Spain’s enduring appeal as a second home hotspot
Spain second home: Diverse delights – the secrets behind Spain’s enduring appeal as a second home hotspot
“We’ve sold properties to 36 nationalities already this year,” reveals Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. “People buy homes in Spain for a wide range of reasons. The diverse nature of the country’s destinations means there’s something that appeals to everyone.”
Taylor Wimpey España has been supporting second home buyers to find their ideal home for more than 65 years, providing the team with outstanding insight into who is buying in Spain and why. German, British, Polish, Dutch and Spanish buyers top the list when it comes to demand for homes in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands, between them accounting for almost 70% of total year-to-date reservations.
In addition to Spain’s diverse destinations, it is the country’s ability to delight a wide range of homebuyers that also contributes to its success (as well as the sunshine, beaches and fresh Mediterranean food, of course).
Cala D’Or in Mallorca is the perfect example. Property buyers there have included everyone from remote workers to retirees. Many also invest in property in Spain some years prior to their retirement, planning for a potential move in years to come while enjoying their property for holidays with friends and family in the meantime.
Spain second home: Cala D’Or
The attractions of Cala D’Or are many and varied. Expedia flagged it as “the top travel spot for international travel in 2024,” while analysis of monthly Google searches by Beyond Surfing has just named it the third most popular beach in Europe. Cala D’Or’s local beaches showcase the destination’s versatility. Cala Gran, Cala D’Or’s main beach, is ideal for swimming and relaxing, while Cala Esmeralda is known for its stunning turquoise waters and fine sand. The shallow waters of Cala Ferrera make it a popular choice for families, while the less crowded Cala Serena is perfect for a quiet, restful day by the sea.
Cala D’Or also has plenty to offer those looking for fun on the water, from snorkelling and diving to kayaking, paddle surfing and boat excursions to nearby coves and caves. Back on land, the beautiful Mondragó Natural Park is home to hiking trails and two picturesque beaches, S’Amarador and Mondragó. The impressive Drach Caves with their large underground lake have also been delighting local visitors for generations.
For many of those buying second homes in Spain, affordability is another part of the attraction. The cost-of-living is 24% lower there than in the UK (according to Numbeo) – something that appeals to second home buyers of all ages.
Property prices vary significantly across Spain and the Balearic Islands, just as they do in different parts of the UK. In Mallorca, homes at Compass at Cala D’Or are priced from €335,000 plus VAT for a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with a large terrace and two communal pools.
At La Mar, another of Taylor Wimpey España’s developments in Cala D’Or, homes cost from €530,000 plus VAT. Rated ‘A’ for their energy efficiency, the homes are surrounded by landscaped gardens, with a lovely communal pool set before the avant-garde architecture of La Mar’s three buildings (each of which is home to 12 apartments and penthouses).
“Cala D’Or epitomises the versatility that you can find in so many popular Spanish hotspots,” continues Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard. “You can head to the pretty marina, with its abundant bars and restaurants, or get away from the world with a round of golf at Vall D’Or. You can rent a bike and cycle through miles of stunning scenery, or simply stroll to the local market and buy some fresh produce to enjoy on your terrace. Even as one of Mallorca’s quieter destinations, there is still so much on offer at Cala D’Or.”
Compass terrrace, Cala d’Or, Majorca