Golf Villas & Apartments
First things first – If golf apartments and villas are on the family or business priority list, be prepared for a dizzying number of choices. However, this is a good problem. Rental property agents, brokers and resort managers have compiled an almost endless list of available sites, in locations ranging from Orlando, Florida to the coastline of Spain, from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus to the magnificent shores of Thailand.
In the past three decades or so, hundreds of people have rented or purchased golf villas & apartments in traditional U.S. golf locations such as Florida, California, Hawaii and the Carolinas. Those seeking a bit more exotic (or distant) spot for their getaway lodging have chosen one of the countries in the Mediterranean region, with Spain becoming quite popular during this time.
Of course, those who are fortunate to live in the Pacific region see Australia and some of the southeast Asia countries as ideal golf destinations. But to paraphrase a comic genius, a good number of people are trying something completely different.
A few agents and travel companies are touting Turkish golf villas as the new hotspot for international golf travel. Hard by the Mediterranean coast, Belek golf properties are jewels in the Turkish "Riviera." A visit to this area means golfers can enjoy championship courses, amazing pine forests and easy accessibility through Antalya's airport facilities. In addition, Rose Garden Villas have the key feature of beaches on the Mediterranean and a mountain-view landscape. Some enterprising buyers who got into this market early are already seeing increases in property value. Available golf courses include those designed by well-known professionals Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomery.
For European and U.K. golfers, Spain has long been a popular destination, with golf villas and other properties featuring excellent golf courses at reasonable rates. But in the last few years, a growing number of people are purchasing golf villas & apartments, instead of renting on an annual basis. Some of the finest choices for a more permanent commitment are Catalonia, Valencia and Andalucia. Some resorts make wine tours and sightseeing trips available to property owners on a regular basis.
Two other global destinations attracting a growing fan base are Thailand and Morocco, miles apart but similar in the luxury properties and challenging golf courses offered. Some early golf travelers speak highly of Oukaimeden in Morocco as a golf and ski resort. In addition to golf villas & apartments for sale, development groups plan a massive program of hotel rooms, business space and entertainment venues.
Thailand, a preferred sun-drenched destination for many European travelers, is increasing its emphasis on golf-related tours and properties. Some companies are able to offer villas, apartments and homes from private owners who do not put their properties on the wider market. These limited lists often contain the finest in golf-holiday accommodations. For example, a two-bedroom villa in Phuket features a private pool and a view that overlooks one of the fine golf courses of the region, Loch Palm. Marina penthouses overlooking the sea (2, 3 or 4 bedroom) are also offered as golf/marina property.
For those with an island frame of mind, Canary Islands property offers two-bedroom luxury apartments in the magnificent Golf del Sur region. These rental properties, with pool and sea resort location, are available for about 300 British pounds per week.
What are the key features to look for when shopping for a golf villa or other property? Here are a few tips (though a thorough study of available sites is recommended).
- As with all real estate – consider location. Read some of the valuable information provided by Golf Research Group during the early stages of property buying.
- Consider how close and accessible the property is to city or town amenities and services.
- Find out as much as possible about the financial situation of the developer or golf management company.
- Be prepared to pay a bit more for golf communities and resorts where the course has a name like Faldo or Montgomery attached.
Last, but certainly not least, a great piece of property buying advice when golf villas and apartments are involved: Take plenty of time and ask a lot of questions. It will pay off in the long run.
