Laura Hamilton is back on our screens tonight in the new series of A Place in the Sun, we caught up with her to ask what we can expect from it and a bit about what she's been up since the last one finished.
Laura Hamilton
What can you tell us about the new series of A Place in the Sun?
I've been visiting some exciting new locations Florida and South Africa to name but a few. My dad was actually born in South Africa so it was amazing visiting Cape Town. There are more sales than ever in this series but other than that I can't give too much away...
Of all the couples you've helped over the years- who has stuck in your mind the most and why?
That is a really hard question to answer because all the couples who take part are special in their own way. It's amazing to be part of such an exciting time in their lives and I find it really rewarding when I can negotiate a good deal on their behalf.
What would be your ideal place in the sun if you could have everything you wanted in a home and location?
We already own a family place in the sun in San Pedro near Puerto Banus. It's only a 2 hour flight from the UK to Malaga so I think it will really come in to its own when the children are at school and holidays become expensive. I often see houses abroad that I think would make an amazing investment and I would have loved to buy. A few years ago I saw one in Lanzarote and recently I saw another in Tuscany. I've also been tempted by some of the amazing places I've seen in Mallorca and Florida. There are some unbelievable bargains out there, if only money grew on trees!
Please can you tell us a bit about what happens behind the scenes before you film with the couples?
Don't they say what goes on the road stays on the road!? Jokes aside the team behind the scenes work incredibly hard. They are the ones who do the location research and find the properties. I of course am asked my opinion on each of the houses and offer my advice when I do the house tours. Ultimately it's all about the team. There are researchers in the UK and assistant producers overseas and we do our utmost to show each couple the best properties for their budget. Sometimes we end up with a positive outcome, and other times we don't, but there are definitely more people buying now so we are obviously doing something right.
Where is your favourite place in the world to be?
I'm always asked this and for a holiday it has to be The Maldives. I've recently returned from an island called Mirihi, with my husband Alex. It's m a luxury, barefoot retreat that measures 350 metres long by 50 metres wide. It was pure paradise and staying there is just like you are cast away on your private island. This time I visited I even asked how you go about buying an island to run a hotel. Apparently all the islands are government owned and leased and to run a hotel it needs to be a joint venture with a Maldivian. You can always dream...
You have been filming in the States, so what can you tell us about that experience?
I absolutely love America. I have been filming in and around Orlando and the children have been with me the whole time. It's a great place for families especially with all the theme parks. The discount designer shopping is amazing too but I'm not so sure my credit card is too happy at the moment. Food portions are enormous which aren't ideal when you are trying to lose baby weight. Aside of dealing with the time difference it is one of the most fun places I have filmed.
If a couple are thinking about getting a holiday home or moving abroad what are your top tips for the early stages of this?
Visiting the 'A Place in the Sun' exhibition is a must. There are so many stalls and it's a fantastic place to get tons of great advice and information. We now have 3 or 4 nationwide exhibitions each year that run over a long weekend. This year A Place in the Sun Live is at Manchester Central 11th - 13th March 2016 and then in London Olympia 6th - 8th May 2016. You don't even have to buy a ticket as I have a complimentary code for you!
aplaceinthesun.com/exhibitions/manchester and the complimentary ticket code is mancomp
aplaceinthesun.com/exhibitions/london and the free code is loncomp
Some of the presenters will be there, providing they aren't filming abroad at the time. It is really important to realise you can't 'view' a property properly online. You need to visit it in person. It's also worth knowing that you should keep an open mind because when you are viewing properties your opinion and requirements often change.
Why do you think A Place in the Sun continues to be so popular with viewers?
Everyone loves to be nosy and look at property. It's even more interesting when it is abroad. People love to watch bright, sunny programs when it's cold in the UK and because the properties we feature are generally well priced, the viewer can see that purchasing their own Place in the Sun could be more achievable than they first thought. Property prices have changed so much over the years, especially with the 2007/8 crash. Now with prices rising everywhere in the world, it is a very exciting time.
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