House Hunter: 'We want to find the next Marbella'

THE PROBLEM

"We are a couple with a seven-year-old daughter looking for a holiday home.We need a villa with at least three bedrooms, preferably with own pool, and within 10 minutes' walk of a sandy beach and 15 minutes' walk of nice restaurants. If at all possible, I would love a sea view. It would be good if there was a mix of nationalities on the urbanisation, as our daughter will need playmates, and communal facilities. The place needs to be attractive, not 'blocky'. We don't mind doing some refurbishment as long as it's reflected in the price, but we don't have time for major works. It must have all-year sun and be warm in the winter.

THE PROBLEM

"We are a couple with a seven-year-old daughter looking for a holiday home.We need a villa with at least three bedrooms, preferably with own pool, and within 10 minutes' walk of a sandy beach and 15 minutes' walk of nice restaurants. If at all possible, I would love a sea view. It would be good if there was a mix of nationalities on the urbanisation, as our daughter will need playmates, and communal facilities. The place needs to be attractive, not 'blocky'. We don't mind doing some refurbishment as long as it's reflected in the price, but we don't have time for major works. It must have all-year sun and be warm in the winter.

"We like Spain for its proximity as it means long weekends away - we live near Gatwick - and, in the right places, its lifestyle and ambience. We like pretty towns with smart shops and good restaurants, squares fringed with cafes and ports but prefer locations not as over-commercialised nor overhyped as Puerto Banus or Marbella.

"Around Cadiz appeals as it is still cheapish but it is a large coast - we don't know the nicest resorts and wonder if we would be better off further up the coast? It also needs to have rental appeal as we would like to be able to offset mortgage costs. It would be great if it is in an up-and-coming area as we'd like to see some capital growth.

"We hope you can help us with advice as we are desperate to bottom it out. We have already discounted France (winter not sunny enough), Croatia (too far), Cyprus (too far and cannot rent out) and Portugal (too expensive)."

THREE PROPERTIES FOR JANE TO VIEW

Property one: Villa in Cadiz area, Costa de la Luz

Price: €285,000

Agent: www.thepropertyfinders.com, 01908 218753

Agent's details: This one-storey villa has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and is set within one-third of an acre. There is the option to extend upwards and the property has a swimming pool.

Property two: Townhouse in Estepona

Price: €265,000

Agent: www.thepropertyfinders.com, 01908 218753

Agent's details: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse set on a development that has a high specification and good communal facilities. There are good views and it is set on the edge of a golf course.

Property three: Country house in Iznájar lake area (below)

Price: €156,300

Agent: www.thepropertyfinders.com; 01908 218753

Agent's details: This country house is set within a half acre of land, it has been partly renovated and is very spacious at 300m2. Fully renovated there could be five bedrooms and two reception rooms, and once completed would have an estimated value of around €300,000.

BARBARA'S ADVICE

"Jane is not unusual in that she is keen to get a purchase organised while not having a clear idea of where she wants to be. Many clients approach me in the same state - they see their budget diminishing as prices rise and the euro strengthens. They know they have got to get a move on but find themselves going round in circles. Repeated trips to check out different areas not only get expensive but does anybody have the time?

"As Jane is finding out, there are lots of opinions out there. Whereas an estate agent will 'talk up' their patch, focusing only on the positive aspects, as a search agent working for the buyer I can give a balanced, impartial view of several different locations. It is so important to get the 'where' right and then the 'what' follows on quite easily.

"I regularly suggest an itinerary of places to visit and some clients may have 48 hours or less in which to do this. But in every case they come back with a much clearer idea of where they want to be and then we carry out a detailed search. I have suggested three quite different locations, each with their own character and appeal, and I am sure Jane and her family will come back with a strong preference for one over the others.

"While chatting to Jane, however, she did mention that they would love to find 'the next Marbella', somewhere they could expect some serious capital growth. For this, I would suggest they head for the hills. If they have time, they should see the Iznájar lake area - easy to get to on the motorway north out of Málaga, and which has stunning countryside, the largest lake in Andalucía. You can swim in it, fish in it, sail on it. You have to really concentrate to spend more than €15 on a three-course meal and there are friendly locals and easy access to Sevilla, Granada and Córdoba."

Barbara Wood runs the Andalucía office of The Property Finders. For more details visit www.theproperty finders.com or call 01908 218753

JANE'S VERDICT

"Barbara and I had a long chat and I found her to be extremely helpful. I had originally thought of buying in Marbella but when I went there I absolutely hated it! And Puerto Banus was like Marbella times 10! Her advice to not look at houses before we decide on a location really rang true. We are going out there in October and will have a look-see. As we are keen in getting capital growth I'm interested in the suggestion to head inland to the Iznájar lake area, which she thinks could be 'the next Marbella'."

If you would like House Hunter's help, write to House Hunter, The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or e-mail househunter@independent.co.uk