Why settle for grey skies and drizzle when, for the same price as an average UK home, you could own a property in the sun? From lakeside views in Italy to a villa in Florida just minutes from Disney, we’ve sourced five warm-weather escapes with the potential for year-round rental demand. Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or secure a holiday retreat, each of these five properties, priced close to the UK average of £305,879, promises their occupants a sunnier lifestyle.
A lakeside apartment in Lombardy, Lake Como, Italy – £322,572 (€385,000)
Offering the essence of “la dolce vita”, this charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom duplex apartment close to Lake Como, offers spectacular lake views from its elevated terrace. Priced at £322,572 (€385,000), the property is perfect for those looking to invest in properties at one of Italy’s most renowned lakeside destinations. Spanning 915 square feet, the apartment is split over two levels, with a spacious open-plan living, kitchen and dining area on the main floor, plus two comfortable bedrooms and additional storage upstairs. Situated in a well-maintained complex, residents benefit from shared amenities such as a pool, private parking and easy access to Lake Como’s local attractions, restaurants and transport links, including ferry terminals for exploring neighbouring towns.
The rental potential for this property is promising, with Como’s stunning landscape, mild Mediterranean climate and abundance of nearby attractions drawing in tourists year-round.
2-bed villa in private complex with scenic sea views in Crete – £293,248 (€350,000)
For £293,248 (€350,000), this two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa in the serene Chorafakia area of Crete promises occupants Mediterranean living, complete with panoramic sea and mountain views. Set within a private complex of five individually designed villas, this 971 sq. ft. property features a private garden, access to a shared 75 sq. m swimming pool and a spacious outdoor dining area shaded by a pergola. The villa’s well-equipped kitchen and modern furnishings included in the sale price make it move-in ready, while both bedrooms have balconies that capture breathtaking views of the Cretan landscape. The villa also offers occupants air conditioning, underfloor heating and proximity to both the beach and local attractions being located just minutes from Tersanas Beach and a 20-minute drive to the historic Venetian town of Chania
Western Crete is a tourist magnet, attracting visitors with its golden beaches, rich history and the enchanting city of Chania, often called “little Venice.” Summer rentals are particularly lucrative, but Crete’s mild winters mean there may be rental demand across seasons.
Golf course townhouse with sea views, Portugal – £317,545 (€379,000)
Located in the Parque da Floresta Golf Resort in Vila do Bispo, Algarve, this fully renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse offers a slice of Portuguese charm for £317,545 (€379,000). Spanning 990 sq. ft. (92 sq. m), this property showcases the best of indoor-outdoor living with two south-facing terraces one featuring a built-in BBQ and dining area, perfect for al fresco meals and the other an inviting decked lounge with sofas overlooking the picturesque golf course and sparkling sea. Inside, the open-plan living and dining space boasts a wood-burning fireplace, while the modern, fitted kitchen is equipped for convenience. Upstairs, both double bedrooms come with built-in wardrobes and the master opens to a private terrace, ideal for soaking in panoramic views of the golf greens and coastline.
This property presents year-round rental potential targeting golf enthusiasts and vacationers looking to enjoy their favourite pastime in the Algarve’s warm climate.
3 bedroom villa Koh Samui, Thailand 5 minutes to beaches £295,000 (13,000,000 Thai Baht)
For £295,000, this spacious three-bedroom, four-bathroom villa in the Kanda Beachside Villa Residence on Koh Samui offers an idyllic blend of tropical luxury and investment potential. Ideally located just a short walk from the beach, this detached villa is set across three pavilions within a 350-square-metre plot, providing ample privacy and space. The main pavilion features an airy living area with sliding doors opening onto the pool terrace, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, while the open-plan kitchen includes high-spec appliances and a breakfast bar for effortless dining. To one side of the private pool, the master bedroom pavilion boasts a front balcony and an expansive en-suite bathroom, while a third pavilion houses two guest bedrooms, each with private or semi-private bathrooms.
Located in the Kanda Villa Residence, which provides 24-hour security, a restaurant and resort-style reception services, this property is ideally situated just five minutes from popular Chaweng and Cheong Mon beaches.
Prime vacation property, Kissimmee, Florida –$399 (£328,000)
Priced at USD 399,000 (approx. £328,000), this contemporary four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse in Kissimmee, Florida, is located in the Paradise Palms Resort, just seven miles from the Disney Parks and 20 miles from Universal Studios. The 1,902 sq. ft, recently renovated property, which has been named “Airbnb’s Guest Favourite,” boasts a private pool, an open-plan gourmet kitchen and a modern living area catering to 8-12 guests.
Set within a gated, 24-hour guarded community, the townhouse includes access to Paradise Palms’ resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, spa pool, leisure swimming pool, gym, cinema, tennis court and playground.
Whether you’re eyeing an investment near the bustling beaches of Crete, the charm of Lake Como or the theme park excitement of Florida, there’s a lot to be said for diversifying your portfolio to include rentals in sunnier climes. With demand for short-term rentals on the rise and the popularity of Airbnb, it might just be the perfect time to bring a little sunshine into your portfolio.
