Why buy there? Barcelona's property prices have rocketed in the past
few years, and Sitges is following suit.
'It's the third most expensive coastal location in Spain, with new-build
prices of £1,550 per square metre.
'But despite high prices, the reasons for buying are still compelling, such
as its beautiful location, culture and proximity to central Barcelona. And its
popularity with the European gay community means it enjoys the patronage of a
wealthy niche of buyers with a taste for the best restaurants and shops.'
Ronei Kolesny from Home BCN says: 'It's a very close community. You always
bump into people you know in the street.'
Who buys there? Other than famous names drawn by the trendy shops,
restaurants and clubs, many Britons are settling down in Sitges.
'People are increasingly buying in Sitges as a first residence and it's no
longer just retired people who buy,' says Francois Carriere Pastor from John
Taylor Estate Agents. 'Sitges is now as expensive as Barcelona but you can get
big houses of 1,200sqmthere.'
Alexandra Dekker, who runs Sitges Real Estate, adds: 'Most people want to buy
detached houses with swimming pools for their families. And lots of couples buy
central apartments to live in half of the year and rent out in summer.'
What can you buy? Sea views are, of course, what everyone wants. But
with just one seafront plot left undeveloped - and currently up for sale -
existing developments command exorbitant prices.
In Vinyet, the most desirable seaside strip, large detached houses with huge
walled gardens and swimming pools cost about £4.75million.
The town is split in two by the church which juts out into the sea, and on
the other side to Vinyet is San Sebastian, a residential area with bars and
restaurants and a friendly village feel.
A two-bedroom apartment facing the beach costs about £245,000. Further along
the seafront is Aiguadolc, with great fish restaurants, a pretty but less
crowded beach and a peaceful residential area where two-bedroom apartments start
at £200,000.
Scale the hill behind the centre and you reach Valpineda and its big detached
houses.
But the hike up the hill is a deterrent to some, so you can find the odd
bargain such as apartments with a communal garden and swimming pool for £100,000
(available through Home BCN).
For something more rural, Valpineda runs into the Penedes wineproducing
region where you can buy ruined farmhouses from £160,000 through Home BCN.
Levantina is another hilly district behind the town centre, with the town's
best panoramic views and unique designer houses for about £1.35million.
What about rental potential? Two-bedroom apartments are a source of
constant rental income throughout summer, raking in about £100 a night. And
summer in Sitges lasts from April to September.
'You can buy a renovated two-bed apartment with terrace and sea view for
about £245,000 and rent it out for £2,450 per month in summer, easing fears of
it being empty in winter,' says Ronei Kolesny.
Anything within 3km of the sea in Sitges is a good investment, according to
Kolesny. 'You often find far nicer properties in the hills.'
Is it just a summer resort? No, because Sitges enjoys a microclimate,
cushioned by the mountains behind - which explains why the luxurious open-air
terraces along the seafront are so plushly furnished. In December, temperatures
hover around 18C and you can just about swim in the sea.
Any new developments? The big new area is Can Girona, famous for its
golf course next to the sea. Equally handy for golf is the expanding area of Can
Pei. Quint Mar is a brand-new suburb still under construction.
Five-bed houses cost from £440,000, half the price of those in neighbouring
Levantina, but you'll have to wait for the area to look lived in.
Home BCN (www.homebcn. com) 00 34 93 467 3171;
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