When it comes to overseas property purchases reliant on mortgages, the market is very much dominated by just three countries. That is, according to the latest data from Conti, which said that of all mortgage applications received this year 85% have been for just 3 countries, namely France, Spain and Turkey.
With 43%, French property has been by far the most popular with the British buyers seeking mortgages through Conti, Spain takes second place with 24%, and Turkey third with 18%.
Conti has previously told us that France is currently the dominant force among British buyers looking for mortgages on overseas property, people see that the years of restraint in the French banking and mortgage sector is now paying dividends for France, with low interest rates and stable liquidity.
But isn't this significant news for the Spanish property market. We all know how the Spanish market was devastated by the exodus of British buyers because of the financial crisis, which compounded the emerging over supply problems and at the same time caused the latter problem to worsen to the nth factor because developments started had to be finished (where possible).
Reports began turning positive last year, with developers discounting prices between 25% and 40% and cash rich buyers snapping up the bargains. However, as I said this was predominantly cash buyers, and predominantly wealthy buyers buying in prime areas like Marbella etc.
The data from Conti indicates that Spain could be benefiting from the resurgence of low budget buyers seeking mortgages, which we know from other sources is happening across the industry. This should spread demand out into other areas of the country.
Speaking of bargain properties in Spain, Azure Overseas has just added the Alcazaba Hills Development, offering 2 bed 2 bath apartments, in a luxury resort near the Costa del Sol's ever-popular Estepona from £191,363. The development is located just a short drive from Marbella and Gibraltar, making the prices even more incredible.
