According to Holidayrentals.co.uk, one of the leading web portals for property rentals throughout the globe, Europe remains a firm favourite with UK property investors. Up to 90% of all property purchased abroad by UK buyers is in Europe.
Despite the allure of far-off destinations like the Caribbean, Asia and the USA, British investors still prefer to invest closer to home.
Investing in Europe
UK investors and homebuyers are mostly choosing traditional locations like France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. They’re safe options for investors with well-established markets and proven potential. Homebuyers are attracted by the large expat communities, schooling facilities, climate and close proximity to the UK, amongst other things.
With the opening up of the EU, Eastern Europe has been put firmly on the map in terms of property investment potential. You can find properties here at a fraction of what you’d pay in the more established markets.
The proliferation of budget airlines offering very cheap fares to more and more European destinations has greatly helped these emerging markets.
Although these new markets offer very good value for money in terms of price, it’s not yet fully known if they have the same rental potential as the more traditional markets or if they’ll build the same number of expat communities.
Once War-torn, Croatia has emerged from its troubled past and gone on to become one of the most sought after investment areas of this year. This beautiful country with its stunning beaches, is very popular amongst British buyers, Istria, in particular.
Located on the very west part of Croatia, Istria is the largest peninsula on the country. It’s the most expensive part of the Croatia with a high proportion of new developments and new-build properties. That said, you can still easily find many Croatian houses in the coastal towns and villages traditional available for renovation.
Montenegro, one of the lesser-known investment areas has seen unprecedented growth. This lush green mountainous region, bordering on the Adriatic, is one of this year’s star performers. According to the Property Rentals website, there’s been an increase of 113% in rented property between since 2006.
Also known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean” Montenegro covers 5,333 square miles (13,812 square kilometers) and is largely covered in thick forests with a narrow strip of land lying along the Adriatic Sea. In winter it gets a lot of snow and in summer it’s warm in the valleys.
Montenegro is renowned for its idyllic lakes, mountainous terrain and endless lush green valleys that lead down to the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Property prices here vary dramatically from one region to the next – the coast is the most expensive region. But for those willing to go further inland, to say Lake Skadar, the old Royal Capital of Cetinje, they’ll find property up to 200%! Cheaper.
Top winter Sun Destinations – The Canary & Cape Verde Islands
If you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine and genuine warmth but don’t want to spend over ten hours in an airplane, the place to go this winter is the Canary Islands or Cape Verde, just one hour south.
Although mainland Spain is often promoted as a top winter sun destination, unless you want to go skiing, it’s not really. It’s certainly sunnier than the UK but can get very cold.
Any expat will tell you that Spain ranges from chilly in the winter to what feels like freezing. Along the coast you get strong wind chill and inland and on higher ground, the temperatures drop significantly.
The Canaries and Cape Verde are a different story altogether. Located off the north west coast of Africa, both have a very mild climate that remains constant throughout the year.
Known as the “Islands of Eternal Springtime”, the Canaries have an ideal climate where it’s never too hot and never too cold. The Cape Verde Islands are just few degrees warmer.
Tenerife, one of the most popular of the Canary Islands, is an ideal winter sun destination – an island of fascinating contrasts with something for both young and old. It also has excellent year-round rental potential for anyone considering investing on the island. Click the following for more information about – Tenerife property.
