And the figures are even more impressive for property in the Costa del Sol, which has seen sales increase by 52 per cent in the year to date, compared with the first nine months of last year.
The company says that foreign spending has increased this year, particularly among British tourists who have been getting more for their money due to the strength of the pound over the euro.
Spain currently accounts for a third (33 per cent) of our enquiries at Conti, thanks to excellent buying conditions and signs that the market is starting to bottom out. Last year, it accounted for 31 per cent, and back in 2008, it accounted for just 14 per cent.
To say that the Spanish property market has experienced a turbulent few years would be a bit of an understatement, but it appears that our affections for this country show no signs of waning. Bargain property prices, historically low interest rates and a weaker euro are all making it more affordable to buy there, and mortgage availability is generally pretty good too.
And there’s been good news recently for people who are thinking of investing in a Spanish property to rent out to others. The Spanish government is making some welcome changes in order to give more power to landlords, including a tax relief scheme which will see them receive 100 per cent of the rental income generated by their investments.
