“It’s ok Mum, you can come and live with us.” No thanks! Only 3% of UK retirees want to live with their kids

by Georgina France

Research conducted for HSBC’s latest Future of Retirement – Why Family Matters report (2011) has revealed that whilst the majority of Brits nearing retirement would like to live near their kids and grandchildren, only a very small minority would be happy to spend their twilight years actually living under the same roof as their offspring.

Whilst over half of women surveyed globally (56%) said that it was very important for them to be able to live near their family on reaching retirement, men were slightly less emphatic about the prospect with only 44% of them stating they would prefer to live near their children in their old age.

But it seems that close is close enough in the UK at least, as only 3% of the UK-based survey respondents said that they would like to actually live with their children or another family member, under the same roof, when they retire.

Danny Silver, international property expert and partner of The Villages Group, Canal du Midi, an active living resort for the over 50s nestled in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South West France comments,

 

“Compared to other parts of the world such as Asia or southern Europe where multigenerational living is common, here in the UK we’re not so keen to adopt ‘Royale Family’ style living in our golden years. Indeed whilst being close to family and friends is important to many over 50’s, technological advances and indeed better transportation links enable more and more people to remain connected with their loved ones whilst being physically further away.”

Interestingly the HSBC survey also revealed that around half of all global respondents viewed retirement as an age with largely positive associations – a time of happiness, satisfaction and freedom. However, retirement also carries with it negative connotations, with one-third expressing fears about potential financial hardship with this fear much more pronounced among those rapidly nearing retirement age. Such worries have been brought to a head by the impact of the global financial crisis which has forced many adults to work well into their retirement.

But what constitutes a happy retirement? 70% said not having to worry about money but with 64% admitting to being concerned that they would not be able to cope financially in retirement, is moving in with the kids the only option left?

Mr Silver says no:

“Whilst preparing financially for your retirement is of course prudent, over 50’s shouldn’t feel trapped, there are choices out there for every budget. It is well known that retiring overseas, across the Channel in France for example, is cheaper due to the lower cost of living. Here at Canal du Midi, you can buy a detached eco-friendly, energy saving ´maison´ and live, with all expenses covered, for €35 per person per week. That’s considerably less than the UK state pension allowance!”

Situated in south west France just a couple of hours by air from the UK, The Villages Group will provide a community of 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi. This village site will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life within a community of like-minded individuals.

For those thinking about a place to live a great life at an affordable price, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France will make for a wonderful place for your retirement years. Don’t retire from something; have something to retire to.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, emailvillages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com 

Live in paradise at Villajoyosa, home to Taylor Wimpey España’s latest frontline luxury development

by Georgina Spain

Villajoyosa is one of the most charming towns you will find in the Alicante region of Spain. For years, it was remembered for its iconic brightly-coloured fishermen´s houses providing an unusual backdrop to the award winning beaches. Now, it is also known as ´chocolate city´ due to it being the home of the delicious Valor chocolate.

 

Indeed, this beautiful coastal town is a foodies´ heaven with many restaurants boasting breath-taking coastal views, serving fine regional dishes such as paella, puchero (a meaty winter stew), fresh fish and shellfish as well as signature dishes centred on chocolate. It hosts an annual gastronomic fiesta with several of the best restaurants taking part.
For those more interested in topping up their tan than piling on the holiday pounds, the crystal clear waters of Villajoyosa are also perfect for swimming and water sports, with sandy beaches ideal for relaxing, soaking up the sun and enjoying the best of what the Costa Blanca has to offer.
Indeed La Vila Paradis, leading house builder Taylor Wimpey Espana’s latest frontline development, boasts access to a number of blue flag beaches which can be found right at the foot of these luxurious apartments.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“In the current economic climate, many buyers think that frontline properties are now in abundance and bargains can be found around every corner. Indeed whilst there are a number of resale frontline properties built 20 years ago coming back onto the market, those worth buying a far and few between in my opinion.
“Existing properties may seem attractive at first given their often lower price points but buyers should remember that unlike our new homes which all come with a 10 year guarantee, older properties may well need work doing to them and as you are not buying direct from the builder, there is no recourse if something serious goes wrong.”
New frontline developments in Spain such as La Vila Paradis are rare as land values in prime tourism and second home locations remain high but Taylor Wimpey España are confident that this new luxury development will prove a hit with British and indeed European and global buyers.
As Marc Pritchard explains,
“The Costa Blanca not only remains one of the most popular tourism destinations in Spain but also a second home hotspot. Our own sales record reflects its popularity with buyers from the UK, Scandinavia and even as far afield as Australia and a 57% increase in sales in the Costa Blanca seen in 2012 compared to 2011.”
So for those seeking a stunning frontline holiday home in Spain, look no further than the brand new 2 and 3 bed apartments at La Vila Paradis, Villajoyosa. Benefitting from beautiful Mediterranean design and built to high specifications including marble floors, air conditioning and hot water with an energy saving solar thermal system, these homes will last a lifetime.
The unique development offers direct access to Paraíso beach de Villajoyosa as well as affording a swimming pool, private parking and communal gardens. If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, the apartments enjoy beautiful views over the Mediterranean and are within walking distance to local amenities, just a 20 minute drive to Alicante city centre and 250m from the tram station taking visitors up the coast as far as Denia.
With prices starting from just €249,000, own your own piece of the Costa Blanca today with Taylor Wimpey España. 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 0034 971 706 972.

At a Glance: Cape Verde property buyers bank on Boa Vista

by Georgina United Kingdom

More than half of the people buying property in Cape Verde bank on Boa Vista, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s latest At a Glance infographic. The island may not be Cape Verde’s biggest but it certainly is the most popular, accounting for 53 per cent of the country’s property enquiries on the overseas portal in the last 12 months.

 

The infographic, which depicts activity on the site over the last year, shows that Sal is the second most popular real estate destination, responsible for 39.1 per cent of enquiries, followed by Sao Vicente, generating 3.98 per cent.
The largest island, Santiago, is far less in demand, ranking in sixth place with just 0.6 per cent of enquiries. Despite this, Santiago attracts almost the same number of island-level searches as Boa Vista (19.9 per cent and 22 per cent respectively).
On a more localised level, too, Cape Verde’s capital Praia (located on Santiago) is the second most sought-after destination, attracting 22.57 per cent of searches. Sal is home to the most searched-for place, with 62.87 per cent of searches directed straight at the island’s town of Santa Maria. Boa Vista’s Sal Rei, on the other hand, receives only 6.33 per cent of buyer searches.
But while Santiago and Sal are top of investment wish lists, when it comes to sealing the deal, buyers consistently end up banking on Boa Vista.
Editor Ivan Radford comments:
“Sal has traditionally been the most popular island in Cape Verde, but this month’s At a Glance infographic is a snapshot of Boa Vista as it overtakes Sal as the property hotspot of choice. The island’s profile has been rising for some time among tourists – it now outperforms Sal by the number of guests arriving. Buyers may still look to Sal’s Santa Maria first, but either because of its improving investment potential or because there are simply more properties for sale on the island, Boa Vista now comes out on top for transactions. In another year’s time, Boa Vista’s red dot may well be even brighter.”
The infographic also shows buyer behaviour on Google in the last 12 months. The most commonly used term for searches was “Cape Verde property”, followed by the equally general “property for sale in Cape Verde”. More specific search terms, such as “houses for sale in Cape Verde” and “apartments in Cape Verde”, occurred in almost no searches at all.
Editor Ivan Radford adds:
“The lack of searches for specific types of property in Cape Verde is surprising, especially compared to previous At a Glance reports for other countries. The relative size of the country’s islands, though, seems to make investors less concerned about the kind of real estate they are buying, choosing instead to focus on location.”
Click here to view the infographic.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more 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.

Hey big spender! Brits part with 1.46 billion euros in Spain during 2012

by Georgina Italy

“Recession, what recession?” some may say as Brits proved the biggest spenders in 2012, parting with a total of 1.46 billion euros, up 12% from 2011, according to data provided by the Spanish Government. The French came in second at 515 million euros, up 16.6%, whilst spending from Scandinavian tourists grew by 17.5% and the Irish by 32%.

Data further revealed that the average daily expenditure reached 76.3 euros during 2012, up 8.9%, with an average stay of 12 days per visitor.

Indeed the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism’s latest report (Jan 2013) on spending by foreign tourists last year reveals that throughout the Valencia Community (home to the Alicante province which generated 70% of turnover), spending by foreign tourists amounted to 4.84 billion euros in total, 9.4% more than last year.

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

“Spain has indeed been through a challenging period but seeing the continual rise of tourists and associated spend to the country as a whole and the Costa Blanca specifically is immensely reassuring for both current and prospective property owners.

“Improved personal finances and a decrease in holiday prices have contributed to rising tourist levels, helping to alleviate some of the stresses on the Spanish economy. And of course, with the continued ease of access to Spain, particularly the Costa Blanca with new flights scheduled from the UK to Alicante starting this spring, we fully expect Spain remain a top tourist as well as holiday home destination in 2013.”

A case in point
Taylor Wimpey Espana’s client, Penelope Askew, 65, from Essex spent a lifetime being sensible and saving her hard earned pennies but finally saw an opportunity to fulfil her dream of owning a home abroad. She wanted a property within easy reach of the UK and fell in love with the Lagunas del Sol development on the Costa Blanca, only a 2 hour flight away.

She says:
“I recently retired and have been careful with money all of my adult life. I saw the opportunity to buy a 2 bedroom holiday home in a brilliant location for a competitive price and jumped at the chance to spend more time in warmer climes in a home away from home in Spain.

“There’s always something to do… whether on the beautifully manicured golf courses or enjoying the sunshine on the stunning beaches. Lagunas del Sol has lovely swimming pools with plenty of room for relaxing or if I fancy going further afield slightly inland, the Costa Blanca has caves with resident artisans and in many of the towns there are weekday markets with local traders selling their goods.

“Taylor Wimpey España made my Spanish holiday home dream a reality. From start to finish I found the process of owning my own piece of the Costa Blanca hassle free. My queries were dealt with immediately and a friendly contact in Spain was always available to provide detail to assist with purchasing my home.”

With award winning beaches, easy access to Alicante and San Javier airport in Murcia, Benidorm an hour away and Cartegena half an hour, the Costa Blanca is a well-known tourist destination with a gorgeous sea port. It’s easy to see why people come here time and again!

And if like Penelope you want to make that holiday more permanent then Lagunas del Sol is the perfect choice for a holiday home. Set in a charming rural area and located close to the heart of Rojales, the development comprises townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

All the properties are being built to excellent specifications boasting 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens, available now from just €139.840.

For more information contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com . If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244 .

Property Inspector: What a difference a tweet makes

by Georgina United Kingdom

TheMoveChannel.com´s Property Inspector, taking a closer look at global real estate each month. In the first podcast of 2013, the inspector investigates something that´s become a permanent fixture in the property world: social media.

Do you like property on Facebook? Do you follow property on Twitter? Thousands of people do, from house hunters and journalists to estate agents and portals. Social media has transformed the way we receive the latest news, communicate with friends and even how we interact with celebrities.

But how has it changed the property industry? Can it be used to sell a house? Does it help buyers find one? Is it the future for property portals?

Property Inspector interrogates Charlotte Ashton, Director of AB Property Marketing, and Andrea Morgan, aka @RightmoveAddict on Twitter, who has moved from real estate tweeter to co-founder of A Passion for Homes, to get some answers.

Charlotte, social media has been around for ages, but does it actually do anything?
“The property world was quite to slow to embrace social media. Over the last 18 months, we’ve been working with more and more clients who have asked if they should do it and we’ve said yes, but they have to do it properly. It’s not just about, say, tweeting property listings or sending messages once in a blue moon. Lots of journalists use Twitter as a tool because it’s more immediate than press releases or emails – so from our point of a view, we use it all the time.”

Expectations have shifted among consumers. High street stores, such as HMV, are closing now because they can’t keep up with online companies. Has there been a similar shift of expectation in real estate?

“Exactly, yes. People expect more from companies now. It’s a real-time presence. I just posted this morning construction photos of a development in Bacolet Bay, Grenada, for @PropFrontiers on Twitter. If you waited for that in old-school time, it would have taken weeks!”

How has social media changed the activity of house hunting for buyers?
“I think it gives a different, more relaxed approach to finding property. Because it’s not something you do just at work, you can contact people at any time of the day.”

It definitely makes it easier to share content or listings with friends or partners, but it’s also easier to contact agents, isn’t it?

“Yeah, for sure. I was looking for a house and I arranged to do a couple of viewings with an estate agent before work. I made sure I was there before 8am and he didn’t show up. I couldn’t get hold of him – the mobile number, office numbers didn’t work – so I went on Twitter and within five minutes I got a reply. And at the end of the day, the MD of the whole company got in touch to apologise!”

Andrea, you’ve worked with Charlotte on several marketing campaigns, but how did your addiction start?
“I’ve loved property for as long as I can remember! When I came across Rightmove, I was completely hooked, looking at properties all the time – not because I wanted to buy, just because I like to look at them. I decided to join Twitter. I can’t remember why, but I couldn’t think of what to be called. People used to call me the Rightmove Addict, so I just put that on!”

You’ve gone from social media to launching your own property website, A Passion for Homes, this month. How has Twitter helped?

“It’s the access to big brands that you’ve never had before. For example, Rightmove picked up on my name and they’ve become a big part of the business, sponsoring areas on the website. That never would’ve happened if it hadn’t been for Twitter! On my personal blog, I also showcase properties that agents send me – these companies are forward-thinking and understand how social media can get their message out to an audience without using traditional methods.”

We talk about buyers and sellers, but social media has changed the property landscape, hasn’t it? The categories have disappeared…

“If you’re starting on Twitter now, the last thing you want to be doing is selling! You’ve got to change your whole methodology of thinking. You need to engage and interact. Some company Twitter accounts don’t even mention their own products, they just quirky cartoons or photos and you want to be following because it makes you laugh.”

Click here to listen to the full investigation – or subscribe to the TheMoveChannel.com´s podcast in iTunes.

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 45 Lafone Street, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2LX.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

Enjoy your Golden Years for a fraction of the cost in Italy – ranked top retirement destination

by Georgina Italy

Italy has long been renowned as a popular holiday destination. Steeped in history and culture, with a delightful climate, stunning architecture and fine food and wine, it seems that it has something to offer everyone. Recent reports have also shown that Italy’s popularity as a retirement destination is on the rise, with both The Huffington Post and AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) recently ranking Italy as one of the top destinations for those looking to retire abroad.

With people living longer and technology making the world ever smaller, more and more retirees are seeking out sun-drenched destinations in which to spend their golden years. With its temperate Mediterranean climate, healthy diet and robust healthcare system, Italy is an obvious choice.
The World Health Organisation, in its World Health Report 2000 (the last year in which rankings were published), ranked Italy as second in the world for healthcare, topped only by France. More recently, the American Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook ranked Italy as tenth in the world for life expectancy (at 81.86 years according to the 2012 figures).
Indeed for those of retirement age, Le Marche has been tipped by the AARP as the best Italian region to retire to and with the area boasting both stunning coastline and the raw beauty of the Apennine Mountains, it is easy to see why.
Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, Founder of family-run company Appassionata, which offers fractional ownership of two unique homes on the    Estate Giacomo Leopardi in Le Marche, explains what makes the area so attractive,
“Bordering five other Italian regions as well as the Adriatic Sea, Le Marche is said to showcase all of Italy within one region. Unspoilt countryside, fantastic seafood and glorious sunshine abound – who could resist falling in love with such a place?”
Dawn and husband Michael Hobbs have spent years developing Estate Giacomo Leopardi in order to share this wonderful region with other aficionados of the Italian lifestyle. As well as the two carefully restored and tastefully appointed homes, the estate features vineyards, olive groves, a truffle orchard and a lavender plantation. Owners of the fractional shares in the houses also benefit from the treats that these extensive grounds produce. As Michael explains,
“Fractional ownership means that we can offer our owners so much more – their share in the house comes with a swimming pool, all weather tennis court, spectacular landscaped gardens and breath-taking views, as well as a share in the estate’s produce. We have just completed our first wine production from the Estate and our inaugural batch of lavender oil which was distilled locally is now available.”
One tenth shares in Appassionata’s five bedroom/five bathroom Casa Leopardi are currently available for the special price of £175,000. Buyers enjoy exclusive access to the property and grounds for five full weeks per year, enabling them to own their own slice of Le Marche for a fraction of the cost. Fractional ownership is the ideal way to own property abroad for those who are not yet of an age to retire – buyers enjoy superior properties, which are beautifully maintained in their absence and about which they don’t have to worry. It’s the stress-free way of owning a holiday home in the perfect location.
For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Investment Watch: Property bonds prove attractive alternative

by Georgina United Kingdom

Property bonds are an increasingly attractive alternative for investors, according to TheMoveChannel.com´s Investment Watch. The monthly report, which ranks demand for the portal´s listings, found that a US property bond scheme generated the most interest in December.

The bonds, which promise fixed yields of up to 16% per annum, attracted even more attention than discounted bank-owned apartments in Spain. The one-bed repossessed flats, located near Vinaròs, were reduced in price by over 50 per cent with mortgages available directly from the bank. But the affordable holiday homes only received the second highest number of enquiries on the site, with the bonds´ combination of low price (£9,360) and high returns proving hard to resist.

Indeed, out of the 10 most popular listings on TheMoveChannel.com in the final month of last year, nine were rental opportunities as buyers continued to prioritise income during a tough financial climate.

Time-sensitive deals, such as apartments in the Rhones-Alpes ahead of the ski season and Pattaya condos with a discount expiring at the end of the year, generated a significant response, pushing the listings into third and fourth place respectively.

Other investments were geography-dependent, with a buy-to-let opportunity in Devon (fourth place) providing a more familiar market for UK buyers compared to a spa resort in Hungary. The latter country, though, benefited from its appeal to European investors, accounting for two of the top 10 listings (seventh and 10th).

Bulgaria and Spain made up the rest of the chart, alongside a buy-to-let villa in Syracuse. But when it came to returns on investment, the bonds topped traditional bricks and mortar, combining the appeal of US real estate with the trend towards tightening belts.

Ray Withers, co-founding director of Property Frontiers, explains why the US investment properties won over so many buyers: “Managing a buy to let on the other side of the world is just too challenging for some investors that don´t have the time to dedicate. That doesn´t mean they don´t want to be in the US market, though.

“The crash in US property prices followed by the recent beginnings of a recovery has created a great deal of interest in US property. Investors see it as one of the greatest property investment opportunities in a generation. However, property ownership can be expensive in the US with taxes and community fees etc.

“With this particular investment, investors have the opportunity to profit from US property without the hassle and risk of direct ownership. They get to earn regular, fixed returns which are above market yields and have a defined, fixed exit strategy after 5 years. It´s basically the easiest and safest way for smaller scale investors to invest in the USA.

“People also understand the business model that enables the attractive returns to be delivered. The company we have partnered with (who has a strong track record and evidence of doing this) buys properties in distress, renovates them and sells them on for a realistic profit. Continuously reinvesting means that the profits are compounded and the returns are delivered. Underpinning it is a recovering US property market and a team of experts on the ground.”

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 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.

Costa Blanca remains top choice for property with 33% of buyer enquiries according to latest data

by Georgina Spain

With its mountainous interior, miles of golden sandy beaches and subtropical climate it’s no wonder the Costa Blanca remains the most attractive and popular region of Spain for those wishing to purchase a holiday home in the sun.

 

The latest analysis of enquiries made on the largest English language Spanish property portal, Kyero.com from July to December 2012 reveals that the Costa Blanca continues to be the most attractive province for foreign buyers accounting for 33% of all enquiries generated. Malaga province attracted 15% of foreign buyer enquiries, followed by Murcia with 6% and Tarragona with 5%. 
 
 
The most popular property types enquired about were apartments (37%) followed by villas (29%) and country houses (17%). 
 
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
 
 
“With Alicante being such a popular choice for overseas buyers, it’s hardly surprising that the Costa Blanca is top of the list of foreign buyer enquiries. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we offer a variety of high quality, affordable developments in the province, with our own 57% increase in sales volume between 2011 and 2012 reflecting the Costa Blanca’s popularity. ”
 
 
In terms of property size, the Kyero report reveals that 3-bed properties attracted the most interest (33%) followed closely by 2-bed properties (31%). And at 46% of all enquiries, the most attractive price band was €50,000 to €150,000, followed by those under €50,000 (22%) indicating that buyers are still looking to take advantage of falling prices and bag a bargain.  
 
 
Pritchard adds,
 
 
“The current domestic Spanish property market is reeling from one body blow after another however; our sales volumes prove this has not deterred foreign buyers purchasing second homes. Many view the Costa Blanca as the preferred holiday home destination; with warm seas, sunny skies, plenty to do day and night and more cheap flights per day than you could shake a stick at, it is a serious lifestyle option for fed up Brits looking to escape the cold.”
 
 
For those thinking about buying the perfect property in the Costa Blanca why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer? 
 
 
Lagunas del Sol  is a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada, province of Alicante.
 
 
The properties have been built on two floors with 3 bedrooms, a garden and private parking. Costing just 139.840€ all the properties have been built to excellent specifications and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens.
 
 
Or take a look at Calpesol, nestled in the quiet town of Calpe in Alicante is one of the most beautiful spots of the Costa Blanca’s coast line and only 5 minutes from the beach.
 
 
From just 165,000€  this stunning development consists of spacious houses with landscaped gardens and a communal swimming pool. The properties have 3 bedrooms, cloakroom, 2 bathrooms, terrace, private garden and also benefit from outdoor parking. The properties are all finished to a high standard and are ideal for full time living or for holidays. 
 
 
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.
 

International arrivals set to exceed 1 billion for first time in 2012 as Spain hosts World Tourism Day

by Georgina Spain

Today the globe celebrates World Tourism Day (WTD) with festivities well underway in host country Spain against a backdrop of news that for the first time, international tourism arrivals globally will exceed the 1 billion mark according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Celebrated on the 27th September each year, the day aims to foster awareness across the international community on the significance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Many tourism companies and government agencies with an interest in tourism come together each year to celebrate World Tourism Day with various different events. Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world and has helped propel social and economic progression in many countries.

“The host nation, Spain, is a prime example with the nation being the second most visited country of the world after France, thanks to its geography and rich cultural scene. In the first eight months of this year alone, Spain received 40.7 million international visitors; this was 3.6% more than in the same period of 2011. Tourism has always been an economic driver for Spain, even when the chips are down and this is why it is important we celebrate its value.”

For Spain, the Balearic Islands represent one of the most popular tourist destinations. In August this year, the Balearic Islands received 1.8 million international visitors, 2.8% more than the same month last year according to the survey of tourist movements in borders, Frontur, released recently by the Ministry of Industry.

Caroline Ellis, Commercial Assessor at Taylor Wimpey España who has lived for three years on the popular Balearic island of Mallorca in the town of Cala d’Or explains why it makes the perfect place for a holiday or second home purchase:

“Mallorca is a wonderful island and for me, one of the best areas is the charming town of Cala d’Or, situated on the South East of the island. Cala d’Or has everything you’d require when looking for a place in the sun – beautiful sandy, safe beaches, various sport facilities, and a charming marina with a huge choice of restaurants to suit everyone’s taste.

“The residents are mainly Spanish; however over the years it has become popular for other Europeans to make it their home.  Because of the strength of community, the main supermarkets, shops, and banks are open all year round meaning many visitors come during different times of the year. And, even though Cala d’Or was one of the first major tourist resorts in Mallorca with the buildings themed on Ibiza’s small pretty white-washed homes, the town’s tourism offers the perfect balance of tranquillity and entertainment.”

For property hunters looking for high quality affordable property, Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent properties on offer in Mallorca at only 4% VAT until the end 2012.

El Puerto II situated in Cala d´Or, south east Mallorca has 2 bedroom apartments surrounded by generous gardens with native Balearic plants and 3 communal swimming pools.

Costing from €149,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and floodlit tennis courts in Cala Egos, 10 minutes from Cala d’Or.

Cala Estancia residential development located in the small bay of Cala Estancia, one of the quieter spots in the heart of the bay of Palma is the ideal place to relax.

Affording 3 bed/ 2 bath apartments next to the sea, near to Palma and walking distance to all amenities, these apartments have direct sea access as well as fully fitted kitchens, air conditioning,marble floors, double glazing, modern bathrooms, allocated underground parking space and storage rooms from just 265.200€ + 4% VAT.

For more information on buying in Spain 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.
 

Back in the game! Spain sees highest increase in sales since 2008

by Georgina Spain

Figures released last week by the Ministry of Development has revealed that 9,502 housing transactions were made by foreigners in Spain during the second quarter of this year over the same period in 2011 – the highest figure seen for four years when transactions reached 11,130.

It is thought the decline in Spanish property prices has contributed to the 12% rise in sales. In Q2 2012, prices dropped by 8.3% to 1,606.4 euros per square metre.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“There are numerous reasons why Spain still ranks top of the list for property buyers. For Brits the easy to reach reliable good weather plays a big part, swapping grey clouds for blue skies and the strength of the pound against the euro means that visitors can get more for their money which has no doubt aided the increase in people snapping up attractive deals. We have seen a rise in enquiries particularly amongst Brits, Germans and Russians and these are translating into sales – last week alone we made 11 sales – it was a good week for us!”

In terms of province of residence and location of property purchases, Alicante took the number one spot with 2,645 transactions while Malaga flowed behind with 1,127. Barcelona took third place with 847, followed by Tenerife with 655 and the Balearic Islands 536.

Meanwhile, further positive news from the Bank of Spain has shown that foreign investment in Spanish property during the first three months of 2012 increased by 2.5% to 1,163 million euros compared to the same period in 2011.

Marc Pritchard explains,

“It’s not surprising that most of the property transactions in Spain have taken place in Alicante, Costa Blanca. As one of the most famous coastlines in Spain, the Costa Blanca attracts millions of visitors each year and is traditionally a favourite destination for foreign buyers drawn to the clear blue waters, miles of golden sandy beaches, quaint villages, sophisticated cafes and restaurants and an abundance of historical, cultural and leisure activities. As a result of the Costa Blanca’s popularity, we will be launching another front line development near Alicante this autumn.”

For those who are thinking about making a Spanish property purchase this year on the sunny Costa Blanca, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer.

The new Lagunas del Sol development, a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

The properties have been built on two floors with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens available now from €99,900 + 4% VAT until end 2012.

The Calpesol residential complex in Calpe, Costa Blanca perfectly matches buyer’s needs. Comprised of stunning houses with gardens, this development affords communal swimming pools and three bedroom and two bathroom properties with roofed sun terrace and private parking costing from just €169,000 + 4% VAT until end 2012.

The private complex of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses of Las Brisas de Alenda is located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute away.

The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just €169,000 + 4% VAT until end 2012.

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.