Second homes should pay for themselves according to new report

Internet access is the top priority for second home owners and renters, while an assured holiday market location is key for short-term lets.

The latest global report produced by estate agents Savills examines the amenities and features which are most essential for owners and renters when choosing a second home.

The findings highlighted that although certain nationalities may differ, both owners and renters in the second home sector share the same wish list when it comes to amenities.

Being connected to the internet was the most important priority for all nationalities polled, although renters were a little more relaxed about this than owners.

Urban versus rural renters

Urban renters and rural renters look for different features in line with their location choice. For example, over a quarter of all renters want a terrace, decking or balcony and private reserved parking. However, 79% of rural renters expect a garden in contrast to 44% of renters in towns or cities.

For urban renters, modern technology is in demand with the highest proportion of 96% prioritising air conditioning over 51% of country renters. Security features for 44% of renters living in an urban location is important compared to 24% of those living in the countryside.

Nationalities want different things

The report found different nationalities valued different features in their second homes or holiday homes: Greek, Portuguese and Italian owners demand a terrace or balcony; British owners want access to a shared or private swimming pool, whereas US owners rate air conditioning most highly.

Second home owners want to cover costs

An income source is the main motivation for owners renting out their second homes and covering the costs. Occupancy rates are important along with an assured holiday market, with different locations attract differing numbers of tourists.

Across all the countries in the survey, a third of owners saw the booking rate increase, 45% said it stayed the same and just 22% reported a drop.

A country’s economic and political situation will affect the booking rate from holidaymakers. All countries have reported a rise in this year’s booking rates from tourists. Across the Atlantic in Canada and America, owners noted only a decrease in bookings of 12% and 15% respectively. This indicates that location and an attractive property offering can continue to bring in revenue.

Cash is king

Fifty years ago almost half the second homes were either gifted for inherited across all countries recorded in the report. However, these days, mortgage borrowing or cash are the most popular means of financing a property purchase.

The second home market is dominated by cash buyers and those who take out a mortgage in the country the property is located, but the availability and ease of borrowing differs widely across European countries.

The biggest factor determining the mortgage finance open to you is where you reside and pay taxes.

UK offers sophisticated borrowing

The UK has some of the most sophisticated lending which makes securing finance on a main residence or other property fairly straightforward. Unlike other European countries, the UK offers buy-to-let mortgages specifically targeted at the second home market.

Belgian and Dutch banks operate in similarly competitive markets and borrowing is made easy for existing clients.

In contrast, Portugal and Spain will only provide mortgages at the time of purchase. Raising finance on property in these countries post completion is rarely possible.

Although now, there are no differences between renting or not in terms of the mortgage interest rate of the mortgage, the banks require borrowers to be able to afford the mortgage without taking into account potential rental income unlike in the UK.

Miranda John, director at International Property Finance SPF Private Clients, said: “As interest rates in Europe remain low and the prospect of rises seems unlikely this is set to continue.

“Furthermore, many European banks offer long-term fixed products so the loan may be fixed for 20 or even 25 years and borrowers are able to lock into the historically low rates. A final point with a local mortgage is that this can be used to offset certain taxes such as the Wealth Tax in France whereas funds raised elsewhere would not.”

Self-certified Sophisticated Investor

Please read

I declare that I am a self-certified sophisticated investor for the purposes of the restriction on promotion of non-mainstream pooled investments. I understand that this means:

I am a self-certified sophisticated investor because at least one of the following applies:

I accept that the investments to which the promotions will relate may expose me to a significant risk of losing all of the money or other property invested. I am aware that it is open to me seek advice from someone who specialises in advising on non-mainstream pooled investments.

High Net Worth Investor

Please read

I make this statement so that I can receive promotional communications which are exempt from the restriction on promotion of non-mainstream pooled investments. The exemption relates to certified high net worth investors and I declare that I qualify as such because at least one of the following applies to me:

STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET

Sign up for first access to new developments and exclusive property investment opportunities.

We send limited and targeted emails on new launches and exclusive deals which best fit your areas. We are trusted by over 30,000 active buyers as their source for new stock.

  • New property developments
  • Professional market reports
  • Property deal alerts
  • Development updates
Manchester property investment

FIRST FOR NEWS AND KNOWLEDGE.

Receive trending news straight to your inbox and stay up to date on all of the property market trends and advice.

Established since 2005 we are a leading voice of authority and commentary on the UK property market. Our news is trusted by Apple News & Google News.

  • UK housing market
  • Mortgage & money
  • Buy-to-let landlords
  • Guides & advice

Talk to us

Speak to our UK property experts today:

 

+44 (0) 333 123 0320

Open from 9am-6pm GMT

 

+852 6699 9008

Open from 9am-6pm HKT