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
quick home cleaning Arlington Heights ..An Award Winning Vacation, Golf, Tennis and Beach ResortIf you... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
The demand for a stay in an ice hotel has... Read More
Shropshire is England's forgotten county, but it is well worth... Read More
I love Sussex County Delaware. I am native born, multigenerational... Read More
Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast... Read More
The main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe is... Read More
If you're thinking about planning a great winter vacation, think... Read More
Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More
As our wedding anniversary looms near... and this one will... Read More
What makes certain styles of pants so popular? One reason... Read More
Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home... Read More
Making the decision to dive into the world of timeshares... Read More
India has always been an irresistible tourist destination for people... Read More
When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay... Read More
Did you know that staying in a vacation cabin rental... Read More
If you're dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don't... Read More
Today, we as travelers have a ton of options to... Read More
Timeshare presentations are tricky animals. They can either be an... Read More
Cabin rental in Pigeon Forge are one of the city's... Read More
Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many... Read More
Hilton Head Island's mild climate, slow pace, and beautifully forested... Read More
Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical... Read More
The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is... Read More
Motels became prominent in the United States after the advent... Read More
disinfecting cleaning services Wilmette ..Motels became prominent in the United States after the advent... Read More
So you decided on Orlando Florida for your family vacation... Read More
Seasoned travelers often tire of the standard routine of airplane,... Read More
The first words that come to mind when people think... Read More
Hotels are a large component of Pigeon Forge lodging. As... Read More
Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More
The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the... Read More
South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are particularly in demand with... Read More
Once you make up your mind to on a vacation,... Read More
Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More
==> Try to buy your vacation travel package from a... Read More
There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in... Read More
When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you... Read More
Welcome to Washington, DC - The nation's capital is a... Read More
Just drive out to one of these delightful wine estates... Read More
Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana is located on the north... Read More
Are you thinking of travelling Abroad?You will surely want to... Read More
What makes certain styles of pants so popular? One reason... Read More
Cairns Rainforest Retreat is ideally located for your unique rainforest... Read More
If you're dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don't... Read More
Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many... Read More
Lake Tahoe is a pristine recreational lake area. With high-stake... Read More
Going away on a vacation brings numerous benefits. It refreshes... Read More
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Cheap vacations can still be relaxing, fun and whatever else... Read More
Vacation Rental |