According to an article on This is Money, a recent survey found that the top reasons for Brits wanting to move overseas are for better weather and a less stressful way of life. Whether it’s to purchase a holiday home, a buy-to-let or to start afresh in another country, buying a property abroad is more popular than ever, but with so many options, where do you go? Below are five of the best locations to buy:
Cyprus
An easy pace of life, year round sunshine, fresh food and amazing views, there are so many reasons to buy a property in Cyprus; it has long been a favourite with the British. Another bonus is the fact that the buying and selling process is very similar to Britain’s. Where to buy? The areas of Lanarca, Limassol and Paphos prove to be the most popular, in particular, Paphos, which has many purchasing advantages including a major international airport, golden sandy beaches and a wealth of attractions.
Spain
Spain has always been a favourable destination for where Brits would most like to own a holiday home. A laid back lifestyle, a short flight time from the UK, an excellent infrastructure and the lower cost of living are just some of the reasons to make the move, along with the superb climate, natural beauty and fine Mediterranean cuisine. House prices are dependent on what area of Spain you are looking at and the type, size and quality of property.
Portugal
If you are the type of person who appreciates glorious white beaches, delicious food, excellent local wine, superb golf resorts and an extremely pleasant climate, Portugal is for you. A useful starting point for looking at residential homes is Portugal Property.
The country has a stable property market, so you can be assured your money is wisely invested, it is less than three hours flying time from the UK and the cost of living is amongst the cheapest in the EU. Portugal also has one of the lowest population-to-land densities in Europe, meaning it’s not overcrowded.
Turkey
Blessed with golden beaches, stunning mountainous backdrops, a wealth of history and friendly locals, Turkey’s popularity continues to grow. Being outside of the Euro zone also means the cost of living remains affordable and the main hotspots like Antalya, Bodrum Fethiye, have a good quality infrastructure in place. According to The Telegraph, the number of overseas property purchases in Turkey rose by 78 per cent in the first half of 2013, with the city of Istanbul leading the way.
Italy
There’s no wonder Italy has long been a popular destination for those seeking a holiday home or a place to retire; not only does it offer one of the most authentic cultures in the world, there is plenty of sun, history and scenery, and there is strong potential to find some charming and affordable properties throughout the country. For non-Italians, Tuscany is probably the most famous region in Italy and with a stable property market, it remains to be a good investment.
