Iberian real estate experts have identified the timeless lifestyle draws that lead Britons to invest in property in a location world apart from their homeland.

Overseas housing information portal Spanish Property Insight said that Brits were not simply flocking to the Costa del Sol and other Spanish resorts as an escape to the sun – but through love for the Spanish character and way of life.

The Spanish real estate specialist highlighted the maturity of the country’s property market and its status as a modern democratic EU member state, but claimed that lifestyle was the biggest draw.

Mark Stucklin, managing director of Spanish Property Insight, said: "This is the great British love affair with everything Spanish.

"There’s something about the Spanish culture; the colour and vibrancy. It is at the opposite end of the spectrum to the British culture. Opposites attract."

It is estimated that around three quarters of a million Brits have fallen in love with Spanish culture and set up home in the country, with Spain and neighbouring France alone accounting for more than half of UK overseas property purchases.