Property in Playa Blanca has proved highly popular with overseas investors over the last few years. Thanks in part to the fact that the newest, and Southernmost resort in Lanzarote tends – generally - to enjoy better weather than either Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise.
This favourable micro climate means that even in the winter months – when beaches in the north of the island can be deserted save for kitseurfers and dog walkers – tourists (and property owners) can still soak up the sun on beautiful stretches of sand such as Papagayo and Playa Flamingo.
But higher temperatures alone are not the only reason why Playa Blanca has become such an emerging property hot spot.
The resort was developed during the 1990´s after both Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise – and as a result enjoys a more modern infrastructure and newer amenities.
The whole model of development here has also been different. Veering away from an over-reliance on apartments (which comprises the majority of the housing stock in Puerto del Carmen) towards an emphasis on quality new build villas and four and five star hotels.
This shift in emphasis has helped to give Playa Blanca a more up market feel. As well as proving extremely popular with tourists. The resort offers anyone visiting the island more hotels to choose from than both Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise combined. To the extent that Playa Blanca is now firmly established as the second busiest resort on the island. A title that once belonged to Costa Teguise in the north.
The infrastructure of Playa Blanca also continues to improve apace – as witnessed by the creation of the Rubicon Marina and plans for the development of a golf course locally. Which is regarded by island tourist authorities as an important pre-requisite for attracting more visitors, with more money to spend.
Construction and development in Playa Blanca has taken place along the coastline from the lighthouse at Faro de Pechiguera in the west – through the ferry port and the main town itself and out again towards the beaches at Papagayo. So creating lots of attractive enclaves. Such as Playa Flamingo and Jardines del Sol.
Unsurprisingly, many investors choose to rent their properties here are out as holiday lets. Giving owners interesting returns – with rental prices generally starting from a minimum of £500 per week for a standard 2 bed villa with pool. This can rise substantially too, depending of course on the nature of the property and also the time of the year.
The price entry levels for Playa Blanca property are also reasonable – especially in relation to similar quality resorts in other parts of Spain.
Bungalows and duplexes on popular complexes and communities start from around the €140,000 mark – currently just under £100,000. Whilst villas in prime locations, such as close to the new golf course, can still be purchased from €200,000 upwards (around £140,000).
There are some good quality and highly professional estate agents in Playa Blanca, offering a wide portfolio of properties for sale. Backed with a depth of local knowledge about the resort and the holiday rental market that can prove invaluable to anyone considering a property purchase in Playa Blanca.
And it is also important to remember that the cost of mortgage borrowing on Lanzarote is also considerably cheaper than in the UK - especially in the light of recent and proposed interest rate rises. With rates currently starting at around 4.5% on a standard variable rate mortgage.
As well as being popular with investors, Playa Blanca is also home to thousands of ex-pats who have either taken early retirement or decided simply to relocate and live here permanently. Attracted not only by the weather and the amenities but also the year round outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty of the resort and its environs. Enjoy an evening drink, gazing across at the lights on Fuerteventura twinkling in the distance and maybe you’ll start to get an inkling why.