You know what it's like, you're watching television and there's always some programme on about someone who's left their old life in the dreary old UK to start a new life in Spain.

Indeed, we live in an age where we can get cheap flights to Spain from any UK airport, as well as cheap car hire upon reaching our destination.

Many are tempted by the warm weather, miles of sandy beaches and the hillside villas close to popular resorts - such Malaga to Majorca.

There are a wide variety of resorts to choose from when it comes to choosing a destination to move to. Many have holidayed to the region on a number of occasions - most of these for the purpose of researching the local area and the properties available.

It's best to do your research when it comes to choosing a place to uproot and move to. The warm weather may be nice for a while, but it could be a different story if you have to work in it for a living.

Remember also that things will take that little extra time to get done in the land of the afternoon siesta. It pays to be patient when it comes to things like building work and nightlife - although if you're relocating to a resort where there are plenty of tourists making use of the waking hours you may find it a little livelier.

As more of us are choosing to relocate, there is wide range of properties for sale in Spain, with companies that offer the chance to search for and arrange to purchase the villa of your dreams.

Once you've found the property you're looking for, there are a few things you should double check before rushing into any deal.

• Research the job market of the area you wish to move to. Many companies have bases in larger cities, and depending on the type of work you're looking for it can sometimes be difficult to find work in your specified area, unless you're looking to open a business of your own.
• Double-check that any qualifications you've achieved will be valid in the country you're relocating to - particularly with regards to teaching and industry - and that all your paperwork for taxes has been completed before relocating.
• If you're thinking of relocating the family, double check the local area with regards to education - look into admissions policies for schools in that area and make sure you take all appropriate documentation (such as proof of address and a form from the Town Hall) when applying.
• Ensure you tie up all loose ends financially before you travel - including insurance policies, car tax and any documentation with regards to your home in the UK.
• Decide which possessions you'd like to take with you, anything that's not essential could be worth selling in order to reduce removal costs - however if you've a second home in Spain it's worth deciding what you'd like to keep back home and abroad.
• If you're looking to open a business in Spain, be aware that the majority of resorts operate on a seasonal basis - so whilst you might may an abundance of business during the summer months, there will be many times of the year where you won't get quite as much business as the touristy times.

Relocation to Spain is a lengthy (and at times expensive) process, however by doing a bit of research before you decide to make the jump from dreary Britain to sunny Spain, and by generally having an air of caution about the situations you could find the process a little easier - which will ultimately lead to a better experience.