With over 300 days of sunshine a year, excellent transport links and a low cost of living, it's not surprising that Murcia's popularity continues to grow. Located in the south-east of Spain, it offers vast stretches of beautiful unspoiled beaches, crystal clear seas, charming traditional Spanish villages and the historically important cities of Cartagena and Murcia.
The area is served by two main airports; San Javier, Murcia and Alicante which has recently been expanded. A new privately run airport is due to open at Corvera by the end of 2009. The main low cost carriers in the UK and Ireland such as Easy Jet and Ryanair operate regular flights to and from Murcia.
The extension of the AVE (Spain’s high speed train) will mean a new route between Murcia and Madrid, luring Northern Spaniards in search of a convenient and cheap sun holiday. Millions has also been pumped into the improvement and extension of the motorway network resulting in shorter transfer times between the airports and Murcia’s principal towns and cities.
Predictions of steady capital growth coupled with excellent rental potential have attracted the attention of investors looking for a home in Spain but away from the over developed areas of the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.
In fact, in a recent survey of over 100 real estate agents based in Spain, 42% of them believe that Murcia will be the region of Spain that will be most popular and sell well in the future.
Source: Overseas Property Professional, The Spain Report July ´07
Of course the significantly lower, entry level price of property, when compared with developments of a similar quality on the Costa del Sol is swaying investors towards Murcia. Well established resorts like La Manga are commanding high premiums on rentals and resales and large, environmentally conscious developers like Polaris World are investing millions into various development schemes.
Developments are based on the “American style” resorts that have proved so popular in areas like Miami and Florida. Ultra luxurious properties blend seamlessly with the beautiful natural surroundings and offer superb facilities. Often they will incorporate a professionally designed golf course or two and are meticulously planned to include luxury hotels, spas, boutiques, restaurants, bars and state-of-the-art sporting facilities. Of course the addition of a golf course means year round visitors and excellent rental potential for property investors and holiday homeowners alike.
Recent bad press coverage of Southern Spain does have some foundation, particularly in the oversupplied and over priced areas of the Costa del Sol and parts of the Costa Blanca.
Having learned some valuable lessons from its neigbours, the local government in Murcia has implemented strict planning controls and Murcia has emerged unscathed with none of the large scale, high rise development that has blighted much of the Costa del Sol.
A combination of fantastic weather and cheap flights coupled with low property prices and the potential of high rental yields and capital growth means purchasing in Murcia is a sound investment choice.
Things you should know about Murcia!
- Currently best value property in Spain
- 2 large airports used by low cost airlines
- New Corvera airport
- New motorway network
- New fast train to Madrid
- Regeneration of the cities of Cartagena and Murcia
- Beautiful golf courses
- Cleanest air in Spain by WHO organisation