School holidays and restrictions on taking annual leave could dictate when families are able to visit property in Spain in 2011.

According to Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, holidays are considered "sacrosanct" by many Britons.

However, families are tied to certain times of year by limitations including when children can be taken out of school and when parents can book time off work.

Mr Atkinson reports a relatively slow start to 2011 in terms of bookings; however, that may be set to change as the winter progresses.

He explains that many people take the opportunity to book a holiday in the depths of the colder weather as a way of looking beyond the current season.

For some people, that could include putting a deposit on a stay in property in Spain, but deferring full payment on costs associated with the trip until closer to the planned date of departure.

Stop dreaming, start searching! Visit Rightmove Overseas for the best selection of property in Spain.