It has been claimed that British interest in Spanish properties remains buoyant although prices will not increase in the country for three to four years.

Paul Bradley, as spokesperson for the Spanish Property Owners Guild (Spog), explained that although bank lending for property has increased in the UK – which may mean people have more opportunities to move – this is not the case in Spain.

As a result, many people are now considering rent-to-buy or property swap schemes.

Mr Bradley continued by saying that "no way will prices start increasing again until the unsold stock of one million apartments has been cleared out, which will take at least three to four years".

In related news, it has recently been revealed by Primelocation.com that searches for Spanish properties increased by 27 per cent in the previous 12 months.

This made it the most in-demand country in May 2009 as the destination accounted for 30.53 per cent of all searches.

If Brits do decide to up and leave for warmer climes such as Spain, putting some of their belongings into storage could help to ease the process.

Written by Graeme Pieterson