Spain's bonus points for property investors
By Kevin Barnett, 28 Mar 2008
Speaking up for Spain, one of the most established property markets, a leading Spanish property website executive claims investors can make money in the medium term - despite the fact the short-term profits have vanished in the wake of the country's economic slowdown.
PropertyInSpain.Net spokesperson, Terry Walker, claimed the main issue was not whether people could make money in the short-term out of new emergent property markets, but whether such markets could ever compete with the time-tested traditions of Spain.
He said: "Spain's Costas didn't just appear from nowhere because developers started pouring concrete into holes in the ground. The natural beauty and scenery has been an attraction for centuries and Spain has developed a visitor friendly culture and lifestyle that many emerging markets will never be able to compete with.
"There are many sustainable qualities such as the heritage, the culture, the food, the lifestyle, the friendly locals, the climate and varying landscapes all contribute to its long lasting popularity and appeal."
Mr Walker added that because of this there was rarely an emotional attachment to places within new markets. "Once the steam starts to go out of a particular market, the investor will probably move on to other emerging markets. Or they might retire in countries such as Spain - making the ultimate long-term invesment."
For all these reasons, Spain offers a good long-term bet, along with other established markets such as France and Portugal. But will all emerging markets have such lasting appeal?
Property in Spain Information Centre
Spanish Property News Service