60 Second Interview: Marc Pritchard, Taylor Wimpey España
What does it say on your business card?
Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España, Spain’s leading house builder that has been constructing homes on the Balearics, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol since 1958.
What has been Taylor Wimpey España’s biggest success so far this year?
It has to be our team selling all 25 properties off plan at Cala Anguila, Porto Cristo, Mallorca which is unheard of in today’s market – nobody has achieved this over the last year. We have also sold 60% off plan at Cala Magrana III, Porto Cristo, Mallorca as of the end of July – another excellent achievement for us in 2012.
Have you got any new developments in the pipeline that we can look forward to?
Yes, regardless of what you might read about Spanish construction, we are looking to start approximately 75 new properties before year end with more to come next year. Our construction rates this year will exceed levels we saw back in 2011!
When it comes to what we have lined up, we have just pre -released Los Arqueros Beach in Marbella. This is the first phase of 24 – three bedroom/ two bathroom apartments in our brand new beach development in San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella which is the first time in 15 years that we are able to offer properties in the Marbella beach area which are within walking distance to all amenities and the beach from just €205,000. We will also be launching another front line development on the Costa Blanca near Alicante this autumn.
In spite of the negativity of late, why should property buyers still look to Spain?
Spain offers the best infrastructure of all possible destinations in Europe with very good flight connections, good healthcare and amazing roads and motorways. It’s a safe destination to come to and the weather is superb. At present, it is a good time to buy as long as the location of the property is good. Do not fall for cheap bank repossessed properties miles away from the coast.
In light of the bailout rumours, is it still safe to buy in Spain?
Of course! Sales are up 11% YTD 29th of July and I am sure the Germans wouldn’t be re-entering the market if it was unsafe.
Who is buying? Has there been a change in demographics?
The German market is certainly a lot stronger this year compared to the last 10 years specifically on Mallorca. Our strongest market is still the British with a market share of around 30% followed by the Germans, Belgians, Russians, Dutch and Scandinavians.
Can you still buy frontline?
Re-sales yes but usually they’re 20 years old and need plenty of work. Taylor Wimpey España will have a new frontline development coming up this autumn in a unique location on the Costa Blanca which will provide a very rare chance to buy a property with direct access to the beach.
With the fall in the euro, what advantage does this offer British buyers?
If you compare the exchange rate today to the beginning of last year, property is roughly 20% cheaper now than it was then for British customers. It makes sense to buy now particularly while property is only at 4% VAT.
For more information on buying in Spain contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.