Where to Purchase the Ideal European Winter Holiday Home

Now that the evenings are becoming darker more quickly, all those nice memories of summer BBQs are fading into the distance and talk of Halloween and the Christmas period is rife, it’s time to start thinking about cosying up for the winter months.

If you, like many other people, enjoy travelling over winter – making the most of the cheaper flight prices and less busy sightseeing spots – why not consider going one step further this year by investing in a wintery holiday home?

While you may prefer the idea of purchasing somewhere you can lounge around near a pool over the summer, we’re here to highlight some of the best places you soak up the winter sun and make the most of your wintery surroundings. So, let’s get started.  

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled may be Slovenia’s most popular tourist attraction but that’s for good reason.

Still relatively unknown compared to some of Europe’s other leading landmarks, Lake Bled is a natural island, just under an acre in size, which houses numerous buildings and a stunning 17th-century church at the lake’s centre.

Lake Bled is a particularly amazing place to visit over the winter months, in particular, with the lake itself freezing over and many of the locals donning their ice skates to enjoy a lap or three.

What’s more, while it may be relatively small in size, it is straightforward to get to. By air, the Ljubljana International Airport is just 36 kilometres away. By car, Bled is approximately 40 minutes from the capital city of Ljubljana. And, by train, Bled is accessible from many European cities, including Munich, Salzburg, Villach, Belgrade, Athens and Istanbul.

Costa del Sol, Spain

A narrow coastal strip that runs throughout the majority of Southern Spain, the Costa del Sol comprises a number of towns and communities, each as unique as the next. Whether it be the hustle and bustle of Malaga you’re after, the golfing resort of Murcia or the Spanish authenticity of Puerto Banus, there really is something for everybody here.

However, over the winter months, in particular, Marbella is often touted as one of the best places to be, offering the ideal place to soak up the winter sun, enjoy al fresco dining, shop with ease and enjoy the stunning skyline that Costa del Sol has to offer.

And, better yet, asking prices for holiday homes are said to have dropped by approximately 11% in light of the pandemic, with most owners also seen to be much more accepting of reasonable offers.

As such, it could be a lot easier to pick up a potential bargain within the region over the winter months, with recent estimates suggesting the average price standing at around £130,000.

The Alps, France

No list of European holiday home winter destinations would be complete without mentioning a ski resort or two. So, if you’re into your black run or off-piste-filled holiday seasons, buying in The Alps could be the ideal choice.

While many people may prefer thinking about the South West of France for holiday homes, over the past year or so, there has recently been a sharp rise in the popularity of properties in the North West of the country, especially in areas like Côte d’Azur and other surrounding towns.

Offering a lot of land for your money, buying in the Alps will provide you with a secluded, rural lifestyle whenever you fancy getting away from your main home to enjoy the adrenaline-packed thrill of heading down the mountains.

Plus, thanks to the number of airports France contains, the country is incredibly well connected, meaning your home will never be too far away to get to.

Edinburgh, UK

Famous for the Skye Terrier known as the Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh is a must-visit city that truly comes to life over the winter months.

While it may be a little more expensive to buy in that certain areas on this list – the average price of a home is just under £280,000 – it’s not hard to see why, with a huge variety of landmarks and things to do.

From walking up Arthur’s Seat to spending the day shopping on Princes Street, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are also one of the best and most well-known throughout Europe, making this the ideal place to come to visit when trying to get in the festive spirit.

What’s more, because of the city’s appeal, Edinburgh holds fantastic holiday let and investment potential, allowing you to rake in a decent amount of extra income should you ever wish to let it out during the other months of the year.