As the year reaches a point at which the days are shortest and the bank balance at its most diminutive, we've been thinking about how you might earn a nice little income from your overseas property.
Is your property abroad going to be running up repair bills and community fees whilst sitting empty this spring? Increasing numbers of holiday home owners are renting their property to other holidaymakers when they are not there.
Why not consider renting it out and earning over £5,000 a year?
It's one of the most expensive months of the year and at this point in time you might be wary of taking a close look at your bank balance. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The first few months of every year is the busiest time for people to book their villa or apartment, ready for their summer holiday. So if you are wanting to make some extra cash from your overseas home by renting it out then you'd better get your skates on...
Do you really want to leave your holiday home empty for continuous weeks every summer when it could be paying for its upkeep costs - and even a bit of extra, providing you use the right advertising tools to market it more effectively?
There are still many people who don't rent out their holiday home because they don't want - or need - to, but then there are those who are not organized or motivated enough to realize the potential.
Usual excuses include fear of management problems, the perceived problems of being a long-distance landlord, and just the general extra hassle that it might incur.
We have collaborated with our holiday rentals partner, HomeAway.co.uk, to bring you some examples from five of your favourite home-owning hot spots.
Alicante, Costa Blanca
The central axis of the Costa Blanca, Alicante remains a hot favourite with buyers and renters alike. There you can rent or buy anything from highly affordable apartments to high-end villas in exclusive residential areas - there is plenty of choice right now and property sales prices are still down from the market peak.
According to HomeAway.co.uk for a two-bed holiday rental in Alicante you can earn approximately £213 (low season) and £548 (high season) per week in rental income.
If you rent for 15 weeks of the year, you could earn an annual income of £5,205 - the net sum being enough to cover a substantial portion if not all property costs.
Insider tip: There is increasing demand for more one and two bed properties to rent in this area.
Orlando, Florida
The area of central Orlando that is within a 20 minute drive of Disney Land and many of the other theme parks is where most holidaying families want to be. It's also an area where many properties are permitted to be rented on a short-term basis (in Florida there are zoned areas that either permit or ban holiday rentals).
According to HomeAway.co.uk for a four-bed holiday rental in the Disney catchment area of Orlando you can earn approximately £432 (low season) and £584 (high season) per week in rental income.
If you rent for 15 weeks of the year, you could earn an annual income of £7,392 -the net sum will cover your costs. As a year round holiday destination, the potential to rent your property throughout the year is strong.
Insider tip: There is increasing demand for more two bed properties.
Malaga, Costa del Sol
The Malaga province that includes the Costa del Sol remains as popular as ever, and tourist figures continue to rise year on year. Marbella alone goes from strength to strength, attracting investment in its amenities, property bargain hunters and celebrity buyers such as George Clooney and our very own Laura Hamilton.
According to HomeAway.co.uk for a two-bed holiday rental in the Malaga province you can earn approximately £279 (low season) and a hefty £741 (high season) per week in rental income.
If you rent for 15 weeks of the year, you could earn an annual income of £6,957 - the net sum enough to cover your costs.
Insider tip: There is increasing demand for more four and five bed properties as multi-generation families seek holidaying together.
Lagos, Western Algarve
The hub of the Western Algarve, the attractive tourist town of Lagos has a loyal following amongst British holiday makers and second home owners. It is less developed, less crowded and usually more affordable than the Central Algarve.
According to HomeAway.co.uk for a two-bed holiday rental in the Lagos region you can earn approximately £326 (low season) and £709 (high season) per week in rental income.
If you rent for 15 weeks of the year, you could earn an annual income of £7,188 - the net sum suffice to cover your costs.
Insider tip: There is increasing demand for more one-bed properties.
Kalkan, Turkey
The fashionable and upmarket little resort on Turkey's south-west coast remains a holiday rentals hotspot because there is such a shortage of hotels available, plus it attracts couples and families who prefer a private villa rental rather than a package resort.
According to HomeAway.co.uk for a two-bed holiday rental in the Kalkan region you can earn approximately £375 (low season) and £648 (high season) per week in rental income.
If you rent for 15 weeks of the year, you could earn an annual income of £7,263 - the net figure enough to cover your costs.
Insider tip: There is increasing demand for more properties of all sizes in this popular little resort.
