Undoubtedly, there are a myriad of options available for people who are interested in investing in residential properties on foreign shores. From Portugal to Dubai and even Greece are all popular among people who are keen on buying a property aboard. Yet, none of these countries can come close to Spain in terms of what they offer.

Not only do you get the best of year around sunny weather, the sparkling blue Mediterranean waters and sand in all colours imaginable, but also you get the Spanish lifestyle served on a silver platter. The laid back and relaxed culture of siestas and "hasta mañana" is almost irresistible, as is the cuisine of tapas, pescado y mojo served with the crisp, Spanish vino.

Then, there is the exciting choice of locales that would suit the requirements of even the most discerning buyers. You could choose between a cosy house in the tranquillity of the white villages, locally known as the pueblo blancos or you could go for the urban decadence of Spain's many towns and cities. Just as accessible are countryside homes, which are ideal for hikers, hunters and nature lovers or you could opt for an elegant and inviting villa nestled in a gated estate.

It is also imperative to understand that the resurgence in the popularity of Spain as a sunny, vacation hotspot means that there is a lot of scope for holiday lettings. In fact, so significant has been the growth in demand for homes in the popular areas of the nation that several construction projects are due to start in 2015 to meet this requirement. As always, Costa del Sol is still the favourite area for people who want to own a home along the country's famed and forever sunny coastline and among second home owners who are once again making a beeline to buy houses in the Andalusian region.

Finding the right property in Spain can undoubtedly be a harrowing task, with the plethora of options available across various price ranges. This makes expert assistance and advice an invaluable asset that can tip the scales in your favour. Although there are innumerable factors to consider as you go about completing the formalities linked to purchasing a property in Spain, the very first thing that you will need to do is enlist the help of a reliable lawyer.