After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and the apparent dominance of France is to a large extent due to visitors in transit elsewhere. In 1996 between 1.2 and 1.3 million European tourists visited Spain. It is therefore not surprising that many of them become interested in buying a home there. Spain's property market generally has enjoyed strong growth, with the Costa Brava enjoying a particularly large rise in values. About 20% of foreign owners are more or less permanent residents of Spain, while the remaining 80% bought their property for either holidays or investment purposes.
The costa brava is particularly attractive because ? Summer heat is less intense than further south, ? Scenery is spectacular, ? There are beautiful well-preserved mediaeval towns like Pals and Peratallada everywhere, ? Catalonia is well run with good roads and railways ? The A7 motorway is never more than a few minutes drive and connects to the French network ? Barcelona is easily accessible ? Golf courses are numerous and of the highest standard all year round ? In winter, there is good skiing in the nearby Pyrenees ? There are cheap flights to Girona/Costa Brave airport and to Barcelona and Perpignan. ? Eating out is inexpensive and a real pleasure ? The cost of living generally is reasonable. That is an impressive catalogue of benefits. Add that attractive property is still fairly freely available and competitively priced and you will quickly understand the popularity of the region. Many different nationalities settle here, but unlike further south they are all intermingled, with no "English" estates or "German" estates. The whole atmosphere is much more cosmopolitan. That does not suit everybody. Before buying anything, do visit the area in and out of season. Resorts that are a buzz in summer often die completely in the winter. To most Catalonians, the Costa Brava is where they go for their summer holidays; they don't live there, and they don't even visit at week-ends out of season. If you are buying just for summer rentals and/or your own summer holidays, that does not matter, but if you are thinking of permanent residence, it is a critical factor. Never assume that you may be able to rent your property in winter. It is most unlikely.
If you are thinking of semi-permanent or even permanent residence, you may be concerned that you will find it hard to make friends here, and therefore be somewhat isolated. This is generally not so. Most residents are retired or semi-retired and it is fairly easy to meet new people, particularly of course if you play golf. Incomers tend to be of a similar age and background, even if from different countries. They too want to make new friends.
This may be an advantage or a disadvantage! You will also suddenly find that you have many friends in England wanting to visit you. Some of them may be friends that you thought of only as acquaintances. It can also be difficult for visitors to understand that you are not there just to entertain them, but have your own life to lead as well.
All in all though, the Costa Brava is a terrific place to holiday or live as long as you have thought through your purchase correctly. Our experience comes as part of the package, and our job is to make sure that you make the right decision for you. This is not the Costa del Sol either in terms of weather or life style, but it is culturally rich, welcoming, and offers a great life to those that respond to what it offers.
This article and more can be found at: costa brava
? Costa Brava Homes 2004
Christopher B. Longmore - Costa Brava Homes Sales Director
green cleaning service Des Plaines ..South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are particularly in demand with... Read More
Many vacation spots purport to offer true relaxation, but upon... Read More
I am in my yearly snit. Now my wife would... Read More
This may seem like a very strange title for an... Read More
The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the... Read More
"I'm coming home. I've been away too long. Been away... Read More
Lake Havasu, Arizona has become a treasured destination for tourists,... Read More
Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through... Read More
Gatlinburg cabin rental options range from old-fashioned rustic "log cabins"... Read More
That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More
The typical scenario goes something like this: your casual mention... Read More
An Award Winning Vacation, Golf, Tennis and Beach ResortIf you... Read More
Following the horrendous events on Boxing Day 2005 The Maldives... Read More
A Fabulous Guide to Florida's Best Rentals: Condos for rent,... Read More
What makes certain styles of pants so popular? One reason... Read More
As beautiful and modern as Cozumel is, visitors must remember... Read More
Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing... Read More
When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More
Bahamas vacation resorts are great places to look into if... Read More
Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner... Read More
If you're dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don't... Read More
If you are thinking about renting a condo in the... Read More
Real estate in Gatlinburg is thriving. While the 2000 census... Read More
As a family, we have been visiting Orlando since 1998,... Read More
Many times, when we plan a vacation, we know where... Read More
house cleaning company Des Plaines ..We are planning a family trip for just a few... Read More
Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing... Read More
Most of the time, when an individual is planning a... Read More
Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FLThere are numerous choices for lodging... Read More
When it comes to shopping for something on-line, we tend... Read More
What are your chances of getting the vacation of a... Read More
Making the decision to dive into the world of timeshares... Read More
You have your tickets, your hotel or vacation rental reservations,... Read More
Vancouver will receive a lot of attention as the 2010... Read More
Gatlinburg has a small but thriving community of property owners.... Read More
For most of us, the basis of a car rental... Read More
More often than not, a person will base his or... Read More
When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More
Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More
The secret treasure of Davenport's and Kissimmee's townhouses.Though usually Orlando... Read More
There are a few patterns to consider when looking for... Read More
Bahamas vacation resorts are great places to look into if... Read More
Of course you are anxious to take a vacation this... Read More
Disney Area Lodging DealsThe Orlando area communities of Lake Buena... Read More
Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the... Read More
Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in... Read More
I am in my yearly snit. Now my wife would... Read More
Each year, over two million people find their way to... Read More
The Algarve, and particularly the areas around Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Praia... Read More
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Vacation Rental |