57% y-o-y sales increase recorded on the Costa ‘booming’ Blanca by Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

Despite economic contraction and a 3% fall in the overall number of real estate transactions, foreign second home buyers just can´t get enough of Spanish property.

Of the three Spanish regions in which Taylor Wimpey España, leading Spanish house builder specialise – Mallorca, the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca – the latter experienced a massive 57% increase in sales throughout 2012 compared to 2011.
The region not only remains one of the most popular tourism destinations in Spain but also a second home hotspot, with the increase of sales reflecting buyer demand not just from the UK but across the globe.

•Leading Spanish house builder sees 57% increase in sales on the Costa Blanca in 2012 

•Meeting buyer demand, Taylor Wimpey España launches new luxury development

•Inauguration welcomed by officials last Friday, 22nd March 2013 

Indeed, as has been recently reported, a huge number of foreign buyers have descended on the Costas to find their perfect second home. According to Vicente Dómine, Head of the Housing and Public Works Department of the regional government in the Costa Blanca, the purchase of homes in the region by foreign citizens accounted for 29% of the total number sold in Spain, a rise of 32% on 2011.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“The rise in demand for second homes which we have seen on the Costa Blanca over the last 12 months is very encouraging. Enquiry rates have steadily been returning to pre-recession levels and as the market picks up we are building once again.
“Our latest frontline development, La Vila Paradis, Villajoyosa on the Costa Blanca caters to buyers’ needs providing a clean, comfortable and stylish property, a beach on your doorstep, year round sunshine and with new airlines opening up daily routes from all over the world direct to the Costa Blanca, your own piece of paradise is easily accessible within just a few hours!”
Indeed Taylor Wimpey España’s commitment to the Costa Blanca has been welcomed by officials in the area attending the inauguration of La Vila Paradis last Friday.
The brand new La Vila Paradís apartments enjoy a stunning location on the beachfront in Villajoyosa, a picturesque Spanish fishing town, world renowned for its delicious chocolate! These unique apartments of 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, are built to the highest specification and enjoy beautiful views over the Paraíso Beach, the Mediterranean Sea, the pool and private gardens of the development all from 249.000 Euros.
For more information on buying property in the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

Passion’s running high as Appassionata fights local Italian artisans’s corner

by Georgina Italy

Italy has a reputation for high quality local crafts, but the country’s artigianos – traditional artisans – have struggled to compete with the increasing commercialisation of their country in recent years. Indeed The Guardian reported that Italian artisans were turning increasingly to the internet and the convenience of supermarkets in order to try and make a living. It seems that the traditional crafts of Italy are in danger of being lost to mass production, with the demise of uniqueness and quality that such a move usually entails.

One local businesswoman is determined to fight for the country’s artigianos, though. From her home in Le Marche, bordering the Adriatic Sea in central Italy, Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run company Appassionata, is supporting and working alongside local artisans. The individuals that Dawn works with are often the third or fourth generation of their family to carry out the specialist local crafts. Their workshops range from tiny warehouses to ramshackle wooden huts.

Dawn explains,

“I feel privileged to have had the chance to meet and support so many talented individuals in Le Marche. Appassionata’s ethos is to support small local businesses and to help the region’s economy wherever possible. Many of the artisans we work with have tiny facilities at their disposal but what they produce is incredible.”

Dawn is showcasing the items she has bought in the two unique homes that she and husband Michael Hobbs have restored on the beautiful Estate Giacomo Leopardi in Le Marche. Both properties are fractional ownership homes, whereby individuals are able to own these delightful holiday homes for just a fraction of the cost. Four-bedroom Casa Giacomo is already sold out, but shares are still available in the stunning five-bedroom Casa Leopardi for £175,000.

Casa Leopardi is bursting with traditional Italian character. The lamps and light fittings are made by self-taught artisan Alfio Giuffrida, who developed his passion as a child while sitting at his mother and grandmother’s knees while they made lampshades.  The Brinci family, who have been running a blacksmith business in their current location since Eugino Brinci set up there over 200 years ago, have worked alongside Dawn to design and manufacture terrace railings and gates, fireplace doors and stair rails. Casa Leopardi also features bespoke pottery created by brother and sister team Annamaria and Emanule Bozzi, who keep traditional craftsmanship alive while Grandfather Mario sits at the pottery wheel teaching his grandchildren to follow in his footsteps.

Not content with just being stunning on the inside, Casa Leopardi sits at the heart of the beautiful estate, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, a truffle orchard and a lavender plantation. The owners share the local gourmet produce from the grounds, as well as five full weeks’ use of the house, its swimming pool, the all-weather tennis court and the carefully landscaped gardens.

With spectacular views over the crystal waters of the Adriatic and the distant Sibillini Mountains, Casa Leopardi is the perfect picture of rural Italian living. Interior designer Dawn has worked hard to ensure that the interior of the house matches its magnificent setting. The unique pieces sourced from the local artisans with whom Dawn works are subtly complemented by her highly individualised antique collection. The result is a house that encapsulates all of the historic charm and local tradition that Italy has to offer. Dawn continues,

“Our passion for Italy has allowed Appassionata to create something truly wonderful in our properties. We are delighted that by offering our fractional properties we are able to share this genuine slice of the Italian dream with more than one lucky individual.”

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

 

At a Glance: Dubai Marina dominates UAE property

by Georgina United Kingdom

Dubai Marina dominates the UAE property market, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s latest At a Glance, accounting for over a quarter of all property searches.

The infographic, which depicts activity on the portal over the last 12 months, shows that 27.89 per cent of searches for UAE property were targeted directly at Dubai’s canal city. The second most popular location is the desert resort Arabian Ranches, accounting for 1 in 10 searches, also located in Dubai.

Indeed, Dubai dictates international investment in the emirates, responsible for a staggering 87.06 per cent of enquiries in the last year. Its closest contender is Ras al-Khaimah, which generated just 7.11 per cent of enquiries, followed by Sharjah, which received 4.08 per cent, and Ajman, which took 1.75 per cent.

The other three emirates received no enquiries, failing to compete with the demand for Dubai property.

Nonertheless, the cities of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are both on buyers’ wish lists, attracting the third highest (9.54 per cent) and ninth highest (3.22 per cent) number of searches on TheMoveChannel.com. But the desirability of Dubai leaves the majority of investors heading straight to the emirate’s recovering market. Indeed, Dubai accounts for 8 out of the 10 most popular search locations – and 84.6 per cent of all UAE searches on the site.

As well as the Dubai Marina, the most sought-after real estate hotspots include Jumeirah Lake Towers, International City, Dubai Sports City and Dubai Waterfront.

The At a Glance report also analyses buyer behaviour on Google over the last 12 months, showing that Dubai’s dominance is not just limited to TheMoveChannel.com: investors searched for “UAE property” a total of 654 times in the last 12 months. “Dubai property”, on the other hand, occurred in 15,200 searches. Indeed, many general UAE-related property keywords received no searches at all.

Buyers most commonly searched for “Dubai apartments” and “apartments in Dubai”. The only other type of property to appear in a significant number of searches was houses, but the term occurred in just 2,830 compared to “Dubai apartments”, which featured in 7,170. Overall Google activity was at its highest between the months of March and May 2012. During the final months of 2012, overall UAE-related searches steadily declined, although searches for “Dubai property” remained relatively steady before climbing back to peak levels in February 2013.

TheMoveChannel.com Editor Ivan Radford comments: “Dubai’s rebound from the housing crisis has been quite incredible to witness, from slump to economic safe haven in little over a year – and the At a Glance infographic confirms the sheer desirability of Dubai real estate at the start of2013. The fact that some of the most popular resorts within the emirate are still under construction is telling, as investors return to the market regardless, drawn by the appeal of Dubai Marina and other luxury developments.

“In contrast, it’s interesting to see the stark lack of enquiries in the capital Abu Dhabi, although this is partly because of a lack of properties on the market: Abu Dhabi is still one of the top 10 searched-for locations in the UAE, but with no listings in the emirate on the site at present, investors are turning to the emirate next door instead. Dubai remains the clear favourite in the UAE at all stages of the buying process, dominating Google activity, location searches on TheMoveChannel.com and the purchasing stage too.”

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.

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside and now you can for under 150,000 Euros!

by Georgina Spain

A hint of spring in the air and we all start to dream about the perfect summer retreat – days spent lounging by the pool or on the beach and balmy evenings watching the sunset on the seafront. For the ideal European summer holiday retreat, it´s the Mediterranean that tops most wish lists.

The Balearic Islands have long been popular for those looking for a second home in the Spanish sunshine, or indeed looking to relocate to sunnier climes permanently. Mallorca in particular offers a very favourable climate, wonderfully diverse scenery and with stunning properties close to the sea under 200,000 Euros, it really does tick all the boxes.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Last year, 10.4 million foreign tourists came to the Balearics, a rise of 5.9% over 2011 figures. This increase in tourists directly translated into second home sales as we experienced a 60% rise in sales with buyers from Britain (24%) and Germany (36%) in particular in 2012. Mallorca has always been a popular destination for Europeans with some 60,000 holiday homes owned on the island by Brits alones.
“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we recognise the need for affordable properties in great locations, offering high specification second homes dotted along the magnificent coast for under 200,000€! Mallorca has some of the best beaches in Europe and in my opinion, the world. I have lived on the island for many years;the stunning landscapes and wonderfully relaxed lifestyle coupled with year round sunshine were key ingredients in making Mallorca my home.”


The string of beaches and glamorous marinas are the pearls in Mallorca’s coastal necklace, proving the perfect location for keen sailors and sun seekers alike. Sailing remains a popular pastime with visitors and locals alike so much so in fact that Sunsail, the largest sailing and water sports holiday company in the world have recently announced the opening of a new hub in the capital Palma with charters starting from 1st June 2013. In recent years, with thanks to the large nearby Palma de Mallorca airport, the island has also become a busy departure port for cruise ships, and the number of cruises from Palma on offer has increased dramatically.
For those looking to own a slice of Spanish paradise on the golden island of Mallorca, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has on offer.
The Cala Magrana III development boasts a privileged position in a natural paradise with extraordinary sea views, just 600 m from Cala Anguila beach. These stunning properties costing from just 190,000€ consist of two-bedroom apartments designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding area.
Cala Magrana III is just 58 km from the international airport of Palma de Mallorca in Spain with easy access to the main European cities. Once you have arrived in Mallorca, in just 50 minutes you can be relaxing on your terrace and listening to waves break against the shore.
Another Taylor Wimpey España development, El Puerto II property is located in Cala d’Or on the island’s south-eastern coast, close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or. The high standard of design is clear, with the spaciously appointed apartments offering private gardens or sun terraces, along with three communal swimming pools surrounded by generous landscaped gardens. Prices start from as little as €149,500.
For more information on buying property in Mallorca, Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

Spain set to be top holiday choice in 2013 for second year running

by Georgina Spain

With Easter fast approaching and the summer holidays hot on its heels, families across Britain will be packing up their suitcases ready for some much-needed spring sunshine. Travel agent Direct Holidays predicts that Spain will be the top choice of holiday destinations for Brits during 2013, just as it was during 2012.

Data for the month of January released recently by the Spanish Ministry for Industry seems to support this prediction, with tourists spending 6.5% more when compared with January 2012. In fact, the Spanish Institute for Tourism Studies (IET) has just declared that 2012 was Spain´s third most successful year in tourism to date, with the majority of tourists coming from the UK.
With abundant sunshine, beautiful beaches and plentiful tapas, it´s easy to see why Spain is such a popular destination. But it´s not just Spain´s scenic and gastronomic features that have kept it at the holiday venue top spot. According to the latest Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer, which examines a range of costs from sun-cream to meals out, Spain is the cheapest holiday destination in Europe, something no family can afford to ignore during these trying economic times. TheMoveChannel.com backs this view, calling Spain´s largest Balearic Island of Mallorca ´the perfect holiday destination for those looking for a great value break.´
For some families though, a holiday to Spain just isn´t enough and the merits of making their stay a bit more permanent prove too tempting to resist. Taylor Wimpey España, the award-winning Spanish arm of leading UK house builder Taylor Wimpey, saw sales of its Spanish properties to British owners soar during 2012, with figures up 24% on the previous year.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Spain has held a place in British holidaymakers´ hearts for decades, but now we are finding that more and more Brits are wanting more than just a holiday. They are looking for permanent or second homes in Spain, taking advantage of the country´s current bargain property prices. Mallorca and the Costa Blanca are proving particularly popular areas, with their obvious delights of wide sandy beaches and charming laidback towns.”
The exclusive gated community of Aires de Pollensa is Taylor Wimpey España´s latest in-demand offering, sited on Mallorca´s idyllic northern coast and close to the stunning Sierra de Tramontana mountain range. With only nine apartments in the building, each with its own private terrace or roof terrace, and prices from just €275,000, it is clear why the properties are in such demand. A swimming pool, solarium and underground parking complete the exceptional development.
Over on the Costa Blanca, with direct access onto Paraíso beach, La Vila Paradís is proving equally popular with British buyers. The beachfront two and three bedroom apartments, costing from as little as €249,000, showcase the high quality accommodation on which Taylor Wimpey España´s excellent reputation has been built. Delightful landscaped gardens and a pretty communal pool are backed by stunning views of the Mediterranean – a setting guaranteed to capture the heart. With properties like this on offer for such bargain prices, it is clear to see why so many Brits have been tempted to make it more than just a holiday and invest in their dream home in Spain.
For more information on buying property in Mallorca and the Costa Blanca contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

Forget the politics – you CAN own your dream home in Italy and at only a fraction of the cost!

by Georgina Italy

It’s been a tumultuous time for Italy of late. With political deadlock resulting from the recent elections, the shock resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the National Statistic Institute’s confirmation that the economy shrank by 2.4% in 2012, Italian citizens have been left battered and bruised by their country’s latest series of crises.

Yet despite their government’s political turmoil and high level of debt, Italians have a history of saving that is helping them through the turbulent times. A recent study by Unicredit and Pioneer Investments reported that Italian savings actually total €8.5 trillion – over four times the country’s public debt. In addition, according to the Italian Banking Association, Italy had higher household financial assets than both Germany and France in 2011. But with the overall tax burden continuing to increase, the average Italian’s financial situation is very much on the turn.

One particularly unpopular tax change has been to Italy’s unified property tax (IMU). The tax had been abolished in 2008 under Silvio Berlusconi’s government, but reintroduced in 2012 by Mario Monti in his efforts to save the country from a bail-out. The change was desperately unpopular, with Italy’s largest trade union (CGIL) claiming that IMU’s reintroduction had pushed Italian families’ property costs up to more than 30% of their total expenditure. Electoral candidates promised to revisit the situation and either lower or abolish the tax. Silvio Berlusconi went so far as to promise repayments to those who had paid it. With the muddled outcome of the election process, though, no clear plan has yet been agreed for revising or phasing out the detested IMU.

For foreigners looking to invest in Italy’s property market, all this uncertainty could be understandably off-putting but thankfully, family-run, UK-based company Appassionata has come up with the ideal solution. Based in the beautiful Le Marche area of central Italy, the company’s Estate Giacomo Leopardi offers fractional ownership of two stunningly renovated houses: Casa Giacomo, of which all fractions have been sold, and neighbouring Casa Leopardi. Fractional ownership offers those wanting to retreat to the Italian countryside everything they could desire at a fraction of the cost.

Appassionata’s founder Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,“We wanted to give people the opportunity to share in the wonders of Italy, without the hassle and expense of managing a fulltime property. Our owners are able to enjoy the estate, share in the produce from its vineyards, olive groves and truffle orchard, and relax in the sunshine. We have removed all the usual hassles of having a holiday home abroad, so instead of having to deal with gardening and maintenance issues the moment they arrive, our owners can just drop their cases and begin relaxing by the pool.”

Each owner enjoys five full weeks’ use of Casa Leopardi per year. Interior designer Dawn has blended local artefacts with carefully selected antiques to create a traditionally elegant Italian vibe within the property. Outdoors, breath-taking views of the Adriatic Sea and the distant Sibillini Mountains complete the idyllic picture.

Only a few fractions of Casa Leopardi remain and at the current special price of just £175,000 they are expected to sell fast. For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Languedoc-Roussillon bucks slowing French house price growth with 1.8% increase in Q4 2012

by Georgina France

According to the latest data from FNAIM (The National Federation of Property Industry Agents in France) house price growth across the Channel slowed to 0.8% in 2012 and is set to fall by 2% in 2013. But it’s not all doom and gloom with some pockets of France such as Languedoc-Roussillon in the south west experiencing positive price increases.

  • French property prices grew 0.8% overall in 2012 
  • Up to 2% fall in house prices across France expected in 2013 according to FNAIM
  • But Languedoc-Roussillon bucks the trend with overall 0.5% property price increase and 1.8% for houses specifically in Q4 2012
Bucking the nationwide trend, Languedoc-Roussillon recorded an overall 0.5% property price increase with an encouraging 1.8% rise in the price of houses specifically in the region (Q4 2012 vs Q4 2011, FNAIM).
Commenting on this data, Danny Silver, Founder and Managing Partner of The Villages Group, active living resorts for over 50’s, says:
“Price falls for 2013 have indeed been widely predicted by agencies such as Standard & Poor’s and Orpi but it is naive to think that all regions of France will the affected to the same extent. Q4 2012 actually saw price growth in Ille-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Champagne-Ardenne, Upper Normandy and Languedoc-Roussillon where our new Villages project is located and I see no reason why this growth will not continue in 2013.”
Indeed the French themselves remain confident in their market with 77% of nationals surveyed in the latest European real estate assets investment trend indicator 2013 from Ernst & Young agreeing or moderately agreeing that investment activity by international real estate investors will increase in 2013 compared to 2012.
Danny Silver continues,
“France has, for many years, been and will remain one of the most stable property markets in the world. Compared to some markets such as neighbouring Spain, a slowdown in house price growth to 0.8% is nothing and as long as buyers choose the right property, in the right location, for the right reasons then they should not be concerned.”
With buyer needs and market trends in mind, Danny and his team are purposefully constructing detached houses at The Villages Group as opposed to apartments or duplexes. With 1.8% price increases of houses seen in Languedoc-Roussillon towards the end of last year and new build properties riding by 1.2% in 2012 (Fédération des Promoteurs Immobiliers), he believes that his single level eco maisons are just the ticket.
Exclusively available to over 50’s from around £200,000, owning a home at The Villages in the stunning Canal du Midi in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon, offers more than just bricks and mortar. Owners become part of the active-living community with access to all on-site amenities such as the gym, hotel, restaurants, pool, sauna and full cultural and entertainment program. The syndicate style programme also helps keep prices at least 30% lower than similar properties in the area and an individual can live comfortably with everything included for just £40 per week.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

Numbers of foreign Spanish property buyers back to pre-recession levels

by Georgina Spain
Hot off the heels of and in contrast to last month’s INE figures which revealed a 3% decline in the overall number of property transactions made in Spain in 2012, the latest data from the General Council of Notaries has revealed a substantial 28.4% increase in the number of foreign and non-resident buyers of Spanish property in 2012.
•28.4% increase in foreign buyers of Spanish property in 2012
•38,312 non-residents bought properties in Spain last year, almost on par with 2007 levels
•Russians now second largest buying group for the first time, after the British 
Falling property prices and efforts made to improve the nation’s image abroad by a number of regional tourism and real estate organizations have been attributed to the increase in foreigners buying property in Spain over the last 12 months.
In total 38,312 non-Spanish residents purchased properties in the country in 2012, a figure almost equated to pre-recession levels seen in 2007. However the number of properties actually purchased could well be higher as this data only relates to the number of people buying not the number of properties sold which could indeed be more than one person given price drops of up to 50% seen in some areas.
Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Manager of leading Spanish house builder, Taylor Wimpey España, comments on this newly released data,
“The situation on the ground here in Spain over the last 12 months is in many ways different to how it has been portrayed to the rest of the world. Far from Spain being ‘in pain’, the second homes market in 2012 experienced a real revival with more buyers from more diverse countries seen since 2007.
“Indeed in line with the General Council of Notaries’ data, we at Taylor Wimpey España experienced an overall 31% increase in sales to foreign buyers in 2012 with Russians up 27%, Brits 24% but also notably Scandinavian buyers up a massive 311%!”
The geographical shift in buyers was also noted in the recent data with Russians becoming, for the first time, the second largest buying group in 2012, surpassed only by the British. Scandinavian and Benelux buyers also retained their dominance outperforming German and Italians and newcomers such as Algerians and Kuwaitis were also welcomed as buyers in the last 12 months.
Looking ahead to 2013, Marc Pritchard comments,
“All too often the domestic and holiday home market are lumped together and labeled as ‘problematic’ but this is clearly not the case, the numbers speak for themselves. Sales in Mallorca are already up 100% in February 2013 compared to last year, while buyers in the Costa del Sol for the same period have increased by an impressive 183%. With prices remaining competitive, new frontline projects such as our La Vila Paradis development on the Costa Blanca and the proposed new residency law expected to come into place shortly, I remain confident in the Spanish second homes market in 2013.”
For more information on buying property in the Costa del Sol and Mallorca contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

Fitness guru Jane Fonda leads the way as 52% of Brits want to stay active in retirement

by Georgina France

The image of retirement has changed dramatically in recent years. With the state pension age creeping up and financial uncertainty on the increase, more and more individuals are facing the prospect of working well beyond their official age of retirement. But it’s not just the age of retirees that has changed – these days, a growing number are demanding ‘active retirement.’

Prudential’s recent Class of 2013 research found that 21% of those surveyed said that they don’t like the idea of being at home all the time in retirement, and it’s no coincidence that Jane Fonda, herself now in her 70s, has just released a new yoga DVD aimed specifically at those over 50.

The Prudential report also found that 52% of respondents plan to stay physically fit in retirement, 29% plan to improve their mental fitness and 33% plan to spend more time socialising. Research conducted for HSBC´s latest Future of Retirement – Why Family Matters report (2011) found the same thing, with around half of all global respondents viewing retirement as a time of happiness, satisfaction and freedom. This freedom is about wanting to keep active, socialise and make the most of their golden years.

Le Village-Canal du Midi in the beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon area of southern France epitomises the new style of active retirement that has become so increasingly in demand. It is run by The Villages Group, which specialises in providing active living communities for those aged 50+. The resort offers luxurious, one-level houses set in the idyllic French countryside.

The emphasis is on active living and the wide range of activities on offer includes tennis, archery, aerobics, equestrian events, sailing, boating and swimming in the village’s outdoor and indoor pools. Owners enjoy special membership to the stunning nearby golf course and free bicycle hire. The development even boasts access to four ski resorts, all within a 55 mile radius.

Social engagements abound, with a focus on arts and crafts, music, dance, wine and theatre. Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, explains the community’s ethos,

“The over 50’s no longer just want to sit around drinking tea and eating biscuits. Our clients are demanding more from their retirement and are looking to keep fit both physically and mentally. They want to enjoy quality activities and entertainment in a beautiful, sun-drenched setting, so that is exactly what we are providing at Le Village-Canal du Midi.

“As our clients are also concerned about environmental factors, all of the houses have been designed to have low carbon footprints, with glazing positioned to maximise solar gain and high levels of insulation and energy retention. This has the added benefit to our owners of reducing their living costs compared with traditionally built houses.”

House prices at Le Village-Canal du Midi start from around £200,000, which includes all closing costs and the first year’s management fee and taxes; weekly maintenance costs are £40 per week including all activities. All houses are finished to an exceptionally high standard and clients have a choice of colour scheme and have an input into interior design factors such as the style of kitchen.

It is good to see companies responding to client demand in the way that The Villages Group has done. The over 50’s no longer need to slide into old age gracefully and be condemned to sitting around in their slippers. With the creation of Le Village-Canal du Midi, they finally have the environment they demand in order to fully enjoy their golden years.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

311% increase in Scandinavian sales as buyers swoop on the Spanish property market

by Georgina Spain

With Moody’s downgrading the UK, Italy struggling to form a political coalition and Eurozone unemployment at record highs, you might think Europe was a lost cause but think again. Across the North Sea, our Scandinavian neighbours have in fact weathered the financial storm better than most. Indeed the Nordic financial model operated in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, with its emphasis on an expensive yet robust welfare state structure, has seen Scandinavia suffer far less than the majority of Europe’s ailing economies.

  • 311% increase in Scandinavian purchasers of Taylor Wimpey España properties in 2012
  • Scandinavians now account for a fifth of all buyers in 2013
  • 46% of Nordic buyers favoured the Costa del Sol in 2012
Although there have been difficulties, Scandinavia is nevertheless in a strong position compared to the rest of Europe. And it is this comparative difference in economic fortunes which has led to ever increasing numbers of Scandinavians snapping up bargain properties in countries such as Spain.
Taylor Wimpey España, the Spanish arm of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey, has reported record sales figures from the Scandinavian market during 2012. The company’s annual sales analysis has shown a massive 311% increase in Scandinavian purchasers of its properties compared with the previous year. The dramatic trend seems set to continue into 2013 as well, with January sales figures already up 300% on those for the same month in 2012 and the cumulative February sales up 500%.
Mark Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“The interest from Scandinavian markets continues to boom as buyers take advantage of favourable exchange rates and reduced Spanish house prices to purchase their dream second home abroad. Scandinavians, particularly those from Sweden and Norway, now make up over a fifth of our buyers in Spain – a huge increase on previous years.”
The Costa del Sol area has proven particularly popular, favoured by 46% of Taylor Wimpey España’s Nordic purchasers in 2012. With its stunning coastline, bustling cities, direct flights and fantastic scenery, it’s easy to see why the area’s attractions have led so many Scandinavian buyers to fall in love with it. Add to that the incredible value of property there and you have a winning combination.
Los Arqueros Beach in Marbella is a new residential complex of two and three bedroom apartments situated just four minutes from the seafront promenade, three minutes from the ancient part of San Pedro de Alcantara and five minutes from the prestigious Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club. The apartments are the epitome of high quality modern design, with wide terraces, elevators, a spacious solarium, underground parking and two swimming pools all included in the purchase price, which starts from just €195,000.
But the Costa del Sol isn’t the only area to capture Scandinavian buyers’ interest. As Mark Pritchard continues,
“The stunning scenery and laidback lifestyle of the Costa Blanca are attracting an increasing number of Scandinavian clients. Our buyers there were up 35% in 2012.”
Taylor Wimpey España’s brand new beachfront La Vila Paradís apartments on the Costa Blanca enjoy direct access to Paraíso beach in the stunning Villajoyosa area. Beautiful sea views are complemented by carefully landscaped communal gardens, a delightful pool and private parking, with a range of unique, high quality two and three bedroom apartments starting at just €249,000.
For more information on buying property in the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.