HUNTERS, the York-based estate agency, sold more than £12 million worth of Spanish property in only three days.

Its overseas homes division gleaned the sales at its most successful property exhibition yet.

The Best Of Southern Spain Property Roadshow, which it hosted in association with Costa del Sol agent, Viva Estates, attracted more than 4,000 visitors to Harrogate International Centre.

Buyers confirmed their confidence in the Spanish market by snapping up 58 villas and apartments without even visiting Spain. A further 130 people booked viewing trips, meaning further sales are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Guy Tolhurst, head of Hunters Overseas Homes, said: "This exhibition demonstrates how attitudes towards buying property have progressed.

"Just five years ago anyone buying Spanish property off plan, before it was even built, would have been seen to be taking a huge risk. Today, however, buyers can purchase with the same level of security that exists in the UK's property market.

"At Hunters we've invested heavily in developing relationships with legal firms, mortgage lenders and even UK- based developers to eradicate any risks."

He said prices in the Costa del Sol were rising six per cent faster per annum than those in the UK, and there was still room for significant growth in the investment market, with more than 40 per cent of property sold being used as holiday homes with a further 30 per cent bought for residential purposes.

Since it was established two years ago Hunters Overseas Homes has become hugely successful and now sells an average £2million worth of property on the Spanish Costas every month. Prices, on average, start at £75,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

Updated: 10:51 Monday, March 29, 2004