The popular choice for Europe’s golfing landscape are Portugal’s Algarve and Spain’s Costa del Sol – with many of these being championship standard.
At the heart of Algarve’s golf offering is the famous Golden Triangle, which includes the luxury resorts of Vale do Lobo, which has two courses, Quinta do Lago, with three courses, and Vilamoura, with five courses. Other popular options in the central Algarve include Salgados Golf and Oceanico’s Amendoeira Golf Resort near Albufeira, while the western Algarve is home to the Boavista Golf and Spa near Lagos and the Pestana Golf Resort near Carvoeiro.
The Costa del Sol’s courses are strung out along its beautiful 150-kilometre coastline, but the areas around Marbella and Mijas Costa have an especially high number and are long-time favourite with British expats – it’s also known as ‘Golf Valley’, thanks to the Las Brisas, Aloha and Los Naranjos golf courses all being there.
The hills around Benhavís are home to a number of resorts, including Los Aqueros and two of Spain’s most upmarket ones, La Zagaleta and La Quinta, while further west is Sotogrande, home to celebrated Valderrama. More affordable options are along Mijas Costa and in the community of Elviria, which also has access to great beaches.
Better value
Homes within golf resorts are worth more than properties outside resorts, with a study by a global resort network estimating the premium to be up to 19 per cent. The most valuable units tend to be those with the best views of the fairways or greens. And besides having a course on your door-step, owners will often get discounted green fees or similar offers.
Leisure amenities
Modern golf resorts aren’t just about golf. Properties set in lovely complex’s are bursting with other types of sports and leisure activities, from swimming pools and tennis courts to horse-riding and children’s play areas, not to mention a club house with a bar and restaurant, and these days a luxurious spa and well-being centre. Every home-owner will need to contribute to the maintenance of any communal facilities, paid in the form of monthly or quarterly community fees – remember to check these when viewing a property.
International market
Buyers tend to be international rather than local and/or national, with overseas buyers accounting for around 84 per cent of all purchases on a typical resort. This makes for a more diverse community and interesting mix of people to talk to in the clubhouse! and make new friends.
Rentals
In the right location, where the climate is warm most or all of the year, and on a quality resort, a golf home should attract a high annual occupancy. In hot summer months the bulk of rentals are likely to be holidaymakers attracted by the on-site leisure facilities as much as the golf. Serious golfers prefer teeing off in cooler temperatures, hence bookings should be strong in spring and autumn too. Remember to always check if there are any rules about rentals – some holiday lets maybe regulated in some resorts. One study confirmed that the majority of buyers on golf resorts are not even golfers!!