Lights. Camera. Alicante!

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

BBC’s The Travel Show has been enjoying the Spanish sunshine in Alicante of late, documenting the rise of holiday home buyers on the Costa Blanca and featuring leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España.

The BBC crew was keen to tap into the local knowledge and expertise that the Taylor Wimpey España team has built up through their five decades of successful property development on the Spanish Costas.

The BBC crew filmed at La Vila Paradis, Taylor Wimpey España’s beautifully landscaped development of apartments and townhouses, with views across Paraíso Beach and the sea. The gated development boasts swimming pools, private parking and communal gardens and is one of the most sought after properties on the Costa Blanca. Prices start at €260,000.

Indeed The Travel Show is the latest in a string of programmes to be filmed in Spain. Andalucía has been in the headlines for hosting the most recent season of Game of Thrones, while Mallorca is currently home to ITV’s Love Island. Spain’s reliable weather and excellent transport infrastructure make it a popular choice for film and TV programme makers.

For The Travel Show, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, was interviewed by presenter Ade Adepitan on the subject of Spain’s resurgence in home sales, particularly on the Costa Blanca. Ade is well known for his spearheading of the London 2012 Olympic/Paralympics and has now turned his hand to travel presenting.

The programme is set to air on 25 July 2015 and is expected to further boost interest in the Costa Blanca and surrounding regions. Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard observes,

“TV travel programmes like this are a great way to promote an area and showcase it to prospective new holiday home owners. The Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s perennially popular sunspots and it’s fantastic to see its success being celebrated once more. It is also great to know that Taylor Wimpey España’s expertise is of sufficient value that our views were sought out as part of the show.

“Developments like La Vila Paradis are built with holiday home owners in mind, so they take account of everything that buyers are looking for. From easy beach access to a good range of local amenities, their location is carefully chosen, while facilities and build quality on site are second to none.”

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.

Spanish property enquiries reach record-breaking levels, Kyero.com reveals

by Charly Spain Kyero.com

Largest English-language Spanish property portal records busiest ever quarter (Kyero.com)
House prices picking up pace in coastal areas (Tinsa)
€50-€100k price band proves most popular (Kyero.com)

Enquiries into Spanish properties have reached record-breaking levels, Spanish property portal Kyero.com can reveal. The portal for international investors, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, has had its busiest ever quarter, with a newly released report unveiling key facts about the current state of the Spanish property market.

Issue 24 of the quarterly Kyero.com Enquiry Report, covering April to June 2015, enables those buying and selling property in Spain to gauge the likely level of market interest in their area and to make an informed choice when it comes to resale potential.

The Q2 2015 report has revealed that properties costing between €50,000 and €100,000 are the most popular at present, accounting for 28% of all enquiries. Bargain Spanish properties have been snapped up by those from overseas as well as by domestic buyers over the past couple of years, following the price tumble triggered by the global financial crisis. However, it seems that this end of the market is tightening up, particularly in coastal areas. Valuations company Tinsa observes,

“A total of 35 resorts have seen price rises between Q1 2014 and Q1 2015.”

The previous year saw just four of those areas register price increases. The upward movement indicates that those seeking properties in the €50,000 to €100,000 range might soon have to up their budget in order to get what they are looking for.

Spain’s coastal areas are some of its most popular with second home buyers looking for a holiday home with easy access to one or more of the country’s fantastic beaches, many of which hold the Blue Flag accolade. Alicante, home of the Costa Blanca, is the most popular province, according to the Kyero.com Q2 2015 Enquiry Report, with 31% of all enquiries focusing on that region. Malaga was the second most popular area, accounting for 15% of total enquiries.

“Spain’s beaches offer some fantastic, family-friendly holidays and many of those buying here want to own a property within a short walk or drive of at least one beach,” comments Kyero.com Founder Martin Dell.

“Apartments are by far the most popular choice, accounting for 39% of all enquiries during the last quarter – a full 10% ahead of villa enquiries. Many families like the idea of owning an apartment that comes with a shared swimming pool that the condominium company maintains. It’s less hassle and expense than owning a villa with its own pool.”

The Kyero.com report also reveals that it is three bedroom properties that command the most interest, with 32% of all enquirers looking for properties of that size. Two bedroom properties came a close second, with 30% of total enquiries.

So it seems the ideal Spanish property is a three bedroom apartment in Alicante, costing between €50,000 and €100,000. Although Tinsa has hinted at the drying up of this end of the market, for now at least buyers can still find their perfect property – Kyero.com has more than 1,500 properties available that meet these criteria!

For further details on properties to rent and buy across Spain, visit www.kyero.com.

Happy Londoners move to green spaces for long-term health benefits

by Charly United Kingdom Quintain

Relocating to a green space improves mental health (University of Exeter)
Quintain to create London’s newest garden square – Elvin Square Gardens
Emerald Gardens provides contemporary apartments in nearly an acre of gardens
Mayor of London looks to ‘lifetime neighbourhoods’ to meet Londoners’ needs

Londoners know that summer in the capital is about being outdoors: taking early morning exercise, long evenings in the parks and weekend picnics and barbecues with friends, making the most of the city’s green spaces. Now it seems that the Mayor’s office is also supporting Londoners’ love of the great outdoors as witnessed in the recent publication of its guidance for planners on meeting the social needs of Londoners.

The Social Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Guidance focuses on ensuring that London has the schools, hospitals and places of worship that its needs for its growing population. But the guidance also considers the wellbeing of Londoners in terms of access to open spaces, with a view to ‘creating places people can live their whole lives.’

It is an ethos that is much in evidence in the massive revitalisation project led by British-developer Quintain in Wembley Park. The North West Village residential development will include the creation of a brand new London square, Elvin Square Gardens, a public space in the heart of urban Wembley for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. It is part of a master plan that is transforming Wembley Park from the home of concerts and sporting events into a destination in which to live in its own right.

But it’s not just the public areas of Wembley Park that are in keeping with the Mayor’s vision of ‘lifetime neighbourhoods.’ The apartments under construction at Emerald Gardens, the current phase of North West Village, are set within almost an acre of tranquil gardens, providing residents with lush green spaces to relax and enjoy year round.

A private courtyard water garden is also incorporated into the progressive layout. The design is rare for a development so close to central London but the inclusion of green space was an essential element as Quintain’s Head of Residential Sales, Paul Hogarth, explains,

“We know how much Londoners love to spend time outdoors so it was clear from the outset that the design of North West Village had to include dedicated green spaces for our residents to enjoy. At Emerald Gardens, we have also ensured that almost every apartment has its own balcony or terrace, for fantastic urban living.

“With Elvin Square Gardens, we have gone one step further and created a new garden square for all those who live in or visit Wembley Park to experience. The design honours the area’s heritage; Wembley Park was well-known as a recreational destination filled with large, green open spaces and tree-lined boulevards, and we have strived to bring this historic identity back to this part of North West London.“

Elisabetta Barone, who purchased a three bedroom apartment in Forum House in Wembley Park in 2009 is delighted with the green spaces available in the area. She remarks on how child-friendly Wembley Park is, with her daughter often playing with the other residents’ children in the gated courtyard in Forum House, as well as the main children’s playground.

Studies have shown that for adults as well as children, access to green space impacts positively on mental health, with the latest research from the University of Exeter Medical School finding that relocating to a greener area in a town or city has an immediate and long-term beneficial effect on an individual’s mental state. Londoners looking to improve their health and wellbeing by moving to a greener area can snap up one of the few remaining apartments at Emerald Gardens for a starting price of £366,000.

For further details, visit http://www.northwestvillage.com/ or call the Savills Sales team on +44 20 3151 8601.

AB Property Marketing appointed to represent original online estate agent, Urban.co.uk

by Charly United Kingdom Urban.co.uk

With 10 years’ experience, Urban.co.uk is the UK’s original online estate agent
co.uk has sold almost £100 million worth of UK property since foundation in 2005
Leading property PR agency ABPM appointed to promote Urban.co.uk’s outstanding service and expertise

Whether its grocery shopping, booking a holiday, paying monthly bills or using Google to resolve the most recent dinner table dispute, the online world has now become an integral part of our daily lives. With everything that is now accessible at the click of a mouse, why not take advantage of it when selling a property?

Although there remains a high street presence within the estate agent industry, their online counterpart is growing in strength with millions of property sales having now been completed via the internet. It has been predicted that by 2020, online estate agency could increase to 50% of the total market. Trusted online estate agent Urban.co.uk has thrived in the industry since its foundation 10 years ago, and over that past decade have facilitated the exchange of over £97,544,743 worth of properties across the country.

Joining forces back in 2005, after being inspired to create a professional, more cost effective and understandable alternative to the high street estate agent, Adam Male and Oliver Atkinson founded Urban.co.uk and pioneered the idea of the online estate agent. Both already successful professionals, they used their expert business knowledge and passion for property to create an innovative and dependable brand which The Sunday Times now rates as one of the top online estate agents in the UK.

Adam Male, Founder of Urban.co.uk, comments,

“Both Oliver and I had realised that there was a gap appearing within the market for estate agents that could offer both flexibility and a more cost efficient process. The online format negates the need for expensive fees, whilst still offering customers as much expert knowledge and advice as required.

“We are extremely proud of the Urban brand and believe that our site will continue to develop and evolve, leading the industry over the next decade. Everyone within our team is highly qualified, with credentials recognised by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), and happy to help with negotiating the best price for your property.”

Now in their 10th year, Urban.co.uk are continuing to provide a 5 star service to customers and build on their established reputation within the market. In order to remain at the forefront, Urban.co.uk have appointed leading property PR agency AB Property Marketing. Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing, comments,

“With Adam and Oliver’s savvy and inventive model, Urban.co.uk has shaped the online estate agency market, successfully creating a service that has been fully embraced by the UK population. We at AB Property Marketing are thrilled to be working with urban.co.uk as they continue to pioneer in the UK’s online housing market with their wealth of experience and expertise.”

Adam Male is available to provide an abundance of expert industry comment in relation to the UK sales and lettings market, including independent statistics, top tips and vendor advice, properties for sale / lease, case studies and interview-led discussions.

To find out more about urban.co.uk and the service they offer, please visit http://www.urban.co.uk

Med Madness! Perfect properties in Europe’s top tourism hotspot

by Charly Albania Cyprus Italy Spain Appassionata, IdealHomesInternational, Kyero.com, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, Taylor Wimpey Espana

1 in 3 tourists goes to the Med (UNWTO)
90% of UK consumers travel to Europe more than they did 10 years ago (European Consumer Network)
Med tourists set to hit 500 million by 2030 (UNWTO)

The soft sands and warm waters of the Mediterranean are known around the world, accounting for one of every three international tourist arrivals globally, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

UNTWO’s research projects that the area will attract more than 500 million visitors annually by 2030, while the European Consumer Network has found that 90% of UK consumers are travelling to Europe more than they did 10 years ago. It makes a holiday home on the Med an attractive investment prospect for those looking to own a second home that can be used for holidays but that also has the potential to generate an income.

The classic Mediterranean destinations are all worthy of consideration when it comes to second home ownership. Italy offers abundant choice, while Spain and Cyprus have large expat communities that make retiring there an easy option for the future. Albania is the rising star of the Med locations, with some excellent properties currently attracting attention.

In Spain, the property market in coastal areas is picking up at a promising pace, as buyers look to take advantage of the bottomed out market before prices rise. Prices on the Mediterranean coast have already risen by 1.5% this year, according to valuation firm Tinsa. Upmarket areas such as Marbella and the surrounding towns are benefitting from the uptick, with new build developments such as Jade Beach, from leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España attracting those looking to own a prestigious property within just 100 meters of the seafront promenade leading to Puerto Banus. Prices start at €450,000.

“Previously owned properties are also selling well along Spain’s lengthy Mediterranean coastline,” confirms Martin Dell, Director of property portal Kyero.com, which offers property sales, holiday rentals and long-term rentals across Spain. “Menorca has some fantastic properties for sale right now, like this four bed, four bath villa with pool for €895,000. It’s the ideal second home for someone looking to own a fabulous holiday property that also has great rental potential.”

Taylor Wimpey España is also keyed in to the potential of the Balearic Islands when it comes to holiday home ownership. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard comments,

“Mallorca is a great play to buy and has everything from key ready apartments at developments like Cala Magrana III to new build seafront houses like those at Cala Magrana Mar. Mallorca has so much to offer in terms of both land and sea-based activities – it is one of the Med’s most enchanting destinations.”

Over in Italy, the Le Marche region’s coastline has been attracting considerable attention. Le Marche is now the area with the third highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Italy and is becoming increasingly known to international visitors for its clean, safe waters and powder-soft sands. Casa Tre Archi, the latest luxury fractional ownership holiday home from family-run company Appassionata, provides the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Italian coastline. Fractions are available from £75,000.

Across the Adriatic Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean) from Italy is Albania, which is rapidly becoming one of the Eastern Med’s most exciting holiday home destinations. The five star luxury Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offers everything from apartments with generous balconies to frontline villas with their own pools, with property reservation available for just €500. As well as the resort’s host of features (landscaped gardens, kids’ club, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, medical centre, shops, library, restaurants and bars), owners can enjoy 300m of prime beach frontage, exclusively for use by Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa residents.

Cyprus is another popular Mediterranean destination for second home ownership, with a wide range of properties to tempt buyers looking for a blend of tasteful style and prime location, whatever their budget. At the higher end of the market, €868,000 is sufficient to purchase a two bedroom, two bathroom semi-detached villa with pool and stunning sea views at the prestigious Aphrodite Hills resort in Pafos. Chris White of Ideal Homes International comments,

“Cyprus is an incredibly popular location on the Med for second home owners. The climate is excellent and the beaches simply fantastic. With several international influences, the island has developed a unique and enticing cuisine and cities such as Pafos have a rich architectural heritage, along with ‘living history’ archaeological sites like the Tombs of the Kings. From quick holidays to longer-term stays, it is a perfect location for those looking to buy property overseas.”

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: www.kyero.com

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa: +44 845 125 8600 or www.lalzitbay.com

Ideal Homes International: +44 1543 326315 or www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk

Tie the knot or buy some bricks? Which would you choose?

by Charly Portugal Spain United Kingdom Ideal Homes Portugal, Property Frontiers, Taylor Wimpey Espana

Average UK wedding now costs £20,983 (You and Your Wedding)
47% of women and 48% of men aged 20 will never marry (The Marriage Foundation)
Average UK first time buyer needs income of £41k, while average wage is £22k (KPMG)

You grow up, get married, buy a house and have 2.4 children. At least that’s how things used to work. These days an increasing number of young (and indeed not so young) couples are having to make a choice between their dream wedding day and their dream of owning their own home.

In the US, the average wedding (excluding the honeymoon) cost $31,213 in 2014 according to the Real Wedding Survey. In Ireland, couples now shell out €19,635 on their big day (Mrs2Be), while in the UK, You and Your Wedding has found that the bill now totals £20,983.

Of course, £20,000 won’t buy you a house in the UK, but it could make all the difference in obtaining a mortgage when used as a deposit. This is the take of the ING International Survey, published in June 2015, which examined whether couples were sacrificing their ‘big day’ in favour of home ownership.

The results speak for themselves: 60% of people across Europe were found to opt for spending on a house rather than on their wedding day. With home ownership becoming an increasingly unattainable goal and the cost of living rising faster than wages, betrothed couples seem to have a pragmatic mindset when it comes to matters of the heart.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, comments,

“The UK has a real problem in terms of lack of housing supply and that is one of the factors that has driven prices up in recent years. It’s meant a fantastic boom for the buy-to-let sector, as young professionals opt to rent in city locations during the early stages of their careers, but the age of first time buyers has gradually been pushed up and up as a side effect.”

Nationally, the average first time buyer in the UK is now 31 years old, according to The Sunday Times Money, while a KPMG report has found that they need an income of £41,000 – almost double the average UK wage of £22,000. With 100% mortgages a distant memory, buyers are increasingly having to choose between a life of wedded bliss and a roof of their own over their heads.

Some are considering a wedding overseas as a way to cut costs, but even in countries such as Spain, where the cost of living is lower than in the UK, nuptials can still be pricey. Bella Wedding reports the cost of a boutique hotel wedding for 60 guests in Spain as €18,000.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“A wedding in the Spanish sunshine is a lovely idea and can be cheaper than getting married in the UK, but many couples are still having to chose between that and using their cash as a deposit. The reality is that pragmatism has to come before romance in many households these days. For couples in Spain, the ING survey showed that 70% would rather spend their money on a house than on their wedding day – higher than the European average of 60% and the UK average of 67%.”

The €18,000 cost of a Spanish wedding would serve well as a deposit on a seafront apartment at a development like La Recoleta III, on the Costa Blanca, or perhaps an exciting renovation project with two houses and land in neighbouring Portugal.

With couples increasingly preferring to opt for property ownership instead of a wedding day, it is understandable that the marriage rate in the UK is falling, though the statistics from The Marriage Foundation that 47% of women and 48% of men aged 20 will never marry really do throw the issue into stark relief. Until the UK starts building homes at a faster rate, it’s a trend that looks set to continue, with the number of cohabiting couples increasing with each generation. Still, at least they will be cohabiting in homes that they own.

For more information please contact:

Property Frontiers: +44 1865 202 700 or www.propertyfrontiers.com

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

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

Insurance tops list of items forgotten by overseas second home buyers

by Charly Portugal Ideal Homes Portugal

Ideal Homes Portugal partners with Abbeygate to ensure home insurance is not forgotten
Portugal prices set to rise 2% in coming year (RICS)
Free home insurance for next 10 Ideal Homes Portugal customers (Abbeygate)

Insurance tops the list of items forgotten by those buying second homes overseas, boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, has revealed. Founding Director Chris White explains,

“Buying a property overseas is a wonderful venture, but is also a process with a lot to remember. Dealing with a foreign country’s paperwork can seem daunting and there are exchange rates and language barriers to throw into the mix as well. It’s an exciting process, but our experience has shown that buyers often forget things that they would undertake as standard in the UK. Purchasing insurance is top of that list.”

Ideal Homes Portugal is keen to make the purchase process as smooth as possible and so has a team of experts on hand to ensure that home buyers have all they need, from guided inspection trips to English-speaking solicitors.

Now, the company has announced a new partnership with Abbeygate Insurance, designed to ensure that buyers have easy access to a respected local insurance company able to provide everything from buildings insurance to holiday home cover.

Peter Sheppard, Director of Abbeygate, comments,

“We are delighted to be working with Ideal Homes Portugal in order that their clients can benefit from our fantastic insurance services and competitive rates. Abbeygate provides peace of mind to those purchasing property in Portugal and we specialize in helping customers from overseas. We have English speaking staff and a newly opened office in Boliqueime in the Algarve.”

To celebrate the partnership, Abbeygate is offering free insurance for one year to the next ten Ideal Homes Portugal customers.

Ideal Homes Portugal offers properties across the length and breadth of the Algarve. They include everything from holiday villas in the popular resort of Monte Gordo in the east, with its huge, golden beach and plentiful restaurants, to commercial opportunities like this lovely ‘home and income’ tourism business in the western town of Aljezur, with its historic hilltop fort. The agency also lists a select number of properties from other popular areas of Portugal, such as the ancient capital city of Lisbon.

The Portuguese property market is enjoying a sustained comeback, with new buyer enquiries increasing every month since August 2013, according to the latest RICS/Ci market report. Prices are projected to rise by 2% over the year ahead, leading many buyers to look at the holiday paradise of the Algarve for their dream second home.

“Portugal is a wonderful place to own property, whether for holidays or as a more permanent residence,” remarks Chris White. “It’s got everything you could wish for – glorious weather, a low cost of living, fabulous beaches and a whole host of cultural and historic attractions. Just remember not to be so wowed by the area that you forget to buy your home insurance!”

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.

US buyers eye up Italian property as the dollar remains strong

by Charly Italy Appassionata

US buyer numbers up in Le Marche (Magic Marche)
Italy comes third on Americans’ European summer vacation list (InsureMyTrip)
67% of buyers so far at Casa Tre Archi in Le Marche are from the US (Appassionata)

US second home buyers are scoping out Europe this summer, with the UK, France and Italy enjoying the lion’s share of their interest. According to InsureMyTrip, the three European countries will be the most popular destinations for travel beyond the US’s borders between June and August 2015.

But it’s not just a vacation for all– an increasing number are looking to pick up a second home while on their travels, at least that’s the case in Italy, according to Jane Smith of local property agency Magic Marche. Jane explains,

“Our enquiry rate for the first half of 2015 is over 20% higher than for the same period in 2014. With a strong US dollar against the Euro, buyers from the USA have increased in numbers. Restored country houses remain the most popular choice but we’ve also seen a growing trend in townhouses, where buyers can enjoy the benefits of having shops, restaurants, cafés and local markets right on their doorstep.”

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run holiday home company Appassionata, is certainly familiar with the increase in US buyers. Her latest luxury fractional ownership home, Casa Tre Archi, has so far attracted keen interest Stateside, with 67% of owners coming from America. Of the six Discovery Trips booked for the coming three months, where interested parties can visit Le Marche and stay in the property, five are families from the US. Dawn comments,

“Italy is a tourist destination enjoyed by visitors from all over the world and many of those hail from the US. Our two countries have ties that span centuries and modern-day Italy still holds many attractions for American visitors. We’ve found that many of those who come here are utterly charmed by Italy’s attributes, from its stunning architecture to its beautiful beaches, as well as the local cuisine and the open, welcoming nature of regions like Le Marche.”

American Deb Gale, who owns a fraction in one of Appassionata’s other properties, Casa Leopardi, describes the area as, “an astonishing combination of land, sea, sun and history, colliding with culture and casual sophistication. You cannot help but love the food, the wine, the restaurants and the markets.”

In line with current market trends, the Appassionata team opted for a townhouse for their third luxury property, having previously restored two fabulous country homes. Dawn explains the decision,

“We chose to go down the urban fractional route in order to offer owners a luxury property that had all the amenities they could wish for within walking distance. Many families prefer to stroll into town to find a restaurant for dinner and enjoy a glass of local wine, without having to decide who will be the designated driver on the way home. Or to let the children head to the local bakery for early morning pastries, while the adults keep a watchful eye on them from the roof terrace. Casa Tre Archi enables all of this and more – it’s the ideal holiday property in the ideal location. We knew it as soon as we first viewed it.”

Fractions 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.

Would you buy a property without knowing its location?

by Charly Spain Kyero.com

14% of buyers want better property details, including location map (Kyero)
95% of property sales in Spain include both the listing and buyer’s agents (Resales Online)
Could buyer verification be the answer to Spain’s listing problems? (Kyero)

The recent customer satisfaction survey from Kyero.com, the portal which lists Spanish property sales, holiday and long-term rentals, raised some interesting points.

Customers showed a great deal of love for the site, with 32% feeling positive about the vast number of properties advertised from a wide range of estate agents, 28% raving about the news, articles and weekly newsletter, 26% loving how easy the site is to use and a further 26% enjoying the market analysis that Kyero.com provides.

However, 14% of those surveyed advised that they wanted to see better property details, photographs and full location information. The figure highlights a key problem with the way that Spanish properties are marketed, as Martin Dell, Director of Kyero, explains,

“When you’re looking to buy a property, the first thing you want to know is where it is. You want to see it on a map and check it out on Google Street View to see what the area is like and what amenities are nearby. It’s a simple concept, but one that the Spanish system has actually turned into a complex issue for estate agents here.

“Exclusive or sole agency contracts are not common in Spain and seldom enforced even if they are in place. This means that as soon as the agent who has gone to the time and expense of photographing and advertising the property pinpoints it on a map, other agents can use that information to list the property, either with or without the owner’s permission.”

It’s easy enough to see why – the agent who copies the listing has to expend very little energy in order to advertise the property and, should they find a buyer, they have the option to either negotiate a commission split with the original listing agent or contact the owner directly. The system is so competitive that research from Resales Online has shown that 95% of property sales involve both a listing agent and a buyer’s agent.

Yet what buyers want is to know where the home they are looking at is actually located, meaning that the vast majority of Spanish property listings are presented in a sub-optimal format. It can be an off-putting and frustrating process for buyers, as the Kyero.com survey has revealed.

So what’s the solution?

“There is no easy answer,” continues Martin Dell, “But one option would be to only allow agents to advertise their own direct properties, like Idealista already does. The problem with this comes down to enforcement though. Another option would be to verify the buyer prior to revealing the location, in the same way that many websites require an email address to verify their account setup process. Of course, a determined agency competitor could always pose as a buyer and get around the verification process, but it would at least be a step in the right direction.”

While Spain works through potential solutions to this problem, buyers will continue to view houses whose locations they can’t quite determine. Thankfully, many properties on Kyero.com include listings with sufficient description to identify at least their general location, if not their specific one, such as this beautiful house in the Gothic quarter of Pals (Girona) or this stunning villa with sea views in the exclusive Altea Hills area in Alicante.

For further details on properties to rent and buy across Spain, visit www.kyero.com.

The only way is Marbs this summer!

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Costa del Sol visitor numbers up 5.1% (Tourism Ministry)
Malaga named as one of the best places in Europe (Lonely Planet)
‘Marbs’ is the place to be and to buy this summer (Taylor Wimpey España)

Spain’s tourist season is already off to a glowing start this year, with 22.5 million visitors between January and May 2015, an increase of 5.1% over 2014, according to the country’s Tourism Ministry. The figure includes a record number of long-distance international visitors, who accounted for 6.5 million of the total, up 6.8% on the previous year’s number.

On the Costa del Sol, 30-40% of hotel beds have already been booked for the coming two months, according to the CEA Andalucian Businesspeoples’ Confederation, hinting that this summer’s tourist season could smash even 2014’s record breaking figures. Deputy Minister for Tourism, Joaquin Albaladejo, comments,

“There is a real sense of optimism, like that of 2014 which ended with record figures.”

Nor is it just hotel beds that are looking promising. In popular coastal areas, property sales are enjoying a significant increase. In Marbella, the Knight Frank Marbella Market Insight report has shown a jump of 89% in sales between 2008 and 2014.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“This summer looks set to be a scorcher across the Spanish Costas so far as property prices are concerned, with the Costa del Sol in particular looking like the place to buy. You can get so much for your money right now in Spain. The market has bottomed out and so buyers can take advantage of both the weak euro and current low prices that are tipped to rise substantially over the medium to long term.”

The inclusion of Malaga in the recently published Lonely Planet best places in Europe 2015 ranking (it came in at number four) has helped to boost the city’s reputation as a top holiday hotspot. The Lonely Planet rating highlighted Malaga’s “sunshine, beaches, seafood and a historic centre crammed with atmospheric alleyways,” as well as its thriving art scene and redeveloped port area.

But for those looking to purchase a Costa del Sol dream home this summer, the only way is ‘Marbs’, confirms Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard,

“Marbella continues to attract considerable attention from those looking for the best Costa del Sol properties,” he comments. “The town is known for its stunning beach, great shopping, buzzing nightlife and excellent eateries – and it is a reputation that is well deserved.”

Jade Beach is one of Marbella’s most exciting new developments. The 24 exclusive apartments, located in Nueva Alcantara, Marbella, are just 100 metres from the seafront promenade connecting the upscale Puerto Banus with San Pedro de Alcantara. The two and three bedroom south-facing properties offer modern Mediterranean style architecture and large terraces, along with a well appointed swimming pool, communal gardens and underground parking. The gated development includes a security checkpoint and a host of handy features like motorised blinds and under-floor heating, perfectly in tune with the demands of those looking to own property in the Marbella area.

Those looking to join the rich and famous in the playground of Marbella this summer can enjoy prices from €450,000 at Jade Beach.