Homes fit for a princess

Homes fit for a princess

by Kate Portugal Spain Turkey United Kingdom , , ,
  • Speculation rife that Royal princess is due to arrive on 25 April
  • Palatial Surrey homes available from £3.5 million (Barton Wyatt)
  • Overseas buyers seek sea views and Jacuzzis from €1.75 million (Ideal Homes Portugal)

With speculation rife that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting the arrival of a little princess on 25 April, despite the official party line being that the new baby’s gender is unknown, the world is watching and waiting for the patter of tiny Royal feet at some point this month.

The new princess (or prince, if the rumours and the bookies turn out to be wrong) will reside with her parents and older brother Prince George in the ten bedroom Anmer Hall, close to the Queen’s residence at Sandringham in Norfolk.

The luxury homes of the British Royal family are part of the country’s heritage, but you don’t have to be blue blooded in order to live in sumptuous surroundings. In Surrey, which is home to some of the most exclusive properties that England has to offer, £3.5 million is sufficient to purchase an eight bedroom, four bathroom Ascot house, from Surrey’s leading estate agency Barton Wyatt. The tastefully restored, unique Victorian home boasts a cinema, pool and gym, as well as a large sunny garden for making the most of the British summertime.

On the nearby Wentworth Estate, a brand new Georgian style five bedroom, five reception room home set in an acre of grounds costs a cool £4.6 million. Arranged over three storeys, the house is perfect for a family looking to house their little princes and princesses in style. For those with a nanny in tow, the Wentworth Estate offers a fantastic contemporary home with annex, for £4.95 million. The six bedroom detached home is ideal for those looking to accommodate a nanny on site, while the extensive gardens and ‘secret clearing’ in the woodland would be fantastic for older children.

But it is not just the UK that is attracting buyers of luxury homes, as Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“Many British families are taking advantage of the current excellent exchange rate to purchase a palatial second home overseas and Portugal is one of Europe’s best destinations when it comes to luxury homes that don’t cost the earth. A south facing seven bedroom villa with sea views and pool, with under-floor heating, Jacuzzi and tennis court will set you back just €1.75 million, which really is incredible value.”

Martin Dell, director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, has noticed that prestigious Spanish homes are also attracting the interest of buyers from the UK. He comments,

“Both high end city apartments and luxury coastal villas are piquing the interest of international buyers right now. Spain has a lot to offer those looking for peace and serenity in luxurious surroundings. For €1.2 million you can pick up a five bedroom, four bathroom villa with pool on the coast near Barcelona. Terraces and a summer veranda enjoy stunning sea views, while the basement provides a gym and home cinema for those rare days when the Spanish weather doesn’t oblige.”

For buyers who want to preserve the environment for the future, as well as provide the perfect home for their family in the present, Istanbul offers some fantastic eco homes, such as Oceanic Bay View from prime property agency Universal 21. An exquisite family home spread across three floors on the outskirts of Istanbul, the detached villa with pool combines eco friendly building materials with features such as reclaimed rainwater and solar power. Contemporary features such as earthquake resistance, ergonomic design and a smart house system complete this stunning dwelling.

Whether it’s a palace at home or abroad that your family needs, the right home is out there, just waiting for your little princes and princesses to make it their own.

For more information please contact:

Barton Wyatt: 01344 843000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Universal 21: 0203 287 8700 or www.universal21.com

Why do second home owners love Spain quite so much?

Why do second home owners love Spain quite so much?

by Kate Spain
  • Buyers from Russia, Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and Spain account for 61% of second homes purchased in Spain (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spain has 573 blue flag beaches – more than any other country (Spain Guides)
  • Luxury Mallorca townhouses available from €359,500 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has enjoyed a bumper start to 2015. Visitors to the company website are up by 16% and sales have increased during Q1 in all three locations in which Taylor Wimpey España operates: Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol.

Buyers from around the world have been charmed by Taylor Wimpey España’s luxurious new build properties, all of which come with the company’s signature blend of generously sized terraces, designer fixtures and fittings and communal pools and gardens. The company served buyers from 22 countries during Q1 2015, while those from Russia, Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and Spain made up 61% of the total number of sales.

“Spain offers a unique combination to buyers looking for sun-kissed luxury,” comments Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director. “Its numerous blue flag beaches (Spain has 573 in total – more than any other country) are perfect for families, while those with older children or travelling as a couple delight in its championship quality golf courses. The clement weather means that outdoor activities are rarely ‘rained off’ as they are in colder climes and the combination of sun and water makes for some fantastic memories.”

Buyers looking for a little luxury also delight in Spain’s gastronomic offering. Michelin starred restaurants rub shoulders with rustic tapas bars serving limited but exquisite menus, while excellent quality local wines abound. Spain has hundreds of native grape varieties, which grow well under the intense summer sun, ready for harvesting in autumn when they are plump and full of flavour.

Outdoor activities are a key driver for those with second homes in Spain, as well as in the Balearic Islands, where yachting is a popular pastime for families and friends. Taylor Wimpey España’s gated resort at Camp de Mar Beach in Puerto Andratx, Mallorca is one of the island’s most exclusive new developments. The two and three bedroom townhouses feature air conditioning and under floor heating throughout the properties, fully fitted kitchens with Silestone worktops, suspended washbasins in the bathrooms, double glazing and allocated exterior parking spaces. Prices start at €359,500 for a two bedroom townhouse.

For those looking to stay on the mainland, Los Arqueros Beach next to the wealthy towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus offers seriously luxurious properties from €385,000. Owners can enjoy not just their designer penthouses, but also the site’s two swimming pools, solarium and convenient access to the prestigious Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club, with its challenging par 71 course designed by Severiano Ballestero.

Mark Heaton, who bought a Taylor Wimpey España apartment in Benahavis, Marbella, highlighted the quality of the resort as one of the key factors in his decision-making process. Not only were he and his family delighted with the high specification and quality of their actual apartment, but also with the superbly tended gardens and foliage.

“It’s the details like that which are really important to our buyers,” explains the company’s Marc Pritchard. “There properties are finished to an incredibly high standard, but the work doesn’t stop there – we ensure that the pools, gardens, elevators and so forth are all just as impressive as the homes themselves.”

With such luxurious properties complementing the temptations of Spain’s weather, cuisine, natural beauty and sporting prowess, it is easy to see why so many buyers love to locate their second home there and why Taylor Wimpey España’s homes in particular strike a chord with those who enjoy the finer things in life.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

It’s time to get green fingered and in the garden as National Gardening Week kicks off

It’s time to get green fingered and in the garden as National Gardening Week kicks off

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Royal Horticultural Society celebrates National Gardening Week, 13th – 19th April
  • Gardening makes 82% of people happier (RHS)
  • Outdoor space a key factor when searching for the right property (Barton Wyatt)

Today marks the start of this year’s Royal Horticultural Society National Gardening Week, bringing with it an array of events and activities taking place across the country, with thousands of people, charities, retailers and culture and heritage organisations getting involved. In light of this, and with the UK sunshine starting to make an appearance and the evenings growing longer, people will be looking outside for their own patch of springtime.

This year’s event will introduce the first ever National Open Gardens Day, on the 17th April which will see gardens that usually charge an entrance fee, or those that are ordinarily closed to the public, opening their gates for free, allowing as many people as possible the chance to experience the enjoyment and tranquillity that a beautiful garden can provide. The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Garden Wisley, set in the scenic Surrey landscape will be one of many offering free entry for the day.

There is a wealth of stunning garden space in Surrey. The World renowned Royal Landscape of Windsor Great Park, bordering Virginia Water is location to the celebrated Savill Garden and Valley Gardens.

James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency Barton Wyatt located in Virginia Water, comments on the inspiration that can be found in the local scenery,

“As spring approaches we are once again reminded of Surrey’s striking landscape and all that its nature has to offer. This is my favourite time of year with fabulous displays of camellias, magnolias and the incredible rhododendrons in the Royal Park starting to bloom. Outdoor space can be a key factor when searching for the right property as the garden and outside facilities are an important extension of a house. From a secluded area of tranquillity to an additional space to entertain, a garden is an asset to any property and the two are often inextricably linked.”

Britain is now a nation of budding gardeners, with a 2014 RHS survey showing that 77% of people garden and 82% admit that it does make them feel happier. With gardens becoming an integral part of home life, their significance when purchasing a new property also increases.

With unlimited potential, Barton Wyatt’s detached bungalow, Amraoti, featured on the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water would be the perfect project for any budding gardener. The property sits in a level plot of approximately 0.42 of an acre and is available for £1,500,000. Surrounded by Surrey’s natural splendour, this is the perfect landscape to inspire and create a completely personalised stunning outdoor haven.

Another property within this beautiful estate is Tangle Copse, a charming original Tarrant Wentworth family home set within stunning gardens of approximately 1.6 acres facing due south to the rear. The outdoor facilities also include a tennis court, a pool and a summer house. The property is available for £5,500,000.

In the equally picturesque neighbouring town of Ascot is Winbar, a beautifully refurbished and modernised family house, available for £2,600,000. The rear garden includes a large heated swimming pool, BBQ with kitchen, a Jacuzzi and a wide tiled terrace area that is ideal for entertaining.

For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

British buyers look to Green Spain to build the holiday homes of their dreams

British buyers look to Green Spain to build the holiday homes of their dreams

by Kate Spain
  • 42% of enquiries in Cantabria for land parcels, 67% from Brits (Kyero.com)
  • Buy and build often a cheaper option than resale property (Just Landed)
  • 25% of Cantabria enquiries for sub €50k plots (Kyero)

The northern Spanish coastal region of Cantabria is known for its lush vegetation, archaeological sites, fierce local rowing competitions and the quality of its beef, which has earned certain kinds of native cattle a European Union “Meats of Cantabria” Protected Geographic Denomination. It’s a pretty region that makes up part of “Green Spain,” which runs between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains.

Cantabria is also known for being home to the port city of Santander and to Spain’s third largest livestock market, but other than that the area has little to draw visitors away from the arguably greater attractions of the beaches of southern Spain or the lure of cities such as Barcelona and Madrid. One might therefore be forgiven for thinking that homebuyers would overlook Cantabria, but new data from leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com has revealed that the region is enjoying a significant amount of interest from British land buyers.

The Kyero Enquiry Report for Q1 2015 has shown that of those searching for property in Cantabria, 42% were searching solely for land, while 67% of enquiries were from Brits. The national average figure for those looking for land was just 7%.

Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, comments,

“The level of interest shown in Cantabria highlights an interesting trend. Price is certainly an influential factor on purchases in the region – 25% of enquiries are for land or properties that cost less than €50k and another 17% are for those costing between €50k and €100k. Buying parcels of land in this way can be a really cost effective way of owning your dream second home in Spain – you buy the land, then build the house that you have always wanted.”

Of course, Spanish red tape can make the process a little more complicated than simply buying and building, but with the right checks before purchase and the right contacts for the design and construction parts of the process, buyers can end up with a home worth far more than they invested. As Just Landed observes,

“It’s still possible in many areas to buy a plot of land and build a bigger and better home for less than the cost of a resale property.”

“Always check that the land is designated as a finca urbana,” advises Martin Dell, “And work in partnership with the local town hall to obtain the approval and certificate that you need to build. Don’t expect the wheels of bureaucracy to move fast, but persevere and the results could be extremely rewarding. Work with a lawyer before making your purchase and ask him or her to investigate any conditions or regulations placed upon the land that you are considering purchasing. A little outlay in time and expense at the start of the process could be well worth it in the long run.”

As well as control over the design, building your own home provides control over the materials used and over eco friendly factors such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. This can be particularly important for buyers looking to build their own retirement property, as investment in such components at the design and build stage can lead to significant reductions in energy bills once the home is completed.

The attractions of building your own home are being felt across Spain, with the number of building licence applications for new housing increasing by 38.9% in January 2015 according to the Ministry of Development. Applications to reform or restore homes were also up, by 10.6%.

When it comes to British buyers, the key to Cantabria’s popularity may well lie in its ferry link to the UK. Regular sailings from Santander to Plymouth and to Portsmouth provide an economical way to transport people, vehicles and goods between the two countries, with ferries taking around 24 hours to complete a single journey. Even pets can be taken along, with the right documentation.

250 km of coastal scenery and delicious, hearty peasant food add to Cantabria’s charms, though the weather isn’t quite as delightful as that in the Costa del Sol. Still, easy access to the UK and a cost effective way to own a dream holiday home seems to be a winning combination for many British buyers. For those of an active nature, the region offers some of the best surfing conditions in Spain, with both beach breaks and reef breaks present, as well as rockier areas for a wide variety of surfing fun.

The neighbouring Basque Country provides another surfer’s paradise, with Mundaka Beach hosting the World Championships in October each year. Windsurfers and kitesurfers also love the area, with both the Basque Country and Cantabria offering beautiful beach after beautiful beach.

The southern Costas may not have too much to worry about in terms of their overall visitor numbers, but one can’t help feeling that those snubbing Torremolinos in favour of settling in the peaceful countryside of Cantabria have discovered a way to enjoy Spain that they would really rather remained a secret.

To view properties across Spain available for sale and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

AB Property Marketing appointed to represent new Tuscan estate, Terre Gialle Residence & Resort

AB Property Marketing appointed to represent new Tuscan estate, Terre Gialle Residence & Resort

by Kate Italy ,
  • Terre Gialle Residence & Resort is a picturesque estate covering almost 20 acres across the beautiful Tuscan countryside
  • The estate combines renovated and new build property and offers both fractional and residential ownership
  • ABPM excited to be working with Terre Gialle Residence & Resort to promote their boutique Tuscan estate

With around 23 million visitors to the region last year, Tuscany remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations and is a region of undisputed natural beauty. Renowned for its enchanting countryside, reminiscent of the landscapes captured within Renaissance masterpieces, sweeping vineyards and olive groves, Tuscany continues to offer the essence of Italy that many dream of. This, combined with its rich artistic legacy and historic architecture, continues to attract visitors from across the globe to experience their very own taste of Tuscan life.

Set within Tuscany’s quintessential rolling hills, below the ancient hilltop town of Castel del Piano, Terre Gialle Residence & Resort is a picturesque estate covering almost 20 acres across some of the most pristine countryside the region has to offer.

This boutique residence and resort is surrounded by vast fields of olives and vines, an array of beautiful gardens and lush evergreen forests, with the town only a five minute drive away. With both full and fractional property ownership options available, Terre Gialle provides the perfect opportunity for each and every individual to indulge in the Tuscan lifestyle.

Simone Rossi, Director, Terre Gialle Residence & Resort, explains the enthusiasm surrounding the project,

“The region of Tuscany is often seen to epitomise the traditional Italian dream, with its mesmerising scenery and relaxed atmosphere it is the perfect setting for a home away from home. With our selection of properties available, we are excited to be able to deliver a choice to those wanting to find their very own place under the Tuscan sun. Both the residence and the resort, under the Terre Gialle brand, offer an experience that can allow everyone to immerse themselves in the year-round magic of Tuscany”.

The estate combines both renovated and new build property. Through fractional ownership, Terre Gialle Resort offers a range of modern 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom villas. After a resplendent restoration, the historic Residence is comprised of studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments.

Exuding a unique, elegant atmosphere, Terre Gialle boasts a range of excellent facilities including a swimming pool with whirlpool, a well-kept park with nature trails and sports facilities, a tennis court and bowling green.

In order to further raise the profile of this magnificent Tuscan resort, Terre Gialle Residence & Resort has appointed leading international property PR agency, AB Property Marketing.

Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing, comments,

“The Terre Gialle estate is enriched with a two hundred year history and is continuously evolving to meet the market trends of the region, without losing the sense of its tradition. We at AB Property Marketing are delighted to be working with Terre Gialle Residence & Resort as they introduce their exciting new estate to the ever popular Tuscan market.”

Fractional ownership at Terre Gialle Resort starts from €28,000 (excluding maintenance cost) for a 4 week allowance per calendar year. The Terre Gialle Residence prices range from €93,500 to €176,000.

For more information about Terre Gialle Residence & Resort, visit www.terregialle.com, email info@terregialle.com or call 0203 637 2215.

Save on the flight to spend more on your hols – Spain’s visitors get savvy

Save on the flight to spend more on your hols – Spain’s visitors get savvy

by Kate Spain
  • Low cost airline passengers to Spain up 14.4% in 2015 (Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism)
  • Tourist spending up 9.5% in January (INE)
  • ‘Ultimate shopping purchase’ seafront apartments available from €262k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Low cost airlines are enjoying a notable boom in passenger numbers on their routes to Spain, according to the latest figures from the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism. Some 3.3 million travellers used low cost airlines to get in and out of Spain during the first two months of 2015, up 14.4% on the same period a year earlier.

Passengers from the UK make up around 1/3 of this total, while visitors from Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands also account for significant proportions of those looking to soak up some Spanish sunshine. The data shows that traditional (non-budget) airlines saw an increase in passengers of just 1.7% over the same period, highlighting the draw that low cost routes have.

New routes are helping to fuel the appetite for cheap flights to Spain. Norwegian has just launched three new Spanish routes from the UK’s Birmingham Airport, flying to Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona. Meanwhile Spanish airport operator Aena has revealed that more than 1 million flights have already been programmed to and from Spain for the summer season, an increase of 3.6% on the 2014 summer season.

A record 65 million tourists visited Spain last year according to the UN World Tourism Organization, enjoying its beaches, weather and cuisine. Now, though, the Iberian country has set its sights on encouraging tourists to spend the money they save on flights in its shops as well as its cafés and restaurants. Turespana’s Angela Castano comments,

“Spain has a major image deficit as a shopping destination.”

Figures from Innov Taxfree certainly back up the statement, showing that the average Chinese tourist in Spain spends €900, while in Paris the figure rises to €1,500.

“Spain is looking to court tourists by promoting its shopping offer this year,” comments Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. “The country has some fantastic shopping destinations, but many visitors simply overlook the stores in favour of the beaches. Mallorca, for example, has a fantastic high end retail offering, while places like Marbella on the Costa del Sol are packed with retailers, from independent, boutique stores to national and international chains.”

Figures from INE for January 2015 show that the figures are starting to move in the direction that Spain would like. Tourist spending was up 9.5% on the same period last year, with 3.6% more visitors arriving and the average spend per visitor increasing by 5.7%.

Some of those visitors are looking for the ultimate shopping purchase – a property in the sunshine to use as a second home. On Mallorca, Costa Beach at Port Vell provides a selection of apartments on the island’s east coast, with a two bedroom apartment costing from €262,000. Four excellent golf courses are within a ten minute drive of the new resort, while direct beach access offers the ultimate idyllic location.

In Marbella, on the mainland, Los Arqueros Beach offers penthouse apartments from €385,000, just a few minutes’ stroll from the sea. The resort is ideally located for those wishing to enjoy the shopping meccas of Marbella and Puerto Banus, as well as the restaurants and nightlife spread throughout the old town and along the beachfront.

“Increased tourist spending in Spain’s shops is a win for everyone,” concludes Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard. “It stimulates the economy, promotes employment and serves to bolster the housing market. It should be a very positive summer for Spain this year as tourists save on their flights in order to spend while they are on holiday here.”

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Top 10 reasons to buy in Portugal

Top 10 reasons to buy in Portugal

by Kate Portugal

“Really, at this moment in time, it’s not so much a question of why you would buy in Portugal as why on earth you wouldn’t,” enthuses Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal.

“Portugal really does have everything going for it and the exchange rate is so favourable right now that the bargains buyers are picking up really have to be seen to be believed.”

Fresh from another highly successful A Place in the Sun Live event in Manchester, White and his team are full of the joys of life overseas, leaving the rain and wind of the UK behind and jetting back to the sunny Algarve, which has just enjoyed a stunningly hot burst of weather, with temperatures hitting 87F (30C) at the end of March according to Accuweather.

The sunshine is one of the key reasons that many second home owners and expats cite for purchasing property in Portugal. Here, the Ideal Homes Portugal provides their top 10 reasons to buy in Portugal right now.

Ideal Homes Portugal’s top 10 reasons to buy in Portugal:

  1. Sunshine

Sunshine simply has to come first. The Algarve is reputed to enjoy 300 days of sunshine each year, making it the ideal location for a second home or a fulltime residence. Opt for an apartment with an impressive pool to make the most of the lovely climate.

  1. Ease of access

The Algarve is less than three hours by plane from most UK airports. On a bad day, it can take longer than that to get around the M25. Opt for a peaceful countryside villa with pool to ensure that traffic jams are just a distant memory.

  1. Low prices for high quality

A glut of properties and a tumble in prices over recent years (which now seems to have bottomed out) has meant that even for low prices, high quality properties are available across the Algarve. Modern, one bedroom apartments cost from as little as €72,000 in the eastern Algarve.

  1. High rental returns

According to Ideal Homes Portugal, expected gross rental yields in Portugal are among the highest in Europe, with 14% achievable from the right property. Bed and breakfast and hostel accommodation properties offer some excellent deals, such as this 23 room hostel for €635k in the quaint central Algarve town of Alcantarilha.

  1. Impressive tax breaks

The Non-habitual Resident tax scheme in Portugal can enable those moving there from overseas to essentially live tax-free for 10 years if they meet the legislation’s criteria. Why not push the boat out and spend the extra cash on a particularly majestic villa with pool, tennis court and Jacuzzi?

  1. Beautiful beaches

The Algarve is known across the world for its stunning coastline, with crumbling formations of red and yellow rock standing like proud sentinels in the sea, or lining the backs of beaches with dramatic cliffs. Sea caves offer the perfect places for exploration by boat or with a snorkel, while hot, soft sand invites those of a less active nature to while away the hours soaking up the sun. Opt for an apartment within walking distance of the beach to enjoy the coast to the max.

  1. Fabulous local cuisine

From freshly caught razor clams cooked simply with rice, wine and coriander, to huge bowls of intensely rich, acorn-fed wild boar stew, to unforgettably sticky carob cake, the Portuguese diet showcases how much can be achieved with so little when it comes to ingredients. Based on a history of hearty peasant food, the country’s cuisine squeezes every iota of flavour out of each ingredient to produce a unique gastronomic experience. Buying a traditional Algarvian farmhouse with land is the perfect way to create your own farm to table experience in the sunshine.

  1. Award-winning golf courses

Golf is a great way to burn off all those extra calories piled on while feasting on Portuguese stews and cakes, and the Algarve boasts dozens of beautifully tended courses, many of which have won awards and/or hosted important championship tournaments. Opt for a luxury golf villa within easy reach of the world famous Quinta do Lago golf complex in order to enjoy the Algarve’s best courses.

  1. Low cost of living

From dining out to deep sea fishing experiences, the low cost of living in Portugal means that living and playing in the Algarve can be an extremely wallet friendly. Good wine costs around €2 per bottle. An icy cold beer costs €1. Enough said! All that money saved on usual daily expenses can be channelled into a lovely family property

instead, such as this fabulous five bedroomed house with pool and pretty garden.

  1. A safe place to buy

A far cry from the shocking tales heard from neighbouring Spain, Portugal is known for being a safe place to buy property, provided of course that the purchase is made through a reputable estate agency, such as Ideal Homes Portugal. Opt for a spacious and thoughtfully designed new home (with pool, naturally) that you can really make your mark on.

“As they say,” concludes Chris White, as he and his team head back to the Algarvian sunshine, “There’s no time like the present.”

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Hotspots Index: Rome leads European property rebound

Hotspots Index: Rome leads European property rebound

by Kate Cyprus France Greece Italy Portugal Spain
  • Rome most searched-for property location in the world
  • Portugal home to 14 of 50 most searched-for hotspots
  • France, Greece and Cyprus all in top 10

Rome is leading the rebound in demand for European property, reveals new research from TheMoveChannel.com. The portal’s latest interactive Hotspots Index shows that the Italian capital was the most searched-for location in the world in Q1 2015, as overseas buyers flock to the continent.

Rome accounted for 1.48 per cent of location searches in the first three months of the year, climbing one spot in TheMoveChannel.com’s Hotspots Index from Q4 2014. Rome is the first of two Italian hotspots in the Top 10, with Como sliding one place from the previous quarter to seventh place.

Spain soared into the silver spot, with Malaga climbing three places to become the second most searched-for location. While interest surged in the Costa del Sol, demand for the Balearics also boomed, with Mallorca leaping 10 places in the Index to become the third most popular hotspot. Malaga and Mallorca accounted for 1.45 per cent and 1.02 per cent of searches in Q1 2015 respectively.

Portugal followed closely in fourth place, as Albufeira accounted for 0.96 per cent of location searches in the three months to March 2015. With property prices now showing their first signs of rising following the recession, and the Golden Visa scheme encouraging investment from outside of the EU, the Portuguese property market is now the most widely sought-after on TheMoveChannel.com: the country was home to 14 out of the Top 50 hotspots in Q1 2015, up from 11 in Q4 2014.

Spain and Portugal have both enjoyed record levels of enquiries in the past six months, but demand for European property is now spreading across the continent. France made its debut entry in the Hotspots Index Top 10, as the Dordogne received the sixth biggest share of searches (0.81 per cent). Greece also entered the Top 10 for the first time: Corfu jumped 19 places in the chart into eight place.

TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson comments: “Europe has never been more attractive to overseas buyers than it is now. Mortgage rates are low in France, prices are rising in Portugal, and Spain’s market has bottomed out. With the pound at a seven-year high against the euro, spending power for Brits is exceptionally strong. Greece now accounts for six of the Top 50 hotspots – up from four in Q4 2014. The country’s economic uncertainty could be bad news for the euro, but it is certainly good news for buyers.”

The full top 50 hotspots on TheMoveChannel.com in Q1 2015 is available here.

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.
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Easter in Spain – why Mallorca is drawing in the crowds

Easter in Spain – why Mallorca is drawing in the crowds

by Kate Spain
  • Sunshine and temperatures of 20C and upward for Easter on Mallorca (Weather .com)
  • Travellers at Gatwick up 11% on 2014 this Easter (Gatwick Airport)
  • Stunning Costa Beach apartments available from €262k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Easter in the UK is usually a mixed bag of time off work, hyperactive children, threatening rainclouds and enough chocolate to keep Weight Watchers in business until Christmas. Though this combo does have a certain British charm, increasingly the temptations of spending the Easter break overseas are winning over the hearts of those looking for the certainty of sunshine for their precious time off. Some 480,000 travellers are projected to take to the skies via London Gatwick alone this Easter weekend, representing an increase of 11% over 2014’s passenger numbers.

With the Spanish island of Mallorca just a couple of hours’ flight from the UK, long weekends there are easily achievable, as long-term resident Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, observes,

“With such a short flight time, spending Easter in Mallorca is easy for those living in the UK and with temperatures set to remain firmly in the 20s over the course of the long weekend, the Balearics are definitely a tempting prospect for a short getaway.”

Easter in Mallorca is a big event, with processions, feasting and celebrations held across the island. The processions have their origins in the 16th century, when the Christian church set out to present the story of the Passion of the Christ to laypeople through street processions. While the religious element is still strong today, the festival atmosphere is one that those of all denominations can enjoy and the food that accompanies it is something that everyone should experience at least once!

But it is not just Easter that draws the crowds to Mallorca, popular though this time of year is. In fact, the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, was recently voted the best place in the world to live by the Sunday Times. The captivating old town, beaches within walking distance and slow-paced charm, intermingled with the modernity of ‘fancy shops’ were among Palma’s winning attributes.

For second home owners, coastal properties on the island are particularly popular, with the areas of Porto Cristo and Port Vell attracting those looking to enjoy the finer side of life on Mallorca. In Porto Cristo, the picturesque Cala Magrana III development is located close to the sea, as well as to nearby golf courses and the stunning Porto Cristo marina. The key ready apartments enjoy generously proportioned terraces and a large swimming pool with sunbathing area is available for all owners to enjoy. Prices begin at €230,000 for a two bedroom apartment – excellent value given the current exchange rate.

Costa Beach at Port Vell, on Mallorca’s eastern coast, is a first line residential complex offering access to white sandy beaches in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The calm, crystal clear sea is perfect for swimming, water sports and exploring the area’s numerous coves. The two and three bedroom properties start at €262,000, with buyers able to personalize the finish of their apartment (completion is due in June 2015).  Spacious terraces, pretty communal gardens and a large pool complete Costa Beach’s charms.

With Spanish Easter celebrations lasting for around 10 days, Mallorca and many other parts of Spain are already in full celebratory mode. Why not leave the chocolate at home and hop on a plane this weekend to see for yourself?

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Number of university students living in privately owned halls across the UK doubles in 7 years

Number of university students living in privately owned halls across the UK doubles in 7 years

by Kate United Kingdom
  • Over 100,000 higher education students now live in privately owned halls in the UK (HESA)
  • Privately owned purpose built student accommodation can provide a premium living experience (Knight Frank)
  • Students are striving to get more of a university lifestyle from their residences (Collegiate AC)

As the majority of UK universities struggle to house all first year students through their traditional halls of residence, demand for alternative accommodation has expanded dramatically.

Research from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveals that the number of students now living in privately owned halls has more than doubled in recent years. Between 2007 and 2014 the figure increased from 46,000 to 102,000, with those in the industry forecasting that this trend is set to continue.

This rise in privately owned student accommodation, which it based upon the shared halls experience, can be inextricably linked with the preferences of today’s students. Further investigation, led by Knight Frank, into the desires of students highlights that they are now active consumers and can recognise the added value that purpose built student accommodation can bring to university life. Offering high quality residences, rent costs inclusive of bills, enhanced internet access and a secure environment, Knight Frank acknowledge that privately owned purpose built student halls can provide a premium living experience.

One company listening to students’ accommodation ideals is Collegiate AC, who provide a variety of luxurious properties across Great Britain that offer a wide range of additional facilities to support not only study but also all aspects of student life.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC explains this move towards privately owned halls and how his company are dedicated to the needs of students,

“There has definitely been a significant change within the student accommodation landscape, with privately owned halls becoming one of the more sought after options available. With students now striving to get more of a lifestyle from their accommodation, communal areas and extra facilities are increasingly important.

“At Collegiate AC we aspire to not only provide students with well maintained, quality accommodation but also with a university experience that meets their needs and expectations. Our combination of comfortable and contemporary apartments and a secure and relaxing environment is what makes us a top choice amongst university students.”

Indeed recent Collegiate AC analysis shows that two-thirds of their current occupancy for the 2015/16 academic year are second and third year students, a 40% increase on 2014/15, highlighting that the demand for privately owned hall style accommodation is not just from first year students, but is also growing within the entire student populace.

Collegiate AC accommodation is comprised of modern living and learning spaces, alongside communal facilities that can include on-site gyms, private cinemas and reading rooms. Located throughout some of Great Britain’s finest university cities including Birmingham, Leeds, London, Southampton, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh, Collegiate AC residences include fast broadband and innovative work spaces, as well as incorporating additional safety features such as CCTV, 24-hour on-call support, and electronic entry systems.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.