Fastighetsbyrån launches Facebook Live streamed Spanish open house viewings to international buyers

Fastighetsbyrån launches Facebook Live streamed Spanish open house viewings to international buyers

by Louise Spain
  • First Fastighetsbyrån Facebook Live to take place on Sunday 1 May 2016
  • Previous Periscope open house streaming attracted 1,300 viewers
  • British buyers now accounting for 21.3% of Spanish market (Registradores)

Buying a property overseas can be a costly business when it comes to viewing trips, but Fastighetsbyrån, the leading Swedish real estate agent in Spain, has the solution: live open houses via Facebook.

Facebook’s new live streaming service means that prospective buyers can view open houses from the comfort of their armchairs, wherever in the world those may be – all they need is an internet connection. Those participating in the streamed open house events can also ask questions and interact in real time with the estate agent.

In order to reach as many prospective buyers as possible, Fastighetsbyrån will be broadcasting three viewings as a Facebook live stream: one in Swedish, one in Spanish and one in English on Sunday 1st May 2016. Viewers can tour the open house and interact with the estate agent by making comments and suggestions and asking questions as they look around.

Fastighetsbyrån is Sweden’s biggest real estate agent, and the leading Swedish real estate agent operating in Spain, with offices in fourteen locations. The majority of the company’s customers come from Nordic countries, but a more international clientele is steadily building. British citizens are the biggest group of foreign buyers in Spain, accounting for 21.3% of the market according to March 2016 data from the Registration Authority, Registradores. And thanks to the strength of the British pound right now, the number of buyers is sharply on the rise.

Fastighetsbyrån’s live viewings will take place on Sunday 1st May 2016, at an exclusive apartment north of San Pedro, just outside Marbella.

Live viewing has huge potential when it comes to the overseas real estate sector. For buyers, it offers the chance to get up close and personal with properties in a way that they could only previously have done by forking out for an airfare and at least one night’s hotel accommodation. For vendors, it vastly increases the potential viewers for each property, making a sale more likely to happen fast and at a good price.

Live streamed viewings provide an honest, unedited picture of the property, as well as allowing for real time interaction.

Daniel Nilsson, Head of Fastighetsbyrån in Spain, comments,

“Digital house viewings can’t quite replace the experience of a real visit, but they do allow potential buyers to attain vastly more information than they can glean from an information pack and a handful of still photographs. They can ask questions of the agent based on what they see, probe into the property as deeply as they wish and then have the comfort of home turf while they mull over what they have seen and make a decision on it.”

During the three broadcasts to be presented by Fastighetsbyrån, the estate agent will talk about the area, show the apartment, answer questions and cover important points about buying property in Spain.

The apartment being broadcast is situated north of the charming community of San Pedro, just outside of Marbella, in a small complex of just 35 apartments. The apartments enjoy two or three bedrooms, balconies or terraces, fantastic ocean views and a communal pool area. Nearby there is a large range of restaurants, bars, shops and golf courses.

“It is a stunning apartment in an attractive area that has broad appeal,” says Pontus Ölander, estate agent at Fastighetsbyrån in Marbella, and host of the upcoming broadcast. “I hope many people will watch the open house viewing, and take the opportunity to ask questions about the property itself and also the market more generally, both in this area and Spain as a whole.”

Fastighetsbyrån has previously held a live broadcast of an open house in the Åre ski area of Northern Sweden using the Periscope app. The successful viewing was seen by more than 1,300 people. Now the company is using Facebook Live to take the concept to Spain and reach even more viewers.

The San Pedro broadcasts on 1st May 2016 will include: 11:00 UTC/12:00 GMT in Swedish, 11:30 UTC/12:30 GMT in Spanish and 12:00 UTC/13:00 GMT in English. Those interested can click here to register for the viewing in English: https://www.facebook.com/events/1909102805983055/

 

For more information contact Daniel Nilsson, CEO Fastighetsbyrån Overseas on +34 617 343 846 or daniel.nilsson@fastighetsbyran.se. Press Officer Johan Vesterberg is also available, on +46 (0)8-54 54 55 28, +46 (0)708-20 44 34 or johan.vesterberg@fastighetsbyran.se.  

Read more about Fastighetsbyrån in Spain here: www.fastighetsbyran.se/utland

Fastighetsbyrån is part of the Swedbank group and has approximately 1,500 employees across 250 offices around Sweden. Outside of Sweden, Fastighetsbyrån has around 130 employees across 18 locations in Spain and Portugal.

Visitor numbers rocket as the Canaries find favour with holiday home buyers

Visitor numbers rocket as the Canaries find favour with holiday home buyers

by Louise Spain
  • Bookings to the Canary Islands up 72% (Holiday Hypermarket)
  • Foreign buyers account for 30% of sales in Canary Islands (Ministry of Development)
  • Canary Islands are officially the sunniest place in Europe (Holiday Weather)
  • 2 bed Tenerife apartment with pool just €54,500 (Kyero.com)

The Canaries are currently enjoying a bumper winter season. According to Trivago, hotel searches for Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, are up 95% compared with the previous year, earning the destination the fifth place on the company’s list of up and coming destinations for 2016. Meanwhile, Holiday Hypermarket has revealed that bookings for the Canary Islands as a whole have risen 72% year on year.

Just four and a half hours from the UK by plane, the Canaries offer a sun-kissed paradise for holidaymakers looking to escape the gloom of the UK weather. In fact, according to Holiday Weather, the Canary Islands are the sunniest and lightest part of Europe, enjoying 3,000 hours of sunshine and 4,800 of daylight per year. Perfect for beating those winter blues!

The clear blue skies and golden sands make the islands popular with second home buyers, but the Canaries’ idyllic setting is not just down to nature as Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, explains,

“The Canaries are known for offering some of the clearest skies in the world, with thermal inversion and trade winds deterring cloud formation, but that’s not the only reason that visitors can enjoy such open blue skies. The Law for the Protection of the Astronomical Quality for the Conservatives of the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute controls a number of factors, including light pollution and flight routes. The result is a huge expanse of deep blue sky, which is best enjoyed from the comfort of a sun lounger, with an ice cold drink in hand.”

Is a scenario that works well for UK holiday home buyers, who have for decades had a soft spot for the sun-drenched shores of the Canaries. While international buyers account for 18.41% of all property purchases in Spain as a whole, according to the Ministry of Development (Q3 2015), in the Canary Islands the figure rises to 29.77%.

Property prices in Santa Cruz de Tenerife rose by 7.56% in the year to October 2015, according to the Kyero.com portal, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the rise has been much more pronounced, shooting up by 26.09% over the course of the year.

A two bedroom apartment with pool in Gran Canaria will now set buyers back anything from €83,000. Though it’s still not a lot, particularly compared with the price of UK property, the increase in demand over the past year has certainly had an impact. Meanwhile an equivalent two bedroom apartment with pool in Tenerife can cost from as little as €54,500 – just shy of £40,000 based on the exchange rate at the time of writing.

Kyero.com’s Martin Dell comments,

“Both Gran Canaria and Tenerife offer excellent value for money. Tenerife has the edge at the moment, with prices there lagging a little behind Gran Canaria. Tenerife could make a great spot for holiday home buyers looking for a place in the sun that also has the potential to gain in value over the next year or two.”

For further details on properties to rent and buy across the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, visit www.kyero.com. For the latest data on the state of the Spanish property market, visit https://data.kyero.com.

2016 – The year of the pound

2016 – The year of the pound

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Early 2016 may see the pound strengthen against the euro
  • The pound may gain strength against the dollar in the latter half of the year
  • Even Brexit wobbles won’t stop the pound from having a great 2016

One way or another, 2016 is going to be an interesting year for forex trading. Every year, forex trading software becomes more advanced as developers and programmers push technology to its limits in their pursuit of the ultimate trading platform. 2016 is going to be no exception, with even more advanced forex trading software coming onto the market over the course of the year.

It’s going to be an interesting year due to changes to forex trading laws as well. Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easy-forex, comments,

“We’re likely to see a number of countries change their forex laws this year as a result of the disastrous effects that the de-pegging action of the Swiss National Bank had on forex companies and traders.

“We will also see Russia’s forex bill fully kick in, which will be the first time that a standard regulatory protocol has been in place for the forex market in Russia. Other countries will be tightening up their forex trading laws during 2016 and the Bank of England’s Fair and Effective Markets report is set for full implementation. All in all, it’s going to be a busy year, and that’s before we’ve even looked at individual currencies and the global events likely to affect them!”

One currency that looks set to enjoy a good year in 2016 may be the pound. Certainly against the euro it should go from strength to strength in the early part of the year, with the European Central Bank looking likely to devalue the euro in order to generate inflation.

At the same time, the UK economy is looking the healthiest it’s been since pre-crisis times. Unemployment is low and wages are on the up. However inflation is still low and that is not helping sterling right now.

Two big factors will come into play for the pound in 2016 – divergent central bank policies and EU membership. Traditionally when the Fed raises rates, the Bank of England is not far behind, though Governor Mark Carney has stressed that is unlikely in the coming year.

The other big influence may be the vote on the UK’s future in Europe, which will take place in 2016 or 2017. Many companies are apprehensive about the outcome and the pound is likely to suffer in the short-term as a result.

However, the latter part of the year may see the pound rally against the US dollar. While the dollar will enjoy a strong start to 2016, the pound may make a turnaround against it as the months pass.

All in all, despite the potential Brexit wobbles, 2016 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the British pound.

For further details visit www.easy-forex.com, email pr@easy-forex.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

 

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

 

 

 

 

16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016

16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016

by Louise Portugal Spain United States
  • Fall for an area, not an individual home
  • Know what you want BEFORE you visit
  • Think about what you will want in the future, as well as what you want now

The arrival of New Year provides a chance to take stock, make plans and look to the future with a positive frame of mind. For many, this will include the excitement of finally planning to buy their dream home overseas, providing the perfect antidote to the months of grey, chilly weather on offer in the UK.

Whether it’s a detached villa with pool on Disney’s doorstep in Florida, a stylish apartment close to the beach in Spain or a perfectly located country retreat in Portugal, the overseas property market is awash with great value properties for those who know where to look.

Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes International, comments,

“We’re predicting great things for the overseas property market in 2016, with Spain and Portugal, the US and Cyprus all appealing in unique ways to buyers from the UK. We would always advise buyers to be cautious though, particularly if they haven’t bought overseas before – it’s really important to do your homework and buy through a trusted and reputable company.”

In that vein, Chris and his team have put together their 16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016, to help buyers turn their dreams into reality.

The Ideal Homes International 16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016

  1. Investigate on the internet – research potential areas thoroughly, rather than individual properties. Find out about local amenities, from beaches to restaurants, based on your priorities. Think about how those priorities may change in the future as well – a holiday home bought this year could serve as a retirement pad later on, so what facilities would you want on hand then? Don’t fall in love with a particular property until you know the location is right for you!
  2. Use an agent with form – opt for an organisation with a good track record. Make sure they have been in business for some time and have a long list of satisfied customers happy to speak about their experiences.
  3. Budget carefully – buying overseas isn’t just about the property price. Be aware of the buying costs like fees and local taxes. These can vary hugely from country to country, so do your research and budget accordingly.
  4. Plan a trip – once you’ve identified the places you like on the internet, hop on a plane and check them out for yourself. You will quickly be able to get a feel for whether or not a place is right for you and a few hundred pounds invested at this stage can serve extremely well when it comes to finding the perfect location for your new home overseas.
  5. Know what you want BEFORE you visit – think about how many bedrooms you need, whether proximity to the beach or a local golf course is important to you, whether you simply must have your own pool and whether the local supermarket can be reached on foot or by car. Whatever your preferences, have them firmly fixed in mind before you visit – and be sure that your agent understands them too. This will ensure that he/she is able to show you properties that perfectly suit your requirements and avoid wasting time spent touring unsuitable homes.
  6. Think about the journey – work out the journey from your current home to the area in which you plan to purchase. What are the flight times and costs like? Is there just one airline that flies into the local airport or several? Can you hire a car easily upon arrival if you need to? These factors will impact on how relaxed you are by the time you arrive at your overseas property each and every time you visit, so think the journey through in detail.
  7. Find a reputable lawyer – this is one of the most important elements of buying a second home overseas. A good agent should be able to recommend a reputable lawyer, or you can do your own research on the internet and by speaking to others who have bought property in the area. Chat on the phone with the lawyer and meet him or her when you visit – test their knowledge and be sure to choose someone you are comfortable with.
  8. Think about money matters – once you’ve bought your property, you will need to get money out to that country regularly in order to pay bills, take care of maintenance issues and so forth. Look at what you need to do to set up a local bank account and plan to do this as early as possible in the process. Bear in mind that many overseas banks also have a branch in London where you can take care of some of the initial paperwork should you need to do so.
  9. Remember the insurance – before you commit to purchasing a property, check that it is insurable and at a reasonable rate. If the area that you like the look of is prone to flooding or sink holes then it might be time to look elsewhere.
  10. Ask about hidden requirements – speak to your agent and conduct your own research online to ensure that you know everything you need to. In Portugal, for example, you need a fiscal number in order to purchase a property. You can get one quickly and easily from the local Finanças department for a small fee – or you can appoint a lawyer to take care of this on your behalf.
  11. Consider other significant expenses – what other expenses might your property purchase give rise to? One of the most commonly overlooked items is the need for a car, so think about whether you can access your new home on public transport, whether you will pay for a hire car each time or whether you would prefer to purchase a car of your own overseas.
  12. Is the property just for you? – if you plan to rent your property out as well as using it yourself then be sure that it appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers. Neutral décor and access to a pool can make a big difference to the number of people choosing your holiday home over another one.
  13. Speak to the experts – join some online forums and Facebook groups and chat to those who have already purchased in the area you like. Even better, find people who have moved fulltime and benefit from their experiences of local life.
  14. Know the market – understand price trends in the country and region you like in order to know whether or not your expectations are realistic based on your budget. Knowledge of local prices will also help you to gauge whether you are paying over the odds or picking up a real bargain.
  15. Think about maintenance – unless you are planning a permanent move, you will need to consider how best to maintain your property from afar. An isolated villa might be your dream holiday home, but an apartment on a managed condominium might present far fewer headaches in terms of regular maintenance, particularly if you plan to rent it out as well as use it yourself.
  16. Use an agent who does it all – find an agent you trust and who can offer you the whole package. They will be able to support you with every step of the process, from finding a reputable lawyer to arranging an inspection trip. This can often be by far the quickest and cheapest approach – and also the least hassle!

For further details call Ideal Homes International on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email info@idealhomesinternational.co.uk or visit www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk.

Why Berlin is Europe’s best bet

Why Berlin is Europe’s best bet

by Louise Germany
  • Prime residential real estate prices up 9% in Berlin (Knight Frank)
  • Berlin population increases by 1.5% in 2 years (Economist)
  • 40k new companies per year founded in Berlin (CBRE)

The largest national economy in Europe, Germany ranks 16th in the world in the 2015 Index of Economic Freedom, which considers matters such as fiscal freedom, government spending and investment freedom. Germany’s highest scores in the ranking were for property rights and investment freedom. Combined with a booming property market, swift growth in cities such as Berlin and intense demand for rental accommodation, this is serving to make buy-to-let investments in Germany some of the most exciting in Europe.

According to the Knight Frank Prime International Residential Index (PIRI), city markets are performing so well of late that they have even outperformed second home sun and ski destinations. The PIRI tracks annual price changes in 100 city and second home locations and found that Germany’s leading cities were enjoying significant prime residential real estate price rises, with Berlin at 9%, Munich at 8% and Frankfurt at 7.5%.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading property investment specialists Property Frontiers, explains,

“Germany has long been a nation of renters, with low rents creating some fantastic city communities. Berlin, in particular, is known for its vibrant neighbourhoods packed with artists, students and hip, young professionals. Of late though, low interest rates across Europe have encouraged Germans to turn to property as a more profitable alternative to savings accounts. With interest from international investors picking up as well, rents are on the rise and the buy-to-let market has become increasingly appealing.”

Against a background of rising property prices (the Economist reported an increase of 20.3% in Germany in the five years to Q4 2014), Berlin has experienced rapid population growth. Its population grew by 1.5% between 2011 and 2013, to 3.422 million. In 2013, a further 50,000 new residents arrived in the city.

New arrivals are flocking to districts within the S-Bahn urban railway catchment area, avoiding the centre in order to balance rent levels with better availability of residential space. Steglitz-Zehlendorf is a prime example. Home to one of Berlin’s most attractive commercial districts, Schlossstrase, which is packed with shops and restaurants, the green and leafy neighbourhood is drawing in wealthy professionals and well-to-do families looking to rent high quality homes.

It is also home to Stadtpark Steglitz, a contemporary development of stylish apartments named after the 17 hectare city park of the same name, which is one of the area’s most attractive features. The development is spread across three buildings (one refurbished and two newly built) and includes apartments ranging from studios to three bedrooms. Prices start from €109,600, with gross yields up to 5.6%.

According to the CBRE/Berlin Hyp Housing Market Report Berlin 2015, the employment market and incomes in Berlin are growing in tandem with the city’s economy. Berlin Hyp AG management board member Gero Bergmann succinctly sums up the city’s current position,

“All in all, Berlin is one of the most exciting and, in many respects, most promising locations in Europe.”

Woven through the city’s economic success are strong industrial and entrepreneurial strands. Industrialists accounted for 105,000 of Berlin’s jobs while 40,000 new companies are founded there per year, according to the CBRE.

Over the past decade, Berlin has transformed from one of Germany’s worst-performing regions to its most exciting success story. Economic growth is continuing to draw in new residents with a hunger for a bright future from across the country, and indeed from other countries too. Berlin’s time is now and savvy property investors are queuing up to be a part of its future.

As the Telegraph recently concluded,

“Berlin is a ‘no-brainer’ for British property buyers.”

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

 

The world wants Le Marche! Property enquiries for Italian province surge by 92%

The world wants Le Marche! Property enquiries for Italian province surge by 92%

by Louise Italy
  • 7% of enquiries from UK and US locations (Gate-Away)
  • 7% of buyers looking to spend less than €100k (Gate-Away)
  • 3 bed, 3 bath Le Marche townhouse with 50 ft roof terrace for £75k (Appassionata)

New data from the Italian property portal Gate-Away.com has revealed a 92% surge in enquiries for property in the central Le Marche region, the unspoiled Italian location that is a hit with visitors from around the world. The H1 2015 enquiry figure was 92% higher than that of H1 2014 and meant that Le Marche accounted for 6% of overall requests.

“Le Marche has it all,” comments local resident Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of luxury holiday home company Appassionata. “The beaches are just beautiful, the local food and wine are excellent and we have miles upon miles of rolling countryside. It’s a peaceful place. Somewhere that you can lose yourself for hours gazing at the scenery or the shifting light as dusk falls across the hills while you dine on an outdoor roof terrace.”

Dawn is one of a growing number of Brits to have lost her heart to Le Marche. She moved there with her family in 2007 and is now helping others to follow their own Italian dream through her luxury fractional ownership business. Owners buy a one tenth share in a property, which they can use exclusively for five weeks per year. For many owners, it is not just a purchase for themselves, but a legacy for their children.

US buyers are also increasingly enchanted by Le Marche. According to the Gate-Away figures, 18.2% of enquiries into Le Marche homes in H1 2015 came from the UK and 14.5% from the US. Homes between €100,000 and €250,000 accounted for the lion’s share of enquiries, at 30.4%, but homes under €100,000 came a close second, with 29.7%.

The figure adds weight to the fractional ownership model that the Appassionata team is operating. Owners get to enjoy a luxurious holiday home that is far larger than they could afford to buy outright, at an affordable cost. They do so without having to worry about upkeep, maintenance or cleaning – every time they arrive to use their Le Marche home, they simply have to unpack their cases and begin enjoying their holiday.

The three bedroom, three bathroom Casa Tre Archi is the third of Appassionata’s fractional holiday homes and is already proving popular. The townhouse follows on from the success of the two countryside properties that were Appassionata’s original Le Marche project.

Casa Tre Archi is beautifully located for those looking to enjoy authentic Italian small town life, while also affording fantastic views from its multiple outdoor spaces, which include a 50 foot roof terrace. It is just the kind of location that Walter Di Martino, Head of Communications at Gate-Away.com, has flagged up as being sought-after by buyers from overseas. He comments,

“Non-Italians are particularly enamoured with the countryside of Le Marche region. As a matter of fact its hinterland, only 10-15km from the coastline, is the most sought-after to the point that we received more requests for this area than for properties in sea resorts. Generally speaking, small towns rising along the coast are more alluring than the bigger tourist city centres of the Riviera. The most picturesque hamlets, which dot the region, are among the most coveted overall.”

It is in just such an area as this that Appassionata’s next luxury holiday home will be awaited. Dawn is keeping details firmly under wraps at the moment, though she did reveal that it will be many months before the tumbledown building has been sufficiently nurtured for its details to be shared with the wider world. For those who cannot wait, inspection trips to Casa Tre Archi can be arranged directly with Appassionata, so buyers who want to be part of Le Marche’s rise to international fame can get in ahead of the crowds.

For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.

More flights, more people and more second home sales mean higher prices on Mallorca

by Louise Spain ,
  • Balearic Islands attract 18% of all Spanish holidaymakers (HomeAway)
  • Passenger numbers at Palma Airport up 2.9%in H1 2015
  • Five new weekly flights to Palma from the UK from spring 2016 (Jet2)

Spain’s Balearic Islands are one of Europe’s most attractive and loved summer sun destinations. Holidaymakers from mainland Spain, along with the UK, Germany and Italy flock to the islands every year, craving their perfect balance of sun, sea and sandy beaches. Amongst Spanish residents, the Balearics come second only to Andalusia in terms of popular tourism destinations, accounting for 18% of total bookings according to HomeAway figures.

The principle island of Mallorca saw 9.54 million visitors arrive through Palma Airport during H1 2015, an increase of 2.9% over the same period last year. Both April and May saw passenger numbers reach record levels. The figures are good news for the island’s property market, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“More visitors arriving in Mallorca has had a positive impact on the island’s economy and has pushed up demand for second homes, with many of those who visit – myself included – falling in love with Mallorca almost on first sight.”

Marc was an early advocate of island life, moving to Mallorca back in 1989. Since then, the island has changed dramatically, yet has still retained its essential charm and stunning, unspoiled vistas, from pristine beaches to steep, rocky mountains.

Now, with more visitors and holiday home sales booming, Mallorca is enjoying property prices rises of up to 10-15% in some locations, according to one local estate agency. Apartments with outdoor space in good locations are the properties most in demand, advises Marc Pritchard,

“Buyers want to enjoy the sunshine at home, as well as at the beach, so homes with well appointed terraces that offer space for sunbathing or for outdoor dining sell particularly well.”

Two of Taylor Wimpey España’s most popular developments on the island are Cala Magrana III and Cala Anguila II. Both enjoy extensive grounds, with lush landscaping and large shared pools. Individual apartments all have generous terraces and well considered views, in addition to high spec interiors. Prices start from €220,000 at Cala Magrana III and from €230,000 at Cala Anguila II.

For second home owners from the UK, access to Mallorca is set to get even easier from 2016 onward, with British airline Jet2 opening a new line between Manchester and Palma from February 2016, with up to three flights per week, and between Edinburgh and Palma, with two flights per week from March. Jet2’s Steve Heapy has commented that the flights should help to combat tourism seasonality and holiday home owners will certainly want to take advantage of this, as part of the joy of owning a second home on Mallorca is the ability to enjoy the island not just during the peak of summer but also earlier and later in the year when the masses have headed home.

So, will the new flights contribute to further price increases on the island, as demand continues to soar?

“It’s certainly possible,” concludes Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard. “Mallorca has proven itself to be an enduringly popular location over the years and demand for high quality properties here is high right now. If demand continues at this level I think we can look forward to prices continuing to rise over the months and years ahead.”

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

Liverpool set to be HS3’s greatest beneficiary

Liverpool set to be HS3’s greatest beneficiary

by Louise United Kingdom
  • HS3 to result in 36% fall in Liverpool unemployment by 2030 (JLL)
  • 82% of Liverpool businesses foresee economic growth over next 5 years (Liverpool Business Survey)
  • L1 buy-to-let apartments available from just £68,198 (Property Frontiers)

The Northern Powerhouse report, launched by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin last week, represents the most exciting thing to have happened to the north of England’s railways in decades and analysis from JLL has shown that Liverpool looks set to be its greatest beneficiary.

Looking ahead as far as 2030, the JLL report has projected that unemployment in Liverpool will fall by 36% as a result of the planned HS3 rail network, which will stretch across the Pennines and connect the cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Newcastle. Speeds of up to 140 mph mean that travellers could be whisked from Liverpool to Manchester in as little as 20 minutes.

The impact on Liverpool’s unemployment rate is the most dramatic drop of any of the cities to be connected by the HS3 line, but the good news doesn’t end there. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is also set to improve its travel offering, with plans for a hub link to Heathrow under consideration. If they go ahead, the plans would mean that business and leisure passengers could benefit from access to global flights through Heathrow, with a huge boost to Liverpool’s economy anticipated as a result.

With economic growth being a key driver of a robust property market, the transportation plans are excellent news for Liverpool’s accommodation sector, as Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, explains,

“Liverpool is one of the most exciting cities in the north in terms of property investment right now. With the HS3 rail network plans and the hub link between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and London Heathrow, Liverpool is facing increased employment and enhanced prosperity. These factors lead to greater demand for premium housing, so now is the perfect time to invest.”

High end apartments such as those at Parker Street are particularly popular with buy-to-let investors looking for the optimum combination of sought after, city centre location and healthy yield. The high spec studios and one bedroom apartments are available from £68,198, with 8% NET yield for cash buyers. Their L1 location ensures that tenant demand is strong and that rental income is thus at a premium rate.

Liverpool has already enjoyed the impact of some transportation infrastructure improvements, with the initial part of the refurbishment of Merseyrail’s five underground loop line stations already complete. The final station to be refurbished, Moorfields, will see work start next month, with the £8 million work completing the overall £40 million of the network’s upgrade.

Improving infrastructure and brightening economic prospects have served to make Liverpool’s businesses much happier and more confident over the past year. The 2014/2015 Liverpool Business Survey found that 76% of businesses scored Liverpool either four or five out of five, with 82% predicting economic growth over the next five years.

Of course, happy companies mean happy workers and happy workers demand high quality accommodation. Thankfully, with developments such as Parker Street bringing in investment and driving up standards in the private rented sector, that is just what Liverpool’s residents are going to get.

For further details, visit www.propertyfrontiers.com or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Spanish mortgage market heats up, with ‘unprecedented’ opportunities for overseas buyers

Spanish mortgage market heats up, with ‘unprecedented’ opportunities for overseas buyers

by Louise Spain
  • New mortgages up 1.6% in 2014 (Spanish National Statistics Institute)
  • Variable rate mortgages trump fixed rates in Spain, with more than 2% difference (Mortgage Direct)
  • Leading portal Kyero.com now lists upwards of 200k properties

New mortgages for Spanish homes rose by 1.6% in volume in 2014, according to data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute, as the market heats up nicely in the wake of an influx of capital from overseas buyers looking to pick up a holiday home at rock bottom price. Both domestic and non-resident buyers are benefitting, as Mortgage Direct’s Kevin Monger observes,

“The market is definitely heating up. Banks are very keen to lend, so inevitably they have become more flexible and are offering better conditions. The conditions we can offer our non-resident clients are now quite similar to those we can offer to Spanish residents/nationals, which is unprecedented in our experience.”

This eagerness to lend – and to clear distressed properties from their books – has seen one bank offering 100% mortgages for new properties, with an additional cashback option of up to 13%. Variable rate mortgages are de rigueur in Spain, with over 95% of customers opting for them, according to Mortgage Direct. While fixed rate mortgages are popular in countries such as the UK, in Spain they remain largely uncompetitive with variable rate options, which tend to offer rates of at least 2% lower.

With overseas buyers included in those able to benefit from mortgages available in Spain, the options facing would-be holiday home owners have improved dramatically over the past year. Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which now lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, comments,

“As well as the traditional British market, Spain is also attracting buyers from an increasing number of French speaking countries, as well as further afield. It is a perennially popular country, offering an excellent cuisine, welcoming climate and some of Europe’s most delightful architecture. Second home owners look to Spain for everything from exquisite city apartments in the finest locations to luxury island villas with unrivalled sea views.”

Many buyers are specific in their mortgage requirements, as Kevin Monger points out,

“We do notice that a lot of clients from France and French-speakers from Belgium and Switzerland ask about fixed rates and interest rate caps. Fixed rate mortgages are more prevalent in these countries compared to Spain.”

However, just because they are technically available to foreign buyers doesn’t necessarily mean that those buyers are in for an easy time when it comes to obtaining a Spanish mortgage. Many mortgages for non-residents are complex and time-consuming to apply for and their conditions may change over the lifetime of the mortgage.

“Be sure to consider a range of borrowing options before you commit to buy,” suggests Kyero’s Martin Dell. “Think through the advantages of obtaining a mortgage in your own country as well as those of a mortgage here in Spain. Fixed rate mortgages in Spain, for example, are less attractive for many overseas buyers than they are for Spanish nationals. They are also less attractive than variable rate mortgages, so borrowers need to consider their interest rates carefully and ensure that they shop around for the right mortgage product. Once that part is sorted out, all they need to do is shop around on Kyero for the perfect holiday home in the Spanish sunshine!”

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

Marbella leads Spanish property market recovery, with sales up 28% in the past year

Marbella leads Spanish property market recovery, with sales up 28% in the past year

by Louise Spain
  • Property transactions in Marbella up by 28% (National Statistics Institute)
  • City’s longest established real estate agency, Panorama, celebrates 45th anniversary
  • Marbella sales increasing faster than any other area (Ministry of Development)

Newly released figures from the Spanish National Statistics Institute have shown that the exclusive Costa del Sol resort of Marbella is leading the country’s property market recovery, with sales increasing by 28% in 2014. The increase means that property sales in Marbella are now 12% higher than their 2007 peak. In fact, figures from the Ministry of Development show that sales in Marbella have increased faster than in any other city over the last year.

The new figures mark the third year of growth for Marbella, delighting the city’s property sector professionals, workers and business owners in this quality resort area, and leaving the crisis firmly behind. Christopher Clover, Managing Director of Panorama Properties Marbella, the area’s longest established real estate agency, comments,

“We’ve had a busy three years and it has been gratifying to see the property market pick up so swiftly, just as we projected it would. Marbella’s charms are plentiful. The coastline in the region is simply stunning and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the town offers something for everyone. The streets of the old town provide a real flavour of the true Spanish style of architecture, intermingled with tiny shops and restaurants whose exteriors are covered with blossoming Bougainvillea throughout the summer months.”

Despite its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous (George Clooney is rumoured to have purchased a home there last year), Marbella has retained a sense of family values that make it a popular holiday spot for those with young children, as well as older age groups. It is these family values that have helped Panorama to weather the Spanish recession so well and to this year enjoy celebrating its 45th year of selling fabulous properties in the Costa del Sol’s most attractive city.

The agency specialises in providing exceptional properties in this exclusive location. From a brand new mansion with sea views and pool on Marbella’s sought-after golden mile to an ultra luxe contemporary townhouse that is perfect for access to the city’s plethora of shops and restaurants, the theme of Panorama’s properties is one of unique elegance. Christopher Clover adds,

“Marbella is one of the Mediterranean coastline’s most desirable cities when it comes to owning a second home or a retirement property, as it’s great year-round weather provide it with a 12 month season. Demand is strong, especially from buyers living outside of Spain. British buyers adore the resort and we see a lot of buyers from Scandinavia, Germany, France and all of the European countries. Marbella really does have everything that the perfect vacation resort needs, making it the ideal place for buyers to own their dream second home.”

As well as its stunning scenery, fantastic weather and gourmet restaurants, the city enjoys easy access to a range of the Costa del Sol’s attractions. High end golf resorts, the ‘white village’ of Mijas and the beautiful Benahavis Mountains are all readily available, while those who prefer to simply soak up the sun can enjoy the area’s golden sands and warm sea.

With such attractions to offer, it is clear to see why Marbella’s resounding popularity has lead to property transactions there increasing faster than in any other region.

“It gives us double cause for celebration,” Clover concludes. “Not only is Panorama able to celebrate its 45th anniversary this year, but Marbella has once again shown that it is the most sought-after location in the whole of Spain. With so much going for it, I am sure that Panorama will still be going strong here in another 45 years’ time.”

For more information, visit www.panorama.es, email info@panorama.es or call (+34) 952 863 750.