Hotspots Index: Buyers head back to Italy

Hotspots Index: Buyers head back to Italy

by Charly World
  • Rome most searched-for location in the world
  • Interest in France on the up
  • Paris enters Top 10 most popular hotspots for first time
  • Italy neck-and-neck with Portugal

Overseas buyers are heading back to Italy and France, reveals new research from TheMoveChannel.com. The portal’s Q4 2015 Hotspots Index saw Rome remain the most searched-for location in the world in the final months of the year. This is the third consecutive quarter that Rome has held the number one spot.

Italy’s rebound in popularity has been building throughout 2015, thanks to the country’s strong lifestyle appeal, which has been amplified by the weak euro. Favourable exchange rates have fuelled demand for all of Europe’s traditional property hotspots, with Spain and Portugal in particular stealing the limelight. Now, though, the tide may be about to change.

Portugal’s share of searches on TheMoveChannel.com reduced for the first time in Q4 2015, accounting for 11 of the Top 50 locations in the portal’s Hotspots Index. Interest remains high for Portuguese property, with the country accounting for four of the Top 10 locations. Indeed, Ponta Delgada rose 11 places in Q3 2015 to storm into the Top 10. It rose one more place in Q4 2015 to seize the second spot with 1.31 per cent of all location searches. Ericeira (1.21 per cent), though, slipped into fourth place, as Fiji’s Lautoka (1.27 per cent) overtook to take third.

Spain, despite accounting for eight locations in the Top 50 (up from seven in Q3 2015), saw Malaga slide into ninth place with 0.83 per cent. Cyprus and Greece, meanwhile, fell out of the Top 10 altogether, as buyers swapped their economically uncertain markets for old favourites.

Buyers have also returned to France in greater numbers, with the country entering the Top 10 for the first time in Q4 2015. Lyon raced 12 places up the chart to become the sixth most searched-for location (1.06 per cent), followed by Paris, which rocketed 28 places up the chart to become the seventh most popular location (1.02 per cent). Italy completed the Top 10 with another new entrant: Terni, the fifth most popular location in Q4 2015.

“The weak euro has been the defining story of 2015, sending buyers from overseas – particularly the UK and the USA – flooding into Europe’s property markets to snap up available opportunities. While Portugal and Spain have dominated demand for the majority of the year, France and Italy are starting to steal the show, their relatively stable markets stealing house-hunters away from the more uncertain bargain zones of Greece and Cyprus.

“France’s record low mortgage rates mean that real estate in the country is more affordable than it ever has been, especially in comparison to rising UK house prices. You would expect to see Paris in the Top 10 most searched-for locations in the world, so it is revealing that the French capital is now taking its rightful place in the Hotspots Index.

“Italy’s economy underperformed in Q3 2015, with growth reducing from 0.3 per cent to 0.2 per cent, while house price declines are gradually slowing, but the favourable exchange rate has kept the sentiment broadly upbeat among investors. Indeed, the country now accounts for 11 of the Top 50 locations on TheMoveChannel.com, neck-and-neck with previous champion Portugal.”

Click here to see the full Top 50 hotspots on TheMoveChannel.com in Q4 2015.

— ENDS —

 

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

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Ready, set, go! Sporty properties to take the lead in 2016, claims leading Turkish agent

Ready, set, go! Sporty properties to take the lead in 2016, claims leading Turkish agent

by Charly Turkey
  • 2016 will see more buyers choose homes with sporting attributes than ever before (Universal21)
  • Turkish government to focus on growing sports tourism
  • Turkey golf offering expands by 58% in 18 years (‘Turkey The Rising Star of Golf 2015’, KPMG)

“2016 is set to see a growth in demand for Turkish properties with sporting attributes, with more buyers choosing homes with a greater number of added health and leisure benefits than ever before,” says Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21.

A bold claim by the largest property management company in Istanbul, indicating an evolution in the country’s real estate market, but not an unfounded one.

The most recent figures from the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) reveals that 2014 saw more than 550,000 ‘sports tourists’ visiting Turkey, spending on average near-on double that of a standard tourist, a total of over $900 million in 2014. Already an important part of the burgeoning tourism sector, this is an arena that the Turkish government have realised could be a hugely successful area for future growth.

Turkey’s sports tourism currently contributes around 1.5% of the nation’s tourist market, yet with a global worth of $180 billion, Turkey wants to increase their slice of the pie. Head of TÜRSAB, Başaran Ulusoy, explains about the renewed focus,

“The share of sports tourism reaches up to 25 percent in some countries. Turkey needs to increase the share of this sort of tourism”.

One sport in particular is drawing increasing numbers of tourists to Turkey: golf. With the country being referred to as “golf’s rising star” by President of the Turkish Golf Federation, Ahmet Ağaoğlu, and the latest addition to the European Tour calendar, the Turkish Airlines Open, placing the country on the international stage, golf tourism is increasingly big business.

Highlighted in the recently released ‘Turkey The Rising Star of Golf 2015’ report by KPMG, the demand for Turkish golf is seen to be rising, with impressive expansion in both the number of top courses available (an increase of 58% in the past 18 years) and the number of tourists playing them, this looks only set to continue in 2016 and beyond.

Whilst the majority of the current courses are centred around Belek, there are plans to extend the golfing reach throughout Turkey, with the excellent climate and transport links major draws for international golfing interest, according to the report. And with the country increasingly sports-tourism-focussed, this has been confirmed by the global head of sport at KPMG, Andrea Sartori, stating that “golf in Turkey looks to have a very bright future”.

Within this context of the increase in golf and sports tourism in general in Turkey, growing numbers of international visitors are already beginning to see the country as a sporting, fitness and health-centric location, with this predicted, in turn, to be reflected in the property market. Growing numbers are expected to look for a sports-focussed property in the coming year, whether to lay down roots full-time or for use as a holiday home.

Adil Yaman of Universal21, explains,

“It is wonderful to see the growing numbers of people discovering Turkey as a sporting destination, whether it is to enjoy a round of golf at one of our increasing number of internationally-acclaimed courses, watch a football match or make the very most of the stunning climate and swim in a pool or play a round of tennis under the Turkish sun.

“More and more buyers are responding to this move to a sporty lifestyle, and looking to purchase a property that supports this by providing them with additional on-site facilities to enhance a healthy lifestyle. We predict that this will emerge as a key trend for 2016, and are in fact already beginning to witness a growing number of enquiries into those projects with fitness or sports facilities on offer.”

One such project is the newly launched Crest Plaza Residence from Universal21. Situated in Beylikdüzü in Istanbul, the project offers an array of facilities that includes a fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, and health club. Just a 20 minute drive from Ataturk international airport and the new third airport and near to all amenities, Crest Plaza Residence is also close to the beach meaning that those outdoor types can swim in the sea or take a run along the sands.

With the majority of apartments offering balconies, a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments are available, with the additional choice of duplex roof apartments. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or a newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security. One bed apartments are priced from £60,000 / €86,000; 2 bed apartments from £84,000 / €120,000; 3 bed apartments from £141,000 / €202,000.

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

Leading provider expands luxury UK student housing offering with 11 new openings for 2016

Leading provider expands luxury UK student housing offering with 11 new openings for 2016

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Changing student accommodation market sees growing demand for luxury properties
  • Leading provider, Collegiate AC, to launch 11 new projects in 2016 to existing and new cities
  • New facilities to include ‘VIP Bars’ and ‘Sky Lounges’

With the world of higher education changing, so too are the needs of the student demographic, and a major part of this is the sector’s housing landscape. Whilst university ‘digs’ were once the epitome of the dank and dilapidated, today’s birth of the modern student marks a new era that demands a very different property solution.

As the leading provider of luxury student properties in the UK, Collegiate AC boasts the greatest number of well-appointed student properties in the country, and the company’s announcement of a huge expansion to their offering marks a turning point for the industry.

The sizable addition of ten new properties to its already ample portfolio for 2016 reveals a growing demand for high-end student rental properties, expected to continue on an upward trajectory in the New Year.

Indicative of an evolving student accommodation market that is moving more and more towards properties that provide not simply a place to call home, but moreover an enhanced lifestyle, facilities in this new breed of student property support a well-rounded student experience. This extends to study, extra-curricular activities and downtime in equal measures, alongside the addition of ergonomic interiors and beautiful surrounds, making these student properties homes to be proud of.

Collegiate AC are expanding their offering in some of the major university cities that they are already prevalent in – Cardiff, Exeter, Reading, Plymouth, London, Southampton, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow – with new projects launched to answer the impressive demand for their properties that provide ‘Student living. Just better.’ Alongside this, Collegiate AC projects will also be launching for September 2016 in new university cities: Newcastle, Derby, Lincoln and Dundee.

All properties will provide Collegiate AC’s signature blend of excellent facilities and stunning interiors, from on-site gyms to private cinemas, luxury lounges to work rooms, private dining rooms to concierge services, with certain properties even boasting new additions not seen before in Collegiate AC properties. These include the inclusion of a ‘VIP Bar’ in Windsor House in Cardiff and Plummer House in Newcastle, the ‘Sky Lounge’ in Woodside House, Glasgow, and the flexible ‘Social Hub’ space offered by Roman House in Derby.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, expresses their excitement about the year ahead,

“Following on from a tremendous 2015 in which we welcomed more students than ever before to our luxury properties, we are anticipating a successful 2016 with the launch of our new sites. As we welcome in the New Year, we are proud to be at the leading edge of the shake up in the student accommodation market and will continue to aim for the very best with our innovative approach to the sector.”

With demand for the company’s particular brand of student accommodation never higher, Collegiate AC has also opened a new regional office in Bristol which, when combined with a base in Edinburgh and its HQ in Oxfordshire, ensures that they have a practical structure from which to pursue their growth strategy throughout the UK in coming years.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.

British love for Spanish property still burns strong

British love for Spanish property still burns strong

by Charly Spain
  • €24 billion of Spanish property sold in H1 2015 (Ministry of Development)
  • Almost ¼ of all travel to EU countries in 2014 was UK residents flying to Spain (CAA)
  • International buyers accounted for 51.88% of all transactions in Alicante in Q2 2015 (Spanish Registrars)
  • Costa Blanca offers property bargains aplenty for those with less than €100k to spend (Ideal Homes International)

Britain’s love affair with Spanish property took some serious knocks when the market crashed back in 2008/09, but the latest figures show that Brit’s fondness for Spanish homes has far from faded. In fact, British buyers are surging back to locations like the Costa Blanca in droves.

The impact of buyers from overseas in such popular tourist areas is not to be underestimated. According to the latest Alicante market report from Data.kyero.com, median property prices in the area increased by 19.07% in the year to October 2015, with sales to international buyers accounting for 51.88% of transactions (as at Q2 2015).

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

“The British love for Spanish property is definitely still burning strong and locations such as the Costa Blanca are those that benefit the most. The attractions are clear – 320 days of sunshine per year, a huge range of beaches, golf courses and other attractions to choose from, a diet recognised by UNESCO and one of the top 10 healthcare services in the world according to figures from the World Health Organization. And that’s just for starters. It’s easy to see why so many Brits choose to own a second home in Spain, or even to make a new life there, when all this is just a short flight from the UK.”

More than 34 million passengers flew from the UK to Spain in 2014, representing almost a quarter of all travel to EU countries, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. And in early 2015, figures from Rightmove revealed that 48% more Brits were searching for property in Spain than they were a year before.

When it comes to the property market, Spain is enjoying a sustained recovery. Property sales totalled more than €24 billion during H1 2015 based on figures from the Ministry of Development, with transactions up by more than 10% when compared with the same period in 2014.

Brits looking to buy along the Costa Blanca have a wide range of options open to them. Prices in Spain remain below their 2007 peak, meaning there are some real bargains to be found. A three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with roof terrace including built in BBQ in Torrevieja can be picked up for just €96,000. You can even gaze across the rooftops to the sea for that price, with the beach just 100 metres away.

A two bedroom Costa Blanca seafront apartment with communal pool is only a little more, at €128,000. As a frontline property, the views are stunning and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, as well as a weekly market.

These kind of prices are certainly helping to reignite British buyers’ passion for Spanish property. Ideal Homes International’s Chris White concludes,

“UK buyers can get some real bargains in Spain at the moment, though rising prices mean that they may now have to shop around a little more than they did this time last year. However, there are still enough properties on the market at great prices that 2016 looks to be a fantastic year for purchasing Spanish homes, whether on the coast or inland. TINSA has flagged up the Mediterranean coast as one of the main drivers behind recent price growth, with average prices there increasing 3.6% in the year to October.”

From winter sun chasers to those looking for a more permanent residence in Spain, the scene is set for the Costa Blanca to enjoy an exceptional year in 2016.

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.

10 New Year’s resolutions for all traders

10 New Year’s resolutions for all traders

by Charly World
  • Get your work/life/trade balance right
  • Don’t just talk about it – actually diversify
  • Know the economic calendar inside out

With 2015 drawing to a close, many traders are looking ahead to next year in hopes of either replicating their success or starting off with a clean slate. Regardless of their performance these past 12 months, it’s pretty safe to say that the New Year brings with it hopes of a better performance in 2016.

With this in mind, Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easy-forex, has provided 10 New Year’s resolutions that traders of all levels should aspire to in 2016.

  1. Get your work/life/trade balance right

In order to succeed at trading (or anything, really), you need to get your priorities straight. This means setting aside sufficient time for work, life, and in the case of a part-time trader, trading. By making a resolution to spend enough time away from the screen, you are making a commitment to balancing and improving your lifestyle. This will actually help you focus on your trading goals, avoid distraction and maximize your time while you’re actually trading.

  1. Read more

A learned trader is a more informed trader, and being more informed may help you succeed. The only way to become an informed trader is to read more, and then apply what you’ve learnt. This means reading anything and everything related to trading: fundamental analysis, technical analysis, trading books and news headlines are just a few examples. The free to download easy-forex ebook, Top 10 Stock Indices to Trade in 2016, is a great place to start.

  1. Plan every trade

Every single trade you take should be carefully planned. Successful traders don’t trade on a whim. They assess the markets, anticipate upcoming events and monitor the trends to understand a solid entry point. Before you go long or short on anything, ask yourself if you planned your move ahead of time. If the answer is no, stop right there.

  1. Really diversify this time

Every trader knows they need to diversify their portfolio to limit risk exposure, but few actually do it. Take a long hard look at your trades this past year and ask yourself whether you actually invested in more than one or two asset classes. At the end of the day, diversification is to your benefit. Your ability to smooth out risks from your portfolio can often mean the difference between success and failure.

  1. You may trade the economic calendar

We all know that technical trading is the bread and butter of most successful traders, but that doesn’t mean they rely solely on the charts to pick winning trades. Today’s financial markets are more influenced by the economic calendar than at any time in recent memory. Economic data and monetary policy news matter. Your ability to react quickly to news events and predict the outcome may set you up for some positive gains. In 2016, endeavour to start each day by reviewing the economic calendar.

  1. Define your loss limit

What if I told you that successful traders don’t always pick winning trades? This happens more often than you think. The point is, losses are bound to occur in trading. Picking a bad trade isn’t the end of the world if you’ve defined your loss limit. If you’ve failed repeatedly, at some point you may need to stop trading and reassess your strategy. What’s the maximum loss you can absorb? Figure it out. That’s your loss limit.

  1. Try something new

A lot of traders don’t diversify because one or two asset classes are all they know. As a trader, it’s important to dip your hand in different markets from time to time; this will not only help you diversify, but also may capitalize on opportunities provided by other markets. By the end of the year, you should be comfortable trading at least one other asset class. Remember to approach new asset classes very conservatively at first. You may consider trading in a demo account before you put down real money.

  1. Draw trend lines

Being a trader in the digital age is amazing because you have literally dozens of charting tools available at your disposal. Whether you specialize in forex, stocks, commodities, options or any other asset class, there’s free charting software out there for you. Setting up daily charts, drawing trend lines and performing technical analysis should be performed every day.

  1. Identify warning signs

As a trader, you’re actively engaged in trading. You’re not keen on simply cost averaging index funds year after year. You want to participate in the markets and make multiple trades on a daily or weekly basis. In that case, you need to learn to identify the warning signs. Using tools like the MACD may help you identify trend reversals so that you can respond quickly and effectively.

  1. Be profitable

Remember, the purpose of trading is to make money. At the end of 2016, you will have hopefully made more money than you lost. So before you dream about millions, ask yourself whether you’ve broken even in a calendar year, let alone made a handsome profit. Being conscientious about the bottom line will keep you focused and motivated. It’ll also teach you to master your trading psychology. This goal is so simple but so fundamental to trading. Don’t lose sight of it!

For further details visit www.easy-forex.com, email pr@easy-forex.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 understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

The true taste of Spanish Christmas

The true taste of Spanish Christmas

by Charly Spain
  • Spanish spending on gifts is €200, compared to €420 in UK (ING)
  • Turrón recognised as the essential dessert for those spending Christmas in Spain
  • Stylish second homes available from €245k for the ultimate Spanish lifestyle experience (Taylor Wimpey España)

Owning a second home overseas provides the chance to experience a country in a way that just holidaying there rarely does. With your own home you can live, cook, eat, drink and be merry in just the same way as the locals do – something which is impossible from even the largest of hotel rooms.

In Spain, owning a property to spend the Christmas holidays in means feasting in true Spanish style. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“In the UK, Christmas is a much more commercial holiday than it is in Spain. The UK’s emphasis on gift buying is much greater – here it is more about investing time in making intricate meals and spending precious moments with family. It’s a very different kind of holiday season and one that feels really special to experience: it’s less about money and more about family time.”

Figures from ING outline the difference starkly. The median Christmas present spend in the UK is €420. In Spain it is less than half that, at €200.

With such a strong emphasis on food and drink, many of those with a second home in Spain delight in experimenting with local dishes in the kitchen over the holiday season. The feasting begins in earnest on Christmas Eve night – La Noche Buena – when families gather together to dine at length over the course of the evening, often spending hours at the table and finishing past midnight.

Artichokes with clams, garlicky mushrooms, grilled shrimp, garlic soup, clams with salsa verde, roast lamb, roast suckling pig, lobster stew… the list of delicious delights is long and complex. Nor do the Spanish neglect the sweeter side of the culinary spectrum when it comes to Christmas dishes. Polvorones and mantecados are both traditional biscuits, while the teeth-meltingly sweet turrones are made from almond, honey, sugar, egg white and a few other ingredients, depending on the region.

Turrón is perhaps one of the most well-known Spanish Christmas foods. Dating back to at least the 15th century, turrón is an essential Christmas treat in any Spanish household and supermarket shelves are stacked with different varieties at this time of year. In fact Jijona Turrón, which has a soft texture and wonderfully rich, golden colour, has become one of the country’s most typical Christmas desserts.

For those looking to experience the true taste of Spain this Christmas, Taylor Wimpey España is offering a range of homes for sale close to the Turrón heartland of Jijona. La Vila Paradis offers frontline beach apartments and townhouses, priced from €245,000 for two bedrooms. The site enjoys a shared outdoor pool and prettily landscaped gardens. Each property allows direct access to Playa Paraiso Beach in Villajoyosa and is only 20 minutes from central Alicante, 30 minutes from the airport and one hour from Jijona.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Growing numbers of young professionals demand luxury city-centre living in Liverpool

Growing numbers of young professionals demand luxury city-centre living in Liverpool

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Liverpool city centre population increases by 160% in a single decade (Centre for Cities)
  • Prime town and city market prices now 3% above 2007 peak (Knight Frank)
  • New development The Strand Plaza, Liverpool epitomises luxury living for young professionals (Surrenden Invest)

Knight Frank’s latest Prime Country View report highlighted the rise of urban prime in the UK over the past decade. According to the report, prime property values in town and city markets have jumped 26% since 2005, compared to just 7% for rural properties. Whilst rural homes languish at 13% below their 2007 peak, prime city residences have now exceeded their former peak by 3%.

These figures certainly tally with the experiences of those in Liverpool. Centre for Cities has unveiled a report which shows the number of people residing in the city centre more than doubled in the decade to 2011. According to the report, the rise was fuelled by young professionals: more than half of Liverpool city centre’s residents were aged between 22 and 29 by 2011, quite an impressive figure that reveals a new trend in city centre living.

The availability of jobs was the main reason behind the huge rise in those looking to live in the city centre, but that’s not the only attraction of living centrally, as Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of property consultancy Surrenden Invest, explains,

“We’ve seen a real rise in demand for luxury city centre living over the past decade. Young professionals are no longer happy to settle for mediocre accommodation in the suburbs and a tiresome commute to and from work. They want a luxury pad that’s ideally located for work – as well as for accessing the city’s leisure and cultural pursuits during evenings and at the weekend. It’s all about location AND luxury – prime developments need to be well located and offer additional features like concierge services to really pique the interest of contemporary young professionals of today.”

Stephens cites the limited release of apartments at The Strand Plaza, Liverpool, as the perfect example. The building is set within Liverpool’s UNSECO World Heritage waterfront area – a prime city centre location. The striking exterior opens up into well-appointed living spaces designed to target young professionals with a taste for the finer things in life. Apartments come fully furnished and with premium amenities, such as the 24-hour concierge service.

One bedroom apartments at The Strand Plaza cost from £135,000 to £165,000, with two bedrooms priced from £185,000 to £250,000, with 6.5% NET assured return.

Such developments will serve to meet the growing demand for luxury accommodation that cities like Liverpool are experiencing. As the Centre for Cities report observes, the higher cost of properties that provide city centre living is no longer the deterrent that it once was for young people just starting out on the career ladder,

“These people are willing to pay a premium to live there, in order to access the amenities that city centre living offers – being able to walk to work, being near cultural attractions, being near shops and restaurants, and being surrounded by other young, professional, single people.”

While Liverpool’s overall city centre population rose by 160% between 2001 and 2011, its younger residents (aged 22-29) more than quadrupled in number. The dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit of this city-based community is behind Liverpool’s growing reputation as the startup capital for the North, with Santander having opened its first business incubator there in 2014. Liverpool is also home to the SparkUp accelerator programme and Launch22 has opted for Liverpool as well, opening its first incubator outside of London there.

This business and entrepreneurial ethos has spread throughout the city and is based on a solid and rapidly improving financial foundation. According to PwC’s Good Growth for Cities 2014 report, Liverpool saw the largest improvement in income equality and the fourth largest rise in income per head out of any UK city.

With so many bright young things flocking to the city centre to be part of Liverpool’s future, it will be fascinating to see how much better the city performs over the coming years, with all this creative and passionate talent at its disposal, and in turn to witness the ever-growing demand for young luxury city-centre living.

For further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.

Retire to Spain – a new country for a New Year!

Retire to Spain – a new country for a New Year!

by Charly Spain
  • Spain tops list of favourite retirement destinations for over 50s (Retirement Advantage)
  • Regular golf increases life expectancy by 5 years (Karolinska Institutet)
  • The ideal Spanish golf properties from just €155k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Spain is the country of choice for UK citizens approaching their retirement, according to a new survey by Retirement Advantage, with 24% of those questioned listing the country as their favoured European destination when considering a move overseas.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, is familiar with the dream of retiring to Spain – it’s one that prompts many of his clients to purchase the perfect apartment or townhouse, ready to move to fulltime as soon as they’ve thanked their colleagues for their retirement gift. He comments,

“Spain has a lot to offer expats of all ages, but there’s something about the warmth of year-round sunshine that particularly appeals to those approaching retirement age. The comparatively low cost of living that Spain offers is also a draw to those on a limited income, such as a pension. Spain also offers a wealth of pursuits for those with free time on their hands. From solitary strolls along the beach to calm the mind and gently tone the body to social events in the local community, life in Spain can be wonderful for those of retirement age.”

Golf is a popular sport with retirees and Taylor Wimpey España offers the perfect property for those who like spending time on the fairways. Brisas de Alenda Golf, near Elche, provides beautiful, three bedroom townhouses priced from just €155,000. The spacious properties and generously sized communal pool benefit from the tranquillity of the neighbouring golf course, while lively beachfront life is just 15 minutes away, offering those approaching retirement the perfect balance.

The health benefits of golf are well established. According to a study by the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences, a golfer who walks and carries his own bag will burn 721 calories during one round and burning 2,500 calories per week can significantly reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, according to the study. Meanwhile a study conducted by Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet has found that the death rate for golfers is a substantial 40% lower than for other people who are of the same age, gender and socioeconomic status. The figures show that regular golfers can enjoy a five year increase to their life expectancy, compared with non-golfers, making this the perfect pastime for those of retirement age, looking to remain fit and healthy.

For those looking to ditch the UK winter weather immediately and pick up a new property for the New Year, the key-ready homes at La Recoleta III are ideal. Just metres from the beach, the two bedroom apartments are set in immaculate gardens with a lovely outdoor pool. Prices start at €165,000 and those who buy before the end of 2015 can enjoy a full furniture pack at no extra cost.

The offer is perfect for retirees who plan to keep on their home in the UK as a rental property to top up their pension income. They can avoid the hassle and expense of transporting bulky items of furniture to Spain and can instead walk into a tastefully furnished new home that allows them to start the new chapter of their lives in style, while leaving their old furniture to be used by their tenants in the UK.

Marc Pritchard concludes, “From social activities to its wonderful food, Spain is packed with benefits that create a welcoming and cost-effective life for retirees. The fact that it is so close to the UK is also perfect for those looking to make a permanent move, as family and friends are still near enough that regular visits can take place frequently and with minimal cost.”

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda announces groundbreaking of Jakana Heights in Kampala

Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda announces groundbreaking of Jakana Heights in Kampala

by Charly World

The complex is set to offer outstanding accommodation alongside high investor returns, with values predicted to rise by 35% on today’s prices before completion at end of 2017.

The Rt. Hon. Mr Rugunda recently celebrated the groundbreaking for an ambitious and prestigious new apartment development in Buziga, the first of its type for the area which will provide a new lifestyle concept for the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

Marking the launch of the development the Prime Minister recognised the importance of such a development to Kampala’s economic growth and future business success.

The development is a first for Buziga where this type of luxury accommodation has not been available before.  The 76 apartments, including five penthouses and 71 one, two and three bedroomed homes, takes advantage of one of the highest points in Kampala, boasting spectacular views across Lake Victoria.

Jakana Heights affords a landscaped garden setting, extensive leisure facilities including a pool, gym and exclusive clubhouse. Offering a new lifestyle concept, the complex will also provide occupants with high quality business and event facilities alongside on-site shopping for residents.

The design work was commissioned for the international development company ProAfco Developments Ltd by a Ugandan architectural team who envisioned building a complex to meet family life and business life needs all within the one site. The complex combines this lifestyle ambition with quality leisure and social facilities.

Explaining the vision behind the development, Clive Kefford, CEO of ProAfco said,

“The project was specifically designed for the growing Kampala business community and their families as well those living outside Uganda wishing to have a home from home on regular visits or for their future retirement.

“Our research showed a high demand for a new approach to home and business life which was not being catered for in Kampala.  At the heart of making this a possibility was finding the perfect location, one that offered easy access to the city while benefitting from beautiful surroundings and open living.  Jakana Heights provided the perfect spot and the inspiration for our development”.

The property is set on an exceptional site commanding stunning views, landscaped gardens and easy access to the centre of Kampala.  The land was originally owned by Dan Jakana who has partnered with ProAfco to develop the site.  The complex’s name has a double meaning, taking Dan’s family name creating a memorable legacy for his mother and also the name of the well known local bird representing the freedom and natural beauty that has inspired the design and ambition of the development.

The style of the complex has taken elements of African and modern aesthetics as its guiding design principles. Every attention has been paid to detail to provide a comfortable home but with a sophisticated design.

Nearly 20% of the apartments have already been reserved off plan including one of the exclusive penthouses.  Expert predictions rate the home’s value well above the current average market with an expectation that the apartments’ value will rise by at least 35% by the time the property is completed at the end of 2017.  Experts who have valued the development expected yields to range up to 15% on the current prices.  Starting prices for a condo apartment are from $125,000.

Apartments are for sale through Property Frontiers who can be contacted on +44 1865 202 700 or at www.propertyfrontiers.com.

The Spanish housing market in 2016 – Kyero.com explains where, when and why

The Spanish housing market in 2016 – Kyero.com explains where, when and why

by Charly Spain
  • The Spanish property market WILL grow in 2016
  • The British love affair with Spain has officially resumed
  • Alicante and the islands are the safest places to invest
  • Talk of property bubble is grossly premature

The turbulence of the Spanish property market is recognised across the world, yet 2016 is shaping up to be a good year according to Spanish property portal Kyero.com.

The portal, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, and is at the forefront of market sentiment in Spain and has spent months researching data on the property market in the finest detail. The result is the vast data resource data.kyero.com, which launched in late 2015. Based on this data, Kyero.com’s Head of Research Richard Speigal believes it is possible to predict where the market might be headed over the course of the year ahead.

He comments,

“There are some stark variations across Spain’s regions and provinces but as a whole the market looks poised for growth in 2016. The national economy is rebounding and GDP in Spain is currently up 3.4% year-on-year – more than twice the Eurozone average. Spain’s eye-watering unemployment level is also finally coming down, along with the cost of living. More jobs and more purchasing power for Spaniards is a healthy platform for growth.”

Foreign buyers will also play a role in the projected growth. Currently overseas buyers account for around 18% of the Spanish property market, though in some areas this rises considerably – in Alicante half of all buyers are non-Spaniards.

Thanks to their own country’s recovery and a strong pound, UK buyers have resumed their love affair with Spain. Visitor numbers dropped by nearly a quarter from 16.3 million in 2007 to 12.4 million in 2010, but have since climbed back up to an expected 15.5m in 2015, with a still higher number expected in 2016.

So where should Brits look to buy in Spain in 2016?

The Kyero.com team has examined several factors, including healthy domestic demand and a strong base of international investment, to rank Spain’s most promising property hotspots for 2016.

Alicante properties were the clear winner, with the sheer size of the overseas market offsetting domestic worries like unemployment. With half the market made up of international investors and very strong increases in sales volumes, Alicante is a place to feel good about in 2016.

Homes in the Spanish islands also look promising. Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal explains,

“The eastern Canaries – Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote – look particularly strong with a fast improving jobs market, strong growth in lending and very active overseas interest. Twelve months of sunshine is enduringly appealing. Meanwhile international investors love the Balearics and have driven strong sales growth in 2015: foreign investment now accounts for more than 40% of the market. The Balearics also benefit from one of the lowest unemployment rates in Spain, making a happy overall picture for property investment there in 2016.”

Malaga and Murcia complete the top five likely 2016 hotspots, Malaga thanks to high international investment and stead growth in sales, and Murcia due to rising sales, increased domestic lending and overseas buyers accounting for a quarter of the market.

With rises in sales volumes and price increases, talk of a bubble has been inevitable, but such chatter is grossly premature, according to the Kyero.com team. The company cites transaction data from the Spanish notaries and registrars, which provides a more reliable flavour of market activity than headline grabbing price jumps. The latest mortgage data may show a year on year jump of 18.71%, but in the big picture the property market is still at a very low ebb compared to the boom years. Even triple digit rises would still leave the market a long way from the boom and bust experienced during the decade to 2013.

For further details on properties to rent and buy across Spain and full details of the team’s predictions for 2016, visit www.kyero.com. For the latest data on the state of the Spanish property market, visit https://data.kyero.com.