Welcome, home owners! How Italy is opening its arms to holiday home buyers

by Georgina Italy

Buying a holiday home in Italy is the ultimate dream for many families. Now, a raft of new measures is making Italy an even more attractive place to invest in a second home in the sun.

Firstly, the much-debated and extremely unpopular IMU property tax looks to be finally en route to full cancellation. The September and December 2013 instalments of the tax were cancelled by Prime Minister Enrico Letta and plans are afoot for its full abolishment from 2014.

  •  Italian property prices down 5.9% on previous year (Istat)
  • Fractional ownership puts buyers at the heart of Italian town life for just £55,000 (Appassionata)
  • Property tax reform entices overseas buyers

The IMU tax is one of the factors blamed for the recent downward movement of Italian house prices. Figures from the National Institute for Statistics (Istat) showed a year on year decline of 5.9% as at the second quarter of this year, though Italy’s luxury property sector does seem to be bucking the national trend.

The fall in prices and the cancellation of the IMU have tempted many overseas buyers to take a closer look at Italy’s holiday homes and from 2014 onwards, they will have even more of an incentive. As of 1 January 2014, Land Registry Tax, which is paid by buyers on resale properties, will be reduced by €900 per €100,000 of the sale price for second homes and by €1,236 per €100,000 for first homes.

The measures have been designed to stimulate Italy’s property market, as one strand of the country’s economic recovery. The result is that overseas buyers have been suddenly made to feel even more welcome by the peninsula country. Many are still hesitant due to the language barrier though, as Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, which offers luxury holiday homes in Le Marche, explains,

“We’ve found that those considering purchasing a holiday home in Italy are often nervous about having to sign contracts and other legal documents in a language with which they are unfamiliar and laws they don’t understand. Purchasing a property overseas is a significant undertaking and can be stressful enough, without the added complication of the paperwork being in Italian.

“That’s why at Appassionata we’ve taken a different approach. The legal paperwork that our owners sign is in English, so that they feel reassured that they have understood every word of it. We try to make the whole process as clear and straightforward as possible, so that purchasers don’t have to get involved in the complexities, cost and delays that can be associated with purchasing property here.”

The ethos is one that can be seen throughout Appassionata’s approach. The fact that their properties are managed means owners (who each get five weeks’ exclusive use of their chosen property per year) can arrive and begin to relax immediately – an unusual occurrence compared to the usual gardening, repairs and general cleaning that most holiday home owners face upon arrival.

With just one share left in their second fractional ownership property – the stunning five bedroom, five bathroom Casa Leopardi – Appassionata are turning their attention to two new ventures, each of which looks set to be as impressive as Casa Leopardi once they have finished the renovation and interior design.

Both in the beautiful medieval town of Petritoli, the two new properties include a three bedroom townhouse known as Tre Archi, which features the ancient city wall as part of the lounge, and the five bedroom Palazzo Scarsini, which comes complete with upstairs salon and fresco ceiling. Unusually for urban properties, both holiday homes feature fabulous outdoor areas, allowing owners to make the most of the Italian sunshine while being at the heart of town life. It is just such unique touches that have helped Appassionata to build so strong a reputation.

The combination of lowered market prices and property tax reforms mean that now really could be the perfect time for buyers to invest in their dream Italian second home. For those looking to do so without the hassle of complex Italian paperwork, Appassionata has one share left for sale in Casa Leopardi, for £195,000. The family-run company has also confirmed that the first two shares of Tre Archi will be available for £55,000 each, while the first two shares of Palazzo Scarsini will be £100,000 each.

 

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi. Be quick though – only one share remains available for sale in Casa Leopardi.

From ancient Rome to modern day Italy – spa tourism has never been so popular

by Georgina Italy

While the ancient Greeks may have been the first to establish the practice of constructing buildings close to natural springs, it was the Romans who really embraced and developed the concept of the bathhouse, the forefather of the modern-day spa resort. With the invention of aqueducts, the use of water for leisure activities became firmly embedded in the Roman Empire.

  • Wellness tourism accounts for 1.8% of global GDP (SRI International)
  • Italy’s spa industry worth €719 million in 2012 (Federterme)
  • Wellness tourism set to grow 9.9% annually to 2017 (SRI)

It was a practice that the Romans took with them as their empire spread across Europe and North Africa. Many towns, such as Hisarya in Bulgaria and Bath in England, were built up specifically around the natural waters available to the bathhouse.

The concept of the healing and purifying power of water is still alive and well. According to the SRI International Report presented at the 2013 Global Wellness Tourism Congress, wellness tourism is directly responsible for $11.7 million in employment worldwide. It accounted for an impressive 1.8% of the world’s total GDP in 2012, at $1.3 trillion of global economic impact.

The future looks bright for the wellness industry, with the same report projecting that wellness tourism will grow by 9.9% annually over the next five years, to reach a value of $678.5 billion by 2017. Already it accounts for 14% of overall global tourism revenues, with wellness tourists spending an average of 130% more than the average global tourist.

In Italy, where it all began, the spa industry is attracting tourists from across the world. In 2012, the total revenue of the sector reached €719.3 million, according to Federterme, the Italian federation that represents the curative thermal and mineral water industry. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run company Appassionata, which offers luxury fractional ownership holiday homes in Italy’s beautiful Le Marche region, explains the continuing attraction,

“There’s something about an indulgent spa break that is truly holistic. You emerge feeling refreshed in both body and spirit – there’s really nothing quite like it. We have two spas near to us in Le Marche, which our owners love to visit. The spa at Sarnano, 45 minutes away, is famous for its thermal waters and use of volcanic mud treatments, while a little closer to us is the wonderful Q-bo wellness oasis, the highlights of which have to be the Turkish bath suite and the salt cave. Many of our owners also make use of the local beautician in the nearby hilltop town of Montefiore dell’Aso, who is famous for her full body massages.”

Those exploring Le Marche are also often tempted by the delightful waters at Acquasanta Terme, where a series of ladders lead from the river bed to a complex of caves and pools, filled by the hot mineral water that gushes from the rock face. After a day of bathing in the restorative waters, Appassionata’s owners can head back to the five bedroom, five bathroom Casa Leopardi for a dip in their own private pool, or simply to curl up in front of the log fire with a book and a glass of wine made from the grapes grown on the estate. Perfection.

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi. Be quick though – only one share remains available for sale in Casa Leopardi.

Is it time to follow Bill Gates into the Spanish property market?

by Georgina Spain

News that billionaire Bill Gates has acquired a $155 million stake in Spanish builder Fomento de Construcciones & Contratas SA (FCC) has certainly caught the attention of property investors around the world. With Gates’ 5.7% acquisition leading to an immediate increase in the share price of FCC, is now the time to follow this business magnate into the Spanish property market ?

According to the latest data released from the Spanish Office for National Statistics (INE), the downward trend of property sales has definitely turned a corner, once again thanks to the foreign investors. The first half of this year saw the highest turnover of property transactions in 9 years with €2.834 billion being brought into the country, compared to the lowest year in the last decade which registered just €199 million.

  • Taylor Wimpey España says ‘YES’ as influx of buyers swoop in on the Costa del Sol
  • Bill Gates acquires[RC1] $155 million stake in Fomento de Construcciones & Contratas SA
  • €2.8 billion brought into Spain through real estate (INE)
  • Taylor Wimpey España records 257% increase of sales on the Costa del Sol (Oct 2013)

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Even though Spain is now officially out of recession, many Spaniards are still feeling the pinch of turbulent economic times; the situation seems to be easing across neighbouring European nations which is having a positive effect on the Spanish property market.

“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we are experiencing an influx of foreign buyers on the Costa del Sol in particular with a 257% increase in property purchases throughout October alone, in comparison with the same period in 2012, showing Spanish property in prime coastal locations remains a hot commodity!”

Indeed, the love affair with owning a bolthole under the Spanish sun is yet to show signs of cooling so why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in the ever popular Costa del Sol.

Avalon is situated in one of the best areas of Marbella,on the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course and just 20 minutes from Estepona. This residential complex consists of luxury apartments and penthouses of 2 large bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and indulgent finishes.

Boasting natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, large terraces, communal swimming pool and beautiful landscaped gardens all for just €260.000, these properties are certainly not to be missed!

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 00 34 971 706 244.

60 Seconds with… Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living

by Georgina Spain

60 Seconds with… 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.

What does it say on your business card?
If I had one it would say “Gil and mobile number”, that´s how people know me. And if I had a door, it would always be open, I am available for everything, any time of the day, I´m always on call!

How did you first get involved with Sun Park Living?
Ever since growing up on a kibbutz, I´ve always thought it would be an ideal environment for people who no longer have the responsibility for keeping a full time job or raising a family, to experience a living situation which has a strong community ethos to it. Our involvement with retirement holiday living was something we have been working towards for a long long time.

What is Sun Park Living in a nutshell?
Sun Park Living is a living solution within a holiday resort environment, exclusive for ‘SunRockers’, and that means people who are active semi or fully retired, who want to spend a few weeks, months and even longer, in a relaxing atmosphere, with like-minded, community hearted people. All activities and events are organised by the ‘SunRockers’ themselves and guests who choose to get involved.

How does it differ from other retirement villages?
There are a number of important differences between Sun Park Living and other retirement villages. The hassle free-accommodation is rental only. No bills to pay. No maintenance to worry about. No central heating problems. Just an affordable fixed 4 weekly payment. There is a holiday feel to it with new guests arriving weekly so there is a feeling of stability as well as transience, and because Sun Park Living is a social enterprise, all the use of communal space was given to the Community at no cost, to create and run their social life. There is even a community operated Shop and Cafe on site, managed directly by the ‘SunRockers’ themselves, with the support of those guests who may wish to take part in it.

So, who exactly are these ‘SunRockers’?
‘SunRockers’ are community hearted and minded people, who are no longer in full time employment nor raising a family, and wish to maintain an active lifestyle in a sunny, friendly, safe, relaxing and invigorating environment. They organise their own group activities and events, and help, in turn, minding their own Community Shop and Cafe. Their cheerful disposition and caring nature is instrumental to the ethos of the community and without them none of this would be possible.

And why Lanzarote? What makes it the perfect retirement destination?
Lanzarote and the Canary Islands are renowned for their year round sunny and warm weather, stunning natural scenery, wonderful people and culture as well as fantastic food and wines. It´s a much-loved destination by all, there´s a wonderful combination of European culture and standards, Latin American influence and Caribbean weather. Plus, there are daily inexpensive direct flights from most UK and EU airports which is a real bonus!

Describe a typical Sun Park Living resident 
We have a good balance of couples and singles, men and women, from 60-90 years old, all looking for companionship, good weather and a relaxing atmosphere. Because it´s so convenient and affordable to stay here, SunRockers say that the “real currency” to be here is ones willingness to be a good fit and contribute to the social fabric of its community.

Usually, SunRockers may be seen leading their own lives, as they would in the UK, and many spend the afternoons and evenings in groups doing anything from gardening, book reading, watching movies or simply “hitting the town”, it´s all about enjoying life in good company, and that can definitely be achieved here.

It is very rewarding to watch them all blossom, some right from the moment they arrive, into active members of the Sun Park Living community. We´ve even witnessed mature children bringing their parents to see if Sun Park Living is good for them, seen how they care and protect them, and when they leave, suddenly mum and/or dad change into a fully independent ‘SunRocker’, it´s exhilarating to watch them having such an enjoyable time, confirming that Sun Park Living is absolutely worth it.

What does 2014 hold for Sun Park Living?
For the SunRockers and Guests – more fun, friendship and good times in the Spanish sunshine. Our charitable Foundation is looking to keep making an impact and spread the word about the benefits of community living in retirement.

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.

Is money the root of all happiness? Lack of funds is biggest worry for 55-65 year old Brits

by Georgina France
According to Aviva’s latest Real Retirement Report (Autumn 2013), having enough money to live comfortably emerges as the single most important factor for over a quarter of Britons aged 55-65 years old (27%) – more so than sharing retirement with a partner (17%), a happy family life (12%) or devoting more time to hobbies and interests (3%).

•27% of 55-65 year old Brits worry about having enough to live comfortably (Aviva RRR 2013)
•Over half of 55’s see freedom from stress as most important benefit of financial stability in later life 
Indeed, the importance of being able to afford to live comfortably in retirement seems to transcend age, gender and income differences as it is the second most pressing priority after good health for both sexes and all three age groups over 55 consulted in the Aviva Report – regardless of their actual income.
Interestingly, a higher proportion of the younger demographic prioritise finances than any other age group – suggesting the recession and savings squeeze has increased the importance of money for those currently approaching retirement.
Danny Silver, Managing Founder of The Villages Group – Rainbow, Europe’s first gay friendly active retirement village nestled in the heart of South West France comments,

“The rising cost of living on a limited pension income is pressurising many baby boomers to consider how they can reduce their outgoings.

“Downsizing and releasing equity in order to fund retirement presents an obvious choice for many as bricks and mortar are often an individual’s largest and most secure financial asset. This is especially true for those who have remained in the same home for a good number of years during which the property market has boomed, resulting in the accumulation of a large amount of equity.”

But what and where to downsize to?

Mr Silver continues,
“Traditionally retirees have remained in the local area, near to friends and family but now with advances in communications technology and indeed transportation, more and more are looking to move abroad. Relocating in retirement can be a rejuvenating and life-affirming experience, especially when you can save money, meet new people and visit new places!

“This is where living at The Villages Group – Rainbow would benefit any retirees looking for a way to enjoy their golden years without money worries. For just £40 a week per person including all management fees, property tax, maintenance charges and on-activities you can live in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South West France, where village life is tranquil and a great day out can be had in the seemingly endless countryside with many a fete, art exhibition or concert in the summer months which will cost you absolutely nothing!”

So what are you waiting for? Contact The Villages Group – Rainbow today to discuss how this unique community can provide the answer to finding the perfect property for your retirement.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com

Property Inspector: How to tell if your house is haunted

by Georgina United Kingdom

TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector, taking a closer look at global real estate each month.

As Halloween arrives once again, scary movies and spooky reality TV shows are everywhere. You hear that bump in the night or feel that cold shiver in your living room and it’s even easier to think that maybe your house has a ghost.

A haunting can make a big difference to a house: if you’re selling a home, you’ll probably have to lower the price to find a buyer. If you’re a buyer, you may be excited about the investment potential of a bed and breakfast with added tourist appeal. Or maybe you’re living in the home and you just want to be able to sleep at night.

But what are the signs that there really is a presence on your property? How can you tell your imagination isn’t simply spooked?

TheMoveChannel.com’s October podcast tracks down Loyd Auerbach, Director of The Office of Paranormal Investigations, to find out how to tell if your house is haunted.
Click here to listen to the full investigation.

He offers these eight easy steps:

8 steps to take if you think your house is haunted

1.Be rational
A lot of the time, there is a rational explanation for what you might think is a ghost.

“The first step is to assume your house isn’t haunted and look for normal explanations for things that might seem strange,” Loyd Auerbach, Director of The Office of Paranormal Investigations, tells TheMoveChannel.com.

“People make very, very bizarre conclusions about even the simplest explanations. It’s understandable. People are emotionally on edge, especially if they’ve been watching these shows that tell them that this stuff is evil – and it’s not. It’s not bad at all.”

“It used to be probably 20% of cases we could figure out even over the phone,” he adds. Of the others, 25% to 50% “have really good, understandable explanations”.

2.Don’t believe what you see in the movies
Room going cold? Footsteps on the stairs? The symptoms that the movies tell you to look for are often completely incorrect. Especially if your heating is on the blink.

“If it’s the room getting unusually cold, that is a complete stereotype and incorrect. I have been looking for a normal explanation for that more than anything else! It could be your insulation.”

3.Check for animals
Bumps in the night? Try animals in the attic…

“I’ve had cases where people hear footsteps from their attic or upstairs but it turned out to be acoustical. In other words, the set up of the floor or the room seemed to magnify simple noises. I had one, years ago, where it was a squirrel pushing nuts across the floor!”

4.Don’t call a ghost buster
Think you’ve got a ghost? Who you gonna call? Not a ghost-hunting group, says Loyd, if you want an explanation for your haunting.

“People don’t seek out parapsychologists any more; they seek out ghost hunters… If you contact a ghost hunting group, given that most of them follow the methods you see on TV, it’s probably more likely that you’ll be told you have a ghost then you’ll be told there’s an explanation… It’s what we do in investigations. We look for normal explanations… They’re not going to help you with understanding or dealing with the phenomena. There are exceptions, but that’s rare.”

5.Don’t panic if there was a death in your home
Homes where there has been a death are often stigmatised or presumed to be haunted. But that isn’t always the case.

“Ghosts don’t necessarily go to where they died. They go to where they lived. Sure, if someone died in the house, that may be where they hang around, but if they died in a car accident, they still might come back to the house – or they may go to the local bar where they used to hang out!”

6.Beware of living people as much as dead people
Got a bad feeling about your home? Check the previous owners – residual energy left in a property doesn’t always come from beyond the grave…

“We have a demarcation between an actual ghost and what we call residual hauntings or imprints. A lot of the second category is about who lived in the house before, even if they’re still alive. It really is more about the living leaving these impressions behind. It could be that the couple previously were continuously fighting with each other… You walk in the house and you feel it’s bad, like people were fighting there. That’s a haunting. That’s still the same kind of thing.”

7.Have a party
If all else fails, invite some friends round to scare the bad feelings away.

“It’s a little bit harder when people get that emotional reaction, that visceral reaction, like it doesn’t feel good and they don’t want to live there. That can be dealt with, if you really like the house… just by having people come in and having a really nice party – put some really good emotions into the house!”

8.Try talking to them
“Having direct communication with someone is the best way to deal with the phenomenon.”

“It really is about what the ghost needs. There’s the idea of ‘sending them into the light’ that you see on TV, but if they’re not ready, you can offer them another suggestion. We’ve done that. We had a case where a former owner [of a house] was asked if there was a place he had wanted to go but had never had the chance to… The reply was he always wanted to go on safari in Africa when he was alive. And we said ‘Why don’t you go on safari? The lions can’t hurt you anymore!’ The family never had an experience with him again…

Click here to hear more case studies of hauntings.
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 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
For more information on Loyd Auerbach, visit www.mindreader.com

Mallorca named top 10 region to visit in 2014 Mallorca named top 10 region to visit in 2014

by Georgina Spain

Contrary to what you may have heard about the nocturnal habits of certain younger visitors to the popular tourist resort of Magaluf, the island of Mallorca is one of the great natural destinations in the world. Majestic limestone cliffs plunge into the translucent sapphire and turquoise-hued waters of the Mediterranean along the length of the island’s western and northern coasts whilst the rugged interior of the Tramuntana mountains offers diverse fauna and flora, not to mention picture postcard villages.

 

It’s no wonder therefore that this beautiful Balearic Island has been named by renowned travel publisher, Lonely Planet, as one of the top 10 regions to visit in the world in 2014, in its just released Best in Travel 2014 publication.
“Like a movie star settling comfortably into middle age, Mallorca has matured, wedding stunning natural beauty with an appreciation for the finer things in life without ever losing its glamour,” Lonely Planet says. And with accolades such as that, it’s no wonder that Mallorca has welcomed over 1.3 million tourists in September alone this year, with many more looking to make their stay more permanent with a property on the Golden Isle!
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España who has also lived on the island for 24 years, comments,
“It’s about time that travellers wake up to the wonder that is Mallorca. Naming the island as one of the best regions in the world for visitors in the coming year is in recognition of it being a fantastic all-rounder; with some of the most stunning scenery, dynamic towns, friendly people and a burgeoning food scene.
“This prestigious Lonely Planet accolade is only set to boost buyer confidence into 2014 and beyond as visitors look to purchase their own slice of Mallorcan paradise. Indeed this positive sentiment is already being reflected in our property sales figures which are up by 51% over this time last year.”
So for those property hunters looking for high quality homes at affordable prices, located in one of the top regions of the world for 2014 and beyond, Taylor Wimpey de España has some stunning properties on offer.
El Puerto II situated in Cala d´Or, south east Mallorca boasts 2 bedroom apartments surrounded by generous gardens with native Balearic plants and 3 communal swimming pools. Costing from €155,000 + VAT this sophisticated complex is within reach of the Blue Flag beach, Cala Mondrago and easy reach of the popular super yacht action.
Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II, Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the Mediterranean.
The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo. 2 bedroom apartments of Mediterranean design with sea views, surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool are available from just €179,000 + VAT.
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 00 34 971 706 244.

Mamma mia, that’s a lot of visitors! Italy’s tourism figures continue to impress

by Georgina Italy

The latest figures show that Italy remains on fine form. Its tourism industry is booming as visitors from across the world continue to be attracted by the peninsular country’s myriad of charms.

The latest figures released by the Italian National Tourism Observatory (INTO) show that Italy is on track to reach 53.5 million international arrivals during 2013, representing a 2.5% increase on the previous year. Germany is responsible for the lion’s share of the arrivals, making up some 37% of visitors.

  • Italy on track to reach 53.5 million international arrivals during 2013 (INTO)
  • German visitors making up 37% of market share
  • 2014 expected to see 3% additional increase in arrivals

 

American, French and British tourists are also flocking to Italian shores and, when you consider Italy’s attractions, it is easy to see why. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, whose family-run company Appassionata has renovated two fractional ownership luxury holiday homes in Italy’s Le Marche region, explains,

“Italy really does have it all: fabulous weather, incredible cuisine and delightful, ancient architecture. Here in Le Marche visitors have access to pristine beaches, mountains with stunning scenery, a wide choice of winter sports, equestrian tourism… everything is at their fingertips.”

Culinary tourism and holidays in lesser known areas such as Le Marche have proven particularly popular with German visitors, while the Italian Equestrian Tourism Federation has noted a huge boom in equestrian tourists in recent years. Recent data estimates that Italy accounts for 1.5 million of Europe’s 30 million horseback holidaymakers. It’s a growing market and one that Dawn is personally familiar with.

“We arrived in Italy and began renovating our two properties back in 2007. Since then, I seem to have somehow ended up with a stable full of rescued horses! I’ve used natural horsemanship techniques to win their trust and develop them into the confident, healthy creatures that they deserve to be. A growing number of our fractional owners enjoy riding the horses and seeing the countryside from a new perspective on horseback.”

The bigger picture to all of this is that the positive news for Italy’s tourism industry seems set to continue steadily into the years ahead. An additional 3% of international arrivals are expected by INTO during 2014, as Italy’s attractions continue to generate global interest. The mixture of nationalities visiting the country is vast, as Dawn has found out through running Appassionata:

“Casa Leopardi, which is the larger of our two properties, with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and its own private pool, has attracted interest from owners based all over the world. They are enticed by the rural Italian lifestyle that our five acre estate offers – they can enjoy wine, olive oil and truffles all produced from the crops within the estate’s borders which flourish under the Italian sunshine. Across our two holiday homes, we have owners from as far afield as South Africa, Switzerland, Italy, Scotland, France, Ireland, England and America.”

For those looking to be part of Italy’s continued success as a tourist destination, Casa Leopardi has just two fractions left for sale, at £195,000 each for five weeks’ use per year. It is indicative of Italy’s enduring popularity that the first eight fractions of the property have sold within a year of it being renovated. It seems that those wanting to enjoy Casa Leopardi’s luxurious accommodation will need to act fast to beat the crowds!

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

Foreign investors flock to Italy for real estate bargains from farmhouses to palaces

by Georgina Italy

Italy is becoming an increasingly attractive destination to foreign real estate investors, according to the latest figures released by Real Capital Analytics Inc. The data show that foreign investment in Italian commercial real estate totalled €2.75 billion between January and early October this year, representing around 79% of all commercial real estate transactions.

  • Foreign investment in Italian commercial real estate reaches 79% (Real Capital Analytics)
  • Italy voted world’s Favourite Country (Condé Nast)
  • Italy named best country for top hotels on the planet (International Traveller)

With the recent news that Italy is planning to sell off 50 historic buildings, with a view to raising £425 million in revenue for the government, the country is expected to attract even more interest from overseas over the coming months. The sites for sale include a cardinal’s palace, a castle near Rome and an island in the Venetian lagoon.

Italy expects that many of the historic buildings will be purchased by private businesses and investors, with a view to converting them into museums, restaurants and hotels. The move makes sense, given Italy’s continuing popularity as a leading tourist destination. The country is ranked as the fifth most popular destination globally by the World Bank and has just been voted Favourite Country in the 2013 Condé Nast Traveller Readers´ Travel Awards, beating a wide range of other popular EU and non-EU destinations.

Italy also took three of the top 10 positions when it came to Condé Nast readers’ Favourite Overseas Cities, with Rome, Venice and Florence all being placed. The news comes hot on the heels of the results of the International Traveller magazine survey, which found that Italy is the best country for top hotels on the planet, with an impressive 11 hotels featuring in the 100 Best Hotels and Resorts of the World report – more than any other country.

With overall confidence in the Eurozone continuing to rise, it’s not just commercial investors who are looking to snap up Italy’s property bargains. As house prices continue to decline, creating some extremely good value opportunities, many individuals are being tempted by that holiday home they’ve always wanted and are looking to Italy to find it.

The only problem with holiday homes – as with disused historic buildings – is the cost and effort that goes into maintenance and upkeep. Many owners find that their ‘holidays’ each year are devoted to cleaning, tackling the overgrown garden and undertaking minor repairs.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run company Appassionata, has the perfect solution. She explains,

“At Appassionata we have developed two luxury holiday homes, which we are selling as fractional ownership properties. Each owner gets to use their chosen home for five weeks of every year, while we take care of all aspects of the upkeep, including maintenance of the five acre estate in which the houses sit. The estate hosts olive groves, vineyards, a lavender plantation and a truffle orchard and owners share in the bounty that these produce.”

Of the two houses, which are based in the breathtakingly beautiful Le Marche region, only the five bedroom, five bathroom Casa Leopardi has fractions left for sale, at £195,000 each. With its own private pool and gym, and surrounded by terraces for outdoor dining, the property offers a level of luxury that most holiday home owners can only dream of.

For those who can’t quite stretch to buying their own Italian palace, and who don’t fancy becoming slaves to a holiday home that requires cleaning and maintenance the moment they arrive, Casa Leopardi offers the perfect solution. Perhaps unsurprisingly, fractions are selling fast – only three remain available, as increasing numbers of foreign purchasers look to Italy as their holiday destination of choice.

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

Spain retains its crown as top golf destination in Europe

by Georgina Spain

According to the latest European Spotlight on Golf Tourism to Spain research report commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, out of the 28.5% of those who travelled to Spain to play golf in the last 12 months, 12.7% visited the Costa del Sol, 3.9% to the Costa Brava and 3.2% to the Canary Islands.

  • 28.5% tourists travelled to Spain to play golf in the last 12 months (Reed Travel Exhibitions)
  • Research has also revealed golfer’s nationality impacts on their choice of region to visit (Reed Travel Exhibitions)
  •  2,500% increase of overall purchases of golf properties from Middle Eastern buyers in September alone this year compared to the same period in 2012 (Taylor Wimpey España)
This latest study also revealed that Spain has retained its crown as a key player in the European golf tourism industry with thousands of golfers from all over the continent putting Spanish greens and bunkers at the top of their tee off list.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Whilst the course itself is an important factor when selecting a Spanish golfing holiday, the accommodation is equally important once you leave the fairway. Resorts with onsite courses, quality accommodation and amenities are in high demand as they offer the entire package and offer a higher level of security and community living.
“This new study commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions comes as no surprise to us here at Taylor Wimpey España. We have experienced a great level of interest in our golfing properties throughout 2013 from not only the British but Scandinavians, Russians and Middle Eastern buyers in particular, where overall purchases from this region have increased by 2,500% in September alone this year compared to the same period in 2012.”
Interestingly, the research also revealed that a golfer´s nationality impacts on their choice of region to visit, with British and Scandinavian golfers preferring the Costa del Sol; French golfers more likely to visit Costa Brava; and German golfers travelling to all regions, with Mallorca a firm favourite.
Indeed, Spain boasts some of the most luxurious golf resorts in Europe, and the warm, sunny climate makes it a pleasure to hit the green. So what are you waiting for? Take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer today!
Los Altos del Golf is a brand new development in the Port Andratx area of Mallorca, nestled in the heart of the Andratx golf course and only 500 meters from the famous Camp de Mar beach, consisting of large, detached two and three bedroom houses with stunning sea views.
These luxury properties are designed in the style of a small Mediterranean village with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, beautiful landscaped gardens and three large communal swimming pools.
Available now from €495,000, 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 34 971 706 244.
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