Link Up Properties International - September 2004

A report has revealed that 200,000 Britons are looking for a home abroad. “Homes Overseas” in London showed growing interest in other areas.

Link up properties have launched their International section, featuring properties from Spain, France, Australia, Croatia, Florida and the Bahamas. `'We were getting many enquires regarding homes abroad and hence have decided to offer people a choice of homes abroad initially in 4 different countries. Our trading partners in these countries will offer the highest levels of customer service in order to help you secure that dream home abroad' says Cherie Matthews of Link Up Head Office.

Who exactly are the Brits who ended up living on foreign shores? Why do they decide to buy a property? What type of property do they prefer and how do they find what they are looking for? These are just some of the questions asked.

This year the 200,000 Britons who are actively searching for a property abroad are younger and that half of them say that they want to use the property as a holiday home.

Spain tends to be the most popular country. Some 36 per cent of British investors opt to buy on Spanish soil, especially on the Mediterranean coast, which they compare with Miami. Spain which, the report shows, is starting to lose its appeal is followed closely by France, a destination which, along with Florida and Bahamas, is gaining popularity.

The average Briton wanting to invest in a property overseas is aged between 45 and 55, although that there is now an increase in potential buyers aged between 25 and 44 and a fall in the over 55s looking for a property abroad.

Foreign investment in holiday homes grew in Spain by 30 per cent in 2002, reaching the 560 million euro mark. Spain is the second most important area for residential tourism in the world after the United States and ahead of France, Italy or Greece.

In June 2002, Spain had more than 3.6 million second homes, amounting to one property of this kind for every 11 inhabitants. This has continued to increase and the foreign population resident in Spain has gone from 353,367 in 1991 to more than 1.6 million at present, 3.85 per cent of the total Spanish population.

The average sum spent on property in Spain was £148,000 in 2003 and the majority of holiday homes are located near the beach, although inland properties are gaining in popularity. The factors that foreign property buyers consider most important about Spain are its fine climate, security and the quality-price ratio.

The majority of these new investors, who could reach the two million mark in the UK over the next five years, decide to buy properties that have already been constructed and 44 per cent pay their mortgage in pounds sterling.

It's also important to note that the internet is gaining significance as a means of searching for property abroad.

Link Up Properties believe in offering people a choice of properties in different countries appealing to different budgets. Investors have to explore new markets all the time to maximise returns and Link Up currently have exclusive deals offering properties off plan with up to a 25% discount (subject to terms and conditions). Buyers will be advised on all aspects of the process making the purchase as smooth as possible.

The second phase of this eagerly awaited launch will see Link Up offer properties in Australia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Thailand and Turkey presenting a perfect opportunity for different budgets to own a home abroad.

Link Up can now sell your home for you, source a home in the UK using its network of offices and also source a home abroad with the help of its trading partners in the respective countries.

Survey carried out by Surinenglish:

Potential market: More than 200,000 Britons are actively searching for property abroad this year.

Age: 30 per cent are aged between 45 and 55 years. Buyers between 25 and 44 are on the increase and the over 55s are falling.

Motives: Some 60 per cent buy as an investment, 45 percent say they want a holiday home and 34 per cent are planning to retire abroad

Countries: Spain is the favourite among the Brits; it is followed by France, Florida and Bahamas.

Type of property: 39 per cent prefer it to be already built.

Location: 34 per cent prefer the seafront. Rural properties are gaining popularity.

Price: Average £148,000.

Source: SURINENGLISH - Pilar Martinez