Tired of reading all the doom-and-gloom stories about buying property in Spain? Well here are my top ten reasons why you SHOULD buy in Spain. Remember that I’m not an estate agent but I do live in Spain and there’s a lot to love about it. You can add your own comments to the list too…
1. The Climate
I had to start with this one really. Being able to see a blue sky practically every day is truly wonderful. We’ve had some 20ºC days this month (January) which makes winters so bearable. Some might say that the summers get a little too hot but at the same time it makes for some excellent strolls along the “paseo” on those hot evenings. Top marks for an all-round superb weather in Spain.
2. Close to Home
Cheap flights, an abundance of airlines and just two or three hours in the air means you’re never that far from home. Jumping on and off planes these days is relatively straight forward and painless (unless you’re over six foot tall….EasyJet take note) so you can jump on a plane in the morning and be sipping your vino on the terrace in the afternoon. Bliss.
3. Nice Neighbours
The Spanish have a reputation for being a friendly bunch and on the whole they certainly are. They seem prepared to put up with everyone’s poor attempts to mutter something in Spanish and don’t take offence to sandals and socks! Most communities will have a mixture of Spanish locals and expats and most of the time it’s a good mix. People seem to make more of an effort to make friends when they are abroad so chances are you’ll make friends with your neighbours quite quickly.
4. Property Bargains
Scared of buying an off plan property? Fear not. Those before you have already taken the risk for you. The market may be flooded with properties and somewhat slow at the moment but there are literally loads of nearly new resale properties on the market. Some buyers keen to sell will even drop the price a little for you. There’s lots of choice, you can shop around and bag yourself a good property at a good price. We’ve just bought a new place ourselves! Got a great price…
5. Mañana, Mañana
How great it would be if you could just get away for a few days from your busy life back home and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle in Spain. Having your own place in Spain means you can come and go as you please and enjoy the laid-back and friendly lifestyle in the area.
6. New Friends Back Home
Tell people back home that you’ve bought a place in the sun and they’ll automatically become your new best friends. There’s no better way to make friends back home than owning a property in Spain!! He he.
7. Knowledge is Power
There’s just no excuse for getting it wrong when buying a property in Spain today. Websites such as Eye on Spain are full of helpful information and advice to guide you from the moment you start looking for your property to when you finally have the keys and are enjoying the fruits of your labour. Discussion forums are full of people willing to help and give advice on all aspects of buying, living and moving to Spain. There’s just no excuse for getting it wrong these days.
8. Developed Country
Although some of us often get annoyed (and rightly so) when it takes two years to get a phone line, Spain is a very much a modern developed country. Most of the infrastructure is now in place to cope with the increased economic growth of the country of recent times but could you say the same about Bulgaria, Morocco, etc?
9. Long Term Gains
Very few people could buy a property today in Spain and sell it tomorrow for a profit. It’s just not going to happen. But that’s not what it’s about. Buying in Spain is about having an appreciating asset that you can actually enjoy. As a long term investment, Spanish property has to be a safe bet. There will always be people wanting to move to Spain and holiday here. There will always be a demand and as I mentioned earlier, a healthy and growing demand from the Spanish themselves.
10. Established Rental Market
If you’re buying a 2 bedroom apartment in the middle of nowhere chances are you’re not in it to make money from holiday rentals. Buying a decent property in popular areas means you’ll have a chance to generate some extra cash through renting it out. There are many websites that drive thousands of rental enquiries to property owners throughout the year. This demand will always be there. You’ve just got to learn to tap into it.
Well, I hope that’s helped to get you excited about buying in Spain again. It’s not all doom-and-gloom. Do your research, take your time, haggle hard and you’ll find yourself with a lovely property in the sun to enjoy for many years to come.