Awful UK August causes uplift in search for properties abroad
Searches on Zoopla for properties abroad have increased by nearly a fifth (17 per cent)
Spain, Portugal, and France are the most searched for overseas locations
Most viewed overseas listings include properties in Alicante (Spain), and Paphos (Cyprus)
‘Pool’, ‘beach’ and ‘sea view’ are the most popular overseas keyword property search terms
With August’s unseasonably cool weather causing many Brits to reach for the thermostat, it appears that sun-seekers are dreaming of owning a bolt-hole abroad. Zoopla search data has revealed a surge in interest for foreign properties, with visits to the website’s overseas property for sale section increasing by almost a fifth (17 per cent) since the sunshine of the early summer disappeared.
Zoopla compared website traffic over the last five weeks to the previous five-week period of balmier weather earlier in the summer. The analysis revealed that European hotspots close to Britain are the most popular with Spain, Portugal and topping the table for most searched for locations. However, some Brits have been looking further afield, with long-haul destinations such as the USA, Jamaica, and Canada making the top 10.
Property searches in the popular Spanish resort of the Costa del Sol saw an uplift of 44 per cent, closely followed by Ibiza (41 per cent), and Menorca (19 per cent). Heading across to neighboring Portugal, properties in the Algarve also saw a surge of 16 per cent. Further afield, searches for homes in the USA have risen by 11 per cent compared to earlier in the summer, with homes in the sunshine state of Florida seeing interest peak by seven per cent.
The most popular keyword search term for properties abroad is “pool”, closely followed by “beach” and “sea view”. But it’s not just a place to flop and drop that Brits desire, they’re also concerned about their favourite past time, as “golf course” also makes it into the top 10.
Lawrence Hall, spokesperson for Zoopla comments “It’s no surprise that with the unseasonably autumnal weather we have recently been experiencing, Brits are looking for a bit of escapism in the form of the perfect holiday home. For those considering a property abroad, Zoopla’s overseas searches can help you make the perfect choice and explore your options."
Most searched for overseas locations in cooler weather (10th July to 15th August 2017)
Rank | Location |
|---|---|
1 | Spain |
2 | Portugal |
3 | France |
4 | Cyprus |
5 | United States |
6 | Italy |
7 | Ireland |
8 | Jamaica |
9 | Canada |
10 | Greece |
Most searched for keywords on overseas properties
Rank | Keyword |
|---|---|
1 | Pool |
2 | Beach |
3 | Sea view |
4 | Garage |
5 | Garden |
6 | Golf course |
7 | River |
8 | Detached |
9 | Villa |
10 | Furnished |
Source: Zoopla August 2017
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