Love the landlords – it’s not their fault!

Love the landlords – it’s not their fault!

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Nearly half of UK rents pouring into government coffers (Housing Hand)
  • Huge profit from Generation Rent doing little to inspire government to change housing priorities
  • Only radical new approach likely to fix broken housing market

 

“Theresa May has not only failed to fix the broken housing market but has dealt it repeated blows during her time as Prime Minister. And it’s easy to see why. Despite her rhetoric around encouraging home ownership, the government is unlikely to turn down the near-50% tax that it receives from rents in the UK.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

Tax changes that have pushed the majority of landlords into paying 40% tax on their rental income – plus VAT – means that the government is profiting hugely from Generation Rent. While landlords and agencies have taken their turns at being vilified for keeping young people locked into renting for longer, not enough has been said about the government’s lack of motivation to fix the housing market, according to UK rent guarantor service Housing Hand.

The ban on letting agencies charging fees to tenants is likely to drive up rents, just as it did in Scotland. As agencies increase their fees to landlords, landlords will increase the rents they charge to cover the fees. Both have shouldered their fair share of blame for the situation. However, the government is certainly doing little to step back from the additional tax that will pour into its coffers as a result.

“Though a well-intentioned idea, the Tenant Fees Act has made the broken housing market worse. It comes on top of successive changes that have served to drive landlords away from the private rented sector. What we’ve actually been left with is a growing pool of tenants fighting for a reduced number of rental properties. The result? Again, rising rents, as demand increasingly outstrips supply.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

Only radical changes will fix the damage that Theresa May’s government has caused, according to the UK-based guarantor experts at Housing Hand. Reverting to taxing landlords on their profits rather than their income is the first step. After all, what business can survive being taxed at 40% on its income, rather than its profit? Scrapping the tax grab will see landlords returning to the market, rebalancing supply and demand and lowering rents as a result.

Then it’s time to address home ownership. Housing Hand advocates a government-backed deposit scheme, where individuals find a 2% deposit and the government loans them the other 8%. Doing so would move a whole generation into their own homes. Appropriate insurance – a reimagined mortgage protection insurance scheme, say – could easily be paid for by the home buyers as their mortgage payments would be so much lower than their current rental payments.

With more people buying, builders would step up their game too, as it would reduce their reliance on investors buying homes to rent out and line up a whole generation of would-be owner occupiers.

“As a result of years of mis-management, the new Prime Minister has a huge challenge on his hands when it comes to the UK’s housing sector. The leadership contenders’ promises will mean very little unless the government dares to make some radical decisions. Sadly, with so much to gain from the growth of Generation Rent, it seems unlikely that any big changes will be made anytime soon.”

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director, Housing Hand

 

For more information please contact Housing Hand today on +44 (0) 207 205 2625 or visit https://www.housinghand.co.uk/

 

 

 

Latest Tinsa report reveals Spanish property market is all about the coast

Latest Tinsa report reveals Spanish property market is all about the coast

by Louise Spain ,
  • 57% of coastal areas now building new housing
  • Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are key areas of focus (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Torrevieja, Orihuela and Mijas leading the way when it comes to construction

A new report from Tinsa has revealed a notable upsurge in building along the Spanish coastline. Some 57% of coastal areas are now constructing new homes, compared to 50% this time last year. Torrevieja, Orihuela and Mijas are leading the trend, with more licences approved in 2018 than any other area, excluding the provincial capitals.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is one company that is busy constructing new homes in key coastal areas, with the Tinsa report reconfirming its faith in the long-term future of the Spanish second home market.

“We’ve spent the first six months of this year ramping up our construction along the Spanish coastland, both on the mainland and the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza. Demand is strong from a wide range of nationalities for Spanish second homes that provide access to the country’s beautiful beaches and superb golf courses. The Costa del Sol, in particular, has an impressive offering when it comes to coastal areas that also offer outstanding golfing facilities.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España highlights Grand View as one of the sites that capitalises on the current demand for golf and coastal properties. Located at La Cala Golf, at Mijas (one of the areas flagged up by Tinsa’s latest report), the development is ideal for golfers, while the coast is just 7 km away. The spacious homes come with generously proportioned outdoor areas, in the form of terraces and private solariums, while the site also boasts pretty landscaped gardens and a communal pool. Prices start at €282,000 plus VAT.

Over at Horizon Golf, also located at Mijas’ La Cala Golf, key-ready townhouses are available from €435,000 (with 10% VAT included), thanks to a summer offer in place until the end of July. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes come with luxury finishes, fully equipped kitchens and designer bathrooms, as well as an impressive combination of private outdoor space and communal gardens and swimming pools.

Sales of coastal homes rose by 3.5% during 2018, according to Tinsa, and Taylor Wimpey España is confident that 2019 will be equally positive.

“There’s a real buzz surrounding Spain’s coastal areas right now and the Tinsa report shows why. These are exciting property markets to be a part of, whether you’re building homes or buying them!”

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.

Taylor Wimpey España reports rise in holidaymakers demanding more from their breaks

Taylor Wimpey España reports rise in holidaymakers demanding more from their breaks

by Louise Spain ,
  • Costa del Sol voted European golf destination 2019 (IAGTO)
  • Holidaymakers indulging their sporty side through tournaments and competitions
  • 30th anniversary celebrations at La Cala Golf Resort attracting keen interest

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España reports that holidaymakers are now demanding more than the traditional combination of sun, sea and sangria from their Spanish breaks. A rise in interest in organised golf tours and other sporting events is driving many second home owners to combine a healthy dose of exercise with their more leisurely holiday pursuits.

“Spanish second homes have long been popular with keen golfers, who like to fit in the odd round while they’re staying here. What we’re noticing now is that visitors are increasingly keen to take part in competitions and other events as well, whether golfing competitions in the Costa del Sol or cycle races such as the Mallorca 312. It’s a trend that we’re taking into account when it comes to the location and facilities of new sites that we build.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For golfers, the Costa del Sol’s La Cala Golf Resort has plenty to offer this summer, with tournaments held at least weekly during July and August. In celebration of the resort’s 30th anniversary, Taylor Wimpey España is participating in a special event being held on 12 July, with a prize of a three-night golf trip to St Andrews, including visiting the historic golf club and playing on the Fairmont Kittocks and Eden courses.

Townhouses at Horizon Golf at La Cala Golf offer the ultimate second homes for those looking to enjoy regular golfing competitions as part of their holidays. Priced from €435,000 with the VAT included until 31 July, as part of a 10% off summer offer, the key ready homes provide panoramic views over golf course. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, they are ideally sized for family breaks. The private, gated development includes gardens and communal pools and the nearest beach is just 7 km away, meaning that there’s plenty to do in addition to hitting the fairways.

The Costa del Sol is one of Europe’s most popular golfing destinations. Indeed, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (the global organisation for the golf tourism industry) awarded it European golf destination of the year 2019 as a result of its outstanding facilities. The area is home to more than 70 courses in total, providing holidaymakers with a superb level of variety and choice.

For buyers on a budget, there’s plenty of choice at La Cala Golf Resort. Grand View, for example, is home to beautifully stylish apartments with views over the golf course and the mountains of Mijas. Prices start from €282,000 plus VAT and the homes are ready to move in to.

Those who aren’t watching the purse strings, meanwhile, are likely to be tempted by the spacious, front line golf properties of Natura. With living accommodation spread over three levels and luxury finishes throughout, the three-bedroom townhouses deliver unrivalled views, solariums measuring over 50 m2 and private gardens. Prices start from €465,000 plus VAT.

While the Costa del Sol has for years been a mecca for golf-loving second home owners, it is far from the only part of Spain to attract those who are keen to indulge their sporty side while on holiday. Mallorca is increasingly attracting holidaymakers on two wheels, with local tour operators and sporting events organisers reporting a 25% increase in cycling tourism during the first half of 2019.

The gruelling Mallorca 312 – so-named because that’s how many kilometres entrants have to ride – was a huge success in April, with cyclists enjoying the island’s stunning scenery while pushing the limits of their endurance. Less daunting cycle tours are available for holidaymakers who prefer a more relaxed pace of exploration.

“Mallorca is an exceptionally beautiful island and one that warrants a slow, meandering exploration with plenty of time to take in the scenery. It’s also got a fantastic range of terrains for cyclists who like a challenge, including some great mountain routes.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Close to the 2019 Mallorca 312 route, Blue Cove is a collection of homes overlooking the turquoise waters of the bay at Cala Lliteras. The bright, spacious homes provide spectacular views thanks to their frontline position, along with a communal pool exclusively for owners’ use. The properties are available from €270,000 and boast typical Mallorcan design. That means white walls for protection from the sun in the summer, shaded porches on which to enjoy meals and drinks with family and friends, split-level interiors that feature natural materials and ceramic tiles and pretty gardens. Perfect for those looking to relax in comfortable surroundings after a long day of exploring on two wheels!

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

Will new Emerald Greens Taylor Wimpey España site help holidaymakers relax faster?

Will new Emerald Greens Taylor Wimpey España site help holidaymakers relax faster?

by Louise Spain ,
  • Average British holidaymaker takes over 46 hours to relax while away (Tots to Travel)
  • Emerald Greens’ private cork tree meadow delivers instant serenity
  • San Roque Club setting provides ultimate homes for golfers

From the outstanding tapas, stunning baroque cathedral and flamenco dancers of Cadiz city, to the seemingly endless golden sands of the beaches along the southern and western borders of the province of the same name, Cadiz is one of southern Spain’s most exciting destinations.

Cadiz province is also home to some of Spain’s most attractive and challenging golf resorts and it is this combination of superb golfing facilities and proximity to beautiful beaches that has inspired leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España’s latest development.

Emerald Greens is located in Cadiz’s prestigious San Roque Club, providing buyers with an enviable combination of spectacular views of both the golf course and the sea. The two and three-bedroom homes will be built in three phases, with the first 24 homes already under construction. Each building of eight apartments delivers three storeys of accommodation: ground and first floor apartments, plus duplex penthouses, with underground parking and a storeroom included in the purchase price (which starts from €270,000 plus VAT).

The development features Taylor Wimpey España’s signature blend of stylish interiors, spacious outdoor areas and communal pools and gardens. Interiors are designed around open plan and ‘total living’ concepts, with spacious living areas and terraces integrating indoor and outdoor life seamlessly.

In addition to the golf course setting, Emerald Greens is surrounded by corn oak meadows, with 70% of the plot dedicated to a private meadow for residents’ enjoyment. Footpaths weave in between the trees, with benches dotted around for residents to rest in the shade when they want to pause in their exploration of the natural beauty all around them.

“Launching a new development is always an exciting moment, but we’ve been particularly looking forward to sharing details of Emerald Greens. Not only is it the ultimate second home location for keen golfers, it also has some incredible beaches nearby and is at the heart of a wonderful, natural setting that delivers true serenity.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The value of Emerald Greens’ peaceful setting is not to be underestimated. A recent survey from Tots to Travel found that it takes 46 hours and 42 minutes for the average Briton to relax when they go on holiday. Given that the average holiday length for Britons travelling overseas has dropped fairly steadily (from 9.8 days in 2011 to 8.9 days in 2018), losing almost a quarter of your holiday before you are able to unwind seems like a terrible waste. Having instant access to a private meadow where modern life can just melt away is bound to help advance the relaxation process.

Relaxation is also top of the agenda at Taylor Wimpey España’s other Cadiz province site: Pier. This private gated community offers fabulous views over La Marina de Sotogrande. Apartments range from two to five bedrooms, with high-quality specifications, large terraces and underground parking and storage. Pier also features a select number of penthouses with private solariums. Communal pools and garden areas add to the luxurious site’s attractions.

With greenery and water all around them, it is only fitting that both Emerald Greens and Pier should respect the natural environment as far as possible. As such, Pier is supplied by thermal solar energy, while Emerald Greens; hot water is produced by solar panels, with an electric heater in place as a backup. Pier features thermal and acoustic insulation, with a natural ventilation system. Emerald Greens, meanwhile, boasts the most effective thermal and acoustic insulation available on the market.

“Building sustainably is a key part of our ethos and with each new development we seek to increase and enhance our already-strong environmental credentials. We’re delighted that both Pier and Emerald Greens have been awarded category B energy certificates as a result of these efforts.”

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 http://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Spain leads the field once more as Blue Flag awards reveal world’s cleanest beaches

Spain leads the field once more as Blue Flag awards reveal world’s cleanest beaches

by Louise Spain , ,
  • Spain now home to 669 Blue Flags – more than any other country
  • Clean, accessible beaches key to sustaining tourism
  • Key-ready Taylor Wimpey España homes making it easier than ever for buyers to start enjoying Blue Flag beaches

Spain has once more romped home to victory when it comes to the quantity and quality of its beaches. A total of 669 Blue Flags were awarded to the Iberian country in 2019 – 566 for its beaches, 98 for its marinas and five for ports for sustainable craft.

The Blue Flag awards recognise “pure water, clean coasts, safety and access for all.” Spain has for many years led the world in terms of delivering on these fronts and 2019 is no exception.

“Spain’s beaches are an incredible natural resource that the country works hard to maintain. They are a strong driver of tourism, from the beaches themselves to the huge array of water sports accessible from them. Seeing Spain once more recognised as being home to the world’s cleanest and safest beaches is fantastic news for the country generally and for all those from abroad who like to holiday here regularly.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Many of those who visit Spain frequently choose to purchase a second home there. As a result, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been building along the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast for the last 60 years.

New build homes such as those provided by Taylor Wimpey España are particularly popular right now in Spain. The price of new builds rose by 4.3% in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to a rise of just 1.1% for second hand homes according to the country’s National Statistics Institute (INE).

INE also reports a 14% rise in the volume of property sales in Spain between Q1 2018 and Q1 2019. In essence, the market continues to perform strongly, with both domestic and foreign buyers driving strong sales growth and sustained price rises.

For those looking to take advantage of Spain’s Blue Flag beaches this summer, Taylor Wimpey España has a number of key-ready homes available in popular hotspots dotted along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, as well as new releases available on the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza.

On the Costa Blanca, La Vila Paradis provides direct access to the Blue Flag Playa Paraiso beach, as well as being only  20 minutes from central Alicante. The two- and three-bedroom homes, with their large terraces and/or private gardens are set in a richly landscaped development that includes a communal pool, with prices starting from €299,000 plus VAT.

Over on the Costa del Sol, meanwhile, Horizon Golf is in the municipality of Mijas, which is home to three Blue Flags. Priced from €435,000, the three-bedroom/two-bathroom homes provide panoramic views over the famous Campo Asia golf course. The ample, luxuriously finished homes are ideal for family holidays, with a communal pool, gardens and solarium on site and a hydrotherapy centre and spa, golf school and three 18-hole golf courses in the local area.

“From the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanca, Spain has a plethora of wonderful beaches that are available for the whole family to enjoy. We carefully consider the location of each Taylor Wimpey España site when it comes to the local environment, ensuring that we can meet our buyers’ needs. As such, whether it’s Blue Flag beaches or stunning golf courses that they’re seeking, we are confident that we have the perfect home for each and every buyer.”

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 http://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

Housing Hand trials new commission-based approach to rent guarantor service for select letting agent partners

Housing Hand trials new commission-based approach to rent guarantor service for select letting agent partners

by Louise United Kingdom
  • 25 letting agents/branches to participate in new commission trial
  • Commission in addition to guaranteed rent, free leads & wider pool of secured tenants that over 3,000 accommodation providers already benefit from
  • Service will support letting agents to reshape their business models

Letting agents haven’t had the easiest start to the summer. This time last year, they were contending with a fall in the number of rental properties, with Home.co.uk reporting a drop of 24% (as at August 2018) in the number of homes to rent in London that had been on the market for 20 weeks or fewer. Now, the banning of fees under the Tenant Fees Act means that agents are not only competing to rent out fewer properties, but with a reduced income.

Against this backdrop, the UK rent guarantor service Housing Hand is offering a ray of light, albeit not a direct substitute. Beginning with letting agents in the UK (with a later rollout to Ireland intended), the firm is trialling a rent guarantor service focused specifically on letting agents’ needs in this brave new post-Tenant Fees Act world. Housing Hand’s award-winning rent guarantor service already supports agents in filling vacancies quickly and efficiently, reducing agents’ in-house admin whilst completely removing tenant default risk, allowing agents to accept a wider pool of qualifying and secured tenants and providing free leads.

Now, the trial of a new batch-based commission structure will see agents have the opportunity to enjoy a new income stream as well. The 25 selected agents/branches have all been chosen to avoid crossover with Housing Hand’s pre-existing partner arrangements with other affiliates such as Universities, Councils and Embassies.

The initial trial runs for 12 months from 17 June 2019. Letting agents refer applicants to Housing Hand for processing, then invoice the company in batches. The system allows agents to earn £25 each for the first batch of 15 tenants that use Housing Hand as the guarantor, £35 each for the next batch of 15 and £50 each for any further tenants. The fully disclosed and transparent structure has been developed in full compliance with the Tenant Fees Act. It delivers legislative compliance, a new source of income for letting agents and a fairer deal for private tenants.

“We’ve striven to develop a system where everyone wins. Housing Hand has already worked with over 3,000 accommodation providers, helping and processing more than 70,000 applicants and covering £120,000,000 in rent. This has given us a deeper understanding of the issues that both tenants and lettings agents face when it comes to guaranteeing rent and managing risk. While many companies are dressing up what are essentially just insurance products as ‘rent guarantee services,’ we’ve worked to develop a completely different product – one that works more effectively for both parties.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

A review after three months will consider expanding the trial of this new form of service delivery to additional agents/branches that are deemed a good match to Housing Hand’s targets.

From the tenant side of the transaction, property guarantor services are used by everyone from international students to working professionals. By removing the need for tenants to pay large amounts of rent upfront, they remove a major stumbling block from the rental process. Housing Hand reports there is a particular demand from those looking to hire a guarantor to help them secure rental homes in London (notably East and West London) and other major cities. Under the new trial, tenants will continue to receive the same supportive, professional service for which Housing Hand has become so well known.

“The market is changing and the letting fees ban is the latest twist in the tale. We’ve designed our trial to support agents to deal with the post-ban lettings landscape more efficiently. We look forward to analysing the results and expanding the trial in due course.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

 

For more information please contact Housing Hand today on +44 (0) 207 205 2625 or visit https://www.housinghand.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

Housing Hand launches in Ireland as the next step in its expansion strategy

Housing Hand launches in Ireland as the next step in its expansion strategy

by Louise Uncategorized
  • Housing Hand is the only rent guarantor service in Ireland
  • International student numbers in Ireland up 45% between 2013 and 2017 (European Migration Network)
  • Irish base positions Housing Hand for future expansion into Europe

The challenge of having to stump up 6 to 12 months’ rent in advance when you don’t meet strict letting criteria affects renters around the world. That’s why trusted rent guarantor service Housing Hand is officially launching in Ireland. Following a soft launch in the Emerald Isle last year, the company has named Ireland as the first step in its strategy to expand across Europe and beyond.

The demand for Housing Hand’s service following the soft launch contributed significantly to the official launch of the first full Irish service. Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is growing in popularity in Ireland, but the fact that students sign licences instead of leases means that rents can rise dramatically. While leases are capped at increases of 4%, no such protection currently exists in the purpose-built student accommodation sector (though future changes to the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill will cover those living in PBSA developments).

“We’ve spent the last year establishing partnerships in Ireland and working with local accommodation providers to put the structure in place for delivering our rent guarantor service in major urban areas across the country. Now, we are delighted that Housing Hand is officially launching in Ireland, with a brand new Irish website to boot, ensuring that international students and working professionals can enjoy fairer access to purpose-built and other types of student accommodation there.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

Dublin is very much the core of Ireland’s academic offering. The city accounts for 43% of the country’s total student population, with some 183,475 young people studying there. However, existing PBSA schemes only cater to 13.2% of the student body.

Thankfully, the 2017 National Student Accommodation Strategy is seeking to address this, with a target of constructing at least 16,374 additional PBSA bed spaces by 2024 (taking the total in Dublin to 28,806). Some 6,180 of these were already under construction by mid-2018, according to Cushman & Wakefield, although the Union of Students in Ireland argues that the rate of development is still insufficient to meet current demand, let alone future requirements. That body estimates that the shortfall stands at 16,000 PBSA bed spaces as at 2019.

While developers race to cater to the growing demand for PBSA bed spaces, Housing Hand is supporting both them and the international students who need to access them. With neither a local credit history nor access to a guarantor with a local credit history, demands to pay as much as a year’s rent in advance are not uncommon. Understandably, having to find upfront rent payments of 50-100% of a year’s accommodation is a huge barrier to studying in Ireland.

The European Migration Network highlights how significantly demand for Irish higher education has surged and what a problem it is for those coming from overseas to study in Ireland to find affordable accommodation. It reports that the number of international students heading to Ireland rose by 45% between 2013 and 2017, with residence permits increasing from 9,300 in 2013 to 13,500 in 2017.

Part of the surge in Ireland will undoubtedly be due to the Brexit effect, where uncertainty about attending UK higher education establishments for international students means that Ireland is more attractive, as it will remain part of Europe.

The huge jump in demand was one reason that Housing Hand began to establish its presence in Ireland in the first place. It is the only such guarantor service operating there. The company already supports large numbers of students and working professionals to move into private rented accommodation in the UK. To date, Housing Hand has received over 70,000 applicants from 141 countries. The company works with more than 3,000 accommodation providers and has guaranteed rent for thousands of students and working professionals, across both the UK and Ireland. Since its creation in 2013, Housing Hand has covered more than £120 million in rent.

Officially launching in Ireland means that Housing Hand not only cements its position there, but also gains a trading base within the EU, in preparation for the UK’s potential departure from the bloc – whatever form that exit may take. When Brexit occurs, the company will no longer trade as a UK service with a branch in Ireland, but as an Irish service in its own right, with payments taken in euros instead of pounds. The service is currently available to international students studying in Ireland. In future, the intention is to roll it out further to include all students and working professionals living in Ireland.

“Following the success that Housing Hand has achieved in the UK, we are looking forward to working with accommodation providers, students and other tenants across Ireland. A presence in Ireland also means that we are well positioned to deliver services there post-Brexit, as well as in the EU, in line with our expansion strategy.”

Jeremy Robinson, Group Managing Director, Housing Hand

 

For more information please contact Housing Hand today on +44 (0) 207 205 2625 or visit https://www.housinghand.co.uk/

 

 

Insta-ready Spanish holiday homes to move into this summer

Insta-ready Spanish holiday homes to move into this summer

by Louise Spain ,
  • Taylor Wimpey España announces summer special offer on 3 Costa del Sol developments
  • Key-ready homes available for use this summer
  • One family so delighted they convinced their friends to buy too

With more than 60 years’ experience, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has just launched its summer sales campaign, with three special offers available for buyers looking for holiday homes in the Costa del Sol.

Penthouses at La Floresta Sur, in Elviria, are available for 5% less than their usual price, now starting from €370,000 plus VAT. Apartments in the same development are now available from €222,000 plus VAT.  Summer special offers of 8%, meanwhile, have been applied to the company’s three-bedroom apartments at Botanic, in Benahavis (prices from €355,000 plus VAT), and to the three-bedroom townhouses at Horizon Golf, at La Cala Golf in Mijas (available from €399,000 plus VAT).

“We have applied special offers to a selection of key-ready homes in order to help buyers achieve their dream of owning a Spanish holiday home in time for the summer season. This is our busiest time of year, so we expect these properties to sell fast, particularly given the Costa del Sol’s continuing popularity.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Spain has seen visitor numbers rise markedly this year, with the latest projections from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism anticipating an 8.9% increase in visitor numbers over the April to June 2019 period, with tourist spending growing at an even faster rate.

For those looking for more than just a few days in the sun, Taylor Wimpey España’s Instagram-worthy holiday homes tick all the right boxes. Horizon Golf’s superior construction quality and stylish finish were key drivers in Monique and Jean Pierre Vermeiren purchasing a home there. Not only that, but the couple spoke with such conviction and enthusiasm about their new Spanish holiday home that a friend was persuaded to purchase a penthouse in the same building.

“We put a great deal of thought into the design of our properties, making sure that they are ideally suited for a relaxing lifestyle. From large, south-facing terraces to the size of our communal pools, each home is designed for maximum enjoyment, so it’s hugely gratifying to hear such positive feedback from our buyers.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Along with key-ready holiday homes available in the Malaga/Marbella region, Taylor Wimpey España also has homes ready to move into in Villajoyosa, on the Costa Blanca in Alicante. The frontline, two-bedroom apartments at La Vila Paradis boast impressive sea views and direct access to Playa Paraiso Beach, while communal facilities include swimming pools, private parking and beautifully landscaped gardens.

For buyers looking for the perfect sun-kissed second home to enjoy this summer, the time is now!

 

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

Taylor Wimpey España invests almost €100 million across three Spanish regions in 2019

Taylor Wimpey España invests almost €100 million across three Spanish regions in 2019

by Louise Spain ,
  • Mallorca and Ibiza investment totals €48.4 million
  • Canyamel Pins is latest island second home development on Mallorca
  • Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca also receiving considerable attention

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is on track to  invest €98.2 million in the first half of 2019, spread across its three main areas of activity: Mallorca/Ibiza, the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca. The expert residential housing developer has been building along the Spanish coast for 60 years. So far this year, the company has already launched four new Balearic Island sites, investing €48.4 million in second homes on Mallorca and Ibiza.

The latest development is Canyamel Pins, on Mallorca.  The new development is located in Capdepera, in the northeast of ​​the island. It follows the launch of Blue Cove, a complex of apartments and townhouses on the seafront in Cala Lliteras, Cala Vinyes Hills II, a selection of townhouses in Calviá and Sunset Ibiza, a residential apartment development on the seafront in Cala Gració, Ibiza.

“Our first four Balearic developments this year have seen Taylor Wimpey España commit €48.4 million to the building of 140 new homes across Mallorca and Ibiza. Mallorca is one of our key areas, with strong demand from buyers seeking the ideal holiday home – one that combines the perfect location with quality, design and style.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Canyamel Pins is home to a selection of two- and three-bedroom apartments with two bathrooms. The contemporary residences combine traditional Mediterranean design with modern architecture and high-quality finishes. Room numbers, surface area and layout vary in order to meet a range of customer needs.

Built to Taylor Wimpey España’s strict quality standards, the apartments have large terraces, fully furnished and equipped kitchens and bathrooms with exquisite ceramic finishes and high-end fixtures and fittings. Just a few minutes’ walk from Canyamel beach and Canyamel Golf, the development includes extensive communal areas, with swimming pools and lush gardens. Each home also has its own parking space.

 

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

Is now the time for London’s buy to let resurgence?

Is now the time for London’s buy to let resurgence?

by Louise United Kingdom ,
  • London rents to rise by 15.9% in 5 years to 2023 – faster than UK average (Savills)
  • Luton voted 2019 top commuter hotspot (Jackson-Stops)
  • New development The Orion key to addressing Luton’s housing shortage (Surrenden Invest)

With prices correcting over the last two years, London has definitely not been the choicest of locations when it comes to buy to let investments. However, specialist property investment agency Surrenden Invest believes that the capital’s fortunes are on the turn, making now the ideal time to consider commuter belt properties in areas of pent-up demand, such as Luton.

“Life in Luton means easy access to the best that London has to offer but without the capital’s extortionate housing costs. The town has excellent amenities with a lively local culture that appeals to those looking to balance access to London with a realistic lifestyle. This is one of the reasons that Luton exhibits such excellent growth potential.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

According to Savills, London will lead the UK’s compound rental growth over the five years to 2023, with growth or 0.5% this year accelerating to 1.5% in 2020, 4.0% in 2021 and 4.5% in the following two years. The overall growth rate of 15.9% compares to growth across the rest of the UK (excluding the capital) of just 11.5%. This is certainly good news for those looking at investing in residential property in and around London.

Luton is a growing town that is known for being one of London’s most sought-after commuter locations. Indeed, Jackson-Stops has just flagged it up as the top commuter hotspot for 2019.

Luton is located 30 miles north west of central London. Direct trains run into London St Pancras International in as little as 22 minutes. 167 trains per day provide an almost round-the-clock service. Rents, meanwhile, are around 1/3 of the cost that they are in London. For renters, it is the ideal combination.

Luton’s population is increasingly rapidly. Between 2018 and 2041, the Office for National Statistics projects that the town’s population will grow by 12.9%, to 248,500. At the same time, it is in the grips of a serious housing shortage, as is the case with many towns and cities in the UK. However, Luton’s housing shortage is more acute than most, with Project Etopia projecting that it will be 22.1 years behind where it needs to be in terms of housebuilding by 2026, if the current rate of development continues. At present, Luton is building 430 new homes per year – it needs to be building 1,417 to meet demand.

One development racing to meet this demand is The Orion, located just minutes from Luton train station and town centre. The 67 high-end apartments are precisely what contemporary renters are seeking – high-spec homes in a superb location that provides easy access to both London and Luton itself. Offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes, they are also ideal for investors looking to capitalise on the resurgence of the London commuter belt as an investment prospect.

Luton’s housing shortage spells good news for buy to let investors over the longer term, as it points to a sustained level of demand for private rented accommodation in the town, as tenants snap up those homes that are available. It also has the potential to drive up house prices (as well as rents and yields). Luton is already bucking the trend in terms of house price rises. While many southern locations are seeing a market correction at present, with falling prices or nil growth, Luton’s prices rose by 1.6% in the year to April 2019. Savills, meanwhile, projects growth of 9.3% in the five years to 2023 for the wider South East region.

In terms of its rental market, Luton enjoys an average rent of £632 pcm for a one-bedroom apartment and £828 pcm for a two-bedroom one, according to Zoopla – significantly less than equivalent homes in London.

“It is Luton’s combination of capital growth potential and pent-up demand for private rented sector homes that has caused the town to top LendInvest’s UK buy to let index for so much of the past three- or four-year period. This is a town with outstanding growth potential.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499