How to buy Formentera properties

Formentera properties come in various classifications: bungalows, cottages, studios, villas, apartments, and houses. But one thing that all these types of property have in common on this island is that they rarely come onto the market. If you are looking to buy it can be a slow and frustrating experience, but once you finally close having your own piece of paradise makes it all worthwhile. This low level of supply is a dynamic common to small islands with low populations such as Formentera.

The first thing you need to do is set your criteria carefully. Do you definitely want to have a sea view? Do you want a rural property surrounded by farmland? Would you prefer to be tucked away under the shelter of pine trees? If you need a swimming pool and a tennis court then you may be looking in the wrong island. The definition of luxury properties in Formentera is not quite what you might expect!

The abundance of pine trees is no surprise since Formentera is known as one of the Pine Islands, but you need to decide whether you want to be under these pine trees or not. This is an important factor when considering Formentera properties since the island has humidity levels of 95%, and compounding this humidity with the cover of trees can give your house jungle-like properties.

The best advice in selecting a property is to first vacation on the island multiple times, and try renting different types of accommodation on different parts of the island. Make contact with a local broker and get to know the ins and outs of what makes this property market tick. Narrow your target property type, and be on the sidelines ready to pounce when your ideal home becomes available.

If you visit Formentera in the summer and decide that it is the place for you to come and live then you may be surprised once you move because the winter is completely different. At times it can feel like you are the only person on the island if you take the hiking and biking trails. Most of the restaurants are shut, and many shops either board up or have restricted opening hours. After all the hard work servicing the tourists in the summer many people decide that they deserve a well earned break. So before you buy you should spend a winter season here to check that it is all that you expected.

Formentera island has only 2,000 registered houses so there are simply not that many Formentera properties available. For this reason it has almost gravity defying pricing. Since it is a place with very specialized demand, that demand is always there. In real estate they always say that they ain't making any more land, and in the case of Formentera they aren't building on it either, so good luck with your search for your piece of this Mediterranean paradise!