Escape the rain and head to Spain! Brits flock to the Balearics this summer

by Georgina Spain

Holiday firm Thomson experienced a surge in website hits from April to June this year with the Balearics proving to be one of the most popular destinations for Brits to escape to it has been revealed.

Overall holiday searches for the month of June were up nearly 20% on the same period in 2011 according to the Head of Online Marketing at Thomson, Nathan Timmins. He explained: “The constant rain is driving all of us around the bend. Over the last month the Balearics, Spain, Greece, Tunisia and Morocco have proved popular as Brits look to escape to sandy beaches, beautiful weather and resorts that they know and love.”

With this in mind, according to a report from Frontur Institute of Tourism Studies, Spain reached 5.43 million international tourists in May this year representing a 5.8% increase compared to May 2011, the highest rate for the month of May over the last three years.

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

“Tourism into Spain has grown this year with Brits representing the highest proportion of visitors into the nation in May 2012 with 1.44 million tourists – hardly surprising given that April, May and June have been the wettest three months in the UK for 90 years. Indeed, millions of Brits are looking to head off overseas not just for more reliable weather but the fact that the pound is 10% stronger than last year.”

Further good news comes from the Bank of Spain who has revealed that foreign investment in Spanish real estate grew by 2.4% through March 2012 compared to the same period last year, with 1,163 million euros.

“In spite of what is happening in Spain, many property investors still hold confidence in the market recognising the Mallorcan property sector as one of the most resilient. Kyero.com, the biggest Spanish property portal has discovered in its Spanish House Price Index for July that property prices in Mallorca are 193% above the national average with house prices increasing across each quarter of 2012 rising from 450,000 euros in March this year to 471,000 euros last month.”

For those property hunters looking for high quality at affordable prices 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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d´Or Golf Club.
 

Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the sea on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + VAT.
 

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

Can France really be one of the most transparent global real estate markets with confusion high over proposed new second homes tax?

by Georgina France

The latest biannual Global Real Estate Transparency Index 2012 by Jones Lang Lasalle has ranked France amongst one of the most transparent real estate markets in the world. However, this accolade is in question as it seems that rather than attempt to make the French property system even more transparent, the French government’s proposed taxation changes have caused great concern and confusion with potential and existing foreign owners of second homes in France.

According to this year’s well respected Global Real Estate Transparency Index which rates countries on 83 criteria, grading them between being perfectly transparent (1) and opaque (5), France ranks 7th in its “transparency” status based on factors such as sales transactions, debt regulation, land and property registration, direct property indices and corporate governance. With this in mind, it would seem that France’s proposed tax hike on rental income rising from 20% to 35.5%, and capital gains tax on property sales rising from 19% to 34.5% – the extra in each case being branded a "social charge" would be detrimental to the French property market.

Marcel Van Peteghem, Partner at French legal advice & property law firm Anglo French Law comments,

“Let us for one moment muse upon a number of points regarding this proposed measure. Firstly, it is difficult to see how non-residents can be charged “social taxes” from which they can never derive a benefit. Secondly, there are some complex pieces of EU law that deal with this and these may yet prove to be the undoing of this proposal. Sarkozy went down this route on foreign owned property taxes of a different kind only to U turn later when he had gained the maximum mileage out of it to a domestic French audience, much to the alarm of UK owners and buyers.

“Indeed, there are varying estimates as to how many Brits own French property as second homes in France either as static investment or actively generating an income from long or short term rents, most agree on approximately 600,000. Thus the likely net tax take from the exercise of taxing a relatively small non-resident section of the property owning community on small scale rental income is likely to be minimal when one takes into consideration the added administrative costs and collection by well-paid civil servants. It is fairly clear that the implementation will have little if any financial gain for the French exchequer but will instead further depress an already subdued property market.

“As for the UK French  property owner;  unlike buying a second property in any town anywhere  to rent out for a profit, most Brits own property in France because they love the country and enjoy visiting which means it is quite likely that the tax proposal will be of secondary consideration. Brits that use their holiday homes and then also rent them out for a few weeks of the year to cover the existing taxes may have to add just one or two extra weeks to that endeavour to cover the proposed rental social charge levy.”

However, in spite of the suggested tax hikes, those thinking about buying a French holiday home will be able to make savings from France’s forecast average property price fall of 5-6% this year according to Crédit Agricole, one of France´s largest banks with expert’s intent on promoting this decline as an alteration rather than a property crash. Indeed, the weakening Euro and falling house prices have made French property cheaper for Brits, with the cheapest rates since October 2008 being seen.

Furthermore, even with falling prices and an accolade as one of the most transparent real estate markets, existing and potential French property buyers might still feel a little dubious about entering the market. Providing further reassurance to panicked buyers, Van Peteghem explains:

“It’s important to remember the proposed measure will not affect anyone going to live in France, retiring or relocating for any one of the many reasons people do.  We must remember that the Assembly may not vote this through and the French constitutional court may end up dismissing this move altogether.”

With retirement in mind, The Villages Groups active living ‘Village’ resorts for the over 50’s in France, designed for permanent residents is just one example of how buyers won’t be affected.

For a great life at an affordable price, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France will make for a wonderful place to relocate. Chosen for its three C’s – climate, coast and countryside Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France and as a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group has decided to develop their first “active living” village community of 107 villas at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.

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

Spanish government introduces new loyalty card to reward repeat visitors

by Georgina Spain

The Spanish Government has sanctioned a 2012-2016 Comprehensive National Tourism Plan which will cover 28 measures aimed at boosting tourism – a strategic factor that will aid the nation’s economic recovery according to the government.

The recently approved plan which will generate much needed jobs and wealth for the country will help improve Spain’s position as a leader in world tourism by focussing on 6 pillars, encompassing 28 measures and 104 specific actions. The basics of the plan will include building the strength of Marca Espana, achieved through its coordinated promotion; customer-oriented management targeting the loyalty of mature markets and market unity through syncing legislation and public-private cooperation.

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

“What is of particular interest is the tourist-oriented framework of this new plan which will see the development of a loyalty programme aimed at producing incentives for tourists who have already visited Spain to come back which will be done through special cards that collect points at associated Spanish corporations.

“Furthermore, the programme will include a campaign to encourage domestic tourism and support the much needed promotion of non-coastal locations. To further stimulate tourism, the plan proposes establishing rebates on airport fees for off peak days at airports in the Canary Islands as well as winter months at Balearic airports.

“This plan really demonstrates a sound and logical commitment from the Spanish government to propel tourism forward in Spain – it is after all the engine that drives the nation and in tough times, the focus really needs to be on this sector more than ever.”

Meanwhile, it seems Spanish tourism is already on its way up after receiving a total of 19.1 million international tourists between January and May 2012, an increase of more than 458,000 over the same period in 2011 according to the Survey of Tourist Movements in Frontera (Frontur).

Pritchard explains,

“In spite of Spain’s current situation, the nation is still a top pick with tourists and if the number of visitors till May has already risen by 2.4% compared to last year, can you imagine what will happen once the new tourism plan kicks in? With this in mind, while work is already being carried out to make visa applications quicker and more effective the Spanish government is considering giving residence permits to foreigners who buy apartments from 250,000 euros so anyone dubious about buying Spanish property should be feeling more confident. Buyers can now snap up great deals given low prices but feel reassured about the future.”

For optimistic property hunters looking for the very best in Spanish property Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent properties on offer.

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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d´Or Golf Club.

Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the sea on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + VAT.
 

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

Property sales increase as 458,000 more tourists flock to Spain in 2012

by Georgina Spain

Spain received in the first five months of 2012 a total of 19.1 million international tourists, an increase of more than 458,000 over the same period in 2011, according to the Survey of Tourist Movements in Frontera (Frontur) testament the longstanding popularity of the Iberian nation despite economic concerns.

As a result of the increase, spending by international tourists reached 17.811 million euros between January and May this year, an increase of 4.6% over the same period in 2011 with the bulk of expenditure by British tourists at 3.166 million euros followed by 2.968 million euros spent by Germans according to figures provided by the survey of tourist spending Egatur prepared by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

But what is it that has caused the increase in visitors to Spanish shores this year? According to a survey by satnav firm TomTom, 69% of respondents admitted that their summer holiday was important to them with almost a third of Britons (31%) visiting Spain for sunshine while 42% just want to relax.

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 holiday makers. 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 on hotel accommodation and rental properties. In fact, we at Taylor Wimpey España have actually seen a 5% increase in unit sales from January to June this year compared to the same period in 2011!

“And it looks as though the influx of tourists is set to continue in the coming months with many jetting off in July and August to avoid the London Olympics. Online travel agents have actually reported a 200% increases in bookings for this period with the Balearics topping the list.”

With the Balearics in mind, those looking to snap up Mallorcan property could well be in a better position to take advantage of the dip in asking prices with leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com revealing that overall asking prices in Mallorca have declined by 23% from their peak. In spite of this, Kyero.com explains that prices are still 226,600 euros above the national average of 245,000 euros weighted by a large number of luxury properties.

Notably, in Kyero’s enquiry report for H1 2012 there is a high percentage of enquiries (61.4%) for properties with no swimming pool and over half of enquiries (50.1%) targeted at apartments.  Generally, as one might expect in the current economic climate, the cheapest properties available seem to receive the most enquiries with 32.9% searching for property priced between 50 – 150,000 euros. 

For those property hunters looking for high quality at affordable prices Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent properties on offer.
 

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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d’Or Golf Club.
 

Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the sea on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + VAT.
 

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

 

With 71% of workers believing they’ll be worse-off in retirement moving to France could be just what the doctor ordered

by Georgina France

The 2012 Retirement Readiness Survey from the leading provider of retirement security, AEGON has discovered there is widespread pessimism about the future state of retirement with 71% of current workers believing that future generations will be worse-off in retirement than current retirees.

The international survey of 9000 respondents in nine countries – France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States was developed to measure how prepared people feel about their own retirement in the various global nations. The findings highlight that more than 70% believe that they are now responsible for saving for their own retirement but relatively few (15%) actually believe that they are on course to reach the retirement income they need.

While the prevailing attitudes toward retirement and the levels of financial readiness among the current working generation in Europe and the United States appears a little bleak it seems that current retirees in Britain are faring well with The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) recently highlighting that pensioner incomes have risen by 29.4% since 1999 compared to just 26% for working people.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of ‘active living’ resorts for over 50’s The Villages Group, France comments,

“It’s positive to hear that more people acknowledge their responsibility for ensuring that they cater for a secure retirement but it’s still rather sad that they feel they’ll be worse off once retirement hits. With people living longer and decreasing government funding there needs to be a real shakeup in pension structures across Europe and the UK.

“In the here and now however, UK pensioners are richer today than they have been in the past 15 years according to the IFS. Free TV licenses, winter fuel allowances and free transport as well as income tax reductions highlight just some of the benefits. In spite of being ‘richer’ however there’s no getting away from the fact that Britain is one of the loneliest places in Europe in which to grow old as discovered by charity WRVS, so a move to a nation that offers a better life such as France could be just what the doctor ordered.”

With this in mind, the OECD Better Life Index 2012 which compares well-being across a number of global countries, based on 11 topics in the areas of material living conditions and quality of life has revealed that in general; French people are more satisfied with their lives than the 72% OECD average. Indeed, 73% of people explained that they have more positive experiences in an average day (feelings of rest, pride in accomplishment) than negative ones (worry, sadness, boredom).

In terms of health, life expectancy in France is almost 81 years, higher than the OECD average of 80 years while on the housing front, 91% of people say they are satisfied with their current housing situation, higher than the OECD average of 87%.

Silver comments,

“The French way of life is second to none offering less expensive housing, a relaxed pace of life and cheaper living costs. The nation is completely respectful of the elderly and this is why we decided to develop our active living Villages for over 50’s here offering a range of amenities and services including a gym, indoor pools and entertainment but also a strong community of friends where it’ll impossible to feel alone.”

For those in their third age 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 to relocate. Chosen for its three C’s – climate, coast and countryside Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France and as a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group has decided to develop their first “active living” village community of 107 villas at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.

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

 

“Big opportunities for shrewd property hunters in Spain”, says Taylor Wimpey España who recently experienced their strongest sales performance for 2012

by Georgina Spain

There’s no denying that the Spanish economy has been suffering recently. Banking losses resulting in the Iberian nation asking for help to recapitalise its banks has caused concern and aided a decline in property prices but for bargain property hunters, it isn’t all doom and gloom.

While investment house Variant Perception reports that parts of Spain have seen prices drop by as much as 50% from their peak, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España believes that there remains plenty of opportunities to capitalise off the back of low prices commenting:

“In spite of Spain’s current situation there are some big opportunities for shrewd property hunters right now. Property investors will not only benefit from the fact that Spanish property is currently around 33% lower than it was during its peak in 2008 but from growing tourism, which saw a 2.6% increase in the first few months of this year. Indeed, cheaper prices along with a particularly favourable euro rate means that Spanish property is an extremely worthwhile consideration as long as potential buyers ensure that they do thorough research first to avoid getting burnt. ”

Further boosting the case for buying a second property in Spain today, research conducted by Holiday Lettings has revealed that Spanish property continues to dominate the holiday rental market with strong demand for apartments and villas in Spain in the first three months of 2012.

Pritchard explains,

“Demand for second homes in Spain has not been broken. Properties in prime locations are now more readily available to potential buyers given low prices and, considering the unfaltering love for Spain as a holiday destination, Spanish property owners will still be able to obtain a solid return on a relatively low-cost investment.

“For anyone dubious about how the market is performing we at Taylor Wimpey de España, the only developer on the Costa del Sol actively building and selling and the only developer building and selling larger developments in Mallorca have been experiencing great success of late. Not only has traffic taken a positive turn with a 15% increase from May until now, reaching its highest level ever last week but both leads and sales are up. Just two weeks ago we made 4 sales – our strongest performance so far this year. Indeed, our biggest success story has to be our complete sell out recently in just 13 months of our off plan development at Cala Anguila, Mallorca. Our positive results highlight that in spite of what is going on in Spain right now, buyer interest still remains solid. ”

For clued up property hunters looking to take advantage of Spain’s unbeatable prices, Taylor Wimpey de España has some excellent properties on offer.
 

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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d’Or Golf Club.
 

Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the sea on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + VAT.
 

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

 

Summer sailing in Mallorca boosts property investor confidence

by Georgina Spain

The beautiful Spanish Island of Mallorca, a popular holiday destination for Brits and Europeans alike lured by the island’s sophistication and diversity is currently gearing up for one of the most significant luxury sailing yacht events – the annual Superyacht Cup.

 

As the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe, now in its 16th year, the Superyacht Cup has drawn in hundreds of sailing superyachts to the occasion since it began back in 1996, gathering the world’s largest and most impressive privately owned superyachts to the Bay of Palma every year to participate in the four day invitation only event.

 

Kicking off today, the event is designed to showcase the Balearic Islands as one of the best superyacht bases in the world, chosen for its central location and reliable wind conditions as well as tourist attractions by combining spectacular boating vessels and competitive sailing with a relaxed and glamorous atmosphere ashore.

 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey de España who also lives in the island, comments,

 

“Every year this prestigious event not only sees many boating enthusiasts preparing to set sail from the dazzling Mallorcan shore but an abundance of intrigued visitors flocking to the island to witness the action. Indeed, international events of such magnitude continue to aid Mallorca’s reputation as the place to be and while many sailing devotees are attracted to such events, many more stay for Mallorca’s sun soaked climate, striking blue flag beaches and high class restaurants.”

 

With this in mind, the natural beauty and popular social programme of the island means that the demand for accommodation increases, with rental property close to marinas becoming highly desirable.

 

Pritchard further comments,

 

“There are many benefits to be had from owning a home in Mallorca as it can offer a great rental income for owners throughout the year. The stunning Balearic Island offers a wonderful quality of life and superb properties that are so often desired by tourists and potential home owners. And, although recognised in part, as a hub for the rich and famous, Mallorca has plenty to offer in terms of affordable property with something for everyone.”

 

Meanwhile the recently launched ‘Palma 365’ campaign designed to encourage winter as well as summertime tourism to the Balearic Island will be further aiding potential Mallorcan property investor confidence this year.

 

Palma 365 will aim to develop new ideas and offers to attract winter visitors highlighting Mallorca’s mild winters and limited rainfall and promoting the year-round nautical and golfing activity on the Island.

 

For property investors looking to cash in on the rental potential from Mallorca’s superyacht race as well as abundant year round events programme, leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España has some stunning Mallorcan properties on offer.

 

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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and within easy reach of the superyacht action.

 

Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the sea on Mallorca.

 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + VAT.

 

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

 

Retirees move abroad to escape the loneliest place in Europe

by Georgina France

Britain has been revealed as one of the loneliest places in Europe in which to grow old according to a recent study from charity WRVS. However, in spite of this somewhat depressing news, hope is not lost with the perfect solution existing just a short hop across the channel.
 
According to the research from WRVS which analysed results of the annual European Social Survey, older people in the UK have limited opportunities for socialising, are more likely to suffer from long term health conditions and live in poverty compared to most other European nations.

Further revealing the seemingly despairing reality faced by Britain’s older generation, data from Age UK has shown that one in every twenty British pensioners suffers from severe loneliness, hardly surprising given that only 6% of older people in the UK leave their homes just once a week (Age UK 2012).

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of ‘active living’ resorts for over 50’s The Villages Group, comments,
 
“It’s extremely sad that Britain’s ageing population feels so isolated. Shockingly, around 2 million retired British people find it difficult to reach the Post Office, GP or even their local shop, and with very little social contact and limited access to services it’s no wonder elderly people feel so withdrawn from society. To make matters worse continued pressure on energy and food bills mean that many older people are being forced to take a step closer towards the poverty line.

“By stark contrast, France is one nation that delivers the exact opposite when it comes to caring for their elderly and that’s why we chose this nation as the location for our new active living resorts for over 50’s. These resorts will be focused around developing strong communities of like-minded individuals where they will never feel alone. We’re just completely dedicated to health and happiness for all.”

While France has less expensive housing, a relaxed pace of life and cheaper living costs, the Villages in France offers a range of amenities and services suitable for those in their ‘third age’. Here a community of friends can mingle, embark on fun and engaging on site entertainment choices for an active and sociable life as well as numerous options for physical fitness and well-being including a gym and indoor pools.

Silver explains,

“As people get older loneliness can start to creep its way in but it doesn’t have to be that way. Rather than choosing an expensive care home in the UK why not chose a sunshine resort that encourages physical and social activity? Right now, retirement villages in the UK are grabbing a lot of attention – the BBC did a recent article explaining that they could be the answer for the UK’s ageing population but I believe that our active living villages in France for over 50’s offer a far better option and a cheaper one too. In the UK maintenance such as gardening, swimming pools and window cleaning can cost around £600 per month where as ours which also includes French land taxes as well as full entertainment program equates to approximately £75 per month!”

For those in their third age 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 to relocate. Chosen for its three C’s – climate, coast and countryside as well as being one of the best places in the world to go canal boating, Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France and as a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group has decided to develop their first “active living” resort ‘village’ for those over 50 to enjoy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.
 
The Villages Group will provide a village community of 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi and 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 with friends.

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

Spanish beaches break record with 638 prestigious Blue Flags

by Georgina Spain

 The Blue Flag beach results for 2012 are in and Spain has recorded its best ever outcome winning a total of 638 blue flags, 35 more than the 603 flags achieved last year according to the European Foundation for Environmental Education. 

 
 
With 540 beaches and 98 marinas flying the prestigious flag this year, Spain has maintained its lead on all 51 territories and 46 states participating in the programme from the northern hemisphere meaning that one in six flags of the 3,774 awarded in this area will now fly in Spain. 
 
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager Taylor Wimpey España, comments,  
 
 
“Spain has not only maintained its leadership in the Blue Flag stakes over heavyweights such as Greece and France but has actually broken its own record and we are extremely pleased that so many beaches in Spain now hold the renowned international symbol of beach excellence which takes into consideration accessibility, water quality, environmental information for beach users or respect for the law.” 
 
 
As well as the prestigious Blue Flag accolade which could help boost Spain’s appeal and economic climate, in other tourism honors, Andalusia has been named the region with the most ‘quality’ beaches according to the Institute for Spanish Tourist Quality (ICTE). 
 
 
A total of 174 Spanish beaches in 2012 received the ‘Q’ award from the ICTE, a mark which identifies the requirements that a beach must meet in relation to cleanliness of equipment, security, rescue operations, and information. 
 
 
Marc Pritchard further comments, 
 
 
“The lasting quality of Spain’s beaches continues to attract visitors from all over the world, drawn by the beautiful white sands and clear blue waters. Of course, these esteemed awards will signal good news for property owners as homes within close proximity to a Blue Flag beach will expect to retain a higher value over time and see greater rental appeal. 
 
 
“The declaration from The Blue Flag programme and recognition of the Iberian nation’s beautifully pristine beaches from the ICTE only confirms that Spain is the best beach capital of Europe and in my opinion, the world. Beaches across Spain continue to improve year on year and along with the relatively short flight times from anywhere in Europe, visitors will continue to flock to Spain to sample its outstanding beaches. ” 
 
 
For those thinking about buying a property next to a flawless Spanish beach why not take a look at what building giant Taylor Wimpey España has to offer? 
 
 
Located in Marbella, Andalucía, home to the blue flag beach of Artola, Los Robles de Los Arqueros consists of two and three bedroom apartments orientated towards the reputed golf course, Los Arqueros. Priced at only €240,000, this development offers a children’s paddling pool and adult swimming pool, communal gardens and underground parking in the glorious Costa del Sol. 
 
 
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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago. 
 
 
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. 

“We’ve proved it’s still possible to sell a complete off plan development in Spain” says Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

While the eurozone construction sector recorded an increase in activity of 12.4% in March 2012 over the previous month according to European statistics office, Eurostat there is no denying that some nations such as Spain have seen a decline in activity. Specifically, while there seems to be an air of doom and gloom surrounding property in Spain, Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España appears to be bucking the trend.

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

“In Spite of what has been a testing time, we have experienced incredible success of late particularly with our off plan projects. We are currently building our last 30 units at our development Los Robles de Los Arqueros, Costa del Sol where we have already sold 19 units. As well as this, we have already sold 50% off plan at Lagunas del Sol, on the Costa Blanca. However, our biggest success story has to be our complete sell out in just 13 months of our off plan development at Cala Anguila, Mallorca.

“We aren’t surprised that Cala Anguila is completely sold out. The development not only benefits from being one of the last few plots of land for a home next to a beach in Mallorca – just 100 metres to be exact but from an unbeatable price tag starting from just €200.000. It just goes to show that even in difficult times; it’s still possible to sell a complete development in Spain off plan. We’ve proved it!”

Meanwhile, when it comes to who’s buying, Brits still remain the strongest purchasing nation according to Taylor Wimpey España with the Balearics ranking as one of the most popular destinations for British buyers, having risen over the past year to a total of 23,773 people according to recent figures from the Spanish National Statistics Institute.

Pritchard comments,

“The Balearic island of Mallorca, where celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer and Boris Becker have homes, has bucked the trend seen on mainland Spain and still remains a highly sort after second home location. As an island, Mallorca’s restriction of available land to develop combined with conscientious planning has meant that the isle is not over developed allowing prices to remain steady. Indeed, along with Mallorca’s resilience, any properties in prime locations that are well-constructed are selling fast – this was certainly Cala Anguila’s USP!”

Making travel to the golden island even more popular amongst Mallorca’s second home owners and tourists, Ryanair commenced six new routes out of Palma de Mallorca Airport earlier this month, now flying daily to Cologne, thrice-weekly to Rome Ciampino, Porto in Portugal and Malmo Sweden as well as twice-weekly to Groningen in the Netherlands and once a week to Smaland in Sweden.

For those thinking about buying the perfect property in Mallorca why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has on offer?

Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone’s throw from the sea on Mallorca.

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + VAT

El Puerto II, Cala D’Or, Mallorca located on the south east coast of the island very close to the  Marina de Cala D’Or affords comfortable two bedroom apartments available  from €171,500 + VAT . With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

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.