No matter why you choose to buy a luxury second home – perhaps, a smart business investment or purely for personal pleasure and enjoyment – there’s no doubt about it, owning a luxury second home is synonymous with the success of a high-flying lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, the popularity of such properties continues to rise and rapidly so. Now, over half a million Brits own second property homes overseas due to relatively cheap travel, great value property and the low interest rates on mortgages in recent years. Despite continued uncertainty over Brexit (or because of it), the trend for second homes in destination hotspots around the world continues to be on the rise as the British continue to opt for investment properties abroad for both residential and letting purposes.
What and where you buy however, is based on your requirements. Perhaps, a secluded bolt-hole away from the city? An escape to a city with a boisterous attitude? Or a family villa hidden in the hills, completed by its own infinity pool?
SPAIN
The British are still, by far, the largest number of foreign buyers of Spanish property, making up 14% of all international transactions, according to The Statistical Information Centre of Notaries in Spain. Spain offers a laid-back, relaxed way of life, with consistently warm (and reliable) weather for the majority of the year, as well as fantastic value for money on properties. It’s unsurprising that Brits are continuing to invest in real estate in this country.
Amidst the blue waters of the Costa del Sol, savvy investors can find themselves incredible villas with state-of-the-art interiors and stunning outdoor rooms and pools for very reasonable prices compared to similar properties elsewhere in the world. With Malaga Airport nearby, owning a property in such a popular location of Spain could be a great long-term investment that will have you sitting pretty in a few years. Aside for the infamous coastal towns, Spain has many other hidden gems strewn through this magnificent country, including several beautiful (and lesser-known) towns in the Costa Blanca Region. Luxury properties in this area costs a fraction of those found elsewhere along the coast and owners can enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches away from the bustling hustle of tourist hotspots.
PORTUGAL
Portugal is one of the top holiday destinations in the world, because this incredible country has so much to offer. With breathtaking scenery, captivating culture, picturesque villages and a beautifully warm climate, people are drawn to this country from all over the world. Portugal will surely grow in all aspects in years to follow, making this the right time to buy.
Portugal’s Algarve coast, famous for its beautiful beaches and premium golf courses, boasts many luxury properties. The Algarve’s popularity is not undeserved, featuring elegant towns, sun-kissed beaches, stunning lagoons and fantastic seafood, this area attracts people from across the globe. However, this region has a high demand for real estate and it can be a challenge finding a property for sale, with many owners choosing to hold on to their investments. Therefore, be prepared for some serious property hunting in order to find the right property for the right price. For most, this is a long waiting game and keeping up to date with the real estate market as great buys tend to be snapped up in what seems like seconds.
DUBAI
Dubai has one of the hottest real estate markets in the world and has become the new must-have accessory for the super-rich and high-flying folk. Keen investors know Dubai has remained a popular destination for luxury real estate for decades – boasting some of the most daring architecture the world has ever seen. It is a city like no other with, cutting-edge construction and architecture, trendy beaches, premium luxury shopping and Michelin starred restaurants, as well as some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. If you are looking for a different side of Dubai, the nearby desert plays host to an array to desert safaris, camel expeditions, hot air balloon rides, sand boarding, horse riding or for those more daring, driving a quad bike or buggy.
Fortunately for UK buyers, Dubai has recently recovered from negative press and as a result, there are notable investment opportunities for purchasing a home in this ultra-modern city. Developers in this area are reputed to pay particular attention attention to detail, with some stunning properties already on the market.
GREECE
Everybody loves Greece, even lusts over Greece and year after year, Greece is where people choose to spend their holidays. Greece is a well-known vacation destination across the globe for its myriad of picturesque unspoilt islands scattered throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas, for crystal clear waters, charming seaside villages inundated with history.
Need I even mention the famous white homes and the iconic Mediterranean architecture. Greece has had some tough years, but it is recovering and we can expect this country to thrive once again, attracting tourists and investors alike with its mesmerising landscape. Greece has it all – from the party islands of Mykonos, to the romantic Santorini or a family affair on the quieter island of Kos.
Above: Navagio Beach, Zakynthos – one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches in Greece. Anyone else happy to have this on their doorstep?
FRANCE
France has always been, and will always be one of the most romantic European destinations. From the captivating nature of Paris, to the Gallic lifestyle, the picturesque villages of the Pyrenees, to the glitz and glamour of the south of France – France is undoubtedly one of the best countries in the world to buy a home away from home. One cannot not but be amazed by the quintessential beauty and charm of this country. – no matter if you’re looking for sun and sand, delicious cuisine or wine, soaring mountains or the alluring hills of the horizon.
Paris, although not the cheapest of cities in which to invest, offers location, history and architectural beauty. Similarly, the French Riviera – the place to invest in if you’re an old romantic at heart with a yen for a glamours summer filled with champagne and fashion. However, in addition to that, France has hidden gems scattered throughout the magnificent countryside – such as beautiful French farmhouse and towering abandoned chateaus for those wanting a real project!
CROATIA
Croatia, with its Dalmatian coast and wonderful cities like Dubrovnik and Split are booming. Tourism is growing, industry is thriving and the economy is expanding. Need I also mention the fact that Game of Thrones fans from all over the world flock to the real locations where the hit TV show was filmed.
This country is steeped in history and has a lot to offer in terms of extraordinary medieval towns, villages and castles. The myriad of surrounding islands possess a second-to-none natural beauty. Well worth looking in to a city apartment overlooking the sea in Dubrovnik, a town villa in the bustling Split, or a secluded escape beside the sea in one of Croatia’s islands.
BELIZE
The stunning Caribbean island of Belize is one of those undervalued destinations, but does present an opportunity for anyone considering a vacation home in a wondrous place. Belize is in the Caribbean, and as tourism continues to expand, the property market is keeping pace. Watch this space if I were you…