As summers grow hotter and heatwaves become more frequent, choosing a holiday home designed for comfort in extreme heat is crucial. Discover 10 practical features to prioritise when buying property overseas, ensuring your getaway remains cool, comfortable and enjoyable.
It’s only 10am, but already the morning air shimmers with heat and your terrace tiles are hot beneath your feet. The sun is intense enough to drive you indoors or force you to retreat beneath the shade of a parasol. Yet, this warm Mediterranean climate is precisely what draws you here, and with the right planning, even the hottest days can become moments of pleasure and relaxation.
When surveyed, two-thirds of Your Overseas Home readers cited better weather as a key reason for purchasing a second home abroad. But in a world where summers grow hotter each year, your dream escape needs more than beautiful views – it needs practical features to keep the heat at bay. Here’s how to ensure your property stays a cool haven, even as temperatures soar.
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Contents
- Covered roof terrace
- Shaded walls
- Door and window shutters
- Through breeze
- Secure windows
- Air conditioning
- Cellar or basement
- Swimming pool
- Reliable water supply
- Solar panels
- Bonus: outdoor cooling devices
1. Covered roof terrace
A roof terrace is ideal for scenic evening meals or sunset drinks, but without adequate shading, daytime use becomes impossible. Look for sturdy roof coverings, preferably built from reflective materials like white-painted wood or tiles. Avoid temporary gazebos that deteriorate quickly under intense sun and wind.
A robustly covered terrace not only provides a comfortable daytime retreat but also reduces the heat transmitted into rooms directly below, improving overall indoor comfort.
2. Shaded walls
Direct sunlight on your home’s exterior walls creates uncomfortable indoor heat. Houses with thick stone walls or cavity insulation are a good start, but external shading significantly improves indoor temperatures. Mature trees, strategically placed gazebos or covered verandas not only enhance your property’s aesthetic appeal but provide practical cooling benefits.
A shaded veranda doubles as a comfortable outdoor living area – perfect for entertaining or relaxing during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, it protects your interior from direct sun exposure, preventing overheating and damage to furniture and flooring.
3. Door and window shutters
Many Mediterranean homes feature shutters on the windows to keep the heat out
In Mediterranean regions, shutters are an indispensable feature. They protect windows and doors from the sun’s damaging UV rays, extending their lifespan significantly. Shutters also block heat from entering your rooms, maintaining a cooler indoor environment.
Opt for shutters with adjustable vents, allowing you to manage airflow while keeping interiors shaded. Metal shutters add an extra layer of security – especially beneficial for holiday homes left unattended for extended periods.
4. Secure windows
Window bars might not initially seem appealing, but they can be a wise and practical addition. When paired with insect screens, bars allow you to keep windows open at night, inviting cooler breezes into your home without compromising security.
Modern, decorative bars add character to your property, and flower-filled window boxes soften their appearance beautifully.
5. Air conditioning
Though air conditioning systems historically came with high running costs, modern units are incredibly energy efficient. When paired with photovoltaic solar panels, running costs are drastically reduced, making air conditioning a viable, affordable solution even during prolonged heatwaves.
Use your air conditioning strategically, cooling your bedroom briefly before bedtime. This targeted approach keeps your electricity usage manageable, ensuring comfort without significant expense.
6. Through breeze
Large windows might seem like an attractive feature, but in hot climates, smaller windows are more practical, as they help minimise sun exposure. Positioning windows on opposite walls, particularly one facing north, maximises airflow when opened simultaneously, creating a pleasant through breeze.
Enhance this natural ventilation by strategically placing fans near open windows to circulate air efficiently throughout your home.
7. Cellar or basement
A cellar or basement is typically the coolest part of any home during sweltering summers.
While its primary use may be to store wine and other items, consider arranging comfortable seating or a small table amidst your bottles and boxes, to create a refreshing retreat away from the heat above.
8. Swimming pool
Swimming pools provide instant relief from scorching temperatures
Nothing beats taking a dip in a pool on a hot day. If your property doesn’t have space for a large swimming pool or you’re mindful of budget and maintenance, a plunge pool or above-ground option offers the perfect solution. These smaller pools provide affordable relief, are easier to maintain and often require less water.
Alternatively, finding a property that already has a well-maintained pool – large or small – can be a practical choice, saving you both upfront investment and ongoing costs.
9. Reliable water supply
Heatwaves often cause drought conditions, impacting water availability. When viewing properties, always verify the reliability of the water source – be it mains water, wells or delivered storage tanks. Rainwater harvesting systems can be particularly beneficial, offering sustainable water supplies for gardens and outdoor needs.
Additionally, having a sizeable underground or shaded backup tank ensures uninterrupted water availability, giving peace of mind during dry spells.
10. Solar panels
Solar panels have become more popular than ever – especially with rising energy bills. Solar thermal panels are brilliant for heating your water efficiently, cutting down those monthly expenses significantly. Photovoltaic (PV) panels go even further by converting sunlight directly into electricity, helping you become less reliant on the grid. Adding batteries lets you store excess energy for evenings or cloudy days, increasing your self-sufficiency.
It’s worth checking with sellers about who owns the solar system, whether there’s a maintenance agreement in place and if batteries are included, so you can make the most of your savings.
Bonus: outdoor cooling devices
If you’ve found your dream property and it has no obvious cooling features, don’t despair! There are products you can buy to transform your outdoor areas into comfortable retreats even in peak summer heat. Practical outdoor cooling devices like patio misting systems can reduce temperatures by up to 10°C, outdoor ceiling fans are specially designed for open-air use and stylish shade sails offer protection from direct sunlight over large outdoor spaces.
Conclusion
Choosing a holiday home equipped with cooling features ensures you enjoy your property fully, no matter how hot the summer gets. Each addition not only enhances your comfort but also adds substantial value to your property. Keep these tips in mind to confidently select a home that remains enjoyable and practical in even the most intense heatwaves.
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