People who are considering purchasing a home in Spain need to spend plenty of time in the country before they make a decision about where to live.

This is the advice of Chris Marshall, founder of Almerimarlife.com, who explained it is important to see your chosen destination at different times of the year.

"Wherever you go, I would recommend renting for a year first. You'll get some incredibly good ideas," he stated.

Another factor to consider before purchasing property in Spain is the airport and its links with the UK, Mr Marshall added.

Potential buyers should check that flights will operate outside the standard tourist season, otherwise accessibility may become an issue.

Meanwhile, investors could target the try-before-you-buy market to find longer-term tenants for homes they own in Spain, rather than relying on holiday rentals.

Last month, Fly2let cited figures from the Overseas Guides Company which showed an increasing level of interest in Spanish real estate among British buyers.

According to the organisation, enquiries about the south European nation rose by 60 per cent during September.