Stats Stats and ............

Some interesting facts and figures about foreign investment into the Spanish real estate market.

According to data from the Spanish Ministry of Development, predictions for this year are for prices to remain the same, and for a degree of stability in the Spanish property market, which in the main is caused by the growing number of foreign property buyers. In general, the majority of these foreign investors are tourists who come to spend their holidays in Spain, and after discovering the country, invest in a second home.

According to the study carried out by TM Grupo Inmobiliario, the main reasons for purchasing in Spain are the high standard of living, the sun and good air transport connections with home. 

As regards the nationality of buyers, the British remain in first place with 18.6 per cent of purchases made by foreigners, followed by the French (9.4 per cent), Germans (7 per cent), Belgians (7 per cent), Italians (6 per cent), Russians (5.8 per cent), Swedish (5.8 per cent), Chinese (4.1 per cent) and Norwegian (3.7 per cent).

TM Grupo Inmobiliario has also profiled the “average” property buyer by nationality:

BRITONS: men and women over 60, retired or about to retire. Married middle-class couple, with an annual income over €36,000, with children and grandchildren. Seeking a relaxed and laid-back environment. Main reason for purchase – climate, good air connections with their home country and the good health service found in Spain.

BELGIANS: men and women over 50 with a university education, company managers with an average annual salary over €60,000. Usually married with children and grandchildren, keen on outdoor activities and eating out. The climate, proximity to the sea and good quality of services are what most appeals to them when it comes to investing in a second home.

RUSSIANS: usually men between 35 and 45, with a university education, married with children. Businessmen with an average annual salary of €80,000. Keen on the beach, shopping, trips and water sports. Their main reason for buying is the high standard of living in Spain and the residence permit is another incentive.

SCANDINAVIANS: married couples between 45 and 70, with a high standard of living with over €90,000 a year. Mostly retired people looking for a retreat to play golf, ride bikes or relax on the beach. Their main reasons for buying are the sun, healthy climate and good air connections with their home country.