The Great Escape: Briton look to Spain for some winter warmth

by Georgina Spain
It may only be 10 weeks until Christmas but it seems the sunshine holiday season remains in full flow with 1.15 million Britons predicted to take a break overseas in the next 8 weeks.
  • •1.15 million Britons predicted to take a break overseas in next 8 weeks (UK Office for National Statistics)
  • 6.6% increase in number of British visitors to Spain in August alone (Spanish Ministry of Tourism)
  • Lure of year round sunshine & extra spending power as GBP hits a 9-month high over the Euro
Spain in particular, just 2 hours flying time from the UK, looks set to be the favourite destination, continuing the trend seen over the summer months where the Costas and Balearic Islands saw a massive return of British holidaymakers in 2013.
Indeed, official figures from Spain’s Ministry of Tourism showed a 6.6% leap in the number of British visitors to Spanish shores in August this year alone.
Not only are tourists lured by the promise of year round sunshine, they will also enjoy lower off peak prices, fewer crowds and added spending power as the Pound hits a 9-month high against the Euro.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“In a year of major international political upheavals and fears of another financial crunch, the idea of a “safe Spain” has come to the fore in 2013. With other traditional winter sun holiday destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia and Greece experiencing troubles over the last few months, more people have turned towards Spain. This spells great news for investor confidence across the country with some looking to make their stay more permanent courtesy of the new ‘Golden Visa’ which came into force earlier this month.”
So as the winter winds blows in and turns our minds to sunnier shores, why not jump ship and take a look at this stunning Spanish bolthole guaranteed to keep you warm this season?
The Cala Magrana III residential complex is nestled close to the marina of Porto Cristo, Mallorca, just 50 minutes from Palma International Airport.  It consists of two bedroom apartments in a Mallorcan design surrounding a beautiful landscaped garden with a large swimming pool. Apartments on the ground floor have spacious terraces with gardens for private use and top floor apartments benefit from large roof terraces with great sea views.
The area of Porto Cristo offers a wide range of amenities giving you the chance to sample the delights of the local cuisine and traditional towns, or explore the famous caves of Drach. There are also several different types of water sports and various golf courses to try or you can simply relax by the pool and enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings from just €179,000.
For more information or more information please 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 +34 971 70 69 72 .
You can also like the Facebook page or follow @TaylorWimpeyEs for all the latest news!

Winter sun remains top priority for British holidaymakers, reveals latest research

by Georgina Italy

·         40% of Brits looking for winter sun on their holidays (ABTA)

·         150% increase in winter sports holidays

·         44% of 16-24 year olds looking test their skiing and snowboarding skills

As autumn showers, wind and clouds begin to erode the memory of summer from much of the UK, many people are combatting the cold by planning their winter holidays. Research published this month by ABTA, the UK’s leading travel association, shows that winter sun remains the most popular reason for booking a break as the festive season approaches, with 40% of respondents citing this as their motivation.

The ABTA research discovered that 19% of Brits are planning to take a holiday this winter, while a further 21% are still considering doing so. In addition to winter sun, winter sports holidays are becoming increasingly popular: 15% of those planning a winter holiday this year are intending to base it around winter sports, an impressive 150% increase on the 2012 figure. Skiing and snowboarding are leading the demand for this type of activity.

While winter sun holidays are most popular with older age groups, with 59% of 55-64 year olds planning their break based on this criterion, it is the youngsters who will be hitting the slopes in their droves – nearly half (44%) of 16-24 year olds are planning to test their winter sporting skills during their break.

France, Italy and Austria remain the most popular winter break destinations for skiers and snowboarders. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of Appassionata, which manages two luxury, fractional ownership holiday homes in Italy’s Le Marche region, was unsurprised by Italy’s continuing popularity, commenting,

“Italy has always been a top choice for both winter sun and winter sports holidays. Here in Le Marche we are just a stone’s throw from the Sibillini Mountains, where skiing, snowboarding and sledging are all extremely popular during the winter months. Many of our owners are keen to have these activities so nearby, and of course they love the bright, sunny days that Italian winters provide in such abundance.”

Indeed The Telegraph recently highlighted the popularity of hiking in Le Marche, emphasising the clear trails and reliable maps that make this such a pleasurable activity. The trails range from family strolls to serious backpacking, meaning that everyone can choose the perfect route for their level of fitness. For those who want on find treasure while out walking, truffle hunting is another way to enjoy winter in Italy at its best, with Le Marche boasting some of the finest – and priciest – truffles on the planet.

Winter is also a popular time for cycle tours. Cycling is big business in Le Marche, where both road racing and mountain rides are popular. The winter months offer relief from the intensity of the summer sun, which can be gruelling for some of the more intense tours, where daily distances can be in excess of 75 miles.

Appassionata’s Dawn was keen to point out, however, that home comforts are just as important in Italy during the winter as they are elsewhere. She explains,

“When we designed Casa Leopardi, the second of our two holiday homes, we wanted to ensure that owners could enjoy relaxing, indulgent days throughout the winter, as well as in the summer. We’ve included plenty of features to make the most out of the house, whatever the season. In one of the bathrooms, for example, as well as the free standing bath we have included a cast iron wood burning stove, making the room perfect for long, lazy bubble baths in the winter months. We’ve even added a little antique table by the bath, which is the perfect height for holding a glass of wine produced from our own vineyard onsite.”

Owners of the five bedroom/five bathroom Casa Leopardi, who enjoy five weeks’ exclusive use of the house and its private pool each year, range from winter sports enthusiasts to those looking to simply escape the world by curling up with a book in front of one of several log fires.

Those looking to enjoy winter holidays at their best can still snap up a fraction of Casa Leopardi for just £195,000, though with only three shares remaining they will need to move fast to avoid being left out in the cold!

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

Q4 2013 Spanish property sales set to hit pre-recession levels as ‘Golden Visa’ goes ahead

by Georgina Spain
As of this week, 1st October 2013, non-EU foreigners coming to Spain with €500,000 to invest in real estate will be entitled to a residence permit.
The long-awaited ‘Golden Visa’ is set to attract capital from booming economies such as Asia, the Middle East and Russia with investors attracted by the low prices, available stock and opportunity to secure residency in the West.
  • Foreign residency legislation now passed for property investments of €500,000 and over
  • 42.3 million tourists visited Spain Jan – Aug 2013 (Spanish Tourism Ministry)
  • 2,500% increase of Middle Eastern buyers (YTD vs same period in 2012,Taylor Wimpey España) 
Interest in Spain, fuelled by the ‘Golden Visa’ has already been seen in recent months with 8.3 million visitors alone arriving on Spain’s sunny shores throughout August according to figures from the Spanish Tourism Ministry, lifting the total for January through to August by 4.5 per cent on the year before to 42.3 million.
Russian tourists in particular have flocked to Spain in their thousands on the hunt for their perfect bolthole in the sunshine. Between January and July this year, visitors from Russia increased by 30%, totalling 838, 876 visitors.
This spells great news for investor confidence as the increase in visitor numbers coupled with the new foreign residency law is set to boost property sales across Spain.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey Españacomments,
“The ‘Golden Visa’ is clearly of high appeal to non-EU residents especially those in Russia, China the Middle and Far East, keen to access the EU and enjoy visa free travel in the 26-country Schengen Zone. The minimum investment level is €500,000 but this doesn’t have to be in just one property, it is accumulative and can be made up by investing in one or more properties.
“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have already seen a staggering 2,500% increase in Middle Eastern buyers this year (YTD vs same period 2012 ) and 190% increase in buyers from Russia and Lithuania (YTD  vs same period in 2012).”
Marc continues,
“Q4 of this year is set to be great for us in terms of sales , surpassing the levels previous to the economic crisis with sustained growth of international visitors and second home buyers not just picking up a Spanish visa but bringing with them the power to propel national market recovery.”
Indeed, according to the Tourist Expenditure Survey (EGATUR), the influx of visitors has led to tourist spending rising 7 % from 2012, totalling a whopping €40.4 billion. The Balearic Islands topped the list with the biggest increase of tourist spending; within the first eight months of the year, the Islands received €7.94 billion in spending by international tourists, 9% more than in the same period last year and 19.6% of the total of the whole of Spain.
It’s no wonder tourists are splashing out in the Balearics. Mallorca in particular boasts one of the most famous coastlines in Spain attracting millions of visitors each year and is traditionally a favourite destination for foreign buyers drawn to the clear blue waters, secret coves with private golden sandy beaches, quaint villages, sophisticated cafes and restaurants and an abundance of historical, cultural and leisure activities.
For those thinking of making their stay more permanent, taking full advantage of the ‘Golden  Visa’ by purchasing a property (or two!) in the Spanish sunshine look no further than Los Altos del Golf.
This brand new Taylor Wimpey España development in the Port Andratx area of Mallorca is nestled in the heart of a 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.

INVITATION: Unique opportunity to attend free seminar on Europe’s FIRST LGBT retirement village

by Georgina France
The ‘Pink Pound’ or the ‘Dorothy Dollar’ as it is known in America is an idiom used to describe the spending power of the gay economy estimated to be worth a staggering £6 billion annually across the UK and Ireland and a whopping €350 billion in America yet not one property developer in Europe has cashed in on the lucrative LGBT baby boomer market approaching retirement…until now.
Indeed the LGBT community has tapped into the joie de vivre and increasing accepting attitudes towards the “gay and grey” have been witnessed in France in particular. So much so in fact that savvy property buyers are keen to snap up one of the one level, eco-friendly villas at Europe’s first LGBT active living retirement complex, The Villages Group – Rainbow.
The Villages Group – Rainbow will comprise 107 villas with full 24-7 hotel concierge services located on the banks of the Canal du Midi in South West France. With active living foremost in mind, the range of on-site amenities includes tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes.
Mr Danny Silver, Managing Founder of The Villages Group – Rainbow and expert in international real estate will be holding a seminars across the US (INFO ABOVE), detailing the ideal opportunity in real estate investment for retirement, vacation or rental income that these hotly anticipated French properties will offer.
The positive economic growth recently seen in France has translated into the nation’s property market as an enviable combination of relative price stability and makes French property an attractive proposition for investors who are focused on returns as well as lifestyle.
The free to attend seminar will be approximately 1 hour with refreshments provided and give potential investors the perfect opportunity to discuss this unique, tax saving way to own the answer to both finding the perfect retirement property in the one of the top countries to retire to in the world and the lack of LGBT friendly accommodation across Europe.
For more information and to register for the seminars click here or alternatively, contact The Villages Group – Rainbow today on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit http://www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow/The-Village-Group-Seminars.htm
You can also follow The Villages Group – Rainbow on Twitter or like on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest news.

Holiday homes with a swing: Taylor Wimpey España records increase in golf property sales

by Georgina Spain

According to IAGTO’s 2013 Golf Tourism Report, recently published, global golf holiday sales grew by an average of 9.3% compared to the previous year, and their member operators alone catered for 1.6 million golf travellers in 2012 generating an estimated €1.5 billion.

Whether a primary motivation for a holiday or simply a secondary activity, golf in the Spanish sunshine attracts millions of holidaymakers worldwide creating demand for accommodation.
  • 56 million people worldwide play golf (The National Golf Federation)
  • Global golf holiday sales grew by 9.3% in 2013 (IAGTO)
  •  Spain remains Europe’s most popular golf destination (KPMG Golf Insights 2013)
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Spain is one of the biggest golf destinations in the world; it’s certainly the most popular European golf location and anyone thinking of buying a golf property in Spain would definitely be making a wise move.
“The international golf tourism market is between 2.8 million and 5.6 million people and continues to grow. Spain alone is poised to attract a large percentage of these golf travellers in the years to come and despite recent turbulent times for the Spanish economy, the demand for golf properties is evidently strong. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we continue to sell out golf developments on mainland Spain very swiftly and can report a sales increase of 74% in comparison with last year, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, famed for its golf courses.”
Indeed, up to 10% of the 56 million people who play golf worldwide travel overseas each year for the main purpose of playing this hugely popular sport, hence sales of quality, affordable accommodation close to or on courses are increasing year on year. Taylor Wimpey España, based in the world’s most popular golf destination Spain has recorded an 8% increase in golf property sales over 2012.
Mallorca in particular boasts 24 of the most luxurious golf courses in Europe, with the warm, sunny climate making it a golfer’s paradise. So what are you waiting for? Why not make your stay more permanent and take a look at what’s on offer with Taylor Wimpey España:
Los Altos del Golf in Andratx is a fabulous choice, nestled in the heart of the golf course close to the glistening Mallorcan coast. Phase III consists of eleven large semi-detached 2 and 3 bedroom houses and the high quality development is only 800 meters from the famous Camp de Mar beach.
Designed in the style of a small Mediterranean village with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, gardens and 3 communal swimming pools, these properties are priced from €525,000 and 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

With the UK suffering from a shortage of suitable retirement homes and 3 million over 60s unable to move, how about hopping across the channel?

by Georgina France
A recent report from Demos has claimed that millions of pensioners face growing old in social isolation because they are trapped in family homes which they cannot leave.
Pensioners who dream of downsizing to the perfect retirement property are sitting on a stockpile of properties with an estimated value of £400bn, the report says. However, a shortage of smaller homes suitable for the older generation means that more than 3 million over 60s are unable to move.
  • UK pensioners are sitting on a stockpile of properties estimated at £400bn (Demos)
  • Shortage of suitable retirement homes – 3 million over 60s unable to move
  • The Villages Group – Rainbow offers solution
Although the latest Census (2011) released last week reveals that the proportion of the population aged 65 and over living in communal establishments declined from 4.5 per cent (374,000) in 2001 to 3.7 per cent (337,000) in 2011, retirement villages remain an option to consider in your third age.
Danny Silver, Managing Founder of The Villages Group – Rainbow, Europe’s first LGBT active retirement village nestled in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South West France comments,
“Indeed, retirement villages have not taken off in the UK as they have elsewhere around the world. Getting planning permission can be difficult and I think Brits have an attachment to their homes that is not always seen to the same extent in other countries but I really believe things are about to change. There is a new generation of retirees coming through that have money and will demand more. They won´t put up with the status quo.
“Developers know it’s coming: a rising demand for hassle-free housing to accommodate the growing number of baby boomers entering their golden years, looking to escape isolation and enjoy their retirement with like-minded individuals, living life to the full and most importantly keeping active, warding off loneliness.
“Here at The Villages Group – Rainbow we have thought about what older buyers want as the demand for specially designed housing is evidently apparent and not readily available in the UK. We have partnered with leading contractor Kingspan Tek who constructed the London Olympic Stadium, to build the perfect home for the aging but active gay community in one of the world’s top retirement destinations.”
Indeed, designed foractive  living but keeping retirement in mind, the Village situated in the stunning Canal du Midi, offers one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium, saunas and quality entertainment programmes from just €236,000.
With reservations now open, The Villages Group – Rainbow is set to be a success, offering a practical solution to the shortage of suitable retirement housing in the UK as well as providing a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s seeking the perfect lifestyle abroad.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

New build homes are all the rage with buyers this autumn according to leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain
According to the most recent report by the EU statistical office, Eurostat, the heart of the construction sector in Spain is beating once again, with national production growing by 4.1% in June compared with the same month in 2012.
  • Spanish construction up 4.1% in June 2013 in comparison with June 2012 (Eurostat)
  • 10 developments across Spain currently under construction by Taylor Wimpey España 
  • 114 Costa del Sol apartments sell out in 11 months (Taylor Wimpey España)
This increase places Spain as the second most active Eurozone nation in this sector with Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España leading the way. The established developer with 50 years’ experience has 3 projects currently under construction on the Costa Blanca, 3 on the Costa del Sol and 4 developments on the Balearic island of Mallorca.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España, said there has been little new construction since 2008, keeping the market limited, commenting,
“With such little construction being undertaken out here in Spain, what’s big is new build. Our sales figures across all three regions in which we currently have developments show exactly this. This year up to August, our total sales increased 132% in comparison with 2012 and our latest phase of the Los Arqueros Beach complex on the Costa del Sol sold out last month, 114 properties in 11 months, showing demand for affordable, quality, new build holiday homes in the best locations across Spain remains high.”
Pritchard said the Spanish property market according to Taylor Wimpey España has been “incredible” over the last 12 months, adding that he hasn´t seen interest levels as high for many years as people used their summer holidays to hunt for their ideal second home.
Pritchard comments, “Buying a second home abroad is an exciting but also serious decision so why not take some of the worry away by buying new? Your home will be built using the best materials and latest techniques as well being delivered with our 10 year build guarantee against most serious structural defects adding extra peace of mind.”
So if you’re keen to escape the rain and head to sunnier climes this autumn, check out Taylor Wimpey España’s latest properties on the glamorous Costa del Sol.
Avalon is a new Taylor Wimpey España development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, close to the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course and beautiful landscape of the Ronda mountains. This residential complex of luxury apartments and penthouses boasting 2 and 3 large bedrooms has a natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, communal swimming pool and beautiful gardens. Prices start from €260,000.
For more information please 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 +34 971 70 69 72.

Vineyards, lavender and olive oil: there’s so much more to Casa Leopardi than bricks and mortar

by Georgina Italy

Life in rural Italy isn’t all about jumping into the swimming pool, then sipping a chilled Italian white on a lounger whilst the summer sun beats down. Certainly, for the owners of Casa Leopardi, that forms a large part of country living in Le Marche, but being on a working estate also affords the opportunity to get their hands dirty by getting involved in some traditional Italian farming methods.

  • 5,000 bottles of wine produced annually to share between 20 owners
  • 800 lavender plants successfully harvested
  • Olive oil production set to increase dramatically

As autumn approaches, following the long, hot summer season, work on Estate Giacomo Leopardi gears up, as the various crops all require attention. For owners of the estate’s fractional holiday homes – managed by family-run company Appassionata – the change in seasons offers the chance for as little or as much involvement as they wish. Those who want to spend their days on the estate’s tennis court, or in the pool, or just relaxing on one of the many terraces, are welcome to do so, while those who want to get stuck in and help with the harvesting are also welcomed.

With summer turning slowly into autumn, Estate Giacomo Leopardi’s 800 lavender plants have just been harvested, ready to be distilled into lavender oil and then bottled before being shared among the owners. Next, as September draws to a close, the estate’s grapes will be harvested as well, with one owner specifically planning to be in Le Marche to help. The grapes will be processed and turned into two varieties of wine – Passerina and Montepulciano. Production last year totalled 1,600 bottles, which should rise to around 5,000 bottles as the vines mature – plenty to share between the 20 owners!

October and November will see the olives being picked, ready to turn into olive oil. This popular activity always attracts help from the properties’ owners, as well as from the entire Appassionata family, right down to the young grandchildren. Olive oil production totalled 15 litres in 2012, which will increase dramatically from 2013 onwards as the young trees develop.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of Appassionata, explains what it is that makes autumn in Le Marche such a unique experience,

“Autumn has always been my favourite time of year in Le Marche. There’s so much to do on the estate and many of our owners love to get involved as we harvest the bountiful produce. It’s such a healthy way of spending time – being outdoors and engaging with nature – and it’s something the whole family can enjoy together.

“Some of our owners live in modern apartments in bustling cities, so to enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life is a wonderful escape for them. Not everyone likes to get involved and we love that everyone enjoys their weeks here in different ways. From being super-active outdoors, to curling up in front of the open fire with a good book, we’ve aimed to ensure that our properties suit everyone’s preferences.”

The two properties – Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi – are nestled into the rolling Le Marche landscape, with views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the dreamy, distant Sibillini Mountains. Only five bedroom/five bathroom Casa Leopardi still has fractions left for sale and those are going fast. One fraction remains at the special price of £185,000, which entitles the owners to five weeks’ exclusive use of the property per year, along with a share in the estate’s produce – the wine, olive oil and lavender oil mentioned above, along with truffles from the truffle orchard.

To celebrate this luxury, gourmet element to the purchase, Appassionata is also offering the next people to buy a fraction in Casa Leopardi an evening of in-house dining catered by a celebrated local chef, along with wine tasting, during their first stay as owners. Suddenly, the idea of autumn in Le Marche just got even tastier!

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

At a Glance: Puerto Plata dominates Dominican Republic demand

by Georgina United Kingdom

Puerto Plata dominates demand for Dominican Republic property, TheMoveChannel.com’s latest At a Glance reveals. The infographic, which charts activity on the portal over the last 12 months, shows that Puerto Plata is the most popular place on the island, accounting for over three-quarters of enquiries.

Famous for its stunning beaches, the northern province attracted a staggering 76.85 per cent of Dominican Republic enquiries on TheMovechannel.com in the year ending August 2013 – almost four times as many as its closest contender. The second most popular area on the Caribbean island is Santo Domingo in the south, which accounted for 19.36 per cent of enquiries.

La Vega and Samaná received the next highest number of enquiries, responsible for just 1.51 per cent of activity apiece. Distrito Nacional, the home of capital city Santo Domingo, received only 0.61 per cent of enquiries, just ahead of eastern province La Altagracia (0.15 per cent). The rest of the Dominican Republic received no enquiries at all.

Puerto Plata dominates the earlier stages of the buying process too. Kite surfing hotspot Cabarete accounted for more than one in four searches (28.4 per cent) for property in the Dominican Republic in the last year, closely followed by the town of Puerto Plata itself, which was responsible for 26.5 per cent of searches. Together with Sosua, the ninth most-searched location in the country, the province of Puerto Plata was responsible for well over half (56.7 per cent) of all searches.

Buyers also showed interest in Puerto Plata’s northern coast neighbour Samaná: Las Terrenas and the town of Samaná both appear in the 10 most-searched locations, accounting for 1 in 10 (11.8 per cent) and 1.8 per cent of searches respectively. Other popular locations are spread across the island, including the inland area of Jarabacoa, La Vega, and the southern coast of Barahona.

The At a Glance infographic also analyses the behaviour of buyers searching on Google. “Property in Dominican Republic” was the most commonly used keyword, while the most popular type of property was “houses for sale in Dominican Republic”. Searches on Google peaked at the start of 2013 but have steadily increased since September 2012.

Editor Ivan Radford comments: “The Caribbean has always been a place where people dream of owning a home. The Dominican Republic is one of their favourite places to do so – and Puerto Plato is why. Known around the world for beaches such as Playa Dorada, it is no wonder that the coastal province dominates buyer demand.

“What is perhaps surprising is that houses are the most popular type of property on TheMoveChannel.com. “Houses for sale” were searched for by more people than hotels, despite the island’s strong income potential from tourists and several hotel listings on the site – confirmation that the Dominican Republic’s appeal lies with lifestyle buyers as much as investors.

“It is also interesting to note the lack of buyer interest in the rest of the Dominican Republic, with many areas receiving no enquiries whatsoever: Puerto Plata’s international popularity is similar, perhaps, to Florida’s dominance of the US property market, where the state accounts for over half of enquiries. That may change as the island’s overseas market develops. Indeed, it is revealing that Google activity surrounding the island’s real estate has increased in recent months – a trend matched by the country’s rising profile on TheMoveChannel.com, where it climbed 13 places in the Top of the Props chart to be the 16th most popular destination in July 2013. Puerto Plata has accounted for some of the most popular listings on the site in the last 12 months. The At a Glance infographic confirms that for Caribbean property buyers, Puerto Plata is an investment and vacation hotspot to be reckoned with.”

Click here to view the full infographic.

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. The website address of Lead Galaxy is http://www.leadgalaxy.com .
Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

As France is ranked world #2 in the Gay Global Travel Index, be sure to visit Languedoc-Roussillon the ´other Provence´

by Georgina France

An already established and popular global tourist destination, France has widened its appeal further being ranked world #2 in the Gay Global Travel Index 2013.

 

Drenched in history, romance, unparalleled gastronomic delights and varied landscapes, this European nation, which recently legalised gay marriage, is fast becoming the hot location for the global LGBT community.
Indeed, the Languedoc-Roussillon region, often referred to as the “other Provence”, situated in south west France is already well-known as a gay friendly area with the city of Montpelier holding the largest gay Pride festival outside Paris and numerous hotels, bars and restaurants catering for the pink pound.
La Villa Rouge, a vast gay discothèque just outside the city and the nearby gay nudist beach L’Espiguette, are said to be the main attractions pour les gays francaises year-round.
Danny Silver, Managing Partner of Europe’s first LGBT active retirement village, The Villages Group – Rainbow comments,
‘The increasingly open gay scene in France and apparent demand for safe havens with like-minded people for the older LGBT generation is exactly why we have opened reservations on our latest retirement village nestled in the heart of the Languedoc.
“Not only is The Villages Group – Rainbow surrounded by picturesque countryside and the peaceful Canal du Midi, the region’s nearby larger cities such as Beziers; Narbonne Nimes and its capital, Montpellier, offer museums, festivals, restaurants – along with an active gay community – it offers the best of both worlds! Plus Barcelona is under a 2 hour drive!”
Ground work has begun and construction will start in the next few months; The Villages Group – Rainbow will comprise a 7 hectare gated community with “concierge” services consisting of 107 eco-friendly villas boasting full 24-7 hotel concierge services located on the banks of the Canal du Midi. With active living foremost in mind, the range of on-site amenities includes tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes.
Reservations are now open, so what are you waiting for? Allez!
For more information please contact The Villages Group Rainbow on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com, visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow or check out the latest video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiUt78wtPXc