Surfing, a sport that’s been popular for not more than a half-century, has had lasting impressions in the realty domain.
Yes, you read that right!
Surfer-friendly properties are gaining vast popularity lately, as per a publication from NYTimes.
People are buying homes and condos specifically for their locale in surfing destinations.
Surfers used to stay in surf lodges around the world. But, with time, the community has grown highly loyal, in a sense, to particular places.
In other words, surfers are now buying homes in surfing destinations to establish a base.
Here are four destinations that are thoughtfully the most popular surfer-friendly real estate markets.
Cornwall, England
Cornwall in England is regarded as a premier surfing destination by both – locals and the international crowd.
On England’s southwest coast, about five hours from London, Cornwall sets along the Atlantic Ocean.
Peter Townend, former world surfing champion, currently serves as a consultant for the surfing industry.
Peter explains that the waves in Cornwall are consistent throughout the year. Besides, the shallow sandy beaches in the county offer another advantage. If the winds blow strong on one coast, surfers can drive to the next beach within a half-hour radius. And perhaps, the conditions over there would be a lot different.
Moreover, Cornwall also hosts several surfing competitions throughout the year.
And to your surprise, the pandemic has actually pushed the reality in this county to new heights. Buyers from England and neighboring countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are also heading to Cornwall for real estate.
From a mix of single-family homes to apartments and townhouses, there’s something suiting everyone’s needs. Within a budget of $1 million, finding a four-bedroom beachfront house is not tough at all.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
On the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica lies surfers’ paradise. Guanacaste has long been regarded as the influential surfing region in the country.
The culture here dates back to the mid-1960s when a surf documentary “The Endless Summer” was released. The movie included scenes from this area.
Some also believe that the movie put Guanacaste on the map for surfers. And ever since, it has been a key attraction to the central American country.
Peter explains that the surfing conditions in the region are some of the best in the world. In addition, the water is warm throughout the year, so there’s no seasonal limitation. For this reason, Guanacaste is one of the most desirable places to own a surfer-friendly property.
The province has two main surfing towns, namely – Playa Granda and Tamarindo. As per a Playa granda costa rica real estate expert, the towns are famous for leatherback sea turtles. And also offer towering waves for experienced surfers. While Tamarindo, to the south, provides tamer swells – perfect for beginners.
In both the towns, surf shops and schools that offer surfing lessons are in abundance. Some even offer a money-back guarantee if the surfers don’t end up riding waves after the first lesson.
Another town to the south of Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, has also gained popularity amongst surfers in recent years. Some even dub it “Little Hawaii” because of its favorable surfing conditions. Surfers gather at Lola’s, a local restaurant, to enjoy fish tacos, ceviche, and chilled beers, between their surfing sessions.
And since Playa Avellanas is a relatively newer destination, it has more affordable spots to buy a home. Local realty experts explain that a newly constructed two-bedroom set starts at about $220,000. A similar property with access to the beach can cost around $500,000 in Tamarindo and Playa Granda.
Biarritz, France
Glamour meets surfing in Biarritz, an upscale town on France’s southwestern coast. Some even describe it as the surfing capital of Europe.
Biarritz features several prime surfing spots in and around the town.
For example, La Côte des Basques has beaches with consistently high swells throughout the year. Contrary to this, driving south for about ten minutes, one can reach Belharra, a legendary reef. The surfers are attracted to it for its towering, strong waves.
Another go-to place for surfers – Anglet – is just five minutes north of La Côte des Basques. It has more than half a dozen beaches. Whoa! That’s something to be fascinated about.
According to local realty experts, most newcomers are from the US, England, and Switzerland.
Properties in Biarritz range from apartments to townhouses and impressive villas.
Cascais, Portugal
About a half-hour drive to the north of Lisbon, on the Estoril Coast, lies Cascais. The town is a favorite getaway spot for Portuguese for its scenic setting of white sand beaches. And on the backdrop, you can find Sintra Mountains, completing the frame.
Besides, surfing is a staple in the area. The waves here are a mixture suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced surfers. The temperatures are also mild throughout the year, making it possible to enjoy surfing in winters.
Though there are only a handful of beaches in Cascais, they are still great fun. For example, Guincho beach is most suitable for experienced surfers. Whereas, Carcavelos, which has mostly smaller waves, is favored by beginners.
Local real estate experts explain that the prices in the area range from $5,000 per square meter to more than $10,000. But, of course, the location has a huge role to play in the actual pricing.
Though initially, the town was a fishing village, it has now evolved as a surfing capital in the region. The historic homes restored with modern amenities make it a perfect vacation destination to settle. And not to forget the narrow and winding streets, which give an old-time charm to this place.
Local communities explain that most of the international home buyers come from Brazil, France, and England. But there are immigrants from other countries too.
With its cosmopolitan lifestyle and diverse ethnicity, it offers diversions apart from surfing. Sports like golfing, biking, and horseback riding are also quite popular here.
The Takeaway
Surfer-friendly real estate is a booming industry. For ex-pats and travelers alike, the idea of owning a property where they can mix life and fun affordably is not new. But, perhaps, the focus for millennials, now more than ever, is shifting towards other aspects of life, other than career and profession.
