Enduring Appeal of Spanish Investment Property

The evergreen attraction of Spain for British citizens has once again been proven by the results of a survey by Clerical Medical Investment Group Limited into the retirement plans of British people.  It concludes that one in three Britons are planning a retirement abroad with the vast majority planning on relocating to mainland Europe where Spain is the favoured destination for most.

Furthermore the enduring appeal of Spanish investment property has been reaffirmed for investors by the news that there has been a strong surge in tourism numbers headed for Spain this summer…this has resulted in property price increases even in the most tried and tested markets where experts were warning that prices had possibly peaked.

The Costa del Sol tourism board has released figures that suggest tourism numbers to the region will hit a ten year high this year and see hotel occupancy rates reaching almost unprecedented heights of 85%; this good news has property investors interested in the region once again for strong rental yields and ongoing rental and resale interest.

However the popularity of the region means that property prices are high all along the Costa del Sol, but there is good news for those looking to spend slightly less than the average EUR 312,000 for a property in Malaga or EUR 216,000 for a property in Alicante - there are Spanish property investment opportunities elsewhere that stand a chance of being excellent capital accruing and income generating assets.

Costa Almeria is one region of Spain that until recently was lesser known, lesser explored and therefore less popular.  But with the recent expansion in flights and cheap flight operators servicing the region’s airport and a series of strategic investments being made into the infrastructure and amenities in Almeria, interest is now growing.  Property investors looking for an affordable market where growing interest is seeing house price gains of around 12% annually should consider Almeria in Southern Spain.

Alternative Spanish investment property hotspots include the region and town of Valencia – property prices across the region have gone up by as much as 35% in one year in the most popular towns and cities - and the city of Valencia itself is undergoing a multi-million euro makeover in time for the 2007 America’s Cup which it is set to host meaning that those who buy in and around the city will benefit from the investment into infrastructure and facilities.

The enduring appeal of Spanish investment property means that those who make careful, well timed and researched investments into real estate in Spain can profit from strong capital gains over the medium to long term and enjoy an attractive annual income boost from letting their property in Spain out to the ever-strong tourism market.