There has never been a better time to invest in property in Spain. In 2017, the benefits of the strengthening economy are being felt up and down the Costa del Sol. The property market has shown steady growth throughout the year, exceeding all forecasts. Prices are starting to see modest increases, and this trend is due to continue into 2018 and beyond. British buyers have traditionally dominated the market but more recently buyer nationalities are diversifying including Scandinavian, Belgium, Dutch and French demanding higher quality products. Smart investors are once again looking to invest in Spain as a safe yet promising investment for the future.
Investments
Invest in Property in Spain
There are many good reasons to invest in property in Spain.
You only need look at any major town on the Costa del Sol to see construction is back in full swing, with some excellent new developments going up for the first time in 10 years. Record tourist numbers along with a recovering economy are driving a resurgence in construction. Towns and municipalities throughout the Málaga province are witnessing increased planning applications for new build properties and investment projects. For many, the best investments lie in the exclusive off plan developments prominent in the towns to the East and West of Marbella; most notably Estepona and Mijas.
Once very much a part of the skyline, from 2008 onwards the cranes disappeared from the Costa del Sol as the credit crunch hit. Today is a very different story, with some of the most interesting investment opportunities coming from new off plan developments.
The Benefits of Buying Off Plan
Developers need to sell 20-30% of units before the bank will authorise construction to commence. These first phase units are therefore sold as a loss leader to the developer. Whilst 9 out of 10 holiday home purchasers want to touch and feel the product before buying, smart investors take advantage of the attractive introductory prices. As construction progresses developers increase their prices 6-8 times, delivering up to a 40% increase from their initial launch price. Those who buy early not only get to cherry pick the best units but have the most to gain in both capital and rental returns. Most investors go on to re-introduce the property back to the market on completion at the increased price, or cash in on returns from the booming holiday rental market.
Another highly attractive feature of buying off plan is the secure payment structure. New developments are financed with institutional backing from the major banks as well as insurance policy securities and water tight contracts. Buying off plan is as safe as houses. New developments offer risk free investments with payments 100% bank guaranteed offering security for those who have the confidence to buy early.
Investing in new developments also offers the purchaser excellent payment terms. Reservation fees are only €3000-6000. When construction begins 30% of the property price is paid and the remaining 70% balance is only due on completion 6- 18 months later. Many investors take advantage of the attractive mortgage rates available on the Costa del Sol, knowing their investment will grow.
Furthermore, off plan properties are delivered with a 10 year guarantee on construction from the developer.
Bank Owned Developments
Another interesting option to consider are former bank owned developments. These are new developments which have been purchased, refreshed and refurbished by the banks and released to the market to sell quickly. They are key ready, often include complete furniture packs and are ready for immediate occupation. This is a wise option for those looking to make their gains from rental and want to reap the immediate benefits of the high holiday rental season. The Costa del Sol experienced its best ever summer season in 2017. With tourists increasingly opting for private holiday apartment rental over hotels the buy to let proposition on the Costa del Sol offers far more to gain than the domestic rental market in Northern Europe.
Bank owned, key ready properties offer fantastic value for money, but stock is increasingly limited and selling through quickly. If you are interested in this option, speak to us about arranging a viewing trip with us as soon as possible
We can show you a range of investment options on the Costa del Sol including off plan, key ready and previously owned. Each have their own merits which we can discuss with you in detail but the property market in general on the Costa del Sol is more attractive than ever for the investor.
Here are just a few reasons why:
10 reasons to invest in property in Spain
1. Tourism
Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. last summer surpassed all existing tourism records in Spain. Never before have so many foreign visitors arrived in the country in a single month: 10.51 million, compared with the previous record of 10.02 million, set in August of 2016, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). The July record comes on the back of a year-on-year rise of 10.1% in tourist arrivals. This has a direct impact on the strength on the holiday rental market.
After surveying thousands of holiday makers in popular destinations, the INE found that all forms of accommodation are on the rise, but most particularly holiday apartments which rose 23.2% for tourist apartments.
2. Holiday Rental Income
The demand for holiday apartment rental offers a fantastic opportunity for those wishing to invest in property. The majority of our clients look to buy a property that gives them both an overseas holiday home as well as highest possible return on their investment. There can be conflict between these two goals, but our experienced real estate managers deal with these scenarios on an everyday basis, and can present you properties which cover both aspects.
Thanks to the unique micro-climate that the Costa del Sol offers, there are 2 full rental seasons spanning the year. During the summer, absolutely any property can be rented, but the key to renting year round is capturing the golf market. The Costa del Sol boasts more than 80 golf courses, with the world renowned golf valley spanning the coast between Marbella and Estepona. This zone provides the key to renting for more than 25 weeks per year.
3. Economic Growth
The outlook in Spain is looking sunny in more ways than one. As of April 2017, Spain has shown 14 consecutive quarters of growth. The economy has recovered well since the government implemented a series of reforms including overhauling the banking system and reforming the labour market. Growth remains much higher than that in the Eurozone overall, thanks to tourism and exports thriving. Unemployment has fallen from a 27% high in 2013 to 18% in April 2017, and likely to drop during the summer boom months. Positive moves in employment means higher gross disposable household income. The national budget deficit is reducing and GDP is positive. Major international funds are investing hundreds of millions of Euros into the purchase of development land on the Costa del Sol. With historically low-interest rates, investment in land and development promises investment yields far greater than that obtainable elsewhere. Spain’s economy has staged an impressive turnround over the last few years after being one of the most badly-affected countries during the financial crisis.
4. Strong potential for price increases
Whilst other markets such as Germany and the UK are already at the peak of property prices, Spain has plenty of room for increases in both rentals and sales. Much like the economy, Spanish property sales are on the rise. After 7 years of falling house prices, the market has now returned to pre-recession levels. Banks are predicting record property sales in the coming year. With confidence back in the market and demand steadily growing once again it’s inevitable that prices will increase. For investors this means there is plenty of Capital Growth opportunity over the coming years. This also means that purchases should be made, sooner rather than later to take full advantage of the gains potential.
5. Improved quality and professionalism
New buyers entering the market are finding an amazing number of new projects for sale of a substantially higher quality than in the past. A more sophisticated, experienced and caring developer has arrived. Bucking the pre-crash trend, new developers are keen to give excellent value for money to their purchasers and invest more time and effort into producing properties of a superior quality. This offers significant rewards to the buyer and developer alike. Developers with projects underway are enjoying much more interest from buyers and substantial success in sales as a result. Buyers are finally receiving an increasingly broad choice of top end properties with an incredible range of luxury features, prices and locations.
6. Attractive borrowing
Spain’s property market is a far cry from the fragile bubble that existed before the financial crisis of 2008. Increasing government regulation of financial institutions and more effective regulations on banks and lenders has prompted a culture of financial safe practice. Base rates continue to fall in the Eurozone and currently sit at an all-time record low. Mortgage rates in Spain are now cheaper than ever. In addition, lending by the banks increased by 17% in January 2017 against the previous year. This demonstrates that Spanish lenders are keen to lend to non-residents and overseas investors.
7. Value for money
You get a lot of bang for your buck in Spain. Food, transport, housing, and services are all very reasonably priced. Also, good for business, labour in Spain is 25 % cheaper than in the rest of the Eurozone.
8. Excellent geographical location
The Costa del Sol is a very privileged location. Enjoying over 320 days of sunshine every year, its one of the few places in Europe to enjoy warm summers and mild winters.
Malaga International airport is the 3rd largest in mainland Spain offering flights to over 100 destinations in 25 countries, increasing every year with new routes and destinations. In a globalized economy, geographical location plays an important role in business. With strong connections to all major European hubs, as well as the Americas and the Far East, the Costa del Sol provides a strong base for todays investors.
9. Quality of life
The Costa del Sol is consistently rated by foreign residents as having the best quality of life in Europe. Aside from the weather, Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, a rich cultural history, great food and over 8000km of coast and great beaches. It is a great place to raise families, with an excellent choice of international schools and provides the perfect location for retirement.
If you like many others are interested in investing in property on the Costa del Sol, start your journey search now by clicking here, or contact us today for more details