North of Costa Blanca hailed as bargain region

The northern part of the Costa Blanca is offering some good property bargains in the wake of the recent downturn in the Spanish property market, it has been stated.

Such cut-price deals are particularly available in areas inland from the coast, the Times reports.

It notes the example of the town of Xavita, where buying agent Lisa Francis said townhouses can now be found for GBP 60,000, in contrast with the situation two years ago where few properties cost under GBP 150,000.

She noted another instance where a villa with a pool and land near to the town had halved in value, stating: "It would have cost GBP 280,000 at the top of the market, but the owners will now take offers of about GBP 140,000."

Spanish property buyers may also be interested in recent comments on the Professional Golfers' Association website that the nation's coastal regions offer some of the world's best courses.

David Brice of Golf International listed courses such as Las Brisas, Sotogrande and 1997 Ryder Cup venue Valderrama among the top venues in the country.