Invest in a Villa in France or Spain, which is Best?

Moving abroad can be all sunshine (literally) and rainbows, exciting adventures and opening doors to new possibilities, but such a move comes with big implications and a lot of information to take in along the way. There are many factors to consider when planning to emigrate to a new country. The main ones are climate, legal costs, cost of living, languages, schools and the quality of life.

If you are familiar with our website and the French property system, you’ll be aware of the buying process, the various legal costs, as well as taxes. If not, visit our article about property taxes, fees and stamp duty. Also, check out our comprehensive guide to buying a property in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, if not the world.

Spain is Cheaper

The cost of living is essential to consider when deciding to move abroad, and it’s important to compare not just the property’s purchase costs but also how much you will need to live a comfortable lifestyle, taking into account exchange rate fluctuations, especially for pensioners living abroad permanently. Spain is currently cheaper to live in, particularly for meals and drinks at restaurants, as well as for food shopping and transportation. This is also evident in utility prices, which are a major concern worldwide.

Make Money with a Villa or Gite

The good news is that there are opportunities to earn income from your property overseas; for example, from renting it for the holiday season, running a guest house or B&B, which is both very common and popular in France. While in Spain, it’s possible to invest in a new flat or villa, with a ten-year guarantee and rental income in almost guaranteed sunshine.

Spain Gets More Sunshine

Climate is always the beacon which attracts people to move abroad. Spain and France both boast very attractive climates, but Spain has more sunny days per year than France. However, it all depends on the regions you live in; Costa Blanca and Costa Calida, for example, are blessed with hot, bright summers and warm winters. Spain is said to have, on average, 300 days of sunshine annually and up to 325 days in some areas.

France Receives more Visitors

Spain, with 89M tourists visiting in 2019, is the 2nd most visited country in the world after France (100M), ahead of the USA, so it tends to be lively on the various coastal resorts along the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is easy to fly to and from, with daily flights from all European countries, especially the UK. In 2022, Brits topped the buyers list, buying almost 10,000 properties, representing 10.4% of Spanish property sales!

The French Work Fewer Hours

People in France tend to work an average of 1,514 hours per year, compared to 1,687 in Spain. However, one of the most well-known aspects of Spain is the famous siesta! This isn’t always an actual nap; it is more of an extended lunch break in which people use to run errands, do their weekly shopping, or meet with friends for lunch, away from the midday heat and open later for business.

France has the Best Roads

 Whereas France is more traditional, perhaps more tranquil and relaxing, depending on which of the thirteen regions you decide to adopt. France offers easy access for families who prefer to drive or retirees who don’t seek the Spanish sunshine and heat, by ferry, Eurostar, and car, and is conveniently situated across the channel.

Car enthusiasts and drivers will confirm the unforgettable memories of driving around the countryside and through France, often on routes nationales (A roads), thanks to an excellent road and motorway network. If you’re into cars and France, you must check out the Napoléon Route, a classic, gravity-defying 325km road that’s worth the extra hours it takes to reach your final destination.

Tapas versus ‘French Entrées’

This piece wouldn’t be complete without discussing food and drinks. We, like many francophiles, believe French food is the best in the world. The choice of dishes, the ingredients mostly grown locally, the markets, the regional specialities and delicacies, and then there’s the wine, a whole different subject altogether! Don’t get us wrong, we enjoy Spanish food, the fantastic colours and smells, light tapas on a summer evening, speciality ham or a local wine with a tasty seafood paella. It’s always a lovely change and a plate full if sunshine in the summer months, but our hearts (et estomacs) are French with a chilled rosé at this time of the year!

Want to Invest in a Villa, but Where?

For those who can’t make up their mind between a new-build property in France and Spain, there’s an island that swaps nationalities between both! Pheasant Island changes countries twice a year. 

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