Although Spain did not win either of its 2012 or 2016 Olympic Games bids, there nevertheless have been enormous benefits in that many improvements are still taking place in Madrid. It seems that the public was so thrilled with the changes that they wanted them to continue – and there is always the hope of Olympic Games yet to come…

New Metro stations and pedestrianised streets are just two of the changes that make the city so much more attractive to residents and tourists alike. For instance, the central square, Puerta del Sol, is now largely a vehicle free zone with new parks and walkways materialising where once before was just concrete.

Known as dar un paseo, it has long been a Spanish habit to enjoy a family walk in the warm, balmy evenings and now this is a far more pleasant pastime than it used to be. To experience this at its best, head for the Parque de la Montana. Here, among the cool greenery, you will find a wonderfully intact Egyptian temple, complete with carved reliefs, dating back to 200 B.C. It’s in a romantic place that locals love – and you will too.

These recent changes have made Madrid a far more livable city and thus a far better Spanish property investment if you are considering buying there.

To understand the full step-by-step process to buying a property in Spain, collect The Overseas Guides Company’s ‘Spain Property Buying Guide’