Goodbye villa, hello apartment!

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

80% of properties sold in Spain in 2014 were apartments (General Council of Notaries)
Shops and restaurants now just as important as beach access (Taylor Wimpey España)
Mallorca highlighted as one of world’s top diving spots (La Tienda del Buceo)

The days of the rural holiday villa are numbered, according to Taylor Wimpey España. The leading Spanish homebuilder has been operating in Spain for more than 50 years and over that time has seen second homeowners’ tastes change and evolve.

Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard explains,

“Buyers are much more discerning than they used to be when it comes to property type and location. Remote, isolated villas are falling out of favour as second homeowners’ demands have changed. Nowadays, proximity to shops, restaurants and beach access are the priorities. Buyers want modern conveniences, like apartments that are pre-wired for internet connectivity and decent water pressure for the shower. Rustic charm has had its day in Spain.”

The official figures certainly back up Taylor Wimpey España’s findings. According to a report published this summer by the General Council of Notaries, 80% of the properties that changed hands in 2014 were flats or apartments. Both domestic buyers and those from overseas favour condominium style living when it comes to Spanish real estate.

“We still do have some demand for townhouses,” continues Pritchard, “but apartments are definitely king at the moment. Almost all of our developments now feature a mix of apartments and townhouses, in order to satisfy the shift in demand.”

Costa Beach in Mallorca is an excellent example. The site offers a range of apartments and townhouses, from ground floor homes with private gardens to luxury penthouses. As with all of the homebuilder’s developments, lush communal gardens and a generously sized shared pool perfect the site. The resort is located close to local shops, eateries and golf courses, as well as the idyllic beaches of Port Vell and Costa de los Pinos. Prices start from €242,000.

Buyer numbers are up as confidence in the Spanish property market increases. Prices are projected to rise by 2% by the end of 2015, according to Bankinter, prompting many British buyers in particular to buy while the exchange rate is so good and before prices increase further. The figures say it all: cumulative sales data to July 2015 shows that Taylor Wimpey España’s buyer numbers have jumped by c. 28%.

The sun-drenched island of Mallorca is one of the company’s top selling spots. Popular with British and German buyers, Mallorca offers a host of holiday delights, from stunning scenery to beautiful beaches. It also provides plenty of opportunities for water sports, with La Tienda del Buceo recently highlighting it as one of the top diving spots in the world.

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.

Virginia Water: the village that seeks a kind of Hush

by Charly United Kingdom Barton Wyatt

Estate agent Barton Wyatt and Hush Developments create a dream team for your new home.

The salubrious Surrey village of Virginia Water hit the headlines every year:

2013 – First UK town to hit average property price of £1 million (Zoopla)
2014 – Most expensive road outside of London (Lloyds Bank)
2015 – Zoopla property rich list puts Virginia Water as most expensive postcode outside London

James and Rupert Wyatt, brothers and partners of award winning Virginia Water estate agent, Barton Wyatt, are unsurprised to see their delightful village so often in the news. James comments,

“The recipe we have here is unlike many other places in the UK. Quiet leafy lanes with big private, houses, one for one covenants on the land to stop it being broken into multiple plots and the exclusive Wentworth Club. These three features keep our village at the forefront of the minds of the wealthy when looking for a home in the country.”

The covenants that James speaks of have been influential in keeping the area in such shipshape condition. They mean that every time a house is demolished (which it often is) then a single, even greater house appears in its place. No in filling is allowed on Wentworth’s main island, the most sought after address.

House prices are pushed to their limits on this 1750 acre site, the brainchild of WG Tarrant in (1923) who also designed and built St George’s Hill in Weybridge.

“Houses are fought over for the plots they occupy not for what is currently built on there,” explains James. “It is quite rare that a buyer is looking at the bricks and mortar – they are looking at the plot size and aspect, to the future and what can be created.”

Barton Wyatt, founded 50 years ago, is expert at advising on opportunities and offering advice to buyers on what to look for from a plot on the estate. The brothers have bought, demolished and rebuilt in the village several times and this experience is invaluable to their clients, who are looking to create something unique that has their own stamp on it, rather than build an identikit house available on most high streets.

“Think luxury homes – think a super home,” James says.

When it comes to super homes, Hush Developments is one of the dynamic tailor-made developers available to Barton Wyatt’s clients. Securing the best development spots, Hush then works with individual clients to design some of the most stylish and sophisticated homes available in the UK today.

Ian Hughes, Managing Director of Hush, comments:

“We know that perfection takes time. A Savile Row tailor can require a couple of months to custom-make a suit, while commissioning a super yacht will mean a wait of three to five years. If you want a super home, you are looking at 18-24 months. You will get a house that is designed to your taste with every detail made to measure for the client.

“Imagine a house where you can stipulate basement parking with an access lift, swimming pools and gymnasiums that will make your eyes water with their size and specification, additional kitchens for staff and entertaining… we have been asked to include everything from art rooms to bowling alleys and extravagant bars.”

Barton Wyatt is used to the demands of this type of clientele. Super famous, royal or just plain rich, they are all treated with the same highly professional level of service that ensures that the seller gets the best they can for their home and the buyer is getting the most for their money.

When it comes to Virginia Water almost every client’s expectations are seriously high. For a home that is the dream child of Hush Developments look no further than this envy-inducing mansion:

The Mansion by Hush Developments £30,000,000.00

Design for a contemporary mansion at circa 27000ft.

Ground floor has been designed to include 4 reception rooms, formal and informal dinning, orangery and a palm room. In addition there will be a grand hall and staircase, a security suite and two lifts.

The first floor is designed to accommodate six bedroom suites, one being a grand master and one a master.

The second floor will include a lounge to the Grand Master bedroom suite, an entertaining suite and a business suite. A small swimming pool is planned with a terrace and fire pit.

The lower ground floor comprises a 6 car show garage with access via a lift. Also included is a gymnasium, cinema, wine wall, bowling alley, billiards room and hydra spa. The lower ground floor alone is 6770ft.

Outside the plan includes a large external garage with staff accommodation over, a security lodge and gated entrance.

For entertainment: tennis court, swimming pool, pond and pavilion. The gardens will include a formal garden, sculpture garden and a secret garden.

Barton Wyatt and Hush Developments are also working in partnership on St Georges Hill in Weybridge where March House can be purchased for £8,950,000

March House is a brand new ‘Super Home’ located on a prime 1.1 acre plot in the world famous St George’s Hill gated estate in Weybridge, Surrey. This truly spectacular property offers 817.28 sqm of stunning accommodation and is of a contemporary Mediterranean style that conveys a sense of peace, calm and tranquillity.

A home designed not just for entertaining but also for the family, March House blends both of these qualities into an intoxicating mix of elegance and style. Wonderful living and bedroom accommodation is provided by three spacious reception rooms, a magnificent kitchen/breakfast/dining area, cinema room and five sumptuous bedroom suites. Key features include a bespoke wine wall to be designed and built by award winning furniture designer Ed Johnson and a spectacular two storey entertaining space of 6 metres high.

With leisure facilities including a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and gymnasium, as well as a mature landscaped garden with large terrace to the rear finished in Portland stone, March House is a stunning property that truly deserves the title ‘Super Home’.

For more details on either of these super home contact Rupert Wyatt at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Hush Developments can be contacted on info@hushdevs.co.uk.

More than just hamburgers and hangovers: Today’s students make healthier lifestyle choices

by Charly United Kingdom Collegiate AC

79% of students make an effort to eat healthily (2014 Sodexo University Lifestyle Survey)
Time spent socialising is beneficial to students (NUS)
Additional lifestyle facilities offered by Collegiate AC properties help students keep a balanced lifestyle

Today’s students are viewed through a kaleidoscope of stereotypes with the entire university population often being generalised to fit the typical student cliché. One of the most common images portrayed is that students are reckless young adults who live on a diet of fast food and cheap alcohol. With the latest freshers ready to take their place at university next month, it seems that in reality students now see the importance of a healthier lifestyle and are ready to rebuke the stereotype as just a myth.

The university lifestyle is one that is continually in the spotlight, with terms such as ‘Fresher’s Flu’ becoming increasingly common when highlighting the unhealthy side of student life. However, Sodexo’s 2014 University Lifestyle Survey suggests that a majority of students are conscious of this, with 79% making an effort to eat healthily.

The study goes on to highlight that 74% cook a meal from scratch using only raw ingredients at least once a week, with this figure rising to 83% for students living in private accommodation. A reason for this could be the amenities available to students who rent in private residences, including state of the art kitchen facilities with the space to host a dinner party for fellow students.

Collegiate AC, leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, provides high-tech kitchen appliances to give students the opportunity to cook meals from scratch, with their 333 Bath Street property in Glasgow also benefitting from an exclusive dinner party room to host friends and provide the chance to enjoy good food together.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, explains the advantages of having additional facilities available within a student property that enhance a balanced lifestyle,

“Many of our residents have said that the range of additional facilities available in each of our properties enhances their student experience and provides them with the tools they need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is using the space to experiment in the kitchen, working up a sweat in the gym or letting off steam by exchanging stories in the club lounge, we believe that these aspects are of key importance when managing what is often a stressful time for students.

“This is especially important for today’s freshers, new students who are leaving home for the very first time. Collegiate AC residents can benefit from a Lifestyle Pack which is comprised of products designed to help adjust to student living, including useful kitchen and bathroom utensils. Additional facilities within a property can allow students to create balance in their new university lives, making the transition as easy as possible and setting up for a healthy lifestyle that they will be able to maintain.”

With their strikingly contemporary design, Southampton’s Brunswick Apartments are ideal for today’s modern student lifestyle. The on-site private gym is easily accessible and stocked with the most recent exercise apparatus, available exclusively to residents, offering them the opportunity to use it as often as they would like.

As well as healthy eating and regular exercise, it is important for students to find a balance and allow time for socialising. The National Union of Students advices that socialising is beneficial and can have a positive impact on mental health and overall happiness, however they suggest that it doesn’t always have to involve alcohol, another misconception of student life. The 2014 Sodexo survey highlights that students are listening, with 50% staying in or visiting friend’s accommodation to socialise.

Exeter’s premium student residences, Picture House Apartments, also houses an array of excellent inclusive facilities, including common rooms, an on-site cinema, a private gym and a games room, as well as on-site study and reading rooms. . Whether it’s chatting in the common room or playing pool in the games room, these specifically designated areas are communal spaces in which to see friends and socialise in a relaxed environment.

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

What price an education? Majority prepared to pay up to 25% more to live in close proximity to a school

by Charly United Kingdom Urban.co.uk

95% of buyers and 81% of renters would pay up to 25% more to live in close proximity to a school (Urban.co.uk)
38% of buyers and 42% of renters would take a lesser property to be within desired catchment area (Urban.co.uk)
School catchment area top concern for tenants when choosing rental area (Urban.co.uk)

With the new academic year fast approaching, parents’ minds will be filled with thoughts of uniforms, shopping for stationary and the school run, yet how many will be thinking of moving house?

It is a well established fact that living in close vicinity to a good school can boost house prices but just how much of an effect does being in a certain school catchment area have on house hunters? New data released by the UK’s original online estate agent, Urban.co.uk, reveals some enlightening truths.

Surveying both those looking for property to purchase as well as those looking for a rental home, Urban.co.uk found that an incredible 81% of renters would pay up to 25% more to live in a certain school catchment area. This figure is topped further still by buyers, with 95% of those looking to purchase property rating a school catchment area so highly that they would pay up to a quarter more for the privilege.

The huge draw of living close to a school is further highlighted by the fact that 42% of renters and 38% of buyers would even go as far as to take a lesser property in order to be within their desired catchment area. Whether this is a smaller property, one in a lesser condition or one that perhaps requires more work and in turn a greater amount of money spending on it, this is a prime example of the power of a property near a place of education.

Urban.co.uk also asked those looking to let a property what their key concern would be when choosing a rental location. Interestingly double the number of prospective tenants would put school catchment area (30%) over being in close proximity to a town (15%), with this also ranking significantly higher than the desire to be near to a station (17%).

These results reveal that parents’ needs are widely put on the backburner when compared to those of their children, with people often taking on a far longer commute to be able to ensure that their child has the very best education and shortest journey to school.

With residing close to a school the prominent concern for many, the survey also asked those that were buying a property, whether they would consider renting if they cannot sell their own property. A huge 52% said that they would do so.

Founder of Urban.co.uk, Adam Male, explains why these new findings are significant,

“Quantifying the influence that being in close proximity to a school has on house hunters has been truly eye-opening. The results of the Urban.co.uk survey show that most people would stretch their budget quite considerably, whilst many would also downgrade their property choice, for the sake of a school.

“The results make for particularly interesting reading for those selling a property within a school catchment area. When marketing the property, these findings show that real focus should be given to the location of the property in relation to the nearest school, highlighting the benefits provided as part of the enrolment process and the ease of school run, for example.”

For more information about selling or buying a property online, visit Urban.co.uk or call 0800 6899955.

250% increase in Chinese enquiries: Surge in tourism from China shakes up Istanbul property market

by Charly Turkey Universal21

250% increase in enquiries for Istanbul projects from Chinese buyers this year (Universal21)
50% increase in Chinese tourists to Turkey in past 3 years; on track to reach 300,000 figure this year (Gazi Murat Şen, TÜROFED)
Interest particularly focussed around upmarket district of Beylikdüzü (Universal21)

Known to be popular with Arab buyers, both those looking to capitalise on the city’s investment potential and those looking to purchase their own holiday home, Istanbul is today welcoming a new nation to its expanding property market.

Figures released by leading Istanbul agent Universal21 reveal a huge 250% increase in enquiries from Chinese buyers this year. Paving the way for a shakeup in the market that is currently dominated by Middle Eastern buyers, this could mark a turning point of Turkey’s largest city.

The release of these figures comes at a time when tourism to Turkey, and predominantly Istanbul, is on the rise, with the number of Chinese visitors in particular increasing substantially over recent years. Gazi Murat Şen of the Turkish Hotels Federation (TÜROFED), explains that in the last three years this has been particularly noteworthy when there has been,

“a 50-percent increase… in the number of Chinese tourists. In 2012, 112,000 Chinese tourists traveled to Turkey, increasing to 140,000 in 2013 and 200,000 in 2014.”

With much to appeal to Chinese visitors, from stunning architecture and a rich history to varied gastronomy and a growing luxury retail sector, this looks set to continue at record-breaking levels in Istanbul. Gazi Murat Şen agrees, predicting that numbers of Chinese tourists arriving in Turkey will top the 300,000 figure this year, with the number one tourist destination on track to take a fair slice.

Universal21’s booming enquiry levels from potential buyers from China show that this growth is beginning to impact the region’s property market too. Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21 explains more,

“We have always found that it is buyers from Arab nations that dominate in terms of enquiries into our range of Istanbul projects, but this is now slowly beginning to evolve. Whilst it is easy to assume that Middle Eastern interest will remain at the fore, it is very interesting to see the impact that buyers from China are now having on our enquiry levels.

“Such potential buyers are showing particular interest in our most recently launched projects, situated around the upmarket district of Beylikdüzü, an area on the European side of the city known for its high level of green space and excellent transport links. With this a district that we are concentrating on more and more, we only see this expanding interest as set to continue. We are very proud to welcome this new nation to our satisfied client base.”

One project seeing interest from potential Chinese buyers is Universal21’s Diamond Residence. Located in a quiet, relaxed area of Old Beylikdüzü, whilst still being in close proximity to all amenities and restaurants, the project is just 20 minutes from the main Ataturk international airport. Not only this but also being only a short drive from the beach and a 10 minute walk from the area’s major shopping centre, Marmara Park, make this an ideal location for investors and leisure-buyers alike.

Diamond Residence is comprised of 148 beautifully designed apartments, of both one and two bedrooms, and it also offers an array of excellent and functional facilities. These include 24 hour security, a Vitamin Bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, children’s games room and cinema room.

One bedroom apartments are priced from £57,000 / €78,000, with two bed apartments priced from £98,000 / €132,000

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

Overseas property buyers head north of the border to Albania as Greek housing market falters

by Charly Albania Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa

Greek housing market to decline by 60% during economic crisis (GLP Values)
Albanian economy forecast to grow 3% by end of 2015 (Prime Minister Rama)
5 bed villas available on Albanian coast for third of the price of some Greek islands (Lalzit Bay)

Amidst the deterioration of the Greek economy, GLP Values, a leading real estate advisory firm based in Athens, has predicted that the total decline in the housing market will reach 60%. It would be reasonable to expect that a crisis of this magnitude would generate a negative trend throughout the region, however instead of following suit, has Greece’s economic devastation had the opposite impact on its neighbours?

At the end of July, Albania’s Prime Minister explained that irrespective of what was happening throughout the Balkans as a whole, Albania’s economy was set to continue its positive progression and by the end of 2015 close to 3% growth would be recorded.

In fact the potential of Albania is beginning to be noticed with one local entrepreneur, who wished to remain anonymous, suggesting that the rapid decline in Greece’s desirability with the international market could subsequently lead to other Balkan nations becoming preferable to potential investors, explaining that “now even Albania looks more attractive”.

Once a haven for overseas holiday home owners, potential buyers are now worried about gambling on the Greek property market due to the uncertainty surrounding the economy and the increased cost of living due to the rise in VAT to 23% on the popular islands.

According to a nationwide survey conducted by E-Real Estates, Q1 2015 saw just 1,800 properties sold across Greece in comparison to 15,000 in 2014 and over 165,000 in 2004. This significant drop in sales could suggest that buyers are now looking elsewhere within the region to select a second home.

Situated just north of the border of mainland Greece, Albania has always naturally had many similarities and close ties with its Greek neighbours however, the ‘Land of the Eagle’ is keen to separate itself from any negativity caused by the troubled Greek economy and forge ahead. With tourism levels continuing to rise and steady, positive economic growth, savvy investors are now enquiring after property in Europe’s latest property hotspot, Albania.

Currently estate agency Engel & Volkers estimate that the average price for a five-bedroom villa with a sea view on the Greek island of Rhodes is €1.5 million. Even with property prices within Greece falling considerably, buyers are still able to purchase beautiful beachfront property in the Balkans for much less, with comparable villas in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, Albania’s luxury beachfront resort, available for less than a third of the price – from just €437,000.

Peter Walshe, Sales & Marketing Director, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, comments on the effect of the Greek crisis and how Albania is becoming a worthy alternative,

“With Greece’s economic decline having such a significant impact on its domestic housing market, as well as those watching the second homes market from overseas, there was always going to be an element of concern for its closest neighbours. However we can see from our levels of enquiry that Albania remains resilient and we are confident that it will continue to blossom as a new and exciting market, filled with potential.

“Sharing a coastline, Albania is blessed with beaches just as beautiful as Greece and with both tourists and property buyers alike beginning to focus on other parts of the Balkans, the country is now being recognised for all that it has to offer.”

According to recent data recorded by Eurostat, Albania has one of Europe’s lowest price levels for restaurants and hotels at only 42% of the EU average. Along with neighbouring Macedonia, this ranks as the most competitive in the region, another indication that Albania’s travel and tourism industry is gaining momentum.

French magazine L’Express has listed Albania as third on their top tourist destinations to visit in 2015, emphasising further still this increase in international attention. With Albania stepping out of its neighbour’s shadow and into the international spotlight, potential buyers are looking to capitalise on Europe’s latest must visit destination.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa provides an array of investment and second home opportunities, with properties ranging from one and two bedroom apartments to five and six bedroom luxury freehold villas. Apartments are well designed and generously proportioned, while the villas are the height of luxury, each benefitting from the option of a private pool, with prices ranging from €50,000 for apartments and from €180,000 for villas.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa also boasts an assortment of 5-star amenities including a beach club, tennis courts and a range of shops and eating and drinking facilities, alongside a 24 hour on-call medical service onsite and 24/7 security presence.

For more information, contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Enjoying the great outdoors – making the most of Italy under the autumn sun

by Charly Italy Appassionata

85% of people cite playing outside as one of their greatest childhood memories (National Trust)
Families turn to Italy to enjoy the great outdoors (Appassionata)
From paragliding to snowboarding, Le Marche has it all (Monti Sibillini National Park)

As the seasons turn, rural Italy offers one of Europe’s most attractive holiday destinations. The sunlight loses the ferocity of its mid-summer heat, yet still provides long, warm days that are perfect for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. Plump grapes swell and sweeten on the vine as the harvest approaches, while olives fatten invitingly ready for the winter months. Eating outside is an almost obligatory pleasure and in areas like the Le Marche region the rolling hills and distant, towering mountains look at their best in the autumn sunlight, inspiring painters to grab the nearest canvas and get to work.

For the McCaffrey family, outdoor pursuits were one of the draws that led to them buying a share in a fractional ownership holiday home in Le Marche. Although they actually intended to buy somewhere on the Norfolk coast! It was only a chance meeting with Michael Hobbs of family-run luxury holiday home company Appassionata that led to them falling in love with Italy in the first place. Michael recalls,

“Nick and I met on an endurance motorcycle ride across India for charity that we were both taking part in. With a shared passion for bikes, we kept in touch after the trip and Nick and his wife Frances came to stay us here in Italy a few weeks after we all got home. They knew we ran fractional ownership holiday homes, but none of us had any inkling that the McCaffreys would become our next set of owners – I don’t know who was more surprised, us or them!”

It was the outdoor lifestyle that Nick and Frances were so delighted with upon their first visit to Le Marche. The region benefits from a huge expanse of Adriatic coastline as well as the Sibillini Mountains and National Park. From late summer swims in the clean coastal waters to rocketing down a mountainside on a snowboard, the area offers something to suit every taste and budget. For the McCaffreys, the hiking trails of the Monti Sibillini National Park offer a wonderful way for them to enjoy the great outdoors with their three grown up children.

New research from the National Trust has revealed just how important that outdoor time is. 85% of those surveyed cited playing outside as one of their greatest childhood memories, yet the survey found that 54% of today’s children (aged 7-12) spend less than an hour outside each day. For 25%, outdoor time totalled less than 30 minutes daily, yet their parents spent an average of two hours 34 minute outside each day during their own childhood.

It was consideration of his children that made the fractional ownership model so appealing for Nick McCaffrey, both for now and for the future. Nick explains,

“When it came down to it buying a fraction of Appassionata it was a no brainer. We would realistically only ever spend five weeks in a holiday home and this opportunity is for life and will be handed down in time to my children and grandchildren, a wonderful legacy to leave.”

The latest Appassionata holiday home, the three bedroom, three bathroom townhouse Casa Tre Archi, maximises the opportunities for enjoying outdoor space, with a bijou terrace tucked behind the kitchen, a generously sized first floor terrace off one of the bedrooms and a 50 foot roof terrace at the very top. With elegant loungers and a beautifully canopied gazebo, along with views that stretch for miles around, it offers the perfect outdoor living space for the whole family to enjoy. Even when the first autumn rains arrive to finally break the heat of the summer, it is a delightful place to curl up under cover of the gazebo with a blanket and a hot chocolate, to watch the landscape transform as the rains sweep across it.

The arrival of the winter months sees travellers flock to the Monti Sibillini National Park to try their hand at skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, but autumn in the great outdoors is no less exciting, with horse riding, mountain biking, hang gliding, paragliding and climbing all available to those looking to make the most of their time in the Italian sunshine.

Shares in Casa Tre Archi are available from £75,000 for five weeks’ exclusive use per year.

For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.

Birmingham readies itself for first of two Overseas Property Shows as part of 2015 national tour

by Charly World Ideal Homes Portugal

2015 tour to arrive in Birmingham on 4-6 September
Best FX rate in 8 years means Brits get more for their money overseas
Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to be showcased during bumper 2015 show

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show is soon to arrive in Birmingham for the second show of its 2015 national tour, with a bumper three day event held at the National Motorcycle Museum from 4-6 September. The show is the first of two events in the Birmingham area, presenting properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to UK buyers. It follows on from the 2014 show in the area, which was so successful that this year a second date has been planned.

With sterling enjoying a sustained high against the euro, 2015 is proving an excellent climate in which to purchase property overseas. The pound reached €1.434 in July – it’s highest rate since November 2007. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which will be exhibiting at every show, comments,

“The strength of the pound has served to turn much of Europe into a buyer’s market so far as UK property buyers are concerned. In Portugal, buyers have a wide choice of villas with pools or beachfront apartments, all for the same price as a shabby inner city terrace house in many parts of the UK. Over in Cyprus, the exchange rate means that many property prices are at their lowest rate for a decade. It’s an exciting time to buy overseas.”

The free to attend Overseas Property Show is about more than just buying a home though. It’s also about speaking to those who have lived and worked overseas (as well as bought property there) in order to understand what life is really like when you’re faced with 300+ days of sunshine per year. Many of those who attend the Overseas Property Show do so with a notion of moving overseas one day, either in the near future or when they retire. Speaking to local experts about the benefits of life in the sun, as well as the pitfalls to avoid, can be incredibly useful in informing such plans.

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.

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 4-6 September. From a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, to a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus to a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com. Those who can’t make the first Birmingham show are invited to join the second one instead, at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport on 27-29 November.

“It’s going to be an incredible summer,” concludes Chris White. “UK buyers are eager to know just what their pounds will get them if they buy a property abroad and that is precisely why the Overseas Property Show is here to help.”

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

British second home buyers opt for opulence in Spain

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Spanish luxury market tipped to grow 6% in 2016 (Luxury Spain)
Record numbers of private jets use Palma de Mallorca airport (Enaire)
Tourist spending up 8.4% in Balearics in H1 2015 (Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism)

From designer clothes to high-end properties, Spain’s luxury market is picking up. In fact, Luxury Spain (the national association of the luxury industry) has projected that the sector will grow by 6% over the course of 2016.

For many UK buyers, it is luxury properties that are proving most tempting in Spain right now. According to leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España’s year to date figures for July 2015, one in five customers hails from the UK, making them the largest single nationality buying properties in Spain at present. And when it comes to luxury properties, seafront locations are an absolute must. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard comments,

“Waking up to views of the sea from your bedroom window, sipping fresh Spanish orange juice while breakfasting on your terrace before the heat of the day builds, popping down to the pool for a quick dip to cool off after relaxing in the sun for hours – it’s a luxury lifestyle that many holidaymakers are keen to enjoy and a seafront property is the way to go about it.”

But how to reach such luxury in style? According to Enaire, a record number of private jets and air taxis used the Balearic Island airports of Ibiza International and Palma de Mallorca during 2014, with luxury residential tourism giving rise to the increase.

Both islands offer a selection of opulent coastal homes, such as those at Camp de Mar Beach, Puerto Andratx, Mallorca, which are available from €359,500. The exclusive development is set in the heart of the Golf de Andratx community, with two and three bedroom Mediterranean style townhouses set around a large, modern swimming pool. The beach is a mere 50 metres from the development, while restaurants, cafés and other amenities are all within walking distance.

Puerto Andratx is one of the most desirable areas of Mallorca, offering stunning surroundings and a wealth of entertainment options, from fine dining to water sports. Foreign tourists there – and elsewhere in the Balearics – have very much been embracing the luxury lifestyle this year, with the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism reporting that their expenditure reached €3.75 billion in the first six months of 2015, up 8.4% on the same period last year.

Spain’s mainland also has its fair share of luxury properties by the sea, with the Puerto Banus area attracting wealthy individuals and celebrities in pursuit of luxury in their droves. Just 100 metres from the seafront promenade connecting Puerto Banus to San Pedro de Alcantara, Jade Beach is an exclusive residential complex consisting of 24 stylish homes, complete with swimming pool and landscaped gardens. Prices start at €450,000.

With the foreign exchange rate so favourable to UK buyers at present, Spanish luxury property is becoming increasingly affordable and the market is expected to flourish as more and more second home buyers opt for Iberian opulence.

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.

Bolton chosen to host first 2015 Overseas Property Show as national tour commences

by Charly World Ideal Homes Portugal

2015 tour to kick off in Bolton, 29-31 August
Best FX rate in 8 years means Brits get more for their money overseas
Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to be showcased during bumper 2015 show

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show will kick off its 2015 national tour in Bolton this month, with a bumper three day event held at the Macron Stadium from 29 to 31 August. The show marks the start of a tour that will encompass 12 shows in total, presenting properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to UK buyers.

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 bank holiday weekend. From a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, to a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus to a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

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