continue.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57We'll have a quick look at the kitchen.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- Compact and bijou, springs to mind. - I think you're right, yeah.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- But again, think about...- Yeah, the outdoor space.- The outdoor space.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10You barbecue all the steaks and everything outside even though
0:20:10 > 0:20:13we cook inside. He always barbecues everything, don't you?
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Even in the rain. She chucks me out there all the time.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18So you've got a point. You've got a point.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22This house doesn't seem to be winning Jenny and Andy over so far,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26but I'm hoping they'll warm up as we head upstairs to the master suite.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- Oy, it's getting so humid, isn't it, this afternoon?- Yeah.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- Come up here. - It is coming up those stairs.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- Yeah. Again, it's small and bijou, isn't it?- It is.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41And it has an en suite in here. Bath and shower.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Oh, that's not a bad size.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47It is the same sort of size as the bathroom downstairs.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49But it also leads out onto this.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52And look, it's sunny, yay!
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- Oh, yeah, lovely.- And again, lovely views. There's the Med.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- And you've got the mountains in the background.- Yeah.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Now I'm just wondering, Andy - you'll know better than me - but
0:21:00 > 0:21:04could you not extend this further to give you a bigger master bedroom?
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- Yeah, I think it's possible. - It would be.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Foundation-wise, I'd say you've got a couple of pillars here.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Nice, big patio doors here, leading out from the bed here.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13That would be fantastic.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16As you come up the stairs, make that into a dressing room.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18You've got your en suite, into the bedroom,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- onto the terrace.- How have you worked all that out so quickly?
0:21:21 > 0:21:23He's spot-on like that.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27But if Andy's looking to make his mark, the bedroom isn't the only
0:21:27 > 0:21:31part of this property that's crying out for a construction project.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Off-street parking.- Brilliant.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37And you've got this enormous void...
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- I know! - ..offering you loads of space.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- It's a bit like a nuclear bunker. - It is, isn't it?
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Whoa!
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Never expected anything as big as this.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50It lends itself to being something else.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52You could actually have this as your living room down here.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55And that is just a reception room up there.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Have that basically as a hallway.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59I'm seriously thinking of an extra bedroom for when they all
0:21:59 > 0:22:03come over together. Patio doors there. Let themselves in and out.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Yeah, ideal.- There we go, sorted.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09There you are, look - you came up with the solution!
0:22:09 > 0:22:12But with all these projects planned, we need to find out
0:22:12 > 0:22:16if the price of it will free up some funds or max out their budget.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19So, go on, then, Andy.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23I'm going to be a real conservative. £187,000.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- 187 - very precise, isn't he?- Hmm.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30I think that's probably a bit on the high side.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33I'm going to go for £182,000.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Are you now?- Yes.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- Well, you're both high.- Oh!
0:22:38 > 0:22:40And you're both wrong.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45This could be yours for 174,000.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48So it's still comfortably under budget.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50And I think there is some scope to do something up there
0:22:50 > 0:22:53on the top floor to make that master bedroom bigger.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- And who knows what you could do down below?- I'll leave that to the boss.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I'll get it sorted.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01Go and have a quick wander round,
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- and then we're going to whisk you away.- OK.- Yes.- Sounds interesting.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Ah, yes - we've got quite an evening for you! Go on, off you go.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Thanks, Jules.- Thank you, Jules. - I'll catch up with you later on.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Phew!
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Situated in the midst
0:23:13 > 0:23:14of a charming town,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16what this property lacks in space,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18it makes up for in location.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19It has three bedrooms,
0:23:19 > 0:23:20one en-suite, and
0:23:20 > 0:23:22although it's short on space inside,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24it does have an outside kitchen.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27It's also significantly under budget,
0:23:27 > 0:23:28which could allow our couple
0:23:28 > 0:23:31to enlarge the current floor plan.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34My initial thoughts... a little bit on the small side,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37but then, when Jules explained about the outside space,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40and I saw it, I thought, well, yeah,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43you spend more time outside than inside in a place like this.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Big basement, erm... Jen's looking at it as extra bedrooms,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48I'm looking at it as living space,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51but we'll come up with the best solution.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55For the move, I think community will be important for us.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57You can walk to the shops, and they've got a bar at hand,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01which is great. I could start up a darts team in that bar.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- I did promise you a little treat. - You did.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06There is something just down the road...I want to show you, come on.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- Oh, wow.- We can hardly wait.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Today, we've seen two very different properties,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18but when Andy and Jenny stepped inside both of them,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22they really began to imagine their potential Spanish futures.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26'And just up the road, here in Puerto de Mazarron,
0:24:26 > 0:24:31'there's the opportunity to test out what life really could be like.'
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Right, you too, now, we thought it might be quite nice if
0:24:34 > 0:24:38for the rest of the week, you had your own villa to yourselves.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Sounds very nice.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Come on, I'll give you a quick tour and then I'll leave you to it.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Look at this.- Oh, my goodness!
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Pillars and a pool, and we've also set you up with
0:24:48 > 0:24:50his and hers sunloungers.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Wow, Jules, this is wonderful.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54It's yours to enjoy for the week.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- Oh, thank you.- We've seen a lot, you've got a lot to think about.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- Soak up the atmosphere, take in the area...- Yeah.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03..and I will catch up with you in good time tomorrow.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- See you later.- Thank you. - Thank you, Jules.- Enjoy.- Bye.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10I'm looking forward to that glass of wine,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- and I want a beer. - Oh, yeah, absolutely.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14You get the wine and I'll get the corkscrew.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- CORK POPS - Cool.- Hey, well done, well done.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24That's nice and light.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Oh, wow, roof terrace.- Oh, my God.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30After you.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- Oh, what a day.- Oh, yes.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Fantastic, absolutely fantastic. - Two very nice properties.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Which property do you think would be better for the grandkids
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- or for the family? - Second one.- Second one.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- Yeah, you can walk to the beach. - Shops.- Shops, everything,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47but I've still got a hankering over the first.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Yes, I'm the same way. I loved the property earlier.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Hmm, but we'll see what tomorrow brings.- I'm all in favour of that.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- And me.- Yeah.- Cheers, my darling. - Cheers, my love.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06MEN SPEAK SPANISH
0:26:08 > 0:26:12West Country couple Andy and Jenny are hoping to put 1,400 miles
0:26:12 > 0:26:14between them and their busy lives in Cornwall,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17and relocate to Murcia in Spain.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21In the morning, breakfast on the terrace.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Yeah, this is the life, darling.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27They've got £200,000 to spend on a home out here,
0:26:27 > 0:26:28and they're getting used to local life
0:26:28 > 0:26:31by staying in a Murcian rental property.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34They still have two more properties to view, but this morning,
0:26:34 > 0:26:38all that's on the menu is a trip to the nearby Plaza de Abastos market.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- Oh, well, you don't get that size in England, do you?- No.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- That's a nice big juicy one.- Yeah.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52- Muchas gracias.- Excellent.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Six.- Seis.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56HE SPEAKS SPANISH
0:26:56 > 0:26:57- Erm...- Clean?
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Clean? Yes, please.- Oh, yes, please.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Whilst it might take a while to get to grips with the lingo,
0:27:03 > 0:27:08what will be easy to stomach is the cost of groceries here in Spain.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Fruit, veg and store-cupboard basics are cheaper than at home
0:27:11 > 0:27:15by between 10 and 50%.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17And, for when they don't want to cook, eating out won't dent
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Andy and Jenny's pockets either.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24Choosing a local restaurant or cafe will mean your meal or coffee
0:27:24 > 0:27:28will usually be about half the price of back in the UK.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Along with tourism, agriculture is Murcia's main economy.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41It's the largest exporter of fruit and vegetables in the whole country.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Whilst we're used to seeing "produce of Spain" on our oranges
0:27:44 > 0:27:48and lettuce, you may not have noticed it in your spice rack.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Paprika, although also known elsewhere in Europe,
0:27:51 > 0:27:57is particularly prized by Spanish cooks when it comes from Murcia.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59The Spanish love affair with the spice started
0:27:59 > 0:28:01when Christopher Columbus brought it back from South America,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04and it's thrived in this region ever since,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06especially the rare bola variety.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I've come to meet sisters Inma and Luisa Sanchez from La Pastora
0:28:12 > 0:28:16paprika manufacturers, to find out more about this vibrant red spice.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Inma, Luisa, very nice to meet you.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Your family's history of paprika goes back 70 years.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Well, it's quite a story, isn't it?
0:28:25 > 0:28:28We are a third family business generation.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Our grandfather and our father started in 1945,
0:28:32 > 0:28:36and this paprika is naturally from Murcia, origin.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Now, many people won't understand where paprika comes from,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42or indeed, what it is. What kind of a plant is it?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- You've got some of it here.- Mm-hmm. - It looks very much like a pepper.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47- It is.- It is a pepper. - That's exactly what it is.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49It's a capsicum, it's a pepper.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Our variety is unique in the world.
0:28:52 > 0:28:53And this is, this is a bola here.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- Yes, it is. - This is bola paprika capsicum.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00And choricero, that will be other variety, also that we grow,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02very special, to make chorizos.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04That is one of my favourite ingredients.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07Now, this looks like the sort of thing I would just eat raw.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10You could eat it, you could also fry it in the kitchen.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15I'm expecting it to taste quite hot. That's how I associate paprika?
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- It's not, it's not. - It is sweet, taste.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- You can try it.- Very sweet. - Mmm, that's gorgeous.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22I could put that in a salad as it is.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24You could, yes, of course, you could.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27So what gives paprika its unique taste?
0:29:27 > 0:29:29The variety, where it grows.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33This ground, this sun, this variety.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34And this variety is so special,
0:29:34 > 0:29:38it's been given a Protected Designation of Origin status,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41just like Camembert cheese in France,
0:29:41 > 0:29:44but making a crop flourish in this arid corner of Spain can't be easy,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46so we're meeting one of the local farmers
0:29:46 > 0:29:49to learn more about how they manage it.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- Hello.- Hello, we want to introduce you to Jules.- Nice to see you.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- Buenos dias!- Buenos dias!
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Now, what are the real challenges growing these crops here?
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Dificultad que tenemos aqui son...
0:30:04 > 0:30:10- Hacer mucho calor! Y aqui tenemos problema con la agua...- Agua! Water!
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Even I understood that! Water, clearly a massive issue.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16We have problem in this area.
0:30:17 > 0:30:23We say water as gold, and the high temperature that will be good,
0:30:23 > 0:30:25because this is what makes the paprika to become red.
0:30:25 > 0:30:31But is the sun, that when the fruits are not protected by the leaves,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33they can get burned.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- So how do you pick it?- Pues...
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- A mano!- A mano!
0:30:37 > 0:30:38- LAUGHING - By hand!
0:30:38 > 0:30:40By hand.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Once picked, at the Sanchez sisters' factory,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46the fruits are dried and then milled to a powder.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50The Bola variety produces sweet paprika powder.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54But La Pastora also create hot paprika which is blended with
0:30:54 > 0:30:57chilli powder, and smoked paprika made by drying
0:30:57 > 0:30:59the fruits in a wood-fired smokehouse.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04With all the hard work they're putting into their paprika,
0:31:04 > 0:31:06it would be rude not to give it a try.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09And luckily for me, they've lined up a tasting.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12We are in one of the famous restaurants
0:31:12 > 0:31:16in the area of Murcia, and she is an extraordinary chef.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20So she use our paprika in her dishes.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23I would suggest you first try, why not,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25a little bit of the raw material.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- The paprika, yes?- Here we go.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35- Mmm. Ooh, it's got a real bite, doesn't it?- Yes, a real taste.
0:31:37 > 0:31:38Not for the faint-hearted.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42Let's hope I can handle some of the spicy version.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- Mmm, very nice.- Mmm.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Absolutely beautiful.- Wow.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50That really is hot paprika.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- So this is with the smoked paprika? - Yes.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57I'm not sure if I can taste anything after the hot paprika,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- but we'll try. - I'm sure you can.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03The flavour tastes different. From one to the other.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05But you clearly need the right paprika for the right dish.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08That's it. Very important.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12And finally, the sweet. On a carpaccio with mushrooms.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14They do know how to eat well in Spain.
0:32:18 > 0:32:19I wouldn't be able to choose.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22That is my favourite.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24And I have got to go back and meet our buyers,
0:32:24 > 0:32:29who I am told are preparing lunch and they do need some paprika.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- Then you take this. - You can choose.- There we are.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- We'll take that one. Girls, thank you very much.- Thank you to you.
0:32:35 > 0:32:36Thank you.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Supplied with some spice, I'm off to Andy
0:32:40 > 0:32:44and Jenny's to build up strength for more house-hunting.
0:32:44 > 0:32:45Well, something smells good.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Hello?
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- Hello, Jules.- Hello, mate. How are you?- How the devil are you?
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Nice to see you.- Hello, Jules, you're going to join us.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Jenny, you're looking very radiant. Look at this!
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- What have you cooked for us, Jenny?- Mackerel.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- OK, that was done on the barbie.- Gorgeous.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Now, I have brought you some paprika.- Oh, hello.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08This is the smoked, very good with fish. Try that.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Tell me what you think.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- There you are, I'm going to give it a liberal dash.- A liberal dash.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14That is nice.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16And how was last night? How did you get on?
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Excellent, we had a lovely evening in the pub just down on the corner.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24There was a lady there talking to a family and she said,
0:33:24 > 0:33:26"I used to play darts in my heyday."
0:33:26 > 0:33:29I thought, "Excellent, I can start a darts team."
0:33:29 > 0:33:30I'm in the zone now. I'm ready.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33And then I suddenly thought, "You haven't bought a place yet,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- "so how can you sign her up?" - Ah, yes, well.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39You haven't bought one just yet, which brings me
0:33:39 > 0:33:43onto this afternoon's plans, because we do need to keep on house-hunting.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- OK.- Shall we go and see one more this afternoon?
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- Oh, yes, please. - I think we better.- Eat up.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55Our next property is situated in a private residential estate
0:33:55 > 0:33:57called Mazarron Country Club.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00It's 20 minutes north from the Port of Mazarron,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02where Jenny and Andy are staying.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07In between the country club and the port is Mazarron town.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09It's got a street market that I know Jenny will love
0:34:09 > 0:34:13and it's overlooked by a 15th century fortress, built in part
0:34:13 > 0:34:18to protect the riches of the mines that once proliferated in the area.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22The treasures at the country club include a tennis court, pool,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25bar and a ready-made social scene.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Although we have the feeling of being up in the mountains,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31we are just 12 miles from the nearest beach.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Well, this is what I thought we'd have a look at this afternoon.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- That looks quite nice. - Andy?- What about you?
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I'm not getting a vibe from it. I'm not... It's just not speaking to me.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Why is that then?- People say that you get a vibe when you walk up
0:34:42 > 0:34:44and I'm just not getting the vibe, really.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- You can't really see all of it from here.- No, that's it.
0:34:47 > 0:34:48That's probably what it is.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51And in a way, this is a building that isn't designed to
0:34:51 > 0:34:53impress you from the front door.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55It's all about what's going on beyond it.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00Because we're at the top of the Mazarron Country Club urbanisation.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03It was a development that was started about 15 years ago,
0:35:03 > 0:35:04this was built about eight years ago.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06And as they got further up the hill,
0:35:06 > 0:35:11the views that these properties now offer just get better and better.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14So, I'm hoping that this will tickle your fancy a bit
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- more from the other side.- I'm interested, I want to see it.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19It also has some scope for some extension.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Now you're trying to pique my interest.- I am! I am!
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Come on, have a look.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28The charming, traditional entrance of this two-storey villa
0:35:28 > 0:35:31leads into a bright central reception and living area.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33There we are.
0:35:36 > 0:35:42- I like this.- I'm watching you like a hawk. I'm looking for some glimmer.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46It is nice. I like it, it's light, airy. I love the door.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- It reminds me of an old medieval door.- Well, there is that. Yeah.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50And that spiral staircase...
0:35:50 > 0:35:52That's the thing that really dominates this room
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and I think gives it this lovely sense of character.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59It is three-bedroom, but two of them are on this floor.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01They've used one of them as a dining room, at the moment.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- You could get a double bed in there.- Yeah.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05And there is another one that mirrors it here.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09- And they are both served by a nice family shower room.- OK.- If you like.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11But this is the project because this is the kitchen
0:36:11 > 0:36:15and I'm afraid it is absolutely tiny.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- Blimey!- Yeah. - That really surprises me.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23But, here's the thought, you could push it out that way
0:36:23 > 0:36:25and also then go that way with it.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- Yeah, you would have to do something with that.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30I'd fall over myself in there.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Aside from the kitchen, there is a lot to love about this property.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Especially upstairs.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41That spiral staircase... You just want to go up there. Don't you?
0:36:41 > 0:36:43It's just inviting you to go up there.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- Well, that's our cue, isn't it? - I think it is.- Come on.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47Let's go up and have a look.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57- Oh, my word! - It's a nice size, isn't it?
0:36:59 > 0:37:04- Jenny, do you like it?- Oh, I like it.- Do you?- Oh, yes, I do!- Good!
0:37:04 > 0:37:07You've got loads of built in storage over there, you've got
0:37:07 > 0:37:12the terrace through there which overlooks the entrance, as it were.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16I'm told that in the morning it is sunny there. Which is quite nice.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18And it comes with another terrace.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21This one is really cool, look at this.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Again, access from the top of the spiral.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Oh, love, look at this.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Absolutely fabulous. I knew there was more to this.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Come over here, look at this. This is nice.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39This gives you an idea of the kind of geography of the garden.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44- Oh, my goodness!- There you go, there is the pool.- Oh! Oh, that's huge!
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- I didn't expect a big one like that.- No?- I really did not.
0:37:48 > 0:37:49Wow!
0:37:49 > 0:37:53- And a lovely garden to go with it. - It's fabulous.- And it's minimal.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- Easy maintenance. - Yeah, we are not gardeners.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59But I could keep that looking tidy.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Come on, let's go downstairs.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Back on the ground floor and stepping outside,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07the covered dining area and surrounding garden are just
0:38:07 > 0:38:10begging for an alfresco dinner party.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Oh, this is nice, too.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Very nice.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18Now, they've glazed that end but, if you imagine the whole thing
0:38:18 > 0:38:22glazed, you'd end up with an enormous second reception room.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26And you can even extend the kitchen out from there, back around.
0:38:26 > 0:38:27And follow through.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30But the thing I love about this place is that it's not
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- a square plot.- No.- It has an interesting kind of geography to it.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36- Oh, that is lovely.- So inviting.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- It's huge.- It's grown on me. - Good.- I am liking it.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45Yay! Well, let's think about the price then, shall we?
0:38:45 > 0:38:50- Jenny, what's it worth? - I'm going to say £192,000.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- 192. Andy?- I'm going to have to say it's going to be slightly higher.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56I'm going to go £205,000.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- It's £198,000.- Yeah.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I thought so. And worth it.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Could you see why we brought you here?- Oh, I can.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08It gives you community, it gives you the most spectacular backdrop,
0:39:08 > 0:39:09let's face it.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13And I think this has got the scope for you to also make it more unique.
0:39:13 > 0:39:19- You could.- Go and explore and we'll find each other somewhere.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- Thanks, Jules.- Thank you.- Have a look at the kitchen extension.- I will do.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26A fraction under £200,000,
0:39:26 > 0:39:30this three-bedroom villa has some very special features.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35It has a bathroom downstairs and up plus a large terrace with views.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37There is space to enlarge the kitchen,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39but it would be wise to check past precedents that may have been
0:39:39 > 0:39:43set for similar extensions in the area.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Also, the benefits of the country club do come at a cost,
0:39:46 > 0:39:50community fees here currently stand at £40 a month.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52If I'm being honest, if it had been
0:39:52 > 0:39:56further on down in the urbanisation, I'd have said definitely no.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00Being in the place it is, the size and the shape of the plot,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02I think it really sets it out.
0:40:02 > 0:40:08It was airy, clean and the spiral staircase... It was to die for.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10The only problem is the kitchen, which both Andy
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and I feel is far too small.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15So, you think you could do something with this.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16There's a couple of possibilities.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18We can either come out there, out to the corner,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21take it along and extend it onto that corner.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Or, we could start from that corner
0:40:24 > 0:40:26and take it round to pick up with the extension.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- That would be really good.- Yeah, that would really good.- Yeah.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- Seen enough?- Yeah. Fabulous. I'm really impressed.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37- I'm just ready for a beer now. - Ah! Now we're talking.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- Well, hot day needs a cold drink. - I think so as well.- Come on then.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- I'm buying. How about that?- Thank you very much.- Oh, you're on.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45Come on, mate, after you.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03We are over halfway through our house hunt. One more to go.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07And my kind of reading of the situation is that we are still
0:41:07 > 0:41:11trying to beat property one and all that that offered you.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Property one was stunning, wasn't it?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15You walked in there and you felt right at home
0:41:15 > 0:41:17because it was a Spanish house.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Location wise, probably a little bit too far out?
0:41:21 > 0:41:25We are looking to be more central with the Spanish community,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27not on the outskirts.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29We want to be able to interact with the Spanish people.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Whether that's through where we live, through something that we
0:41:32 > 0:41:35decide to do, like Jen with voluntary work or me with work.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- Or just on the social aspect.- Yeah. - That's what we're looking for.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39So, what can we do?
0:41:39 > 0:41:42I think our mystery house therefore needs to have a lot
0:41:42 > 0:41:46more of a traditional Spanish feel about it.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48In a more Spanish area.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53And if we can, get you to meet some expats to really give you
0:41:53 > 0:41:56a detailed breakdown of what it's like living here.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00I think that's what we need. Because we don't know the pitfalls out here.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02We do need that little bit of input, especially on solicitors.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05So, no, talking to an expat would be really good.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07That would be a help. Definitely.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10So, that's all going to happen tomorrow, but in the meantime...
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- Let's drink up. Cheers.- Cheers.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26It's the final day of our property search in Murcia,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29where Cornish couple Andy and Jenny are hoping to marry rural
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Spanish bliss with downtown fun and frolics.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37They've been sampling the local lifestyle by staying
0:42:37 > 0:42:39in a Murcian villa and, with a bit of luck,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42this could soon turn from a holiday to every day.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46All that's left now is to view the mystery house.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Our final offering is a five-minute drive from the village of Tallante.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Ten miles away is the city of Cartagena,
0:42:59 > 0:43:01a perfect day out for when the family come to visit
0:43:01 > 0:43:04with the opportunity to give the grandchildren a history lesson.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Tallante is a quiet slice of rural life,
0:43:09 > 0:43:11with a friendly bar and restaurant.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16The mystery property I've found here takes the rural Spanish bull
0:43:16 > 0:43:18by the horns.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22Andy says he would love a project, but with this unique property,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25he might be tempted to take on more than he can handle.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29- Oh, wow. This is Spanish. - It's a bit of a surprise.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32I take it it's not that one, it's that, it's a doer upper.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36- What, the bit on the end?- Yeah. - Well, that is part of it.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38- You do get that.- Oh, wow.- But, no.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40What we've got for you here is our mystery house,
0:43:40 > 0:43:43or should I say, really, mystery houses.
0:43:43 > 0:43:47- Because you have got a two-bedroom annexe there.- Oh, my goodness!
0:43:47 > 0:43:51And then a lovely, old Spanish finca. It dates from about 1900.
0:43:51 > 0:43:52Oh, fabulous.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55And it is surrounded by I think the prettiest bit of landscape
0:43:55 > 0:43:56we have been able to give you thus far,
0:43:56 > 0:43:58these beautifully manicured almond groves.
0:43:58 > 0:44:03And in terms of location, we are only 20 minutes from Cartagena.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05- 20 minutes from there is ideal, isn't it?- It's ideal.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- I just want to get inside now. - I just want you to buy it.
0:44:09 > 0:44:10Come on, let's see.
0:44:15 > 0:44:20- Come on into the hallway, guys. - Oh, my word!- Wow!- Oh, wow!
0:44:20 > 0:44:23- That's a hallway.- Look at the floors, the floors are original.
0:44:23 > 0:44:24These are two of the three bedrooms,
0:44:24 > 0:44:26so there is one here and that is en-suite.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28- Yeah.- That one isn't.
0:44:29 > 0:44:30Oh, look at that.
0:44:30 > 0:44:37The other thing to point out is that this is being sold fully furnished.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40- That was going to be my next question about the beds!- Yes, you see?
0:44:40 > 0:44:45You see. Well, it was seeing the bed that reminded me of that fact.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- Oh, it's out of this world.- Wow. - Fully furnished!- You could just...
0:44:48 > 0:44:52If you wrote the cheque today, Jenny, you could just walk in.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- I can take the bed?- Have a look at this. This is your main...
0:44:55 > 0:44:58Forget the bed, come look at this. This is your main living room.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- Oh, this is lovely. - That's a nice size, isn't it?
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- I've just spied the kitchen. - Here's the thing, Andy.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06You could, if you wanted to dispense with this, which is
0:45:06 > 0:45:10the third bedroom, remove this wall and open it all up.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13Or additionally keep that and just take that wall out there.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15- Which leads into that lovely kitchen.- Well, you could.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18I mean, let's have a look at it. Yes, that could go.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- I mean, it's a nice feature.- Yeah.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24- But, yeah, you do get this rather nice kitchen.- Oh, this is nice.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27- I like the kitchen. - And it's only just been refitted.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29It is a nice sized kitchen. Very workable.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- I can't get over it. I just love everything about it.- I love it.
0:45:32 > 0:45:37Utility room down there, nice stable door going out to the back.
0:45:37 > 0:45:44- It's fabulous. I don't know what to say.- Are you overcome?- I am! I am!
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- Oh, Jenny! You could have a little cry if you like.- No, stop it!
0:45:51 > 0:45:54No, it's... I never expected anything like this.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- So, our mystery house is working, then?- More than working.
0:45:57 > 0:46:02I guessed you'd find something, but nothing like this.
0:46:02 > 0:46:03Well, Jenny is already sold.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07But wait until Andy sees what's on offer when we step outside.
0:46:09 > 0:46:10From a workshop,
0:46:10 > 0:46:15to external storage, as well as ruins ripe for development.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18There's things to tinker with, Andy.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20There's also a one-bedroom annexe with a bathroom that could
0:46:20 > 0:46:23come to life with a bit of redecorating.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25However, the best is yet to come.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29Come on in.
0:46:29 > 0:46:30Oh, this is nice.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33The heart of it is this kitchen which is the centre
0:46:33 > 0:46:34and everything...
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- Oh, my goodness! It's big. - ..emanates off of this.- Oh, look!
0:46:41 > 0:46:44Twin room in there, you've got another twin there
0:46:44 > 0:46:48- and then through there a family bath and shower room.- Whoa.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- Be ideal for the kids when they come over.- Yeah.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54So, in addition to the main house and the one-bedroom annexe,
0:46:54 > 0:46:56the guest wing has two twin bedrooms
0:46:56 > 0:47:00and is completely self-contained and fully furnished, too.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04All of this is set in two acres of land
0:47:04 > 0:47:06and of course there is also a pool.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12That's gorgeous, isn't it? I love everything about it.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15How much do you love it? How much will you pay for it?
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- Who's going to go first? It's the final one.- You go first.
0:47:17 > 0:47:18Go on, then.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22Well, it's stunning, it's big.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25I'm going to be a bit conservative on it
0:47:25 > 0:47:28because it is a little bit out.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32I know it's stunning, it's got potential, I'm going to go £192,000.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35No, I think it's worth more than that.
0:47:35 > 0:47:41Probably over our budget, but I've got to go for £199,000.
0:47:41 > 0:47:46- £199,000.- It's not, is it? It's way over.
0:47:46 > 0:47:51It's not way over, it's not way over. It's £235,000.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53I'm not surprised.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56That said, I am assured that a sensible offer would get
0:47:56 > 0:47:59a sensible answer and I suspect that
0:47:59 > 0:48:04if your offer starts at least with a two, a conversation could be had.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08- Yeah.- Could you find it, could you find the extra?
0:48:08 > 0:48:10- I think we could.- Yeah, I think we could find it somewhere.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13I think we could. Yeah.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17- We've got to.- Go on, go and explore. - We've got to.- Go and explore.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19Go and see my bed!
0:48:19 > 0:48:21And it may well be Jenny's bed because,
0:48:21 > 0:48:25unusually as we have said, this property does come fully furnished.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29But I think it also offers them a lot more than just furniture.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31This really is a lifestyle choice
0:48:31 > 0:48:34and that is what they are trying to undertake and, wow,
0:48:34 > 0:48:39what a place to start a whole new life on the Continent.
0:48:39 > 0:48:44Now, it might be priced over their budget by £35,000,
0:48:44 > 0:48:45but the two-bedroom guest wing
0:48:45 > 0:48:50and one-bedroom annexe will be a huge bonus when the family visit.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52It comes fully furnished to a very high standard
0:48:52 > 0:48:55and is chock-full of rural Spanish charm.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58The open plan living space in the main farmhouse has beautiful
0:48:58 > 0:49:02period features and the kitchen has brand-new appliances.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06Oh, this is something else, darling.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10- Oh, I love it!- You love it, do you? - I want it. I really want this bed.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14Jen obviously fell in love with the bed.
0:49:14 > 0:49:15And this I love as well.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18It is, it's a nice size. Especially if we have the kids down as well.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21- And this kitchen, love.- Yeah, it's a really nice size.- It's perfect.
0:49:21 > 0:49:22Really workable.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24You can socialise in there,
0:49:24 > 0:49:27while still having people in the lounge or even outside.
0:49:27 > 0:49:32We've got to try and get this. The space is incredible.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35I mean, the family could come out and live in the annexe
0:49:35 > 0:49:36and we would never see them.
0:49:36 > 0:49:37I mean, there is so much room,
0:49:37 > 0:49:40so much potential there and Andy would love it.
0:49:40 > 0:49:45There are so many things he could do, finish off, he'd be in his element.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48- Wa-hey!- Hey!- I thought you weren't going to come out.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52- We nearly didn't.- Thank you for visiting our property.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55- Is it going to be your property? - I'd love for it to be.- Yeah?
0:49:55 > 0:49:57We're going to talk about this. Absolutely.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00- I think you've got an awful lot to talk about.- I know. I know.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04- Who's for the beach, then?- Yes! - Yeah, that's a good idea.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13Murcia's beautiful beaches are often what entice people to this region.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Holiday-makers and expats alike.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20The jewel in the crown of the coast is the Mar Menor,
0:50:20 > 0:50:22or little sea in English.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24It's the largest lagoon in Europe.
0:50:24 > 0:50:2865 square miles of warm, clear water.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30None of it more than seven metres deep.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34Joining a sailing club out here would be a great way for Jenny
0:50:34 > 0:50:37and Andy to kick off their social life.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40And to give them a taste of the fun that can be had,
0:50:40 > 0:50:42I've arranged for them to meet expats Janice
0:50:42 > 0:50:46and John from the Sailing Association of Mar Menor, or SAMM.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50Now, how many people have you got in the association at the moment?
0:50:50 > 0:50:52At the last count, it was about 108.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55But it fluctuates, people join during the summer
0:50:55 > 0:50:57when they come over, people come over just for holidays
0:50:57 > 0:50:58and they join.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01Andy here is very keen to get himself another boat.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03I am, I've got one in England but when we move over here,
0:51:03 > 0:51:05I will be getting another one.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07Well, we have a group for that.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09It's called the cruising group.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12And what you do is you invite other members of SAMM to come
0:51:12 > 0:51:15and join you for a day's cruising and they crew for you.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17That's interesting.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19But it's a great social scene as well, isn't it?
0:51:19 > 0:51:20Outside of the sailing.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24Well, we've built up a social scene within SAMM.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28We have a Christmas do, we have a summer activity for three days.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31- The bowling club.- We have the bowling club. The cycling group.
0:51:31 > 0:51:35- And the walking group now. - And pop groups as well.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39- And pop groups as well. - But have you got a darts club yet?
0:51:39 > 0:51:43- No.- No, we haven't, have we? - Oh, ideal!- There you go.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46- I can set up a darts team. - Excellent.
0:51:46 > 0:51:47- That would be perfect.- I love darts.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50- That would be brilliant.- I do actually, as well.- You do?!
0:51:50 > 0:51:51Excellent.
0:51:52 > 0:51:57- How about that?- I'm there! - How easy was that?- Fantastic.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00Well, look, we are in your capable hands. Let's get out on the water.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02- Yes, let's go. Absolutely. - Looking forward to it.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07Janice moved here from the UK eight years ago and John has been
0:52:07 > 0:52:11back and forth between the UK and Spain for 15 years.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14They are perfectly placed to fill our couple in on what to
0:52:14 > 0:52:17expect from life out here.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20Is there anything that you want to know particularly about living
0:52:20 > 0:52:22- out here?- Well, we've heard there are so many pitfalls about it,
0:52:22 > 0:52:25so we need a bit more on the legal advice.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29Well, I've bought several houses out here and I've had no problems.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32So, some of the nightmare stories that you see are a bad
0:52:32 > 0:52:34portrayal of what's going on.
0:52:34 > 0:52:38But if you stick by the reputable companies, use the lawyers,
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- you should be OK. - So, what's it like in the winter?
0:52:41 > 0:52:43I mean, temperature wise.
0:52:43 > 0:52:44The last series of two winters,
0:52:44 > 0:52:49I can remember the only thing I wore was a gilet and a thin pullover.
0:52:49 > 0:52:53- Oh, right.- The houses being tiled, it can feel colder than it actually is.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55So, think about that when you are buying.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57If it's got central heating, that's a bonus.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00- If it's solar, that's even more of a bonus.- What about utility bills?
0:53:00 > 0:53:03There is a Suma bill where you are going to pay your rates,
0:53:03 > 0:53:06it will depend on what square meterage you've got.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10There are several other taxes that you pay but they are way,
0:53:10 > 0:53:13way cheaper than what it would be in Britain.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17Now, John, we've shown Andy and Jenny urban properties
0:53:17 > 0:53:19and rural properties.
0:53:19 > 0:53:25In your experience, which are the easier to live in here?
0:53:25 > 0:53:29Well, that's a tough one because I came out to Spain at 52
0:53:29 > 0:53:32and if you'd asked me then, I would have...
0:53:32 > 0:53:35My heart would have been on a rustic finca.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38But actually, as I've got older now, I've got a nice garden,
0:53:38 > 0:53:41but it's not big and I'm glad that I haven't got the big
0:53:41 > 0:53:45maintenance of a finca, if that's what you're going to call it.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47If you've got land and you are growing stuff,
0:53:47 > 0:53:50you've really got to stay here and look after it because it's that dry.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52We are probably in the same situation you were.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55We were sort of thinking finca. You know, in the Spanish community.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57But in 15 years' time, we could end up saying,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00"Oh, no, we've got to sell this. And move back in."
0:54:00 > 0:54:02So, that's worth thinking about.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Yeah. It is certainly worth thinking about.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07We are looking for that interaction with the Spanish community as well.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10The local Eroski, which is a big supermarket, actually does cooking
0:54:10 > 0:54:14courses where the English can go in and learn how to cook Spanish food.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18And we have an evening where the Spanish come, the English come,
0:54:18 > 0:54:21- and between us we talk.- Oh, that would be brilliant. Yeah.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24I think that's the thing that's going to make it work for you.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27It's being able to genuinely interact and immerse yourself
0:54:27 > 0:54:31to a certain extent in the Spanish culture and the Spanish way of life.
0:54:31 > 0:54:37- I mean, what's the easiest way into it?- Buy a dog.
0:54:37 > 0:54:38The bigger the better?
0:54:40 > 0:54:43Walking the dog in the park, they'll start talking to you.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46I've got a dog and my Spanish improved tremendously.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52John may have set their minds at ease about Spanish home
0:54:52 > 0:54:55horror stories, but they are right to be cautious.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00Many of the recent scandals relate to the licence of first
0:55:00 > 0:55:03occupation for new-build houses.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05The licence means that the town hall has approved the building
0:55:05 > 0:55:08and every property should have one.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11If your offer is accepted on a property, you need to pay
0:55:11 > 0:55:15a deposit of 10% of the purchase price to take it off the market.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18Additionally, you should allow 11% on top of the cost
0:55:18 > 0:55:21of the house to cover taxes and fees.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25Also worth considering for retirees is health care provision.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28Pensioners in Spain do have to pay for prescriptions
0:55:28 > 0:55:30but they are capped at 18 euros a month,
0:55:30 > 0:55:34providing your annual income is less than 100,000 euros.
0:55:36 > 0:55:40Well, as you can probably tell, we had a huge amount of fun this week.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43But it shouldn't take away from the very serious business of
0:55:43 > 0:55:47trying to find Jenny and Andy not just a new home but a new lifestyle.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51And in many ways I think we have left them spoilt for choice,
0:55:51 > 0:55:53but choose they must.
0:55:53 > 0:55:55So, which one of our properties is it likely to be?
0:56:00 > 0:56:04- It has been a bit of a whirlwind, hasn't it?- Oh, yeah.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07- A brilliant whirlwind.- And we've spoilt you, haven't we, really?
0:56:07 > 0:56:08You have really spoilt us.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Lots of properties we would never have even thought of looking at.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13So, have we managed to find you the perfect one?
0:56:13 > 0:56:17- I suspect there is a favourite.- There is.- OK.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20- What is the favourite, Jenny? - Oh, let me think(!)
0:56:20 > 0:56:24- The mystery house. - Ah! The mystery house.- Yes.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27I think we really polished the rural dream with our final
0:56:27 > 0:56:31- offering, our lovely mystery finca.- You did.- Definitely.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33It had so much to do there as well.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35You had the two annexe properties,
0:56:35 > 0:56:38you had possibilities to extend out the back.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41I think when the family come out, they will absolutely love it.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44Oh, they will. They absolutely will love it, won't they?
0:56:44 > 0:56:47- It is the perfect place for us. - So, what happens next?
0:56:47 > 0:56:50- Are you going to do it? - If I listen to her, definitely.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52But I've got the sensible head.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55I'm going to have a structural survey done on the property,
0:56:55 > 0:56:56just purely for its age.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58It looks OK at the moment,
0:56:58 > 0:57:00but I would like to take it a little bit further.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03And, Jenny, it is of course a little bit over budget,
0:57:03 > 0:57:05but do you think you can stretch to it?
0:57:05 > 0:57:07We are going to talk to the owner and see
0:57:07 > 0:57:08if we can compromise on the price.
0:57:08 > 0:57:12But we are going to do everything we can to try and get that extra.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16- You look dazed but happy. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:57:16 > 0:57:20I've still got my head around the mystery house at the moment.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23- I think it was the bed that swayed her.- Yeah, it was the bed, was it?
0:57:23 > 0:57:25You see, free furniture! There you go.
0:57:25 > 0:57:27Well, it's been an absolute pleasure, guys.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30- I'm rather sorry this week is coming to an end.- So are we!
0:57:30 > 0:57:32- Cheers.- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42Well, there is no getting away from Andy
0:57:42 > 0:57:44and Jenny's determination to hopefully now be
0:57:44 > 0:57:48well on their way to finding their new home here in the sun.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51And whilst we have managed to sample some of the best property
0:57:51 > 0:57:54and produce that Murcia has to offer, there is still one thing that
0:57:54 > 0:57:58I've yet to do this week and that is to take a swim.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00I'll see you next time.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05Since they've been back in the UK, Jenny
0:58:05 > 0:58:08and Andy had been in touch with the owner of the mystery house.
0:58:08 > 0:58:09They are confirming their budget
0:58:09 > 0:58:12and are planning a trip back to Murcia soon.