There is an interesting paradox in levels of second home ownership across Europe. Greek citizens are six times more likely to own a second home than Germans. The Spanish, Portuguese and Italians also have far higher levels of second home ownership that Europe’s wealthier nations.
According to the figures from RE/MAX Europe, just 5.4% of Germans own a second home. The figure rises to 15.2% in Italy, 17% in Portugal, 20.4% in Spain and 32.8% in Greece. Yet, in the UK, only 7% of citizens enjoy second home ownership. The data casts an interesting new light on how a ‘wealthy’ country is viewed. Is the German citizen who spends five days a week stuck in an office but has lots of shiny gadgets truly wealthier than the Greek one in his second home in the country, harvesting and preserving olives, figs and pomegranates grown on his own land?
Certainly second home ownership brings with it a host of lifestyle benefits. In Spain, those living in the city are most likely to purchase a second home, as a means of escaping the nine to five and spending quality time with loved ones, often in peaceful rural areas or by the coast.
For second home owners from countries such as the UK, better weather is often a draw and Spain is a perennially popular choice of location for such a purchase. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder
Taylor Wimpey España, comments,
“UK buyers have a long-term love of Spain when it comes to second home ownership. The beauty of areas like the Costa Blanca, with its seemingly endless stretches of white sand and glorious sunshine, exerts a charm that gets under the skin. Buying a second home there represents a significant shift in lifestyle – it’s about enjoying more of what Europe, and life, has to offer.”
Buying a second home can also be a shrewd financial move, particularly in times of record low interest rates. When buying overseas, it’s always a good idea to purchase a home directly from a reputable developer with a strong track record. Doing so means you know what you are buying into in terms of quality, which is particularly important when purchasing a home in another country.
Buying direct from the developer can also have added benefits. At La Recoleta III from Taylor Wimpey España, just two minutes from the beach and enjoying stunning sea views, the high spec apartments offer precisely the kind of quality finish for which second home buyers are looking. Each apartment enjoys generously proportioned outdoor areas (either garden or terrace, depending on the floor), high end appliances and its own secure, underground parking space.
Not only that, but apartments at La Recoleta III, which are available from €175,000 for a two bedroom home, currently also offer a free furniture pack. The limited time offer runs until 31 December 2015 (or sooner if the last remaining properties at this popular development sell out before then). It means that buyers can enjoy a stylish and tastefully furnished home, without spending a penny more than the purchase price. This is ideal for buyers who want to enjoy their Spanish second home from the outset and not spend their first holiday in it traipsing round furniture stores looking at cushions, when they could be relaxing on the terrace with a cool drink.
It all goes back to lifestyle benefits and having more time to enjoy what the world has to offer and it can certainly be seen as area where much can be learnt from the Spanish approach.
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.
