Investment Watch: Demand for student property soars… in Sheffield

by Georgina United Kingdom
Demand for student property soared in November 2013, according to TheMoveChannel.com´s latest Investment Watch. As universities prepared to break up for Christmas, investors flocked to the sector, with one student property in Sheffield ranking as both the second and third most popular listing on the site, the first time this has ever happened.
London Court in Sheffield is a new build student development with 90 units ready for the 2014/2015 academic year. Investors, though, were ready to move in their cash immediately, attracted by the 10 per cent yields assured for the first three years.
The project is situated between two universities, a location with potential to take advantage of high demand for accommodation. The property was seen as so profitable that London Court received the second highest number of enquiries in November – and the third highest too. The property was advertised in two listings by separate agents, but buyers responded to them in almost equal number, with ROC Invest receiving 154 enquiries and Aspen Woolf receiving 134.
Combined, London Court´s two listings accounted for a total of 288 enquiries, the highest on TheMoveChannel.com in November and almost double that of the number one listing: La Foret d´Armotte, a resort in France.  The new build property in Saint Augustin offered 95 per cent finance and an optional fixed NET rental of 6 per cent, coupled with four weeks´ personal use – a diverse enough package to win over both lifestyle and investment buyers.
Income remains a significant factor in buyer activity. Investors looked at a wide range of investment types and locations, from farmland in Senegal to a hotel in Panama, but high yields were the priority. Only one of the top 10 most popular listings on TheMoveChannel.com in November 2013 offered returns of less than 10 per cent: the Saint Augustin resort.
Buyers did not care about the price tag either: fractional shares in a gold mine in Ecuador cost only £3,000, but were the fifth most popular listing, while the French property´s price tag of £182,868 did nothing to dampen demand. A 95 per cent finance option, though, made the apartments more affordable, while France´s historic low mortgage rates have significantly stimulated demand from overseas buyers keen to return to an established market.
Even with its financial appeal, though, France´s popularity was dwarfed by student property. The sector has now appeared in seven out of 11 Investment Watch reports this year.
TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson comments:
“Demand for student property has always been strong on TheMoveChannel.com. The sector´s counter-cyclical nature has made it popular among investors since the financial downturn. In August 2013, a student housing development in Bradford received the most enquiries on the site, while in October, student property accounted for two of the top 10 listings. In November, that share doubled to four of the Investment Watch top 10. Sheffield stole the show, though, making up two of the top 10 listings in its own right. This is an unprecedented situation, and the first time a property advertised by multiple agents has performed so well. Regardless of who is marketing, student housing´s investment potential appears to speak for itself.”
Click here to view the 10 most popular listings on TheMoveChannel.com for November 2013.
Notes to Editors
Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.
The website address is http://www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.
Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

An Italian holiday home with its own luxury fashion brand? Why, it must be Appassionata Boutique!

by Georgina Italy

For some people, buying a tumbledown farmhouse in a remote corner of Italy and transforming it into two gorgeous, luxury holiday homes would be enough to keep them occupied, but not for interior designer Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs.

  • New Italian fashion brand set to take the luxury handbag market by storm
  • Leading businesswoman Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbsmoves from houses to handbags
  • Check out the arm candy at Appassionata Boutique

Since 2007, Dawn has moved to Italy, launched family-run company Appassionata and undertaken the restoration of two beautiful properties, teasing them out of a pile of ramshackle farm buildings and turning them into a pair of stunning fractional ownership holiday homes. Only the five bedroom, five bathroom Casa Leopardi, which benefits from its own private pool and gym, still has a fraction available for sale (at £195,000). Such is the speed with which the properties have attracted buyers.

Dawn has also tackled the five acre estate on which the two properties sit, turning the overgrown, rolling hills into an orderly environment packed with olive groves, a vineyard, a lavender plantation and a truffle orchard. The result is that owners of the two houses now benefit from a share in the produce. Once fully mature, the vines are expected to produce around 5,000 bottles of wine per year – not bad between just 20 owners!

Yet all of this was not quite enough to keep Dawn occupied. Thus she set her sights on her next adventure: running a boutique fashion business that challenges the powerhouses of Italy’s leading designers. Dawn explains the inspiration behind her move from houses to handbags,

“While we were creating the interiors for Appassionata’s two holiday homes in Le Marche, I was privileged to meet local artisans whose crafts dated back over several generations of their families. Often these individuals were working out of tiny premises, but the goods they were producing were simply amazing.

“One of the artisans I met was an independent designer who used to produce handbags for leading Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta. Having always been a fan of accessories, I got chatting with him and, just a short while later, the concept of Appassionata Boutique was born!”

Appassionata Boutique sells individually designed handbags of exquisite craftsmanship. Dawn is thrilled to be launching her brand to the market, having already seen the bags flying off her desk while she was preparing for the new website’s photo-shoot. She recalls,

“I had six of the handbags sitting on my desk, ready for the photo-shoot, but people kept popping into the office and wanting to buy them. All six had sold before I realised what was happening, so I had to choose another set of bags to feature in the shoot. I kept those ones hidden until after we had the pictures we needed!”

Owners of the bags have been glowing in their praise for the new brand. Music/video producer Emer Patten, who was one of Dawn’s first customers, was excited to be asked by a restaurant owner if her handbag was Bottega Veneta. She was even more thrilled to inform the owner that her bag was in fact far more exclusive than that!

So, with two fabulous houses, a five acre estate and a luxury fashion brand under her wing, is Dawn ready to relax? Far from it! She laughs,

“I like to keep busy and I’m always looking for the next adventure. It has been brilliant developing Appassionata’s two holiday homes and the Appassionata Boutique brand, but I’m certainly not stopping there. In fact, there’s a rather charming palazzo in Le Marche that’s in need of restoration…”

For more information on Appassionata Boutique, visit http://appassionataboutique.com/about-us.html, like them on Facebook, email dawn@appassionataboutique.com or call +44 (0)7951 674916 in the UK or +39 339 771 9274 in Italy.

“I’m a pensioner, get me out of here!” Half of over 50’s considering leaving the UK

by Georgina France

Today’s pensioners may not have to endure daily Bush Tucker trials to top up their shopping baskets but for almost 70% of people surveyed by the deVere Group, cost of living is the primary concern about retiring in the UK.

  • Cost of living is primary concern about retiring in the UK for over 50’s (deVere Group)
  • 49.5% have ‘seriously considered’, ‘are thinking about’, or ‘would be tempted’ to live overseas during retirement
  • 65% of overseas second home buyers are aged 45-64 (Rightmove Overseas)

According the results of a recent survey of 1,231 over 50’s questioned by the international financial consultancy, cost of living is the primary motivation for quitting Britain with almost half (49.5%) stating that they have ‘seriously considered’, ‘are thinking about’, or ‘would be tempted’ to live overseas during retirement.

Other reasons cited for relocating to foreign shores included the standard of care for the elderly, quality of life and, not unexpectedly, the weather.

Gil Summers, Co-Founder of Sun Park Living, a private gated community resort exclusively for those who are retired and active, located on the Canary Island of Lanzarote, comments,

“The rising cost of living in the UK is a major driver for many of our guests to come and stay at Sun Park Living. It can be considerably cheaper for retirees to stay long term, for up to 6 months or beyond, here in Lanzarote than at home in the UK as all fuel and energy costs are included which for many pensioners is becoming an ever increasing worry.”

In terms of locations, Spain was named the top choice for relocating retirees with 27.9% of those surveyed by the deVere Group stating the south European destination, well-known for its year round mild climate, lower cost of living and positive attitude towards the elderly.

Indeed it would seem that staying close to the UK in retirement is important with France and Italy named second and third destinations of choice according to 12.6% and 7.9% of respondents respectively.

Danny Silver, Founder of The Villages Group – Rainbow, an active retirement community in south-west France aimed at the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender (LGBT) community, comments,

“As a man in my 60’s, originally from London but resident in France for nearly 20 years now, whose golden years are approaching, I would never even consider moving back to the UK. The quality of life here in France is far superior is almost every way to the UK; the weather, the culture, the gastronomy, the cost of living, it all outweighs life across the Channel.

“I am a member of the fabled ‘baby boomer’ generation who are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a high standard of living in the UK with austerity measures pinching pensioners even in spite of government promises. That is exactly the reason why we created The Villages Group – Rainbow, a community of like-minded retired but active individuals looking for a better quality of life in France.”

Fresh data from the Rightmove Overseas (September) 2013 Consumer Survey confirms this trend with almost two-thirds, 65%, of those looking to buy a second home overseas aged between 45 and 64 years. Once again Spain and France topped the charts in terms of second home and immigration destinations with more than half (51%) looking to buy a property in the countryside.

On the market:
One level, eco-friendly homes at The Villages Group – Rainbow, situated in the charming Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, are available for just €236,000. Already 20% sold, interest in the gated community complete with tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, saunas and quality entertainment programmes is high with buyers from all over the world.

For more information please contact The Villages Group – Rainbow on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow.

Self-catering apartment accommodation with all the benefits of community living with like-minded ‘Sun Rockers’ at Sun Park Living costs €625/4 weeks for those enjoying 12 or more weeks a year (in 3 or more blocks of 4weeks each, consecutive or not) or for those wishing to sample the community, a 4 Weeks Taster Stay is available for €225/week. One week Taster Visit is 350EUR/week. For more information contact Gil and the team on 0161 408 3360 or visit www.sunparkliving.com.

The Villages Group Rainbow

by Georgina France

The Villages Group Rainbow provide the alternative to the rising cost of living for the over 55s LGBT community

  • Income gains since December 2012 outweighed by 9% increase in over-55s’ typical monthly expenditure (Aviva Retirement Report Jan 2014) 
  • Payments on fuel and electricity costs rise by 5% in the last 12 months 
  • The Villages Group Rainbow enables retirees to enjoy their golden years affordably.
In spite of the typical monthly income of British over-55s reaching £1,545 in January 2014 – the highest figure seen by Aviva in the 4 years since the insurance giant began tracking this data, it seems that many are still experiencing money worries.
Indeed, income gains since December 2012 have been outweighed by a 9% increase in over-55s’ typical monthly expenditure over the same period according to the Aviva Retirement Report (Jan 2014). Their extra outgoings add up to £116 a month or £1,392 a year – equivalent to a whole month’s worth of spending!
Further data from Aviva has shown that the typical housing costs (including mortgage or rent) have increased the most since December 2012 – by £24 a month – while over-55s’ typical monthly food bill has gone up by £23.
With payments on fuel and electricity costs also rising by 5% in the last 12 months, it means the typical British over-55 is putting an extra £53 a month towards the cost of food, housing and energy than they were a year ago.
Danny Silver, Managing Founder of The Villages Group Rainbow, comments,
“Funding retirement is tough for many with the added pressure of bill increases in almost every sector throughout 2013. With a growing number of British over-55’s struggling to cope financially, it is no surprise that innovative “active living” Villages offering a low weekly living cost are proving increasingly popular.
“The Villages Group Rainbow in the heart of south-west France would benefit any retirees looking for a way to enjoy their golden years without money worries. For just £40 per maison per week including management, maintenance, property taxes, weekly maid service of your villa, plus all on-site activities, you can live in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon.
“Indeed when it comes to the day-to-day cost of living, it’s a well-known fact that food and wine in France can be bought so much cheaper than in the UK making the euros go much further than the pounds!”
So for those approaching their golden years and contemplating a move overseas, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France is a natural choice. Boasting a superb climate, stunning countryside and a relaxed lifestyle as well as being regarded as one of the best places in the world to retire to, it is no wonder the Languedoc is top choice for many British and European active retirees.
It is for just these reasons that The Villages Group Rainbow has decided to develop Europe’s first active living resort ‘Village’ for the LGBT community over 50 to enjoy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi.
The Villages Group Rainbow will provide a village community of around 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.  This village site will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, Jacuzzis, saunas, and gymnasium not forgetting great entertainment programmes, perfect for living an active and happy life within a community of like-minded individuals.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow.

Only one share remaining! Sales success of luxury fractional ownership holiday home reflects buoyancy of Italian market

by Georgina Italy

Italy’s luxury property market has been attracting considerable interest of late with the news that the ruling family of Qatar has added the exclusive Regina Hotel Baglioni in Rome to its overseas investment portfolio. The purchase comes hot on the heels of the Sultan of Brunei’s Dorchester Group taking over Rome’s Hotel Eden.

  • Italy’s luxury property market has weathered the recession
  • High end properties like Casa Leopardi show strong sales
  • Fractional ownership scheme proves a roaring success

With the Italian government looking to sell off a range of high end residences to keep its budget in check, including castles, palaces and even an island, the luxury property market is expected to remain just as buoyant in 2014 and beyond. In fact, the sector has done an excellent job of ignoring the country’s recession entirely.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, has first-hand experience of how well Italy’s luxury property market has operated during the past two years. Her five bedroom, five bathroom Casa Leopardi, which comes with its own private pool and five acres of vineyards and olive groves, along with a truffle orchard and lavender plantation, has been in hot demand since renovation work on the property was completed.

Designed as the ultimate luxury holiday home, Casa Leopardi is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, with interior designer Dawn ensuring that every last tile and antique chandelier adds to the property’s overall charm.

Casa Leopardi is a fractional ownership property, divided into ten shares. Each share provides the owner with five weeks’ exclusive use of the house per year, along with a proportion of the produce from the estate. The arrangement means that owners can arrive, put their bags down and begin to enjoy their holiday in Le Marche immediately, moving away from the usual stresses and chores associated with owning a holiday home overseas.

Casa Leopardi’s first fraction was sold in May 2012. Since then, the property has attracted considerable interest from buyers worldwide. All but one share of the property have now sold, with owners coming from across Europe, America and South Africa. Dawn explains,

“Casa Leopardi is such a unique property and its owners have the chance to experience rural Italian living at its very best. With Blue Flag beaches and the Sibillini Mountains nearby, the area offers year-round activities. Le Marche also has a strong reputation for its gourmet cuisine, particularly when it comes to truffles, and that adds to the attraction for many of our owners. The fact that we have arranged the sale of the fractions so that there are no hidden costs – no lawyers or tax to pay – is another bonus.”

The arrangement has clearly worked well. The final share, priced at £195,000, is expected to sell by the end of 2013. After that, Dawn and her husband Michael will be moving on to two further restoration projects in the nearby town of Petritoli – a three bedroom townhouse and a five bedroom palazzo. Both will be sold as fractional ownership properties, building on the success of  Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi and how happy the fractional arrangement has made its owners.

Despite Italy’s economic wobbles, it’s clear that the luxury property market, including the fractional ownership side of it, refuses to join in the financial fluctuations.

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi.

Balearic property market boosted by foreign buyers as prices rise by 4.8%

by Georgina Spain
The Spanish government has recently revealed that 4 of the country´s 17 regions posted property price increases in the third quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2012.
  • Balearic property prices rise 4.8% in Q3 2013 vs Q3 2012 (Spanish development ministry)
  • Flight arrivals from the UK to Balearics up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period
  • Taylor Wimpey España taking advantage of Balearic popularity, offering two brand new luxury developments on the golden isle of Mallorca
The country´s development ministry said the biggest increase in property prices, 4.8%, was posted by the Balearic Islands, a relatively small region with a high percentage of foreign residents.
Indeed, the Balearic region may be geographically slight but it is a force to be reckoned with in terms of real estate on offer which attracts both the rich and famous, along with savvy holiday home hunters looking for high quality properties in a very popular holiday destination.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Whilst other markets such as Greece, Egypt and Turkey may have lowered their prices to attract more tourists, the Balearics have taken the bold decision to target the higher end of the market.  The calibre of stock and property prices have gone in an upward direction and interest levels remain extremely high.
“Here at Taylor Wimpey España, we are reaffirming our commitment to the golden Balearic island of Mallorca, building a further two new luxury frontline developments which are proving extremely popular with buyers from across the globe. Foreign interest in our properties has been phenomenal this year however British and Belgian clients stood out last month comprising 65% of total sales across Mallorca, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca!”
Indeed, it comes as no surprise Spain is a firm favourite for Brits looking for their perfect place in the sun. Comprising 26.16% of the total Balearic tourist market, British visitors spent 8.5% more in the Balearics in the first nine months of 2013 over last year and flight arrivals from the UK are also up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period.
A mere hop, skip and a jump from British shores, Mallorca in particular is easily accessible, as leading  low cost airlines offer frequent flights from an extensive list of cities across the UK. And with more flights readily accessible, it could be time to stop renting a hotel room or apartment and buy your very own slice of Spanish sunshine.
The brand new Camp de Mar Beach development offers a very rare opportunity to buy a well-priced new townhouse in the south west of Mallorca, Camp de Mar, which is walking distance to the best golf courses on the island and a beautiful beach, about 25 minutes from Palma and 30 minutes to the airport.
The development consists of 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses in a gated community designed to a Mediterranean style with beautiful landscaped gardens and a large modern swimming pool.
With the Andratx Golf Clubhouse being just 50 metres away for all owners to enjoy and a few minutes’ walk to the stunning beach of Camp de Mar, from 377,000€.
Or why not take a look at the new Cala Estancia apartments just 5 minutes from Palma airport, visiting these new holiday apartments couldn´t be easier. Offering the best of both worlds, the calm serenity of Cala Estancia bay and direct access to Palma city centre in under 10 minutes. These new apartments, available from 141,000€, are sure to be popular with buyers, boasting large terraces on which you can enjoy the view to the sea and amazing sunsets.
These properties are definitely not to be missed so 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.

Sing like a Canary this winter as tourism levels erupt on the volcanic island of Lanzarote

by Georgina Spain

Far from being ‘Lanzagrotty’, the volcanic Canary Island of Lanzarote, 125km off the west coast of Africa, has become the destination of choice for holidaymakers in 2013.

 

  • Lanzarote airport arrivals up 5.29% in September 2013 (ISTAC)
  • UK tourists account for 45% of arrivals, Irish arrivals up 21% (Jan – Sept 2013)
  • New direct flights to Lanzarote from Shannon, Eindhoven and Lyon launched 
Latest data released by ISTAC, the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics, reveals that tourism levels are erupting with arrivals to the international airport rising by 5.29% in September this year, creating a seven month run of consecutive growth.
Due to its year round warm weather, 12hrs day light in winter, and ease of access from the UK and Europe, Lanzarote’s tourism market enjoys a busy summer and winter seasons with many over 60s, from northern Europe in particular, jetting off to this unique island to escape the long dark days and freezing temperatures.
Indeed the ISTAC figures reveal that tourists from the UK and Ireland are driving the seemingly recession-proof market with arrivals from Britain and the Republic up 9.1% and 18.8% respectively during September alone.
Gil Summers, Co-Founder of Sun Park Living, the private gated community resort, exclusively for those who are retired and active, located in the south of Lanzarote, comments,
“Whilst much of mainland Spain’s tourism industry has suffered during the last few years of recession, here on Lanzarote we have seen visitor levels remain steady and rise in recent months. A perennially popular holiday destination since the first package tours in the 1960’s, the volcanic, almost lunar landscape of the island combined with 213km of coastline, 10km of sandy beaches, charming towns and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected site status, Lanzarote has something for everyone.”
“The low rainfall, year round temperatures in the mid-20s, European culture, and easy, affordable direct access from Europe makes Lanzarote particularly popular for SunRockers (retired people) looking to escape the harsh winter. In fact visitor levels to our resort, Sun Park Living, are up by 37% and we are nearly fully booked from December through to March.”
Whilst the UK remains the source of 45% of foreign arrivals each year (707,117 visitors to date this year), Germany and increasingly Ireland are becoming important sources of tourism. As the Emerald Isle emerges from one of the deepest recessions in the Eurozone, tourism levels to Lanzarote are on the up with a staggering 21% increase seen in the first nine months of 2013 and more than 200,000 passengers expected for the year as a whole.
Gil Summers comments,
“At Sun Park Living, our Sun Rocker’s community in Playa Blanca, on the southern tip of Lanzarote, a well-known upmarket area comprising mostly self-catering accommodation, we welcome a high number of Irish guests. Low cost airlines such as Aer Lingus have recognised the popularity of this destination recently adding a new direct route from Shannon to Arrecife International Airport and with Ryanair’s year round flights from Cork and Dublin, getting from Ireland to our island couldn’t be easier!”
In addition to the new Aer Lingus route, Dutch low-cost airline Transavia has just commenced operation of a weekly charter flight from Eindhoven to Lanzarote and the airport’s Director welcomed the first Jetair flight arrival from Lyon in France in October 2013.
So if you are an active retiree, or a Sun Rocker, as you’ll be fondly referred to, looking for some sun this winter, then why not explore a stay at Sun Park Living? Enjoy all the freedom of great value for money self-catering apartment accommodation with all the benefits of community living with like-minded ‘Sun Rockers’. Stay for just a few weeks or up to 6 months, the choice is yours, the rental options are very flexible, and there’s no need to worry about hidden extras, as utilities and maintenance, are included.
Sun Park Living is about Sun Rockers enjoying 12 or more weeks a year (in 3 or more blocks of 4weeks each, consecutive or not) in a holiday community environment for 625EUR/4weeks. Those wishing to sample the community, may book a 4 Weeks Taster Stay for 225EUR/week. One week Taster Visit is 350EUR/week.
For more information contact Gil and the team on 0161 408 3360 or visit www.sunparkliving.com.

Loneliness: How to avoid the dark side of retirement

by Georgina France

As we get older, we are more likely to suffer illness and disability which can prevent us from getting out and about. Individual’s social networks often shrink due to life-changing events such as retirement and / or bereavement which can increase the risk of becoming chronically lonely.

According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, there are 800,000 people in England who are chronically lonely. Some 5 million people say television is their main form of company!

  • 800,000 people in England suffer from chronic loneliness (Campaign to End Loneliness)
  • With lack of kin-based social support, friendships become crucial social connections for many LGBT elders
  • The Villages Group – Rainbow offers a solution to end loneliness in retirement

Whether an older adult will enjoy a happy and satisfying retirement or not are questions of growing concern as thousands of baby boomers grow older.

Danny Silver, Managing Founder of The Villages Group – Rainbow, Europe’s first active LGBT retirement village for the over 50s comments,

“As baby boomers enter their retirement years, the services geared toward elder needs will have to adapt to accommodate them. Any demographic as large as the boomer generation will inevitably include a significant LGBT contingent so services for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender seniors will also need to adapt or develop to combat isolation in retirement.

“Here at The Villages Group – Rainbow we are extremely conscious of the need to provide the kind of environment that has not presently been available to the LGBT community across Europe. Because of the lack of kin-based social support, friendships become crucial social connections for many LGBT elders and we have made sure to provide a LGBT friendly village environment for like-minded individuals with daily activities to suit all, combatting isolation and keeping both body and mind motivated.”

Indeed, The Villages Group – Rainbow in France offers a range of amenities and services suitable for those in their active ‘third age’. Here a community of friends can mingle, embark on fun and engaging on-site entertainment choices for an active life as well as numerous options for physical fitness and well-being including tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, saunas and quality entertainment programmes.

These properties are proving to be a great success with already over 20% sold in just a couple of months, offering a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50´s LGBT community seeking the perfect life abroad from just €236,000.

For more information please contact The Villages Group – Rainbow on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow

Thinking about buying a Spanish holiday home in 2014? Check out what’s on the Horizon from Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

If your New Year’s resolution is to turn that dream of owning a second home in the Spanish sunshine into a reality then 2014 could just be the right time to take action.

With Spain officially out of recession and continued positive GDP growth forecast for 2014 according to the European Commission, the re-ignition of the Spanish economy is proving attractive to investors and none more so that those based overseas.

  • Costa del Sol saw 33% increase in foreign buyers in H1 2013 (Malaga Tourist Board)
  • British buyers still drive the market, accounting for almost 20% of foreign purchases
  • Horizon Beach is Taylor Wimpey España’s 22nd development on the Costa del Sol

From one of the world’s richest men, Bill Gates, who recently acquired a $155 million stake in Spanish builder Fomento de Construcciones & Contratas SA through to ordinary men and women purchasing Taylor Wimpey España homes, the smart money is pouring into the Spanish property market with the Costa del Sol on the receiving end of much of this investment.

The perennially popular second home destination, the Costa del Sol located in the province of Malaga, saw a 33% increase in home sales to foreign buyers in H1 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 according to The President of the Tourist Board and the Council of Malaga.
Indeed despite predictions that the introduction of the new ‘Golden Visa’ earlier this year (which grants residency to non-EU nationals who purchase property worth €500,000 or more) would see a ascendancy of Russian and Asian buyers, it is in fact the British who remain the Spanish second home market drivers accounting for 630 transactions, almost 20%, within the Malaga province according to Diario Sur, the regional newspaper of Malaga.
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Having worked at Taylor Wimpey España for 20 years now I have seen the Spanish second homes market undergo a number of cycles. Visiting the Costa del Sol each month I have seen first-hand the steady increase in both tourism levels and demand for second homes over the last 18 – 24 months and am confident that we are once again on an upward curve.

“I agree with Jose Prado, President of the Association of Builders and Developers, who commented that sales have returned to a level not seen for many years; we at Taylor Wimpey España are experiencing the same with a staggering increase in sales on the Costa del Sol from Jan – October this year compared to the same period in 2012. And it is due to this high demand for second homes on the Costa del Sol that Taylor Wimpey España has commenced construction of their latest development, Horizon Beach.
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.
Available from just €300,000, Horizons Beach will be Taylor Wimpey España’s 22nd development on the Costa del Sol and is due for completion in July 2015.  For more information contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 9 72.

Sea view city apartments released today in Best Travel Destination of 2014

by Georgina Spain

Today, Tuesday 19th November 2013, sees the much-anticipated release of Cala Estancia, a boutique collection of just eleven 1 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments in Palma, Mallorca.

Due for completion in June 2014, these spacious properties from leading Spanish house builder, Taylor Wimpey España, will present the perfect opportunity to visit the stunning Balearic Island of Mallorca, named one of the Best Travel Destinations for 2014 by the auspicious Lonely Planet.

  • Boutique collection of 1 and 3 bedroom sea view apartments
  • Located in Palma, Mallorca – Best Travel Destination 2014 (Lonely Planet)
  • 22.6 million people passed through Son Sant Joan airport in 2012

Located just 100m from the Mediterranean coast yet also close to Palma city centre, these apartments are within walking distance of all amenities and boast spacious terraces from which to enjoy the direct views of Palma bay and the Cathedral as well as allocated underground parking and private gardens.

Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director who is based at Taylor Wimpey Espana’s head office nearby in the heart of Palma, explains just why the location of this new release is so exciting,

“Mallorca is well known for its 550km of coastline, 40 plus Blue Flag beaches and clear, turquoise waters but this Balearic Island also holds some urban gems. The ancient city of Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times with numerous architectural gems within the Old City.

“Set around the Bay of Palma, this cosmopolitan city attracts the rich and famous with the Spanish Royal Family visiting each summer. With world class restaurants, designer boutiques, a sizeable marina capable of accommodating even the largest of yachts and pleasant climate year round, it’s no wonder that Palma attracts more and more international visitors each year.”

Indeed, tourism levels to the city of Palma have grown significantly over the last 50 years since Taylor Wimpey España first started building second homes on the island. From 500,000 visitors in 1960 to 6,739,700 in 1997 and a staggering 22.6 million people passing through the city’s Son Sant Joan airport last year alone, it is no wonder that this Spanish city continues to enjoy a boom not seen by many others on the mainland.

And it’s not just tourists who have recognized the clear appeals of Palma; travel operator LowCost Holidays recently relocated from the UK to its Spanish subsidiary in Palma creating over 100 jobs in the process along with no-frills Spanish airline Vueling announcing new direct flights to the city from Brussels for summer 2014.

With more flights than ever touching down in Palma and the new Cala Estancia apartments just 5 minutes from the airport, visiting these new holiday apartments couldn’t be easier. Offering the best of both worlds, the calm serenity of Cala Estancia bay and direct access to Palma city centre in under 10 minutes, these new apartments, available from 141,000 Euro, are sure to be popular with buyers so 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 00 34 971 706 9 72.