Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

Wreck of the week: West Sussex. Around £50,000 should rewire, redecorate and replace the kitchen and bathroom of this detached four-bedder in South Harting, near Petersfield – and that's on top of the £445,000 asking price. It sits in a conservation area and enjoys views to the South Downs. The layout isn't fabulous: the dining room is on the other side of the house from the kitchen.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01730 812357
Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff

In the country: Devon. Despite requiring a little updating, this four-bedder in Higher Batson, Salcombe, is great. There are views into a valley from some of the four bedrooms and two receptions, while a stream bordering the large garden runs into the nearby creek. Cost: £545,000.
Marchand Petit, 01548 844473
Photograph: Marchand Petit

In town: Berkshire. This £344,950 one-bed flat in Windsor's Chapter Mews is in a block principally reserved for royal staff. Formerly owned by a duchess, it boasts a marble bathroom and views of the castle. Sadly, it is a leasehold property and parking costs £500 a year.
Elite Property, 01753 855766
Photograph: Elite Property

Over the sea: Spain. A quiet sandy beach is a few hundred meters from this clutch of 13 new townhouses. This is the New Golden Mile on the Costa del Sol. Marbella is a 10-minute drive away, there are opportunities for golfing glee all round, and you can walk to the shops and bars of Bel Air. Residents share swimming pools and gardens and can tan privately on their private roof terraces and garden. Prices start from £243,000.
Escape2Spain, 0800 567 7268
Photograph: Escape2Spain

Bargain of the week: Cornwall. The absence of a bathroom means you'll not get a mortgage for this double-fronted semi near Redruth, hence the £100,000 asking price. Don't be put off, though, for there is an outside lav ready and waiting, and you could stick sanitaryware in the upstairs box room. Once you've reconditioned the interior you'll be left with a handsome two-bedder with two receptions, a kitchen large enough to eat in and a long lawned front garden.
Bradleys, 01209 712121
Photograph: Bradleys