The true cost of buy to let property

The true cost of buy to let property

by Louise United Kingdom ,
  • New Surrenden Invest mortgage and stamp duty calculators to provide financial clarity
  • Number of landlords in UK at record high of 2.5 million
  • Average properties per landlord has risen to 1.8 homes each (Ludlow Thompson)

Over the past five years, the number of landlords in the UK has increased by 27%. Not only are there more landlords, by they are buying more properties – an average of 1.8 properties each, according to Ludlow Thompson. For the last tax year, when the government’s 3% Stamp Duty levy for second home owners was in full force, and mortgage interest tax relief was on its way out, landlord numbers rose to a record high of 2.5 million.

“The UK property market represents such an outstanding investment opportunity that domestic and overseas investors have been undeterred by tax hikes and Brexit alike. Landlord numbers continue to rise, and the latest addition of 1% more Stamp Duty for foreign investors is unlikely to make much difference. The market fundamentals are strong enough to withstand it – ultimately, the UK property market remains a place where investors can make healthy returns in both the medium and the long term.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Given the continuing keen interest in UK property, particularly in regional cities, specialist property investment agency Surrenden Invest is encouraging potential investors to consider the true cost of buy to let property. Their aim is to ensure that potential investors have clarity on all of the costs involved – not just the cost of having a buy to let mortgage.

“Buy to let mortgages are just one of the costs involved in investing in buy to let – there are also legal fees, the cost of furnishing the property, service charges and ground rent for new build developments, management fees and, of course, Stamp Duty Land Tax. It’s only after investors have taken all of these into account that they can work out their returns.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

While the long list of fees might seem off-putting, investors with a keen eye for a good deal can cut costs while still investing in high end homes. At The Tannery in Liverpool, for example, apartments are available from £85,000. That means that investors pay only the lowest rate of Stamp Duty, as the cost of the home is well below the £125,000 threshold of the first band. Investors at Westminster Works in Birmingham, meanwhile, have the option of selecting stylish David Phillips furniture packs. Doing so can offer a significant cost saving compared with choosing comparable furnishings from high street suppliers, and also cuts out the cost in the investor’s time of having to furnish the apartment.

Other costs are simply part and parcel of the investment, such as service charges and ground rent. Management fees can potentially be avoided, though for many new build investment opportunities, the management company arrangements are a core part of the deal. And even when they are not, those looking for hands off investment opportunities often find that the drag on their time as a result of managing the property directly soon means that they are happy to bear the small cost of using a professional management company.

Again with financial clarity for investors in mind, the Surrenden Invest team have just announced the addition of mortgage and stamp duty calculators to their website. The new functionality will be available in the next few weeks, as the company seeks to provide investors with the right tools to aid their understanding of the true cost of buy to let.

“Investing in buy to let homes in the UK is a fantastic opportunity. We want to ensure that investors have the time to consider the financial implications of doing so at their leisure. The stamp duty and mortgage cost calculators on the Surrenden Invest website are one way in which we are enabling that.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

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

Winter sun destinations at their best – is now the perfect time to buy property in Chamonix?

Winter sun destinations at their best – is now the perfect time to buy property in Chamonix?

by Louise France ,

 

  • Flurry of new homes at excellent prices on market in Chamonix (FrenchEntrée)
  • Prices up 2.3% in Chamonix over past year (Knight Frank)
  • €477 million, 40-year investment plan laying solid foundations for future price growth (FrenchEntrée)

Knight Frank’s new Ski Property Report 2018-19 has provided an encouraging snapshot of the French market’s performance in the year to June 2018. None of the French resorts that the company monitors recorded a decline in prices over the year, with Val d’Isère and Chamonix recording the healthiest rises, of 3.0% and 2.3% respectively.

The uptick in prices makes now the ideal time to buy in Chamonix, according to specialist French property agents FrenchEntrée.

“We’re seeing some lovely new Chamonix properties come onto the market at the moment, and our expectation is that prices in the area should continue rising over the next year or two at least. Chamonix has some excellent investments in the pipeline, which should serve to drive up property prices in the coming years and ensure it keeps its place as one of the most attractive regions of the Alps.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

Chamonix’s future plans include a new lift at Grand Montets and 10-seater gondola at Flegere and a renovated lift station at Le Tour. The upgrades are part of a €477 million, 40-year investment plan, which – according to Knight Frank – means the resort is well positioned in terms of potential property price rises.

“Knight Frank’s Ski Property Index has confirmed the link between a resort’s investment in its infrastructure (ski lifts, hotels, spas, non-ski activities etc) and its property market’s performance.” 

Ski Property Report 2018-19, Knight Frank

Those buying second homes in Chamonix not only have an idyllic ski resort on their doorstep, they also have excellent income potential as a result of their purchase. During the high season, a four-bedroom chalet in Chamonix can command a rental income of €4,600 per week, with occupancy averaging 90-100%. In low season, occupancy of 60% is realistic.

“As confirmed by the latest Knight Frank ski report, Northern Europeans – in particular those from Scandinavia and the Benelux countries – are showing growing interest in skiing in the Alps. This is against a background of an improving French economy, making now a particularly interesting time for buyers to look closely at Chamonix’s property market.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

In terms of properties available, Chamonix buyers have some superb options. Brand new on the market and priced at €8.95 million is Le Lustre, a duplex apartment in the historic the Pas de Chevre building in the very centre of Chamonix’s pedestrian area. Four years in the creation, the apartment offers four en-suite bedrooms, 360 degree views of the mountains and a sizeable roof terrace in an unsurpassed location.

Also new to the market is Chalet les Nants. Just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix, and at the extremely reasonable price of €1.8 million, the four-bedroom chalet is spread over three floors and offers a magnificent family home, including an open-fire, a large, south facing terrace with hot tub and views of Mont Blanc.

A 10-minute drive from Chamonix, at the lovely family resort of Les Houches, prices are even more reasonable. Chalet Lothier costs just €1.245 million. The large, light-filled chalet includes four bedrooms, living room with open fire place, pool room and cinema room. The decent-sized garden and balconies provide plenty of space for enjoying the spectacular mountain views.

Of course, Chamonix prices aren’t for everyone. Thankfully, there are other areas of the French Alps that have excellent potential, for more affordable prices.

“The area around Lake Geneva is home to some superb ski properties, with stunning views and easy access to a host of facilities. The presence of the lake, and its associated activities, means that those properties also have excellent dual-season appeal. The up and coming resort of Bourg St Maurice is also well worth investigating, as it has great potential both in terms of future property price increases and rental appeal.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

Homes by Lake Geneva can be picked up for well under €1 million. Just five minutes from the centre of Evian, this captivating, three-bedroom chalet boasts superb lake views and is on the market for just €795,000. Over in Bourg St Maurice, a beautiful, centrally located, four-bedroom apartment can be picked up for as little as €520,000.

 

For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.

 

Will Sergio Garcia’s record-breaking success lead to a surge in Spanish golf property sales?

Will Sergio Garcia’s record-breaking success lead to a surge in Spanish golf property sales?

by Louise Spain ,
  • Sergio Garcia named Europe’s all-time leading point scorer at Ryder Cup
  • Major golfing tournaments drive interest in golf homes (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Superb golf properties available at excellent prices  (Taylor Wimpey España)

The 2018 Ryder Cup was a resounding success for Europe. They won back golf’s most famous trophy, and had the honour of hosting the competition for what was only the second time ever in continental Europe. Individual European players also shone – in particular, Spain’s Sergio Garcia, who became Europe’s all-time leading point scorer as a result of the competition.

Spain and golf go hand in hand – so much so that the cluster of golf resorts around the Malaga area of the Costa del Sol are referred to as the ‘Costa del Golf.’ The country has the ideal landscape and climate to encourage the proliferation of the sport, with the result that it is home to around 350 courses. Their sun-kissed locations include Andalusia and the Balearic Islands.

Now, with so much media attention on Sergio Garcia, Spain’s golf resorts are in the spotlight once again.

“Golfers from around the world look to Spain for high quality golf homes with outstanding course facilities that they can enjoy at any time of year. By specializing in golf properties, Taylor Wimpey España has worked with buyers from all over the world to find them their dream golf home in Spain over the past 60 years. In that time, we’ve noticed many a spike in interest when Spanish golfers have achieved something notable on the international stage – and we expect Sergio Garcia’s record-breaking success to trigger another wave of interest.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Would-be golf property buyers are spoilt for choice in the hands of leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. In Marbella, for example, Le Caprice is at the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort, which features a 27-hole course designed by triple world champion and Ryder Cup winner Manuel Piñero. The 14 superb homes are available from €490,000 plus VAT. The development includes penthouses with private 100m2 solarium, duplexes with wonderful terraces and ground floor apartments with private gardens. All homes feature three bedrooms, and enjoy access to the development’s communal pool and gardens.

At Green Golf, at Estepona Golf in Malaga, owners enjoy panoramic views across the golf course to the sea. The three bedroom, three bathroom houses all feature large terraces, with homes facing south or southwest to make the most of the Spanish sunshine. The private, gated development also features beautifully designed communal gardens and pools. Prices start from €299,000 plus VAT.

In terms of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a haven for golfers. On the island’s eastern coast, Cala Murada is a collection of four exquisite townhouses just 150 metres from the beach and perfectly located for access to the prestigious Vall d’Or Golf Club. The homes are perfect for those looking for a stunning location from which to enjoy some of the best golfing facilities on the island. Prices start at €379,500 plus VAT.

“Spain has some absolutely superb golf courses, and owning a property either on or next to one of them makes the ideal second home for keen golfers. With property prices still some 36% lower than their 2007 peak, according to the latest TINSA data, there are still some real bargains available as the pace of the housing market continues to pick up.”

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.

Key-ready holiday homes in time for Christmas – perfect presents from Taylor Wimpey España

Key-ready holiday homes in time for Christmas – perfect presents from Taylor Wimpey España

by Louise Spain ,

 

  • Taylor Wimpey España offering key ready homes in Alicante, Mallorca and Marbella
  • Average prices in Alicante up 13.2% in past year (Tinsa)
  • Simple purchase process means buyers can spend Christmas holidays in their new homes 

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is offering buyers the chance to purchase a brand new holiday home ready for the festive season. With new prices for homes in Alicante, Mallorca and Marbella, the trusted house builder has key-ready properties and a simple purchase process that takes both the worry and the hassle out of buying overseas.

“Buying a home in another country can be a daunting prospect, which is why so many buyers opt to buy through an established and well-regarded company. They like the certainty of knowing that they will be buying a high quality home that’s been developed in a popular local area. We work with each of our buyers to ensure that the purchase process is as smooth and efficient as possible – buying a holiday home should be a joyous experience, not a fretful one.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

In terms of the local areas in which it builds, Taylor Wimpey España opts for premium sites that enjoy easy access to beaches, golf courses or both. At present, the company is offering brand new, key-ready homes in Mallorca, Marbella and Alicante. The latter has enjoyed an average house price increase of 13.2% over the past year (compared to 4.9% for Spain as a whole), according to the latest Tinsa data. Buyers who have already purchased second homes in Alicante have therefore had the chance to grow their capital, as well as to enjoy sun-kissed holidays whenever they choose.

Arenal Dream in Alicante has just two key-ready homes left available, priced from €285,000 plus VAT. Just 300 metres from the pristine white sands of El Arenal beach, the properties feature extensive terraces and contemporary, light-filled interiors. Lush, landscaped grounds and a large pool are available for residents to enjoy, just as they are at La Vila Paradis, the company’s other key-ready Alicante site. The final apartment at La Vila Paradis is available for €285,000 plus VAT, while the last townhouse costs €475,000 plus VAT. The frontline development boasts direct access to Paraiso beach, with furniture included in the price for those purchasing townhouses.

Over on Mallorca, second home buyers who fancy spending Christmas at the beach can pick up homes at Cala Murada from the new price of €379,000 plus VAT. The last key-ready property is also available at Marina Golf (for €615,000 plus VAT). Meanwhile, buyers who prefer the classic mainland destination of the Costa del Sol can purchase a key-ready penthouse at La Floresta Sur, priced from €380,000 plus VAT.

“At this time of year, buyers are looking forward to Christmas holidays in their second home, feasting on festive Spanish delicacies and enjoying the warmth of the winter sun as they relax on their terraces. Key-ready homes mean that buyers can complete the purchase process without delay, and the sooner they complete, the sooner they can revel in the benefits of a Spanish second home.”

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.

From property to culture to foreign direct investment, Liverpool is showing other UK cities how it’s done

From property to culture to foreign direct investment, Liverpool is showing other UK cities how it’s done

by Louise United Kingdom ,

 

  • Liverpool leading UK cities with house price inflation of 7.5% (Hometrack)
  • Liverpool-Manchester metropolitan area among top 10 global FDI destinations (IBM)
  • Population boom creating long-term, sustainable property investment opportunities (Surrenden Invest)

Liverpool has just hit the headlines for leading the UK’s cities in terms of its house price growth. The Hometrack UK Cities House Price Index reported 7.5% inflation in Liverpool during the year to August 2018. For those working in the Liverpool property sector, the news comes as no surprise.

“Liverpool has exceptionally strong credentials as a property investment destination. It has a booming city centre population, a thriving business community and a superb cultural offering. This combines to produce a high and sustained level of demand for decent, well-located rental homes, which in turn means that property investors can earn healthy yields, as well as enjoying the potential for impressive capital growth.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

As part of the Liverpool-Manchester metropolitan area, the city was recently flagged up by IBM’s annual Global Location Trends report as being among the top ten cities in the world for foreign direct investment (FDI). The area pulled in the tenth highest number of FDI projects in 2017, according to the report, resulting in the creation of some 7,000 jobs.

Earlier this year, TripAdvisor also highlighted Liverpool as one of the best places in the world to visit. The city’s cultural offering was key to that decision. This year, it is offering a year-long programme of events, exhibitions, seasons and performances to mark the ten-year anniversary of Liverpool being crowned European Capital of Culture. One of the most impressive offerings is the Terracotta Warriors exhibition, which is drawing in visitors from around the UK and beyond.

“Liverpool is one of those rare cities that has it all. It’s a delightful blend of economic opportunities, cultural pursuits, a superb gastronomic scene, a lively sporting offering and a thriving property market. The city also enjoys property prices that are well below the average for the UK, which is another reason that it is such an exciting prospect for property investors.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

According to Hometrack, Liverpool’s average property price stood at £120,100 as at August 2018, against a UK average of £217,300. For those buying a main residence, that means 0% stamp duty. For those buying a second home (including investment properties) it means the lowest stamp duty rate, of 3%.

Factor in a 10-15% discount for off plan properties, and Liverpool really does have some exceptional investment deals available. Apartments at The Tannery, for example, are available for as little as £85,000, with anticipated yields of 6% net. Despite the low entry price, the homes have been designed to offer outstanding quality, synonymous with the world’s greatest capital cities – those with which Liverpool has been rubbing shoulders on the IBM Global Location Trends report. Bright contemporary interiors are complemented by on-site facilities including a 24/7 concierge, secure underground parking, a spacious communal courtyard and a roof garden, all in the sought-after L3 postcode area.

“This is definitely an exciting phase in Liverpool’s history. The city is one of the most investable destinations not just in the UK, but in the world. The resulting boom in population is generating a long-term, positive impact on the property market. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liverpool leading the UK again in terms of its property price increases over the coming months.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

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

Coast versus mountains – which is the best location for a second home?

Coast versus mountains – which is the best location for a second home?

by Louise Spain ,

 

  • Second home buyer Bart Embrechts extolls the virtues of mountain living
  • Taylor Wimpey España’s Botanic homes balance sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture
  • Health benefits associated with both coastal and mountain living

Everyone’s vision of the perfect second home is different. However, there are many factors that crop up time and again: sunshine and swimming pools top many buyers’ lists, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. Many buyers also have strong views on the ideal location, with opinion often divided between coastal properties and those in more mountainous areas.

For Belgian Bart Embrechts, the decision was an easy one – he wanted a coastal property in southern Spain. His mind was made up. At least, until he saw a home in the mountains!

“My family and I love Andalusia. The climate, the gastronomy, the whole quality of life. It was the obvious choice for our second home and we though that somewhere right on the beach would be perfect – until we saw Botanic! The serenity up in the mountains is just incredible. As soon as I saw those views, it just felt right. We still have easy access to the coast, just with the peace that comes with the more mountainous environment.”

Bart Embrechts, second home buyer, Taylor Wimpey España

The Embrecht family’s home at Botanic was created to achieve a balance of sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture. The natural slope of the mountain allowed for split-level design, with buildings constructed at different heights in order to optimise the panoramic views out to the Mediterranean, some 7 km away. Indigenous trees, flowers and shrubs fill the garden areas, with vertical gardens and green corridors creating a uniquely natural development. Several properties from the second phase of development at Botanic are currently available for purchase, with prices starting from €387,000 plus VAT for a three-bedroom apartment.

Proximity to nature is a key draw for many second home buyers, according to the Taylor Wimpey España team, who this year celebrate 60 years of successfully building homes in Spain.

“Spain has some wonderfully peaceful mountainous areas that are well located for access to all the sights and sounds of the Costa del Sol, but that also provide the opportunity to retreat from the busyness and enjoy the tranquillity of mountain living. It’s the perfect balance and something that buyers don’t consciously realise they are looking for until they find it.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

That was certainly the case for Bart Embrechts, who was captivated by the views at Botanic, despite previously having his heart set on a coastal property.

Both coastal and mountainous areas are known for their healing and relaxing attributes. The combination of fresh, salty sea air and the sound of waves reduces stress levels, boosts the immune system and increases your white blood cell count. Living near green space, meanwhile, results in better sleep patterns, lower stress levels and good overall health, according to a new research report from the University of East Anglia.

 

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.

Autumn buyer trends reveal France’s latest property hotspots

Autumn buyer trends reveal France’s latest property hotspots

by Louise France
  • Limousin, Poitou-Charentes and Provence top the table for buyer enquiries (FrenchEntrée)
  • Average budget falls 8% to €291,000
  • Buyers seeking wide range of homes, from rural areas to the coast to the Alps

New data from specialist French property agents FrenchEntrée has revealed the top three areas that are generating buyer enquiries in France right now. Traditional favourites such as Paris and the Côte d’Azur have been eclipsed by the three latest hotspots: Limousin, Poitou-Charentes and Provence.

“With the start of autumn, we tend to see more serious property enquiries coming through, after the summer flurry of those often looking at homes on a whim after a lovely holiday. Our latest data has revealed that enquiries are focusing particularly on the Limousin, Poitou-Charentes and Provence regions.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

Limousin is known for providing excellent value for money when it comes to property. Located in France’s hilly southwest, it has been part of the new Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes region since the start of 2016. Its three departments – Corrèze, Creuse and Haute-Vienne – are some of the most sparsely populated in the country, making this a great area for buyers who are looking to reconnect with nature.

Traditional, rural properties abound in Limousin. Stone houses with plenty of land can be picked up for well under €175,000. In fact, that budget would be sufficient for a traditional house with outbuildings, mature fruit trees and an above-ground pool. Tradition and history live on in Limousin, making it the perfect escape from the excesses of the Digital Age (though with modern facilities and connectivity on tap as needed), while the serenity of all that open pastoral land provides its own form of peace.

The area also has a notable cultural offering, from the galleries of Brive to the abundance of fine art, sculpture and paintings to be found in Guéret.

Neighbouring Poitou-Charentes, meanwhile, is known as the home of vines, sunflowers and friendly locals. It’s another excellent place to buy properties with a decent parcel of land for a great price. The larger towns (Angoulême, Cognac and Saintes) offer year-round entertainment options, while the smaller towns and villages provide a wonderfully peaceful setting outside of the summer season.

“The four departments of Poitou-Charentes – Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres and Vienne – provide buyers with plenty of choice when it comes to buying property in this beautiful part of France. As well as rolling rural landscapes, the area also boasts a delightful coastline, ranging from attractive sandy beaches to more rugged and wild stretches. There are communities of all shapes and sizes, from tiny, pretty hamlets to vibrant medieval towns that are bursting with life, presenting buyers with an impressive range of property options at prices comfortably below those found in some other parts of France.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

As well as its coastal areas, Poitou-Charentes is also home to a number of leisure lakes, offering swimming, walking and water sports. Properties near the lakes include some impressive rural residences. €300,000 is enough for a four-bedroom house with 11 acres of land and stream, with stables and fenced grazing land, just minutes from the lakes of Haute Charente.

Provence has, of course, been familiar to British property buyers since Peter Mayle’s famous 1989 tale of terrible weather, black market truffle dealers and the quirks of the French labour system. Mayle’s bumbling, entertaining attempts at integration inspired many British buyers to give Provence a try. Today, many of the area’s attractions remain largely the same as they did back then.

Next to the playground of the rich that is the Côte d’Azur, Provence offers a more laid-back alternative, though still with stunning surroundings. This extensive area encompasses everything from coastal settings to the Alps. Summer and winter sporting options mean that the area is popular with tourists year round, with many heading into the mountains in the summer months for lakeside frolics away from the more intense heat of the coast.

Provençal properties are considerably more expensive than those in Limousin and Poitou-Charentes. A characterful 19th century farmhouse with pool, set in 1.6 hectares of land, will set buyers back €590,000.

“What’s interesting about the top three French hotspots for autumn is the variety. We’re seeing evidence of caution in terms of budgets – which at an average of €291,000 are around 8% lower than a year ago – and with Brexit looming that is perfectly understandable. However, the fact that Provence is one of France’s three most popular areas this autumn indicates that many British buyers remain confident in their budgets – and in the French property market.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

 

For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.

 

Costa del Sol sees huge boom in cultural tourism, with Malaga leading the way

Costa del Sol sees huge boom in cultural tourism, with Malaga leading the way

by Louise Spain ,
  • Spain enjoys 23% increase in cultural tourism (Weekenddesk)
  • Malaga’s cultural attractions see visitor numbers rise by as much as 46% (Marbesol Report 2018)
  • Year-round cultural pursuits make Costa del Sol ideal for second home buyers of all ages (Taylor Wimpey España)

The Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches and golf courses, but there’s far more to this sun-kissed pocket of Spain that sunbathing and teeing off. For those who enjoy an active life, the Costa del Sol is home to a wide variety of nautical and equine sports. For those who prefer cultural pursuits, the area is rapidly making a name for itself as one of Spain’s most exciting new cultural destinations.

Spain has enjoyed an excellent summer for cultural tourism, with visitor numbers to related attractions up by 23% on last year, according to a recent study by Weekenddesk. Museums, galleries and theatres have done much to entice and delight these visitors over the course of the summer.

On the Costa del Sol, it is Malaga that has most clearly defined its cultural offering, with historical sites and museums drawing in visitors from across Europe (and beyond). The Moorish Alcazaba palace has seen visitor numbers grow by nearly 30% since 2015, as has the Picasso Museum, which has become Andalucia’s most successful gallery. Malaga Cathedral has seen visit numbers increase by 46% since allowing access to rooftop areas in 2015. Gibralfaro Castle, Malaga’s Centre for Contemporary Art (CAC) and the Nerja Caves add to the rich cultural variety that the area offers.

“The Costa del Sol has undergone something of a cultural renaissance over the past few years. We’re seeing venues like the CAC inspire new artistic movements and there’s a real buzz around the cultural attractions. There’s so much more to the Costa del Sol than just sun and sand (though those are splendid too!) and it’s good to see that awareness of this is reflected in how swiftly cultural visitor numbers are rising.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

As a leading provider of homes in Spain for over 60 years, Taylor Wimpey España has seen visitors attracted to the Costa del Sol for all manner of reasons, many of whom have become so enchanted by the area that they have opted to buy a second home there.

Green Golf, at the heart of the Costa del Sol, has proven popular with a diverse community of buyers, including a number who were attracted to the area’s cultural offering. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom houses, with beautifully spacious terraces, integrate into the lush Estepona Golf course. Their south/southwest aspect provides plenty of natural light, making them an ideal choice for everyone from artists to sun-worshippers. The beautifully designed homes also benefit from Taylor Wimpey España’s signature combination of generous communal swimming pools and verdant gardens. Homes at Green Golf are available starting from the new price of €299,000.

“The year-round nature of the Costa del Sol’s cultural attractions means that there is plenty to do here, no matter what season it may be. For holiday home owners, that provides some superb variety – each visit can incorporate different attractions. It’s also a real bonus for families with children of differing ages, as the impressive mix of things to do can keep everyone from toddlers to grandparents thoroughly entertained.”

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.

6 months to go until Brexit and investor sentiment remains bold

6 months to go until Brexit and investor sentiment remains bold

by Louise United Kingdom ,
  • Overseas investment in UK property remains strong (Surrenden Invest)
  • Investors ready to take advantage of sterling’s fluctuations
  • World-class developments like Ancoats Gardens attracting keen interest

29 September marks just six months to go until the UK leaves the EU. The country’s journey since the referendum has been turbulent and at times bitter. However, overseas investors remain confident in the long-term viability of the UK’s property market, according to specialist property investment agency Surrenden Invest.

“We’re still seeing strong investor sentiment so far as residential property is concerned. Overseas investors continue to benefit from the pressure that the Brexit process has placed on sterling, with no sign of interest in high quality properties dropping as we approach the 29 March 2019 deadline.” 

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Despite recent gloomy predictions from the Bank of England’s Mark Carney about the future of the UK property market, investors’ confidence has not been rocked. After all, they heard similar predictions immediately following the referendum. Instead, according to the experts at Surrenden Invest, investors have simply become more particular about the products they choose.

“There’s definitely been a drop off of interest in sub-standard developments, as foreign buyers focus on selecting the best products. Agencies with strict quality standards, like Surrenden Invest, are therefore seeing little change as the Brexit deadline approaches. The best developments continue to attract keen interest.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Ancoats Gardens in Manchester is a prime example. The 155 apartments are well-located, beautifully designed and offer a host of on-site facilities that will command tenants’ attention. With huge windows and ceilings up to 0.5 meters higher than the average city centre rental apartment, the light-filled homes, with their huge roof garden, coffee lounge and multi-level, 1,715 square foot gym offer world-class living standards. Launched in early September, the development has already attracted foreign investors looking to pick up multiple apartments.

The exchange rate has played an important role in this. The pound remains cheap relative to its pre-referendum value. Despite its stability over the past year, it remains around 10% undervalued on certain markets, such as versus the dollar and Middle Eastern currencies. And investors are ready to take advantage of any further dips.

“We expect to see a lot of foreign investors timing their property purchases very carefully in the run-up to March and in the weeks and months following. While nobody can know for certain what will happen to sterling as a result of the UK leaving the EU, it’s fair to expect a certain amount of volatility so far as the value of the pound is concerned. For those overseas, that could mean some exceptional bargains, if their timing is right. As a result, we expect to see interest in high quality UK residential properties continue well past 29 March next year.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

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

Taylor Wimpey España celebrates 6,000 property sales to 40 nationalities

Taylor Wimpey España celebrates 6,000 property sales to 40 nationalities

by Louise Spain ,
  • Anniversary celebration in Ibiza to mark 60 years of success
  • Current focus is on Mallorca, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, due to extensive demand
  • Taylor Wimpey España team to join A Place in the Sun Birmingham show on 21-13 September

In this modern era of political and economic uncertainty, maintaining a successful business over the course of several years is something to be celebrated. No wonder, then, that the team behind leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España were keen to mark their 60th anniversary of delivering superior quality homes across Spain and its islands. On Friday 14 September, the team headed to Ibiza to honour the occasion in true Iberian style.

“We wanted to take some time out to thank every single employee of Taylor Wimpey España for their contribution towards making the company the success that it is today. Delivering homes for 60 years is a fantastic achievement and one that we could not have achieved without a host of talented people pouring their skills and energy into the business.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Over the past 60 years, Taylor Wimpey España has built and sold apartments and townhouses to more than 6,000 clients. Those clients have hailed from every continent, with almost 40 different nationalities served.

Today, the focus is largely on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca, where demand for Spanish holiday homes remains strong from buyers around the world. Developments such as La Floresta Sur, with its beautiful communal gardens and swimming pools, just moments from Elviria Beach, typify the high specification homes available to contemporary buyers (prices start from €228,000).

The Taylor Wimpey España team were joined by Managing Director Javier Ballester and Divisional Chairman, Central and South West, Nigel Holland, who thanked employees for their contribution to the company’s success.

Following the Ibiza celebration, the Taylor Wimpey España team have got straight back to work. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard will be on the panel of the Buying Property in Spain session at this weekend’s A Place in the Sun show in Birmingham, which runs from 21-23 September. Anyone interested in buying property in Spain is invited to attend for free.

“Participating in events such as A Place in the Sun provides potential second home buyers with the opportunity to speak face to face with those who have experience of living and working overseas. These are valuable opportunities for networking and exploring the dream of second home ownership – and for turning that dream into a reality.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

In the case of second home ownership in Spain, buyers are spoiled for choice. Taylor Wimpey España has key-ready properties available to suit a range of tastes and budgets, from the stunning townhouses of Marina Golf and Cala Murada in Mallorca, to the outstanding beach apartments of La Vila Paradis and Arenal Dream on the Costa Blanca.

The team will be ready to discuss all of these properties and more at A Place in the Sun this weekend, with the next 60 years of successful Spanish property development firmly in mind.

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.