Research shows people regard Spain as top holiday destination in winter.

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Brits looking for some winter sun, according to new research.

A study by Abbey highlighted that Britons will spend up to £8 million jetting off abroad in favour of avoiding the winter blues, which could be good news for people with property in Spain.

Top of people's destination lists were southern Spain and the Canaries which were named as the ideal holiday locations by 41 per cent of those questioned.

Among the reasons respondents gave for taking a winter trip was disappointment in the British weather this summer.

Commenting on the findings, Callum Gibson, head of Abbey Credit Cards, said: "Clearly many Britons are in need of escaping our gloomy weather and heading overseas."

In related news, a study conducted by the Association of International Property Professionals showed that in 2007 25.4 per cent of British overseas property purchases were in Spain.