Forget the sunshine! Cuisine and culture alone brought 7.4 million tourists to Spain last year

Forget the sunshine! Cuisine and culture alone brought 7.4 million tourists to Spain last year

by Georgina Spain
Spain’s diversity makes it a cultural powerhouse. It is Western Europe’s second-largest country (after France) in terms of area and the world’s third-largest exporter of wine, fruits and vegetables. The incredible diversity of its people and passions holds the key to understanding Spain’s eternal appeal.
  • Spanish cuisine attracts estimated 7.4 million tourists, 32% increase on 2012 (Turespaña) 
  • Spanish food named Europeans’ second favourite cuisine (National Report of Trips and Gastronomy, TripAdvisor)
Gastronomy in particular has become the new ´goose that lays golden eggs´ of the Spanish economy, and hundreds of young chefs are filling cooking schools, turning gastronomy into a mainstay of the country. Spain’s cuisine attracted 7.4 million international tourists in 2013 alone according to Turespaña, representing a delicious 32% increase on 2012.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,
“Fine food and wine are insurance for our culture. It is very hard for tourists to not get hooked on our huge range of gastronomic offerings, which are often a key part of their desire to make their sojourn in Spain a more permanent arrangement.
“Gastronomy in Spain is different; it is authentic and sets us apart competitively from other destinations. Spanish food is currently the second most preferred food of Europeans, finding itself second only to Italian, according to the National Report on Trips and Gastronomy completed by TripAdvisor among continental users.
“With such a range of gastronomic delights on offer, it’s no wonder that we have experienced a whopping increase in sales this year already, with second home buyers coming from all over the world.”
It may only be two hours by plane from the UK but Spain offers a completely different dining experience for budding master chefs. The immensely varied landscape is home to a huge range of livestock and a multitude of seafood in the waters that lap the shores, from the Mediterranean to the Cantabrian Sea.
Those looking to make their stay in foodie heaven more permanent in exclusive Mediterranean surroundings need look no further than Taylor Wimpey España’s brand new beachfront La Vila Paradís apartments on the Costa Blanca, offering direct access to Paraíso beach in the stunning Villajoyosa area.
Beautiful sea views are complemented by carefully landscaped communal gardens and a delightful pool with a range of unique, high quality two and three bedroom apartments boasting large terraces perfect for al fresco dining. Prices start at just €259,500.
The Costa Blanca is well known for its fine choice of restaurants, where diners can enjoy a vast array of tapas, including regional specialities including red prawns from Denia, the world’s best artichokes from Amoradi and delightful local wines from Jalon. For those with a sweet tooth, the delicate, crumbly turron from Jijona – along with turron ice cream – are an absolute must.
For more information on buying property in Spain contact Taylor Wimpey España today on:
08000 121 020,
+34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK)
As the ruble falls, Russians look further afield to emerging markets for second property purchases

As the ruble falls, Russians look further afield to emerging markets for second property purchases

by Georgina Russian Federation

2014 hasn’t been particularly kind to the ruble. Russia’s national currency has fallen by about 10% since the start of the year, reaching a 5-year low against the US dollar and the Euro earlier this week according to the Central Bank of Russia (CBR).

  • Ruble reached a 5-year low on Monday 3rd March 2014 (CBR)
  • 88% increase in searches for homes in UAE (Feb – March 2014, Idinaidi.ru)
  • Turkey remains the most searched for emerging market on Idinaidi.ru 

With policymakers and most analysts agreeing this trend will continue into 2014, not only the stock markets but also potential international property buyers are set to be affected but how?

Historically Russian international property buyers have sought to purchase second homes in popular western locations such as prime central London, New York, Paris and Southern Spain but now, due to the weakness of the ruble, buyers are looking elsewhere to emerging markets where their money will go further.

According to the latest data from Russia’s fastest growing international property portal, Idinaidi, the greatest increase in searches for international property destinations outside of these traditional buyer strongholds were for homes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) up 88% over the last month, Morocco up 66%, Montenegro 28% and Thailand 26%.

With many Russians more affluent than ever, the dream of owning a second home abroad can now become a reality even if you aren’t an oligarch. Further data from Idinaidi reveals that while budgets for traditional destinations often stretch into the tens of millions, more modest pockets can still secure property in emerging destinations.

The average property searched for in Morocco for example was priced at EUR 60,000, rising to EUR 100,000 in the UAE and EUR 150,000 in Thailand.

Turkey, one of the most popular tourism destinations attracting 2.8 million Russians in the first three quarters of 2013 alone, remained the most searched for emerging market on Idinaidi. Search volumes for Turkey were higher than all other emerging markets combined with the most sought after destinations being Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Bodrum and Istanbul.

Carlo Walther, Founder and COO of Moscow-based Idinaidi, comments,
“The declining strength of the ruble is mainly affecting the Russian international property buying mass market. Buyers are becoming less conservative and as our search levels reveal, we see more Russians interested in cheaper destinations such as Turkey where the currency has also been under pressure.

“These destinations however can´t always compete with more traditional second home markets such as Spain and Bulgaria. Search volumes for these locations is still growing albeit it slower than we have seen in recent months.”

For more information on where Russians are buying property overseas, visit Idinaidi today at www.idinaidi.ru.

Editor´s Notes:
Idinaidi – Property Rental and Sales Portal, Russia

Idinaidi is Russia´s national real estate website and the fastest growing property portal in Russia. It lists sales, letting and new project listings, mortgage information, a question and answer forum, sales price data, a professional directory and a blog, as well as an international property section.

Launched on 1st February 2013, the site has over 600,000 listings and is used by over 7,000 registered professionals in 120 cities. In 2013 the site was used by over 9 million property hunters, and the site currently receives over 1.4 million visits each month.

Idinaidi has the largest direct coverage of the Russian mortgage market, with the direct participation of banks representing 87% of the market. It also boasts the most read real estate blog in Russia, as well as being the most followed real estate site on the country´s social networks.

Russia has a population of 142 million people, 116 million of who live in the European (western) part of the country. It has 38 cities with over 500,000 inhabitants, 13 of which have over 1 million.

For more information visit Idinaidi at www.idinaidi.ru.

Retirement refugees: British retirees break the mould and branch out to pastures new, seeking a better life abroad

Retirement refugees: British retirees break the mould and branch out to pastures new, seeking a better life abroad

by Georgina Spain

New Office for National Statistics (ONS) data suggests that more than 30% of the UK population is now above the age of 50 – and that they control 80% of the wealth.

The research chimes with last month’s poll of 1,500 over-50s by charity Age UK, which found that 60% of older consumers are open to trying new brands, contrary to perceptions that older customers are likely to stick with tried-and-tested products and services.

With the older generation open to new ideas and holding 80% of the UK’s wealth, more and more are venturing further afield and seeking new options for retirement. A new wave of ‘retirement refugees’ has been created with older people feeling pushed out of the UK due to increasing costs of retiring, cold weather affecting their health and a lack of suitable accommodation.

Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living, a Summers’ Villages, a private gated apartment resort dedicated exclusively to active over 50s on Lanzarote, has witnessed a huge increase of retirees visiting the resort since opening in September 2012. His clients are united in their quest for something different from the life they had in their home country. Summers explains,

“Moving to Sun Park Living means you’ll have daily access to the climate, culture, food, amenities and facilities that you’ve possibly only ever enjoyed on holiday. We see retirees visit Lanzarote in their droves, enjoying a near-perfect climate and a relaxing lifestyle. They all have one thing in common: they are not afraid to embrace a new adventure.

“Here we offer retirees a great chance to indulge in their favourite hobbies and activities, and maybe even try something new. Our Villages have great places where you can get together with new found friends, enjoy a cuppa (or maybe something stronger), or just take a bit of time out on your own.

“Moving abroad to the sunshine and learning new tricks – or brushing up on old ones – helps to maintain the grey matter and regenerate both the body and mind. Nothing is as important throughout your golden years as keeping stimulated and living life to the full both mentally and physically.”

Indeed, soaking up the sun has been medically proven to be beneficial. Vitamin D, which the body makes when exposed to natural sunlight, helps bones to absorb calcium, which is vital to bone health, communication between nerves and fighting inflammation.

As well as the medicinal advantages of its warm, sunny climate, Sun Park Living allows residents to get involved with all manner of social and sporting activities. The activities and events are organised by those living on the resort, fondly called ‘SunRockers.’ They vary from Village to Village, but generally include outdoor and indoor bowls, reiki, yoga and even dancing classes, arts and crafts, gardening groups, Spanish and computer lessons, many competitions, charity work and movie nights.

There are also social events to look forward to such as Village dinners, ‘happy hours,’ morning teas, Social Fridays for those not living at the resort to come and meet residents, or group outings to local restaurants and shops, island tours and attractions.

So what are you waiting for? If you are semi or fully retired over 50 and looking to meet like-minded people on sunnier shores then why not consider a stay at Sun Park Living? Become a SunRocker today for the affordable year-round rate of €625 for each four-week (28 day) stay.

Alternatively, if you are thinking of visiting Sun Park Living for the first time to see if the village lifestyle is for you, take advantage of the Taster Week rate of just €250.

For more information, visit www.sunparkliving.com or call 0161 408 3360. You can also follow Gil and the team onTwitter or Like them on Facebook.
Urban Fractional Ownership: Own your own Italian urban retreat from just £65,000. You do the Math

Urban Fractional Ownership: Own your own Italian urban retreat from just £65,000. You do the Math

by Georgina Italy
Fractional properties offering sun kissed beaches in idyllic locations are easy to come by, offering you the opportunity to unwind in your own personal pocket of tranquillity in an exotic locale but without sacrificing your wi-fi connection or perfectly chilled glass of white. But contemporary fractional owners are beginning to demand more – they want the excitement, convenience, hustle and bustle of urban life, but still within easy reach of a fabulous beach.
Thus, in recent years, developers have recognised the potential of offering fractional interests in urban areas for those craving their own slice of a pied-a-terre in a foreign setting. Cities with international appeal – luxury shopping, high levels of cultural attractions and a world-class business centre – have been extremely successful for larger, resort-style fractional developments such as Marriott’s 47 Park Street in London and The Phillips Club in New York.

More recently, smaller businesses have entered the market, offering, unique properties for sale on a more traditional fractional ownership basis. A new breed of boutique companies such as Appassionata offer the perfect combination of urban retreat and insight into traditional Italian life in a luxury environment for less – a mere fraction of the price – and are proving extremely popular.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of Italian fractional ownership company Appassionata, comments,

“For urban fractional properties to succeed the old maxim ‘location, location, location’ is extremely important. Our properties aren’t necessarily going to work in just any old town – it has to be somewhere with international appeal that will attract visitors come rain or shine and be the type of place people have an enduring desire to visit and revisit.

“Picturesque hill towns nestled in Le Marche region, with their tapestry of hills, olive groves, vineyards, and pine forests, with cobbled streets, small churches and medieval watchtowers, provide the perfect urban retreat and baptism into Italian town life. Their fantastic pizzerias, locally produced wine and winding, romantic streets transport you to a different era, totally removed from modern life.

“The picture perfect town of Petritoli, where our urban fractional property is nestled, gets lovelier with each passing day. The views alone from the property are sensational. The collection of spires, towers and rooftops lie like buried treasure across the town when seen from the roof terrace, creating a delightful ambience.”

The family-run company´s latest project in the medieval town of Petritoli is a three bedroom townhouse known as Tre Archi, packed with original features and in the process of being restored to Appassionata´s high standards. The property will provide stunning urban holiday accommodation at a snip of the usual cost – from only £65,000 for a share that entitles owners to five weeks’ usage per year.

The benefits of urban fractional ownership make Appassionata’s Tre Archi a truly exceptional lifestyle investment for smart purchasers seeking to indulge their passion for Italy and possess their own slice of the Italian dream. For more information contact Appassionata today on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

It’s smiles all-around as a record number of foreign tourists descend on Spanish shores

It’s smiles all-around as a record number of foreign tourists descend on Spanish shores

by Georgina Spain

A record number of tourists travelled to Spain last month – January 2014 – with 3.1 million foreigners making their way to the country, a rise of 12.3 per cent on the previous highest-ever figure of 2.9 million, seen in January 2008.

Interestingly, the sharpest rise in foreign holidaymakers were the French with a year-on-year increase of 19.5 per cent, according to the survey Tourist Movements across Borders released last week by the ministry of industry, energy and tourism (FRONTUR).

Whilst British nationals were once again the most prevalent visitors to Spain in January, accounting for 32.8 per cent of tourists from abroad, nearly 553,000 travellers and 9.2 per cent more than last January.

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

“Ranked the third most popular tourist destination in the world, Spain remains a resilient holiday destination, popular with foreign travellers whatever the market conditions. The record number of tourists welcomed in January 2014 continues the positive trend in arrivals witnessed in 2013 when a record 60.66 million arrived on Spanish shores.

“Indeed in line with growth in tourism so too we have seen growth in the second home market in Spain over the last 12 months. The introduction of new and expanded air routes such as EasyJet increasing the number of flights it operates from Germany to destinations such as Alicante this year, is a real sign of confidence, both from FTSE 100 companies and individuals alike, in the market.

“The Costa Blanca in particular is one Spanish destination that has performed very well on the property front, offering one of the most famous coastlines and climates. We only may be two months in but here at Taylor Wimpey España, we have experienced a great start to 2014 with a recorded growth of 300% throughout Feb compared to the same month last year  in the Costa Blanca already.”

Dissecting the FRONTUR survey data further, it reveals that package holidays accounted for 28.5 per cent of travellers in January, 11.9 per cent more than last year, whilst the remaining 71.5 per cent opted for a ´DIY´ trip, representing a rise of 12.5 per cent on January 2013.

So for those looking to ‘Do It Yourself’ and purchase your own slice of the Spanish sunshine, why not check out what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer?

Brisas de Alenda Golf is a beautiful residential development on the Costa Blanca offering 3 bedroom townhouses with generous private gardens, communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant all available from just €145,000 + VAT.

Designed to optimize the light and the space with the best finishes and facilities, the Brisas de Alenda townhouses enjoy a peaceful location adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful white sands of the Costa Blanca are a mere 15 minute drive away.

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 0034 971 70 69 72.

Bricks and mortar top of the shopping list for world’s wealthiest, new reports reveal

Bricks and mortar top of the shopping list for world’s wealthiest, new reports reveal

by Georgina Russian Federation

The impact of high net worth individuals on global property markets has long been recognised, but now two newly released reports have thrown the figures into sharp focus. According to the annual Knight Frank Wealth Report, the number of ultra-high net worth individuals across the world rose by 3% during 2013. The increase means the number of people with more than US$30m in assets has now reached over 167,000.

  • 59% increase in ultra-high net worth individuals since 2003 (Knight Frank)
  • Russia is now home to 111 billionaires (Forbes)
  • €42m home in Notting Hill attracting particular attention from Russian buyers (Idinaidi)

The astonishing figure represents an increase of 59% in the past decade, while the same report predicts a further increase of 28% in the decade ahead. It seems the world – or the top 1% of it, at least – is getting richer.

The latest annual ranking of global billionaires from Forbes certainly concurs. According to Forbes there are now a record 1,645 billionaires. To make it into the top 20 ranking, an individual now needs some $31bn in his pocket, compared to a measly $23bn last year – a significant jump in just 12 months. The US boasts the most billionaires (492), while Russia came in third, with 111 individuals making the cut for the 2014 list.

The result has been an increased number of Russians eyeing up property overseas. While New York and Paris are popular choices, London remains the firm favourite with Russian buyers, with Knight Frank identifying them as the biggest foreign buyers of homes valued at over £1m in the capital during 2013. In total, Russian buyers spent more than £500m in London over the course of the year.

It’s not just wealthy Russians who are looking to London either – Knight Frank’s 2014 Global City Survey confirmed the English capital as the most popular city on the planet with wealthy buyers during 2013. Residential property was identified as the biggest item of discretionary spending for ultra-high net worth individuals, with almost 30% of their wealth accounted for by their main home and any second homes.

In fact, nearly one third of ultra-high net worth individuals living in Russia are looking to purchase a new home in 2014, while 37% are considering permanently changing their domicile or country of residence.

The UK is considered the top destination for those seeking a new domicile and when it comes to locations, Knight Frank’s Prime International Residential Index recognised London as the third most expensive property market in the world, with $1m getting buyers a mere 25 square metres of space. Russians considering buying in London can compare this with what they can get in Moscow, which ranked as the ninth most expensive market and where the same amount will result in 43 square metres.

Industry expert Carlo Walther, COO of Russia’s fastest-growing property portal, Idinaidi, comments on the recent developments,

“London has long been a popular choice with Russian buyers. Over 80% of the searches for UK real estate on Idinaidi are for London properties. Though Russians can get more for their money in Moscow – and the recently listed$82,000 per month Moscow apartment has certainly attracted considerable attention – luxury London apartments and houses remain top of their list of aspirations when it comes to owning homes overseas.

“Belgravia, Kensington and Chelsea are three of Russian buyers’ favourite areas of London. In fact, the most viewed overseas property on Idinaidi in London 2013 was a one bedroom apartment, overlooking the River Thames, for a price of €1m.”

For more information visit Idinaidi at www.idinaidi.ru.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 inspires pensioners to escape expensive retirement in the UK

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 inspires pensioners to escape expensive retirement in the UK

by Georgina France

According to a recent Prudential survey, the high cost of living in the UK and declining pension pots mean that some 17% of those planning to retire this year will have debts outstanding.

  • The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 currently being filmed in India
  • Sequel features stellar 50+ cast of Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and now Richard Gere
  • 17% of those in UK planning to retire this year will have debts outstanding (Prudential) 

These findings are leading more and more UK pensioners and those aching retirement age to ask: can retirement be outsourced to cut costs?

This concept is the premise of “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2”, the sequel to the hilarious but poignant 2011 British comedy-drama film of the same name.

Currently being filmed in India, this much anticipated second outing of the stellar 50+ cast which includes Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and now Richard Gere, tells the story of a group of pensioners who move to an affordable retirement hotel in India to escape the crippling cost of old age, where they grow to appreciate adventure in their golden years.

Throughout the movie, the guests address society’s assumptions of old age and tackle elderly stereotypes, making decisions that help them learn more about life as a retired individual whilst also finding ways to live their lives to the full.

The Villages Group – Rainbow, France’s first gay active living village for the over 50s, offers retirees precisely this kind of chance to find adventure before dementia, with like-minded retirees from the LGBT community coming together in the serene location of the Languedoc-Roussillon, South West France. Danny Silver, Founding Manager comments,

“The British over 50’s LGBT market is booming and it is important that their specific needs for housing are not only recognised but met. With isolation and loneliness real challenges for older LGBT people, we at The Villages Group – Rainbow believe that community living villages are the way forward. We provide one level eco homes with on-site services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle with like-minded individuals.”

Indeed with increasing numbers of people looking to move abroad for their golden years in search of lower living costs and a better quality of life, France remains an extremely popular destination. It affords a wonderfully warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural beauty and easy access to the UK – that’s if you ever want to go home!

For those keen to seek an active retirement under the Spanish sun becoming a Sun Rocker at Sun Park Living is also a popular choice. With a private gated community resort in southern Lanzarote, Sun Park Living offers an exclusive retirement lifestyle for those who wish to remain active but in a cheaper and decidedly warmer environment than the UK.

Residents at the resort are fondly known as Sun Rockers, hinting at the thirst for life that has driven them to expect more from their retirement. Gil Summers, Founding Manager comments,

“There’s a profound and palpable sense of community, friendship, camaraderie and family, that ties everyone and everything together here. Sun Park Living clearly fills a void in people’s lives, which is evident through everyone’s daily attendance resident-run social groups and activities, making every minute count whilst they are together.”

Indeed, the sense of community spirit is a huge draw to retirees looking for a lifestyle change. Of course the warm climate, flavourful local cuisine and fantastic culture all serve to make the experience even more rewarding – and all of this in light of the resort offering affordable rental apartments, for short or long term, for a fraction of the usual cost of retirement properties in the UK.

However, much like The Villages Group – Rainbow, the real currency at Sun Park Living is the residents themselves and their dream to live every moment to the full.

For more information on any of the featured retirement accommodation, please contact:

The Villages Group Rainbow: call + 33 1 4007 8625 or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow   

Sun Park Living: call 0161 408 3360 or visit www.sunparkliving.com

New global flight routes set to take Spanish tourism to even higher heights in 2014

New global flight routes set to take Spanish tourism to even higher heights in 2014

by Georgina Spain

Global jetsetters planning their journeys to Spain will see even more options open up in 2014 as the airline industry launches new routes and increases the frequency of flights to the world’s third most visited tourist destination.

  • Air Europa plans thrice weekly direct service between Madrid and Abu Dhabi from late 2014
  • In addition to thrice weekly non-stop flights from Miami to Madrid from August
  • Emirates launches new A380 service from Dubai to Barcelona
  • Air China to open second route to Spain in May 2014
  • Norwegian plans new direct service to Malaga and Alicante from three German cities

The United Arab Emirates´ flag carrier Etihad Airways and Spanish airline Air Europa have signed a codeshare agreement which will see both carriers significantly enhance access to and from Spain, the UAE and destinations across the globe.

As part of its effort to increase travel to Spain, Air Europa plans to commence a thrice weekly direct service between Madrid and Abu Dhabi from late 2014.

This news is welcomed by Taylor Wimpey España who are happy to hear that their Middle Eastern clients will have a greater selection of routes available to Spain’s glorious Mediterranean destinations such as the Costa Blanca on the east coast this winter with Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of the leading Spanish builder commenting,

“Historically it hasn’t always been easy to fly direct from the Middle East to Spain which is unfortunate considering the popularity of the Spanish market but now with this new codeshare agreement and thrice weekly direct service to the capital, both holidaymakers and property owners alike can enjoy easier and more flexible access to our wonderful nation.”

In addition Emirates has just launched the first regular A380 service with daily flights from Dubai to Barcelona and Air China will open its second route to Spain in May 2014 with a four-times-weekly Beijing-Barcelona service via Vienna, further boosting air connections to the Far East.

Looking west across the Pond, Air Europa will commence a new thrice weekly non-stop flight on the popular Miami to Madrid route from August this year whilst closer to home Scandinavian budget airline Norwegian is planning a string of new routes between Hamburg, Cologne and Munich and Malaga and Alicante.

So with Spain even more accessible in 2014, why not make your stay more permanent and own your own place in the sun with Taylor Wimpey España?

Montesol is a fabulous residential complex situated in one of the best areas of the Costa Blanca, Calpe “Maryvilla”, an area characterised by its tranquillity and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
These 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouses offer gardens for those all-important barbeques, a large sun terrace, air conditioning and hydro-massage bath. With a price tag of just €252,000, this development is a perfect investment, destined to attract savvy buyers from all over the world.

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 0034 971 70 69 72.

Is Italy’s economic progress here to stay? It certainly looks that way!

Is Italy’s economic progress here to stay? It certainly looks that way!

by Georgina Italy

Italy emerged from its longest recession in 60 years during the final quarter of 2013, when the country’s economy finally stopped contracting. The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief, particularly in light of national statistics agency Istat’s recently released preliminary report that shows growth of 0.1% during the year’s fourth quarter. But what is behind this new-found confidence in the Italian economy and are the positive changes really here to stay?

  •  “It is encouraging to see so many factors pointing towards a sustained and viable economic future” (Appassionata)
  •  Italy’s trade surplus doubles in year to October 2013 (Istat)
  • 10% rebound in property transactions forecast in 2014 (Breglia)

The signs are certainly encouraging. Data from Eurostat has shown that Italy’s public debt has begun to fall, dropping to 132.9% of GDP in the third quarter or 2013 (from 133.3% in the previous quarter), thanks to the country’s implementation of a range of measures designed to improve its fiscal stability. The Bank of Italy is quietly confident, projecting growth of 0.7% in 2014 and 1% in 2015. It is the foundation of an upward curve that Italy is doing everything in its power to achieve.

Italy’s trade and industry figures certainly support the hypothesis that a period of growth is underway. Data from Istat has shown that production levels are rising, with industrial orders in November 2013 up by 2.3% on the previous month.

The agency also reported an encouraging 1.3% rise in exports in 2013; Italy’s trade surplus doubled in the 12 months to October 2013, reaching €2.9 billion according to the Istat data. The rise was largely thanks to increased volumes of exports to the US and China. Italy’s improved competitiveness and reduced production costs have encouraged the increase in exports – an indication that the country’s move towards globalization is beginning to achieve positive results.

At the same time, measures grouped together under the ‘Destination Italy’ package have begun to encourage a rise in foreign investment in Italy. The programme aims to simplify, facilitate and attract business to the beleaguered country and it certainly seems to be working thus far.

Other positive signs for Italy’s economy include the recent data from the Markit/ADACI Purchasing Managers Index, which showed that Italian manufacturing grew in January 2014 for the seventh consecutive month. At the same time, industrial product was shown by Istat to have recorded its first year-on-year increase, with annual output up 1.4% in November 2013.

Consumer confidence has improved correspondingly, rising from 96.40 in December 2013 to 98 in January 2014, another pointer from Istat’s data that Italy’s positive economic progress is more than just a blip.

In line with rising consumer confidence, Italy’s real estate market is also picking up. Investment in commercial real estate reached €4.3 billion in 2013, almost doubling the 2012 figure. Retail and office space were largely behind the increased level of investment, according to realtor Jones Lang LaSalle, indicating that improvements to Italy’s employment rate may be on the way thanks to increased business activity in the professional services and retail sectors.

Residential real estate predictions are also looking up, with real estate expert Breglia forecasting a 10% rebound in property transactions during 2014, after a 30-year low in 2013. This picking up of the market, combined with a 2.5% rise in tourism figures during 2013 (and predicted to grow by a further 3% in 2014, according to domestic forecasting) is expected to lead to considerable interest in the Italian residential property sector from overseas buyers over the year ahead.

Le Marche-based real estate expert Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs of fractional ownership company Appassionata comments,

“Confidence in Italy’s real estate market is really picking up at the moment. There are some fantastic bargains to be had, with luxury properties coming on to the market at incredible prices. Appassionata’s own current renovation project, for example, will provide a standard of luxury that was unimaginable for this kind of price even two years ago.”

Dawn is referring to the family-run company’s latest project in the medieval town of Petritoli – a three bedroom townhouse known as Tre Archi. Packed with original features and in the process of being restored to Appassionata’s exacting standards, the property will provide stunning holiday accommodation at a fraction of the usual cost – just £55,000 for a share that entitles owners to five weeks usage per year (special price for first two shares only). Understandably, Dawn expects interest in the property to be intense,

“Our first two fractional ownership properties generated incredible interest and sold out during the recession, so it’s going to be exciting to see how quickly Tre Archi in Petritoli attracts attention, given Italy’s improving economic position. While it is still early days in terms of Italy’s financial recovery, it is encouraging to see so many factors pointing towards a sustained and viable economic future for this wonderful country.”

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

Apartment accommodation on the up in the Canaries

Apartment accommodation on the up in the Canaries

by Georgina Spain

According to the latest figures released by ISTAC, the Canarian Institute of Statistics, 33 million overnight stays were made in apartment accommodation throughout the Canary Islands in 2013, an increase of over 1.8% compared to 2012.

  • 33 million overnight apartment stays made in 2013, up 1.8% on 2012 (ISTAC)
  • English dominate with 11 million overnight apartment stays in 2013
  • Apartments at Sun Park Living, Lanzarote fully booked for 2013/4 winter season

A popular winter sun holiday hotspot, 3.2 million overnight stays in apartments (as opposed to hotel accommodation or with friends and family) were recorded in December 2013 alone with the Islands welcoming both international and domestic visitors alike.

By nationality, once again English visitors dominated with 11 million overnight apartment stays in 2013, followed by the Nordic nations at 6 million. A trend attributed to the overall increase in tourism to the islands over the last 12 months.

Gil Summers, Co-founder and Co-owner of Sun Park Living, a Summers’ Village, a private gated apartment resort dedicated exclusively to active over 50s on Lanzarote, comments,

“2013 was a record year for the Canary Islands as a whole with 10.63 million foreign visitors arriving on our beautifully sunny shores. Lanzarote welcomed almost a quarter, at 2.1 million, with British tourists dominating, at nearly 1 million, followed by the Irish, French, Russian and Italian visitors, where there´s been a significant gain.

“ISTAC reports a 4 point increase in apartment occupancy rates across the Canaries for 2013 compared to 2012; in Playa Blanca, the south of Lanzarote, occupancy levels were up at 88.62% in November last year. At Sun Park Living, we´ve been fully booked for the entire 2013 winter season and, today, a year ahead of next winter, we have already reached almost full capacity for the 2014 season so we are very happy indeed.”

So what makes apartments such an increasingly popular accommodation option?

In Gil’s eyes it´s all about the magic combination of safety, affordability, comfort, convenience and flexibility. In this specific case, Sun Park Living is about creating a home from home for all guests, he explains,

“Compared to a traditional holiday accommodation in a hotel, apartment accommodation offers visitors the opportunity to relax and set the tone to their own stay. Today’s travellers want variety and experiences, as much as the freedom to explore and enjoy on their own terms and not be restricted by set meals, closing times, daily intrusions in their space, or even being bombarded with repetitive entertainment. Touristic hotels usually operate a 7 or 14 day stay model, and travellers spend most of their time within the complex, with no need or interest in eating out and experiencing the local cuisine and culture, and hence missing out on everything the island has to offer.

“By comparison, apartments, by their nature, lend themselves to longer term stays. They are usually set within a resort enabling guests to make use of the communal facilities such as the swimming pools and recreation areas, and meet with like-minded people as and when they wish. The apartments are more spacious than hotel rooms and feature kitchen areas to prepare you own food, to your own liking on your own timescales. And additional services, such as laundry, housekeeping, transfers and even doctor services can be arranged of course.

“At Sun Park Living apartments we go the extra mile by offering guests a breath of fresh air, they get a wonderful community spirit, the complex is very safe and is quickly becoming the ideal meeting point for community minded singles and couples. We have also recognised the need to go beyond the expected and necessary; going back to our initial point of “creating a home from home” we have made it possible for all our guests to arrange for long term storage, enabling them to keep their cherished personal belongings in the complex, travel light, and have their things always ready when they return to the resort.

“This apartment style accommodation is particularly popular with older British guests, we are seeing ever increasing numbers staying for 4 to 6 months or even a year at a time, many even changing their lifestyles completely, by renting out their home back in the UK to come to live here and spend holidays back at home with the family, making this a great option for anyone considering an over 50s senior gap year”.

So if you are over 50 and looking to meet like-minded people with whom to spend a long term in sunny shores then why not consider a long term stay at a Sun Park Living apartment? Become a ‘SunRocker‘ today for an affordable year-round rate of €625 for each four-week (28 days) stay.

Alternatively, if you are thinking of visiting Sun Park Living for the first time to see it this is for you, the rate for a Taster Week is only €250.

For more information visit the website at www.sunparkliving.com or call 0161 408 3360. You can also follow Gil and the team on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.