Looking for Empuriabrava property right next to the canal? If your dream is owning somewhere you can moor your boat then this article is for you.
A lot of Empuriabrava property has mooring for boats. Photo by levirus.
Empuriabrava’s massive marina consists of a network of an incredible 20km of navegable canals making it the largest residential marina in Europe.
It’s hard to believe all that can exist within the perimeter of the town, which during winter has a population of around just 8,000. In summer it gets busy though, with visitors on their holidays and employment in the tourist sector boosting the number of people to ten times that.
Because of the canals, Empuriabrava is sometimes misleadingly described as the Venice of Spain.
But if you’re expecting fantastic architecture on a par with St Peter’s Square you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
The town didn’t even exist before the late 1960s.
That was when the first building work started on the marshland next to the mouth of the Muga river, which was completed in 1975. Over time the marina developed in size to become one of the largest residential marinas in the world.
But while the town lacks the history of many towns in the Costa Brava region, it is perfect for some. Just consider how great it would be to own a property right on the canal where you can moor your boat!
What to expect
Because of its sheer size there are plenty of properties to buy at any given time. And depending on what you are after, they can be surprisingly affordable, although note that not all properties include mooring.
In total there are around 5,000 moorings throughout Empuriabrava though but, as you’d expect, properties with moorings are more expensive. Moorings range from 8 metres all the way up to 30 metres with the largest properties. The top end of the market ranges between €1,000,000 and €4,000,000 for a large house with five or more bedrooms, all with a private bathroom.
When you buy a property in the marina you are required to join Empuriabrava Port’s Community of Users. That comes with an annual fee for conservation and maintenance of the port, which varies according to the size of your mooring. Failure to pay promptly can lead to sanctions including having your boat or car impounded!
How much for an Empuriabrava apartment?
At the time of writing (November 2017) a studio apartment can be had for less than €40,000 and even single bedroom apartments can be had for surprisingly little. Currently you’ll find:
- A 46m² penthouse apartment is on the market with an asking price of €135,000.
- And a larger 65m² with 45m² garage and mooring is available for €160,000.
Of course larger apartments and houses cost more, but there are still properties available in Empuriabrava that can be bought for surprisingly small amounts.
Townhouses and villas in Empuriabrava
If you’re looking for something more substantial then a fairly large, three bedroom townhouse with garage but no mooring can be had for €300,000. But for just a little more (€325,000) you an buy a smaller two bedroom house with a terrace and mooring. That may be more important to you than the extra space.
If you’re looking for something with five or more bedrooms then you’re talking at least €500,000. And there is a six bedroom house currently on the market for €750,000.
However, at the top end of the market you can get a large house with private swimming pool and mooring for between €1,000,000 and €4,000,000.
Estate Agents
If you’re looking for property a great place to start is with the two estate agents below.
Engel & Völkers
Leading German estate agent Engel & Völkers offers some of the best Empuriabrava properties available.
Fincas Genoves
Located in the marina, Fincas Genoves specialises in properties in Empuriabrava and the northern Costa Brava.
Personal service
If you’d like someone to screen properties for you, including viewing them on your behalf to create a shortlist for you to see personally, please get in contact. As well as your contact details please provide your specific requirements and budget.
If you have any questions about Empuriabrava property not covered here just leave a comment below and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
