Bagging bargains in Iberia – Holiday homes for under £100k

by Charly World Ideal Homes International

Portugal named top global location to get on the property ladder (Everything Overseas)
First line Spanish golf properties available from €49k (Ideal Homes International)
Homes in swanky Algarve tourist locations affordable for €110k (Ideal Homes Portugal)

The days of holiday homes being the sole domain of Hollywood A-listers and the well-to-do are long gone. With property prices in Spain and Portugal still offering incredible value compared to those in the UK, ownership overseas is more achievable than ever.

Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes International, comments,

“Although Spain and Portugal have seen house prices increasing steadily for some time now, there are a plethora of bargains to be picked up in both countries. Many holiday home buyers are amazed at how much they can get for their money. Clients come to us looking for an apartment with a pool by the sea for under £100k and are delighted with the extensive choice we present them with.”

Spain has more to offer those looking for the very cheapest second homes within easy reach of the UK. Keen golfers looking for a bolthole in the sun will be delighted to find they can pick up a first line Costa Blanca golf bungalow for just €49,000. And buyers who prefer the water over the fairways only need to spend a little more – €55,000 will buy a Costa Blanca apartment with pool just 300m from the beach.

While neither property promises the height of luxury, it can’t be denied that a second home in the Spanish sunshine for under £50,000 is rather tempting!

For buyers with up to £100,000 to spend (around €130,000, according to XE), the choice of properties is extensive. Ideal Homes International currently has 265 listings at or below that price in Spain alone. At the upper end of the price bracket, coming in at €130,000 on the nose, is a brand new, two bedroom townhouse in Torrevieja, in the southern Costa Blanca. Part of a gated community, the house comes fully furnished and enjoys a large private garden and solarium. There’s also a communal pool for cooling down after those long, hot summer days.

Or head to the beautiful expanse of Poniente Beach for spectacular sea views from your living room window, for just €129,800. One bedroom apartments in Edificio Don Miguel Angel come complete with communal swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as enjoying a fantastic location.

In neighbouring Portugal, the choice of properties at or below €130,000 is also extensive. The popular Algarve region is ideal for those looking for easy access from the UK and property prices are so low that Everything Overseas recently crowned Portugal the world’s top place to get on the housing ladder.

In the bustling town of Portimão, just minutes from the stunning beach of Praia do Vau, a top floor apartment with views of the Monchique Mountains can be had for just €115,000. Landscaped gardens with a children’s play area, tennis courts, barbecue facilities and swimming pools provide an excellent setting for this spacious property.

The upscale resort of Vilamoura is also perfectly achievable on a budget, with a generously proportioned and recently remodelled studio apartment with communal pool close to golf and beaches available for €110,000.

“£100k goes a very long way in both Spain and Portugal,” concludes Ideal Homes International’s Chris White. “You can enjoy a choice of location and features for that price, from a swanky studio in a popular tourist location to a two bedroom home somewhere more laid back and authentic. It’s definitely a buyer’s market so far as bagging bargains in Iberia is concerned.”

For further details call Ideal Homes International on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email info@idealhomesinternational.co.uk or visit www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk.

Well, well Wembley – New Year, new home, new you!

by Charly United Kingdom

Just 56% of UK adults engage in moderate (or more intense) physical activity (BHF)
Wembley Park building on sporting heritage with residents’ wellbeing in mind
Last 26 units at Emerald Gardens now released for purchase

At this time of year our national focus shifts to working off all those extra mince pies, Christmas chocolates and New Year glasses of bubbly. Gyms across the country are lining up to entice new customers through their doors to work off the excess pounds produced by the holiday season. But the New Year doesn’t have to mean a new gym membership to add to the pile of unused resolutions from previous Januarys. Instead, smart homebuyers are building their exercise routine into their property demands, as James Saunders, COO of London-based developer Quintain, explains,

“With a wide range of sports and fitness available on site, the Wembley Park area is the epitome of a modern, well designed district for residents who are committed to regular exercise as part of their lifestyle.”

Each building at Wembley Park has been designed with residents’ wellbeing in mind. Emerald Gardens is ideally suited to those who like to work out in the sunshine, with almost an acre of landscaped gardens surrounding the contemporary apartment buildings under construction. It also has its own gym, which is due to open this summer.

With an approach of ‘new home, new you’ for the New Year, Quintain has just released the last 26 units at Emerald Gardens for sale. Buyers can move in within a matter of weeks, with the first completions due as early as April: perfect for owner occupiers wanting to be in their new home this summer.

As an area, Wembley Park is known for its commitment to physical activity. The SSE Arena, Wembley and Wembley Stadium* play host to numerous sporting events year-round. From impact wrestling at the SSE Arena to football and rugby at Wembley Stadium, sports fans area spoiled for choice. Students with a love of sport can even pursue their passion through education at UCFB Wembley, studying sports business and coaching (such as an MA in Sport Management) taught inside Wembley Stadium.

For residents who want to participate in physical activity rather than just watch, Wembley Park has everything from residents’ gyms to swimming pools, dance studios and fitness suites. There is even a set of seven five-a-side all weather football pitches and beautifully landscaped grounds that are ideal for walking and running around. There are also regular classes at Wembley Park’s Yellow Pavilion, including yoga for adults and street dance for children. Attendance is free for the first class, so residents can trial a class to see what takes their fancy.

Running is a popular way in which many residents are seeking to improve their health and maintain fitness levels. Locals can often be seen enjoying the early morning light as they run before work, on their own or in small groups. For those who like to run en masse, a number of organised activities such as the North London Half Marathon, the Asics running club and the Color Run provide a fun and inspiring environment in which to participate.

For runners looking to purchase new kit for the New Year, the prime location of London Designer Outlet is perfect for Wembley Park residents. With a Nike Factory Store, Asics, Adidas, Skechers and so much more, the designer retail outlets ensure that all those who exercise in the area look fabulous while they are doing it, whatever their chosen activity.

The British Heart Foundation’s Physical Activity Statistics 2015 publication reports that just over half of UK adults (56%) engage in moderate (or more intense) physical activity. The impact that a sedentary lifestyle has on health is staggering and highlights the importance of adding fitness features for all ages into new developments. It is one of the factors that has inspired Quintain to make residents’ health such a core component of the design at Wembley Park. It’s about making lifestyle changes easy for residents to embrace as part of their routine. Even the site’s transport network plays a part – with Bond Street, Baker Street, King’s Cross and Marylebone stations all less than 20 minutes away by tube or train, residents can enjoy spending less time commuting and more time honing their fitness regimes.

With sports and fitness available in such abundance, the Wembley Park area is the epitome of modern, well designed home for residents who are committed to improving their wellbeing both through ownership of a fabulous contemporary home and through regular exercise. It’s the perfect blend of new home and new you for the New Year.

Prices at Emerald Gardens start at £305,000. For more information, visit www.northwestvillage.com or call the on-site Savills sales team on +44 20 3151 8601. Viewings of the on-site show apartment will be available from February 2016 for those seeking the first opportunity to visit the site.

* Wembley Stadium is the property of The FA Group and run by Wembley National Stadium Limited, a subsidiary of The Football Association.

A Golden Week for gold, or just for Chinese workers?

by Charly World easyMarkets

Last Golden Week saw China’s gold imports hit 10 month high (Hong Kong Census and Statistics Dept)
Yuan-denominated gold fix could lead to long-term price rally
2016 could be the year for gold market bulls (easyMarkets)

From 9-13 February, the Spring Festival Golden Week will see hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens down tools and enjoy a week’s well-earned holiday, following Chinese New Year on 8 February. To welcome in the year of the monkey, families will enjoy firework displays, feasting and the exchange of gifts.

The economic impact of giving around 770 million people a week off work is staggering. The surge in travel and tourism bookings made by Chinese citizens is rivalled only by that which occurs during the country’s National Day Golden Week, which takes place from 2-7 October. There’s also a sharp rise in the purchase of food, decorations, clothing and gifts.

Gold is one item that benefitted from 2015’s October Golden Week, with net imports from Hong Kong (the main conduit) reaching a ten month high during September, at 97.242 tonnes according to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department.

China’s relationship with gold and its impact on the price of gold is a complex one. Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, explains,

“China’s Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) is the world’s fourth largest for global gold transactions, trading around 75 tonnes per day but the country’s pricing power has struggled to compete with the older institutions of London and New York. The SGE is aiming to change that through the yuan-denominated gold index, which could mark 2016 out as the year for gold market bulls.”

The volatility of Chinese markets has also impacted on the price and popularity of gold over the past year and is likely to continue to do so during 2016. Safe-haven buying demand is a powerful influencer and many analysts are excited about gold’s prospects for the next 12 months.

Of course, demand for gold is about far more than just China. The fall of the other BRIC economies, the global commodities rout and (most recently) the Federal Reserve’s actual and planned incremental interest rate increases have all played their part in gold’s decline from its heady all time high of $1,920 per ounce in September 2011.

Despite so many negative factors, 2016 could mark a turning point for gold. While it remains to be seen whether the current rally is just a short term one, or the start of a longer term trend, it is a rally nonetheless, and investors and analysts are watching gold carefully as Golden Week approaches. 2016 could just be the year that gold begins to shine once more.

For further details visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Risk Warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Please refer to our full risk disclaimer. EF Worldwide Ltd

Sun, sand and school? Bilingual education on the Costa Blanca

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Over 5,000 British children registered in Alicante schools (TES)
Globally there are as many bilingual children as monolingual children
Renowned private bi-lingual school on Brisas de Alenda Golf development (Taylor Wimpey Espana)

According to government estimates, there are just over 1 million Brits currently residing in Spain. However, contrary to popular belief there are an increasing amount of Britain’s younger generation starting a new life under the Spanish sun. More than 5,000 British children are registered in schools in Alicante alone, with TES research showing they make up 15 per cent of all pupils attending state schools in the region.

For the majority of young families, finding the right school for their children to attend can become one of the most difficult and significant tasks to achieve, no doubt made more daunting after a move overseas.

As an expat himself, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Espana, has personally experienced this parental concern but found comfort in the Spanish schooling system. He comments,

“I am delighted with all that my children have achieved whilst at school here in Spain. Moving your family overseas can be extremely overwhelming, but the ability to be confident in the level of education your children will receive in their new home is integral to the decision making process.

“The importance of languages is taught from a very young age and I believe it is a skill that is highly sought after in the global workplace and will therefore create ample opportunities for them in the future.”

It is estimated that globally there are now as many bilingual children as there are monolingual children. The benefits of speaking multiple languages from a young age are still being debated, however, the majority of research seems conclusive that there are definite advantages to a bilingual education.

Research from York University in Toronto found that young bilingual children show more awareness of how language works and have better social interaction skills, ultimately enhancing their future prospects.

This means therefore that a private, bi-lingual school right on the doorstep a new home overseas could be an idyllic situation.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Brisas de Alenda Golf development can offer just that, with the bi-lingual Colegio San Alberto Magno onsite. A pro-European school of formal education, children will be able to participate in every stage of teaching, Early Childhood Education, Elementary, Secondary and High School.

With the belief, ‘Two languages for living, two instruments for learning’, the school emphasises its bilingual status and the positive impact it has, not only on the children’s learning but also on their life outside of education.

Properties start from €155,000+VAT and all the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. The 3-bed properties are split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms, as well as additional outside space, ideal for family living, including a terrace and private garden area.

The terraces are either surrounded by the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains, or the stunning views over the golf course, to which some of the properties have direct access. The beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca are close by and the complex also offers excellent facilities that include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Overseas Property Show has Birmingham in its sights once more for 2016 tour

by Charly World Ideal Homes Portugal

First Birmingham show of 2016 tour to be held on Sat 6^th and Sun 7^th February
Birmingham highlighted as top destination for 2015 show
As seen on SKY TV, MORE4 HD, CH4 and HOME CH

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show is opening its doors to the public once more, as the 2016 UK tour kicks off, following an excellent round of shows in 2015. Birmingham’s Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport has been chosen to host the second show of the 2016 tour, which will take place on Sat 6^th and Sun 7^th February.

The free to attend Overseas Property Show, as seen on SKY TV, MORE4 HD, CH4 and HOME CH, is the opportunity for individuals to explore their dream of home ownership overseas, by talking to property experts from around the world at a convenient local venue. Birmingham was the show’s most-visited city during 2015 and the first 2016 show there looks set to be even bigger and better than those held last year.

The 2016 Overseas Property Show will focus largely on properties from Portugal, Spain and Florida, with a handful of opportunities in countries like Italy and Cyprus thrown in for good measure.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which exhibited at every show last year and plans to do so again this year, comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is a great way to connect with people looking to purchase property overseas. Some are after a second home, others are looking for an investment property and others want to take the plunge and start a new life abroad. Whatever the motive, it’s always a really useful experience for them to have access to experts in overseas property ownership. We’re also on hand to answer lifestyle questions too – anything from the price of milk to local food specialities!”

This expertise is invaluable to many of those looking to find out more about owning a home overseas, as is the broad range of properties on offer. Buyers can enjoy browsing a wide range of beachfront apartments, golf villas, resort villas and country retreats, along with a number of entirely unique homes, such as a renovated windmill in Portugal’s central Algarve.

So whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Birmingham this 6-7 February.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“The 2016 tour is going to be fantastic,” concludes Chris White. “The team is really excited about these bumper shows and we are delighted to be able to reach out to more individuals and enable them to pursue their dream of owning property overseas.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Istanbul’s investment prospects outrank London’s as city is one to watch in 2016

by Charly Turkey Universal21

Istanbul one of the world’s top European cities for investment and development prospects (PwC and the Urban Land Institute)
Istanbul’s potential continues to shine through to investors (Universal21)
Turkey’s economy has become synonymous with stability and success (Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu)

The latest Real Estate report from PwC and the Urban Land Institute ranks Istanbul as one of the top European cities with the best investment prospects. Placed above the capital cities of Edinburgh and London and climbing an impressive six places from last year’s listings, 2016 is set to be another positive year for Istanbul’s housing market.

Despite the recent political uncertainty that could have potentially deterred investment, these most recent findings suggest that Istanbul’s young demographic, coupled with the influx of new-build property, will keep its real estate market at the forefront of many investors’ minds. According to Cushman & Wakefield research, by Q2 of 2015 there were 1.9 million square metres of space under construction in Istanbul, and this increasing demand for property looks set to continue.

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal 21, the largest management company based in the city, is confident in Istanbul’s investment potential and believes that Turkey’s largest city is definitely one to watch for international investors throughout 2016. He comments,

“Istanbul has made significant advances in recent years, especially in relation to its real estate market and its ability to attract overseas investors. Property in Istanbul is still in high demand and I believe investors will be able to see its abundant potential shining through.

“We would expect 2016 to be another successful year for Istanbul’s housing market and PwC and the Urban Land Institute’s latest findings only confirm its place amongst key European cities with the best investment and development prospects.”

Turkey’s Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, recently expressed his own confidence in the country’s future. Writing for The Wall Street Journal, he suggested that “Turkey’s economy has become synonymous with stability and success”, and one that will continue to appeal to both domestic and international investors. Looking towards a positive future, he added “the success of the past decade hasn’t weakened our resolve to go even further”.

Situated in the Beylikdüzü district of Istanbul, the newly launched Crest Plaza Residence from Universal21 offers an ideal investment opportunity for 2016. Just a 20 minute drive from Ataturk international airport, Crest Plaza Residence offer spacious living and benefits from an array of facilities that include a fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, and health club. Prices start from only £60000. With a huge demand for rental properties this is a very attractive step into this market.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

A picture is worth a thousand words – why great photography is essential in selling overseas property

by Charly Portugal Spain World Ideal Homes International, Ideal Homes Portugal, Kyero.com, Taylor Wimpey Espana

The concept of a single image being able to portray a situation or an idea more evocatively than whole paragraphs of text is not a new one. In fact, the old adage that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ dates back to the early 1900s. However, it remains just as relevant today as it was when the expression was coined.

This is particularly true when it comes to selling overseas property. The majority of potential buyers will use the internet to begin the search for their dream home overseas and in a marketplace crowded with information the perfect image can stand out like a beacon, calling to a buyer to find out more. In the same way, a poorly staged image can cause a property to be passed over with little more than half a glance.

“Good photographs are absolutely essential when it comes to selling overseas property,” observes Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. “You need a photographer who can highlight the property’s features, both inside and out. If you build high quality developments, the images need to reflect that quality. Otherwise so much of your hard work is undone. Quite simply, poor imagery can result in fewer sales.”

For Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis apartments on Spain’s Costa Blanca, the photographer needed to capture the light and space that flows through the apartments, as well as the sizeable swimming pool, golf views and sparkling sea in the background. The result was an excellent set of shots that truly represented the luxurious feel of the property.

So what makes a good image when it comes to overseas property? Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, should certainly know. His company lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents. He comments,

“When it comes to property photography I think I’ve seen everything, from the very worst to the very best! Good images can certainly help a property to generate more interest and sell faster, particularly on a portal like Kyero, where buyers are scrolling through lists of potential homes – it will be the one that looks instantly appealing that is likely to capture their interest first.

“The same is true of rental properties, which we also list on Kyero. Those that have the best pictures are usually the ones that are snapped up first. If a landlord has dressed the property nicely – that is, if it’s clean, tidy and well presented – then a few great photos will really bring it to life in the eyes of those viewing it online. They’ll be able to imagine themselves there, which is precisely the point.”

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, concurs.

“It’s all about selling the lifestyle associated with the property through the imagery,” he explains. “Many buyers seek to find at least a handful of properties they like before going to the expense of travelling overseas for a closer inspection. A property that shows its potential and that they can picture themselves in, will be one that sparks buyers’ imagination.”

Chris cites the stunning apartments in Salgados as an example. The private resort enjoys proximity to both beach and golf, with spacious apartments and wide terraces designed around enjoying the outdoor pursuits that the Algarve has to offer. Seven swimming pools and extensive grounds make the resort ideal for families, with an emphasis on health and happiness, which is precisely what the artfully staged photographs convey.

Selling property overseas is about more than selling houses – it’s about promoting a dream lifestyle that individuals can buy into. And for that kind of venture only the very best photography will suffice.

For more information please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Spain continues to reign as tourist favourite with Alicante-Elche Airport celebrating best November in history

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Spain’s tourism industry records third consecutive record year (National Statistics Office)
Alicante-Elche (El Altet) Airport records best November in history with 9.3% increase in passenger numbers
Free furniture pack for all Costa Blanca homes at Brisas de Alenda Golf (Taylor Wimpey España)

A heavyweight in the arena of world tourism, Spain looks set to register 2015 as its third consecutive record year for tourism. According to the most recent statistics released by Spain’s National Statistics Office, the first 11 months of 2015 saw tourist levels reach 64.6 million, an impressive 4.8% increase in comparison to the same period in 2014.

Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria has said that December’s figures are expected to top the 3 million mark, putting the full-year estimate at around 68 million tourists. Leading the way in this growing sector were visitors from the UK with a huge rise of 12.6% in visitor numbers in November alone, when compared with the 2014 figures, and it would seem that, as a stand-out destination, the Costa Blanca is emerging as the latest go to destination.

Alicante-Elche (El Altet) Airport, known as the gateway to the Costa Blanca, has just recorded the best November in its history with 645,520 passengers passing through, a 9.3% increase on the previous year. Aena’s most recent figures show that international traffic of commercial flights also increased by 11% in November, as once again visitors from the UK recorded the highest volumes of passengers.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, who currently has three key developments in the Costa Blanca region, also celebrated a momentous November last year, with 2016 also opening strongly. He explains,

“Our own statistics for November 2015 show a significant 313% increase in reservations compared to those made in the same period in 2014, a very positive growth trajectory with which to close 2015. Not only this, but we have also started the New Year extremely positively in light of this, with many enquiries from those looking for the ideal holiday home for 2016.

“Costa Blanca has always been popular with tourists, however we have certainly noticed a new surge of interest in this region in particular. In recent years the area has been revitalised with an injection of modern developments and an array of facilities to accommodate visitors from all over the world, re-establishing it as the go-to holiday home destination on the Spanish coast.”

The latest report from the World Tourism Organisation shows that Spain attracted approximately 6% of all global tourism in 2015. These figures suggest that this already popular destination is set to remain on the international stage as an established favourite for the foreseeable future, with celebrated regions like the Costa Blanca continuing to provide visitors with the perfect holiday setting.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Brisas de Alenda Golf development is situated in a peaceful area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, in close proximity to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca. Its prime location means it is just 15 minutes from Alicante Airport, ideal for those second home buyers looking to make the very most of their vacation time.

The complex offers excellent facilities that include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant, while a more lively beachfront nightlife is just 15 minutes away. All the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. Each 3-bed property is split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms and 1 additional toilet, as well as a terrace, private garden area and parking space.

Alongside this, key ready properties on the Brisas de Alenda Golf development, which are available from €155,000+VAT for a beautiful 3 bedroom townhouse, currently also offer a free furniture pack. The limited time offer runs until 31^st March 2016 (or sooner if the last remaining properties at this popular development sell out before then).

It means that buyers can enjoy a stylish and tastefully furnished home, without spending a penny more than the purchase price. This is ideal for buyers who want to enjoy their Spanish second home from the outset and not spend their first holiday in it traipsing round furniture stores looking at cushions, when they could be relaxing on the terrace with a cool drink.

Bolton chosen to host first Overseas Property Show of 2016

by Charly World Ideal Homes Portugal

First show of 2016 tour to be held in Bolton on 30 and 31 January
Bumper show to feature properties in Portugal, Spain, Florida and more
2015 tour attracted thousands of would-be holiday home owners

After a hugely successful 2015 UK tour, which welcomed thousands of would-be holiday home owners through the doors over the course of the year, the Overseas Property Show is set to launch its 2016 schedule, with Bolton chosen to host the very first show.

Bolton’s Mercure Bolton Last Drop Village Hotel and Spa has been selected as the venue for the two day show, which will take place on 30 and 31 January 2016. The free to attend show will present local residents with the opportunity to explore their dream of home ownership overseas.

Featuring properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida, the first Overseas Property Show of 2016 will provide attendees with access to information on a huge range of homes, from studio apartments overlooking the sea to colossal villas in prime golf course locations.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which exhibited at every show last year and plans to do so again this year, comments,

“It was fantastic to be part of the Overseas Property Show last year and to support so many individuals to progress their dream of owning a home overseas. I’m delighted to be taking part in the 2016 shows as well – this year is going to be even bigger and better.

“The beauty of the Overseas Property Show is the no-pressure approach. It’s a chance for all those planning or even just vaguely imagining owning a home overseas to come along and find out more about international property ownership. There are experts on hand to speak not just about property, but also about the legal aspects of overseas ownership and what it’s like to actually live in another country.”

This expertise has been invaluable to many of those looking to find out more about owning a second home overseas, buying commercial premises abroad and making the move to live permanently elsewhere as an expat. Even those with no desire to leave the UK can benefit from attending, as rental properties in European hotspots can be an excellent way to generate income and enjoy capital growth over the longer-term.

So whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Bolton this 30-31 January. From a four bedroom villa enjoying panoramic sea and country views in Portugal, to a sun-kissed Costa Blanca townhouse with pool, to a contemporary four bedroom townhouse near to Walt Disney World in Florida, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“It’s going to be a great show to start the year,” concludes Chris White. “The team is really excited about this bumper event and we are delighted to be able to start 2016 by assisting more visitors to pursue their dream of owning property overseas.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Portugal’s world-beating golf courses keep the country’s property market at the top of the table

by Charly Portugal Ideal Homes Portugal

Portugal crowned World’s Best Golf Destination (Wold Golf Awards)
Golf tourism bookings increased for 80% of operators during 2014 (KPMG)
Golf tourism driving luxury property sales in Portugal (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Portugal’s Algarve is blessed not only with stunning beaches and almost year-round sunshine, but also with some of the world’s leading golf courses. In fact, the World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony in late 2015 crowned Portugal the World’s Best Golf Destination for the second year running.

Held over three days, the prestigious ceremony allowed guests to enjoy use of Portugal’s Quinta do Lago golf resort. Known for its stunning courses and immaculate golfing villas, such as this stylish five bed contemporary property with its own pool, Quinta do Lago also benefits from an excellent array of glamorous bars and restaurants and high end boutique stores, as well as a lush natural environment.

Former Dragon’s Den star and keen golfer Duncan Bannatyne is one of those who have opted to take their love of the game seriously by purchasing a golf property in Portugal. Last year he purchased an idyllic five bedroom villa with pool and sea views in the upscale golfing haven of Vale do Lobo. The resort’s proximity to Faro airport, its relaxing atmosphere and the nearby pristine sandy beaches were all influential factors in Bannatyne’s choice of property, as well as Vale do Lobo’s award-winning golf course.

His associate Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes Portugal, comments on the resorts’ enduring popularity,

“Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo epitomise the natural beauty and the challenging nature of Portugal’s many excellent golf courses. It’s one of the country’s most well-known resorts and is a huge draw for golf tourists from around the world. Naturally, property at Quinta do Lago is highly sought after, but there are some fabulous options spread out across the Algarve for those who love the fairways. São Lourenço near Almancil is one of my personal favourites.”

A four bedroom villa with swimming pool and 9,000m² of private grounds in São Lourenço, enjoying views over Laranjal golf course, can be bought for €1,995,000.

Portugal is certainly not alone in benefitting from a rise in golf tourism. According to KPMG’s report on Golf Tourism Growth Trends, 80% of golf tour operators experienced an increase in bookings during 2014. The report highlights the popularity of Portugal and Spain for golf tourism, as well as mentioning the ongoing prominence of well established destinations like the US.

Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White comments,

“The impact of golf tourism on Portugal’s property market is not to be underestimated. We saw a significant growth in demand for golf properties during 2015, with buyers seeking out luxurious residences that are perfectly placed to allow them to enjoy their golfing holidays to the full.

“Nor is it just Portugal that is enjoying this trend – our sister company Ideal Homes International has experienced strong interest from golfers in properties in Spain and Florida over the past 12 months.”

With the pound continuing to hold strong against the euro, both Portugal and Spain offer excellent value for money for holiday home buyers. The booming golf tourism sector is on track to continue driving forward the property market in both countries, as overseas buyers flock to pick up the perfect golf property while the exchange rate means they can get significantly more for their money.

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

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