Advice for buying property on Spain's Costa Brava.

The Costa Brava is a region of north-east Spain, running along the coast from close to Barcelona to the French boarder.

In Spanish, 'brava' means 'wild' or 'rugged' and the area features some superb beaches and mountains.

During the 1950s, the Spanish government decided that the area was ripe for development as a new tourist hotspot. Its warm climate and sandy beaches were seen as major draws for northern European tourists and parts of the region were heavily developed with hotels and apartments.

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Most of this development took place in seaside resorts such as Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar and l'Estart.

However, part of the region retained its independence and character despite the growth. Towns like Cadaques and others near the French boarder used to attract artists like Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso and are now fashionable resorts.

This town is situated in the Alt Emporda area, which has recently become a popular place for people to think about buying second homes and holiday properties. It covers the north-eastern corner of Spain where the Pyrenean range of L'Albera separates it from France.

Within this region, other popular towns for people looking to purchase a property include Empuriabrava - a town built around a network of canals - and Roses - whose fine sand is famous the world over.

Pros of Buying Property on the Costa Brava

According to Spanish Property Insight, a villa in the Alt Emporda region can cost between 600,000 and 1.1 million euros. Apartments are cheaper, ranging from 225,000 to 325,000 euros.

The proximity of the area to Barcelona and France means that it is likely to remain popular as both a holiday and second home location for the foreseeable future. Between 2001 and 2005, prices in the region increased steadily by between 40 and 60 per cent. Through 2006, prices continued to rise, jumping by between seven and ten per cent.

Another area in the Costa Brava which has also recently become popular with investors and holidaymakers is Baix Emporda.

This area is in the very far east of the Costa Brava and features rocky crags, beautiful natural harbours and tiny coves. Particularly popular towns in the region include Peratallada, Pals, Begur Castell and Playa d'Aro.

The region has benefited from its close proximity to Barcelona and is particularly attractive to golfers with three courses in Pals alone.

Spanish Property Insight's report noted that "property prices have rocketed in this region" in the last five years. Now, villas range from around 600,000 to 1.1 million euros, while apartments cost between 275,000 and 350,000 euros.

Between 2001 and 2005, prices in the region increased by as much as 250 per cent and in 2006 the annual rate of house price inflation was running between ten and 20 per cent.

What's more, the whole of the Costa Brava region is expected to benefit from improved transport infrastructure which will allow better access to the region. For example high-speed trains will soon link the region with France and local airports are seeing more budget airlines start services.

Cons of Buying Property on the Costa Brava

However, the Spanish property market is not expected to perform particularly well over the coming few years. Prices have risen at a faster rate in Spain than in any other European country, doubling in many parts of the state.

This growth is not thought to be sustainable and may think that prices could begin to slide. Indeed, Kyero.com reported recently that prices in Spain dropped by 1.2 per cent in the three month period ending September 2007.

In addition, officials in the Costa Brava region have become concerned that development will destroy the region's character. Indeed, costal towns passed a bill in 1998 called the Carta de Tossa. This said that the area would pursue environmental protection along with tourism. As a result of this, large-scale development in the area has slowed.

What you Need to Know Before Buying in Spain

Anyone buying a property in Spain requires a NIE number - a unique taxation identification number needed before you can buy a property or open a bank account.

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Buying Property in Spain: Costa Brava Property Guide

Buying Property in Spain: Costa Blanca Property Guide

Buying Property in Spain: Mallorca Property Guide

Buying Property in Spain: Ibiza Property Guide

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Buying Property in Spain: Barcelona Property Guide

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