0:00:02 > 0:00:03- Paradise!- Absolutely!
0:00:04 > 0:00:07What if you could live abroad in winter
0:00:07 > 0:00:11for the same cost as living in the UK?
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- This is priced at £595 per month. - Is that all?
0:00:15 > 0:00:18By renting a piece of paradise.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Unbelievable! Wow, this is amazing!
0:00:20 > 0:00:25You could swap sleet and snow for sun and sand.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- Right, let's go and have a look at some properties.- Well, absolutely.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Get Away For Winter teams up sun seekers
0:00:33 > 0:00:35with a local property expert...
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- Can you see yourself in here? - I can, yeah.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40..to find their perfect rental retreat.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43It's like you're on holiday all the time.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Together, they leave no stone unturned...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48This is unbelievable, isn't it?
0:00:48 > 0:00:53..in order to find and fund their dream winter getaway.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56This is what I was dreaming of and didn't even think existed.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06This is Garforth in Leeds.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09And when those dark winter days draw in,
0:01:09 > 0:01:14this village averages only two hours of sunshine a day.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18This is one reason why locals Chris and Val are planning to get away.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- How many eggs do you need? - Six, please.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Chris loves Mediterranean-style cuisine.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30And Val, well, she loves to eat it,
0:01:30 > 0:01:32preferably with a small glass of Rioja in hand,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35sitting outside in the evening sun.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39However, that is an all-too-rare occasion in the chilly north east.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43We've been together over 30 years.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- Yeah.- We've been married 19.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Yeah. Cos she'd never have married me at the beginning.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50- No, I married you for your money. - Yeah. My money?
0:01:50 > 0:01:51- His pension.- Me pension.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Our children have grown up and gone, so it's our time.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- We've got...- Three daughters. - ..three daughters, yeah.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01And we've got three granddaughters, and two grandsons.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- Two granddaughters and three grandsons.- Sorry.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Well done.
0:02:06 > 0:02:07He kisses well too.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11And these sun seekers are ready to make a much-needed change to their lifestyle.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13I definitely won't need that.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Five years ago, Val was diagnosed with a debilitating illness.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23I suffer with arthritis in my hip and my shoulders.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25It gets that you can't walk some days.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Yeah, getting out of the car's hard.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Cos my legs and my thumbs.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- Picking things up, cups and things. - Yeah.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35On really bad days, when it can be really cold,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37her thumbs will dislocate and she has to...
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- Click them back in together. - ..click them back in.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41And that is extremely painful.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44I can have an operation, but it's...
0:02:44 > 0:02:47No, cos that's... You can, but you'll end up with a straight thumb.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Yeah, walk round like this. - Walk round like that.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52I'd have to wear mittens, I couldn't wear gloves.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55You'd have to have braces then, wouldn't you?
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Raincoats. Do I need raincoats?
0:02:58 > 0:02:59No.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Unfortunately, Val's arthritis worsens
0:03:03 > 0:03:05during the cold weather of winter.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09When I see her in pain, that makes me feel really sad.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13And with this opportunity, I'm hoping it changes that.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15When she's happy, I'm happy.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17That's about it, really.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23The couple's escape is only possible if they can raise money
0:03:23 > 0:03:27by renting out their three-bedroom semidetached home.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- Hiya.- Hi, is it Chris? - Yes, I'm Chris.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Hiya, I'm Jancis. Nice to meet you.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36They've invited in a letting agent to give them an estimate of their
0:03:36 > 0:03:37potential rental income.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Chris recently took early retirement.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47He and Val bought this house 24 years ago, and are now, luckily,
0:03:47 > 0:03:48mortgage-free.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Will you be leaving it as fully furnished,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53or would you be thinking about unfurnished?
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- This is what we want advice on. - Right, OK.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00The house is in the popular commuter belt of Leeds.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03And the couple have been advised that they could achieve
0:04:03 > 0:04:05£895 per calendar month.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10So Chris and Val want to use this to fund their accommodation
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and, of course, their living expenses.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15We're going to do it. It's going to work.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- It's going to happen.- We've done other things in our life,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19which have been a lot more difficult than this.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Talked about it too much. - Yeah, sick of talking about it.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Now, we're going to do it.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32Chris and Val hope to have a winter sunshine budget of £895 per month.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37£600 of that will be set aside for accommodation and utility bills.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46And where do our couple want to go to beat those winter blues?
0:04:47 > 0:04:49The place that we've chosen is the Costa Blanca.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55So it's bye-bye British drizzle, hello sunshine sizzle.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03The couple holidayed in Costa Blanca last year,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06in the Alicante region of southeast Spain.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09It's centred around the tourist hotspot of Benidorm.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The region has it all, from cities by the sea...
0:05:19 > 0:05:23..to secluded villages with oodles of local charm.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28The average winter temperature here is 17 degrees.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Quite a bit warmer than the five degrees of Garforth.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35The winter season lasts from October into April.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40And during this period, you can pay the same amount in rent per month
0:05:40 > 0:05:42as you would per week in high season.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48To help Chris and Val with their search
0:05:48 > 0:05:50is local property expert Lisa Turner.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56She's originally from Norfolk, but moved to Alicante 13 years ago.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02She knows that finding Chris and Val a winter getaway won't be easy
0:06:02 > 0:06:05as most long-term lets are booked at least a year in advance.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Over the last, certainly the last eight years, I would say,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14more and more people from European countries have been choosing
0:06:14 > 0:06:17the Costa Blanca to come to, just for the winter months.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18During January and February,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21which are probably the coldest months here in Spain,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24you can still seek out the sun.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27You can walk along the beach, you can go and sit in cafe bars,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30you can have the sunshine, no doubt about that at all.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Lisa will be working very hard to find the right place
0:06:35 > 0:06:37at the right price for Chris and Val.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Only one of them will be joining her in Costa Blanca
0:06:40 > 0:06:41for the property search.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50First, Lisa needs to know exactly what the couple want
0:06:50 > 0:06:52from their winter home-from-home.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54VIDEO CALL RINGS
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Hello, I'm Lisa.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Hello, I'm Chris. - Hi, I'm Val.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03I think we're going to talk about today a new adventure for you.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06You're going to think about coming to Spain for the winter.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08We're not thinking about it, we're doing it.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10You're coming, that's great!
0:07:10 > 0:07:13What sort of property are you looking for?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Low floors, I don't like heights.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Keep it under six, or under ten?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Three, please.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- Ground floor, or up to three. - Please.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Ideally, they want to rent an apartment with two bedrooms
0:07:27 > 0:07:29and two bathrooms, so that they can invite their family
0:07:29 > 0:07:31to stay for holidays.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33But that's not all.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- A balcony, that's the most... - South face...- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- To be able to have some outdoor space.- Outside, yeah.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- Outside space.- Excellent, OK.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44We don't need any high-tech kitchens or anything like that,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47as long as it's usable, you know...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49I like cooking.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- He likes cooking. - I like cooking.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Ideally... I don't want a fire that I've got to build
0:07:55 > 0:07:59out of olive trees in the morning.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Well, Chris and Val, you've given me a lot to think about.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05So, which one of the two of you is coming out to view the properties?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- That will be me, Lisa, I'm afraid. - You got that job.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- I will report back to Valerie...- OK. - ..for approval.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15While Chris is house hunting in the sun,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Val will be getting their home ready to rent out.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22But he's well aware of her list of demands.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24He knows what I want. He knows what I like.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27And it's not debatable.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29THEY BOTH LAUGH
0:08:30 > 0:08:32It's well he's got that smile.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Chris and Val want to keep to a budget of £600 a month
0:08:35 > 0:08:38for accommodation and the household bills.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41They want an apartment no higher up than the third floor,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43with two bedrooms and en suite bathrooms,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46with outside space in a lively, but let's face it,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48not too lively an area.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00In Costa Blanca, the autumn season is drawing to a close
0:09:00 > 0:09:03but that doesn't mean that the area's shutting up shop for the winter.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Chris has travelled 1,500 miles due south,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12and along with his morning cuppa,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14he's really soaking up the sunshine.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16Ooh, lovely.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19It's the first day, I arrived last night,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22and it's looking good so far.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25And, I'm very optimistic, very optimistic, actually.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31On her way to meet Chris is Lisa, to show him what the area has to offer.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37The Costa Blanca is well-known as an area for people to come to
0:09:37 > 0:09:38over the winter months.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41So, a lot of people have, had already booked properties,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44and a lot of people are still booking properties,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47which means we find something, and then we get a reservation on it,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49so it's no longer available.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53If Lisa has turned up trumps with her property shortlist,
0:09:53 > 0:09:57making a quick decision is not going to be a problem for Chris.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02By the end of the week, I want to have a property and sign a contract.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06That is, that is my aim for this week.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Hi.- Hola.- Chris.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Nice to see you.- Nice to meet you. - We do it the Spanish way.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15All right, then.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- We're going to see some properties. - Oh, brilliant, yeah.- Excellent.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Lisa will show Chris and Val four different properties.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27And she's hoping that they'll fall in love with at least one of them.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- I'm getting excited now.- Are you? Excited now.- Really excited.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39We've had quite a challenge with you, Chris, I have to say.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- Good.- It's been a little bit difficult to find you the properties
0:10:44 > 0:10:47that I think you'll like.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53At each property, Chris will video call Val back in Blighty
0:10:53 > 0:10:54to get her opinion.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01Today, I'm taking you to a modern ground-floor apartment,
0:11:01 > 0:11:05I know that Val didn't want to be too high up,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- and it's also got a private garden. - Nice.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12And I know outside space was of interest to you.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Lisa's taking Chris into the hills overlooking the coast
0:11:17 > 0:11:18for property number one.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22It's located in the new development of Sierra Cortina.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26The hustle and bustle of Benidorm is only about a ten-minute drive away.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29But out here, there's plenty of peace and quiet.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34It's a nice residential development,
0:11:34 > 0:11:39very green and leafy, lots of palm trees and Mediterranean shrubs.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46For years, it's been Chris and Val's dream to get away for the winter.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50And this is the first stop on the journey to make that dream a reality.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Let get in and see what you think.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Oh, yeah. Oh, I like this.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06This modern apartment is fully furnished
0:12:06 > 0:12:08and includes a television and hi-fi.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11It has an open plan living and kitchen area,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15which comes with fridge freezer, dishwasher, and oven and hob,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18which is perfect for cookery buff Chris.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23You can cook while Val's watching TV or whatever.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- I like this.- And it's also nice when you have people coming to stay...
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- Yeah.- ..that you're not stuck away in the kitchen, perhaps.- Yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34There are the two bedrooms that Chris and Val wanted,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38so that they can invite their children and grandchildren to stay
0:12:38 > 0:12:39for holidays.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42Perfect for grandkids.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48There is a master en suite and indeed a family bathroom.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52You have to bear in mind that when renting, there can be compromises,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55especially on the smaller details.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57But I don't think that applies here.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00The shower head rail goes right up, that's good.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03I have a lot of trouble with showers cos I'm tall.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- Perhaps the most important part... - Ah, yes.- ..of any property.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09You've got a beautiful terrace.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Enormous terrace, really.... - It's huge.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14..by the standards of apartments.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- Nice view.- Beautiful views, and then you also have...
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Look at this, good grief.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24The apartment comes with not only a south-facing balcony
0:13:24 > 0:13:26but also a private garden area.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35The development also has residents-only swimming facilities,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37which is another plus point.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Lisa has hit everything on Chris and Val's wish list
0:13:40 > 0:13:42for a rental property.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45But the question is, does it come within the budget?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- So we need to talk about price.- OK.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- This falls into your budget. - Does it?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52This is priced at 595 euros per month.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Is that all?
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Now, using an exchange rate of 1.12,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00that's £530.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03For Chris, the dream of winter in the sun
0:14:03 > 0:14:05is becoming tangibly real.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I thought it were going to be more than that, to be honest.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Well, I'm pleased. I'm pleased you're pleased.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I'm over the moon. And this is just number one.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17So, let's hope that we get better each day.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19You're welcome.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20- Thank you.- You're welcome.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- We can do it, I know I can do it. - I know you can do it.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25It'll be a great new adventure for you both.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30So maybe now, it's a good time for you to have a chat with Val.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34I think I should get on the phone now, thank you.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36This is the crunch.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Will Val be as enthusiastic about this apartment as Chris?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Their home in Garforth in Leeds is now up for rent.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44But with no viewers yet,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Val is starting to get worried about financing their escape.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Chris phoned me last night,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53and I think he's settled in, he had his first pint.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57My husband doesn't get his old age pension yet,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01so we're living on small pensions but I think we'll survive.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05I'd rather be in the sun, and eat less, and drink less.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11At each property, Val will be shown around by Chris on his video phone.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- Hello, love. Can you see me?- Hola.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- How are you?- I'm fine, how are you?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- Are you coping without me? - Yes, yes.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23This is the lounge area. We come right through from the kitchen
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- and straight through onto the terrace.- OK.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Even through a camera phone,
0:15:28 > 0:15:30the sunshine has actually got her smiling.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33What do you think so far?
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Yeah, it looks good, it looks spacious.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39And you come out here, to this on a morning,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41which is the view from the bedroom windows as well.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Oh, that's big enough.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Gosh, it's massive.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- I want to come out there now. - I know.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50So whereabouts is it?
0:15:50 > 0:15:52It's in a place called Sierra Cortina.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Oh, I've never heard of that place then.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58There's no shops around here. There's no bars around here.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59No, it's quiet.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03When Chris and Val holidayed in Costa Blanca last year,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07they stayed in the heart of a small seaside town and they just loved the
0:16:07 > 0:16:11hustle and bustle of its cafes and bars.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Here, you've got everything a short distance away.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18But you've got a beautiful, green, well-maintained,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21quiet area here, if that's what you want.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25What is it lacking for you, then, anything?
0:16:25 > 0:16:27I'd like a local bar.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- Ah, right. - But that's the only thing.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31It's very, very quiet.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35It's nice to just have a walk and just have a coffee and cake.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Yes.- Well, it's the first one on the list, so it looks and sounds good.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Ciao for now!
0:16:41 > 0:16:42Ciao, ciao! Bye-bye, love.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Bye-bye. Love you.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Bye, love you.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49With this apartment, Lisa has made a great start.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It's just one slight thing, and that's...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55we'd like to have had a cafe or a bar where we could go out
0:16:55 > 0:16:58for maybe a lunch or an evening meal, sometimes.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- Yeah.- So, you've set the bar very high.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- I'm pleased.- Really high. - That's good. Great.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- 9.8 out of ten.- 9.8?
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Don't make your mind up just yet, we have got some more to look at.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12And let's hope we can get to that 9.9.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- Let's get to ten. Let's get to 11!- OK!
0:17:17 > 0:17:20The apartment has the two bedrooms and bathrooms
0:17:20 > 0:17:21that Chris and Val wanted.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26It's got a kitchen that is really good and meets the chef's
0:17:26 > 0:17:28requirements, and the outside space is more than they hoped for.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31But the location is proving a bit of a problem.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Chris and Val hope that enjoying the sunshine in the winter months
0:17:39 > 0:17:42will lead to health benefits, not just for Val
0:17:42 > 0:17:43but for both of them.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The good weather will encourage a more active lifestyle,
0:17:48 > 0:17:53spending their time outdoors walking, cycling, swimming
0:17:53 > 0:17:56rather than staying indoors, hiding from the wind and rain.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00An active lifestyle can help reduce the risk of diabetes,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02heart disease and dementia.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07But to fund this new, healthier way of life,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10they have to rent out their home back in the UK.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Good old Val is giving the house one last clean
0:18:19 > 0:18:22before her first viewers arrive for the guided tour.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26This is the lounge-cum-kitchen area.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- Yeah. Who did all the decor? - My husband.- Like it.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Val's viewers are engineers who will be working in the area for a year.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37They're from Newcastle and contacted the letting agents
0:18:37 > 0:18:40who've been advertising the property for rent.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44And there's room for two cars on the drive, as well.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Yeah, you could probably squeeze in three, if they were small cars.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Using a letting agent to rent out your home can take away a lot of
0:18:51 > 0:18:55the hassle, and offer you, at the end of the day, peace of mind.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Nice, warm house.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00They can arrange viewings for prospective tenants,
0:19:00 > 0:19:04check references, supply tenancy agreements and deal directly
0:19:04 > 0:19:06with the tenants while you're away enjoying yourself.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Fees can differ widely but you can expect to pay around 10-15%
0:19:12 > 0:19:15of the rental income for their services.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Is there a pub within walking distance?
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Because that is a critical and crucial question.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Right, right, that's the best thing about living here...
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- I like the sound of this.- If you walk outside you'll see a little...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Val could've sealed the deal on her first viewing.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33We might be in Spain next week!
0:19:36 > 0:19:40If Val is going to be revelling in the Mediterranean sun next week,
0:19:40 > 0:19:42then Chris had better find their winter retreat fast.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49We're going to a very nice, very typically Spanish property
0:19:49 > 0:19:53that is located in Alfaz del Pi.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58A 15-minute drive from Benidorm is the town of Alfaz del Pi.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06The area is predominantly made up of citrus fruit farms
0:20:06 > 0:20:08but is becoming more popular with tourists
0:20:08 > 0:20:12who enjoy the quiet suburbs combined with the traditional town centre.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Lisa is taking Chris to view a traditional, Spanish-style villa
0:20:21 > 0:20:24on the outskirts of the town, where the residential suburb
0:20:24 > 0:20:27meets the orchards and groves of the countryside.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31OK, Chris, here we are.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- Your next property. - This is brilliant.
0:20:36 > 0:20:37Wow!
0:20:40 > 0:20:42The locals call this type of property a finca,
0:20:42 > 0:20:44meaning an old farmhouse.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Chris thought his £600 maximum spend on accommodation
0:20:49 > 0:20:52would limit his choices to an apartment.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Not what I was expecting, to be honest.- Great.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58And it's looking very, very promising.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02OK, this is the kitchen.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Oh, this is nice.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08While it may be a traditional type of home,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12inside, the kitchen has been fitted out with all the mod cons.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15There's also broadband Wi-Fi,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18which means Chris and Val can video call the family back in Britain.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Should they want to come and visit, and let's be honest,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25who wouldn't - I certainly would -
0:21:25 > 0:21:27there's plenty of room in the open-plan living area
0:21:27 > 0:21:29and three double bedrooms.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- It's bigger than I thought.- Mm.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Which means we can get more and more people over,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39maybe not always a good thing but...
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- Yeah.- I like it though.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45I do like it, because I like the size of it.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47If Chris likes the size of the inside,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49when he steps outside, he's in for a real treat.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55The property is set in a large garden
0:21:55 > 0:21:58with fruit trees and tropical plants.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Oh, this is beautiful.- The outside space here, Chris,
0:22:04 > 0:22:06is just absolutely wonderful.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08This is where Val loves to be.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Is it?- Outside.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- I can see her sat down with a book. - Yeah.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15So there's something here I think you might like and Val might like,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- as well.- Oh, wow!
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Didn't expect this. A private pool!
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Think the grandkids would like this, wouldn't they?- They'd love it.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31The finca has a rental price of £625 per month, excluding bills.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35That would eat into the money Chris and Val are setting aside
0:22:35 > 0:22:37for living expenses.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42Now, to afford it, the couple would need to rework their budget.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Hiya!- Hi.- Hiya, love.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47Here we come...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51..to the extremely long terrace.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Oh, that looks lovely.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57I like it. I like the Spanish look.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Be nice to stop in somewhere traditional.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03How many guests do you think we could have?
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Erm, how many bedrooms are there?
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- Guess.- Three?- Three bedrooms.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10All good-sized doubles.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Oh! Swimming pool!
0:23:13 > 0:23:15We'd just invite all the family here for Christmas.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- No, no, no, no, no. - No, no, no, no, no!
0:23:18 > 0:23:20VAL LAUGHS
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Val's loving it, just like Chris.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27Are they willing to take the plunge and up their accommodation budget?
0:23:27 > 0:23:29We spoke about having a pool.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31It wasn't on the top of the list, was it?
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- No.- But is it worth paying the extra for the pool?
0:23:35 > 0:23:39If and when family do visit, family and friends visit,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42I could see us having some great times here,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- making some really good memories. - Yeah, but we have to prioritise.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- It's what we want, not what family want.- Yeah, yeah.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51If we've got room then that's fine,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54but is it worth paying the extra for the pool?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56But, yeah, you're right.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- Hi, Chris.- She thinks it might be a bit big for us.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04It's difficult when you're trying to choose a property that the family
0:24:04 > 0:24:08are going to come to, but you're going to be spending far more time here than the family, I guess.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10The thing is, it's lovely.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12The pool is lovely, and it is.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14But are we going to use it?
0:24:14 > 0:24:18We'll be paying extra for the pool and we'd have to balance the cost of
0:24:18 > 0:24:20that against, do we really need it?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- Or do we just take a ten-minute drive and go in the sea?- Yeah.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31The rental price for this finca is £625 per month.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Chris and Val love its traditional style and large garden.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38But are they willing to up their accommodation
0:24:38 > 0:24:41and household bills budget to get it?
0:24:49 > 0:24:55The Costa Blanca spans over 120 miles of Mediterranean coastline
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and it attracts five million tourists a year.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Many flock to Benidorm, where you can enjoy a week in a three-star
0:25:05 > 0:25:09self-catering apartment for only £130 during the winter months -
0:25:09 > 0:25:12almost half of what you pay in the summer.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Across all budgets, there are great deals to be had.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Take this super-stylish contemporary villa.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28It has eight bedrooms,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31and even the five bathrooms come with stunning views.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39Available to rent for £7,700 per week,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42that gets you a gym, a games room...
0:25:43 > 0:25:47..swimming pool, and even a nifty car parking turntable
0:25:47 > 0:25:50for easy access to the garage.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55It shows that even at the higher end of the market,
0:25:55 > 0:25:56there are savings to be made.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Take this lavishly furnished four-bed villa.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05This property is available to rent for just under £1,200 per week
0:26:05 > 0:26:09in the winter, £700 less than in the summer season.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16So whatever your budget, there are sunshine bargains to be had.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Reduced rental rates are not the only reason
0:26:23 > 0:26:26to spend your winter months in the sun.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28There's also the chance to live like a local.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Chris loves cooking Mediterranean cuisine,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35and Lisa has arranged for him to visit the kitchen
0:26:35 > 0:26:39of a seaside restaurant to experience how they cook
0:26:39 > 0:26:42a local speciality - paella.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Raoul is head chef,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47and he's agreed to share a secret or two with Chris.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Esto es caldo de pescado. - Pescado - fish!
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- Si. Caldo carne. - Carne - meat.- Si.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58I love it!
0:26:58 > 0:27:00While there may be a bit of a language barrier,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03both speak the international language of tasty grub!
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Ooh, very nice. Pork and rabbit. I haven't had rabbit.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11We don't eat a lot of rabbit in England.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Paella is a rice-based dish which, during the 18th century,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17was the common crop in Spain.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Un poco colorante.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- Colorante.- Colorante?
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Turmeric? Any turmeric, no?
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Azafran - saffron?
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Azafran. Azafran, si.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Ah, saffron! Very expensive!
0:27:34 > 0:27:39Paella had humble beginnings as a quick and easy meal for farmers.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44Rice was fried with spices, and meat was added to make it a hearty meal.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- I'm a chef.- Ai.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- Enough?- Muy bien. - Muy bien. Gracias!
0:27:51 > 0:27:53It's beginning to look fantastic.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58The name, paella, is likely to come from the type of pan it's cooked in
0:27:58 > 0:28:02and, while it may no longer be a humble dish for farmers,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06tradition dictates that it's served up straight from the pan.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Mm, bueno. Mucho bueno!
0:28:09 > 0:28:10Very nice.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Our Chris needs to keep his strength up,
0:28:13 > 0:28:15because tomorrow he's back on the rental trail.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24It's a new day and with it, Val's excitement at the prospect
0:28:24 > 0:28:27of basking in the Spanish winter sun is increasing.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31I'd like to know what the weather's like.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34I think it must be warm and sunny out there, and I'm frozen!
0:28:36 > 0:28:41Their dream of getting away for winter is inching ever closer.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44I'm looking forward to chatting to Chris today.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47We had two viewers yesterday to look round the house.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50It looks promising, but there you go, we'll have to wait and see.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54Waiting to feel that warm sun on my back and on my shoulders.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56It's good for the bones!
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Val is determined that this winter
0:29:00 > 0:29:03her arthritis won't be as debilitating as last year.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Lisa is taking Chris to property number three,
0:29:12 > 0:29:14which is in the market town of Altea.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Nestling on the coast, it's only six miles east of Benidorm,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22but a world away from its high-rises.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28The picturesque old town, with its white-painted houses
0:29:28 > 0:29:30and maze of narrow, narrow streets,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33comes alive at night with its cafes and restaurants.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41The Our Lady of Solace church, with its blue-tiled dome,
0:29:41 > 0:29:44looks down to the recently regenerated promenade below.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51Set back from the seafront is the more modern town centre...
0:29:52 > 0:29:55..which is where the apartment Chris is here to see is located.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59This is very typically Spanish in my mind,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03very typical of this part of the Costa Blanca.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08This seems an ideal location.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Extremely Spanish.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12It is. You see, there's...
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Busy, but it's got a vibe.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20The property is a second-floor apartment
0:30:20 > 0:30:23just a short stroll from the promenade.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27While this flat may be in the heart of a traditional town,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30it's got a really cool and contemporary feel.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- Ah, yes. - Knowing how you like cooking,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- I thought this might appeal to you.- This is lovely, this, yeah.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41The apartment is deceptively spacious.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44It's got three double bedrooms,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47so there will be plenty of room for visiting relatives.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- So, what do you think? - So far, so good.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- So far, so good? - It is. It's a lovely place.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58The windows are double glazed to keep the noise
0:30:58 > 0:31:00from the hubbub of the streets below to a minimum.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05The single shower room has stylish units and a high up shower,
0:31:05 > 0:31:10so there will be no need to duck for big man Chris, while he's singing
0:31:10 > 0:31:13"Y Viva Espana" during his morning wash!
0:31:14 > 0:31:18There's even a balcony area with spectacular views of the old town.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22You can see the church from here.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- The dome of the church. - Shows you just how close you are.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Overall, a great apartment in a great location.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34And, at £560 a month, it's well within Chris and Val's budget.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Are you wanting to see where I am at the moment?
0:31:40 > 0:31:42I can't wait!
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Chris' description of the market town on the doorstep
0:31:47 > 0:31:50of the apartment certainly appeals to Val,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52but will the flat itself be to her liking?
0:31:53 > 0:31:55I'm going to take you into the kitchen.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59As you can see, it's all been fully modernised.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00There's all your mod cons.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03It's all very white and bright. It looks good.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Val's impressed by the modern decor.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09And having three double bedrooms is a big plus, as well.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14The bathroom is a lovely size.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Is it two bathrooms?
0:32:16 > 0:32:19It is the only bathroom in the property.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24But it's a lovely long, high shower.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27The height of the shower is not making up
0:32:27 > 0:32:29for the lack of two bathrooms for Val.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33They are going to have to think about compromising,
0:32:33 > 0:32:35and where they're going to make that compromise.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Leaving things this late in the year,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40they are never going to tick every single one of their boxes.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44The most important part.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46The most important part for you.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48What do you think so far?
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- It's not a very big patio, is it? - I agree, I agree.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54I think we're going to have to compromise on something.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56I think so, because we can't have everything.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Hi, how did it go?
0:33:01 > 0:33:03The main concern is just the terrace.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05I knew you were going to say that.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10What she did say was, if we were here for a fortnight, snap it up.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- Oh, well. So not all bad.- Definitely not all bad.- But not all good.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- No.- There's still a little bit of work to do.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18The search goes on.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24This apartment has a monthly rent of £560 a month,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27well within Chris and Val's budget.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29It's right in the heart of a traditional town
0:33:29 > 0:33:33and it has three bedrooms, but only one shower room.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37However, all the plus points may not make up for the small balcony.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Lisa has challenged Chris and Val's preconceived ideas
0:33:45 > 0:33:47of renting for the winter.
0:33:47 > 0:33:48But they're learning fast,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51and they're learning what is important to them.
0:33:53 > 0:33:59Chris and Val hope to rent out their house in the UK for £895 per month.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Now, £295 of that is allocated to living expenses
0:34:02 > 0:34:04such as food and drink.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Eating out is significantly cheaper in Costa Blanca.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12The average price of a three-course meal here is £30 -
0:34:12 > 0:34:1520 quid cheaper than at home.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Chris plans to cook most of their meals,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21and food is generally cheaper in Spain.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25In Costa Blanca, the average weekly food shop can be 25% less
0:34:25 > 0:34:27than in the northeast of England.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31If they are to achieve a cost-efficient life in the sun,
0:34:31 > 0:34:33they'll have to get their house let
0:34:33 > 0:34:36and find their winter rental property.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42Lisa has one more property from her shortlist to show Chris.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46And, for her final roll of the rental dice,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49she's returning to Sierra Cortina -
0:34:49 > 0:34:52the same area as the first property that she showed Chris.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57So we're going to go and have a look at a slightly different style
0:34:57 > 0:35:00of property there, in another urbanisation,
0:35:00 > 0:35:04a modern build property but this time it's a house, not an apartment.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- A house?- A house.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09She said "a house".
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Sierra Cortina is a new residential development.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16While it may not have the choice of cafes and restaurants close by,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19there is regular public transport to the nearest village
0:35:19 > 0:35:22and Benidorm is only ten minutes away.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27It is a quiet urbanisation but it seems to be within easy reach
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- of all facilities. - I think you're right there, Chris.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- So, here we are. - Looking good so far.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39At each property,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Lisa has certainly hit the mark in terms of living space.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Will she have another bull's eye with this one?
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- Lovely big lounge. - Yeah, beautiful big lounge, yes.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I like it. I like the decor, I like the comfort of it.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56And he'll like the kitchen because he wants to get cooking and,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59to help manage the couple's expenditure,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01the electricity is meter-controlled.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06And then here at the top of the landing is the family shower room.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Oh, that's nice, yeah. Yeah.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13The property has two bedrooms with large windows
0:36:13 > 0:36:15that allow the sunlight to stream into the house.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20The master bedroom is en suite, with a Jacuzzi bath.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Mm-mm, what a treat!
0:36:26 > 0:36:29The master bedroom also has a balcony with stunning views
0:36:29 > 0:36:31of the surrounding area.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Aw, that is beautiful!
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Not only is there a balcony, but also a terrace
0:36:42 > 0:36:44and a private garden area.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49The town house is built on a southeast aspect
0:36:49 > 0:36:52so Chris and Val can enjoy the sunshine from sunrise
0:36:52 > 0:36:54to that drink at sunset.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01However, its rental price is £620.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04That's a bit more than they really would like to pay.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- So, what do you think?- I've really liked all four properties.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09They've all got their own attributes.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- In my mind...I'd prefer this.- Right.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15I'll have to have a word with Val.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- Absolutely will. - No decision just yet.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22Chris loves this property and is not put off by the price,
0:37:22 > 0:37:24because he's overcome his reservations
0:37:24 > 0:37:27about the area being too remote from cafes and bars.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Question is, will Val feel the same?
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- It looks really sunny out there. - It's beautiful and sunny.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Looks gorgeous.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Since seeing the first property in this location,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Val has researched the area.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45It's a ten-minute drive from where she and Chris
0:37:45 > 0:37:47spent their summer holiday last year.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51What do you think to the lounge/dining room, then?
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- It looks good.- It's nice and modern.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Let's take a look upstairs, then.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Val likes the modern feel but her priority is outside space.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Look at that clear, blue sky, Val.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07That's really good. I love that.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Right, then, Val, I'm just taking you through onto the patio area
0:38:10 > 0:38:11and into the garden.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13That's like the dining area.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17Oh, I love the outside... I love the outside space.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25I've got a really good feeling about this one because we've ticked
0:38:25 > 0:38:29an awful lot with this property of what's on Chris and Val's list.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32So fingers crossed they like it.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34But I've got a good feeling.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39The monthly rental of this house is more than Chris and Val
0:38:39 > 0:38:41were hoping to pay, and that is a big dilemma.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45It's got to be, like, cost neutral, if we can,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48by renting our home out in England.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51That is the whole idea is,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53it doesn't cost us anything to live in Spain.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55But if we're going to be there for six months,
0:38:55 > 0:38:57I don't think we should just go for the cheapest.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00We've want to go for the one that's more comfortable for us.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02It's a very difficult decision at the moment.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- Hi, Chris.- It went well. - It went well, did it?- It went well.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09We haven't decided yet.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12We know we've still got to discuss all the others.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16She likes the Juliet balcony, the views.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19The house itself she thought was brilliant.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21- We're that close, now.- Fabulous.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24We were that close when I first arrived, but we're that close now.
0:39:26 > 0:39:31Property four is available to rent for £620 a month,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34just slightly over Chris and Val's accommodation budget.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39They love the modern decor, the outside space
0:39:39 > 0:39:42and of course the views but, in order to afford their house,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45they would have to revise their monthly living allowance.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56Lisa has definitely opened up Chris and Val's eyes to the realities of
0:39:56 > 0:39:59renting in Costa Blanca for all those winter months.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Hi, Lisa.- Nice to see you.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Nice to see you, too.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07We've had quite a lot of fun this week, Val,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- looking at these properties.- Yes, yes.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Are you like me, Val? Are you finding it hard to make a decision?
0:40:13 > 0:40:14Yeah, I'm still thinking.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16You know, it's, it's... I don't know, it's hard.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Everything's going through my mind at once, you know?
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Have you got a favourite?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24I've got two. I think I've now whittled it down to two.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Tomorrow, Chris will return home.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The couple will need to get their house let out quickly
0:40:31 > 0:40:34or they may lose out on the properties Lisa has shown them here.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36But they hope that this winter
0:40:36 > 0:40:39they'll be saying hasta la vista to Leeds.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Chris and Val dreamt of swapping the cold, cold winters of Leeds
0:40:48 > 0:40:52for sunnier climes, but had to rent out their own home to afford it.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56It's vital that we rent this place to have a good standard of living.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59We've done other things in our life which have been a lot more difficult than this.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01- We've talked about it too much. - Yeah.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07Chris jetted to Costa Blanca, where property expert Lisa had four rental
0:41:07 > 0:41:09properties for him to look at.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- I'm getting excited now! - Are you getting excited now?
0:41:12 > 0:41:13I'm getting excited.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16The couple loved the first apartment...
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Oh, yeah. I like this.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21..but were unsure of its out-of-town location.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23It's very, very quiet.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- It's just nice to have a walk and just have a coffee and cake.- Yeah.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32Next up was a traditional Spanish villa with a private pool.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Ah, swimming pool.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38But the price tag was more than they wanted to pay.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40But is it worth paying the extra for the pool?
0:41:41 > 0:41:46The flat in the beautiful town of Altea was in a picturesque location,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49but was let down by its outside space.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51It's not a very big patio, is it?
0:41:51 > 0:41:52It's not very big, no.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56The fourth and final option, while slightly over budget,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59hit the mark time and time again.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- Look at that clear blue sky, Val. - That's really good, I love that.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05I've really liked all four properties.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07They've all got their own attributes.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10In my mind...I'd prefer this.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14So the big question is which property, if any,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16have Chris and Val picked for their winter getaway?
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Or is it another cold, cold season in Garforth?
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- BOTH:- Hello!
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- We're here in sunny Spain. - Yes, we made it.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32The sunshine, good weather, good food, and a good wife!
0:42:34 > 0:42:37In the end, Chris and Val picked property number one -
0:42:37 > 0:42:39the two-bedroomed apartment in Sierra Cortina,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41which had a large garden.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46The couple rented out their house to Val's first viewers
0:42:46 > 0:42:50and a week later, hey, presto, they were in Spain.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52We've moved out here for Val's health.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56With her arthritis, in winter, in England, it's really...
0:42:56 > 0:42:57It's really bad.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01We've come out here and Val has been out walking,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05we've been out walking, which we couldn't do in the winter in England.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07We are enjoying it. We're enjoying the weather.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- We just feel better, don't we? - It's ace, isn't it?
0:43:10 > 0:43:12I've no regrets at all. I love it.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14- Cheers.- Cheers!
0:43:16 > 0:43:18If Val's happier, I'm happier.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21And we're both happy now, aren't we?
0:43:22 > 0:43:24You could smile!