Golf Properties

Golfing developments are all the rage these days, with many new developments being built each year. Whether you’re a fan of golfing yourself, or are keen to cash in on the golfing phenomenon, buying in, or close to, a golf development can be a good decision.

Golf resorts are a prime investment opportunity, both for those looking to use the property for their own golfing needs, or to use for rental purposes. With poor British winters, golfers can’t get out on the courses as often as they’d like, yet just a short flight away, to countries such as Spain and Portugal, they can bask in winter sunshine and play golf to their hearts content.

According to property experts, buying on a golf development can add as much as 40% to the value of the property. The actual position of the property in relation to the golf course helps determine the initial price. For example, if the property is in a key position overlooking the fairway, then you should expect to pay a premium price, whereas properties tucked further in or away from the course tend to be slightly cheaper.

Even if you don’t like golf, don’t discard the idea completely. Most developments with golf courses also cater for other interests too, offering facilities such as spas, fitness centres and gyms, and of course shops.

Areas of Europe, such as Spain and Portugal’s Algarve have long been associated with great golf property developments, as has Florida. But in recent years other countries, such as El Gouna on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast, have been developing the golf bug and creating well-designed golf courses – often with a name behind them, such as Jack Nicklaus – with top notch properties alongside.

One of the more unusual destinations which could move into the limelight this year is Vietnam. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) recently held their annual Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year award and Vietnam beat five other shortlisted countries to win the award. The winner was judged on elements such as the extent to which the destination is undiscovered, the qualities that make it an interesting golf destination, standard of accommodation, value for money, the quality and accessibility of courses and the attractiveness of the region.

The other shortlisted areas were Abu Dhabi, Costa Rica, the Italian Lakes, Kenya and Oregon.

“We used to think of ourselves as the golf world’s best kept secret, but with the announcement of this award, the secret is out. Vietnam is ready for the big time,” said Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Chu, general secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association.

Vietnam makes the claim of being the only country in South East Asia where international arrivals have grown ten fold over the last 10 years. There are currently 15 golf courses in Vietnam and over 30 other projects are in the construction stage. In July 2007, seven top courses joined force to form the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail (www.hochiminhgolftrail.com), which is doing much to boost tourist numbers in this area.

With the number of people visiting the country each year rising, Vietnam could make an interesting and new addition to a golfing property portfolio.