Existing properties draw more in, says expert

Many people are drawn to France and Spain for holiday and property purposes because friends and family already have homes there, it has been stated.

Spokeswoman for ABTA - The Travel Association Frances Tuke said the established popularity of the two countries is so great that emerging markets remain a very long way behind.

He explained: "It's a proximity thing and it is cheaper and easier to get to. People have properties out in those countries; they have friends who have properties out in those countries."

Such considerations may interest those thinking of buying real estate in France or Spain, as their larger holiday markets may offer more opportunities for tourist rental landlords.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics published last week revealed that 36 per cent of all overseas visits by UK residents in 2008 were to France or Spain.

This included 13.8 million visits to Spain and 10.9 million to France.
 

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