I am refurbishing my home. What cabling should I install to future-proof it?

MJ, Esher

Rapid changes in the way we send and receive data mean it is impossible to truly future-proof a home. In spite of this, a well-designed cabling infrastructure will allow you to transfer and share large files, including high-definition (HD) video around your home. I advise you to employ a professional firm to specify and install the infrastructure, because the range of products on offer is so wide. To find a local specialist, contact the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, 01480 213 744, www.cedia.co.uk.

Traditionally, Cat5E cabling is used in home networks, but I suggest you use Cat6. It is about 25%-35% more expensive, but will provide extra bandwidth in future for audio and video.

The latest wireless products can theoretically stream HD video, although in practice are seldom fast enough. Dropped packets of data will not be obvious when web browsing and e-mailing, but will be disastrous for streaming audio and video. Be aware, too, that building materials, particularly foil-backed plasterboard, used in some homes can interfere with wireless audio and video.

Optical fibre products may well provide all the bandwidth that you require in the future. The price of this technology has come down recently and may well be the closest thing to future-proofing that your installer can offer.

Malcolm Stewart is co-founder of custom installation company Kensington Home Technology

The overseas adviser

I am considering buying a flat in an off-plan development near Cabanas in the Algarve as an investment. However, I have been told that Portugal’s property market has practically collapsed, with just 2.5% growth in 2006. Is it worth making a long-term investment there?

AC, by e-mail

The property market in Portugal has slowed over recent years but remains popular with overseas buyers, particularly those able to take a long view of any investment in the region. The country has an excellent climate, high standards of building construction and many golf courses. Laws have also restricted the seemingly uncontrolled building so prevalent in Spain.

The Algarve, and the area around Cabanas, in particular, have potential for further growth. I would suggest you can expect annual growth of about 5% a year there, so you need to consider the investment as at least medium term (four to five years) to realise a reasonable profit.

If you were looking to make a substantial profit, you would probably do better purchasing in the new eastern European countries. However, Portugal has a more stable market, as some of the lesser developed countries have yet to prove their worth.

Bill Blevins is managing director of Blevins Franks International, an independent firm providing tax and investment advice

The gardener

How do I turn some spare turves into topsoil?

P Davies, Stoke-on-Trent

Grass turves that have been lifted to increase the size of ornamental borders can easily be left to rot down into a crumbly soil.

Select an out-of-the-way corner of the garden and stack the turves upside down in a solid heap. Do not use any turves that contain the roots of troublesome weeds, such as ground elder and bindweed. Cover the heap with a sheet of black polythene (or old carpet) and leave for 12 months. The resulting soil will be ideal for topping up garden borders and raised beds, or for using in homemade compost mixes.

Last year my seed-grown onions were poor, so this year I want to raise them from sets. What advice can you give me?

W Moore, Sunderland

Planting sets, or immature bulbs, is the most reliable way to grow onions. In March or early April, select a sheltered, sunny spot with a light, welldrained soil and thoroughly dig over the ground to remove all weeds and debris before raking the surface to a fine and level tilth. Use a trowel to create a series of small holes 4in-6in apart, and plant a single set in each one — the pointed tips should be just visible.

During the growing season, keep the area weed-free and water the plants in dry weather. The onions should be harvested in midsummer when the leaves turn yellow and start to flop over.

Good varieties include the golden-skinned ‘Bulldog’ and ‘Setton’, and the white-skinned ‘Snowball’. Onion sets are available from Mr Fothergill’s (0845 166 2511, www.mr-fothergills.co.uk ).

Neil Wormald is a qualified horticulturalist. Send your questions to Garden Expert, Home, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST, or e-mail: garden.expert@sunday-times.co.uk

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