Cathy Hawker

Travelling is in my blood. My parents worked abroad and I grew up moving between New York, Central Africa and Indonesia. For the past fifteen years I have written about overseas holiday homes, getting to know firm favourites - Southern Spain for example – but also checking out more "off-radar" locations that might appeal to a new generation of buyers.

As well as regular reports for A Place in the Sun I write weekly in The London Evening Standard and contribute to several papers and magazines including Country Life International, International Prime Property, the Financial Times and The Times.

That means that most weeks I throw a notebook into my trusty backpack to spy out not only properties abroad but also the lifestyle on offer. The lure of a second home in the sun or in the snow-covered mountains is one that’s easy to understand.

My own top picks would include the Costa Brava for the beautiful coastline, the Caribbean for the laid-back beach life and almost anywhere in Italy for the outstanding food and culture. But then there is also the Alps, the Algarve, the Balearics, Barcelona, Croatia, Florida…

Magical Mijas: my happy A Place in the Sun home in Spain for a decade

Bought for €129,400 and sold for €245,000, Karmen's Mijas apartment became much more than a holiday home. Discover why she says buying in Spain was one of the best decisions she ever made.

28 July 2026

Prices are going up in Spain – it was time to buy our dream holiday home

After watching Spanish property prices rise, Elaine and Paul decided it was time to buy. Discover how a viewing trip helped them find the perfect Costa Blanca apartment and why they have no regrets.

23 July 2026

What does £300k (the cost of an average UK home) buy you in Spain?

How far does £300,000 really go in Spain? From villas with private pools to coastal townhouses and modern golf homes, discover what the average UK house price could buy across Spain's most popular regions.

21 July 2026

Annette Kilgour

15 July 2026

The secret to success when buying abroad? Find the right estate agent!

Buying overseas starts with choosing the right estate agent. Here's how to find someone you can trust, what questions to ask, and the mistakes to avoid before viewing properties.

14 July 2026

How much does it really cost to buy and run a house in France?

How much does it cost to buy and run a home in France? In this article we break it all down, from notary and agency fees to water, electricity, internet and more.

9 July 2026

Where are the “new” bargain hot spots in Spain in 2026?

Where can you find affordable property in Spain in 2026? Here's 10 places you can look!

7 July 2026

How much does it really cost to buy and run an apartment in Portugal?

From legal fees and purchase taxes to electricity, water and internet, here’s what it really costs to buy and run a apartment in Portugal in 2026.

2 July 2026

Can you afford to move to Italy?

If you're thinking of moving to Italy and want to know what costs are involved, check out this article as we break down the typical costs you can expect!

30 June 2026