Buying abroad? What's hot and what's not

Dreaming of owning a home abroad? Don't miss the early bird ticket offer for A Place in the Sun Live exhibition in Manchester

It is no longer a faraway dream: an increasing number of Brits are packing up and heading for warmer climes and snapping up their own sunshine home from home.

Inspired by the popular Channel 4 programme A Place in the Sun, many are opting to cash in on affordable homes abroad, attracted by the lure of all-year round sunshine, a relaxed pace of life or the prospect of a money-making investment.

Now there’s a chance to find out how to take that big step towards a new life abroad, when the show’s spin-off exhibition A Place in the Sun Live brings exhibitors from around the world to Manchester Central on March 16-18.

It’s an ideal chance to view an array of homes from some of the world’s most popular destinations, with experts on hand to guide visitors through every element of how to buy their ideal property abroad.

Alongside more than 150 international property agents showcasing the pick of their homes, will be specialists able to provide advice and answer questions on legal, financial, tax and currency matters.

Centre spot of the exhibition is the lively Hub area, where stars from the TV programme will join an expert panel to share top tips for property hunting abroad.

Interest in buying property abroad has been fuelled in recent years by low cost air travel, improved flight connections and the prospect of earning income from the holiday rental market.

According to A Place in the Sun’s Top Ten index, Spain remains a hot favourite for buyers, with affordable locations in Costa Blanca topping the list.

France, Portugal and Italy are also in the top five of destinations for property-buying Brits, while Florida, with its countless attractions and highly affordable Croatia also making the top ten.

The 2018 index also reveals Malta, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, with its year-round sunshine and warmth towards UK visitors, all key targets for British buyers.

All visitors to the exhibition will receive a free copy of A Place in the Sun magazine and a show guide to help make the most of their visit. There’s even the chance to take a screen test and perhaps appear on a future episode of the hit Channel 4show.

A Place in the Sun Live is at Manchester Central on March 16 to 18. Early bird tickets are on sale now and cost £7.50 (concessions £6). Tickets on the day will cost £10. Visit www.aplaceinthesun.com for more details.