UK biggest buyers in Spain by Romano

During 2002, 34% of the homes constructed in the province were sold as second homes to mainly foreign buyers, contributing to the rise in tourists staying in accommodation other than hotels, the occupancy rates of which have shown a drop over previous years.

Although Spaniards from other parts of Spain are also active in the province's second home market, purchasing 31% of the total of second homes, the British have overtaken the formerly dominant Germans, who have been wary of taking on increased financial responsibilities due to Germany's sluggish growth over the last couple of years.

UK citizens bought 35% of the residences sold as second homes in 2002, an increase of 8% from the previous year. Germans bought only 22% of second homes, down from 34% in 2001, while sales to French, Dutch and Scandinavian citizens have remained at roughly the same level as in 2001.