Top Ten Romantic Property Destinations

Introduction

As gifts for your loved one go, a property in one of the most romantic destinations in the world could be considered a touch ostentatious. However, it is a gesture that would earn you some serious brownie points, and in many ways the best reason to choose one location over another is what it means to your loved one. BuyAssociation.co.uk Property Editor Paul Collins has some suggestions for the romantic in you…

Although buying a property overseas will always be considered an extravagant gift by any standards, it can make a sound investment for the future, as well as giving someone a surprise you can be reasonably certain they will never have guessed!

Whatever your definition of a romantic destination in which to buy a property to spend time with your loved one, there is a destination out there to suit you – sun, snow, city or isolated. Follow our guide to the best places to look below:

France

Paris, France’s city of love, has plenty to offer the romantic property buyer. City centre apartments are perfect to woo your love with their high, airy ceilings, gorgeous light from huge windows and direct access to some of the best riverside walks, cafes and restaurants in the world. Property in Paris can also be a great investment as prices are rising, and property inside the city centre is at a premium for rentals – both to the tourist market, and for longer-term contracts. Pure investors are also catered for, with the popularity of student lettings growing.

Caribbean

What could be more romantic than sitting in the warm sun on a beach of white sand in front of your very own Caribbean property? The diversity of the islands’ characters allows buyers to pick and choose the island they fall in love with in order to treat their lover. The prices of property on some of the islands is as spectacular as the property, but on other islands there are properties to be found for prices that are equivalent to what you will find in Florida. Flights to and between the islands are still coming down in price, and with the current strength of Sterling against the US Dollar, property in the Caribbean will be even cheaper.

New York

The advantage of buying an apartment in New York City is that in most cases you will some kind of a spectacular view of the city from almost anywhere in Manhattan. For lovers who love cityscapes and the buzz of being in one of the most exciting cities in the world, a property in New York could be the perfect solution. Getting your head down in the ‘city that never sleeps’ isn’t as expensive as you would imagine, and it can also pay for itself. With the increasing numbers of airlines offering low-cost flights to North America, friends and family will make up a plentiful supply of holiday rentals for long weekends and city breaks.

Italy

For the Latin lovers, property in Italy offers a wealth of opportunities to find that perfect romantic hideaway. Rome, Florence, Venice and the Tuscan hills are all steeped in emotion and sensuality, and there is such a choice of transport options that you can make just getting there a memorable experience. The Orient Express will whisk you to Venice in the utmost style, and leave you just a short gondola ride from your canal-front apartment. Italy charms the senses, and the deeper you get into the culture and history, wherever you choose to buy a property, the stronger the bond to the country will be. Renovation in Italy is still one of the most popular pastimes in the overseas property world, but can redefine the term ‘labour of love’.

Czech Republic

Following independence from Slovakia, buying property in the Czech Republic has been one of the driving forces behind the growth in the market for homes abroad in Central and Eastern Europe. The dramatic and beautiful architecture of Prague is enough to set pulses racing in most visitors, while the city has been a destination for some of the more raucous stag and hen parties in recent years. If you visit on one of these short breaks, you might find that buying property in the city will give you the perfect base for romantic weekends away, as well as increasing in value as an investment opportunity.

Morocco

The sights, sounds and smells of the medinas and souks of Marrakech are exotic and exciting for couples, and Brits have been visiting the city since the 1960s for its artistic and mystical atmosphere. The increase in the amount of houses available in Morocco’s capital, both old and on new developments, has made it a great place for investment and also for those looking for a holiday home. Capital growth has been impressive so far, and with the increase in the amount of low-cost flights into the country in the next few years to match the government targets of 10 million visitors by 2010, this growth is set to continue.

Spain

Spain has some of the most romantic destinations in Europe, and the diversity of its regions means that couples of any persuasion will be able to find themselves an ideal location to which to elope. From the buzzing cosmopolitan life of buying in Madrid or Barcelona, with the culture and history of the city etched into the buildings around you, to the quiet and reverence of the Alhambra, to the varied and beautiful Costas, there will be a perfect Spanish property for you both to enjoy.

Cyprus

A long history of association with the UK has helped Cyprus to be a fixture in the top countries for overseas property buyers in recent years, but most of the perception of buying property in Cyprus is to do with sun, sea, sand and developments centred in resorts. In reality, the island has much more to offer, and for lovers drawn towards the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, the villages and interior of the island is a goldmine of romantic locations. Aphrodite even lends her name to one of the many top quality golf courses on the island, which may be a reason for a lover’s tiff if you spend too long on the course…

Egypt

The River Nile is one of the most symbolic waterways in the world, literally the lifeblood of Egypt, and the constant backdrop to its long and colourful history. You could be taking a romantic cruise down the river several times a year should you wish, with a property in Egypt on the banks of the upper reaches of the Nile at Aswan. Hotel developments further upstream than the mad bustle of Cairo are becoming popular, and offer good investment prospects. If you are looking for the sounds of waves lapping at a beach, the Red Sea Riviera is the place for you, with great weather all year round and underwater life that you and your partner can discover together.

Private Island

For those of you who prefer to make your romantic gestures big and ostentatious, you could always spring the most unexpected surprise of all on your loved one with your very own private island. Somewhat surprisingly, there are a huge amount of islands available around the world, and you don’t need to be a plutocrat to be able to afford one. Islands in Canada can be found for less than £200,000, upon which you can then build you and your love a small loveshack to literally get away from it all.

Conclusion

The world is full of romantic locations in which to buy a property abroad, and with a little research and planning you can not only get a place that both of you can enjoy for many years to come, but also somewhere that will be able to contribute towards your future together financially.