Monthly Wrap: Are these the best places to buy an overseas holiday home?

If you’re considering making 2019 the year you finally secure your dream second home abroad, check out our exploration of the most popular destinations for Brits!

1.Spain

Spain remains the number one location (by a long shot) when it comes to holiday home popularity, and the number of Brits buying second homes in the nation continues rising.
Spain’s relatively low property prices persist despite its broad popularity with foreign buyers, with second home buyers gravitating towards cheaper parts of the country, like Costa Blanca.
According to A Place in The Sun’s holiday home place rankings, Lanzarote is also noteworthy. It has been rapidly climbing in popularity due to its comparative winter warmth, making it one of the better places in Spain for winter sun.
 

2.France

Lifestyle and legacy are the factors that keep France one of the most-visited nations on Earth – as well as one of the most loved holiday home destinations.
France has a diverse climate and there are locations around the country to suit almost every taste. While its winters may not be as warm as those in Mediterranean nations, there are areas with more temperate winter months than the UK.
France being as big and regionally diverse as it is doesn’t stop it from being one of the pricier options on this list, but there are affordable areas if you know where to look. For example, the regions of Brittany and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes are currently popular due to their relative affordability.
Great food and a relaxing lifestyle are just a couple of the reasons France is so appealing – its closeness to the UK also means a trip to France can be quick and affordable, making it a convenient place to look for properties.
 

3.Portugal

Nowadays it’s hard to have a list of top expat and holiday home locations without mentioning Portugal – with the nation’s amazing weather, culture and comparative affordability making it one of the most desirable places to live in Europe.
Portugal’s popularity has grown so rapidly that buying a property in the major cities of Lisbon and Porto is becoming increasingly pricey.
Still, prices still compare favourably to major cities in other popular European nations. The even more affordable Algarve and Silver Coast areas have seen an increasing expat population in recent years.
There’s more to Portugal’s appeal than cheap prices and good weather though; expect wonderful Mediterranean food and a convenient ‘Golden Visa’ programme that makes it easy for people, especially retirees, to buy and mortgage properties.
 

4.Ireland

An entry on this list that may come as a surprise, Ireland is quickly growing in popularity as a destination for second homes – especially as the Brexit process unfolds and UK citizens look for an escape from home that’s close to home.
It can be tough to get a mortgage in Ireland and the weather can be a little wet, but the nation can also be surprisingly affordable if you look in the right places and it has an intriguing diversity in natural landscapes.
Ireland is also a very welcoming place to be and (if you’re a fan of golf) there are some truly amazing golf courses around the country.
Additionally, the gourmet food scene in Ireland is also thriving – especially if you live in cities like Dublin.
 

5.Thailand

For those of you looking for a hot holiday home to escape to during cold winters, Thailand could be the destination for you.
Known as one of the most pleasant nations in Southeast Asia, Thailand is famous for its incredible food and extremely friendly people. Thailand’s dry season is usually from around December through to March or April, but it does vary across the nation.
The crime rate in some areas of Thailand is comparatively high, but as long you do your research into the best areas for expats you’ll be able to make the most out of this beautiful, unique destination.
 
 
Other popular nations for second homes include Italy, Greece and Cyprus.
If you’re thinking about buying a second home abroad in the New Year and want to make the most of your currency transfers, remember to get in touch with our team! T: +44 (0) 20 7847 9400 E: customer.s@currenciesdirect.com