What better way to start the year than beginning your search for a place in the sun? Property markets in many popular destinations settled down in 2014, after a rocky few years, so 2015 could be the ideal time to invest abroad. Here are some ideas for the best places to buy…
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
Surging UK house prices in 2014 have made overseas property seem even more of a bargain – with more of the same forecast as 2015 gets underway. Throw into the mix Sterling’s strengthening against the euro, and investing in a second home in the Med, or retiring to the sun, becomes even more appealing.
So, where to begin your property hunt? Here are a few current hot spots to get you started.
France – longing for the Languedoc?
Buying conditions in France remain about as good as they’ve ever been. Mortgage rates at historic lows, the weak euro and a supply heavy market where prices are stagnant are all ideal for foreigners looking for a French property gem.
“There is a general election here in 2017 too,” explains Alexis Goldberg, resident expat and author of FranceBuyingGuide.com. “Most people expect a change of government which could lead to tougher buying conditions – savvy buyers will be getting their foot in the door this year and next, before any changes.”
Alexis lives in the Languedoc, in the south of France, a region increasingly popular for its extensive hours of sunshine, proximity to the Pyrenees, friendly villages set amongst rolling vineyards, rich history and culture – including Carcassonne – and more affordable property than the French Riviera. This charming villa, set amongst the Corbieres vineyards, is typical of the homes available in the region and boasts four bedrooms, a pool and fantastic views. Click on the image to find out how much it’s on the market for!
Elsewhere, the south-west regions of Aquitaine and Poitou-Charentes have a large selection of great value rural character homes. Could you wish for anything more authentic than this renovated six-bedroom house in the Dordogne, with a pool and more than two acres or land? Click on the image to find out its asking price!
Spain – hanker after the Costa Blanca?
Interest for Spanish property began snowballing in 2014 and signs point to the trend continuing this year. Like in France, improved mortgage availability with very attractive rates and the favourable exchange rate are good news for buyers. Plus, there’s a growing sense that the market’s downward trend is over.
The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol remain hot spots for international buyers, with some of the most attractive deals to be found just inland. In the northern Costa Blanca, the Jalon Valley combines stunning countryside with a rustic Spanish lifestyle, while still being just 20 minutes from the pretty beach resorts of Denia, Javea or Moraira.
This three-bedroom villa near the town of Jalon ticks most boxes, with its far-reaching country views, private pool, garden, terrace, solarium and even an independent apartment with a further two bedrooms! Click on the picture to find out its asking price.
Meanwhile, down in Mijas this three-bedroom townhouse is the perfect pad for enjoying everything the Costa del Sol has to offer. It’s a short walk from amenities, has access to a shared pool and gardens and has stunning sea views. Click on the picture to find out its asking price – or for further information about buying in Spain, download the Spain Buying Guide.
Italy – fancy a pizz-a Puglia?
Tuscany remains a favourite with discerning international buyers, but one region that offers an alternative – and more rustic – take on the Italian lifestyle, as well as more affordable property, is Puglia in the south, Italy’s heel.
“Very agricultural and with a charming earthiness about it, Puglia is known as the bread basket of Italy, so it’s great for living the authentic ‘good life’,” said resident expat Angela Lyons, who writes Italy Buying Guide.com. “Typical views are rolling plains of olive trees, ancient hilltop towns, such as Ostuni or Ceglie Messapica, and on the coast, beautiful white beaches and cosy fishing towns.”
Unique to Puglia is a type of conical agricultural dwelling called a ‘trullo’, many of which have been converted by expats, using local stone and artisans. Ideal as a character second home or somewhere quirky to live is this beautifully renovated trullo property in Monopoli. It has three bedrooms, a private pool and sits on a 2.5-acre plot of olive and fruit trees – click on the image to find to find out its price.
USA - fun under the Florida sun!
For year-round excitement and guaranteed winter sun, Florida never fails to disappoint. Despite Sterling weakening against the dollar in 2014, property in the Sunshine State remains good value for money and, if chosen with care, should be highly lettable.
More accessible mortgages are helping foreigners to tap into the market there, while a growing population, infrastructure upgrades – including new roads, upgrades to the Sun Rail Light Railway train, and most significantly a $1.1billion expansion of Orlando International Airport – are all positive signs for investors.
This luxury five-bedroom house is part of a short-term rental community in Kissimmee, minutes from Disney. With access to a clubhouse and communal facilities, it even comes with forward rental bookings – click on it to find out its price!
For more information on buying safely in Florida or elsewhere in the USA, download the USA Buying Guide.
Find out more
For more information on buying overseas property successfully, download the Overseas Guides Company’s free France Buying Guide, Spain Buying Guide, Italy Buying Guide or USA Buying Guide – and start receiving free news updates by email.
If you are considering a property purchase in France, Spain, Italy, the USA or anywhere else around the world in 2015, opening a no-obligation account with FCA-authorised Smart Currency Exchange will enable you to benefit from their competitive exchange rates and specialist currency knowledge, ultimately saving you money and time. For more information, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.