Those who perhaps not unreasonably thought that the Covid-19 crisis and the enforced quarantine it elicited would make 2020 a year to forget for both the real estate and tourist sectors seem to be wrong. While the lockdown period itself caused great damage to these and other industries the world over, the post-quarantine reaction is far more positive than we might have dared to hope for.
Not only are people searching for properties for sale on the Costa del Sol, but the number of enquiries flooding in to agents from across Europe sees many in the real estate sector pleasantly surprised. What’s more, as Spain and other countries across Europe began to ease the lockdown restrictions and both movement and business begins to flow again, the surge in demand not only made up for lost ground, but actually surpassed it.
Costa del Sol focus of interest
France and Portugal are popular, but Spain firmly tops the list, and within it the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands lead the way. Given the greater size and scale of the former, the area between Sotogrande and Nerja, with Marbella and Estepona at the centre, is therefore officially the most popular among prospective buyers of second homes. New figures reflecting a similar search in holiday bookings from 1st July onwards confirm the same thing, namely that the Costa del Sol is Europe’s favourite.
As hotels and private villas and apartment accommodation throughout the Marbella area begin to fill up, so real estate agents are finding themselves busy with enquiries and viewings. “It has surprised many in the industry, but as part of one of the UK’s most respected real estate names we keep our finger on the pulse of the latest trends and information, in the UK and Spain as well as the rest of the continent,” says Christopher Vent of Winkworth on the Costa del Sol.
“The interest in properties in this area is matching the rising level of holiday bookings. We’re not only back where we were before the coronavirus, but gaining ground on 2019. Speaking to people, the reasons behind this are not only a high degree of built-up demand held tight during the lockdown, but it’s also caused many to re-evaluate their lives and focus on a gentler pace and more quality time. With this in mind, a good proportion of people are making a lifestyle change and deciding to move to Marbella and surroundings, from where they can continue their careers but enjoy a different quality of life.”