Taylor Wimpey España wins Best Developer in Spain at the Overseas Living Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2011

by Georgina Spain

Taylor Wimpey España has been successful in this year’s Overseas Living Luxury Lifestyle Awards gaining the prestigious accreditation of Best Developer in Spain for 2011.

Each year Overseas Living´s Luxury Lifestyle Awards gives recognition to the finest, market-leading developments, developers and services in all areas connected with living abroad, identifying countless developments from all over the globe from residential developments to golf resorts as well as housing projects on vast scales to smaller more private properties.

Having cast their discerning eye over many companies and projects across the world, the judges decided Taylor Wimpey España was a truly deserving winner of their prestigious Best Developer in Spain prize, highlighting that not only has the house builder had “plenty of success over the years building homes that contribute to the natural beauty of the country” but affords a “team of experienced professionals with a portfolio that cannot be rivalled by many in Spain.”

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

“We are delighted to have been awarded the title of Best Developer in Spain 2011. It is such a great way to credit our team for the work we do.

“We have been building in Spain and the Balearics since 1958 so anyone wishing to purchase a home here should be confident in our knowledge and expertise. Indeed, we build real homes in Spain – ones that afford quality and evoke class yet come with an affordable price tag. It’s wonderful to have been recognised for our love of building Spanish property and our dedication to our customers.”

For those looking to grab a slice of Spanish life from the 2011 Best Developer in Spain, why not take a look at some of the high quality properties Taylor Wimpey España has to offer:

Located on the south east coast of Mallorca, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or El Puerto II consists of 2 bedroom apartments costing from just €195,000 + NO VAT until 2011. 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.

Cala Magrana III in Mallorca, situated close to Cala Anguila beach and the marina of Porto Cristo comprises 20 stunning 2 bedroom apartments surrounding a communal garden with a swimming pool. Ground floor apartments have a spacious terrace with a garden for private use while top floor apartments benefit from a private roof terrace, affording a great price of €220,000 + VAT.

For those who have a little more cash to spend Los Robles de los Arqueros II, in Benhavis, Costa del Sol offers 2 and 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments with amenities including a swimming pool for children and adults as well as community gardens and underground parking all surrounded by a prestigious 18 hole golf course costing from €227,000.

For more information on the perfect Spanish property why not contact the award winning expert developer 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.
 

No rain in Spain with 8% increase in tourism and positive property sales recorded

by Georgina Spain

Spain has enjoyed a much improved year in terms of tourism levels welcoming 50.9 million visitors in the first 10 months of 2011, an 8% increase compared with the same period last year. In fact, Spain has shown no signs of slowing down with around 5.1 million arrivals entering the country last month.

October alone saw around 24.7 million overnight stays recorded by hotel establishments across Spain, a 3.2% increase over the same month in 2010 while 52% of all available bed places were filled in October, marking a year-on-year increase of 2.2% according to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute.

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

“In spite of the waves of recession and economic hardship, Spain this year has managed to perform well experiencing a record breaking summer. This year has also been positive for Taylor Wimpey España, selling nearly 30 units in the Costa del Sol alone to date, a performance better than last year.

“Last month alone we saw just over 15% of enquiries for Malaga, compared to only 10% for the Balearics and only 8% for Alicante with the biggest buyers remaining our loyal British fans. Our research shows that 53% of all leads derive from British property hunters who also make up at least 28% of Taylor Wimpey España sales.”

Indeed, as a first choice destination for many British travellers, the president of the Tourism Board of the Costa del Sol, Elías Bendodo, has introduced a new brand under the title “Living Costa del Sol”, with the aim of attracting more British tourists and property buyers to Spain.

While the overall aim is to increase property sales to the British market to help boost the economy and to clear the surplus of unsold property, Bendodo believes that the initiative will “convince British tourists to relocate their permanent home to the Costa del Sol, where they can live the dream.” The plan however, also involves promoting the region to German, Scandinavian, Italian and French markets.

Meanwhile, Taylor Wimpey España has their own initiative in place providing potential property buyers the chance to snap up a beautiful VAT free Spanish property until the 31st December 2011.

With just under 5 weeks left, the NO VAT policy assists potential buyers further, allowing them to make significant savings on properties such as La Floresta de la Mairena set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Marbella.

Set in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the development benefits from stunning views and affords 2 large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking.

Consisting of 2 bedroom apartments measuring 141 square meters and 3 bedroom penthouses measuring 239 square meters, all units are built to the highest standard with first-class finishes costing from only €178,000 + NO VAT.

For those who have a little more cash to spend Los Robles de los Arqueros II, in Benhavis, Costa del Sol offers 2 and 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments with amenities including a swimming pool for children and adults as well as community gardens and underground parking.

Surrounded by a prestigious 18 hole golf course these properties afford large terraces with spectacular views over the golf course and sea costing from €227,000.

For more information on buying Costa del Sol property 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.

 

Win a luxury Fortnum and Mason festive hamper courtesy ofTaylor Wimpey España!

by Georgina Spain

 

Last year’s competition was so popular that Spain’s leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España, is once again offering you the chance to win a luxury Fortnum and Mason festive hamper!!
 
Taylor Wimpey España has made so many new ‘Friends’ on Facebook and enjoyed expanding their social network that they wanted to share some more Christmas cheer with new friends.
 
2010’s winner, Alison McBride, was especially lucky as the hamper arrived one week before her child’s birthday enabling Mum and Dad to enjoy the champagne whilst the children tucked into luxury biscuits and chocolates before Santa had even visited!
 
As Alison said, “The contents of the hamper were just fabulous. With three children to feed we do not often enjoy luxury goods such as those from Fortnum and Mason; and what is more the wicker basket that the treats arrived in is now a family favourite to take on picnics and on holiday.”
 
Being the lucky winner of 2011 couldn’t be easier! Simply go online to www.facebook.com/taylorwimpeyes and “Like” the Taylor Wimpey España official Facebook page.
Good luck!
 
Terms and Conditions
  • The Winner will be announced on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
  • The competition closes at 5pm GMT Friday 20th January 2012
  • The competition is open to persons aged 18 or over, except employees of Taylor Wimpey and associated companies.
  • The Winner will be picked at random and the hamper sent to the winner as soon as the full name and address of the Winner is received. Delivery included in the prize.
  • No cash alternative is available, and no correspondence appertaining to such will be entered into. The promoter’s decision is final.
  • Products in the hamper may vary from those illustrated but will be of equal or greater value.
  • Taylor Wimpey de España accepts no responsibility for any technical issues, system or software failures encountered on or during entry to the promotion
  • Entrants must read and accept the above Terms & Conditions to be eligible to enter.
 

Over 50’s look across the Channel to the ultimate active living resort

by Georgina France

With more than a third of homes in England “under-occupied,” according to the latest data from The Intergenerational Foundation and older people remaining in their properties longer, putting pressure on the housing stock available for younger generations, The Villages Group are stepping up, providing a cutting edge alternative.

Whilst the government has vowed to increase the number of new homes and get Britain building, 55 to 65 years olds still remain the largest group of home owners in the UK. Responding to criticism of “under-occupation” many within this group are arguing that their occupation of an estimated £3 trillion worth of bricks and mortar is no fault of their own and that they are desperate to sell their homes, release their capital and move elsewhere.

With this in mind and with financial experts stating that buying a home for retirement 5 to 10 years beforehand could in fact be beneficial, large numbers of over 50’s are now seeking alternatives, looking across the channel to France for less expensive housing, a relaxed pace of life, sunny skies and a culture respectful of those in their ‘third age’.

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

“France has one of the best lifestyles in the world, perfect for over 50’s who are seeking a lifestyle option away from the doom and gloom of the UK. Indeed, in spite of the economic problems felt across Europe, France has been proclaimed one of the Eurozone’s more stable economies with the nation outperforming expectations in the third quarter of this year.”

Silver continues,

 

“The British over 50’s market is one of the most rapidly growing sectors and it is important that their demand for housing is recognised. Indeed, we at The Villages Group have acknowledged that active living Villages for the over 50’s in France which provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals, could provide the answer to the UK housing shortage and the best lifestyle for over 50’s.” 

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the very first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages will initially be situated in three stunning French communities including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, a 240 km long canal in Southern France that’s serves as a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

As one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems, 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.

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
 

Marvellous Mallorca

by Georgina Spain

 

Mallorca has enjoyed a generally positive 2011. Whilst mainland Spain has been hit with a severe property slump, this treasured Balearic Island has maintained its stronghold as a superb and highly desirable investment destination.   Taylor Wimpey España’s property sales rose by 15% both in September and year to date which certainly does not reflect the general mood in Spain.
 
Yes property prices may have experienced some correction but prime residential developments have been selling like hot cakes. So what lies under the surface to keep Mallorca top of the props?
 
Porto Cristo – quite literally meaning ‘The Port of Christ’ – is one of the best kept secrets in Mallorca. While some areas have been a victim of a mass tourism influx there are still towns and villages on Mallorca that have retained their soul and Porto Cristo is certainly one of them.
 
Located on the east coast of the island, Porto Cristo is not a long drive from the capital, Palma and the international airport. The town dates back to 1250 AD when the Christians invading Mallorca found a fishing boat washed up on the beach containing a crucifix, hence the religious name. Others say that an ox carrying a religious symbol stopped here and refused to go any further, leading people to believe this was a sign that Christ wanted to remain there.
 
Whether it was the oxen or the washed up fishing boat does not alter the fact that Porto Cristo is special. Still maintaining its Spanish fishing village influences, this natural harbour is a safe haven from the occasional storm that rages through in the winter. This town has not been subjected to a string of noisy nightclubs or tacky English pubs, Porto Cristo is a place for rest and relaxation, a gentle mix of old and new which has been thoughtfully put together to ensure that the harmony of the village is retained.
 
Sumptuous Spanish food is available from a good selection of restaurants catering for mixed budgets. Spoilt for choice with piping hot Paella, tapas or local dishes you will not run out of places to try. Or if cooking is your way of enjoying life then the fresh food markets in Porto Cristo are a foodies dream – with plentiful fresh fruit and vegetables or fish caught that morning, the choice is yours! 
 
Strolling down to the harbour in late afternoon to watch the world go and admire the fishing vessels or beautiful yachts in the harbour is one of Porto Cristo’s treats. Or if you are an early riser there is plenty to watch as the sun rises out to the east – the harbour is full of activity with fisherman setting sail for a day’s work.
 
The harbour is also home to a small selection of tourist boats that will take you out on a day trip to enjoy Mallorca from the water. Guaranteed to be a fun day with plenty of swimming, snorkelling and diving, you will get to see coves and beaches that are inaccessible from the land and very beautiful with staggeringly blue seas and brightly coloured fish to admire.
 
A small beach set in the very heart of Porto Cristo is just perfect for the children to play on whilst you are enjoying a leisurely Sangria, or try out one of the larger beaches just a short walk out of the town.
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, comments on Porto Cristo:
 
“I have never spoken to a prospective client that has not utterly loved Porto Cristo. It is exactly what people are looking for when they think of Spanish villages. We are very fortunate to have a development just five minutes from this delightful town. To be honest it makes our job of selling homes to investors so much easier. We show them our beautiful development at Cala Magrana and then top off their trip with a glass of chilled beer in Porto Cristo – it would have anybody wanting to come back for more.
 
“The fabulous thing about the east side of Mallorca is the diversity it offers to our clients. You can have a rip roaring night in Cala Millor but essentially this area is loved for its beautiful scenery, clean sea and very calm Mallorcan living.”
 
Following the success of Cala Magrana, Taylor Wimpey España have launched a further phase comprising another 21 apartments. All apartments have sea views and there is direct access to the sea, with Cala Anguila beach just 500m away. The residential complex is situated close to the sea and very close to golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo.
 
Mrs Barbara Hibbert from Milton Keynes in the UK bought an apartment in Cala Magrana in 2005 when it was originally launched. Her and her husband have furnished the apartment with the same love and care of their home in England. We wanted a place which would be home from home for us and that is exactly what we have created with the help of Taylor Wimpey España. She explains:
 
“It was essential to us that the property we bought would be somewhere we could live in – not just a holiday cottage. The developer has put a great deal of effort into ensuring this is possible – high quality kitchen and bathrooms with branded white goods, things like fitted cupboards and I really could not do without my utility room.”
 
Mrs Hibbert tells us what is so special about Porto Cristo: “The restaurants really are tremendous – a great variety with good selection. We drink the local wine here – Binissalem – it is well priced and really tasty. Porto Cristo is a small fishing village with some tourist extras – for instance there is a market here every Sunday which we love to go and potter around. And the glass bottomed boat journey which goes from Porto Cristo just up the coast and into the well known caves of Drach is something not to be missed’.
 
“Our lovely bay at Cala Magrana has sea entry off the rocks, but if you are in need of a beach there are two within a quick walk – either at Cala Anguilla or in Porto Cristo itself – which has the added benefit of all the lovely restaurants to choose from for lunch or after beach sun-downers.   Anyone buying in Cala Magrana will just love it – and people buying now have the added benefit of all the fabulous plants that Taylor Wimpey have introduced and have now grown quite huge!”
 
The new apartments being built at Cala Magrana will comprise 2 bedrooms and feature traditional Mallorcan design surrounding a communal garden with swimming pool. Prices start from €220,000 + VAT.
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.
 

Only 7 weeks left to snap up Spanish property – VAT FREE!!!

by Georgina Spain

There are now only 7 weeks left for a chance to snap up a beautiful VAT free Spanish property from leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España, ending the 31st December 2011.

Back in August this year, Taylor Wimpey España announced that they would match the Spanish government´s 4% reduction in IVA (the equivalent of VAT) on new properties introducing a NO VAT policy on new stock properties delivered before the end of 2011.

Originally introduced as a way of reducing the volume of stock property in Spain, the Spanish Government declared that IVA would be decreased by 50% until the end of the year, making purchasers of both first (mostly Spanish nationals) and second new homes liable for only 4% of the purchase price, a saving of €8,000 on a €200,000 home. 

Indeed, Taylor Wimpey de España has achieved great success since the implementation of the VAT free policy on stock properties in Spain and Mallorca with Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Manager, commenting,

“We initiated the NO VAT policy as a way of assisting potential buyers further especially seeing as buyers have executed caution when committing to Spanish property. Indeed, we have seen considerable interest in our VAT free properties since its introduction and with only weeks to go before this rare time-limited opportunity for investors to purchase their dream home in Spain VAT free ends, we are urging property hunters to invest now before it too late.”

For Spanish property hunters looking to make hefty savings without compromising on quality, Taylor Wimpey España are offering superb Spanish properties located in the popular areas of the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and the Balearic island of Mallorca, VAT free until the 31st December 2011.

Calpesol, Calpe, Costa Blanca

The Calpesol residential complex comprised of stunning houses with gardens and communal swimming pools affords three bedrooms and two bathrooms with roofed sun terrace and private parking that are constructed to a high quality costing from just €165,000 + NO VAT.

La Floresta, Elvira, Costa del Sol

La Floresta has two large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking. Consisting of 2 bedroom apartments measuring 141 square meters and 3 bedroom penthouses measuring 239 square meters, all units are built to the highest standard with first-class finishes including an Italian designed integrated kitchen with Silestone worktops, thermal and acoustic insulation and air-conditioning costing from only €178,000 + NO VAT.

El Puerto II, Cala D´Or, Mallorca

Available fully furnished for €195,000 + NO VAT, El Puerto II provides two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D´Or. 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.

 

Putting for property: The resilient golf tourism sector lures buyers to a life on the course

by Georgina Spain

According to the chief executive of the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators, Peter Walton, golf is one of the only international tourism sectors that is continuing to grow in spite of economic and financial uncertainty lurking throughout the globe.

Speaking at the ‘Golf In A Kingdom’ destination marketing program in Bangkok, Thailand late last month, Walton expressed that not only did the golf tourism sector recover faster than other sectors in the 2008 global financial crisis but was one of a few sectors that actually continued to grow.

In addition to this, Walton also said that golf tourism was predicted to surpass 50 million tourists this year, with the possibility of reaching the 2007 highs of 55 million, before the global economic downturn.

Meanwhile, it is further suggested by the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators that around one in three golfers are planning to travel in the next twelve months while golfers spend around 120% more per person per day at a resort than any tourism sector population.

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

“The golf tourism sector has proven to be a resilient and reliable market that never really seems to falter even when the chips are down. Spain is one of the biggest international golf destinations, it’s certainly the most popular European golf location. For example, Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course is one example of a quality golf course in Spain that has performed remarkably well.  We developed and sold during the last 11 years more than 1,200 apartments, villas and detached villas in Los Arqueros. This year Los Arqueros celebrates its 20th anniversary and we are very proud to be in the official ranking of the Costa del Sol as the 3rd most popular golf course of 2011.

“Indeed, I would advise anyone thinking about buying in Spain to consider a golf property. Here you are buying into a community spirited neighbourhood that affords excellent facilities and green surroundings as well as potential high returns from consistent demand should you chose to rent the property out.”

So if you’re thinking about buying a golf property in Spain to perfect your swing or fill your pockets from rental opportunities why not take a look at what’s on offer:

Los Robles de Los Arqueros II, in Benhavis, Costa del Sol is situated in the prestigious 18 hole Los Arqueros golf course and consists of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with stunning sea and golf views.

This residential complex has a natural charm and includes a host of amenities such as a swimming pool for children and adults as well as community gardens and underground parking and storage. These properties are available now from €227,000.

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

Active living resorts in France for the over 50’s provide the answer to UK housing shortage

by Georgina France

As the over 50’s housing market in the UK changes, seeing those entering the ‘third age’ form the fastest growing demographic group in the country according to the Knight Frank Retirement Housing Report 2010, considerable pressure is being placed on housing for the older generation. With this in mind, dedicated active living resorts for the over 50’s could well present the best option.

The Knight Frank report identifies that older households will represent half of all household growth between now and 2026 having significant impact on existing housing stock. And so, as a result, it is no surprise that the innovative active living Villages already popular in Australia, Scandinavia, the US and New Zealand are providing a viable alternative to this dilemma.

With a large proportion of over 50’s seeking lower living costs and a better quality of life than ever before, those entering their ‘third age’ are beginning to turn away from the UK, ranked in lowly ninth position in the Quality of Life Index compiled by uSwitch recently. France however, topped the ranks affording the earliest retirement age in Europe, the highest proportion of GDP spent on healthcare and the longest life expectancy. Indeed, it’s no wonder British over 50’s are looking for lifestyle options across the channel. 

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. Indeed, 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.  

“Our Village resorts across France will provide a lifestyle that we believe will be most attractive to active 50+s who want to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world, one that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs.”

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.

Indeed, with 80% of the UK’s £6.7trn in wealth being owned by baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) 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

 

Get connected: Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

Nowadays in any public area it is likely that you will see someone browsing the web on a mobile phone or iPad and, in order to provide this rapidly growing base of mobile web users with easy ‘on the go’ access to information as well as the very best user experience possible, Taylor Wimpey España, Spain’s leading British house builder is launching a new mobile web edition of their site this week.

With more than one billion people around the world having mobile internet access through their smartphones and global financial services firm Morgan Stanley estimating that mobile web connections will be higher than desktop connections in 2014, businesses are now looking to expand by improving their mobile web presence.

With this in mind, Taylor Wimpey España has revealed that 10% of the total users that entered its website in October 2011 used a mobile device, of which 82% accessed through an iPad or iPhone highlighting the popularity of these devices and importance of mobile web versions to businesses.

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

“Around 98% of smartphone owners access the internet via their devices and our new mobile web version of the Taylor Wimpey España site is the perfect way to respond to methods in which people obtain information nowadays. Our mobile web edition will afford greater usability, the very best in carefully selected information and enable direct calls to our office at the touch of a button as well as Google maps and access to social media and ‘Send To A Friend’ facilities. There is no doubt that this will improve our user ratings and help generate more interest in our properties.

“As well as this, we will be making important changes to our website which will provide more information about tourism and sport for example as well as improved usability and contact facilities. At Taylor Wimpey España we really understand the benefits of keeping up to date with technology.”

For mobile web fans looking to grab a slice of Spanish life, get online to view Taylor Wimpey España’s high quality properties in popular locations across Spain and the Balearic island of Mallorca including:

Located on the south east coast of Mallorca, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or El Puerto II consists of 2 bedroom apartments costing from just €195,000 + NO VAT until 2011 with furniture included. 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.

Cala Magrana III in Mallorca, situated close to Cala Anguila beach and the marina of Porto Cristo comprises 20 stunning 2 bedroom apartments surrounding a communal garden with a swimming pool. Ground floor apartments have a spacious terrace with a garden for private use while top floor apartments benefit from a private roof terrace, affording a great price of €220,000 + VAT.

For more information on the perfect Spanish property why not give the mobile web version a try or alternatively, contact the experts 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.

 

The Villages Group offers new lifestyle choice for the active 50+s in France

by Georgina France

The concept of communities dedicated to delivering services and support for active” 50+’s has been popular in the US and Australia for several years and now, finally, this opportunity has reached France, one of the World’s most popular retirement and second home destinations, courtesy of The Villages Group. 

Originally started in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in 2000, the Village concept arose from older community members’ desire to reside in their own homes while being able to access services that address their needs for an “active lifestyle”. The most recognized examples of the “active lifestyle” concept which includes no medical facilities can be found in “The Villages” in sunny Orlando, Florida. As an active retirement community, home to 55+’s, The Villages in Orlando pride themselves on offering the best in homes, lifestyle and amenities for their residents which include free entertainment in the form of music and dance, access to movie theatres, sports clubs and painting classes to name a few.

Indeed, The Villages in Orlando has experienced tremendous growth in only a few short years, reaching an astonishing 90,000 residents. As a result, the “Village” model has spread across other parts of the USA as well as Australia in recent years.

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

“The Villages concept is certainly not a place where the older generation go to live out their remaining days in seclusion. For us, we have a positive forward thinking approach about our own Villages in France, providing a lifestyle that we believe will be most attractive to active 50+s who want to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs.

“The Villages in France will be moulded around our ‘active living’ principal with no medical or nursing facilities on-site. These Villages are places where the older generation can go to enjoy life. We will be initially launching 3 villages all of which offer residents something special. We are also in the advanced stages of developing vineyard and equestrian Village sites. All Villages are English speaking, located within a few kilometres of the local town centre and bring together like-minded people looking to enjoy France and all that it has to offer.”

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 a quality entertainment programmes.

With this in mind, the Villages concept will provide a fresh alternative to buying abroad for the older generation offering a unique lifestyle choice for the active 50+’s. And, considering that more than 80% of the UK’s £6.7trn in wealth is owned by baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) seeing property become a good investment for this generation with one in five baby boomers owning a second home, The Villages in France are destined to be a hit with the over 50’s.

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