A new year revolution; place in the sun Couple toast Hogmanay in dream holiday home they feared they'd never afford.

Byline: Laura Davidson

When the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, David and Ella McLafferty will be toasting the year they finally saw their dream come true.

After years of thinking they couldn't afford a place in the sun, in April the couple picked up the keys to an apartment in Spain.

They love their pad so much they've already used it for four holidays - and are there now after bringing in 2009 Spanish-style.

Housing officer David, 62, said: "We always thought owning a place abroad would be outwith our means.

"We thought we'd have to sell up in Scotland to afford it but that's not the case. We've still got our house in Scotland and we're managing fine.

"We always hoped that one day we'd have a wee bolt-hole somewhere warm and it's everything we dreamed it'd be."

David and Ella, 53, a senior nursing lecturer at Dundee University, hooked up with Scottish-based property agents Bravo Scotland.

Advisors revealed they could afford a house abroad by using equity from their home in Scotland, without having to sell.

They went on an inspection trip in September 2006 and found the perfect pad in La Union, on the Costa Calida, near Murcia.

David said: "We went with a clear idea of what we were looking for. Property-wise, we wanted two bedrooms and some kind of outdoor space.

"Location was also important.

We wanted to be somewhere distinctly Spanish rather than some sort of little Britain abroad.

"You have to immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life.

"La Union was exactly what we were looking for. The show apartment looked gorgeous and the location was ideal - 10 minutes on the local train in one direction to the beach and 10 minutes in the opposite direction to the big town of Cartagena.

"We were pleasantly surprised by the town of La Union as well.

It's a quaint little place with a lovely town square and markets."

David and Ella put down a 50 per cent deposit from savings and by releasing equity on their house in Invergowrie, near Dundee. Their purchase price of pounds 108,000 included all their furniture, so they knew they'd have no more outlay once building work was complete.

The couple went to see their finished apartment in April. David said: "The standard of the build is fantastic - it's finished really well.

"All our furnishings are high quality too. We have two large bedrooms with an open-plan living space and there's a large rooftop solarium reached via a spiral staircase in our dining room.

"It's ideal for sunbathing and outdoor dining. We also have use of a communal residents' pool."

David and Ella have longerterm plans to move full-time to Spain. They flew to La Union on Boxing Day to see in 2009 there.

David said: "On Hogmanay we went to the town square, where they had a big party and ceremony where you eat 12 grapes - one on each stroke of midnight - to see in the new year. It's an old Spanish custom.

"We've only had our new place a matter of months but already it feels like home.

"Moving to Spain full-time will be fantastic."

FACTFILE

Experts say this is a good time to buy in Spain because property prices have dropped on average by 20 per cent. Many believe this counters the effect of the weak pound.

Use a professional and established estate agency and employ a recommended Spanish solicitor.

New laws introduced in Spain last year require builders to first seek planning permission before work begins. Those who don't face hefty fines or imprisonment. This reduces the risk of buying illegally erected buildings.

You will have to pay 3000 euros to hold a property, a 20- 30 per cent deposit within a month or two then the balance when signing with the notary. A mortgage of 70-80 per cent is offered from Spanish banks.

For more details, call Bravo Scotland on 0800 389 5621 or email them at tellmemore@ bravoscotland.com

CAPTION(S):

Stunning Los Alcazares beach at Costa Calida; Spiral staircase in open-plan lounge area leads to a large rooftop solarium and outdoor pool. Right, couple's contemporary kitchen