New data released from a holiday home insurance provider in the UK has revealed and compared the profile of the average holiday property the UK, compared with its counterparts in Spain, France and the UK.
Holiday homes in the UK insured by Schofields were looked at, in order to build a picture of the 'average' home based on details of those insured by the company.
According to the results, the average holiday home in the UK can be profiled as follows:
• Average build date - 1880
• Average cost- £235,000
• Average number of bedrooms - 3
• Average occupancy rate - Twice per month
FRANCE
In contrast, the average profile of holiday homes in France, according to those properties in the country insured through Schofields was revealed to be as follows:
• Average build date - 1900
• Average cost - €204,000 (£170,916)
• Average number of bedrooms - 3
• Average occupancy rate - Once per month
SPAIN
Data was then used to compile a comparative profile of the average holiday home in Spain; as owned by those based in the UK. This was revealed to be as follows:
• Average build date - 2005
• Average cost- €175,000 (£146,619)
• Average number of bedrooms - 2
• Average occupancy rate - Once every two months
The findings reveal the difference in housing values and also average stock - properties are generally more expensive in the UK, but are also typically period properties, as they are in France.
So whilst the average owner in France and the UK owns a century-old three-bed cottage or townhouse, this compares with Spain where the typical product is a relatively newly built apartment - no doubt in a holiday complex or development.
Phil Schofield of Schofields Holiday Home Insurance said the following:
"Our data reveals an interesting picture of how the average UK holiday home compares to those on the continent. What was particularly telling was the popularity of the UK market, in contrast to those in France and Spain.
Whilst UK holiday home owners pay the most for their property, they are also let most frequently - giving a higher return on investment."
If you want to increase the income you make from your overseas holiday home, read our many advice features on how to rent out your property and set it apart from the rest.