Brits Making the Most of Spanish Property Boom

Why Brits are flocking to the sunshine and pace of life in Spain - and how canny developers are cashing in.

York, UK (PRWeb) February 2, 2007 -- Spain. Relatively poor by European standards. Overrun with tourists who have driven out local culture and replaced it with cheap resort entertainment.

Although this is a common misperception among people who don't know the country, the reality is entirely different. As well as the traditional resorts - now trying to smarten up their act and attract a higher profile clientele - new resorts and facilities are springing up that offer a much more aspirational lifestyle in the sun.

According to new figures, 990,000 Brits now live in Spain - 761,000 on a permanent basis and the rest through part time residency. As a result, property prices in Spain have risen by 120% in real terms since 1998 attracting property investors as well as lifestyle buyers.

Many buyers are attracted by the slower pace of life (belied by Spain's strong recent economic growth) but increasingly, companies are realising that a traditional villa in a sleepy village isn't the all-encompassing attraction for buyers that it once was.

Polaris World (http://www.polarisgolfpropertyuk.com) are one such operator. Since 2002, they have focussed their attention on building a complete lifestyle for their customers in the still relatively underdeveloped area of Murcia and the Costa Calida, in the south of the country.

They offer a wide range of property styles - from family-sized villas to single apartments to cater for the varying needs of potential buyers. Each complex is built around a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, which has proved to be hit with casual golfers and business clients alike. However, the offer doesn't stop there. Onsite quality restaurants, sports facilities and a complete range of lifestyle services help to make the resorts as easy to live in as possible, whilst offering a lot more than mere golfing excursions.

Away from the resorts, the Murcia region itself is a haven for lovers of the tranquil rural life that typifies much of Southern Spain. The major town in the region, Murcia, has an abundance of architectural gems - most notably its cathedral which is considered to be a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style. Outside the cities, the countryside is gently mountainous and endlessly picturesque, with many of the inhabitants still living a simple rural life.

In terms of investment, these properties benefit greatly from this mix of features and setting. Demand is such that the existing two resorts will be joined by a further 7 in the planning and construction stage. As investors in Spain seek more aspirational property offerings, it seems very likely that the trend towards high-end, sympathetic developments of this kind will continue. Canny investors can still buy ahead of the curve in this region, and should see very good returns on their money as the European economy continues to grow and Brits look abroad to consolidate their lifestyle and finances.

Polaris World properties are available through a large number of independent accredited agents. If you are looking to know more, check for Golden Partner approved status on literature and websites. A properly accredited agent will ensure that all the hassles are taken care of on your behalf.

James Espin

Director

Overseas Property UK

31st January 2007

James Espin is founder and Director of Overseas Property UK, the parent Company of Polaris Golf Property UK (http://www.polarisgolfpropertyuk.com) which specialises in the promotion of property for sale on the unique family of seven Polaris World Golf Resorts in Murcia, Spain featuring nine Nicklaus designed golf courses. Since being introduced to Polaris World at its outset more than four years ago, James has built up a widespread knowledge of the resorts, the Murcia region and the buying process in Spain as well as the extensive range of property, home and lifestyle services that the Polaris World companies offer to their clients.

James Espin is available to comment on Polaris World and the property market in Spain. Please contact him by telephone in the UK on 0845 4 66 55 44

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