The Pros and Cons of Rural Property Vs Beach Property
Property in the Country
Living in the country has many attractions. It is living in the real Spain . Large plots of land give peace with privacy assured. Neighbours, although far apart, are normally friendly. Some of these properties have no electricity, no water, no sewage disposal, no gas and no telephone. All can be compensated for by other means. Electricity can be supplied by a generator, or by solar panels. Water can be delivered by tanker or from a well. A septic tank takes care of sewage. Bottles supply gas. Communications can be by mobile or radio telephone and by internet.
Many country properties are large and set in beautiful locations - often at the end of a pot-holed dirt track. When it rains the dirt track turns into mud and a 4x4 is necessary just to reach the house. Is it possible to cope with absolute peace and tranquility after city life . . . and the frustrations of driving all the way to the nearest supermarket to find on returning that an important item has been forgotten?
Living inland is a balance. Access to both coast and mountains. A view of the Med and a smell of the country. The best of both worlds and many people are starting to realise it. Inland properties normally cost less than coastal properties . . . but things are changing with inland properties now increasing in value at a faster rate as people discover the secret of Spanish living.
Property on the Beach
This is a pleasant experience with cool afternoon breezes taking the sting out of the searing summer heat. But nearly all Mediterranean towns are tourist areas. In July and August, with temperatures always in excess of 30 degrees people pour in on package holidays. Spaniards too have their summer holiday then, as they rush to the coast in their thousands from the torrid heat of the big cities. For two frustrating months beaches are packed, roads jammed, car parks full and tempers frayed.
Mention should be made of Spain's 'Law of the Coasts', which empowers local authorities to restrict the number, height and density of buildings within 100 metres of the high water mark and to establish a zone of influence as far inward as one kilometre. Despite this, properties continue to be built close to beaches. They do, however, command a hefty premium, the price only kept low by high density designs.
