According to the Barclays-IESE Barometer, 65.7% of British people would choose Spain as their preferred destination to set up a second home. The report, which was presented earlier this week, reveals that there is already a "very consolidated" British colony in Spain, mainly in Alicante and Málaga although future growth seems most likely in Murcia and Almería.

At the start of this year, there were a total of 270,000 British people registered with their local Town Hall, an increase of 29% compared to the situation twelve months ago. There was a 46% rise in Murcia's British population last year, followed by Almería (+35%), and Madrid (+12%). At the start of 2006, Brits owned a total of 90,000 residencies in Spain, 30% up on the start of last year.

The report predicts the construction of 83,686 new homes in Murcia before the start of next year that will increase the population by between 200,000-250,000. Over the next decade, it is predicted that the region's population will grow by 35%.

The report points out that Murcia has become the most popular destination for the 70,000 British people each year who explore the possibility of acquiring a residence in Spain, mainly due to relatively low levels of urbanisation, the climate, good communications, and for being the golfing capital of Europe.