Charlie Smith
WHILE it is all change… it is also business as usual this year.
Despite the spectre of Brexit, almost 90% of the buyers of British-sold properties in the Guadalmina/San Pedro area this year are Brits themselves.
Leading agent Winkworth has sold, or is in the process of selling, ten out of a dozen properties to British buyers.
Ranging in price from €300,000 up to €800,000 they are being snapped up by a new generation of younger UK clients, who want to have a go at living in the sun.
“It has been an interesting trend recently and debunks the theory that the British are not buying due to the feat of Brexit,” explains agent Christopher Vent.
“Some ten out of 12 of the British properties sold in the area this year were to British buyers.”
He explained that while many of the sellers are residents in their 70s or 80s, the new buyers are between 30 and 50 mostly.
“Many of the elderly residents are concerned about health and pensions and have taken the opportunity to sell up while the exchange rate is good,” he continues.
“Meanwhile, their homes are very desirable for British youngsters looking to make a new life out here and, in particular, before Brexit comes a reality.”
Others are young families or professionals looking for a second home, but one bought last week was actually a builder from London setting up a business here.
“He’s ambitious with a young family and looking forward to growing his business here,” he adds.
The established agency, which set up in London in 1835, has continued to market its local Spanish properties to UK buyers, despite many other agents steering clear.
“Sure there is turmoil, volatility and uncertainty but the British still remain the biggest sector of foreign buyers in Spain and it is unlikely to change,” adds Christopher.
“Winkworth is so well-known in the UK, buyers use us to find them a home here in Spain as the name builds trust and confidence.
“Many of them have already had dealings with Winkworth in the UK so the familiarity and the same code of ethics in customer service means using us is a simple choice.
“In fact, we are probably the only agent that can boast being able to help sellers in Spain relocate back to the UK via one of our 90 regional offices throughout the country.”
