The August guide to holiday homes

What are holiday homes? 

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Holiday homes are secondary properties, rather than primary residences, that offer families the opportunity to escape to familiar surroundings and indulge in play or relaxation. Though vacation homes are often owned outright, they can also be shared with friends or other co-owners – easing the burden of financing and ongoing maintenance.

Families thinking of buying a European holiday home often seek a lifestyle unique to a particular region. The sun-kissed coves of the Balearic Isles, the shimmering shoreline and verdant countryside of the French Riviera – these are destinations that conjure the European dream. The perfect holiday home for you will depend on how you and your family love to spend your vacations. 

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What different types of holiday homes are there?

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A rural idyll set amid the rolling countryside, a coveted coastal hideout, or a perfect Pied à Terre; holiday homes come in all shapes, sizes and settings. The type of vacation property that will suit you will depend on the lifestyle that inspires you. Do you desire the slower pace synonymous with Tuscany, or the thrill of fresh powder in the French Alps? 

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For families that value space and seclusion, generously proportioned villas and farmhouses appeal. For those who enjoy the sense of culture and community that being more centrally located affords, townhouses and apartments make the perfect second homes. Adventurous spirits, on the other hand, may feel more at home in a private ski chalet in the mountains. 

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Why choose a holiday home over a hotel?

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For most aspiring homeowners, the allure of tranquillity and privacy is what inspires them to take the leap and buy a vacation home abroad. For others, familiarity is important – creating effortless family getaways with no unpleasant surprises. If investing in something that can be passed down through the generations is important to you, securing true ownership of a vacation home may make more sense than renting.

Unlike hotel hopping, when you co-own an August Collection, you unlock five enviable European lifestyles in accessible yet private locations, with the chance to really become part of the local community. Plus, with true ownership of your shares, your holiday homes are an asset that your family can enjoy for years to come.

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Where should I buy a holiday home?

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The dream vacation home is as unique as you are. It could represent a place of retreat and restoration, or a base from which to indulge in adventure. 

A harmonious balance between beautiful locations and accessibility to transport and local amenities is highly desirable, and modern conveniences and elevated extras are often on the checklist for those buying a vacation home. Sparkling pools, spacious entertaining areas, breathtaking views, games rooms and wine cellars – these added touches transform a humble second home into a covetable abode you can’t wait to come back to.

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How to choose the perfect holiday home‍

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The dream vacation home is as unique as you are. It could represent a place of retreat and restoration, or a base from which to indulge in adventure. 

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A harmonious balance between beautiful locations and accessibility to transport and local amenities is highly desirable, and modern conveniences and elevated extras are often on the checklist for those buying a vacation home. Sparkling pools, spacious entertaining areas, breathtaking views, games rooms and wine cellars – these added touches transform a humble second home into a covetable abode you can’t wait to come back to. 

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The challenges of owning a holiday home

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Whilst undoubtedly paradisal, buying a holiday home in Europe can be challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with the market. From legal and regulatory obstacles – which vary from region to region – to the financial headache of exchange rates, arranging mortgages and paying fees and taxes, buying a second home outright can be far from effortless. 

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There is also the ongoing maintenance to consider. Arriving at your holiday home to find the roof in need of repair or the garden overgrown can take the shine off the first precious days of your holiday. 

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Why August co-ownership is a better model

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With sole ownership of a holiday home, you pay for 100% of a vacation property that you may only spend 10% of your time in. You also bear the burden of responsibility for your home’s maintenance and upkeep. With the August co-ownership model, every detail is taken care of for you. Local regional experts help us find and curate enviable Collections of homes – many not yet available on the market – in the most sought-after locales.

We sensitively renovate each vacation property to honour its authenticity, whilst adding all the modern comforts. August also handles the ongoing maintenance and management of your homes, so all you have to do is arrive and unwind.

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With five homes in five enviable European locations, an August Collection gives you access to the unique lifestyles that each region embodies. Instead of taking a leap of faith on one location, holiday from Tuscany to Mallorca or Paris to Rome for, on average, 12 weeks of the year. Plus, with true ownership of your shares, you can upgrade your Collection or sell at any time. Resale is desirable to aspiring homeowners, since they get to enjoy the whole Collection of five homes right away.     

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Buying a holiday home abroad opens up new experiences, while creating the opportunity for more family time, but finding and securing the perfect holiday home can be a challenge.

Discover an August Collection, arrange a call with one of our expert Advisors and take the first step in unlocking your European dream. You have never been closer to enjoying effortless family holidays, year after year.