What will happen with the buy real estate in the post covid era?

Admittedly, the real estate market in Spain, Portugal and Greece has been badly battered by the Covid-19 pandemic. But as the Chinese proverb says, “In every crisis there is opportunity” and this is the perfect time to buy real estate and obtain a residence-by-investment visa in countries like Spain, Portugal and Greece.

According to Reuters article dated March 3, 2021, investors are confident that the real estate market will weather the corona virus pandemic, even believing that real estate returns will do better than equities and bonds. At the moment, according to JP Morgan, global bonds are paying below zero yields while real estate continues to pay annual yields of 3 to 4%. Buy real estate continues to be a good hedge against inflation which is expected to rise in the next few years thanks to the stimulus campaigns of many governments and central banks to help their citizens through the economic crisis brought about by the pandemic.

European real estate market

Europe’s residential market will remain a sought-after investment for global capital with its rising affordability and where the buy-to-rent scheme is still lucrative and possible through the Golden Visa programs.

In Madrid, price levels have fallen by about 5% especially for second-hand homes. Income from short-term and vacation rentals have all but disappeared. The good news is that these properties can be re-listed as long-term leases according to market demand.  Madrid is presently a seller’s market but the forecast is that in the next 6 months it will be a buyer’s market.  Property experts’ advice is to hold on to property until things have stabilized.

Demand for residential property rather than office or warehouse space has soared particularly in the suburbs and rural areas. Interest in larger properties with more green spaces has increased.

In Portugal, properties in Lisbon have experienced a 3% drop in 2020. However, the real estate market is resilient, sustained by foreign buyers who accounted for 35% of all property investments. In Porto and Algrave prices continue to climb by 4% to 12% respectively. It is safe to assume that this will continue in the long term.

The Greek real estate market has proven to be resilient despite its economic woes and the Corona-19 virus pandemic. It continues to be a buyer’s market and is all set to rebound in the post pandemic era with the positive momentum from foreign buyers still a major factor in Greece’s economic recovery. Real estate prices in Greece are still relatively cheap compared to Spain, France and Italy and property developers are confident that real estate prices will go up in the next five years as the demand remains strong.

This present scenario is the perfect time to buy real estate and obtain a residence-by-investment visa that Spain, Portugal and Greece are offering.

The Spanish Golden Visa

The Spanish experience and lifestyle can be yours through the Spanish Golden Visa for a minimum investment of €500,000.

Benefits of Spanish Golden Visa:

  • The right to live in Spain, a member of the European Union
  • Visa-free travel throughout the European Union
  • Visa-free travel to 185 countries
  • Available for you and your family
  • No minimum stay requirements
  • Excellent educational system

The Golden Visa Portugal

The Portuguese experience and lifestyle can be yours through the Golden Visa Portugal for a minimum investment of €280,000.

Benefits of a Golden Visa Portugal:

  • The right to live in Portugal, a member of the European Union
  • Visa-free travel throughout the European Union
  • Visa-free travel to 185 countries
  • Available for you and your family
  • Residency requirements only 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the 2 years after obtaining residence permits
  • Excellent educational system

The Greek Golden Visa

The Greek experience and lifestyle can be yours through the Greek Golden Visa for a minimum investment of €250,000.

Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa:

  • The right to live in Greece
  • The entire family is eligible
  • Visa-free travel to Schengen zone
  • Good quality of life
  • High standards of education
  • Free and equal access to the Greek Healthcare System
  • Approved within 60 days and does not require the applicant to live in Greece.