Sunseekers: Alicante in Spain is now the UK's most popular destination to look for a second home or relocate to, says property website Rightmove
There have been 4.5 million searches for property in Alicante during the past year - an increase of 17%, says Rightmove. Pictured: The beach at La Mata (Torrevieja) in Alicante
Malaga remains a popular destination, with a rise of 13 per cent in the number of searches in 2016.
MOST POPULAR SECOND HOME OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS Countries
1 Spain
2 France
3 USA
4 Italy
5 Portugal
Source: Rightmove
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But it is Granada in Spain that has seen the biggest hike in the number of searches, up a massive 45 per cent in a year. Overall, Spain remains the most popular overseas country for people looking to buy abroad, with more than 30 million searches. It is perhaps not surprising that the number of searches for property in Spain is so high when you look at what is available for your money. The average asking price that buyers enquire about in Spain is €195,540 - the equivalent of £163,381 - for a house and €115,110 - the equivalent of £96,178 - for an apartment, according to Rightmove. It compares to an average asking price in the UK of £299,159. In France, the most popular place is Aquitaine in South West France with more than two million searches, followed by the wine region of Languedoc Roussillon. Of those who look for overseas properties online, 41 per cent are aged between 55 and 64, whle 30 per cent are aged 45 to 54. In Spain, Italy and Portugal, the majority of buyers are looking for a coastal location, while in France most of the buyers are looking for a property in a rural location. |
Alicante has knocked Malaga - also on the Spanish coast - off the top of the rankings
The villa is a classic new build design that can be seen along the south coast of Spain
There are four bedrooms, providing plenty of space for visitors to stay during the holidays
2. France: Expect nothing but charm to ooze from this pretty country cottage, which is in France's Aquitaine region.
The property is in a small village less than 10 minutes from the medieval fortress town of Sauveterre-de-Béarn and costs €200,000.
The house is near the pretty town of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, which faces the Pyrennes in south-western France
The kitchen is centred around a pretty wood-burning stove that helps to keep the cottage warm during the winter months
There are three pretty bedrooms at the property and two shower rooms
3. USA, Florida: This three bedroom home in Florida was built just over 10 years ago and is on the market for USD $212,500.
It covers more than 1,700 sq ft of living space and has two bedrooms.
The property is in a gated development and is only minutes from Florida's glorious beaches
Entertain in style with this large living room which has rich wood laminate flooring throughout
The modern kitchen has stylish granite counters, rounded wall corners and a separate breakfast bar
4. Italy: A one bedroom apartment is for sale in Tuscany, Italy, for €200,000.
It is in a villa of 10 flats, with a communal swimming pool and private gardens for each of the residents.
There are 10 flats in the beautifully restored period villa, each with their own private garden
The second floor flat includes antique floor tiles in the living area and chestnut wood doors
Most of the furniture is being included in the asking price, along with an underground garage
5. Portugal: Views of the sea and mountains are on offer at this semi-detached house in the Algarve, Portugal.
It has two bedrooms and is on the market for €200,000.
The property was built five years ago and sits on 500 sq metre plot
The property is on Portugal's south coast and the terrace has far-reaching views of the sea
There are two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and direct access to the balcony