North vs South
The desire to own a Spanish property is still very much alive. But in a country covering over half a million square kilometres, there’s a great deal of difference between each region.
From the Pyrenees Mountains and rugged northern coast down to the exotic shores of Andalucia, the question facing many buyers is who wins, north or south?
Up North
On the Atlantic coast sit Asturias and Cantabria, famous for some of the best mountain walks in Europe, great cuisine, cider houses, prehistoric caves, and a cool climate. Aptly titled the Costa Verde (or Green Coast) this area is popular with local Spaniards, and house prices here are about 17% less than the national average.
Not suffering from the blighted reputation of southern regions, the north east coast of Spain is home to one of its most beloved and vibrant cities: Barcelona. Owning a pad here gets you the best of both worlds; the buzz of city culture and excitement, as well as an outdoor coatal lifestyle. Little wonder then, that a three-bedroom apartment in a prized urban location can easily push €1 million. Although if you head inland a bit, a country house on a decent plot of land can be found for half that amount.
Another mainland location worth a look is Girona, also in Catalonia. Although it may be wise to avoid the enclaves of the Costa Brava that can be overrun by Brits, there is a vast array of property on offer, and a new build apartment, will set you back around €250,000. Meanwhile, in San Sebastian known as the Basque country, prices are that bit more and properties harder to come by. With it’s calm waters and beautiful bay, it is loved by Spaniards and Europeans alike.
For one of Spain’s best kept secrets, look no further than our very own Camiral. At under an hour from Barcelona, half an hour from the Costa Brava and an hour and a half from the Pyrenees, this stunning resort offers visitors year round appeal and easy low cost access from across the UK.
The properties here would be the perfect holiday home, primary residence or indeed rental investment facilitated by PGA’s own rental management support system.
Set in landscaped gardens a private golf-front walking path leads homeowners to the Clubhouse and Residents’ Club which includes a 20m outdoor swimming pool, gym, saunas, Jacuzzis, spa treatment rooms and a cafe. Sounds like paradise from around €325,000.
Down south
People tend to opt to be near the sea when it comes to a holiday home purchase, so seafront stock still carries a premium. The Costa Del Sol and surrounding areas offer extensive beaches (some far nicer than others) and buckets of sun, sea and sand, hence its huge popularity over the past 40 years with tourists and second home purchasers, above all, the British.
Golfers also seem to have a soft spot for this part of the Iberian Peninsula, and heading west from Malaga Airport, you’ll find plenty of greens to choose from with front line properties to boot. Although the searing hot summers and high-density builds have deterred many a buyer.
Around the traditionally exclusive areas of Sotogrande and Marbella, prices have been known to skyrocket, although there are bargains to be had as villas that were once on the market €2 million are now struggling to fetch half that.
Malaga and Mijas Costa provide the developments and urbanisations; townhouses that might fetch around €230,000 as well as a bulk of apartments, although you could nab yourself a large finca in the hills of Andalucia for the same price.
We think that the unspoilt beauty, mild climate and sophisticated gastronomy of Northern Spain definitely trumps the South, but want to hear your thoughts. Would you buy a property in the North or South of Spain?
