Brit expats race to buy property in Spain, working from home
Builder Taylor Wimpey & work from home
SUN-LOVING BRITS are racing to buy Spanish property once more, as the dream of owning a second home in the sun becomes a reality again. They are shrugging off Brexit and the pandemic to reserve new holiday homes in record numbers. It’s the new working from home.
Builder Taylor Wimpey España is reporting record-breaking reservation figures for Spanish holiday homes September, as travel restrictions ease. Sun-struck Brits are buying on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca and Ibiza and other Spanish hotspots, and getting much more for their money than in the UK.
Taylor Wimpey España has taken more property reservations than any September since it was founded in 1958.
Reservations were treble those seen in September 2019, the last “normal” September before the pandemic.
Sales and marketing director put this down to surging demand from UK second home buyers, although they do not have it their own way.
Brits face tough competition from domestic Spanish buyers, who are keen to buy second homes in their own country.
He said October reservations also look promising. “Britons are free to fly with fewer restrictions and there is growing confidence about buying homes in Spain once more.”
The working from home revolution is also driving the trend, he said. “Many Brits are now free to work from home and if they buy a property in Spain they can do so with even greater geographical flexibility than before.”
He said Spain offers far better value than the overheated UK market. “The idea of owning a property overseas is gaining traction with many families looking to rebalance their lifestyle post-pandemic.”
Brexit has caused a few paperwork headaches, but he added: “Buyers spending €500,000 (£425,000) or more can apply for a Golden Visa that opens up the entire Schengen Zone to them once more.”