The best value property in Spain is to be found in or near Marbella, an expert has said.

Managing director of Spanish Hot Properties Nick Stuart noted that the price and value of property on the Costa del Sol varies widely, with trade-offs between the two.

Discussing bargain-buying opportunities, he stated: "It is the are area of greater Marbella that offers the best deals with some apartments that were €360,000 (£324,000) a year ago now selling at €200,000."

In areas with large British, Irish and Scandinavian ex-pat communities like Fuengirola there are less property bargains, but living costs such as the price of eating out are lower, he noted, describing this as a "trade-off" buyers can make.

Those wishing to buy away from the coast may find inland Andalusia a good place to buy, it has been suggested.

PR manager at tourist property firm Holiday-Rentals Sarah Chambers recently observed that many ex-pats had bought homes in that part of the country.

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