Belgians who purchase a second residence abroad prefer to do so in Spain. An established real estate agent and some Antwerp residents with a second residence tell what makes living in the land of sun and tapas so attractive. “To anyone considering it: stop hesitating, it's blissful here.”
For years, France was at the top of the list of countries where Belgians buy a second home, but now eternal second place Spain has dethroned its neighbour. 70,620 Belgians own property there, compared to 70,398 in la douce France.
Why the shift? According to Antwerp estate agent Carl Vorsselmans (50), who specialises in Spanish property for Flemish buyers, we don't have to look far. Accessibility, affordability and a warm climate all year round are the three main reasons why Flemish buyers are increasingly choosing Spain. ‘I can hop on a Velo from my office in the centre of Antwerp, cycle to Deurne and be soaking up the Spanish sun this afternoon.’
Ten years ago, Michele Indeku (68) from Kasterlee bought her Spanish dream home from Hip Estates in Pilar de la Horadada in the province of Alicante. Michele enjoys her retirement and spends most of the year in Spain. During our conversation, she is enjoying the bright sunshine. ‘Surrounded by nature, it is beautiful here. Life is simply cheaper here, a three-course meal costs only 14 euros. At home, I sometimes spend 40 euros at the hairdresser, here it is less than 16 euros.’
The pleasant weather is also important to Michele. ‘It's actually nice here all year round. We used to go to France, but you can't enjoy the sun there all year round. Last year we even had dinner outside on New Year's Day.’
For Mario Vleugels (56) from Herentals, the warm climate all year round is an important reason why Spain gets his preference over France. Mario chose Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. ‘You arrive there and you become a different person.’ For six years now, Mario has been alternating every four weeks between Belgium and Tenerife. He has seen the number of Flemish people increase. ‘There are quite a few Flemish people here who have a second home, especially those from West Flanders.’
Mario is the manager of a company that is active in the wholesale hospitality industry and he notes that the food is nowhere as good as in Spain. ’I have tasted quality here that I have never tasted before.’ According to Mario, Spain also has everything when it comes to sports and entertainment. ‘Tenerife really has everything to offer: you can play golf, kite surf, cycle and then enjoy the sun in one of the many beach bars’.
‘I have tasted quality here that I have never tasted before’ Mario Vleugels - Second resident on Tenerife
‘The mentality in Spain is different than in France, the people here are very friendly and helpful’ - Alain Van Den Bergh - Second home in Spain
Click
Alain Van Den Bergh (58) often used to go to Calpé with his parents. The Antwerp resident, who lives on the Eilandje, is now looking forward to his retirement. That is why he bought a small house in El Raso, a village south of Alicante, in December 2024. For him, it is mainly the Spanish culture that appeals to him: ‘The mentality in Spain is different from that in France. The people here are very friendly and helpful, and I get on better with Spaniards.’
For those who have started dreaming, Alain also has some reassuring words. ‘If you are thinking about it and are afraid of the administration and the paperwork, then you should not hesitate. I do recommend asking for guidance from a real estate agency, they will guide you from start to finish and you won't have to worry about anything.’
Bron: GVA