The Best Cities to Buy Property in Europe: An August Guide
Published on
November 26, 2024
From Barcelona’s sunkissed shores to Paris’ cosmopolitan appeal, Europe’s capital cities are among some of the most iconic in the world. Combining rich history and heritage, world-class arts, culture and cuisine, and balmy climes, there’s no wonder so many of us aspire to own a second home in one of these captivating urban centres. We offer our insight into why Barcelona, Paris, London, Cannes and Rome make ideal destinations for a perfect pied-à-terre, and why they’re the top cities for property investment.
From Barcelona’s sunkissed shores to Paris’ cosmopolitan appeal, Europe’s capital cities are among some of the most iconic in the world. Combining rich history and heritage, world-class arts, culture and cuisine, and balmy climes, there’s no wonder so many of us aspire to own a second home in one of these captivating urban centres. We offer our insight into why Barcelona, Paris, London, Cannes and Rome make ideal destinations for a perfect pied-à-terre, and why they’re the top cities for property investment.
Our Top Picks
The Seaside City: Barcelona, Spain
- Highlights: Warm climate, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture
With its streets brimming with architectural wonders, independent boutiques, bustling bars and world-class restaurants, there’s no wonder the Catalan capital is such a popular traveller hotspot. Add to this an average of 300 days of sunshine and an unmatched coastal location - with almost 5-kilometres of beaches with fine golden sand - and this Spanish city becomes a prime destination not only for holiday makers, but those seeking their own European vacation home. In addition to its appealing lifestyle credentials, Barcelona’s reputation as one of the ‘best cities to move to' in a report by InterNations and its relatively affordable cost of living in comparison to other European centres.
Postcard Perfect: Paris, France
- Highlights: Elegant architecture, world-class restaurants, artistic prowess
The epitome of elegance and sophistication. A home for art, fashion, and of course, gastronomy. There’s no wonder France’s capital is featured on our list. With its cafe culture, iconic monuments and romantic reputation, it offers second homeowners a quintessential European city break, each season presenting an entirely new collection of discoveries. Well-suited to those travelling for both business and leisure, Paris’s financial climate is also favourable, with the economy set to grow significantly in the coming years, possibly leading to an increase in property value for Homeowners.
Renaissance Romance: Rome, Italy
- Highlights: Fine cuisine, ancient history, vibrant street life
The storied city of Rome captivates with its unparalleled historic legacy - from the ancient Colosseum to the opulent Vatican City - offering owners a second home with a connection to the roots of Western civilisation, alongside world-class restaurants, bustling street life, and a thriving art scene. Allowing you to explore the many facets of the city at your own pace, homeowners in Rome experience ‘La Dolce Vita’ firsthand, with recent stability in the Rome property market just another reason why it’s considered one of our top cities for property investment in Europe.
Best of British: London, England
- Highlights: Rich history, pub culture, heritage and tradition
Uniquely blending historic charm and cosmopolitan energy, London is home to iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, placing potential second homeowners in the heart of its rich cultural scene. Accompanied by world-leading museums, theatres and galleries, it’s a city that changes with the seasons, meaning no matter how many times you return, there is always something new to discover - whether taking a boat trip on the River Thames, shopping in its upmarket neighbourhoods, or enjoying a hearty meal in a traditional British pub. A global financial hub, London also serves as a gateway to the rest of Europe, making it ideal for frequent travellers with the nearby airport, Heathrow, offering extensive international connections. The city’s robust housing market also has potential for higher returns, with recent research by Savills indicating that London boroughs will see values increase by almost 14% in the next few years.
Lap of Luxury: Cannes, France
- Highlights: Annual events, couture shopping, azure coastline
Renowned for its glamorous lifestyle, Mediterranean setting, and prestigious annual film festival, Cannes’ is a top city for real estate investment in Europe. Resting on France’s southern shores, its climate offers year-round appeal, with fine dining, designer shopping and nightly entertainment enhancing quality of life. It also offers easy access to other hotspots along the Riviera, with trips to hidden coves, vineyard tours, and even the principality of Monaco easily reachable in an afternoon.
With each of these captivating cities offering its own unique atmosphere, it can be difficult to choose where to put down your roots when it comes to second home investment, but with August’s fractional ownership model, it might just be possible to own a share of homes in all five…
Discover the historical splendour of London, unearth the ancient ruins of Rome, admire the opulence of Paris, shop on the chic streets of Cannes, or immerse yourself in Barcelona’s kaleidoscope of culture with the August Pied À Terre Collection. Find out more by scheduling a call today.
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