Golf developments: Are they a good buy?

 

Buying properties on golf developments

The game of golf continues to grow in popularity and this is reflected in the increase in the number of new golf developments springing up around the world. The proliferation of new courses is great news , particularly golfers who prefer playing their golf in the sunshine. Furthermore, overseas golfing breaks are one of the travel/leisure industry’s major growth areas. The increase in demand for year-round golf has resulted in healthy rental returns for those who have bought property on golf developments. It is also worth noting that resale values on the better developments have held up very well over the last few years.

 

The crucial factor when considering investing in a golfing development has to be the quality of the golf course. It may sound obvious, but a well planned, well designed, and well located property on a golf course will not attract golfers unless the course itself is equally well thought out. This is why it is advisable to invest in a golf development where the course has been designed by a renowned designer - someone with a good track record. Other factors that should be considered include:

• Are there a good range of onsite facilities?
• How good are transport links?
• How far is it from the airport?
• Do low-cost airlines fly there?
• What is the year-round climate like?
• Does the asking price include a golf share?

Something for Everyone

Over recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of non-golfers buying property on golfing developments. This might at first seem odd, but many non-golfers are attracted to the onsite facilities which can include: health spas, tennis courts, restaurants, bars and fitness centres. Other advantages that appeal to non-golfers are the security aspect (most courses have 24 hour security in place) and the reassurance that the view from their property will always be the green of the golf course and not an ugly new high-density development.

Off-Plan

Many investors choose the off-plan route when purchasing property on a golfing development. A key advantage in buying off-plan is the attractive asking price which is almost certain to rise as soon as the development is finished. A lot of new developments only require a small initial down-payment followed by staggered repayments. They often offer guaranteed rental income for a fixed term after completion of the sale. Golf&Spa Bulgaria has a number of attractive off-plan golfing developments around Bulgaria.

Some reasons to consider golfing developments:

• Many golf developments offer year round letting potential

• A chance to benefit from the continuing boom in golfing holidays

• Much higher rental yields compared to non-golf properties

• Frontline golf properties guarantee a good degree of security and ambience

• Big potential letting market - Britain alone has four million golfers

• Repeat bookings for the right developments

• Availability of low-cost flights make golfing breaks attractive to those on tight budgets

• Developments are becoming increasingly popular with non-golfers

• A large selection of new golfing developments to choose from

• Buying off-plan offers great resale potential

 

There is no doubt that golf’s continuing popularity is fueling the demand for overseas golf development properties. So whether you are a golf fanatic or just someone looking for a great return on your investment, buying a property on a golfing development could prove to be a smart decision.