Spain confirmed as Brits’ top choice holiday destination, as well as best value location

Spain confirmed as Brits’ top choice holiday destination, as well as best value location

by Louise Spain ,
  • Mainland Spain is top destination for last-minute breaks (Novasol)
  • Maturity of Spanish holiday home market means easy access for British buyers (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spain comes out on top as best value for holidays (On The Beach)

From holidays to homes, Spain offers exceptional value and the ongoing Brexit saga is doing nothing to dampen Brits’ love of the Spanish sunshine. In fact, Novasol has revealed that mainland Spain is the top choice for British holidaymakers looking to take last-minute sunshine breaks. Meanwhile, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is highlighting how easy an option Spain is when it comes to owning a second home overseas.

“Spain has a mature market when it comes to servicing overseas buyers. Indeed, Taylor Wimpey España has been building homes here for both domestic and foreign house hunters for more than 60 years.

“Not only is the purchase process relatively straightforward, Spain’s numerous, inexpensive connections to the UK mean that it’s a hassle-free option for last-minute and frequent breaks. Add in the weather, cuisine, coastline and leisure pursuits and you have the ideal location for a holiday home purchase.”

 Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The Costa Calida, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca were the top three destinations, with Spain dominating the rest of Europe in terms of overall arrivals numbers, according to Novasol’s data. The availability of top quality, key ready properties in each of these destinations further enhances the ease with which Brits can purchase their dream holiday home.

The Costa Blanca’s La Vila Paradis, for example, offers key ready apartments and townhouses with direct beach access. Spectacular views and multiple on-site swimming pools complement the beautifully designed homes, which are priced from €279,000 plus VAT. Just 30 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from central Alicante, the properties provide easy access from the UK, as well as to local facilities.

Spain is also easy on the wallet, compared to many popular beach destinations. The Costa del Sol has some superb value residences. Homes at La Floresta Sur, for example, are priced from just €225,000 plus VAT for a Mediterranean style property in a peaceful location near Elviria Beach. Residents can enjoy the stunning sea and mountain views, as well as free access to the facilities of El Soto Golf Club. The striking surroundings have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO. La Floresta Sur’s two and three-bedroom apartments have large terraces for making the most of the natural beauty that surrounds them. The development also includes two large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking.

Nor is it just high end holiday homes that are such good value in Spain. A recent, in depth analysis by On The Beach found that Spain was the best value destination based on a comparison of the length of its beaches, number of sunshine hours and average sea temperatures with the average cost to holiday there over the summer months.

“Foreign interest in Spain is driving the market forward in coastal regions, which are enjoying rapid price growth in some areas. As such, we’re seeing a lot of buyers looking to move fast in order to make their purchase before prices rise even more. Spain offers fantastic value for money in other areas of life as well and this is one of the reasons that it remains so incredibly popular with British holidaymakers.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Property prices in Spain have recovered to 2012 levels, with TINSA reporting a 6.6% year-on-year increase during Q2 2018. Meanwhile, more homes were purchased in 2017 than in any year since 2008 (at 464,465 and 552,080 respectively). Whichever angle you look at it from, Spain is an incredibly tempting choice for buyers looking to secure a piece of the sunshine for their future.

 

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.

Apartment prices rising faster than any other property type, new data reveals

Apartment prices rising faster than any other property type, new data reveals

by Louise United Kingdom ,
  • Average UK apartment price up by £1,251 per month over last 5 years (Halifax)
  • Regional cities such as Liverpool and Newcastle currently exciting investors (Surrenden Invest)
  • Strength of labour market continues to support house prices (Halifax)

Newly released data from Halifax has shown that the average UK apartment has increased in value by £1,251 per month over the past five years, rising by £75,074 over the period.

Although apartments make up just 15% of all home sales, their relevance to urban labour markets is increasingly important. This is borne out by the Halifax data, which shows an increase of 48% in apartment values between 2013 and 2018, compared with an increase of just 42% for terraced houses and 27% for detached homes.

“The sustained level of demand for apartments in regional city centres has shown solid credentials, even in the wake of the Brexit referendum. With dynamic local economies and solid labour markets, regional cities are an enticing prospect for those looking to make capital gains, whether as owner-occupiers or investors. In fact, the majority of investors we work with now come to us with a regional city firmly in mind – London has lost its shine as a residential investment prospect as the UK’s other cities are producing better returns.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Liverpool is one city that has benefitted from this new breed of regionally focused property investors. Developments such as The Tannery, which offers bright, contemporary residences with beautifully presented interiors, are drawing in both domestic and international investors. Hadrian’s Tower, in Newcastle, is another such example. Its blend of exceptional apartments and innovative social spaces is precisely what investors are looking for.

Halifax’s latest House Price Index shows a monthly rise in home values of 1.5% during May, following a brief wobble in April. The lender flags up the labour market’s performance, along with low interest rates, as two of the reasons behind this.

“The continuing strength of the labour market is supporting house prices. In the three months to March the number of full-time employees increased by 202,000, the biggest rise in three years. We are also seeing pay growth edging up and consumer price inflation falling, and as a result the squeeze on real earnings has started to ease. With interest rates still very low we see mortgage affordability at very manageable levels providing a further underpinning to prices.”

Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax

With the UK population expected to pass 70 million by mid-2029, and urbanisation increasing steadily (from 80.2% in 2006 to 82.84% in 2016, according to Statista), demand for city centre apartments looks likely to remain strong over the years ahead. And with apartment prices increasing at a faster rate than any other kind of accommodation, they are sure to remain the property of choice for investors looking to make the most of their money.

 

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

Buying a beachside property can heal mind, body and soul

Buying a beachside property can heal mind, body and soul

by Louise Spain ,
  • “Lifelong relationship to water” benefits cognitive, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual health (Dr Wallace Nichols, PhD)
  • 4 in 5 people report being around water relaxes them (Wakefield Research)
  • Beachside homes provide respite for mind, body and soul (Taylor Wimpey España)

 

The benefits of spending time near water are becoming increasingly evident, as more research is undertaken. For leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, access to water is an integral part of the company’s ethos. From homes with direct access to stunning beaches, like Cala Murada in Mallorca, to developments with multiple communal pools and water-based relaxation amenities, like Mijas’ Horizon Golf townhouses, at the La Cala Golf Resort, which come complete with hydrotherapy centre and spa.

 “Just the sight of the sea can evoke a neurological reaction, let alone the health benefits to be enjoyed as a result of having a dip. Owning your primary residence or second home within sight of the water can boost your mental and physical health, which is why we take such care with the locations that we choose and the views that our beachside homes offer.”

 Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

According to marine biologist Dr Wallace Nichols, seeing water can promote wellness and relaxation by inducing a flood of neurochemicals that increase the flow of blood to the brain and heart. At the same time, the sound of waves can alter brain patterns, inducing a deeply relaxed state that is similar to meditation.

This finding is backed up by data from Wakefield Research, which found that four out of five people report that being around water relaxes them, while 72% of people feel healthier after they’ve spent time on the water.

“A lifelong relationship to water, facilitated through activities like boating and water sports, for example, brings vast cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual health benefits. These activities also tender the added positive rewards of exercise and social time with others in the context of the great outdoors.”

 Dr Wallace Nichols, PhD, Author and Marine Biologist

Sea air brings mental health benefits of its own. The negative ions that it contains enable the body to absorb oxygen more readily and balance serotonin levels. Meanwhile, exposure to the sun’s heat results in the endocrine system secreting endorphins. Add in a swim in the sea and the salty water will preserve the brain’s levels of melatonin, tryptamine and serotonin, all of which stave off depression.

The physical benefits of beachside living are also numerous. Walking on sand requires the body to repeatedly counter-balance, thus working the muscles harder than walking on a flat surface. Swimming in the sea is also a great way to get exercise, as are the countless watersports that popular holiday locations like the Costa del Sol offer in such abundance. Exposure to sea water can boost the immune system, thanks to the antibiotic and antibacterial effects of the vitamins and minerals within the water. It can also improve circulation and help to heal aches and pains. There’s even evidence that swimming in warm sea water can help the body to fight conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

“We still have a long way to go before we fully appreciate all of the benefits that come with spending time at the beach and in the sea. However, we know enough to understand that there is immense value to be had from living in close proximity to the water.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Even the diet is healthier for those who eat local produce, with regular consumers of fish less likely to suffer from depression than those who abstain from eating it. With glossy, high spec kitchens and wide terraces or private gardens, Taylor Wimpey España’s properties are perfectly designed for those wishing to reap the full package of benefits of seaside living.

 

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.

Westminster Works – Latest housing jewel in Digbeth’s crown

Westminster Works – Latest housing jewel in Digbeth’s crown

by Louise United Kingdom ,
  • Westminster Works to provide 220 elegant apartments in strategic Digbeth location
  • Digbeth continuing to build reputation as the place to live, eat and work in Birmingham
  • Extensive regeneration plans to ensure that Birmingham benefits fully from HS2

 

Whichever way you look at it, Digbeth is the place to be in Birmingham.

Not a week goes by when there isn’t a rumour circulating as to the latest hip venue that’s about to pop up. The last month alone has brought the news that a vast new live music venue – The Mill – is to open in the heart of Digbeth, complete with mezzanine level and rooftop garden. Also planned is a giant late-night food and drink market, featuring three bars, four kitchens and regular DJ slots. Meanwhile, Digbeth Dining Club has gained such a reputation for its gourmet credentials that its touring neighbouring cities!

There’s also much more to Digbeth than leisure pursuits, exciting though the area’s cultural credentials may be. The £5 million STEAMhouse project has just launched to provide a co-working space that brings together businesses, artists and academics. Fostering economic growth and innovation are top of the agenda for the Digbeth High Street-based initiative.

 

“Digbeth has an incredible energy and sense of purpose about it. If you stand behind the Bullring and look out over the area, the potential is evident. Everywhere you look there are new projects being developed, from entertainment venues and cultural hubs to business premises and superb new residential buildings.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

 

One of the most exciting residential projects in Digbeth is the newly launched Westminster Works. Home to 220 elegant, loft-style apartments, complete with rooftop terrace, concierge service, secure on-site parking and smart home, eco-friendly technology in every home, the development plans to take Birmingham city living to the next level.

Bespoke David Phillips furniture packs complement the warehouse-inspired design of the building’s exterior, ensuring that Westminster Works has a contemporary, luxurious feel all of its own, while high end fixtures and fittings reinforce the superior standard of the accommodation.

Those investing in apartments such as the homes at Westminster Works, which are available from £168,000 through leading property investment agency Surrenden Invest, are also set to benefit from the extensive regeneration work that is transforming several areas of Birmingham city centre. The master-planned regeneration includes the multi-billion pound residential and retail Smithfield area, a £770 million redevelopment of New Street Station and the integration of Curzon Street Station in Digbeth into the city centre, to ensure that the whole of Birmingham reaps the benefits of the HS2 high speed rail network.

With so much on offer in a world-class urban setting, it’s no wonder that investments such as Westminster Works are so popular with investors from the UK and overseas alike.

 

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

Brits buy double the number of Costa del Sol homes in run up to Brexit

Brits buy double the number of Costa del Sol homes in run up to Brexit

by Louise Spain ,
  • British buyers up 100% compared to last year (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Most important summer ever set to see 2% increase in visitors and income for Costa del Sol (Costa del Sol Tourism)
  • Spanish property prices to rise by 5% in 2018 (BBVA)
  • Exchange rate ‘stability’ may be key to surge of second home purchases (Taylor Wimpey España)

 

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has reported a 100% increase in sales of its Costa del Sol properties to British buyers over the past year.

The charms of the area’s stunning beaches and golf courses have eclipsed buyers’ Brexit worries, leading to a surge in interest in Spanish second homes on the Costa del Sol.

 

“A number of factors are at play here. On the one hand, we’ve seen a relatively stable GBP/EUR exchange rate over the last several months. At the same time, interest in the Costa del Sol in general is rising. Then there are the age-old attractions of the area’s pristine beaches and golf courses. All of this is excellent news for the local tourism sector.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

The Taylor Wimpey España team believes that the exchange rate is key to the resurgence of British buyers. According to xe.com, the past 90 days have seen just 0.32% volatility in the GBP/EUR exchange rate, from a low of 1.12014 to a high of 1.15801. The result is an increase in British buyer confidence.

Also relevant is BBVA bank’s forecast that Spanish property prices will rise by 5% over the course of 2018 – double the rate of price growth achieved in 2017. As such, many buyers are looking to buy into the market sooner rather than later, to ensure they receive maximum value for money. Others are looking to their Costa del Sol second home purchase for fairly rapid capital growth (as well as the ability to use the property whenever they wish).

 

“We’ve seen a sustained increase in British buyers on the Costa del Sol over the past year. The exchange rate has a huge influence over such matters. We’ve also seen a 15% increase in the number of property reservations across mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands as a whole, with reservations now at their highest level for seven years.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

The impressive figures coincide with the CEO of Costa del Sol Tourism, Jacobo Florido, announcing the “most important summer” of the region’s history.

Both tourist numbers and income are projected to grow by 2% during the year – and that’s following a record year in 2017, when 12.5 million visitors arrived in the Costa del Sol, up 6.4% compared to the year before. An additional 80,000 visitors from the UK certainly helped to bolster the figures.

When it comes to second homes on the Costa del Sol, buyers are spoiled for choice, thanks to Taylor Wimpey España’s extensive collection of terrific properties there.

In Marbella, Royal Banus properties are available for purchase from €490,000 + VAT, while homes at Le Caprice – at the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort in Benhavis – are priced from €550,000 + VAT. Both sites feature homes built to exacting standards and with impressive interiors. Outside space (in the form or balconies and gardens) is a given, while communal pools and gardens complete the offering.

For those with a more modest budget, Grandview at La Cala Golf Resort, and Estepona’s lush, tranquil Green Golf, showcase the Costa del Sol’s attractions. Priced from €287,000 + VAT and €340,000 + VAT respectively, the resorts offer stylish, contemporary homes with superb views and excellent local facilities. Their combination of pools, gardens and golf has proven popular with British buyers and looks set to continue doing so over the course of the Costa del Sol’s “most important summer” ever.

 

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.

Now you Cannes, Cannes, Cannes as beach-widening project adds to the Cote d’Azur’s charms

Now you Cannes, Cannes, Cannes as beach-widening project adds to the Cote d’Azur’s charms

by Louise France
  • 80,000 cubic metres of sand extend Cannes’ beach to up to 40m wide in places
  • Engraissement work will provide holidaymakers with more beach for their buck
  • Property scene in Cannes serves up eclectic, high-end homes to suit every taste (FrenchEntrée)

With its Mediterranean climate, stunning waterfront, haute cuisine restaurants and high-end stores, Cannes has plenty to offer holidaymakers from around the world. Now, the jewel of the Cote d’Azur has even more to offer, with the beach made bigger and better for the summer season.

The 1.4-kilometre-long beach has been widened from its former 25-30 metre width, to an impressive 40 metres in places, providing more space for everyone from sunbathers to families building sand castles. It is the first major widening operation to take place since the 1960s, with some 80,000 cubic metres of sand brought in to bolster the shoreline.

Cannes is one of the most exciting destinations on the Cote d’Azur. In the world’s most visited country, it does an excellent job of vying for the attention of France’s 89 million annual visitors. The engraissement work completed over the winter months has enhanced that offering, ensuring that the beach is even bigger and better for this summer’s visitors.

The famous palm tree-lined waterfront walkway, the Promenade de la Croisette, has also been revamped ready for the summer, with improved surfaces and a new bikeway.

“Cannes has a history of attracting the rich and famous, from the aristocracy in the 19th century to some of the most recognised names in the global film and music industry today. Over time, we’ve seen a trend for the wealthy flocking to Cannes to build an array of outstanding properties. The result is an eclectic, exclusive mix of architectural styles, which serve to create an exciting local property scene for those looking to buy second homes on the Cote d’Azur.” 

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

 

Cannes is one of the most popular property markets in the world. It is no coincidence that it is the location of the MIPIM property event, which attracts attendees from across the globe every year. The city’s eye-watering price tags certainly reflect its popularity, but with so many fine homes on offer, the market is nonetheless competitive, though very much high end.

“Cannes is home to an elite raft of properties that were built to reflect the status of their original owners. As such, the city offers an outstanding level of choice when it comes to luxury features and architectural flair.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

 

Whether they’re in town to pick up a multi-million-pound property, or simply to enjoy the stunning surroundings and balmy climate, the widening of Cannes beach will benefit all of those who visit the city this summer. It ensures Cannes’ continued position as the highlight of the French Riviera.

 

Stunning Cannes homes currently on the market

Just a short stroll from the city centre, swanky marina and stunning Bay of Cannes, this contemporary seven-bedroom home should satisfy even the most demanding buyer. Set across four floors with lift, the property boasts numerous vast reception rooms, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, wellness areas, cinema, study and much more. The impressive home is on the market for €29.65 million.

Set in a charming 19th century mansion, and within walking distance of the centre of Cannes, this contemporary, stylish, three-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment boasts two balconies, sea views and a shared pool. It is on the market for €760,000.

Those looking for a more grandiose home – and with €1.29 million to spend – will be delighted by this magnificent Bourgeois-style apartment with impressive sea views. As well as a large living area and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, the home includes a private terrace, cellar and garage, in a secure residence with a dedicated caretaker.

 

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/.

 

 

 

 

Consumer confidence and property prices rise hand in hand in Spain, as growth rate reaches highest level for 10 years

Consumer confidence and property prices rise hand in hand in Spain, as growth rate reaches highest level for 10 years

by Louise Spain ,
  • Property prices up 5.4% in year to April 2018 (Tinsa)
  • New home growth picked up sharply towards end of 2017 (ST Sociedad de Tasación)
  • Balearic homes attracting particular interest (Taylor Wimpey España)

A new report from the ST Sociedad de Tasación, one of the largest real estate valuation firms in Spain, has shown that the average price of new and second hand residential properties in Spain increased by 4.3% over the course of 2017. New home growth picked up significantly during the second half of the year, rising to 2.3% from a rate of 1.7% for the first six months of 2017. The company’s Confidence Index has also ticked upward, with confidence increasing in the first quarter of 2018.

Figures from Tinsa reveal that the trend has continued into 2018. The price of new and second hand housing was up by 5.4% in the year to April 2018. It is the highest growth rate since Q3 2007, according to Tinsa.

Price growth in the Balearics has been particularly high, at 5.6% in the year to April 2018.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España reports that demand is also strong, with Mallorca properties proving particularly popular.

“We’ve seen some excellent growth in the Spanish property market over the past year, with metropolitan areas and the Balearic and Canary Islands faring particularly well. Not only are prices rising, but also consumer confidence and satisfaction, which is excellent news for the market as a whole.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Customer satisfaction stood at 100% for the most recent month (March 2018) for Taylor Wimpey España’s Balearic properties, having remained well above 95% since late 2017. With resorts such as Marina Golf available, it’s easy to see why. The modern, Mediterranean-style village complex offers three-bedroom homes with south-west-facing private terraces and gardens, all surrounded by some of the islands top golf clubs. A generously proportioned communal pool with solarium area and golf course views, and delightful landscaped gardens, complete the offering. The last homes on the development are now key-ready, with prices starting at €549,000.

Also popular on the island is Acquamarina, a collection of two-bedroom apartments just 1 km from the sea and 6 km from the nearest golf course. Mallorca is a popular destination for golfers as well as for cyclists and, of course, water sports and beach lovers.

Spain’s economy does well from foreign property buyers, who are drawn to locations such as Mallorca for both second homes and primary residences. Visitor numbers were up 6% (to 13.7 million) in the year to March 2018, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The number of foreigners registering with Spain’s social security system was also up, by 8.1% over the course of 2017.

“Spain’s myriad attractions mean that it remains a popular choice for those looking for a better lifestyle, from families with young children to retirees. Brits in particular have a long-standing love of Spain, making up the largest proportion of visitors from any single country and the key buyer group for foreigners purchasing Spanish homes. With price-growth at a ten-year high, we expect 2018 to be a very strong year for the Spanish property market.”

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.

Villajoyosa retains its five Blue Flags to remain a firm Costa Blanca favourite

Villajoyosa retains its five Blue Flags to remain a firm Costa Blanca favourite

by Louise Spain ,
  • Villajoyosa beaches attract tourists from around the world
  • Sunshine, sand and superb chocolate make for a winning combination
  • Taylor Wimpey España down to last few homes for sale at La Vila Paradis, after strong demand

The popular Spanish coastal town of Villajoyosa is celebrating its 3 km of glorious sandy beaches, having retained all five of its Blue Flag awards in 2018. The Varadero, Centro, la Caleta, Paradis and Bol Nou beaches were all singled out by the Association for Environmental Education and the Consumer (ADEAC) for their cleanliness, accessibility, health and safety and lifeguard provision. The news comes amid a record-breaking year for Spain, which saw the country net a global record-breaking 590 Blue Flags in total.

Located on the sunshine-draped Costa Blanca, Villajoyosa is a haven for those who love the beachside lifestyle. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is a vocal advocate of the area, having chosen Villajoyosa as the location for its exclusive La Vila Paradis gated, now key-ready development. The frontline apartments and townhouses enjoy an enviable location, offering direct beach access, in addition to swimming pools, beautiful landscaped gardens and private parking.

“Villajoyosa has so much to offer to both second home owners and those looking to settle in Spain more permanently. The soft white sands that gave the Costa Blanca its name are complemented by a superb climate and a welcoming town environment. Central Alicante is just 20 minutes away, while the airport can be reached in half an hour, meaning that Villajoyosa is easily accessible from the UK.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

As well as proudly flying its five Blue Flags, Villajoyosa also has a reputation as one of Spain’s leading chocolate producers. The town even has its own Chocolate Museum, where visitors can enjoy a fascinating walk through the history of chocolate-making and absorb the wisdom of five generations of master chocolatiers.

In case stunning sandy beaches and some of Spain’s best chocolate aren’t enough, Villajoyosa also enjoys average water temperatures of 24°C during the summer months. The average day rarely dips below 60% sunshine, even over the winter months. In July, 80% of daylight hours are sunny, according to World Weather & Climate Information.

“Villajoyosa’s name literally means ‘joyful town’ in English, which really does sum it up perfectly. Long, sunny days on the beach are the ideal way to work up an appetite before meandering through the town and sampling its excellent restaurants, which showcase seasonal, local specialities. It’s the kind of place that captures both the heart and the imagination, which is why we only have a few properties left for sale here!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The high quality, key ready apartments of La Vila Paradis enjoy exceptional sea views, with balconies, terraces and private gardens providing owners with plenty of space to relax and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Prices start from €269,000 for apartments and €449,000 for townhouses.

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.

Leading global trading platform AxiTrader launches tighter spreads on cash CFDs

Leading global trading platform AxiTrader launches tighter spreads on cash CFDs

by Louise Uncategorized

One of the world’s largest brokers, AxiTrader, has just announced extra tight spreads on cash CFDs, offering one of the most competitive pricing structures in the market.

Contracts for differences (CFDs) allow traders to follow an asset price both up and down, with cash payments used for the differences in settlement, rather than physical goods or securities.

AxiTrader’s UK customers can now take advantage of the low spreads and incredibly competitive financing, which are available for cash CFD trades on the S&P index.

“The S&P can be very volatile, as recent fluctuations have demonstrated. As such, there’s a huge advantage to being able to trade both long and short as a cash CFD – it allows traders to benefit from that volatility. That’s why we felt the time was right to launch our exceptionally competitive cash CFDs offering.”

Louis Cooper, Global Head of Retail Services, AxiTrader

AxiTrader is offering 15 markets with promotional spreads, including the DAX at just 0.6 pips and the UK100 at 0.8 pips. The launch marks one of the lowest spreads that the leading trading platform has ever offered, and one of the most competitive prices on the market.

MT4 Symbol Instrument Description Spread
GER30 Germany 30 cash 0.6
UK100 UK 100 cash 0.8
EU50 EU Stocks 50 cash 1
US30 US 30 cash 1.2
US500 US 500 cash 0.3
FRA40 France 40 cash 0.8
HK50 Hong Kong 50 cash 6
IND50 India 50 cash 5
JPN225 Japan 225 cash 8
SG30 Singapore 30 cash 0.25
USTECH US Tech 100 cash 0.8
UKOIL UK Crude Oil Cash CFD 2.5
USOIL US Crude Oil Cash CFD 2.5
SPI200 Australia 200 cash 0.8
CN50 China 50 cash 10

 

“Cash CFDs are particularly exciting for spread betting, as traders are at present exempt from paying taxes on their profits with these accounts. With some of the lowest financing fees available on the market today, traders are able to enjoy maximum returns from the cash CFDs.”

Louis Cooper, Global Head of Retail Services, AxiTrader

At present, the tighter spreads and ultra-low financing for cash CFD products are available to AxiTrader’s UK customers. The innovative offering means that traders can use CFDs with confidence to make the market work to their advantage, no matter whether prices fluctuate up or down.

For further information, visit www.axitrader.com.

 

Investing in over-the-counter derivatives carries significant risks and is not suitable for all investors. You could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial asset. AxiCorp is not a financial adviser and all services are provided on an execution only basis.

The Santa rally – will Christmas bring even more gifts for Bitcoin traders?

The Santa rally – will Christmas bring even more gifts for Bitcoin traders?

by Louise World
  • December is traditionally one of the best months of the year for shares (Stock Market Almanac)
  • 2015 and 2016 both saw Bitcoin increase in value during December (easyMarkets)
  • CBOE and CME bitcoin future contracts may already have been priced in (easyMarkets)

Not unlike its name sake, there are those who believe in the Santa rally and those who don’t.  The supposed “Santa rally” tends to occur in the last week of December, when the market can see a sudden surge in stock prices. Many have tried to explain this burst of activity in the market. Some put it down to the general cheer of the season, others say its down to tax considerations and individuals investing their Christmas bonuses.

Is the Santa rally real?  Well, Wall Street certainly hopes that people believe it is. However, while many traders believe it to be true, there are others who think it’s just a myth and that it’s just another saying in line with the infamous “Sell in May and go away.”

However, according Stock Market Almanac, December is one of the best months of the year for shares, with the FTSE in particular rising 74% of the time in December since 1970.

Of course, as any analyst worth their weight in gold (which isn’t much these days – have you seen gold prices lately?) would tell you, past performance never guarantees future results.

“When it comes to cryptocurrencies, the question is not only whether you believe in the Santa rally, but also whether it’s something that may have come early this year for those who trade bitcoin. On 1 December, Bitcoin was around $9,867 per coin. At the time of writing, it’s at an incredible $16,526, which is an increase of more than 40%. It certainly looks like Santa has come early this year for Bitcoin traders.”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

While Bitcoin is far too young really to give any hint of a potential Santa rally effect, those looking back to December 2015 will recall that it started the month at around $360 per coin and closed the month out at $418 per coin. It did something similar last December too, opening the month at $725.40 and starting January at $955.90 per coin. On the flip side of the coin (pun intended) you could look back at the end of 2013. In November of that year it went on its first impressive bull run, hitting $1,087, only for it to collapse in December to a low of $384 before closing the month out at $670 due to Chinese regulators’ intervention.

Many are saying this latest bull run is due to the fact that both the CBOE and the CME are launching their bitcoin future contracts. CBOE went live on 10 December, with CME due to follow on 17 December. The fact that these two exchanges have accepted Bitcoin has given further evidence that legitimizing Bitcoin as an investment could be just around the corner.

“When both exchanges go live with their Bitcoin future contracts, it could shower the Bitcoin market with more gifts, pushing it higher to close out a record breaking year. However, could the crypto market react in the same way as the forex market sometime does and “buy the rumour and sell the fact,” essentially dropping Bitcoin when this happens? Also, how will the Bitcoin market react with the opportunity for future traders to short their Bitcoin contracts on these exchanges?”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

Nobody could really have predicted what has happened to Bitcoin in 2017. Only time will tell how it will bow the year out. However, December’s run so far is nothing short of spectacular.

It may well be that eventually this bubble will burst. The recent rush into the market has been by those looking to profit and not to use Bitcoin for what it was designed for. When the time comes to cash out, there may be issues with getting it exchanged back to a physical currency and maybe even with banks accepting the transfer.

For now, Bitcoin continues to enjoy its run. Let’s just hope for those bitcoin traders out there that when it comes to the final week of December, the crypto market isn’t overly stuffed on its own indulgence.

 

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