Taylor Wimpey España showcases top holiday home trends for 2020

Taylor Wimpey España showcases top holiday home trends for 2020

Spain ,
  • Sustainability will be top of many buyers’ lists of priorities
  • The kitchen as the heart of the home will see spacious, light-filled areas come to the fore
  • British buyers still leading the way, accounting for 14.3% of foreign buyers in Spain (Colegio Registradores de España)

A new decade is nearly upon us and, for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, that means it’s time to reveal a glimpse at what the future holds in store for the holiday homes market.

From 2020 onwards, we’re going to see a real emphasis on sustainability when it comes to holiday homes, with eco-friendly features taking top priority. 2020’s trends will also reflect the changing way that we’re travelling now, with an emphasis on spending quality time with family and friends, away from the hectic place of modern life. That plays out both in holiday home design and property location.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

On the sustainability front, energy saving will be a key feature, from solar panels to energy-efficient aerothermal heating pumps. New developments will also feature pre-installation for electric cars. Attention to details such as these mean that Taylor Wimpey España already achieves energy certification B for most of its new properties and this will be an even greater priority moving forward, alongside ways of enhancing the sustainability of the construction process itself.

In terms of property design, the open plan kitchen will be the priority when it comes to the home’s social spaces. 2020’s kitchens will be spacious, airy and awash with bright, natural light. They will serve as a haven from the outside world – a retreat from the always-on nature of fake news and social media, where families and friends can relax and regroup, taking the time to enjoy each other’s company and nurture those all-important friendships and relationships.

When it comes to property location, 2020’s holiday home buyers want it all! The Taylor Wimpey España team report an increasing focus on access to quiet, authentic parts of Spain, from lesser known beaches to small villages. At the same time, buyers still want easy access to cosmopolitan areas for shopping, golfing and nautical sports facilities, as well as a range of historical places to visit. All of this will be underpinned by a keen focus on gastronomy, from glamorous dining experiences in big cities to humble establishments serving tasty traditional fare.

“The Costa del Sol looks set for a bumper year in 2020, thanks to its combination of lively urban areas, outstanding sporting amenities, beautiful beaches and quieter villages. Locations such as Mijas, Benahavis, Competa, Ronda and Nerja are attracting increasing attention from tourists looking to see all that Spain has to offer.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

When it comes to buyer demographics, 2020 will see investors continuing to pick up Spanish holiday homes, as well as those buying them for their own use. Britons remain the top nationality when it comes to buyers (based on Colegio Registradores de España’s 2019 Q3 figures), accounting for around 14.3% of buyers. Despite Brexit, British buyers still far outpace other nationalities, with the French and Germans coming in second and third, accounting for 8.4% and 6.6% respectively.

With all this in mind, the Taylor Wimpey España team has flagged up two properties as likely to be of particular interest to holiday home buyers in 2020. The first is Botanic at La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, Benahavis. Available from €430,000 plus VAT, the apartments at this unique development are focused around sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture. The site’s tiered levels optimize views and provide an exceptional panorama of the surrounding area, while vertical gardens and green corridors link the different phases of the development while respecting the huge variety of indigenous flora and fauna in the local area.

Stunning natural scenery is also a key feature at Grand View at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas, where homes are available from €262,000 plus VAT for two bedrooms. Open plan kitchen/dining/living areas are the heart of the homes, with full height glazing flooding them with light. The on-site golfing facilities at La Cala Golf are simply stunning, while Mijas and nearby villages offer a wealth of opportunities for leisurely strolls and relaxed meals with good wine and good company.

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

A holiday home in time for Christmas

A holiday home in time for Christmas

Spain ,
  • Choice of key-ready homes available from Taylor Wimpey España this Christmas
  • Spanish Christmas food traditions a key part of the seasonal appeal
  • British buyers can exchange a Christmas Day sea swim for one in a spacious pool

Christmas means many different things to people. For some, it’s not truly Christmas unless they spend it somewhere snowy. For others, it’s all about attending Midnight Mass with their nearest and dearest. And then there are those who think Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy a spot of winter sunshine. With key-ready homes along the Costa del Sol, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is perfectly positioned to make the dreams of this last group come true this year!

Christmas in the Spanish sunshine is a wonderful experience. It’s still not too late (just!) to buy a home in time for this year’s holidays. What a fantastic last-minute way to treat the family to a magical Christmas surprise!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Key-ready developments on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol include Horizon Golf and La Floresta Sur. Horizon Golf offers three-bedroom/two-bathroom townhouses with panoramic views at the famous La Cala golf resort, with spacious private terraces and 50m2 solariums. Prices start from €370,000 plus VAT.

La Floresta Sur, meanwhile, provides spacious apartments (from two bedrooms) with beautiful sea and mountain views, near Elviria Beach and with free access to El Soto Golf Club. Prices start from €222,000 plus VAT, with a current offer for a penthouse priced at €335,000 plus VAT.

Both developments feature communal pools, as well as landscaped gardens. For buyers looking to pick up a holiday home in time for Christmas, the pool is often a key part of a property’s appeal, according to the Taylor Wimpey España team.

“In many coastal parts of the UK, a Christmas Day dip in the sea has become quite the tradition, despite the climate not always making it seem overly inviting. In the Costa del Sol, the average December temperature is 13°C, with highs of 16°C. That’s far more appealing for a quick Christmas Day swim to burn off all those festive calories!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

As it is in the UK, Christmas in Spain is inextricably linked with feasting. The main meal tends to be on Christmas Eve, with traditional dishes including truffle-stuffed turkey and roast young hen. Lamb and suckling pork often feature these days too, along with lobster or sea bream in many northern parts of Spain. Charcuterie platters laden with hams, cheeses and olives are served as starters in many homes at Christmas, while many regions also have their own traditions, from soups to seafood dishes.

When it comes to Christmas desserts, Spanish options are much lighter than those in the UK. Turron (a deliciously moreish nougat with nuts) and polvorones (light, crumbly shortbread) are two of the most tempting treats.

In terms of gifts, 6 January (Epiphany) tends to be the main day, although some presents may also be exchanged on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Those looking to spend Christmas in their new Spanish second home don’t have much time to spare – but a holiday home in time for Christmas is just still doable for those who are determined to treat themselves and their families to the ultimate present this Christmas.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Taylor Wimpey España showcases eco-friendly features, as Spain gears up to host UN Conference on Climate Change

Taylor Wimpey España showcases eco-friendly features, as Spain gears up to host UN Conference on Climate Change

Spain ,
  • UN COP25 to take place in Madrid from 2-13 December 2019
  • Spain ranks 12th globally for environmental performance
  • Taylor Wimpey España praises Spain’s approach to all things eco

The United Nations Conference on Climate Change, which was due to be hosted in Chile but cancelled due to the recent unrest there, has now been confirmed as taking place in Madrid. It will run from 2 to 13 December 2019.

Spain is a good choice of host in terms of its environmental credentials. The 2018 Environmental Performance Index ranked Spain 12th globally (out of 180 countries) for its overall environmental friendliness. The study took both environmental health and ecosystem vitality into consideration.

Spain has some spectacular scenery and a wonderful variety of local wildlife. There has long been a will here to do as much as possible to preserve and protect the environment, with a number of progressive laws being passed in order to facilitate that.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The law in Spain requires newly built homes, for example, to include pre-installation of electric car chargers. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has included them in a range of properties since the law came into force in mid-2015. These includes its Canyamel Pins, Cala Vinyes Hills and Blue Cove developments in Mallorca.

The lovely Sunset Ibiza also includes pre-installation of electric car chargers. It is Taylor Wimpey España’s second Ibiza development in the last five years, after the company found the perfect beachfront spot for an exclusive collection of new homes. The apartments, which are priced from €410,500 for a two-bedroom home, provide incredible views over the sea to Conillera Island. A communal pool is surrounded by lush gardens, while each home also features a large private terrace.

Almost all Taylor Wimpey España developments also include solar panels and have done for a number of years. The aptly named Costa del Sol is officially Spain’s sunniest spot, according to a report by the country’s national Meteorological Agency. The 300+ kilometre stretch of coastline enjoys, on average, more than 320 sunny days per year. As such, solar panels can make a significant contribution to the provision of energy for homes being built there.

In each location in which we build, we seek to do all we can to work in harmony with nature and to make the best use of natural resources. That includes everything from protecting local biodiversity to harnessing the sun’s energy to meet ongoing power needs.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

All eyes will be on Spain in December when the country hosts the COP25 climate change summit. In the meantime, those living and working in the country continue to do all they can to protect our precious natural resources.

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Greenery wins out over beaches as Taylor Wimpey España reveals 2019’s best-selling holiday homes

Greenery wins out over beaches as Taylor Wimpey España reveals 2019’s best-selling holiday homes

Spain ,
  • Top developments all focused around greenery and outdoor space
  • Budget also comes into play for Brits buying in Mallorca
  • Nearby beach and golf facilities still important too

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has revealed its bestselling resorts, providing fascinating insights into what Britons buying in different parts of Spain are looking for.

In the Costa Blanca, for example, British buyers are all about homes that offer extensive outdoor space. At Kiruna Residencial, where the three-bedroom townhouses are priced from €178,000 plus VAT, that’s precisely what they get. The homes are available to move into or holiday in before Christmas. Each of the stylish townhouses comes with a 14 m2 terrace, an impressive 50 m2 roof terrace and a pretty, 26 m2 garden. That’s in addition to the development’s landscaped gardens and communal pool.

Kiruna Residencial’s location at Alenda Golf means that buyers have plenty more wide open space around them too. Interestingly, British buyers in the Costa del Sol have also put nature at the top of their wish list; Taylor Wimpey España’s Botanic has proven to be its most popular development in that area.

Botanic beat frontline golf homes and beachfront apartments in order to become Brits’ favourite Costa del Sol resort in 2019, based on Taylor Wimpey España’s reservation figures. The development is built around principles of sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture. Split across different ground levels, it provides exceptional views of the surrounding countryside and golf course, all the way to the sea, some 7 km away.

The natural environment is core to Botanic, which was designed to respect the variety of species and indigenous trees in the area. The properties boast lush vertical gardens, while green corridors link each of the site’s phases and envelop the buildings within nature. The spacious, three-bedroom homes all feature large, south-facing terraces to make the most of the beautiful natural environment and abundant sunshine. Homes are available from €425,000 plus VAT.

It’s interesting to see which sites have been our bestsellers in 2019 and to understand what it is that has so charmed British buyers when it comes to those particular developments. In mainland Spain, getting close to nature and enjoying plenty of outdoor space has been the priority this year, while Brits buying in Mallorca have made the beach a key focus alongside local greenery.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

In Mallorca, it is Canyamel Pins that has emerged as 2019’s most popular site for British buyers. Canyamel Beach is just a short (0.4 km) stroll away, providing some lovely sea views, while Canyamel Golf is almost as easily accessible, at a distance of 0.6 km. Like its bestselling mainland counterparts, Canyamel Pins also delivers plenty of greenery, with mature trees both surrounding the development and dotted about the site itself.

The two- and three-bedroom homes are available from €342,000 plus VAT, which is also revealing. The development is Taylor Wimpey España’s most affordable on Mallorca, indicating that British buyers have been keeping one eye on the purse strings during 2019, seeking out value for money as well as superb second homes.

“Mallorca’s unique property market means that prices there are higher than they are in many parts of mainland Spain. While that doesn’t stop holiday properties in Mallorca from being snapped up, we have certainly seen British buyers focusing on their budgets over the course of 2019.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Spain is best retirement destination in Europe, new study reveals

Spain is best retirement destination in Europe, new study reveals

Spain ,
  • Spain is Europe’s no. 1 retirement destination (Blacktower Financial Management)
  • Property prices and quality are a big draw for UK retirees (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Cost of living in Spain is 4th lowest in Europe (Expatistan)

As the autumn weather turns colder, and the prospect of a ‘big freeze’ arises once again, it’s hard to keep from imagining spending the winter – indeed, all winters – somewhere a little warmer than the UK. Southern Spain is an obvious choice for several reasons, particularly when it comes to retirement.

Spain is such a short distance from the UK, but the climate is so different. The southern coast enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, which is ideal for those looking to spend more time outdoors and to keep active in their golden years. The food is also superb. With hundreds of variations of rice dishes alone and plenty of local, seasonal ingredients, it’s a diet that is delicious, healthy and budget-friendly.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

A poll by Expatistan placed Spain fourth in Europe earlier this year in terms of affordable destinations. Blacktower Financial Management, meanwhile, has just rated Spain as the top retirement destination in Europe, based on criteria including the cost of living, life expectancy and property prices.

Spain certainly has plenty to offer when it comes to the latter. The Costa Blanca has long been seen as an affordable location in which to own your own slice of Spain, whether as a holiday home or a main residence. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España offers apartments and townhouses there, priced from €170,000 plus VAT.

At La Recoleta III, for example, buyers can pick up two- and three-bedroom apartments with private terraces and lovely views over the sea and the development’s pool and landscaped communal gardens. Those with a little more to spend have the option to purchase a penthouse, complete with private solarium.

The Costa del Sol also has a number of affordable off-plan and key-ready options. At the newly launched Sun Valley, prices start from €241,000. The 23 apartments include two- and three-bedroom homes, with glass balcony enclosures surrounding the large terraces to allow buyers to enjoy the surrounding golf course to the full. With an adult pool, an infant splash pool and communal gardens, the homes offer a surprisingly affordable option at the heart of the prestigious La Cala Golf Resort.

Taylor Wimpey España’s homes are designed with sustainability in mind, drawing inspiration from a long-term desire to build in harmony with the natural beauty of the local environment. For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, it’s entirely possible to access southern Spain by train, rather than plane. London to Alicante is doable with just three changes, as is London to Malaga, with a choice of four departures to each city each day.

For those retiring to Spain and looking forward to visits from friends, children and grandchildren, this accessibility is an important consideration. Flights from destinations around the UK are also plentiful, during the winter months as well as the main summer tourist season.

“Spain is a fantastic retirement option for those looking to live somewhere with a superb climate, a welcoming community vibe, first rate medical facilities, easy accessibility, plentiful entertainment options and so much more. With good value, high quality homes available in a range of beachfront and frontline golf locations, it also delivers on the property front. Why spend your retirement years in the rain and cold, when there are other options out there?”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Taylor Wimpey España launches boutique Sun Valley golf development at prestigious La Cala resort

Taylor Wimpey España launches boutique Sun Valley golf development at prestigious La Cala resort

Spain ,
  • 23 apartments to offer best prices in La Cala Golf resort
  • Homes to benefit from south-facing terraces, panoramic views and ‘total living’ concept
  • Residents awarded discount ‘privilege card’ for La Cala’s golf, spa, restaurant, tennis and football offering

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has announced the launch of its latest development – 23 two- and three-bedroom apartments at the boutique Sun Valley site at La Cala Golf in Mijas, on the Costa del Sol.

Built to the developer’s usual exemplary standards, the homes will include spacious, south- or southwest-facing terraces. Sun Valley’s position at the top of the hill overlooking La Cala’s popular America golf course means that they will also provide panoramic views of both the course and the sea.

Due for completion in 2020 and available from €241,000 plus VAT, the homes promise to be the most affordable yet at La Cala Resort. Located close to the golf resort’s club house, hotel and spa, they are the ideal choice for families looking to buy a holiday home with added extras, as well as for investors looking for a well-located golf property to rent out.

Buyers at Sun Valley can also enjoy discounted use of La Cala’s golf, tennis, football, spa and restaurant facilities as a result of the resort’s residential privilege card.

Sun Valley delivers the whole package when it comes to what buyers are looking for in a Costa del Sol property, and at a fantastic price. This style of affordable quality on such a well-known golf resort is an exciting prospect for both holiday home buyers and property investors.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Sun Valley’s apartments are spread over three independent plots. The 23 apartments, which are already under construction, are split across two four-storey buildings. The 12 three-bedroom and nine two-bedroom homes will be topped by two exclusive, three-bedroom penthouses with amazing wraparound terraces, priced at €425,000 plus VAT.

Every Sun Valley home includes a glass balcony enclosure around its large terrace, meaning that owners can make the most of the stunning views. Ground floor apartments also come with private gardens that offer views of the pool, communal gardens and golf course.

Internally, the homes offer a contemporary layout in line with the ‘total living’ concept, meaning that all the space is fully utilised. They also feature large windows to allow the spacious living room to integrate beautifully with the terrace for blended indoor/outdoor living.

As with every Taylor Wimpey España home, each property comes fully equipped, with fitted wardrobes, air conditioning, and fitted kitchen with appliances. There is also an extras package available so that buyers can personalise their home with additional appliances, extra lighting and more.

“We’ve poured 60 years of design experience into Sun Valley to ensure that the homes offer a superb contemporary living experience. The fabulous location complements the outstanding design, making this an excellent choice for buyers looking for a holiday home that ticks all the right boxes.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Sun Valley at La Cala Golf is just 40 km from Malaga Airport and 7 km from some of the Costa del Sol’s most popular beaches.

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Bargain hunting in the Costa del Sol

Bargain hunting in the Costa del Sol

Spain ,
  • Costa del Sol rivals Costa Blanca in attracting budget-conscious buyers (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • New Designer Outlet Malaga adds to Costa del Sol’s affordable charms
  • Overall picture for Spain is of a “brighter future” (Savills)

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has flagged up the Costa del Sol as the ideal place for second home bargain hunters. While budget-conscious buyers have traditionally flocked to the Costa Blanca – where townhouses such as those at Kiruna Residencial cost from as little as €178,000 plus VAT for three bedrooms – a number of price reductions are now drawing buyers along the coast to the Costa del Sol instead.

In terms of the big picture, property values in Spain continue to rise, with the latest Tinsa figures showing an increase of 4.2% in the 12 months to September 2019. In Marbella, Knight Frank reports that prices have risen by 23% since the market low in 2012. Savills, meanwhile, points to “an increase in construction activity, growing interest from international buyers and steadily growing prices” to highlight the potential of a brighter future for Spain’s property market.

This positive national picture means that bargains in the Costa del Sol are an even more exciting prospect, as they come with healthy potential for future capital growth.

The Costa del Sol is an interesting area to buy in right now, as a number of lower price offers mean that buyers can pick up some superb bargains while the market continues to move in a positive direction. Whereas previously we’ve seen budget-conscious buyers heading straight for the Costa Blanca, they’re also now extending their property search along the Costa del Sol.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Possibly Spain’s most famous stretch of coastline, and certainly one of its most popular, the Costa del Sol offers everything that holidaymakers are seeking – abundant sunshine, pristine beaches, championship-quality golf courses, waterparks, outstanding cuisine… and all at prices which remain very competitive compared to those of many other European countries.

Spain was the most popular destination in this year’s Ryanair Summer Trends travel survey, with Mallorca, Alicante and Malaga being the most sought-after cities. The Costa del Sol has even caught the attention of Portugal’s most famous footballer this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding a €1.4 million villa in Marbella to his €28 million property portfolio.

For those with slightly more realistic budgets, Taylor Wimpey España offers a wide range of choice, with both off-plan and key-ready homes available. The company’s developments include some stunning golf properties at the prestigious La Cala Golf Resort. Luxurious townhouses at Horizon Golf are available from €360,000 plus VAT for three bedrooms, while those at Natura (three-beds available from €441,750 plus VAT) boast panoramic views of the resort. Both developments include Taylor Wimpey España’s signature blend of lush, landscaped gardens, communal pools and spacious private terraces and/or gardens.

Buyers seeking golf apartments are presented with the stunning properties at Grand View, also at La Cala Golf and also benefitting from communal gardens and pool. Available from €262,000 plus VAT, the apartments are located opposite the club house, next to the popular Asia and America courses. The ‘grand view’ that the name suggests is of the stunning Mijas mountains, as well as the beauty of the golf courses.

For water-babies, the marina-front apartments of Pier at Sotogrande are the natural choice. The private, gated community offers apartments and penthouses, with prices starting at €375,000 plus VAT. Pools and garden areas complement the magnificent views of the marina, while the nearest beach is just 400 metres away.

Andalusia, the region in which the Costa del Sol is located, is hugely popular with visitors from the UK, as well as from a wide range of other countries. They flock to its cities as well as its beaches and the area has a lively shopping scene. Its retail offering was further bolstered this month by the opening of the new Designer Outlet Malaga from McArthurGlen on 22nd October. The chance to save up to 70% on designer fashion brands is yet another draw for the already hugely popular Costa del Sol.

“We’re delighted to see that McArthurGlen chose the Costa del Sol as the optimum location for its first designer outlet mall in Spain. The decision speaks volumes about the potential of the area and once again highlights the vast diversity of attractions that the Costa del Sol has to offer.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

From roast chestnuts to witches, what makes autumn the ideal time to buy a home in Spain?

From roast chestnuts to witches, what makes autumn the ideal time to buy a home in Spain?

Spain ,
  • 3-day Halloween celebrations combine feasting with honouring the dead
  • Autumn offers chance for buyers to take their time finding the right property (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Second home ownership means seeing a country in ways that other visitors don’t

Many holidays in Spain are a wonderful blend of religious and commercial elements. They somehow seem to have a more heartfelt, family focus than is evident in similar celebrations elsewhere in the world.

Halloween is a prime example of this. In the UK, Halloween has become a mainly commercial event, celebrated as much by costume- and sweet-makers as by sugar-crazed children out trick or treating. Over in Spain, however, the event has an altogether more family-focused and respectful vibe.

Halloween in Spain is celebrated across three days, from 31st October to 2nd November: Dia de las Brujas (Day of the Witches), Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It’s a time to remember and honour departed loved ones and to enjoy the chance to spend time with close family and friends. There are commercial elements to it, but those are far from the main focus.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The main day of the celebration is 1st November. A national holiday, Dia de Todos los Santos sees families across Spain take the time to decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers. It is a day for cherishing memories of the departed, as well as spending time with the living. There is still a commercial edge to it, with traditional sweets such as wind fritters, saints’ bones and panellets on sale, while many markets also participate by ‘disguising’ their wares.

Halloween is a time when regional variety in Spain is truly joyous. From residents covering the locks of their homes with porridge (to keep bad spirits out) to plays that honour those convicted of witchcraft during the Inquisition, local celebrations abound.

One tradition that many regions enjoy together is that of feasting on chestnuts. As 1st November is seen by many as marking the start of harvest in Spain, there are strong links between Dia de Todos los Santos and feasting. In Maro in Malaga, for example, ‘Maroween’ is a gastronomic feast packed with chestnut and sweet potato treats, as well as witches and ghoulish costumes.

According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, it is discovering local customs and events such as this that make second home ownership in Spain such a joy

“One of the many wonderful things about buying a holiday home in Spain is the fact that owners can visit year-round and for as long as they wish. This means that time spent in Spain allows them to develop a deeper connection with the country – one that takes in local events and traditions that those who just visit for two weeks in the summer never uncover.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Those keen to discover Spain’s secrets can begin to do so swiftly, thanks to Taylor Wimpey España’s collection of key-ready homes. In the Costa Blanca, La Vila Paradis is a collection of frontline apartments and townhouses with beautiful communal gardens, swimming pools and direct access to Paraíso beach de Villajoyosa. The last apartment in the development is priced at €299,000 plus VAT, including furnishings.

Key-ready homes are also available at Panorama Mar, at Punta Prima, Torrevieja. Just an hour from Alicante Airport, the seafront apartments provide spectacular views over the beach and sea. The gated development boasts three communal pools, including an infinity pool and a hydro-massage pool. There’s also a paddling pool and playground for smaller children.

“Autumn is a good time of year to buy a home in Spain. With the summer holidays behind us, autumn is a time for considered purchase decisions. Right now, the falling Euribor rate spells out good news for anyone interested in taking out a Spanish mortgage, as does the competition between banks over the mortgage products they offer.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Autumn is also a good time of year to consider how a property looks and feels now that the endless days of summer have passed. It doesn’t rain as much in Spain as it does in the UK, nor get as cold, but there are periods of poor weather. Those who can see a holiday home’s charms even when the weather is cold and blustery know that they’re onto a good thing. Having said that, looking for a property in Alicante in October is on guarantee of finding out what it’s like in poor weather – this month has seen beaches packed as daytime temperatures reached 30°C, with night-time temperatures barely dipping below 20°C!

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Golf is good for your health and your wallet – and autumn is the ideal time to benefit

Golf is good for your health and your wallet – and autumn is the ideal time to benefit

Spain ,
  • Golf can improve your financial as well as your physical and mental health (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Malaga province saw house price rises of 7.1% in year to Q3 2019 (TINSA)
  • October temperature average is 20°C in Malaga (Holiday Weather)

The health benefits of golf are well documented, but the sport also brings with it a range of mental health benefits. And at this time of year, there are fewer places that offer a more beautiful setting than some of the Costa del Sol’s championship-quality fairways, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España.

“The Costa del Sol is home to some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses – and for good reason. The courses here combine challenging play with stunning scenery and are at their best in the warm autumn sunshine.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

While golf courses across the UK undergo the intermittent deluges of autumn, those in the Costa del Sol are still basking in sunshine. Holiday Weather reports an average temperature of 20°C in Malaga in October, with just four days of rainfall.

Sunshine can do much to improve our mental health, providing anything from a mild mood lift to a powerful tool to combat depression. Physical exercise can also help to fight depression, as well as anxiety and low self-confidence. It can also sharpen the memory and prevent cognitive decline. Access to green spaces has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, according to the World Health Organization.

Golf, therefore, comes with a host of both physical and mental health benefits, and autumn is the ideal time to play, as the summer crowds head home and leave courses gloriously quiet by comparison.

Autumn is also a great time to buy a golf property and choosing one in the right location can mean that golf also benefits your financial health. TINSA reports that Malaga saw the second highest rate of price increases across all Spanish provinces during Q3 2019, with properties increasing by an average of 7.1% year on year.

“The Costa del Sol is home to some superb golf properties. Its fame as a golfing destination mean that buyers have plenty of choice and those who shop around are often able to pick up additional benefits, such as discounts at some of the region’s courses and other golfing facilities.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The homes at Grand View, at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas, Malaga, offer just that. Buyers are eligible for special privileges on all facilities and services at La Cala Golf, as well as providing panoramic views of the golf course and nearby mountains. The key-ready homes include sunny two- and three-bedroom apartments and a select number of penthouses with spectacular solariums. Opposite the club house and adjacent to the prestigious Asia and America golf courses, the contemporary homes are in the ideal location for keen golfers and their families. Children in particular will be delighted by the gated development’s generously sized swimming pool and communal gardens. Homes are priced from €282,000 plus VAT.

Just a short distance from Grand View, Green Golf also offers discounts and special privileges for holiday home buyers at Estepona Golf. The three-bedroom, frontline golf homes, which cost from €280,000 plus VAT, enjoy an idyllic, southwest-facing location with views over the course and all the way to the sea. The private, gated community features communal gardens and pools, while the homes have been designed to provide a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Global tree coverage up 7% as Taylor Wimpey España highlights importance of building in harmony with nature

Global tree coverage up 7% as Taylor Wimpey España highlights importance of building in harmony with nature

Spain ,
  • 37% of Spain is covered by forests
  • Building in harmony with nature benefits home owners as well as the planet
  • Global tree coverage up 7% in 35 years
  • Green corridors and vertical gardens at Botanic enrich the holiday experience

The recent global focus on sustainability and all things eco-friendly means that we understand the value of trees and greenery better than ever. And according to Nature, the Earth’s tree coverage is actually one area where we are winning – at least in terms of total coverage. The planet has 7% more trees than it did 35 years ago, based on satellite images, though we still need to do much more to preserve and boost tree cover in tropical areas.

The construction industry has certainly done its part in helping to preserve tree coverage in recent years. There is now far greater awareness of the need to protect local ecosystems and to move or replant trees that are removed as part of the construction process.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is taking this one step further, protecting local ecosystems and indigenous tree and plant species by making them features of its developments. Botanic, Horizon Golf and La Floresta Sur in the Costa del Sol all boast beautiful woodland surroundings, with homeowners also benefitting from the stunning greenery provided by local golf courses.

“Building in harmony with local natural resources is key to ensuring that we respect the environment while also providing holiday homes that come with all the benefits of living near greenery. Both physical and mental health can receive a boost from spending time in nature, particularly when surrounded by trees. Preserving mature woodland makes sense on every level when building new holiday home developments.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Botanic, in particular, demonstrates how the careful integration of buildings and land can deliver an enhanced holiday home experience for owners while also promoting the local environment. Available from €395,000 plus VAT, the three-bedroom homes with their enormous, south-facing terraces are divided into phases by green corridors and vertical gardens packed with indigenous trees and plants. The ideal setting for relaxing on the terrace, enjoying a quick round of golf or lazing in and around the communal pool.

Spain certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to greenery. A full third of the country is forest, and tree coverage has increased by an impressive 33% since 1990 according to World Bank data. Those looking to enjoy Spain’s abundance of greenery have the chance to buy key-ready homes with Taylor Wimpey España.

The key-ready, two- and three-bedroom apartments at La Floresta Sur, for example, are located in striking surroundings that UNESCO has declared a natural biosphere. They offer stunning views over the oak and pine forest, as well as down to the sea. Homes there are priced from €222,000 plus VAT.

“A green environment with a healthy atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the pressures of modern life. Buying a key-ready home means being able to enjoy all the beauty of the Spanish woodland as autumn gets fully underway – it’s a wonderful time of year to experience the changing of the seasons.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.