A Solo Move From California To Valencia
There is a scene in the 2003 movie "Under The Tuscan Sun" that I now can identify as the moment...
Read moreLief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
Spain has no restriction on foreigners owning property.
Most importantly, Spain has long been one of the world’s most sought-after property destinations thanks to its great weather, relatively low cost of living, and friendly atmosphere.
It was hit particularly hard by the last recession and after a deep, dark downturn that kicked off in 2008, the market is finally bouncing back… and savvy property buyers have been watching closely for signs of a turnaround.
Spain’s pariah status is gone and the country is awash with real estate bargains.
Now the official data on property sales show that the recovery is in progress… and buyers and investors are making their moves.
Unlike resort destinations like the Balearics (and other coastal and island locations), Spain’s big cities have diverse economies that are not reliant only on tourism.
Barcelona is a dream location, not just for the 1.6 million locals but clearly for the tourists and business visitors who flock there by the millions each year (over eight million in 2013).
This is a strong short-term rental market and a great opportunity for buy-to-let investment.
Property in Madrid can appeal to tourists, expats, and locals, and this helps buttress investors in a market, which at this early stage still carries an element of risk. However, in Madrid foreign buyers make up a far smaller proportion of the market.
Start Your New Life Today, Overseas
Real estate here is dependent on Spain’s locals. Meanig a full recovery and return to growth will come to Madrid more slowly than to the tourism hotspots, like Barcelona.
But when that growth does come, it will be less vulnerable to the ebb and flow of interest from fickle international buyers.
If you’re more interested in the resort towns, the Balearics are where to look. Majorca is the grand dame of the Balearics.
Despite being a hotspot for tourism for so many years, when you know where to look, you’ll find that the 1,405-square-mile island has managed to cling to much of its charm.
The island gets an impressive 8 million visitors a year, mostly during high season. While this renders some beaches extremely busy, it brings some key advantages.
Firstly, the island’s infrastructure is superb. The road network is excellent and the airport is large and extremely well connected, especially for an island of this size.
And while prices are inevitably pushed upwards by the number of visitors, they drop down to the range paid by Spaniards elsewhere in the country when you move towards the center of the island.
One of the biggest misconceptions North Americans have is that life in Europe is financially out of reach… but
Spain is known for being the most affordable region in Western Europe.
We could debate the best country in Europe on several counts, such as natural beauty, economics, doing business, or investing in properties…
But Spain can’t be matched for lifestyle. With its amazing food and wine culture, laid-back ambiance, and warm weather, you’ll find no other country quite like it.
For instance, Valencia has much to offer expats, including great weather, a friendly community,
Mediterranean beaches, excellent infrastructure and health care, and a safe environment.
There is a scene in the 2003 movie "Under The Tuscan Sun" that I now can identify as the moment...
Read moreWhy would you want to establish residency in another country? Two Reasons First, you might want to become legally able...
Read moreWhy would you want to establish residency in another country? Two Reasons First, you might want to become legally able...
Read moreSpain should be near the top of your list for a retirement or second home destination. The lifestyle is fantastic… the cost of living is relatively low… the cost of properties is reasonable… and the language is fairly familiar. Spain, in fact, was my first overseas destination, years before my wife and I finally settled in South America. I’ve enjoyed repeated visits to Spain’s major cities, and the countless attractions they hold. From Madrid to Barcelona… and from Granada to...
Read more© 2008 - Live and Invest Overseas - All Rights Reserved.
Sign up for FREE and learn how to live the good life on a modest budget, find bargain property, and more. Plus, check out our free report on the 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.
RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY
Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…
BEST PLACES TO RETIRE
FREE REPORT: