Sun-drenched Spain steals number 3 spot in latest world tourism rankings

Sun-drenched Spain steals number 3 spot in latest world tourism rankings

by Georgina Spain

Spain announced earlier this week that it had retaken the number three spot in world tourism in 2013, overtaking China by welcoming a record 60.6 million international visitors. The sun drenched Mediterranean country now only stands behind France with 83 million international tourist arrivals and the United States with 67 million according to the World Tourism Organisation.

  • Spain overtakes China to coveted third global position (WTO)
  • Iberian nation welcomed record 60.6 million international visitors in 2013
  • 2013 the best year in terms of sales since 2006 reports Taylor Wimpey España

Indeed, foreign tourist arrivals surged by 5.6% in the year according to the Spanish national statistics group FRONTUR, adding almost 11% to the country’s total GDP and remaining a key driver of economic recovery.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“There are numerous reasons why Spain still ranks top of the list for holidaymakers. For Brits the easy to reach reliable good weather plays a big part, swapping grey clouds for blue skies and the strength of the pound against the euro means that visitors can get more for their money which has no doubt aided the increase in people snapping up attractive deals on hotel accommodation and rental properties.

“We at Taylor Wimpey España have seen this increase of tourists translate directly into the holiday real estate market. 2013 has been the best year in terms of sales since 2006 with both frontline and inland projects performing very well. We currently do not have any stock properties on the Costa del Sol and only 18 in total on Mallorca and the Costa Blanca.

“Whilst this is of course impressive, I do not however think that we have seen a complete turnaround in the market. The fact that Spain has decided to exit its EU bailout is a sign of real progress and a step in the right direction. Indeed if our 2013 sales volumes are anything to go by, 2014 is looking like a very promising year for the Spanish second homes market.”

For those looking to grab a slice of Spanish life, the expert team at Taylor Wimpey España are more than willing to lend a hand offering up an array of high quality properties in popular locations across Spain.

One of the most famous coastlines in Spain, the Costa Blanca attracts millions of visitors each year and is traditionally a favourite destination for foreign buyers drawn to the clear blue waters, miles of golden sandy beaches, quaint villages, sophisticated cafes and restaurants and an abundance of historical, cultural and leisure activities.

Why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in this beautiful region?

The brand new La Vila Paradís apartments enjoy a stunning location in Villajoyosa, on the beachfront with direct access to Paraíso beach. The complex has a pool, private parking and communal gardens. The penthouses include basement parking and storage.

These apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and boast wonderful views over the Paraíso Beach, the sea, the pool and private gardens of the development.

For more information about this exciting new frontline development priced from €259,500 + VAT please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

No pain in Spain as Taylor Wimpey de España records significant increase in foreign sales – but who’s buying in 2014?

No pain in Spain as Taylor Wimpey de España records significant increase in foreign sales – but who’s buying in 2014?

by Georgina Spain

The latest data from Spain’s leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España, suggests that 2013 saw the end of the pain in the Spanish property market with a substantial increase in enquiries by foreign buyers last year compared to 2012.

In addition to an increase in traditional British buyer interest, enquiry levels rose markedly during 2013 with a staggering increase from Middle Eastern buyers topping the list, with Belgians following in second place, and Italian, Swiss and Russian purchasers all showing an increased amount of activity, boosting overall property sales throughout last year illustrating just how broad the appeal of owning a home in Spain is.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España comments:

“Obviously in this current climate we are delighted with the 2013 enquiry rate. Buyers are aware that prices have realigned from 2009 and this is having an impact on purchasing confidence.

“Secondly, buyers from non-EU countries have become more prominent on the Spanish property market throughout the last 12 months, looking to take full advantage of the new golden visa law set to come into play later this year, enabling Spanish residency for purchases of property over €500,000.

“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have already seen a huge influx of Russian and Middle Eastern buyers and we predict an even bigger increase throughout 2014 with the potential of newly affluent Asian buyers following suit as their wealth swells and the Chinese government steps up a three-year campaign to cool home prices. We also expect buyers from those EU countries which have not been so badly hit by the global downturn such as Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark to continue to push Spanish property sales up this year.”

Meeting demand from both EU and non-EU buyers, Taylor Wimpey de España is continuing to release high quality new developments to the market. The Costa Blanca market is proving particularly buoyant at present and is the perfect place in the sun for your dream Spanish getaway.

Indeed, according to data provided by the Spanish Institution of the Government Infrastructure (EIGE), the region continues to lead in home sales to foreigners grabbing 32% of the total sales volume across Spain making the newly released Taylor Wimpey España apartments in the region in high demand.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bathers and take a look before the world descends on Spain!

The Calpesolresidential complex is situated in the small tourist town of Calpe, in a desirable, peaceful spot only 5 minutes from the beach. It consists of properties boasting 3 bedrooms, cloakroom, 2 bathrooms, terrace, private garden and also benefit from outdoor parking, all for just €168,000.

Located one hour from Valencia and 35 minutes from Alicante, these beautiful homes, located in a scenic beach side valley surrounded by mountain landscape, offering various activities such as water sports and golf, are mot to be missed!

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

Only boring people get bored. Kick the retirement blues and become a SunRocker today!

Only boring people get bored. Kick the retirement blues and become a SunRocker today!

by Georgina Spain
The relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented but multiple studies have also revealed an increasingly strong link between social interaction and mental and physical well-being for retirees.
•After just 10 months of retirement, boredom starts to kick in (Skipton Building Society) 
•24% of retirees complain that the British weather affects their desire to get out of the house
•Every Friday is Social Friday at Sun Park Living, Lanzarote 
While socialisation is critical for all people, regardless of age, seniors can be more susceptible to isolation. Upon reaching retirement age, and with children flying the nest, the opportunities for socialisation often decrease but research has indicated that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase feelings of happiness, develop a sense of belonging and beat boredom.
Indeed, according to Skipton Building Society after just 10 months of retirement boredom starts to kick in. The research reveals that more than half of those surveyed (54%) said the retirement glow wore off because they missed the camaraderie they had at work, while 4 in 10 felt they weren´t being mentally stimulated enough at home and 24% complaining that the British weather affected the desire to get out of the house.
Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living, a private gated community resort exclusively for those who are retired and active, located on the year-round sunny and warm Canary Island of Lanzarote, comments,
“As people get older boredom and loneliness can start to creep its way in but it doesn’t have to be that way. Rather than choosing an expensive care home in the UK why not choose a sunshine resort that encourages physical and social activity?
“Here at Sun Park Living we have devised a way of combatting boredom and isolation in your golden years. The joy is that residents, fondly referred to as ‘SunRockers’ can lead an active and independent community life within a permanent holiday environment of like-minded individuals.
“The residents organise their own events and activities whilst staying here. You may find some doing gardening, practising yoga, learning Spanish, painting, singing, dancing, organising BBQs, the list goes on! Everyone here is free to join in, meet new people, learn new things and enjoy their golden years as much or as little as they want. A Summers Village is neither merely a holiday resort, nor a retirement home; it is a unique private ‘village-like’ community within a holiday resort, where friendships and camaraderie develops easily.”
Every Friday between 10:30am and 2:00pm at Sun Park Living is Social Friday, where the expat community of Playa Blanca in the south of the island meet for coffee/tea and socialising. This is also an opportunity for non-residents to explore Sun Park Living, view the accommodation and meet the SunRockers – watch out, their thirst for living life to the full is infectious!
So what are you waiting for? Don’t get bored in Old Blighty! Escape to Lanzarote for some fun in the sun!
The one bedroom self-catering apartments at Sun Park Living are non-smoking and come fully furnished, offering a comfortable and spacious homeaway from home with bathroom, open plan kitchen-diner, living room with sofa bed and large terrace overlooking the beautiful mature gardens and swimming pools.
For more information about being a SunRocker at Sun Park Living visit the website at www.sunparkliving.com or call 0161 408 3360. You can also follow Gil and the team on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.

 

We are family – Italy hailed as top family holiday destination and best holiday home location for 2014

We are family – Italy hailed as top family holiday destination and best holiday home location for 2014

by Georgina Italy

2014 will see the world celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family. It is a time for reflection and refocusing on the importance of family and for understanding how families have developed since the original Year of the Family in 1994.

 

  • 2014 sees 20th anniversary celebrations of International Year of the Family (UN)
  • Italy chosen as one of best family travel destinations for 2014 (Lonely Planet)

With this focus very much in mind, Lonely Planet has recently published its list of the best family travel destinations of 2014, while the Sunday Times has flagged up the most popular countries in which to buy a holiday home. Both lists point to Italy as a destination of choice during 2014, so what is it about the boot-shaped country that so captures the hearts and minds of those who visit it?

For Brits, of course, the weather is an important factor and Italy in this respect offers the best of both worlds, with baking sunshine in the summer and fabulous skiing and snowboarding conditions in the winter. Family holidays can therefore be focused around beach time during the hotter months and around adventure activities in the mountains as the nights begin to draw in.

Food, too, is a huge plus point for Italy in terms of its position as one of the world’s top holiday destinations. Pizza and pasta, along with some of the best ice cream on the planet, are always popular choices with younger family members, as well as with older ones. And in a culture where children are welcomed in restaurants and stay up late as the norm, dining out can be a truly stress-less family occurrence.

For businesswoman Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and her family, Italy’s charms were sufficient to draw them to the country on a more permanent basis. Since moving there in 2007, Dawn and family have set up fractional ownership company Appassionata. Three generations of the family are involved in running the business, though as grandson Lucas is only five his role is currently restricted to directing the other family members during the annual olive harvest at the estate of one of Appassionata’s luxury holiday homes, Casa Leopardi.

Dawn has found that the owners of Appassionata’s properties have found the family element to be key in their decision to purchase through her company. She explains,

“Italians love family and personal service, and that’s very much what we are about at Appassionata. Many of our owners have commented on how nice it is to deal with a real, human company rather than a faceless corporation. They like the personalised approach that our family takes to the business and find it comforting that we are just ten minutes away while they are staying in Italy, so that we are on hand should they need anything.”

Dawn has also discovered just how popular her first two properties, which she and husband Michael restored from tumbledown farm buildings, have been with their owners’ children. Set in an idyllic five acre estate in the rolling countryside of Le Marche, the grounds offer the space for the children to run and play as much as they wish, as well as to involve themselves in the grape, olive and lavender harvesting, should they so desire.

Now with two new properties under development, the Appassionata team is looking to focus on other aspects of family life for their prospective owners. Both of the new properties – the three bedroom townhouse Tre Archi and the five bedroom Palazzo Scarsini – are conveniently located in the delightful medieval town of Petritoli. Surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes, they offer the ultimate convenience for families with children of all ages. From strolls through the piazzas to dining in the evening sunshine on one of the properties’ spectacular terraces, owners can immerse themselves in traditional Italian town life, while still being just 20 minutes from a blue flag beach and 45 minutes from the Sibillini Mountains.

“There’s a lot of positivity in Italy about the housing market beginning to recover this year. At Appassionata, we have just one fraction of Casa Leopardi left for sale (at £195,000), while considerable interest in Tre Archi (£55,000 per fraction) and Palazzo Scarsini (£100,000 per fraction) has already been generated, in advance of restoration works being completed in the spring and summer respectively. All signs point to 2014 being a turning point for Italy’s housing market.”

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Spain destined to feel the heat this year, as second home buyers swoop in on prime locations as prices bottom out

Spain destined to feel the heat this year, as second home buyers swoop in on prime locations as prices bottom out

by Georgina Spain

It´s that time of year again: the return to normal life after a long Christmas break filled with festive madness. The days may be short, grey and cold but there´s no better time of year to plan your escape to sunnier climes.

  • 57.6 million international tourists arrived in Spain from Jan – Nov 2013(Spanish Ministry of Industry)
  • Foreign investors injected over 45 Euros into Spanish economy from Jan-Oct 2013 (Bank of Spain)
  • Taylor Wimpey España predict a strong start to 2014 as foreign investors boost confidence
According to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, from January to the end of November 57.6 million international tourists had arrived Spain, totalling a 5% increase over the same period in 2012 with many making their stay more permanent.
Indeed, data recently published by the Bank of Spain revealed foreign investors added over 45 million euros into the Spanish economy in the first ten months of 2013, showing strong interest in Spain despite the turbulent couple of years the country has recently faced and promoting confidence once again.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish house builder, Taylor Wimpey Espana comments,
“For the past 50 years, we at Taylor Wimpey España have primarily been selling high quality second homes across Spain to buyers from across the globe to find the perfect place in the sun. It’s no wonder  the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are extremely popular, boasting miles of white sandy beaches, great climate and cuisine not to mention prices in both areas starting to bottom out, I truly believe the Spanish property market in prime locations is on track for a great 2014.
“In terms of location, by far the most popular for our buyers is the Costa del Sol. Known globally as a European hotspot for glitz and glamour, it’s still the place to be seen for many and has become a real magnate for savvy Middle Eastern and Russian investors, hoping to take full advantage of the golden visa law set to be imposed this year.”
“Another hotspot for 2014 is definitely Mallorca where, after having very successfully launched 4 new developments, Taylor Wimpey España will launch another 2 new projects early this year. The Costa Blanca is booming too and we are in the process of finalizing another major new development. With several options pending on the Costa del Sol too, the biggest problem across all 3 regions we currently operate in is finding good plots to start developing, as we are running short!”
Notably, in leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com’s enquiry report for Q4 2013 foreign buyers continue to look for bargain properties, focusing their property searches in Spain’s best-known areas, citing Alicante and the Costa Blanca to be the most attractive province for foreign buyers accounting for 31% of all enquiries generated, with Malaga province following in second, attracting almost 14% of enquiries and it’s easy to see why.
So for those property hunters looking for high quality at affordable prices why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer.
The brand new La Vila Paradís apartments, enjoy a stunning location in Villajoyosa, on the beachfront with direct access to Paraíso beach. The complex has a pool, private parking and communal gardens.
These apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and boast wonderful views over the Paraíso Beach, the sea, the pool and private gardens of the development. The ground floor properties also have gardens for those all-important barbeques and entertaining outdoors, all from just €259,500
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit  www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.
Priced-out pensioners escape the grey UK and get away for 2014

Priced-out pensioners escape the grey UK and get away for 2014

by Georgina Spain

A new report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed one in every four retired households across England and Wales are currently renting their home, citing that pensioners living in big cities are being forced to rent because they have been priced out of the property market.

 

  • 1 in 4 retired UK households currently renting their home (ONS)
  • Rise in number of pensioners using equity release to boost income
  • 58% of older people keen to move with 1 in 4 interested in retirement property (Demos)
Indeed, recent years have also seen a rise in the number of pensioners seeking to boost their incomes by unlocking cash from their home using equity release products and looking overseas for alternative accommodation.
According to polling by Demos, a think-tank, 58% of older people are keen to move with one in four interested in the idea of a retirement property, but have few options. Britain has just 106,000 purpose-built owned retirement homes. Most one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats are built for first-time buyers, with little of the storage space and practical adaptations that older people need.
Gil Summers, Co- Founder of Sun Park Living, a private gated community resort exclusively for those who are retired and active, located on the year-round sunny and warm Canary Island of Lanzarote comments,
“Testament to the growing trend of older generations looking abroad for alternative retirement accommodation, Sun Park Living is now fully booked for the 2013/14 winter season. Today’s over 50s are seeking greater value for money, to enjoy the warm weather we have here in Lanzarote every day, in a simple dream retirement property purposely built for their needs, housing stock which is somewhat lacking in the UK.
“Here at Sun Park Living we offer hassle free-accommodation which is rental only. No bills to pay. No maintenance to worry about. No central heating problems. Just an affordable fixed 4 weekly payment with an extremely low cost of living compared to the UK. This enables residents to leave retirement property worries at the door and start living stress-free in their golden years.”
So what are you waiting for? Escape the grey and get away to Sun Park Living today, a “Home from home” for the over 50’s.
Enjoy staying on the ever sunny island of Lanzarote on your own terms, with self-service and self-catering accommodation within an enclosed, self-sufficient community of English speaking 50+ singles and couples.
For more information about Sun Park Living visit the website at www.sunparkliving.com or call 0161 408 3360. You can also follow Gil and the team on Twitter  or Like them on Facebook.

Live la dolce vita in 2014 as Appassionata launch new medieval fractional holiday homes

by Georgina Italy

Italy has long been a popular choice with second home owners looking for a dream holiday home in the sunshine. Now the Rightmove Overseas 2013 Consumer Survey has reconfirmed Italy’s popularity, placing it third in the overall list of second home destinations chosen by respondents. Notably, for American and Australian buyers, Italy was top of the list.

  • Italian commercial real estate cross-border transactions at highest level since 2007 (Real Capital Analytics)
  • Fall in Italian house prices finally slowing (Banca D’Italia)
  • Italy in top three overseas destinations for second home buyers (Rightmove Overseas)

With sunshine, incredible architecture, beautiful coastal areas, delightful mountain scenery and incredible gastronomy, the attractions of Italy are plain to see. For Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, Italy had a place in her heart from the moment she first visited the country. After moving there in 2007, Dawn and her husband Michael Hobbs began restoring a collection of tumbledown farm buildings, lovingly coaxing them back to life as two luxury fractional ownership holiday homes. Dawn comments on Italy’s continuing popularity,

“We have several owners from the UK and they adore the Italian culture and way of life. The pace of things is so different here than it is in the UK. While that can be frustrating when it comes to restoring property, it’s perfect for our owners!

“Michael and I have learned a lot from the first two properties we developed here and they have been a hit with owners from as far afield as South Africa and the US. Now we’ve turned our sights to our next challenge – two urban properties in the fabulous, medieval town of Petritoli.”

With Italian cross-border transactions reported as totalling €2.75 billion from January to early October 2013 – the largest recorded level of overseas investment in Italian commercial real estate since 2007, according to Real Capital Analytics Inc – it seems that Appassionata could not have picked a better time to take on their new projects.

The Banca D’Italia Italian Housing Market Survey (October 2013) also reported positive indications in terms of Italian real estate, with “signs that the fall in prices was slowing in the regions of the North and Centre.” Though still cautionary, the report did observe great optimism across the sector than in previous periods.

For Appassionata, the shift in the housing market has inspired work on their next two renovation projects to begin. The first property, a three bedroom townhouse known as Tre Archi and built into the ancient town walls of Petritoli, offers some fascinating and unique touches, such as the town’s turret wall forming part of the lounge. Unusually for an Italian urban property of this nature, it enjoys outside space in the form of a small rear garden, a terrace off one of the bedrooms and a spectacular roof terrace, with views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Meanwhile, Palazzo Scarsini is a five bedroom, four bathroom urban manor located in Petritoli’s bustling Piazza Giacomo Leopardi. Delightful features abound, such as a fresco ceiling and an upstairs salon. Parts of the property date back to the 14th century.

Thanks to their central locations, both properties are located close to shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and churches, allowing those staying in them to immerse themselves fully into authentic Italian urban life. Yet the properties also benefit from being just a 20 minute drive from a blue flag beach and only 45 minutes from the Sibillini Mountains and national park.

Appassionata are planning to offer both homes as fractional ownership properties – a wise move in light of the news from Rightmove Overseas that 51% of those buying abroad are doing so in order to have a second home. Owners of Tre Archi and Palazzo Scarsini will be able to enjoy their new home for five weeks’ exclusive use per year.

The renovation projects are due for completion in the spring and summer of 2014 respectively. The first two shares of Tre Archi will be available at the special price of £55,000 each, while the first two shares of Palazzo Scarsini will be £100,000 each.

With two new properties for the New Year, and the Italian real estate market showing signs of a positive shift, it looks like 2014 will be an exciting year for the Appassionata team!

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

New Year, new you – smart investors combine New Year’s resolutions with luxury spa breaks

by Georgina Italy

After the feasting and merriment of the Christmas break, people all over the world are buckling down to their New Year’s resolutions as of 1 January. Sadly, the statistics are not encouraging. While plans to get fit and lose weight regularly top the list of resolutions made, allabouthealth.org.uk found that only 25% of those they surveyed were confident of maintaining their resolve throughout January.

  • Only 8% of New Year’s resolutions are achieved (Betterment.com)
  • 60% of gym memberships go unused (Time Magazine)
  • Wellness tourism set to grow 9.9% annually (SRI International)

The same survey found that seven out of ten respondents in 2012 had joined a gym in an attempt at physical improvement, yet according to Time Magazine an incredible 60% of those gym memberships were likely to go unused. By mid-February, gym attendance would be back to normal levels.

The figures from Betterment.com, which look at New Year’s resolutions in the US, outline the situation even more starkly. While 45% of Americans regularly make New Year’s resolutions, only 8% of them actually achieve their intended goals, with 25% of people not even making it past the first week.

Rather than facing the annual cycle of goals, failure and guilt once again, smart customers are taking a different approach this New Year. Global wellness tourism is on the increase, with growth of 9.9% annually predicted over the next five years, according to the SRI International Report presented at the 2013 Global Wellness Tourism Congress. An increasing number of travellers are ditching the gym membership cliché and instead booking themselves a break to heal their bodies and minds in one go with a delightfully luxurious spa holiday. Those in the know are even taking it one step further, with a New Year investment in their own personal spa retreat.

The award-winning Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay Beach Resort in Grenada are the perfect example. Offered for investment through Property Frontiers, the 5* sea view hotel suites are available at 25% below the independent real estate valuation price, with 10.5% average projected NET yield per annum. For those looking to combine their investment with their New Year’s desire to improve their wellbeing, the suites also offer four weeks’ personal usage (one in high season). Property Frontiers’ Chief Executive Ray Withers comments,

“Bacolet Bay is the perfect combination of financial good sense and personal luxury. Our investors get more than just a property investment – they get to spend four weeks immersed in the luxury of one of the Caribbean’s leading beach resorts, and all from just £248,500.”

Those looking to put their New Year’s good intentions to work a little closer to home would do well to look to Albania during 2014. As one of the most exciting emerging investment markets in Europe, Albania has been attracting considerable attention of late, thanks to developments like the exclusive Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa.

With apartments, villas and hotel room investments all available, the resort offers considerable choice for investors. Property can be reserved for just €500, while the offer of a 2 year 6% pa rental guarantee or – for lifestyle buyers – a free Fiat Punto when they complete on a property purchase has been extremely well received. The resort’s spa is “a unique destination created to inspire, nourish, and guide guests on a journey to find their personal energy.” Combined with the state of the art health club facilities, including fully equipped gym and heated indoor swimming pool, it makes Lalzit Bay the perfect choice for those looking to blend their investment with their wellbeing-related New Year intentions. Hotel room investments at the resort include four weeks’ personal use allowance per year, while villa owners can take advantage of the facilities year-round.

Just across the Adriatic Sea in Italy, fractional ownership company Appassionata has found that those investing in its lifestyle holiday homes have enjoyed taking full advantage of the nearby spa facilities. Owners of Appassionata’s five bedroom, five bathroom Casa Leopardi regularly enjoy soaking in the famous thermal waters of the nearby Sarnano spa, or the hot mineral pools at Acquasanta Terme. Those looking for ultimate pampering also visit the beautician in the nearby hilltop town of Montefiore dell´Aso, who is renowned for her full body massages.

Casa Leopardi’s owners are entitled to five weeks’ exclusive use of the property per year, along with a share in the produce from the estate’s olive groves, truffle orchard, lavender plantation and vineyards, all for just £195,000. This year, the vineyards are set to produce enough wine that each owner will receive 160 bottles, after which they will no doubt need to cleanse their bodies and minds via the local spas!

As the international wellness tourism sector continues to expand, it seems that more and more people are looking to combine their good New Year intentions with smart investment choices, benefiting their bank balances as well as their bodies.

For more information on any of the featured properties, please contact:

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

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa: call +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Appassionata: call +39 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com

Investors pursue senior housing as The Villages Group – Rainbow offer alternative to lack of supply

by Georgina France
The UK’s senior population is forecast to rise by 9.6 million in 25 years according to the Office of National Statistics with demand for age specific accommodation, in particular for the mature LGBT community, swamping what little stock is currently being offered.
With this imbalance in mind, developers and investors alike are beginning to prick up their ears, not just in the UK but across Europe, as The Villages Group – Rainbow was given the green light to build Europe’s first active gay retirement village in France this August, opening the floodgates for eager retirees looking for housing to suit their needs.
Indeed, results from a fourth-quarter survey conducted by National Real Estate Investor and Senior Housing Global Advisors Inc. show that industry players expect developers to add more retirement accommodation projects to the pipeline in 2014.
Danny Silver, Founding Director of , Europe’s first active retirement village for the LGBT community nestled in the heart of south west France comments,
“The British over 50’s LGBT market provides a great opportunity for growth and it is important that their demands for housing are recognised. With people now living longer and healthier lives most entering their ‘third age’ can expect to live well into their late 80s which means that considerable strain will be placed on the UK housing stock.”
With more and more retirees looking to jump ship and look overseas for a retirement property, France remains a popular destination affording a wonderfully warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural beauty and easy access to the UK. According to the Rightmove Overseas Consumer Survey 2013, retirees continue to dominate the market with France ranked as the number one country to purchase a second home.
Silver continues,
“With these compelling reasons in mind, we chose France as the location for The Villages Group – Rainbow active living resorts. Providing a lifestyle that will best reflect the interests of its residents, the 50+ LBGT village community will allow residents to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world (HSBC’S Expat Explorer 2013).”
The Villages Group – Rainbow in France offers a range of amenities and services suitable for those in their active ‘third age’. There will be plenty of engaging on-site entertainment choices for a fulfilling active social life as well as numerous options for physical fitness and well-being including tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and saunas.
These one level, eco-friendly village properties are proving to be a great success offering a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50´s LGBT community seeking the perfect property abroad from just €236,000. Construction starts in January?
For more information please contact The Villages Group – Rainbow on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit .

It’s Friday 13th! Will the New Year be lucky for Spanish property?Taylor Wimpey España forecast a positive outlook for 2014

by Georgina Spain

A growing number of experts believe that the Spanish property market is showing signs of recovery following the well documented economic crash which plagued numerous global property markets. With a brand new year ahead we ask leading Spanish house builders, Taylor Wimpey España, for their insights into the future of Spanish property in 2014.

With years of experience in building some of Spain’s most highly regarded properties, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey España suggests that the Spanish market will move in a positive direction in 2014, highlighting a number of aspects that will aid Spain’s recovery.

Sale prices in Spain for quality properties in prime locations could be nearing the end of their fall according to several reports released in recent weeks. Indeed, the Ministry of Development reported that during Q3 2013, homes recorded their lowest drop since 2010 – even becoming more expensive in several regions. Pritchard indicates that this trend will continue into 2014 while properties in less popular inland locations which have reduced infrastructure or no views will drop further in price.
Indeed, the perception that the housing market is nearing the end of its adjustment is gaining in popularity. According to the Consumer Confidence Indicator for November, prepared by the Centre for Sociological Research, 46.4% of those surveyed think that Spanish housing prices will stabilise over the next year, signalling a boost of confidence in the market.
When it comes to Taylor Wimpey España‘s performance this year and forecasts for the year ahead, Pritchard comments,
“2013 will be a hard year to beat as here at Taylor Wimpey España we experienced a huge increase of sales across the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca over the last 12 months.
“We are expecting sales levels in 2014 to be in line with 2013 however seeing as we will have additional sales outlets and several new developments in the pipeline across all three regions of Spain in which we operate, coupled with the fact that prices in prime locations across each area have now bottomed out and will not fall any further, we are hoping sales volumes to increase making for an exciting new year at Taylor Wimpey España. ”
Furthermore, Pritchard explains that 2014 is likely to see a surge of interest from foreign buyers outside the EU from countries such as China, Russia and the Middle East investing their money in Spanish property due to the ‘golden visa’ scheme which could be introduced by January 2014. Taylor Wimpey España hope to see second home buyers to continue to descend on the Costa del Sol after the success of the area throughout 2013.
For those thinking about making a Spanish property purchase in next year, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer buyers in 2014 – You might just get lucky!
Boasting a frontline location in the traditional Spanish fishing town of Estepona, just 1 hour from Malaga via motorway, Horizon Beach comprises 2 and 3 bedroom apartments all with views of the Mediterranean Sea and Rock of Gibraltar.
With only 36 units, this boutique gated development is the ideal second home with spacious open-plan apartments, large terraces or private gardens, direct beach access, panoramic swimming pool and underground parking, all available from just €300,000.
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.