Examining the rising potential value and profitability of golf and marina based properties in Portugal
Report filed under: Buying Property Abroad Guides » Property in Portugal Buyer's Guides
Mon, September 29, 2008 - 6:00 pm EET
With markets melting and credit being crunched into the carpet is there anywhere in the world to buy a potentially profitable property anymore? Or should we all just accept the fact that property can no longer be considered an investment, and instead see it as just a luxury item or a necessary roof over our heads?
Well, having searched the length and breadth of the property world we have discovered a couple of pockets of potential profitability in Portugal in the form of golf and marina property. If some sun, sea, sand and sagacious spending appeals to you, how about the following ideas for securing profitable property in Portugal to beat the price crash?
Of course, we cannot guarantee that any investments made will actually return you any cash, but there would appear to be something of an insatiable appetite for golf property on the Algarve and marina property in Portugal’s favourite resorts.
A recent report in the Telegraph highlighted the fact that marina based properties along the world’s most popular waterways are in high demand. Berths on the Mediterranean are so highly sought after and prized for example, that where there are marina homes complete with berths coming to the market, they are still being snaffled out and snapped up for top dollar despite the current economic climate. Yes, we know, Portugal is not on the Med, and so much better for it because prices for marina properties in Portugal start from a much lower position that those in Spain or France for example.
According to a spokesperson at Knight Frank: “marinas have overtaken golf as the key driver at the top end of the second-homes market,” which means that anyone who buys in now is getting in on a market where there is demand, affluence and affordability – factors seriously lacking elsewhere in the world of real estate!
Although marina homes may have knocked golfing properties off the top spot for those in search of a luxurious second home, when it comes to golf, the Algarve is the place to be, to play and to own property. Nothing appears to be denting demand for golf properties in Europe’s most famous golfing playground, and new developments such as the Vilamoura Golf and Garden Resort on the Algarve are not slowing construction or seemingly concerning themselves with the global financial slowdown. Sales at the development are continuing apace – off plan – and the famous names buying up homes at the resort just add fuel to the developer’s marketing fire.
So, if you want property that remains in maximum demand with the well-heeled so that you have a chance of profiting from any investment made, we would say that golf and marina property in Portugal is certainly worth a little closer inspection.