Right Time to Purchase

In common with the rest of Europe, the property market in Spain has been affected by the economic downturn. However, Spain remains the favourite destination in Europe for British buyers and property in Costa Blanca is still a popular choice and selling if the price is right.

The area will always be attractive to foreign visitors, due to its beautiful beaches, extensive tourist amenities and sunny climate. Its name means the White Coast and was coined by BEA in 1957, the year that flights began between London and Valencia. The region extends from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south and includes the major tourist destinations of Benidorm and Alicante. The Costa Blanca plays host to many hundreds of thousands of tourists every year and, of these, a significant proportion own a second property in the area, which they have bought for their own vacation/leisure use, as an investment or as rental income, or as a mixture of all three!

It is certainly a buyer's market at present, with many bargains available on property for sale in Costa Blanca. Official figures show that house prices have fallen in the region of three per cent but, in reality, reductions are far greater than this, with some developers offering discounts as much as forty per cent off, representing some of the best deals ever seen in the market. Villas in some developments which have been advertised for sale at 350,000 euros are now being snapped up for less than 250,000 euros. A wide choice of properties for sale is available in this part of Spain, ranging from beachside villas and town houses to more economical apartments. For even cheaper property, the less crowded outskirts of the surrounding cities should be considered.

When looking at property for sale in Costa Blanca, it is a good idea to visit the area in winter as well as summer, to see what it is like out of season. Some less populated areas can seem rather isolated in the cooler months. Check out the heating systems too! It is also advisable to "try before you buy"; in other words rent a few different villas and flats in different parts of the region before you commit yourself to buying. The Costa Blanca comprises a huge area of Spain and, as such, there are great differences between the various towns. Cheap flights are available during less popular times, with the most convenient airport based at Alicante. Do not limit yourself solely to estate agents in the immediate area, as national agents will also have plenty of properties for sale on their books. Check out the Web, as many agents as well as private sellers will advertise through this medium. Above all, take your time in finding the right property. There are plenty of good investments to be had on property in the Costa Blanca right now and you should not allow yourself to be pressurised.