New figures signal an increase of interest in Spain
The number of Brits living in Spain has grown considerably over the years. In 2005 the number registered was 274,000 which by 2009, according to the British Embassy, had risen in their estimation to one million Britons who live at least part of the year in Spain. However these figures seem to be something of a flexible feast as it was remarked that many of the British home owners choose to remain officially living in Britain for tax or pension purposes, so to British authorities they never actually left.
However, this year in a radio interview the British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, commented on Radio 4 that well over 800,000 British people live in Spain. So assuming that in six years the number of British residents has increased by so many, it is no wonder that he said that they receive quite a number of complaints about different types of problems that people have had with their property. These have ranged from those who have been “frankly rather foolish” to those who haven’t done their homework, to cases of people who’ve been involved in administrative muddles.
With an increase of 11% in the total number of British visitors to Spain between January and May this year, figures show that Spain has welcomed around 19 million tourists, that is a 7% increase on the same period in 2010. It is many of these British visitors who subsequently purchase.
The Overseas Guides Company (OGC) who supply in-depth, easy to read, guides on buying property overseas have also noted a spike of 24% on requests for their Spain mini guide over the same period.
Director, Kim Brown says,”It is interesting to note the high level of interest in 2011 despite Spain having had some bad press in the housing market in recent years. The country continues to appeal because of its high level of Britain’s already living there providing a settled community of ex pats, the weather, the lifestyle and the easy access from the UK.
There are other important factors too that appeal to the British when considering where to live abroad.
Some factors that are very much in favour in choosing Spain are as follows:-
Property prices are at an all time low but appear to be bottoming out so there are good opportunities to find bargains.
Due to issues in the past the Spanish government and various committees have been set up to better ensure that property purchases are successful.
The low air fare carriers have been increasing destinations and the amount of flights offered.
You can experience a better quality of life in Spain – food is cheaper and healthier, the sun shines more often and there are more opportunities to get out and enjoy life!
Concluded Kim, “I launched the OGC because my parents-in-law did struggle many years ago when they bought in Spain, and I felt that had they, at that time, had access to information that was easy to follow and guided them through the buying process, they could have enjoyed their new lifestyle without difficulties.”
For more information, visit OverseasGuidesCompany.com.
