Beach Properties for Sale

To invest or not to invest in sun locations, that is the question.

More precisely, in the current climate of economic uncertainty, does investment in ‘sun, sea and sand’ properties abroad actually offer a good return on investment (ROI)?

‘Sunshine’ Property Investment: The Lowdown

Opinion is divided. On the one hand, there are those investment consultants who advise caution, citing for instance the current situation on the secondary market in popular sunshine locations, worldwide. Here, property investors, who bought in recent years, during the initial stages of development, when the market was buoyant, are now failing to make a respectable profit. In short, such properties in saturated tourist hot spots aren’t shifting too well; a problem which is by no means exclusive to lower end, mass market sunshine resorts, but also common to well-established and highly desirable sun and sea destinations, throughout Europe and further afield.

How to Maximise Your Profits in Sunshine Locations

Now for the good news; the issue is not as clear cut as the evidence might suggest. If we dig beneath the surface of the well-rehearsed argument of property investment experts about investing in beach properties for sale and luxury sunshine resorts, a more positive picture emerges.

Indeed, the astute property investor who explores beyond the generalisations about the sunshine property market could yet make a killing, in terms of long-term property ROI.

Tips to Help You Succeed in Up-Market Sunshine Locations

 Fashion is fickle and nowhere more so than in the property market in sunshine locations, not only in Europe, but worldwide. Trendy sunshine hot spots, of even a few years ago, can become decidedly lacklustre in an alarmingly short period of time. Yesterday’s exclusive property investment regions are often today’s ‘no-go’ areas for image-conscious globe-trotters. Therefore, caveat emptor!

 Be selective; do your research thoroughly and always seek unbiased advice. Investigate any plans for future developments. A sunshine Beach Properties For Sale which may appear to offer exclusivity today, could equally prove a poor long-term investment if, for example, your existing, glorious sea view is soon to be obliterated by a newer development along the shoreline.

 If you’re looking for that exclusive villa in the sun, why not consider areas where planning restrictions are strictly enforced and large-scale development is prohibited, Cyprus and some of the smaller Greek Islands, for example. The downside, however, is that the asking prices in these areas tends to be relatively high. But where you are likely to score is with the resale market, as limited stock tends to drive up selling prices.

 If you want to bag a beach properties for sale bargain with long-term luxury potential, explore properties slightly off the beaten track, in less ‘touristy’ areas, yet within easy access of main road/rail and airport routes.

 Prosperous inland regions that are enjoying the knock-on effect of thriving coastal tourist enclaves also make good hunting ground for that perfect luxury property in the sun. Inland Spain is a prime example. OK, the weather is less predictable, but the potential advantages are certainly worth considering.

 Apart from coastal regions, don’t forget the potential offered by cities and towns in countries with a warmer climate and higher than average hours of all-year-round sunshine. These locations also benefit from thriving social and cultural infrastructures. If these ‘hot’ properties happen to be within striking distance of attractive coastal regions, so much the better. City suggestions include Barcelona, Nice, Lisbon, Athens, Istanbul, Cairo, Marrakech, Dubai, Cape Town, Sydney … the list is endless.

 The best time to invest in quality property abroad in sunshine locations is in an emerging market; in other words, when the market has just started to move, but is still in its infancy.