And the 2012 Traveler’s Choice Award for Best Beach in Spain goes to….

by Georgina Spain

 

Mallorca, one of the most beautiful and exotic Spanish islands has taken the number one spot for Best Beaches in Spain according to the 2012 Traveler’s Choice Awards, compiled by the world’s leading travel review site, TripAdvisor.
 
While, Mallorca’s Puerto Alcudia took the crown for best beach in Spain, the golden island scooped third place for best beach in Europe, coming just behind two beaches in Turkey.
 
This news comes as no surprise to Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España, Marc Pritchard, who has been living and working on the beautiful Balearic Island for over 20 years:
 
“Mallorca has again demonstrated that it has some of the best beaches in Europe and in my opinion, the world. My very first memories of Mallorca are on a wonderful family holiday I had with my parents back in 1974 – this is where my love affair with Mallorca started. I have lived on the island for many years and I must admit the picture perfect beaches and wonderfully relaxed lifestyle were the two key ingredients in choosing Mallorca as my home” explains Pritchard.
 
Voted Spain’s best beach, Mallorca’s Puerto Alcudia stretches along five miles of gentle waters making it one of the longest beaches on the island. Described by TripAdvisor as a beach with ‘velvety white sands’, visitors and residents alike can pick from a quiet stroll around the quaint beach-side fishing village or swimming in the electric-blue sea, to windsurfing and paragliding for the more adventurous.
 
Meanwhile, as someone that enjoys spending time on Mallorca’s best beach, Puerto Alcudia, Marc Pritchard also explains,
 
“Puerto Alcudia is a beautiful beach and given its size is able to accommodate many people, which it often does in the summer. However, many of the locals and our home owners look for quieter beaches that attract fewer crowds. For instance there are two beaches just 10 minutes away at Aires de Pollença and Pollentia Mar. These beaches are a little quieter and excellent for families to enjoy a walk along the seafront or find a place to relax and watch the world go by.”
 
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.
 
Located near a stunning sun drenched beach, Aires de Pollença affords two bedroom apartments in a gated community from just €260,000 offering convenient underground parking spaces, a dazzling communal swimming pool and shared gardens.
 
Pollentia Mar, has just one two-bedroom apartment remaining, just 50 meters from the beach and Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade affords a single block of apartments with a communal area and swimming pool as well as private parking spaces.  
 
Located in port of Pollença, Pollentia Mar is close enough to benefit from all the facilities that the port has to offer while affording peaceful surroundings and beautiful views. Fully furnished show homes available from just €275,500.
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Crossing the Canal. Only 1 in 7 Brits believe they will be able to live a comfortable retirement in the UK

by Georgina France

With high living costs and decreasing pension pots, only 1 in 7 people believe that they will have enough money to live comfortably in the UK once they stop working according to a survey from the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).

Data from the NAPF highlighted that the UK could witness a large numbers of retirees moving overseas in an attempt to find better value for money with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) citing destinations such as France, Spain, Australia, the USA and Canada as top picks for UK pensioners.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“The numbers speak for themselves – 34% of those who took part in the NAPF survey said they would rather retire somewhere cheaper overseas than start paying more into their British pension while 24% of those aged 55 to 64 shared the same view, indicating that their inability to save more for retirement left them feeling more pressurized into moving abroad.

“Of course, as more and more people in their ‘third age’ see their costs of living rise and their standard of living drop, it is hardly surprising that they are looking for better deals overseas. France for instance is undoubtedly one of the ultimate retirement destinations for a wide variety of reasons. It’s close to the UK, celebrated for its cuisine and culture and affords a varying climate depending on what part of the country you reside in be that Bordeaux for its stunning countryside or the long sandy Mediterranean coastline of Languedoc.”

With this in mind, the Languedoc-Roussillon region makes for a wonderful place to relocate in your golden years. 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. As a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group has decided to develop an 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.

Danny Silver explains,

“Canal du Midi is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Laden with plane trees, planted in neat rows in the 1830s to strengthen the banks, this magnificent environment became an integral part of the canal´s beauty and a tourist attraction when it finally ceased to be used for commercial transport in the 1980s. It is a wonderful place for engineering enthusiasts or for those simply wanting to bask in the beauty of the canal.”

The Villages Group will provide a village community of around 116 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 programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life within a community of like-minded individuals.

For more information on a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.
 

Brits to the rescue as 2.5 million expected to visit the Costa Blanca in 2012

by Georgina Spain

This could be the second consecutive year that the British tourism market will help pull the Costa Blanca out of economic hardship according to the tourism council in Valencia.

According to their findings, bookings made by Brits to the holiday hotspot for 2012 are already up on last year´s figures by around 13%. Indeed last year Brits holidaying on the Costa Blanca rose by 9.1% in spite of the economic crisis and in turn generating increased confidence in the market for 2012.

Data from the tourism observatory of the Valencia Region has estimated that 2012 will see around 2,500,000 Britons visit the Costa Blanca, with a large proportion heading to the Alicante province.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Spain’s leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“International investment into Spanish property increased last year by 27.8% through to the end of September. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have seen a 10% increase in enquiries from potential buyers already this year which is positive news.

“Of course, while there has been an overall 63% increase in the number of Taylor Wimpey España properties sold to foreign buyers this year already, British buyers remain our biggest fans with a staggering 100% increase in sales to this group to date this year compared to the same time in 2011.”

For those thinking about making a move to the Costa Blanca in Spain, Taylor Wimpey España has some wonderful properties to choose from.

Brisas de Alenda, located on the forever popular Costa Blanca affords beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses located in a peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, just 15 minutes away from the beach.

With generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool, a club house, gym, bar and restaurant properties cost from just from €189,000.

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 €114,920.

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.

 

Positive economic growth presents France as ‘safe haven’ for property buyers

by Georgina France

Preliminary data from the INSEE national statistics office has revealed that France’s GDP grew by 0.2% in the fourth quarter, bringing economic growth for 2011 as a whole to 1.7%, in line with government predictions.

Aided by a stronger than expected rise in business investment and continued consumer spend, France has bucked the trend experienced by many other euro zone nations with a minimum 0.5% growth forecast by the French Prime Minster for 2012.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“With a positive economic position, the euro zone´s second largest economy looks set to avoid a recession this year meaning that France’s perception of stability and a ‘safe haven’ for property buyers will remain strong.

“Indeed, many of us dream of escaping to France to enjoy a relaxed yet active lifestyle in a country that boasts a wonderful climate and culture. For those entering their third age especially, France is often the ideal destination which is why we have developed active living Villages for the over 50’s, providing services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals.”

Of course no matter how great the appeals of France may be, in the current economic climate, the decision whether to move often comes down to cost alone. Carrying out extensive client research, The Villages Group surveyed 3,000 people in the 50+ bracket and  discovered that 91% of those questioned wanted to know how much it costs to live at a Village, focussing particularly on maintenance costs which quite often “start low and after a few years, blow through the roof” according to Silver.

As well as this, 76% wanted to know how much it would cost to own a home in one of the Villages. Silver comments: “The reason for this is obvious – who wants to have a 50+ lifestyle with a mortgage hanging over their head or having to pay increasing rentals? We believe the solution to this is a Syndicate – the modern way to save on ownership costs and keep maintenance down. Our legal team of Notaires and Lawyers have found the solution in France that works in compliance with the very strict French legal system – which is undisputedly the safest country in the world to own property with under 0.3% litigation.”

At The Villages, situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux/ Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence, residents become a member of the entire village with ownership of a house of their choice, including all amenities. In fact, the syndicate style programme helps keep prices at least 30% lower than similar properties with self-financing saving a minimum 12% bank interest as well as a 10% reduction in builder’s profits.

As well as this, running costs are kept to a minimum as members own The Village, hotel, restaurants and sauna all of which are open to the public and all profits are set against maintenance fees thus keeping running costs to a minimum. Investment into The Villages is from a very affordable €165,000.

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

 

Rising demand for holiday accommodation set to boost Spanish property market this summer

by Georgina Spain

An increase in the demand for holiday accommodation in Spain last year has resulted in more and more Spanish home owners preparing to rent their properties out this summer, providing a welcome boost to the property market.

According to a report from holiday home rentals website HomeAway.co.uk booking enquires for Spain in 2011 increased by 27% in comparison with 2010. As a result, a greater number of British and European buyers are acting now and purchasing a home in Spain with a view to capitalising on this growing rental demand.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Spain’s leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The growth of the rental market has made Spain once again a popular destination for property buyers to invest in, particularly given the readjustment of property prices and abundance of cheap flights. We have seen an exceptionally strong start to 2012 with sales in January markedly up on the same period last year.

“Indeed, to highlight just how much demand Spain is in, as part of London Southend Airport’s growth, easyJet will commence new departures each week to a variety of Spanish destinations including Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Malaga and Mallorca from April 2012.”

Mallorca is tipped to be a top performing Spanish destination seeing as it registered the highest number of overnight hotel stays in 2011, with 41.6 million, according to data from the National Statistics Institute. Interestingly, online reservations for care hire in Mallorca this summer have also increased by 10% compared to 2011 according to Rhinocarhire.com.

For those thinking about taking advantage of growing rental demand, Taylor Wimpey España has launched Cala Magrana III, following the vast success of phases I and II.

As an excellent investment choice costing just €220,000 + VAT, the development comprises 20 apartments situated close to golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo as well as direct access to the sea and the Cala Anguila beach just 500m away. 

While the 2 bedroom apartments afford a communal garden with a swimming pool designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding area, ground floor apartments have spacious terraces with a garden for private use while top floor apartments benefit from a roof terrace also for private use.

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 98% of UK stock not meeting the specialist housing needs of older people, should over 50’s be looking overseas for their ‘third age’?

by Georgina France

In the UK around 70% of older people own their own home yet only 2% of the UK´s housing stock is classified as specialist housing for older people, as opposed to 9% in the USA according to well known retirement developers, McCarthy & Stone. Whilst this presents a big challenge for the UK housing market, The Villages Group could well provide the best solution, having introduced the concept of communities dedicated to delivering homes, services and support for “Active” 50+’s in France.

As the older population rises from 11 million to 17 million by 2035 the government is attempting to boost delivery of specialist housing for those in later life, as part of the ‘new deal’, in an attempt to help resolve this growing dilemma.

General-needs retirement housing as well as sheltered and extra care accommodation are just some examples of how the government plan to resolve the UK housing shortage. However, one nation managing to keep ahead of the retirement game with a high number of Certified Retirement Community programs in around 70 towns and communities could well provide the solution.

Located in six states, the USA’s Retirement Community Program provides not only many forms of entertainment, transportation, food and other services all centered around a village-like community. Indeed, it is no surprise that these innovative active living ‘Villages’ in the USA are becoming an extremely popular property choice for those in their third age.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“The British over 50’s market provides one of the biggest opportunities for growth and it is important that their demand for housing is recognised. Active living ‘Village’ communities already popular in the USA are providing a practical alternative to this growing problem of inadequate housing and we at The Villages Group have acknowledged that active living Villages for the over 50’s which provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals is definitely the way forward. ”

With more and more people looking to move abroad for their golden years, seeking lower living costs and a better quality of life, France, one of the top ten expat countries in the world remains a popular destination affording a wonderfully warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural beauty and easy access to the UK.

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence, offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes.

The Villages concept in France is set to be a success, offering a practical solution to the housing shortage in the UK as well as providing a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s seeking the perfect lifestyle abroad.

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

 

27.8% growth in foreign property investment a sure sign of Spanish market revival

by Georgina Spain

Foreign investment in Spanish property grew in 2011 according to figures from the Bank of Spain. After surging by 27.8% through September over the same period in 2010 which experienced a mere 2.6% growth, overall transactions reached 3.6 billion euros with the Bank of Spain reporting that these investments exceeded 1 billion euros for three consecutive quarters, something not seen since 2008.

Marc Pritchard Sales and Marketing Manager of Spain’s leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Foreign investment into Spain has been very changeable in recent years. It progressively declined between 2003 and 2006 only to increase in 2007 however, the upward trend was cut in 2008, during the economic crisis seeing foreign investment fall. However, the news that foreign investment in once again up is a sign that property market conditions are improving with property purchases in the third quarter of 2011 increasing by 19.2% over the same period of 2010, amounting to 1.1 billion euros.

“The increase in Spanish property sales seen in the last quarter of 2011 has spilled over into 2012 as international bargain buyer’s hunt down the best Costa deals with Germany and Nordic countries outspending the Brits, who have been a little slow in spotting new opportunities.”

Nevertheless, the euro´s depreciation against the pound could mean that there will be numerous opportunities for Brits to expatriate to Spain in 2012 with Pritchard stating: “As Spanish property seems more affordable in the eyes of British buyers there now seems to be a slow but sure increase in the demand for villas and apartments along Costa shorelines.”

For those who are thinking about making a Spanish property purchase this year why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in 2012.

The new Lagunas del Sol development, a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada /Rojales 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 €114,920.

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 €165,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 2012. Last unit available.

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 €189,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 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.
 

Alicante revealed as top destination for British travellers in 2012

by Georgina Spain

Alicante takes the top flight destination spot for Brits travelling abroad in 2012 it has been revealed by price comparison website dealchechecker.co.uk.

Up five places from last year, Alicante has always been a popular destination, offering great value getaways. A fall in local prices on everything from a restaurant meal to sun cream combined with the fact that the pound is at a two year high against the euro has made the Costas even more affordable this year according to an annual survey conducted by the Post Office.

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

“In today’s holiday market, people are looking for the best available deals to get the most for their money, and places like Alicante offer just that. To highlight just how affordable, the recent Post Office Survey  highlighted Spain as the second cheapest destination with a price of £37.72 for eight everyday items.  In tough economic times, holiday makers prefer to stick to what they know and the cheaper cost of travel and living in Spain will make the country even more attractive to bargain hunters this year.”

Last year, over 286 million overnight stays were registered in Spanish hotels, representing an increase of 6.4% over the previous year, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). Indeed, this trend looks set to continue according to a recent report from low cost airline Jet2.com and package holiday specialist, Jet2holidays where 1 in 3 sun seekers stated that they will be heading to the Iberian nation for their main holiday in 2012.

Making travelling to Spain even easier this year, Vueling, Spain’s low cost airline, announced it is adding two new destinations to its list seeing new flights from Cardiff Airport to Alicante and Palma, Mallorca this summer.

Pritchard comments,

“This is excellent news for Spain. These routes are to very popular holiday destinations and have the potential to significantly increase traffic to Spain. We are even more excited by the increase in passenger numbers this year as we have just completed the purchase of an amazing and unique first line plot of land with direct beach access in Villajoyosa between Alicante and Benidorm. All south facing apartments and townhouses will have sea views with Paraiso beach, only 150 feet away. This kind of location has not been seen on the international second home market for years and we are confident it will be a hit.”

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 in 2012.

The new Lagunas del Sol development, a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Rojales 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 €114,920.

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 €165,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 2012.

This 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 €189,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 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.

 

It’s all Horseplay for active over 50’s with new equestrian village in France

by Georgina France

Over the past decade, horseback tourism has experienced dramatic growth throughout France and with more and more people in their ‘third age’ looking to move across the channel in pursuit of a healthy and happy lifestyle, owning an active living property in France set within a charming equestrian village could be the way to go. 

For many years, British travellers have been fascinated by the South-West areas of France that conjures up an image of a return to rural life at a relaxed pace, perfect for those in their golden age. However, very few people who arrive in the area actually get to discover the real France, one that comprises lovely wooded hillsides, gentle winding rivers and a green land of farms. Indeed, in order to fully explore these lands, it is important to ditch the car and get some real ‘horse power’ behind you.

While horse riding offers a great way to discover new places, trotting down country lanes can also provide emotional and physical benefits it has been revealed.  Equine therapy or hippotherapy, uses a horse’s rhythmic movement to provide a base of physical support with the American Hippotherapy Association suggesting that sitting astride a walking horse helps simulate the human´s normal walking gait, and allows elderly individuals to build flexibility and postural strength. Suitable for both old and young, this therapy has also been said to aid recovery in stroke victims as well as children with Autism and individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety.

Danny Silver, MD of The Villages Group, owners of the first equestrian ‘Village’ in France, comments,

“It is clear that the relationship between humans and animals is strong. While horses can provide help to those with physical and mental ailments, for those in their ‘third age’ who are in their prime of life and still fighting fit, pleasure can still be had in horse riding. Indeed, a riding holiday is a great idea for anyone who likes nothing better than getting away from it all and exploring the great outdoors and it is for this reason that we at The Villages Group are developing an active living resort at an equestrian site in this unique area of France.

“The Equestrian Centre Village, which has just been given the go ahead by the Community  Mayor, will be perfect for over 50’s. Although the main activity here will be horse riding, residents can also enjoy numerous other activities including cycling, canoeing, golf, potholing, hot air ballooning and even hand-gliding as well as excellent fishing in the free to use private lake, all within easy reach.”

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in France dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages will initially be set within four stunning French communities with one of the first being the equestrian village. The one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium, a quality entertainment programme and of course, horse riding opportunities.

The Villages concept in France is set to be a success, offering a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s seeking the perfect lifestyle abroad.

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

“Spain – Built to Last” says Mrs Hibbert from Milton Keynes

by Georgina Spain

 

Buying a new home is a stressful experience at the best of times but buying a home overseas has an even greater set of challenges. You may not speak the language, the buying process may not be familiar, the legalities might be different from the UK or the build quality might not be up to scratch.
 
So what can you do to mitigate these issues and ultimately reduce the stress of buying abroad? Some of the soundest advice is to buy in an established, familiar location and through a trusted company, one with a solid track record.
 
With almost 51 million visitors to Spanish shores in the first 10 months of 2011 alone, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2010 there has to be some seriously good reasons for this huge number to flock to the Iberian nation. The warmth and welcome you receive from the Spanish is just one reason why people return year after year, not to mention the ease of accessibility with direct flights from nearly all major airports in the UK.
 
So once you have been sold on Spain, what next?
 
Choosing a sales agent is the first hurdle. The experts suggest you find someone tried and tested. Do not be lured in by a man on the street offering the “finest fincas” or the cowboy builder with “the cheapest homes on the Costa del Sol”. Do your homework and unearth the credentials behind your chosen agent and the developer. How long have they been established? Are they a member of any official organisations such as the AIPP? What is their track record? Do they have any happy clients you can speak with?
 
This done, you then need to decide whether you want a new property – freshly built and untouched, or a resale. Resales come in various forms and there are no guarantees with any of them. Buy yourself a hacienda on a hillside and the roof might need replacing or thinking of buying a slightly cheaper distressed sale property that was built 10 years ago – the price might look good but where are your guarantees? 
 
For most, especially first time buyers, buying new makes most sense and your builder should be able to give you all the guarantees to ensure complete peace of mind.
 
So what are the benefits of buying new?
 
ü      No DIY –called ‘turn key’ in the trade – you get the keys and in you go.
ü      Increased efficiency – EU laws insist that houses are more environmentally friendly than they were 10 years ago. Buying a new house today, be it in Spain or elsewhere in Western Europe does mean your fuel bills should be lower.
ü      Less stress – with new properties there are no chains and no waiting for secondary solicitors.
 
And what guarantees will you get on a new build?
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales Director of Taylor Wimpey Spain, explains what you can expect from this British owned house builder in Spain:
 
“We find that many clients enjoy dealing with us simply because of our British heritage. Britain has been cutting edge of building for centuries and our clients know that we have a very strong reputation to uphold.
 
“Aside from our UK roots our success comes from the customer service we offer. Staff speak several European languages and our customer service line is open 24 hours a day so whether you are in a different time zone or having a problem in the middle of the night – you can rest assured there is someone on the end of the phone waiting to help you.
 
“Health and safety is at the core of our business – carried over from the UK operation. Daily site inspections ensure the safety of the development during the build process and this in turn ensures we have built to the highest standard with the minimum number of hazards.  
 
“And I should mention Taylor Wimpey Spain’s commitment to the local community and the environment. We have been granted building rights to areas just because of our dedication to this area of the business.”
 
Mrs Barbara Hibbert of Milton Keynes bought a property from Taylor Wimpey in 2005. She talked about the success she had buying her second home:
 
“People should understand that when you are buying a property from Taylor Wimpey Spain you are not buying a second house – you are buying a home. Somewhere every bit as good as the quality you would expect in the UK. These houses have been built to live in – not just to holiday in. The detail and finish are of such fabulous quality that you know this house has been built to last. 
 
“Things like decent sized fitted cupboards make it home from home and the utility room is invaluable space that is often forgotten on second properties. The kitchen and bathrooms are every bit as lovely as their counterparts in my UK house. I have been completely overjoyed with our purchase and we love our time in Spain.”
 
If you are thinking about buying a property in Spain then the superb Lagunas del Sol on the Costa Blanca could make the perfect answer. This development is a residential complex, set in a beautiful rural area and located close to Rojales.
 
The properties have been built on two floors with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a garden and private parking. All the properties have been built to excellent specifications and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens. With the beach just 10 minutes away this is a perfect balance of seaside and retreat.
 
These properties are built and available now from €114,920. 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.