Lanzarote 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, let's go and have a look at some properties.

-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.

In the large seaside town of Southport in Merseyside,

winter is just around the corner

and two residents wanting to flee the impending frost

are mother and son Jason and Michelle.

Retired retail manager Michelle and college tutor Jason

are a very close-knit family unit.

SHE LAUGHS

Oh, we have a laugh, don't we? We're like friends more than anything.

Mum and I have got a relationship that's just so strong

and I think it always will be from what we've been through.

You know, they used to have...

I don't get involved in the girls.

-It's not on my agenda...

-Please don't embarrass me!

Jason and Michelle's relationship has been strengthened recently

after suffering great personal tragedy.

Michelle sadly lost her second husband

very suddenly in early 2016

and his death has left a profound impact on both of them.

The last few years for us...

-A challenge.

-It's been a horrendous challenge.

And now it's made me realise that life is short...

-It's your time.

-And it's your time

and it's today, it's not tomorrow.

Your life is today.

Michelle and Jason's world was rocked again

when Michelle suffered a stroke a few months ago.

And Jason moved back home in order to help her recovery.

After everything they've been through,

they can't face another winter in the UK.

As soon as the clocks go back, I just go down.

There's only two words to describe it really - doom and gloom.

Jason is currently unemployed

and believes this could be a first step for them both

as they ponder the potential

of a more long-term commitment on distant shores.

Let's see what it's like being abroad, let's get this escape

and just do something different and take a leap of faith

and I thought, well, just go for it.

But for now, it's baby steps and getting away for winter.

Is there light at the end of that dark tunnel?

Jason and Michelle have been doing all they can

to make the move a financial reality.

If you do go away for winter,

you're not going to have your heating on, so you can think,

"Well, I'm saving money while I'm out here," and then obviously

it's cheaper out there, so we've factored that in

when making the decision and sort of bringing in a budget.

It's a case of, we've had to weigh up all these different things

about whether or not it's going to be worth it.

Michelle is very likely to rent out her house while she is away.

Her property is located in a residential area

with a strong rental market

because it is commutable into the centre of Southport.

Local estate agents estimate that her two-bedroom,

mid-terraced house could fetch up to £680 per month.

As well as this potential income,

if she does decide to go down the rental route,

Michelle and Jason estimate they can save around £300 per month

on utility bills in the UK.

Coupled with their careful savings, it means they have a winter sunshine

budget of £1,200 per month to cover all their costs while they're away.

£750 to £900 of this will be

allocated to renting their

perfect home for winter.

With their finances in order,

there can only be one destination for this duo

and it's one that holds a special place in their hearts.

I want to go so much to Lanzarote in the Canaries.

It's such a special place for my mum and Ron.

I've only been once, but it's left such an impression with me,

having been told so much about it,

that I just... I need to see more.

The majestic island of Lanzarote

is the easternmost of Spain's Canary Islands.

Often referred to as the island of eternal spring,

its year-round sunshine makes it irresistible to the huge number

of tourists who flock to its boutique hotels, apartments,

traditional style bungalows and village houses.

It's an island that can steal your heart -

just ask local property expert Dave.

We've got the weather, we've got the beaches,

we've got bars, restaurants,

we've got mountains,

we've got really amazing things that you can enjoy.

There's nowhere really quite like Lanzarote with the national park

and the volcanoes and the beautiful landscapes.

Dave moved to Lanzarote in 2001

and has built one of the most respected

property management companies on the island.

Apart from his business, Dave's pastimes include photography

and the island's landscape offers him infinite opportunities

to capture its beauty.

But as a single dad, his number one passion is his daughter, Arabella.

Good boy.

No!

16 years of local knowledge

means that Dave is well prepared for all of Jason and Michelle's demands.

-Are you going to level it up now?

-Yeah.

But are they prepared for the realities

of renting on such a popular island?

The property market in Lanzarote is really booming right now.

It's really difficult to find somewhere to rent long-term

and if you want to get a short-term, holiday vacation,

you need to snap it up as soon as you see it

because they're just flying out.

Time for Dave to meet our winter "want-aways" and find out

which one of them will be joining him on the search in Lanzarote.

-Hi, guys.

-Hiya, Dave, I'm Jason and this is my mum.

-I'm Michelle.

-What's the weather like there right now?

-Is it awful?

-Oh, absolutely, isn't it?

-It's cold.

-Really cold. How about you?

Well, it's really lovely here, as usual, so, you know,

one of you is going to have a good time anyway.

The first hurdle for Dave is that Jason and Michelle's ideas

on property location may be slightly at odds.

I think we want different things.

I quite like modern sort of areas

with a bit of life to them whereas you're different, aren't you?

-I like local, Spanish. Just nice and quiet.

-That's fine.

These different aspirations also apply to the property itself.

I'm looking for ideally a property that's like where less is more,

sort of similar to what's behind you, really.

Like, you know, minimal and clean and fresh.

Whereas you like the more traditional, rustic looks.

It's interesting - Michelle's taste is so strong,

she even remodelled her own kitchen in the traditional Spanish style.

There's going to be some wiggle room.

Because there's such a shortage of properties,

we won't be able to find you something

that ticks every single box,

so you are going to have to make some decisions,

but we'll take you around what's available and

you'll have to have a discussion, won't you?

-Absolutely. Absolutely.

-I can't wait.

Have you got any special requirements at all?

-Terrace.

-Outside space.

It looks to me that Dave has got quite a challenge on his hands.

His starting point is a two-bedroom property

with good outside space to rent

for three to six months, all within budget.

-So, what's your budget?

-750-900.

I think that is a totally reasonable budget

and we'll get out and find what we can for you.

Who is coming over to view the properties with me?

-Me.

-Get away, you wish!

She wishes. No, I'll be flying over to see you.

So let's hope I make the right decision.

For their budget of £750-900,

they want a rented apartment with two bedrooms,

but Jason and Michelle are looking

for two very different styles of property.

It's going to be hard to try and find somewhere that appeals to both

because we have such contrasting tastes.

But I'm up for it, I'm up for the challenge.

While Jason heads off to search for a property abroad,

Michelle will be staying in the UK

in order to pack up her house for winter.

On the unique and beautiful island of Lanzarote

off the coast of West Africa,

Jason has now made the 2,600 mile journey and is more than satisfied

with his new surroundings.

Southport's view is absolutely lovely,

but nothing compares to this,

waking up to blue skies.

It is absolutely beautiful, it's very warm.

It's just the perfect place, the perfect morning.

Dave is making his way to meet Jason

and get the property search under way.

It's been a really tough search.

There's not a lot of availability in Lanzarote right now

so we were very lucky to find some properties.

Hopefully they'll be suitable for both of them.

I think mum and I did give Dave a complicated brief.

I think we differ in style so much with what we're looking for

for a property out here.

So I think Dave's got a challenge on his hands.

Coupled with the challenging brief

is the fact that Lanzarote does not have an off-season.

So with the demand always high, the rent rarely goes low.

-Hi, Jason.

-Hiya, Dave, lovely to meet you.

-Lovely to meet you too.

Jump in, let's see if we can find you something nice.

How was your flight over?

-Was it OK?

-I was pleased to land and touch down on the turf and be like,

"Oh, yeah, I'm in Lanzarote now."

It's been quite a difficult search, to be honest with you.

There's not a lot of properties available

for long let in Lanzarote.

However, luckily I think they do fit, more or less, your criteria.

It's not just Jason making the decisions -

at each property, he will video call Michelle

to make sure they get what they both want from their £900 a month budget.

The property we're about to come to is in Puerto del Carmen,

which I know is one of the areas that your mum was interested in.

Yeah, she'll be pleased with that, wow.

Located on the island's more developed south coast,

Puerto del Carmen is Michelle's dream location.

She and her late husband Ron spent many holidays here

over seven years

and it holds an extremely special place in her heart.

Puerto del Carmen's central, it's lively,

there's a lot of really interesting things to do around there.

Michelle shares her affection for Puerto del Carmen

with the thousands of tourists who choose this town

as their holiday destination every year.

In addition to its fine beaches,

Puerto del Carmen is packed with shops,

restaurants and boasts a beautiful marina,

as well as still having its quaint and peaceful old town.

Right, here we are, Jason. This property's in the middle of

Puerto del Carmen, right where you want your search to be.

Fantastic.

This spacious two-bedroom apartment

is purpose built for modern living...

-Oh, my days. Wow.

-Yeah?

It's nice and modern. Dining area, nice view out to the pool.

Absolutely beautiful.

..with a large living area complete with air conditioning,

Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen.

This is the kitchen area. It's just been refurbed.

-What do you think?

-I love it.

The only problem I think I've got is,

it's not what Mum's looking for.

Back home we've got the Spanish kitchen

with all the wood and it looks rustic and it looks Spanish.

This looks too modern.

I love it, but I don't think she will.

The apartment includes two good-sized bedrooms.

-This is lovely.

-And a modern bathroom.

A good size, very modern.

-So your mum is going to hate it?

-Yeah, I don't think she's...

I think she wants the classic Spanish look again, but I love it.

I think it's perfect.

The property is exactly where Michelle wants to be

and Jason totally loves the interior.

Although the all-important outside space is communal,

it's spacious and, well, lovely.

I think it's absolutely perfect for me.

I would move in in a second, but I've got to think about my mum.

I don't think it's what she's looking for.

She wants that classic, that rustic, that natural Spanish feel.

I'm going to have a job on my hands trying to convince her.

I think you are, Jason,

and he's clearly very aware that it won't be his mum's cup of tea.

But will the rental cost give an added shine to the property?

The price of this property is £810 per month not including bills.

You can expect to pay about £90 a month for bills,

so you're looking at about £900 a month.

Two bedrooms in the centre of Puerto del Carmen - Mum's happy place...

I think that's more than reasonable.

Back in Southport,

Michelle is certainly thinking about her happy place.

Some places that I would love to be in is the obvious one,

Puerto del Carmen.

Michelle has quite clear ideas

of what she's looking for in a property.

From this property, I'd like to see mainly the terrace outside.

Whatever is outside, it's a priority.

Just open the door, walk straight through to the terrace,

that's all I want to see. And then a bit of traditional Spain.

PHONE RINGS

Oh, there he is. Oh, God, what do I do?

-Hello?

-Hello!

-Hiya, Mum.

-Hola! How're you doing?

We are in your happy place and we are in Puerto del Carmen.

So, that's the location taken care of,

but what about the rest of the property?

Oh, it's lovely. So far so good, I must admit.

I'm not so sure how it's going to go, the call with his mum,

because she was slightly more specific

in liking more that traditional Spanish feel.

But we'll have to see how it goes.

-Yay!

-That surprises me,

I didn't think you'd like this kind of kitchen.

It's not bad, it's not bad.

The kitchen gets a surprising thumbs up, and the bathroom?

No, it's too dark.

Are you sure you don't like it?

Yeah. I don't like the bathroom.

So, bathroom gets the thumbs down.

But there's still the very sizeable outside space to have a look at.

It's not private.

I can't have a table

and just walk out in my dressing gown or something like that,

and I think that's quite a quiet day.

When you've got people all there using the pool and humming around,

I won't have my privacy and my quiet.

-What do you think?

-I love it.

It's very modern, it's very fresh, it's very quiet.

The pool's beautiful.

In the price range that they've got, really,

I think any more private space etc in the centre of Puerto del Carmen

would be a bit of a struggle.

It's in my favourite place.

How much is it a month?

It's 900, including bills.

Hmm...

Not the kind of response Jason was hoping for.

-How did that go?

-She liked the kitchen.

The outside space she wasn't too keen on.

She'd like a bit more privacy.

She was pleased that it was on the ground floor

and happy with the bedrooms.

A little bit disappointed.

I love this property, I think it's beautiful and I love this pool.

But we've got to make the decision together, haven't we? So...

OK. Well, we can move onto some other properties

and then when we've seen them all,

-you can come to a decision, eh?

-Yeah.

For Jason and Michelle, this search is starting to become

about where they're both willing to compromise.

Available to rent at the top end of their budget at £810 per month,

this two-bedroom property has a lot going for it.

Now, despite Michelle's more traditional taste,

they did both love the kitchen

and it's in Michelle's dream location.

But I'm afraid it lacked the private outside space

that Michelle totally craves.

While Jason is focused on finding the perfect winter home...

..Michelle's time on Lanzarote may just go beyond the cold months,

because she's thinking about making the move a more permanent one.

Me and my husband visited Lanzarote for years.

We were there all the time.

We were going to make the move over there, Ron was really excited,

everything was planned, it was easier than we thought.

Everything was put in place and then he wasn't well.

And, erm, I feel that I've got to do this.

I have to do it. It's in my heart and it is possible,

I know it is possible. I can do it.

In order to fund her life abroad,

Michelle is keen to work while she's on Lanzarote.

She's also trying to generate as much money as possible

in the UK before she goes.

Michelle is likely to rent out her house while they're away,

so that they will have a home to come back to if they want.

She has signed up with an estate agent to manage this

and although she will make 10-15% less than doing it directly herself,

for her it will take the often time consuming work out of letting.

Michelle is also trying to sell her car, privately,

to maximise all the money she can make.

So, she has a lot to organise to pack up her home

and she's always thinking about

how to make her life abroad a financial reality

by saving every last penny.

I have a picture on my front door.

Every time I go out, I look at that picture

and that's the last thing I see when I leave my house.

So I have that in my head all the time.

Do I really need this? No, Lanzarote.

Do I need...? No, I'm going to Lanzarote.

There's a big sun in the corner

and that's the sun shining on where I'm going

and I just have to look at that and I don't spend any money.

As Michelle drives things forward at home...

..in Lanzarote, Dave is driving Jason to a property

with more of a traditional touch to it.

Right, Jason, so this property that we're coming up to now

is in Arrecife, which is the capital of Lanzarote.

The island's capital, Arrecife,

20 minutes east of Puerto del Carmen,

is not only the gateway to Lanzarote

but a very popular destination in itself.

Listen, I'm going to be honest with you,

this was nowhere near anywhere that she stated on the video call.

But I really want to show you

because there's some really good things going for this property.

It's actually really, really, really close

to the centre of all the action.

And when I say close, I'm talking, like, 200 metres away, you know,

and about half a mile from the marina.

From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village

to the present-day haven for shoppers,

Lanzarote's capital Arrecife is a city that offers a multitude of

activities for all who stay here.

Renowned for its range of shops and elegant boutiques,

Arrecife also delivers on bars, restaurants and culture...

..as well as a sandy beach, historic architecture and a modern marina.

Really great location.

This two-bedroom traditional Spanish-style apartment

has the rustic finish that Michelle is looking for.

Yeah, it's, er... It's definitely rustic.

Not too keen on the tiles, though.

The living area has everything you need and it's a good size...

I like it. I can certainly see myself kicking back

and relaxing in here.

..as well as having a balcony, which it shares with the main bedroom.

-I really like this apartment.

-Yeah?

-Very much.

The apartment also has a large yoga room,

which can easily be made into a third bedroom.

And the bathroom is, hmm...

..compact.

Er, yeah. That's the only downside so far.

Well, there's certainly more to Michelle's taste inside

and as for the outside space?

Well, it's an impressive private rooftop terrace.

OK, Jason. Look at this for a surprise for the property.

-Oh, wow!

-Really, really large terrace area.

-Unbelievable!

Wow, this is amazing.

It's a massive space with amazing views of the city

and the surrounding countryside...

Unbelievable.

..and with all the privacy that Michelle is looking for.

But will this be within their £900 budget?

We're looking at £810 per month plus bills.

-Bills will be about £90.

-Oh, wow.

-OK?

So it's in your budget, top end of your budget, but it's in budget, OK?

What a beautiful find.

Little hidden gem. Perfect outside space, very private, very quiet.

I can genuinely see myself sunning it on this terrace.

Time to let Michelle have a peek around the apartment.

-Hi, Mum. How're you doing?

-Hi, I'm fine.

Jason begins his tour on the terrace.

I am stood on your very own private outside terrace.

That is absolutely beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful.

Hooray, she likes it.

Another priority for Michelle is the kitchen.

Oh! Oh, it's lovely!

Oh, that's really sweet. I love the tiles.

Oh, it's lovely.

This is a really great property.

It's a bit of a wild card

because the location isn't where they wanted to be,

but we're really going to have to see if we can overcome that

because Arrecife is a great location

and we're really close to the centre of it.

Got a balcony on the lounge and a balcony that joins to your bedroom.

-Wow.

-It's a good find, it's a nice apartment, nice roof terrace.

Let's just hope it goes well with his mum.

-Are you in Arrecife?

-We're in Arrecife.

-How much is it?

All in, it's about £900.

Blooming heck! That's very good.

-How did that go?

-Really, really pleased with that one.

-Really?

-Very unexpected from Mum.

Didn't think she'd react how she did. She loved that roof terrace.

I think she might warm to the idea that we're in Arrecife.

The property was spot-on, it was perfect,

and seeing this property has reinforced the fact

that it is location which is most important.

Property two has delivered on almost everything.

Available to rent for £810 a month,

it offers a traditional Spanish interior,

private balconies and a rooftop terrace.

But will Michelle be able to come to terms with living somewhere

other than her happy place, Puerto del Carmen?

With 25% more daylight hours in winter

than the north-west of England,

it's very easy to see why the high season here

runs from November to April.

During this time there is an enormous demand

for rental properties, many booked more than a year in advance.

From studio apartments along the coast

available for around £300 a week, to the more roomy options.

Take this beautiful luxury villa,

a 15 minute walk from the centre of the town,

complete with a relaxing hot tub on the sun terrace.

It's available for £980 per week.

Or this spectacular nine-bedroom house with black marble bathrooms,

a putting green, hot tub, heated swimming pool

and outstanding sea views,

just 15 minutes from Puerto del Carmen.

It's yours for just under £3,000 a week.

But, you know, whatever your taste and budget,

the key to securing a winter rental in Lanzarote is to book early.

With the demand for rental properties so high

and Michelle and Jason's wish list so specific...

..Dave is hoping property three

in the hills outside Puerto del Carmen

may offer them what they want from a property and its location.

We'll soon be approaching the next property,

which is in an area called La Asomada.

La Asomada is less than ten minutes' drive from Puerto del Carmen.

But by venturing slightly further out,

Jason and Michelle might find they get a lot more for their money.

La Asomada's a really nice location.

It's on top of the mountain that overlooks Puerto del Carmen,

so it's quite a good location for people who perhaps

want to get away a bit from the noise

and bustle of Puerto del Carmen.

You get a bit more space...

..bit more quietness and a better view

and you're only five, six minutes away from Puerto del Carmen

down the hill.

With every new area,

Jason is experiencing for himself the island

that captivated his mum and stepdad.

It's a journey that he's finding increasingly emotional.

There's no need to hide your emotions.

I think you can burst down into tears,

curl in a little ball and start crying.

-That would be fine.

-I'm... If I... If we find the perfect property,

-that will happen.

-Yeah?

-That will happen.

Lanzarote's beautiful, isn't it?

It's just one of them places that, you know, I feel like Dorothy.

You look like a Dorothy.

JASON LAUGHS

I want to say there's no place like home.

This is... This feels like home. It's so, so beautiful.

And although the journey so far has been a little bumpy...

-VOICE SHAKING:

-Is this too far away for you?

Just a little bit.

..Dave hopes that this property will deliver

on that traditional Spanish feel that's so important to Michelle.

There you go. What do you think?

-This is the view.

-I must admit, they're beautiful views.

-It's nice views. Let's have a look at the apartment, shall we?

-Yeah.

This two-bedroom first-floor apartment

is the perfect mix of rural relaxation

with easy access to city life.

Yeah, she'll like this.

Michelle dreams of a traditional Spanish winter getaway

and this apartment reflects that throughout.

-This is the main bedroom.

-OK.

-It's rustic.

It's a great size.

The spacious and traditional theme continues in the kitchen.

I think she's really going to like it.

-OK, great, and what do you think about it?

-I must admit,

-I do like it.

-You like it?

-Just because it's like the one at home,

it's like being at home.

And then, of course, there is the private terrace.

Beautiful, beautiful view down to Puerto del Carmen.

You can say that again.

Must admit - some pros, some cons.

Fantastic views, nice kitchen, nice living area,

not so keen on the location.

Life's about compromises.

One of the wonderful things about this property is it's under budget.

You're looking at £585 a month for the property

-and approximately £90 a month for bills.

-Wow.

So you're really looking at getting it under £700 a month,

which is well within your budget. OK?

Back in the UK, Michelle is waiting patiently for her online tour.

It is the dream, but it's about compromise as well.

And that's the main point that I've learned on this journey -

compromise.

Hello. Hola!

-Hello!

-Hola. Hello.

Jason begins his tour in the bedrooms.

Oh, that's lovely.

I thought you'd like it.

Absolutely lovely. I love it.

Oh, that's really sweet.

I think she likes it. The bedrooms get a gold star from Michelle.

Next up it's the kitchen.

Oh, wow!

Oh, it's fantastic.

I don't think this location is as remote and desolate

as Jason is actually thinking.

Yeah, for sure,

we've got beautiful views and we have not many places around us,

but you're very, very close to the centre of Puerto del Carmen.

There's a bus stop 150 metres down the road

that'll get you into town in ten minutes.

Oh, my word.

Oh, flip.

It's perfect.

Oh, it's perfect.

Oh!

It's lovely.

I'm glad you like it.

This is a cheap property, it's in a good location

and that's one of the compromises they're going to have to look at.

I love the property, I love it.

The view is absolutely astounding.

What's the fee?

This property's currently on the market for £585 a month.

Plus bills, which are about £90.

-Oh, wow.

-Got a lot to think about.

Oh, aye.

To see mum crying when she saw the views...

-Did she cry?

-Yeah, she loved the views, you know.

-Oh, well, that's really good isn't it?

-She loved everything.

I'm willing to compromise

just because of her reaction and how happy she was.

You know, she could see herself living in this property.

As long as she can get over the location hurdle,

I just want her to be happy.

Exactly what I've dreamed of.

The price was a perfect price, that was an amazing price.

This is not as easy as I thought it was going to be.

Available to rent under budget at £585 per month...

..this two-bedroom property

is Michelle and Jason's dream come true.

It's got modern facilities,

breathtaking views

and plenty of private space outside.

But yet again, the focus is on the property's location.

And this might be just one bus ride too far.

The driving force behind Jason's winter break

is to have a bit of a fresh start

after two particularly tough years for his family.

He's hoping that possibly working here and being able to be outside

during the winter will contribute to the healing process

after losing his beloved stepdad, Ron.

Especially as he plans to spend time photographing Lanzarote's landscape,

something that was also a passion of Ron's.

It's just amazing, isn't it? It's so nice.

So, so nice. Like, look at that.

What? You just can't beat it, can you?

You just cannot beat it.

And, like, taking photos like this now in this, it's just...

How good is this? It's just beautiful, isn't it?

And its beauty hasn't gone unnoticed

because in 1983, Lanzarote was the first complete island,

including centres of population,

to be declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

It has also been a very popular landscape

for the television and film industry for decades.

But for Jason, this is all about connecting with his late stepdad.

Now, it's like, well, it's going to be on my doorstep.

I can't wait to get here for winter, start taking some photos and,

you know, I won't be looking at pictures any more, I'll be here.

You know, Ron used to come home and show me them.

I can see them with my own eyes now.

I'll be here and I just can't wait. I really can't wait.

Once living as locals, Jason and Michelle will enjoy

not only a more outdoor lifestyle, but also a cheaper one

with everything from utilities to shopping

around half the price of Southport.

By renting a property for the winter months - and perhaps beyond

in this case - they're able to live abroad

without a long-term commitment or indeed a large sum in the bank.

On Lanzarote, Jason is back in hot pursuit of a property

that would be the perfect winter getaway for himself

and his mum, Michelle.

After seeing properties in three different areas,

it's clear that Puerto del Carmen is their absolute favourite -

if they can find the right property.

We're coming up to the property which is in Puerto del Carmen.

-Fantastic.

-This was really where you wanted to be, wasn't it?

-Absolutely.

-Puerto del Carmen.

I know it's quite important for your mum to be around here.

As the search has progressed, it's become increasingly apparent

just how important it is for Michelle

to have a connection to the place that was so dear

to her and her late husband.

So the last property Dave is taking Jason to

is an area overlooking Puerto del Carmen's old town harbour.

This is unreal. This is so beautiful.

Dave has uncovered a hidden gem with this property.

-Look at the view.

-This is unbelievable.

This beautiful two-bedroom apartment has been very carefully renovated.

This is...fantastic.

Can you imagine yourself living here? Yeah? OK?

Yeah, it is.

It's emotional,

but the modern finish may not be exactly Michelle's cup of tea.

But it's clearly making an impression on Jason.

It's open-plan, it's beautiful.

This is just... This is perfect.

And between the beautiful skylights in the bedrooms...

There's no lights on in the room either. This is just natural light.

-This is just natural light. It's beautiful.

-Wow.

..and the finish of the en suite...

-Oh, wow.

-Yeah? Would this do you?

-This is stunning, again.

..Jason is responding with enthusiasm.

It's immaculately finished, very modern,

fantastic style and the location is absolutely stunning.

It is stunning and there's not one but two terraces to take in the sun.

There's even a communal pool for Jason and yet more stunning views.

-Oh, you are joking.

-Ta-dah.

-You are joking!

What a beautiful pool with a beautiful view.

Oh, you're joking.

This ticks all the boxes. This ticks ALL the boxes.

The price for this, I can reveal, is £900 a month,

but it's plus bills,

so it's slightly over your top end, but it's an incredible place.

Absolutely.

Jason adores the apartment and we know Michelle loves the location.

But how will she feel about this property?

Hello. Hola. How are you doing? How's it at home?

It's getting dark at the moment.

So, no time to waste.

First, it's the kitchen.

Is that a million pound apartment?

The views are pretty priceless.

Are you crying as well?

-I was as well.

-It's beautiful. I've got no words. It's...

It's perfect.

It's an incredible property

in an incredible location with some incredible features.

I'm not really sure, however,

how it's going to go with his mum as it is a modern property

and it's not 100% what she wants,

but if they're going to come over here

and they've got different tastes,

they're going to have to make some compromises.

Is it not too modern for you?

Yeah.

Oh, dear. Disappointing disclosure from Michelle.

And as the tour advances,

it's clear that the modern interior is a real issue.

-Don't like it.

-You don't like it?

-No windows.

-It's got skylights, though, Mum.

Things don't improve in the en suite.

Do you like it?

No.

She doesn't like it. I really love this.

This is such a nice property.

So, you finished the call with your mum.

-How did it go?

-I'm a little bit deflated, to be honest, Dave.

It wasn't the reaction I expected, given the standard of this property.

I'm finding it hard to compromise.

Yeah. This property is absolutely amazing.

The long-let market at the moment in Lanzarote

is really, really, really tight.

To be able to find a property of this standard,

in this location, that's available, that's within budget

is nigh-on impossible,

so I think you need to communicate that back to your mum.

I'll have a chat with Mum later on

and see what I can do and hopefully we'll make the right decision.

Jason has fallen in love with this property.

Available to rent at £900, excluding bills,

this apartment does push them over their budget.

It has two en suite bedrooms,

private outside space with stunning views

in Michelle's dream location of Puerto del Carmen,

so perfect, really.

But she's still to be convinced of the high-spec modern finish

that Jason loves.

Yet again, the property has split this mother and son's opinions.

The sun is setting on Jason's time on Lanzarote.

With Dave's help, he and Michelle have seen four properties

that could become their winter home.

-Hola.

-Hello.

They've been on the hunt for one property

to suit two very different tastes.

I love the terraces.

I thought the terraces were just perfect, absolutely beautiful.

It was just the interior was so, so modern

and it seemed to have had all the tradition taken out of it.

Had to go with my heart on that one.

They've learned that location is probably their number one priority.

I'm not a city person.

Lovely property, but not for me.

I think the location, it's just not what I'm looking for either,

so at least we agree on that one, Mum.

To make a decision, they're both going to have to compromise.

If you want that rural location

outside Puerto del Carmen,

so you've got your Spanish kitchen

and you've got the Spanish rustic,

then I'm happy to compromise.

It's not the modern I was looking for,

but as long as you're happy out here, that's all that matters.

OK, that's lovely. That's lovely.

How about that for a son?

I agree with that, he's a good son.

Now, the experience has also cemented the absolute certainty

that Lanzarote is the one and only place for them.

We've got a lot to think about, we've got a lot to consider.

There may be some tough decisions ahead...

You, too, thank you, you've done a lovely job.

..before they can enjoy their perfect winter getaway.

Wow, that's it, then.

You've got some decisions to make, haven't you?

Absolutely. I just want to thank you, buddy.

-No, best of luck, OK?

-Really appreciate it. Thank you so much

and see you soon.

After a difficult couple of years,

Jason and Michelle had come to realise

that it was time to fulfil a few sun-drenched ambitions.

-Life is short.

-It's your time.

-And it's your time and it's...

It's today, it's not tomorrow.

Your life is today.

With Michelle holding fort in England...

..Jason flew south to Lanzarote to see what Dave had in store.

Jump in. Let's see if we can find you something nice.

The first property in Michelle's dream location, Puerto del Carmen,

offered Jason the modern finish that he just loved.

Oh, my days. Wow.

But I'm afraid it fell short on private outside space for Michelle.

I can't have a table and just walk out

in my dressing gown or something like that.

Then it was into the capital, Arrecife.

Definitely rustic. Not too keen on the tiles, though.

Oh, it's lovely.

Seeing this property has reinforced the fact

that it is location which is most important.

For property three, Dave took Jason into the hills.

Oh, my word!

It's perfect.

I'm willing to compromise just because of her reaction

and how happy she was.

After much soul-searching,

it was back to the old town in Puerto del Carmen

for the final property.

This is fantastic.

Can you imagine yourself living here? Yeah? OK?

It's beautiful. I've got no words. It's perfect.

It's been a really emotional journey for both of them

and they've realised that it's harder than they first thought

to find their ideal rental property.

It is the dream, but it's about compromise as well

and that's the main point that I've learned on this journey -

compromise.

The question remains - have Jason and Michelle found that compromise,

leaving behind the winter chill of Southport

to bask in the winter sun of Lanzarote?

Hi, I made it. I'm in Lanzarote.

It's absolutely beautiful.

Due to the fact that Jason has been held up at home,

Michelle decided to go for a smaller

and cheaper property in the short term.

She secured her apartment in Puerto del Carmen for £590 a month.

I've got a nice apartment. It's absolutely beautiful.

The view is absolutely to die for.

Michelle has been working in a local bar since she arrived and obviously

she's looking forward to Jason joining her

on the island really soon.

Jason has been over here. He absolutely loves it.

He's gone back to the UK at the moment to sort some papers out

and things that he needs to do before he comes back here

and he also landed himself a nice little job as well

for when he comes back.

Michelle plans to move to a larger two-bed apartment

when Jason arrives.

Being in Lanzarote over the winter months has really helped to restore

some happiness to Michelle's life

and the move to the sunshine

is one that she just can't recommend highly enough.

I can honestly say that I am loving Lanzarote life

and all I can say is, cheers, hun,

and cheers, everybody who makes the change. Good luck.