OPINION: This spring has been much hotter and drier than usual across most of Northern Europe. Because of this unusual weather, some people have put their plans on hold for buying vacation homes in sunny Spain, for now.
But there’s good news! During Covid, we learned that people’s desire to buy homes in Spain doesn’t disappear – it just builds up over time. The Swedes have a saying for this called the “ketchup effect” – like when you shake a ketchup bottle and nothing comes out at first, then suddenly it all pours out at once.
I think real estate agents and home builders should get ready for much more activity later this summer when all these delayed buyers come back to the market.
Key weather data:
- The UK had its warmest and sunniest spring on record. Average temperature was 9.5°C, 1.4°C above normal. Sunshine was up 43%. Rainfall was 40% below normal.
- The Netherlands had over 400 hours of sunshine since March, far above average.
- France, Germany, and Belgium reported record highs in mid-June. Some areas reached nearly 40°C.
- Scandinavia also experienced higher-than-normal spring temperatures.
- March 2025 was the warmest on record across Europe.
Why this matters:
- Warm weather at home reduces urgency to travel.
- Fewer buyers are searching for homes in Spain this spring.
- Many are staying local or postponing trips until later in the year.
- Spring is normally a strong period for early summer planning. That pattern is shifting.
Impact on the Spanish market:
- Fewer enquiries from foreign buyers this spring.
- Less short-term urgency to buy.
