Golf is being flagged as one of few sports suited to social distancing, which means it could be a good time to search for a home by a fairway. Here are some pointers for buying on an overseas golf resort, including hot spots and our usual pick of tempting properties…

Better value
Homes within golf resorts are worth more than equivalent properties outside resorts, with a study by a global resort network estimating the premium to be up to 19 per cent. The most valuable units tend to be those with the best views of the fairways or greens. And besides having a course on your doorstep, owners will often get discounted green fees or similar offers.

International market
Buyers tend to be international rather than local and/or national, with overseas buyers accounting for around 84 per cent of all purchases on a typical resort. This makes for a more diverse community and interesting mix of people to talk to in the clubhouse!

Rentals
In the right location, where the climate is warm most or all of the year, and on a quality resort, a golf home should attract a high annual occupancy. If summers are hot, the bulk of rentals are likely to be holidaymakers attracted by the on-site leisure facilities as much as the golf. Serious golfers prefer teeing off in cooler temperatures, hence bookings should be strong in spring and autumn too. Always check if there are any rules about rentals – holiday lets are regulated in some resorts. Interestingly, one study confirmed that the majority (67 per cent) of buyers on golf resorts are not even golfers.

Leisure amenities
Modern golf resorts aren’t just about golf. Properties might be based in small complexes or on plots around the fairways, but most resorts are bursting with other types of sports and leisure activities, from swimming pools and tennis to horse-riding and children’s play areas, not to mention a club house with a bar and restaurant. On the larger ones it’s not unusual for there to be a hotel, and these days a luxurious spa and well-being centre usually completes the offering. Just remember, every homeowner will need to contribute to the maintenance of any communal facilities, paid in the form of monthly or quarterly community fees – check these when viewing a property.

On-site management & security
To assist owners with general maintenance and rentals, the bigger resorts will have their own property management service. Meanwhile, the model of a golf resort, which usually includes day-to-day maintenance staff and 24-hour on-site security, makes them a secure place to own a home, especially if you are an occasional visitor.

The Algarve or Costa del Sol?
Titans of Europe’s golfing landscape are Portugal’s Algarve and Spain’s Costa del Sol – the former has around 40 courses, while the latter has approximately 70, with many of these being championship standard.

At the heart of Algarve’s golf offering is the famous Golden Triangle, which includes the luxury resorts of Vale do Lobo, which has two courses, Quinta do Lago, with three courses, and Vilamoura, with five courses. Other popular options in the central Algarve include Salgados Golf and Oceanico’s Amendoeira Golf Resort near Albufeira, while the western Algarve is home to the Boavista Golf and Spa near Lagos and the Pestana Golf Resort near Carvoeiro.

The Costa del Sol’s courses are strung out along its 150-kilometre coastline, but the areas around Marbella and Mijas Costa have an especially high number. Looking closer, the Nueva Andalucía community, located behind Puerto Banús, is a long-time favourite with British expats – it’s also known as ‘Golf Valley’, thanks to the Las Brisas, Aloha and Los Naranjos golf courses all being there.

The hills around Benhavís are home to a number of resorts, including Los Aqueros and two of Spain’s most upmarket ones, La Zagaleta and La Quinta, while further west is Sotogrande, home to celebrated Valderrama. More affordable options are along Mijas Costa and in the community of Elviria, which also has access to great beaches.

Not forgetting Florida!
The Sunshine State isn’t all about Disney and the theme parks – it too is an international golf destination with a fantastic year-round climate. The central Orlando and so-called Golden Triangle area, which includes Kissimmee and Davenport, is dotted with golf communities of all sizes. Key large ones include ChampionsGate, Reunion and Providence, all built around more than one championship golf courses and with a choice of communities. Popular examples of smaller options are Highlands Reserve and Southern Dunes (in Haines City).