UK and mainland Europe property investors looking for high growth in 2007 are hoping for a repeat of the property inflation seen in Malta when it joined the EU in 2004, and it could become reality with the news that low cost airlines are to fly to the island, giving their real estate industry expectation that 2007 could be an exceptional year for price rises and sales.
In recent years the arrival of low cost - sometimes referred to as 'no frills' - airlines to a regional airport has seen property prices within a two hour drive escalate in popularity and price, especially among British buyers for France and Spain.
With the advent of these new flights to Malta, there is a possibility that demand for real estate in Malta will increase.
Commenting on the news, a Malta holidays guide says that a double digit property inflation figure for Malta is quite possible for 2007.
'Cheap airline destinations have proved to be a magnet for UK property investors, and if that trend continues then prices will go up in the next twelve to twenty four months.'
'Other than the local market, the UK provides most buyers for property in Malta, and with the British economy doing well it's quite possible that the island will be seen as a good investment opportunity'.
Cheap Holidays In Malta
A Malta real estate agent agrees that property prices could rise in 2007.
'With lower fares, Malta becomes a destination viable for 3 and 4 days trips a few times a year from the UK, and that will attract buyers to look at Malta in the same way they do France and Spain when considering where to buy a holiday home abroad. The weather in Malta and low fares could be a magnet for buyers.'
There is a warning however from the travel guide that property prices on the island might not necessarily escalate in the same way that regions of France have seen when low cost airlines have started flying to their region.
'The Malta government has allowed more land to be used for property, and we anticipate a lot more apartment blocks being built short and medium term. Supply might well meet demand. Unless the Malta map changes politically and with it a change of policy towards her environment, there is a danger of Malta becoming the Tower Hamlets of the Mediterranean, or 1970's Spain where development spoiled much of the coast.'
Concern has also been expressed on the island about the infrastructure, with some tourists and potential property investors berating the state of the roads and - compared to mainland European and UK standards - dangerous construction sites.
'The real winners from the low cost flights could be the Malta hotels rather than the property industry', conclude the guide. 'We envisage a lot more people taking short three and four day Malta holidays, often booking their flights and hotels on the internet rather than via a traditional high street travel agent chain'.
High Rise For Sale
Prices have risen on the island as buyers - mainly British and German - have moved in, but there are mixed signals coming from the property and tourist sectors, which could see a freeze in Majorca property inflation, and possibly even a dip in prices in the near future.
Official figures for Majorca holidays this year indicate an increase in tourist numbers by between five and seven per cent. And it is from the pool of holidaymakers where property sales often happen a few months later, as some visitors like the island so much they decide to look into buying an apartment or villa, with some even retiring to the island, or buying a business.
With the increase in visitor numbers, property demand should in theory be good.
Cheap Majorca flights have been running for some years now, and even with increased air tax in the UK, Majorca is easily accessible from more than a dozen airports in the UK for property owners and tourists alike, with a flight time of under two hours, allowing a market for weekend homes for overseas property buyers.
Although one of the earliest package holiday destinations with companies like Thomas Cook, Majorca has had new competition in recent years from the former Soviet Bloc countries in Eastern Europe, that are now able to offer cheap holidays to the British market, and for the property market countries like Croatia and Bulgaria have been able to offer apartments and villas at a fraction of the price Majorca can offer.
In response, the island has fought back showing it's not just the weather in Majorca that attracts property buyers, but a well established market with the infrastructure in place to protect overseas investors money.
Map Of Spain
Any slow down or possible reversal of property prices could be welcomed by the local Majorca population.
They have seen the price of property in Majorca escalate, and many have been priced out of buying their own home.
This has led to some protests, with a demonstration against plans for more development in Majorca being held earlier in the year, with the belief that developers will destroy what is left of Majorca's open spaces, and rendering the map of Majorca unrecognisable in years to come.
With encouraging tourist figures, Majorca hasn't been resting on her laurels. This summer's SuperCup yachting event has seen the appointed of an experenced race organiser, in an attempt to make the event more high profile.
Similarly, neighbouring island Menorca is hosting a Classic Yachts weekend, with entrants expected from across Europe, with the event boosting occupancy for Majorca hotels.
Of the three Balearic Islands, Ibiza comes top for spending per tourist according to official recent statistics, reaching nearly a hundred Euros a day per tourist, with Majorca second, and Menorca third.
Current prices for property in Majorca include brand new 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments in Puerto Pollensa at 285,000 Euros, a country house with its own pool at 1,500,000 Euros, and a three bedroom three bathroom villa with its own pool at 900,000 Euros.
Roger Munns has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing, Family Travel and Cars. Travel guide YourMalta.com includes the weather in Malta and flights to Malta. Roger Munns's top article generates over 201000 views. Bookmark Roger Munns to your Favourites.
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