Investing In The Golf Resorts Of Portugal

Anyone who has any interest in golf is more than aware that Portugal has quite literally hundreds of top class courses that attract players from all around the world.

Not only are these new golf resorts that are being built around the country popular with golfers, but they also offer a resort style feel which makes them welcoming for non golfing family and friends.

With this in mind, it seems that investing in a golf property in Portugal is a savvy move for just about any type of investor. Spanish golf property, particularly along the Costa del Sol, has flourished in popularity recently and, as such, prices have risen over the last five years by an impressive 70 percent on average.

Currently there are more than fifty golf courses on the Spanish Costa Del Sol and business is still booming.

Portugal is not as well developed in terms of the number and size of golf resorts, therefore, offering an opportunity for investors to make the most of the explosive growth that looks set to hit the region. In Spain, for example, many purchasers bought their property off plan and then simply 'flipped' it when it was built, by selling it on immediately for a profit.

Others have made their profits by buying in the early stages of a development and renting the property to keen golfers to establish a healthy annual rental yield. All the while, the capital value of the property is increasing.

Portugal has a wonderfully sunny climate with, on average, more than 300 sunny days a year making this region an excellent place to invest due to the long potential rental season. In particular, the golf courses are gathering considerable acclaim and more are being built annually.

The courses that are of particular note, currently, include Salgados, Parque da Floresta, Palmares and Pine Cliffs. Whilst purchasing apartments and houses that are actually part of the complex may be fairly expensive, there are also other nearby properties that allow access to the golf courses and can, therefore, be classified as golf property for the purpose of rental.

Bear in mind, however, that some complexes only allow residents on to their courses and others may have restrictions on non-residents, such as times or additional costs. Make sure that you take all of these restrictions and costs into account when calculating the potential value of purchasing a property inside a golf complex.

When looking at potential golf property, don't rule out the capital Lisbon that has some wonderful courses within a stone's throw and the island of Madeira that has numerous small but luxurious courses.

Green fees for non-residents generally start at the 50 Euro mark and the majority of courses do not charge more than 100 Euro.

Handicap certificates are invariably required and anyone planning on renting out a golf property should make sure that potential holiday makers are aware of the rules and regulations of their selected course.

Due to the potential complexity of letting out a golf property, there are now numerous agents who specialise exclusively in providing management services for those interested in letting their property to golf enthusiasts.

By using an exclusive agency, you can offer potential clients the full range of services, from arranging tee times to including golf buggies and trips to other courses.

Golf holidays are specialist holidays, often with specialist prices. By owning a golf property it is possible for the investor to tap into this profit and return a healthy rental yield, whilst the value of their property continues to rise. Perfect!