Fuengirola, Spain Get Away for Winter

-Paradise!

-Absolutely.

What if you could live abroad in winter,

for the same cost as living in the UK?

This is priced at 595 per month.

Is that all?

By renting a piece of paradise.

Unbelievable!

Wow, this is amazing.

You could swap sleet and snow for sun and sand.

Right, so let's go and look at some properties.

Well, absolutely.

Get Away for Winter teams up sun seekers

with a local property expert...

-Can you see yourself in here?

-I can, yeah.

..to find their perfect rental retreat.

It's like you're on holiday all the time!

Together they'll leave no stone unturned...

This is unbelievable, isn't it?

..in order to find and fund their dream winter getaway.

This is what I was dreaming of, and didn't even think existed.

Here in Campbeltown on the west Coast of Scotland,

the winter means relentless rain and grim, grey skies.

It may be on the Mull of Kintyre,

but the winter weather leaves a lot to be desired.

Two locals plotting to escape to sunnier climes

are husband and wife of 52 years, Keith and Greer.

I'm fairly easy-going, I don't mind where we stay,

where we live or what we do.

He says he's easy-going.

I don't think that's quite true!

He's very good at complaining.

He's got a degree in that.

Mr Angry from Campbeltown, yeah, Victor Meldrew.

Yeah, Victor Meldrew is a very good description.

They moved from England 24 years ago to run

a cattery and boarding kennels.

Although they've sold up and retired, their dogs,

Kayleigh and Venture, are still very central to their lives.

We have two rough collies which are Lassie-type dogs.

They are very much part of the family.

We go out quite a lot because of the dogs we've got,

but you'd have to put a woolly hat on, waterproof trousers,

waterproof shoes, a big thick coat.

Wrapping up warm from the wild winter weather

is not the only problem for these two.

I suffer quite a bit with arthritis in my hands and knees, and

although I play golf to try and keep active,

in damp weather, there is no doubt it affects arthritis quite severely.

Greer suffers from a painful foot condition called hammertoe, and is

waiting for an operation which they hope will be

before they jet off for the winter.

I want to get away while I can, and be able to walk comfortably

and enjoy the sunshine, which we don't get much here of.

In order to reap the benefits of living in a warmer climate,

Keith and Greer want to get away for around two months of this year,

ideally with the dogs in tow.

Now, if that's not possible,

they need to work out who can take care of them in Scotland.

But to make their winter dreams a financial reality,

they do have some ideas.

We have a self-contained unit downstairs.

We have in the past rented downstairs

to local nurses from the nursing home,

and also overspills from hotels,

and it's something we would consider.

Keith and Greer live in a four bedroom detached house

ten minutes' walk from the centre of the town.

Now, if they do decide to rent out that

one-bedroom self-contained flat,

local estate agents estimate they could make up to £600 a month,

or £50 a night if they use online accommodation services.

If they aren't able to rent this space while they're away,

Keith and Greer think they can save £470 a month

on household bills and car costs.

With those savings and the profits they have from selling their kennel

business, they've set their winter sunshine budget

at £1,100 per month, £700 of which would be allocated

to renting their winter bolthole in the sun.

So where do our couple want to warm their winter bones?

The area we'd like to go to is the Costa Del Sol in southern Spain.

We've been there before some years ago.

That's an area we like, and we know it tends to be warm and sunny,

which is what we're after, really, in the winter.

So, it's goodbye to relentless rain,

and hello sunny Spain.

The Costa Del Sol region in southern Spain includes popular holiday

destinations such as Malaga and Fuengirola,

and it is the Fuengirola area where Keith and Greer would prefer

to find their winter rental.

They have good memories of holidays here 20 years ago,

and Keith has been back more recently to play golf.

With up to seven hours of sunshine a day, even in winter,

it's not difficult to see why it's so appealing

for our sun-starved Brits.

To make the most of the sunshine, you have long, sandy beaches,

outdoor restaurants and bars,

and plenty of promenades to walk the dogs.

It's an area full of history as well,

with ancient castle ruins dotted along the coast.

The rapid development of the area in the last few decades

means there's plenty of choice when it comes to finding a place to stay.

From December to February,

property rentals here can be 40% to 50% lower

than they are during the summer season,

so it's a great time to get more for your money.

To help Keith and Greer find their winter sunshine pad

is local property agent, Ali Zartash Lloyd.

Originally from Iran,

Ali spent almost 30 years in the UK

before moving to Spain with his wife to run a hotel.

12 years ago they moved to the Costa Del Sol

to start their property business.

We have become committed to Spain.

This is our home now and this is where we live, and we can't really

envisage ourselves going anywhere else.

Ali is not the only one who loves the lifestyle here.

He knows that good properties are always in high demand,

and go fast, and not just because people come from abroad.

Property owners themselves come for winter so lots of properties,

people own here for holidays.

In fact, they don't come here June, July and August,

they actually come in the winter.

So it's actually you're fighting two things,

one is owners wanting to use their own property in the winter,

and also those people who come year after year to Spain,

wintering in Spain, shall we say.

Fellow dog lover Ali has his work cut out

to find Keith and Greer a place

for them and hopefully their two collies,

but only one of them will be joining him

in the Costa Del Sol for the property search.

Keith and Greer are standing by in Scotland

to make contact with Ali,

and tell him exactly what they're looking for in a winter getaway.

Hi, there, this is Ali.

Hello, Ali, I'm Keith.

And I'm Greer.

Hi, it's nice to meet you both.

What kind of areas were you looking at?

We're fairly open to areas.

It would be preferable to be within 20 minutes of the beach, really,

and dependent on whether we bring our two dogs with us,

we need somewhere that's enclosed, if we bring them.

Ideally, we would like to bring them with us.

One of the dogs wouldn't settle in kennels.

She would pine for us.

Only about between eight to 10% of properties

allow you to have pets, so that really limits your choice, OK?

-Yes.

-Is that is going to pose a serious problem for you,

if there is no property that accepts dogs?

It wouldn't be a deal-breaker but it is preferable to have the dogs.

With or without their two collies,

Keith and Greer are looking for at least a one-bedroom apartment

to rent, but high rises are a definite no-no.

We both suffer a bit from arthritis,

so not too many stairs or anything like that.

We've not made it easy for you!

Sorry about that.

Which one of you is coming over?

-I am.

-And Greer, you're staying behind in snowy Scotland?

Yes, there's no snow at the moment but we've had plenty of rain.

Hopefully, we'll help you escape from that.

-Thank you.

-We'll see you, Keith, when you're here,

when we do the search.

-Pleased to be meet you both and see you soon.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Despite only a small percentage of properties allowing dogs,

it hasn't put Keith and Greer off finding a way to take them to Spain.

I wouldn't want to put them in kennels

for any great length of time.

The problem, of course, is finding a means of travel that won't be too

stressful for them. There's a difficult balancing act.

Keith and Greer have an accommodation budget

of £700 per month, but there is some flexibility

for the right property.

They're looking for an apartment with at least one bedroom,

and they want to be no more than 20 minutes' drive from the beach,

and close to restaurants and shops.

Ideally, they'd like to bring their two dogs,

so they're looking for pet friendly properties.

In the Costa Del Sol,

the summer tourists may be long gone,

but the sunshine isn't going anywhere for winter.

Keith has flown 1,800 miles south to Fuengirola,

and is already soaking up the first rays of the day.

It certainly does make a difference from home.

It's a beautiful sunrise this morning,

and it really is very, very pleasant.

Also up early is Ali, on his way to meet Keith.

Fuengirola area is our home place,

because this is where we live,

so we know the area really well.

So really I've been looking from near Malaga,

from Torremolinos which is near the airport,

all the way down to Estepona,

which is west of Marbella.

So with lots of coast to cover,

there is no time to waste.

Looking forward to meeting Ali and looking

at the properties that have been chosen for me.

Hello, Ali.

-Nice to meet you. Great to see you.

-Yes, lovely.

-Are you enjoying the summer weather?

-It's beautiful.

It's been some 20 years since Keith has been to Fuengirola itself,

but only one thing has changed.

It looks a little bit more built up, I think,

but the sun's still shining.

-The sun is the same and the sea's the same!

-Exactly.

Ali has found four rental properties in the Fuengirola area that

he hopes will meet Keith and Greer's requirements,

and those of their two collies.

-So, you set us a few challenges.

-Yes.

Our biggest challenge really was finding somewhere

that will take dogs.

That is definitely a challenge for you.

At each property,

Keith will video call Greer back in Scotland,

to make sure that they get what they both want for their £700 budget.

Ali is heading out of Fuengirola for property number one.

We're going to go to Torremolinos.

The nice thing about this area is it's not just a holiday place,

it's where people live, so it doesn't empty in the winter.

You'll find your place there.

I won't tell you too much about it,

-because it's going to ruin the surprise.

-OK.

Located 12 miles from Fuengirola,

the ever-popular resort of Torremolinos sits on

a four-mile long stretch of sandy beach,

with temperatures reaching up to 17 degrees in the winter.

It's no wonder Torremolinos attracts sun-seekers who also enjoy the

quieter bars and restaurants at this time of the year.

Originally a tiny fishing village before the growth in tourism

began in the '50s, Torremolinos was the first of

the Costa Del Sol resorts to be developed.

Today there's plenty of charm still to be found if you take a

stroll down the side streets.

Keith and Greer were hoping their winter pad

would be near the beach, and the first property

just couldn't be closer, just 80 metres from the seafront.

So that's the building here and that's...

OK. Nice. Nicely maintained.

It looks nicely decorated.

This traditional Spanish style one-bedroom apartment

has a cosy lounge with a dining area.

The adjoining kitchen is big enough for two, and a bright bedroom

has plenty of storage space for Keith and Greer to settle

in for their stay.

It's a nice compact little apartment, yes.

Very pleasant. Very pleasant, yeah.

-Doing well?

-You're doing well so far.

Good, OK. Yes!

On top of that, Keith and Greer would be able to bring their dogs,

because the owners would allow pets for a refundable deposit of £450.

There's even a little outside space as well.

A little balcony here as well.

-A Juliet balcony.

-A little Juliet balcony.

-Very pleasant.

-The rental here is £680 per month.

-Right.

-Including all the bills.

All the bills? Oh, that's good.

So, can you see yourself here for a few months?

It looks a comfortable, small apartment and yeah, it looks OK.

I'll have to see what my wife thinks.

Back in Campbeltown, Greer and the dogs are holding the fort.

It's time for Greer to get her first look

at property one in Torremolinos.

I'd like to see something perhaps a bit traditionally Spanish,

rather than ultra-modern.

Keith will be showing Greer around the apartment via a video call.

Hi, Greer, how are you?

Yes, fine, and you?

Fine, thanks. I'm in Torremolinos at the moment.

They allow dogs in this apartment.

It looks quite nice so far, yes.

If they want to be near the sea,

this is one of the closest we have got.

In this kind of location,

the properties tend to be on the smaller size.

What are the floors like, Keith?

You know what Kayleigh's like with slippery, shiny floors.

Yeah, well, they are all marble.

Everything's marble.

One of the collies, Kayleigh,

has always found it hard to walk on slippery surfaces,

so the marble floors here may be too much for her.

I'm a bit concerned about the steps up to the building,

for me and the dogs.

It's a marble staircase.

15, 20 steps, something like that.

I'll just go out onto the balcony, it's only a small Juliet balcony,

as you can probably see.

There's no room to sit out on this balcony.

I'm just thinking there's no

communal garden or anything there.

I'm just think of letting the dogs out.

It's more outside space you're looking for, isn't it, really?

-Yes.

-Just us, no problem.

Two dogs?

-Think about it.

-Yeah, I agree with that.

OK, look after yourself and walk those dogs.

-I will.

-And pick up after them.

-You're getting out of it this week!

-Yeah.

It's time for Ali to get the verdict on the first property.

Well, the other half is a little concerned

about the no outside space for the dogs,

and also the marble stairs,

because one of the dogs doesn't like parquet floors and things like that.

This part of Spain is designed,

all the houses are designed for being cool,

and therefore marble flooring

and that kind of flooring is the norm.

But there is a solution to put a rug down.

You don't have to make up your mind now, we've got other places to see.

At £680 per month including bills,

this apartment does give them the location

close to the beach that they hoped for.

They liked the traditional side of the decor,

but the shiny floors and lack of outside space,

could be a problem if the dogs come as well.

To make this trip cost neutral,

Keith and Greer are hoping to rent out

their self-contained basement flat in Campbeltown.

However, there isn't a massive rental demand in winter.

They have rented the flat before to local nurses,

so it's time to get the word out there to the local nursing home.

Hello there, I'm just wondering if you have

any nurses that need accommodation?

And it's available at the moment if you need us.

Thank you. Bye.

What to do with their two dogs is also a very important decision,

because they don't want to put them in the hold of a plane.

One option is to drive to Spain and then take the ferry.

Some companies insist that pets remain in the car

during the journey, but Greer is looking to see

if there are any other options.

They've got 70 pet friendly cabins,

so it's not looking that bleak, is it?

Pet friendly cabins on a ferry to Spain would cost

around £145 each way, and there's a limit to one big dog per cabin.

Pet travel is very popular,

and space is limited, so early booking is a must.

Oh, lots of treats today.

On top of this, they would need to factor in pet friendly accommodation

for the drive to Spain, and around £360 in petrol costs.

If they decide to leave the dogs at home with a pet sitter,

they'd be looking at around £40 a night plus food costs.

Meanwhile in Spain, the heat is on

to find their perfect winter getaway.

Keith and agent Ali are heading back to one of the most popular resorts

on the Costa Del Sol, the buzzing cosmopolitan town of Fuengirola.

Fuengirola is not just a holiday place,

it's where people live and work, so it is a living city.

Even though we are past the traditional holiday season,

there are people around and it's not a ghost town.

If you want to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, you can.

Three miles along the coast from Malaga airport,

Fuengirola is ideal for those jetting in from the UK

to find that winter sun.

One of Fuengirola's biggest draws is

the four-mile long seafront and sandy beach,

and because the seafront is very flat,

it's a popular spot for people of all ages,

keen to embrace the outdoor life.

No need for waterproof trousers here.

If fresh fish floats your boat,

you can enjoy locally caught sardines

grilled in boats on the beach,

and even in winter, you can still enjoy an ice cream or two.

Here we are. We're just coming up to the apartment.

Just a ten minute drive from the centre of Fuengirola,

property two is still close to the sea,

and bars and restaurants are all within walking distance.

So, here we are.

Fully furnished in a clean, modern style,

the open-plan lounge is the perfect place to unwind.

And there is a compact kitchen,

if they do want to rustle up a tapas dish or two at home.

Here you have the kitchen.

A small kitchen but you've got everything you need.

-It's a holiday kitchen.

-Yeah.

The second bedroom is a real bonus in this apartment,

ideal if Keith and Greer have guests to stay.

While the cosy master bedroom has sliding doors

to the terrace, for those early morning alfresco coffees.

The size of that is not too bad.

Certainly better with the balcony out there as well.

With the terrace stretching the whole length of the apartment,

Ali has certainly improved on the small Juliet balcony

that was a concern at the last property.

The balcony is certainly nice but the problem is,

as I can see now, there's a bus going past.

The central location of this apartment,

close to amenities was what Keith and Greer were after,

it's always a really good idea to view properties

before you sign up for a couple of months.

People say they want to be in the middle of things,

but then, actually when we put them in the middle of things,

you realise, it's too much in the middle of things.

So, it's actually below your budget.

It's 545 a month.

-Right.

-At the current exchange rate.

-OK.

-It's plus bills.

Now that's under their £700 budget,

but they will have to factor in bills of around £90 a month.

Keith clearly has reservations about this apartment,

because the dogs are not welcome here.

It would only be an option if they decide

to leave their pooches at home.

But how will Greer feel about this place?

Good morning, how are you?

-Fine, and you?

-Fine.

I'm at the eastern end of Fuengirola,

which is a nice beach resort.

I'm in a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment,

but it's on the third floor, with a lift.

There's a dining area over here.

It's a nice enough apartment.

The kitchen is here.

Compact. Everything there we need, isn't there?

Compact is an understatement, yeah.

OK, so it's really tiny?

Very tiny, yeah.

The veranda goes the full length of the apartment,

with a main road going down right in front of you.

That's not going to be suitable at all, is it?

-No.

-A pity because it's a nice big balcony,

but obviously not the ideal situation.

Outside spaces demand premium,

so as soon as you've got a large terrace or a large roof terrace,

you find the prices will start to creep up.

Although we are at the very nice end of the area,

the actual apartment is not up my street at all.

-Yeah, OK.

-In fact, it's too close to the street.

Yes, exactly.

We'll see what else we come up with, OK?

-OK.

-Bye.

-Bye.

How good or bad did it go?

Bad, I'm afraid.

-Oh, OK.

-Greer wasn't enamoured with it at all, I don't think.

I know the balcony is fairly big but again,

she hated the sound of the road,

and the proximity of the road to it.

At least we know what you don't like!

You certainly know what I don't like from that one.

Good, we know what you don't like, that's good news.

This apartment might not be in the top of their list but,

at £545 a month, excluding bills, it is within their budget.

They did like the beach-side location

near to amenities, but the terrace

was just too close to the road for them and with no pets allowed,

it would limit their options.

But Ali still has two more properties to show them,

so the search to find a winter getaway continues.

The Costa Del Sol has long been a popular destination for Brits and

Northern Europeans alike, with an estimated 300,000

living here permanently.

An explosion of hotels and apartment blocks means there's

plenty of choice for finding the right accommodation.

Here in Fuengirola,

you can rent a brand-new studio apartment

close to the beach, for around

£270 a week in winter,

compared to 540 in the height of summer.

But if you want to experience a taste of luxury for less,

head out of town to this five-bedroom villa.

With its stunning sea views from the outdoor terrace,

relaxation is guaranteed.

It has plenty of areas to dine outside and in.

You won't struggle for space to entertain, that's for sure.

The chic open-plan living area is the perfect place

to unwind after sundown.

And at sunrise, you can even waken up to sea views from the bedroom.

It's available to rent in the summer

for £3,670 a week, but in the winter,

you could pick this up for £2,040 a week.

Or if you want the height of luxury,

head along the coast to the chic resort of Marbella.

Here you can live it up in this stylish six-bedroom villa.

Complete with a fully fitted outdoor kitchen and grill,

you can cook and dine alfresco, and to make life easy inside,

the sleek modern kitchen is kitted out with

all the high-end appliances.

All the bedrooms are en-suite,

and the super king-size master leads to a spacious balcony.

Available to rent in the high season for £12,950 a week,

it's reduced to £8,125 a week in the low season,

and for that, you even get your very own cinema room,

perfect if you get a cooler night.

It's early morning in Fuengirola and the cafe's already busy.

Keith is hoping to get a taste of the local life,

and has taken Ali's advice to immerse himself

in the Spanish culture.

-I'm Keith, could I make some churros?

-Of course.

Lovely, I look forward to it.

Churros are a traditional hot doughnut-like snack,

served sprinkled with sugar or dipped in chocolate.

Universally adored in Spain, churros unite people

from every walk in life.

In at the deep end, Keith will try to

make his own churro after a demo from the expert.

Piece of cake, piece of cake!

Keep spinning it round and round and round, yeah.

The dough is piped into very hot oil, and turned to make a wheel.

It's flipped over and then cooked until golden brown.

I think you've done this before, yeah?

Then pick it up like that and across, shake the fat off, yeah.

Easy! Now it's my turn.

This should be funny.

Here we go, here we go.

HE SPEAKS SPANISH

Oh! Oops.

-Ay, ay, ay.

-Ay, ay, ay!

Cross it over, yeah? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Easy.

Oh!

-Yay!

-Yay!

Thank you, thank you.

Uno.

Uno.

Two-handed. The next lucky person, it's all yours.

It's the best he's ever tasted!

Expert.

Grazie.

Oh, dear, I'm covered in batter!

Our Keith has certainly got stuck in,

but how does his first handmade churros taste?

I think it might be slightly overcooked,

but we mustn't grumble. It's very pleasant.

And sitting in the sun eating it is very nice, yeah.

A good cook?

HE SPEAKS SPANISH

Do you want some?

With approval from a local, it's job done.

Keith may have hit the sweet spot with his churros,

but he's still on the hunt for a winter rental.

So he and Ali are on their way to property three,

and there's a treat in store for golf-loving Keith.

We're going to Mijas golf.

Sounds good.

This property is in the middle of the golf course.

Do you think Greer is going to mind you being so close to a golf course?

That's a definite possibility, I would think.

The golf resort is situated in the Valley of Mijas,

just four miles inland from Fuengirola.

The complex is two 18 hole golf courses,

which should keep Keith very happy.

But it's not just for golfers because there is a selection of bars

and restaurants within walking distance of the accommodation.

It's still only a 15-minute drive to the beach.

What's behind the property,

you only have to go around 500 metres,

and you're in the countryside, so it's great

for walking dogs and things like that.

That sounds good. This recently renovated two-bed apartment

commands a prime position in the complex.

-The swimming pool is just down there.

-Oh, right.

-One of four.

-One of four?

-Right, OK.

This is your apartment.

-It's a top floor.

-Top floor?

And no lifts, but trust me, it's worth going up there, OK?

There might be 31 terracotta steps to the apartment,

but the reward for reaching the top is great.

The complex is perfect, it really is nice.

Typical Spanish style and it really is impressive so far.

Inside, it gets even better,

with a fabulous open-plan living room that leads out

onto a balcony with stunning views.

I can tell you immediately my wife will love this.

-Great.

-Apart from the 31 steps, she will love this.

-Magnificent.

-Greer will also love the two bathrooms.

It's nice to have a easy walk-in shower and also a bath as well.

That's very good.

Juliet balcony again overlooking the summing pool and the golf course.

Yes, it's lovely views.

And it doesn't end there.

-Two bedrooms.

-Two bedrooms.

That is very impressive, very nice.

This is definitely Greer's style and my style.

You couldn't ask for much better than this, it really is smart.

-We're almost there.

-Almost there.

The magnificent outlook from the balcony could just seal the deal.

-Look at the view.

-Magnificent.

-The castle,

the golf course, and the swimming pool and on top of that,

-you have the roof terrace.

-A roof terrace as well?

With the exclusive use of this terrace,

it certainly is looking like the perfect winter getaway.

You can bring an extra bottle of wine up here and watch the sunset.

Watch the sun go down, beautiful.

Beautiful. Couldn't be better.

We have spoken about the dogs and they are OK with it,

they just want extra money for cleaning at the end.

Right, OK, yeah, yeah.

The only problem I have is how on earth is it going to be within the

budget that we've set to you?

The price for renting here is £727.

-Right.

-OK?

-For a month?

For a month, yeah. And that includes everything.

The apartment is nice, so for that extra bit of money,

I don't think it's a deal-breaker.

You've got one other bonus...

-I live just down there.

-So if it all goes belly up, you're to blame!

Yeah, you can come and see me, you don't even have to phone,

-you can shout!

-I can shout.

-Ali, come on!

-That's right, yeah.

Looks as if there's only one person left to convince.

I'm looking forward to showing you this one.

You might like it.

We'll see how we go.

That sounds more promising.

Unfortunately, there's 31 stairs up to the apartment.

They're not marble steps, they're terracotta steps.

It shouldn't be a problem for you.

I did suggest putting a bottle of red wine

at the top of the steps so you could run up there to it, you know.

It's not me I'm worried about, it's the dogs.

-Yes, yes.

-It's so rare we get something available here,

that I thought it was worth seeing it,

because the property is so beautiful and the views are so great.

I think we've got at least one maybe, or definitely maybe.

This is the main bedroom,

and a Juliet balcony overlooking one of four swimming pools.

Gosh!

Very good so far, I like it.

You might like the views from here.

It's lovely, Keith.

I can see myself sitting on that terrace with a glass of red wine.

Yeah, I'm sure you can!

Do you think it will work out all right for the dogs?

Well, I would think so, apart from all the steps,

but I think they should manage those, because they're not marble,

it's terracotta. The balcony's all enclosed with metal railings,

so I can't see that's a problem.

And just in case Greer needs any more persuasion...

Up to a roof terrace.

I think it's lovely, really lovely.

Would you be happy to go slightly over budget for this sort of thing?

Yes, if it's what we, you know, if it's going to suit us better,

which it does.

I'll be amazed if we can find anything better than this.

-OK.

-We'll see you later.

-Bye.

-Did she like it?

Yeah, she loved it. The only thing is the steps, of course.

You don't go and down them 20 times a day,

so I don't think that's a problem.

There seemed to be quite a lot of steps,

but at least they're terracotta,

and not anything slippery,

so they should be fine.

With or without the animals, this would be a first choice...

-Great.

-..from what I've seen so far.

Slightly over budget,

but I think when you think about what you're getting for that budget,

that it's worth those few extra pounds.

That's all really positive, that's great.

-Yep.

-A sigh of relief here from me.

We'll see what else you come up with in the meantime.

Yeah, I will see if I can beat this one and make it another one.

Let's see whether we can make it difficult

-for you to make a decision.

-Very much so.

-OK.

Ali certainly likes a challenge

to find Keith and Greer their perfect winter home.

Now, available to rent for £727 a month, including the bills,

there's a one-off cleaning charge of £150 if they bring the dogs.

They loved the style of the apartment

and the stunning views from the balcony,

but the 31 steps to the top are a potential problem.

If Keith and Greer do decide to

bring their two dogs to the Costa Del Sol,

they'll be in good company.

There are plenty of beach-front promenades to take a walk,

and in the winter, dogs can even get the sand between their paws,

as some of the beaches in the area are dog friendly in the low season.

Some ban dogs all year round,

so taking your dog on a beach where they're not permitted,

even if they are on a lead, may result in a heavy fine,

so advice is - check it out first.

Owners must remember to carry their pet's passport and documentation,

as the authorities may carry out random checks.

You should also clean up after them,

and some larger breeds may have to be muzzled,

particularly on public transport.

If you want to take your dog with you while you dine,

you will find that most restaurant staff

will be accommodating at outdoor cafes and bars,

but don't expect to be able to go indoors,

because this is not allowed.

The search for Keith and Greer's winter rental is going well.

Ali scored a hole in one at the last property on the golf course,

but has one final trick up his sleeve.

We're going to go somewhere a little bit different, a bit further out.

-We're going to Estepona.

-The popular resort of Estepona is famed for its

beaches, which stretch 13 miles along the coast.

Estepona lies 40 miles south-west of Fuengirola,

and due to its natural environment,

surrounded by the sea and mountains,

it has a microclimate with over 325 days of sunshine a year.

Estepona is one of the coastal towns that has maintained

its charm and character,

so it's a great place to find some peace away from the busier resorts.

In the old town, the steep, narrow streets

are pedestrianised, and the charming cafes and tapas bars

still serve traditional Spanish delicacies.

And if seafood is your thing, head down to the marina,

where you can watch the world sail by from the outdoor restaurants and

bars, but don't forget your fishing rod, if you want to catch your own!

The units we are going to see, it's only 80 metres from the beach.

-Oh, that's good.

-It's only 800 metres away from the marina,

so I'm quietly confident that you will like this.

-Good, OK.

-Well, let's see what happens.

-Yeah.

One thing for sure is that the central location

of the final property is exactly what they've asked for.

The sea and the beach is just across the road there.

Yeah, I can see that, yeah.

-And we've got the house just to our left here.

-OK.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens,

this one-bedroom apartment is dog friendly as well.

-So, here we go.

-So this is the property.

-This is the property here.

-OK.

This apartment has been recently renovated,

with just a few finishing touches to go.

-Everything's new.

-Everything is new, nothing's been used.

It's certainly adequate for the two of us, no doubt about that.

Even the bed is new,

and the bedroom being on the mezzanine level

makes great use of space.

Good design feature.

Yeah. So the banister will be...

Will be up here. And it will be glass.

That's all going to be glass, and across the mezzanine, yes?

And across there, again, to maximise the light.

Yeah. And I think when the banisters are up and everything,

it will look quite homely.

It's... Yeah, I'm reasonably impressed so far.

-Good, good.

-First impressions are good,

but will the stairs be a stumbling block?

Do you think the dogs will cope with this?

Well, they wouldn't come up here at all.

-No.

-But they'd be quite happy down there,

as long as they don't snore too much, we'll be fine!

There's plenty of room on the terrace

for the dogs to lie in the sun.

-A sun trap.

-A real sun trap.

-Yeah.

You've got the sea and you can see Gibraltar from here.

Oh, yeah, Gibraltar over there.

There's a nice bit of garden out the front here for the dogs, as well.

-Yeah.

-I'll be interested to know what the price is.

It's £636 per month.

-Right.

-Including the bills.

-Right.

-But for the dogs,

they want 150 euros addition for the cleaning at the end.

Right, well that's good.

We'll see whether Greer feels the same.

Everything is brand-new, nobody's ever been in here before, OK?

-OK.

-What do you think about the kitchen?

Yeah, it looks very nice.

The floor's all new, it's wooden flooring.

I don't think the dogs would slip on it, quite honestly.

Certainly Kayleigh wouldn't.

It's quite unusual, the setup there,

quite a nice idea, I think,

having that mezzanine area and not many steps up and down.

Not bothered about that.

It looks all right, it looks good.

There's always a challenge when we come somewhere that's not complete.

I was a bit concerned, but Keith seems to be able

to see the potential and saying, "Actually yeah,

"when it's finished, it's going to look really nice."

Nobody's slept on this bed, and it's a memory foam bed.

It'll even take your weight.

Cheeky so-and-so, you wait till you get home!

And we're out, I'm now out on the terrace.

-You would love it.

-I know.

Lying out here with a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

It's five or six steps into the building from the front door,

but I don't see that as a problem.

Do you think that one's a contender?

Out of other ones we've seen,

I think it could be a contender, certainly.

-So I'll say goodbye and hopefully see you very soon.

-Bye.

Greer liked the layout of the place completely.

It was suitable for the dogs.

So she appreciated everything here.

-Ticks all the boxes.

-Yes.

-Ideal.

-It's just going to discuss with the boss.

-Absolutely.

-What the wraparound is.

The boss is very much the boss.

-OK.

-Although she says I am, I have to listen to her a great deal.

Absolutely, so let's go and have a chat.

This apartment is available to rent for £636 a month,

including the bills.

There would be an additional one-off charge for cleaning,

if they bring the dogs.

It has the space they want and the recent renovation was a hit.

They love the sun terrace with surrounding gardens

for the dogs to walk in, and with no negatives,

could this be their new winter home?

Keith's time with Ali in the Fuengirola area

has certainly given both him and Greer a great idea of the life

they could be living if they decide to take the plunge

and get away for winter.

-Hi, Greer, how're you doing?

-Hello, Ali.

That's the end of the journey now, OK.

Keith will return home to Scotland tomorrow

to talk things through with Greer

and decide if any of the properties will suit,

and if there is a way to bring the dogs, too.

We've seen four properties now.

Two, to my mind, were very pleasant.

One less, and one a complete no-no.

And you share that sentiment as well?

I do indeed, yes.

-You are happy to be in either of them?

-Yes. Yes, absolutely.

So one or the other is the right solution for you guys?

Oh, absolutely. We'll chat about it when I get back to the UK,

if I can stand much more sun.

But I've appreciated everything you've done for us.

I would just like to thank you,

for showing us round these properties.

-Here is to you.

-Cheers, Greer.

Thank you.

Keith and Greer wanted to get away from

the cold wet weather in Campbeltown.

You have to put a woolly hat on, waterproof trousers,

waterproof shoes, a big thick coat.

With Greer staying behind in the rain, Keith jetted off to Spain.

I'm looking forward to seeing a variety of places.

At the first property in Torremolinos,

they were taken with the traditional Spanish style.

It's a nice, compact little apartment, yes, very, very pleasant.

But the lack of outside space was a problem.

There's no room to sit out on this balcony.

There's no, like, communal garden or anything there?

The modern two bed apartment close to the beach in Fuengirola

didn't float their boat at all.

Compact is an understatement.

-That's not going to be suitable at all, is it?

-No.

But Ali scored a hole in one at the third property

on the golf course, for both Keith and Greer.

-I can tell you immediately my wife will love this.

-Great!

Keith and Greer were also impressed with the newly renovated

apartment in Estepona.

I think it could be a contender, certainly.

The sun terrace and surrounding gardens were also a hit.

-You would love it.

-I know.

With each property, Keith and Greer have learned more about what's

involved in renting abroad.

The question is, though,

have they taken the plunge and escaped to Spain for the winter?

We're still here in Campbeltown.

We didn't get away from the winter.

Well, unfortunately,

Greer is still waiting for a date for her operation on her foot

and it's not going to be as soon as they hoped.

We've just been told that there could be a delay

of between 6-9 months for her operation,

so that's the big problem for not being able to get away this winter.

So it's likely to be next winter,

rather than this winter.

The delay could be a blessing in disguise,

because it will give them more time to decide

what they want to do with their two dogs,

when they eventually head to the sun.

The time spent in seeing all the properties

-has certainly whetted their appetite.

-Ali was great.

I mean, he showed us a variety of properties.

Their top two choices were the Mijas golf apartment,

with its stunning views from the balcony,

and the newly renovated property with sun terrace in Estepona.

We could see what we could get for our money, basically.

So from the point of view of going out there and looking at things,

it was really worthwhile.

So now it's only a matter of time before they get away for the winter.

It's goodbye from me and it's goodbye from her.

Goodbye!