New coastal train set to open up Costa Blanca, bringing joy to property owners across the region

New coastal train set to open up Costa Blanca, bringing joy to property owners across the region

by Louise Spain
  • New rail route being considered for Alicante region
  • Tren de la Costa will cost €955 million
  • Townhouses on the Costa Blanca available from €145,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

It is common knowledge that when the crisis struck, builders across Spain downed tools, leaving the country with a swathe of unfinished housing. But it wasn’t just developers who paused in their endeavours – infrastructure projects also suffered.

Now, with more positive economic times on the horizon, one such project is being revisited by the Spanish government. The ‘Tren de la Costa’ investment program would see rail network expansion throughout the Costa Blanca, enhancing the area’s accessibility even further. Though the plans were paused during the crisis, work was still going on in the background, with the total cost of the project being reduced significantly from €1.3 billion to €955 million.

The four phases of the Tren de la Costa would revolutionise the Costa Blanca’s rail network and make transportation from Alicante-Elche airport across the province easier and faster. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of one of the homebuilders who did carry on successfully building throughout Spain’s recession, Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“At the moment we see a lot of travellers who fly into Alicante using hire cars to explore the region. While that is a great way to see this beautiful area, not all holidaymakers want the expense and hassle of hiring a vehicle as part of their time away, so the proposed railway plans are excellent news for the Alicante region.”

Taylor Wimpey España has a number of extremely popular developments in the Costa Blanca. All but three of its luxurious townhouses at Montesol have sold, while only two remain available at nearby Calpesol. Prices are from €249,000 and €179,500 respectively.

Those looking for key ready properties will be delighted with the stunning, south facing townhouses at Brisas de Alenda Golf, where prices start at €145,000. As well as boasting frontline golf properties, the site features private gardens, a generously proportioned communal swimming pool and is only 15 minutes from the golden sands for which Alicante is famous. The townhouses are spread across two floors and include generous terraces and gardens perfect for outdoor living. Stunning views over the golf course and the Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains complete the idyllic atmosphere.

The presence of the proposed rail route is tipped to impact positively on property prices in the Alicante region and those looking to buy there are keeping a close eye on the local news for further developments. The work will also see parts of the tram network modernised, as well as improvements to existing single line rail routes.

While approval of the scheme is still some way off, the fact that it is being considered is a positive step forward for Spain as it continues down the road of economic recovery.

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.

Grenada and China celebrate 10 years of diplomatic relations as the Spice Island looks to the East for investment

Grenada and China celebrate 10 years of diplomatic relations as the Spice Island looks to the East for investment

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Less than 1% of tourists in Grenada are Chinese (United Damei Group)
  • Grenada and China mark 10 years of resumed diplomatic relations
  • Property investment on the ‘Spice Island’ from $77,500 deposit (Property Frontiers)

This April, Grenada and China will celebrate ten years of resumed diplomatic relations, yet Grenada remains a largely undiscovered gem by Chinese travellers. Now, the Spice Island is looking to tap into the Chinese tourism market as well as bringing investors into the fold.

A Caribbean gem

Grenada is one of the Caribbean’s most stunning destinations, with powder-soft white sand, clear crystal waters and a fantastic climate. The island has a reputation as a luxury retreat for travellers looking to experience the exclusivity of the Caribbean in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Its visitors hail mainly from Europe, the US and Canada. Indeed, Leo Qin of United Damei Group observes,

“Presently, over 90% of tourists in Grenada are from Europe, America and Canada. We realised that less than 1% of the Chinese market knows about Grenada. China is a tremendous and fast-growing market. With developments between China and Grenada expected in the future, China will be our biggest tourism export market.”

From tourists to investors

But it is not just Chinese tourists that Grenada is seeking, explains Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers,

“As such a fantastic holiday destination, Grenada offers some excellent resort investment opportunities and many Chinese investors are just beginning to look to the Caribbean and discover the potential there.”

Withers cites Bacolet Bay as the perfect example of an investment opportunity on the Spice Island. The five star sea view Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay are attracting investors with deposits from as little as $77,500 and an average projected NET yield per annum of 10.5%.

The Cinnamon Suites offer a triple incentive to wealthy Chinese investors. Not only do they offer excellent yields, but investors can enjoy four weeks’ personal usage, including one week during high season. Additionally, Grenada resurrected its citizenship by investment law in 2013, with citizenship available to those investing $500,000 or more in real estate.

“Grenada really does offer everything to investors,” continues Property Frontiers’ Ray Withers, “And Bacolet Bay in particular is an attractive prospect. The fact that investors can enjoy the property themselves is a fantastic lifestyle benefit, which coupled with the impressive projected yield makes this a lovely opportunity for those looking to be part of the luxury Caribbean travel market.”

Grenada will be represented at IT&CM China 2015 in order to raise its profile as a tourism and investment destination. With so much going for it, it will be interesting to see how such a move will impact on the Spice Island’s visitor demographic over the years ahead.

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

How to profit from a holiday rental in 5 simple steps

How to profit from a holiday rental in 5 simple steps

by Louise Portugal
  • Up to 10% yields available on Algarve holiday rental properties (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Overnight stays up 11.2% in the year to Oct 2014 (National Statistics Institute)
  • Three bed holiday rental properties from as little as €129k (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Investing in a holiday rental property is a rather different undertaking than buying a second home. The searching, viewing and purchasing process requires a different mind-set, with a focus on how to maximise income rather than on the purchaser’s personal taste.

It’s not something that comes naturally to every buyer, explains Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal,

“Many buyers set out to buy a holiday home as an investment property, then end up choosing one that they themselves would like to live in. Of course that’s fine if the plan is for the purchaser to one day move there, but those looking for holiday rentals purely as a means of income generation need to be a little more hard hearted in their outlook.”

To that end, Chris has provided his top five tips for helping buyers to profit from their holiday rental property.

Five simple steps to profiting from your holiday rental property

  1. Lock in the location

Firstly, as with everything in the property world, it’s all about location. Holidaymakers want somewhere that is easy to reach from the airport, that has a swimming pool and that is near a beach. In the Algarve, a nearby golf course is also a must. Additionally, local facilities such as shops, restaurants and bars should be close, ideally within walking distance.

The Royal Cabanas Golf apartments in the eastern Algarve are a great example of such a property. Cabanas is the eastern Algarve’s rising star when it comes to hit holiday destinations and these apartments tick all of the location boxes perfectly.

  1. Buy bonus features

Once you’ve found a good location, look for the properties that stand out from the crowd due to their bonus features. It could be a hot tub in the garden, a particularly attractive roof terrace or a stunning sea view. Whatever catches your eye will be sure to catch the attention of holidaymakers searching online for the perfect rental property.

These luxurious off plan apartments in the Porto de Mós area of Lagos are ideal, featuring wonderful sea views, easy access to the beach and a host of other bonus features, including two pools, a gym and a sauna.

  1. Remember your returns

Think about the kind of yield you need from your rental property and keep that firmly in mind when viewing potential accommodation. The Algarve is a tourist mecca, with some 15.5 million overnight stays from January to October 2014 according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), up 11.2% on the year before.

Even in the most popular areas, two bedroom apartments can be found for as little as €120,000, with three bedrooms from around €130,000, such as this brand new three bedroom apartment with communal pool and views of Silves Castle, priced at €129,000.

Yields of up to 10% are possible with the right property, making the Algarve an exciting destination for those looking for a holiday rental investment property.

  1. Perfect that paperwork

Every country has its own rules and regulations on rental properties. In Portugal, your income from the property is taxable even if you own and manage it from abroad. You also need to have certain licences in place before you can legally rent out the accommodation that you have invested in. Buying through a reputable agency such as Ideal Homes Portugal means that you can gain an understanding of your obligations as part of the purchase process, rather than discovering them late in the day.

  1. Take a test drive

Perhaps the most enjoyable step in the process! Buyers should test out their new investment for themselves and view it through the eyes of holidaymakers. What are its outstanding features, how close are the best restaurants and what does the kitchen need to be equipped with? Discovering these items will help the buyer to ensure that he/she has relevant information to hand when it comes to promoting the property as a holiday destination and will ensure that those renting it are happy that their every convenience has been catered for, maximising their chances of returning there the following year.

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Another record breaker! Spanish tourism levels hit new heights

Another record breaker! Spanish tourism levels hit new heights

by Louise Spain
  • Tourist spending up 6.5% to €63 billion in 2014 (PM Rajoy)
  • Booming tourism benefits construction, particularly on the Costa Blanca (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Tourism now accounts for 10.9% of Spain’s GDP (PM Rajoy)

Spain is celebrating a record year of tourism, having welcomed nearly 65 million foreign visitors in 2014. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has confirmed that between them visitors spent an impressive €63 billion, up 6.5% on the previous year.

Tourism accounts for 10.9% of Spain’s GDP, according to the PM, generating 1 in every 9 jobs. Prime Minister Rajoy has stressed the area’s importance, saying it is, “a strategic sector for both the present and the future of our economy.”

The impact of the record-breaking year has been felt far and wide across Spain, with the country’s tourism minister recognising it as, “one of the key sectors in Spain’s economic recovery.”

Executive Vice president of Exceltur, José Luis Zoreda, comments,

“Tourism is leading the generation of net employment, closing 2014 with 53,213 enrolled in Social Security, 4.1% more than in 2013.”

He adds that tourism has given a boost to several related sectors, including commerce and construction. It is something that Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, has observed as well. He comments,

“Rising visitor numbers are great news for Spain’s construction sector. Certainly here at Taylor Wimpey España we have noticed strong demand for luxury holiday properties from buyers hailing from a wide range of countries. Spain has such an enchanting effect on so many people that they want to come back again and again, so buying a second home here is the perfect solution.”

The Costa Blanca is one of the areas to have benefited from Spain’s booming tourism trade. The Mayor of Calpe, César Sánchez, has highlighted the area’s cuisine and beaches as two of the leading reasons for its success and Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard is certainly in agreement.

“We selected Calpe as one of the most beautiful and desirable areas of the Costa Blanca and our influx of buyers have shown that it was the right choice. Our charming Calpesol development, where three bedroom houses are for sale from €179,500, has only two properties left available. Our other Calpe site, Montesol, has proven equally popular, with just three townhouses left, priced from €249,000. The area’s blend of excellent food, good wine, stunning scenery and family friendly beach is a truly winning combination.”

Though it is early in 2015 to be predicting another record year for Spanish tourism, indications are that the figures should once more be good. Ryanair has reflected its confidence in the Spanish market by confirming that it will offer a total of 26 routes into and out of Valencia this summer, totalling 121 flights per week from that airport alone.

With its winning combination of sun, sand and sangria, Spain is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but it seems that the powers that be are not taking anything for granted and are working hard to ensure that the Spanish experience is one that delights visitors from across the world.

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.

Turn SAD to HAPPY: beat the winter blues with a beachfront second home in the Costa Blanca

Turn SAD to HAPPY: beat the winter blues with a beachfront second home in the Costa Blanca

by Louise Spain
  • Light therapy provides relief to 50-80% of SAD sufferers (Online Psychology Degree)
  • Costa Blanca enjoys 325 sunny days per year (Holiday Weather)
  • Properties in the Spanish sunshine available from just €142,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) touches upon many people over the winter months, manifesting as moodiness, lack of energy, social withdrawal, carb cravings, weigh gain or full blown depression. Research shared by the Online Psychology Degree website has shown that some 50% of sufferers find antidepressants to be effective in combatting SAD, but that light therapy is significantly more effective, providing relief to between 50-80% of sufferers.

Taking advantage of daylight is a key driver in the fight to combat SAD. A study by scientist Mirjam Muench showed that even just a few extra hours of natural daylight can help the brain’s cortisol levels to be naturally balanced, increasing levels of alertness and reducing stress. This is true of people suffering from SAD and of those who are not – in a nutshell, more daylight means more happiness.

Many of those who buy second homes overseas highlight the weather as one of their main motivators and it is something that leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España takes into account when selecting the sites for its properties. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, explains,

“Spain is the perfect place for banishing those winter blues and the Costa Blanca, enjoying some 325 sunny days per year according to Holiday Weather, is the ideal location for maximising exposure to natural light and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s stunning new front line properties there, with direct access to the beach, are packed with features like full length, sliding glass doors and well appointed terraces to ensure that outdoor living is fully embraced. At La Recoleta III in Punta Prima, Torrevieja, the Mediterranean style buildings enjoy outstanding views of the sea and owners can stand on their terraces and let the sunlight dancing on the water fill them with relaxation. Prices start at €142,000 for a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment.

La Vila Paradis at Villajoyosa also enjoys direct beach access, with prices starting at €239,000. The apartments and townhouses feature gardens at ground level and terraces on the upper levels, providing ample space for sunbathing, dining outside or simply relaxing in the sun with a book. Both La Vila Paradis and La Recoleta III benefit from Taylor Wimpey España’s signature combination of communal pools, high spec finishes and great location in terms of local facilities.

It is not only adults who are susceptible to the winter blues, as any parent whose children have become restless and mischievous cooped up in the house over the course of a rainy weekend can testify, so a second home in the Spanish sunshine can be of benefit to the whole family. The UN General Assembly has decreed 2015 to be the Year of Light – now that’s something that every family can get on board with!

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.

Modern vs. rustic – what do holiday home buyers really want?

Modern vs. rustic – what do holiday home buyers really want?

by Louise Portugal
  • 60% of buyers opt for apartments
  • Just 10% looking for a rustic home
  • 80% of properties snapped up by Brits (all figures: Ideal Homes Portugal)

Portugal offers a whole host of attractions to holiday home owners. It is less than three hours’ flight from the UK, the popular Algarve region has more than 300 days of sunshine per year and property is excellent value, particularly given the current exchange rate.

It also offers a wide range of choice to second home owners, from modern, new build apartments and villas to vast, cut price plots of land covered with orange and olive trees and tumbledown cottages just crying out for sympathetic renovation.

But what is it that today’s second home purchasers are looking for? Has the restoration dream given way to the convenience of new build luxury? Not entirely, asserts Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal,

“Although new build developments are very popular, we do still have clients who want more of a challenge and are looking for a rustic Portuguese home to make their own. And Portugal certainly has plenty of properties that fit the bill – the landscape is dotted with buildings in need of repair, with fantastically generous land plots around them.”

Buying a rustic property and doing it up can be a great personal project, but it can also have business potential. This beautifully renovated farmhouse near Silves, for example, is packed full of character and would make an excellent bed and breakfast for the Algarve’s rural tourism market. On the market for €595,000, it embodies the opportunities available for those with vision, coming complete with rental apartments, an owners’ cottage and a ruin that is ripe for restoration.

Only 10% of customers are looking for rustic homes though, according to Ideal Homes Portugal’s 2014 figures. The remaining 90% are seeking the conveniences of modern properties, with 30% looking to purchase villas and 60% apartments. Chris White comments,

“Around 65% of our buyers are holiday home owners and the majority want something fairly new rather than a more traditional property. They want a property that is easy to maintain, so that they don’t have to spend their holidays repairing ancient roof tiles or pruning an orchard full of carob trees. A modern apartment with a communal pool, located close to the beach and shops is a very popular option for our second home buyers.”

A two bedroom apartment on the popular Clube Albufeira resort can be purchased for as little as €158,000 and is precisely the kind of property that holiday home owners are looking for. A spacious living area, south facing balcony and fully fitted kitchen ensure the owners feel at home the moment they arrive and the resort is packed with features that mean the property also has great rental potential when not in use, including four swimming pools, snack bars, restaurants, crazy golf, a mini supermarket, a bakery, tennis courts, a cash point and internet facilities. It even benefits from a free shuttle bus to Albufeira Old Town and local beaches – clearly convenience is top of the list with such a property.

New build villas are also a popular choice, offering more privacy than resort properties. This luxury three bedroom villa in Galé is available for €390,000 and comprises accommodation split across three levels, plus large barbecue area with pizza oven, terrace, swimming pool and fountain outside.

In terms of those buying in Portugal, the holiday home market is still all about the Brits, according to the Ideal Homes Portugal data. 2014 saw 80% of the properties they sold snapped up by British buyers, with Irish, French and Chinese buyers making up the remaining 20%. As well as those looking to buy holiday homes, 20% of buyers specifically require golf properties, while 15% are looking to relocate to Portugal on a longer term basis.

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Viva España: What can expats really expect from their new life under the Spanish sun?

Viva España: What can expats really expect from their new life under the Spanish sun?

by Louise Spain
  • Spain ranks 11th for work/life balance while UK comes in 33rd (HSBC)
  • Beautiful Alicante townhouses perfect for expats available from €145,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spain takes 4th place for diet and 5th for local markets (HSBC)

The attractions of a move overseas may seem obvious at first glance – better weather and a lower cost of living are sure to head up the list for many people. But moving to a new country is a bold undertaking and many expats find that despite their best laid plans there are things that they didn’t expect about their new country.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, who himself moved from Germany to the Spanish island of Mallorca more than two decades ago, explains,

“Going on holiday somewhere and moving there are two extremely different undertakings. On holiday you only tend to notice the positive points, but when you live there things like bureaucracy and pace of life can show you a very different side to your chosen country of residence.”

The HSBC Expat Explorer tool provides some fascinating insights into what Brits who choose to move to Spain can expect as a result of their migration. At a top level, the country comparison tool ranks Spain 24th out of 34 countries based on 2014 results. The UK scrapes in at 33rd position.

Some of the positives about moving to Spain are those one might expect to see. The country ranks 4th out of all those considered for its cuisine, which is both delicious and healthy. It ranks 5th for local shops and markets. For work/life balance, Spain ranks 11th against the UK’s 33rd position.

But there are also unexpected benefits. Despite the wonders of the NHS, Spain ranks 12th for healthcare and the UK 19th. Spain comes 11th for social life and the UK 26th. Spain is also 9th for environment, while the UK is 27th.

The Iberian nation scores highly when it comes to expats finding their feet as well, thanks to the welcoming attitude of the locals in many areas and to the large community of expats already settled there ranking 4th for integrating into the community, 8th for adjusting to the new culture/lifestyle and 3rd for learning the local language.

But when it comes to the working world and the economy, expats can expect a rather different picture. Spain ranks 32nd for making people feel welcome at work and 33rd for household income (the UK ranks 24th and 21st respectively in these two categories). Interestingly, though, the lower cost of living means that those in Spain actually have more personal disposable income, with Spain taking 29th position and the UK taking 33rd.

Of course, the only way to really tell what a country is like is to live there for an extended period of time. Taylor Wimpey España find that many who purchase their holiday homes do so with a view to using them in the future as retirement properties. This enables them to spend holidays there with family and friends, but also to stay for longer periods before committing to a full move. It’s an ideal solution for those considering becoming expats but uncertain as to what they can really expect.

The beautiful townhouses at Brisas de Alenda Golf in Alicante are the perfect properties for those considering a new life in Spain, as well as for second homes. The last remaining townhouses, which are available for €145,000, enjoy a superb location in this exclusive and tranquil area and their spacious terraces, communal pool and pretty communal gardens have been designed with outdoor living in mind. As well as the idyllic golf course, the area boasts a clubhouse, bilingual Spanish/English school and nearby supermarket, all just 15 minutes from Alicante airport.

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.

Step off the tourist trail to get to the heart of the matter this Valentine’s Day

Step off the tourist trail to get to the heart of the matter this Valentine’s Day

by Louise Italy Portugal Spain , ,
  • Seville is for more than oranges, offering a true taste of Spain (Kyero.com)
  • Le Marche is the heart of Italian living (Appassionata)
  • Tavira tempts those in the know away from the crowds of Portugal’s Algarve (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Visiting a country’s tourist hotspots can be an exciting experience but exploring its hidden gems can be even more rewarding. Move away from the biggest cities and the busiest coastal resorts and suddenly you find yourself able to get to the true heart of a country.

With love in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, three property entrepreneurs talk about how their passion for Spain, Italy and Portugal led them off the tourist trail and into the heart of their chosen country.

“The southern Spanish city of Seville is one of those places that captures your imagination and fills your soul with excitement as you explore,” enthuses Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com. “The architecture is simply stunning – everywhere you turn there’s another wonderful building and I challenge any city to show me a more beautiful site that the Plaza de España at sunset.”

Seville is a city that presents the visitor with a wonderful glimpse of everyday life in Spain. The gardens and grand boulevards of Seville’s Maria Luisa Park are simply gorgeous, with lush foliage interspersed with ponds, pavilions and tiled fountains, but visitors are more likely to find locals jogging than tourists picnicking.

The tapas bars and restaurants are also bustling with locals of an evening and provide some gastronomic delights that will impress even the most serious foodie. Seville is believed to be the birthplace of the tapas concept and is rumoured to have more than 1,000 establishments for diners to choose from.

While Seville does actually attract a few million tourists each year, it tends to draw those wanting to discover the ‘real’ Spain, as Martin explains,

“Visitors who make it beyond Barcelona and Madrid, or the beach resorts of the Costa del Sol, tend to be those looking for a deeper understanding and experience of Spain. They want to get to the heart of the country and that is precisely what Seville enables them to do.”

Property prices in Seville are at just 58% of the national average according to Kyero’s Spanish House Price Index Q4 2014, making second homes a tempting prospect for those who want to do more than just scratch the surface of Spain as a holiday destination.

Over in Italy, it is the Le Marche region that offers visitors a taste of true Italian living. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of luxury fractional ownership holiday home company Appassionata, reveals why it is that Le Marche has stolen her heart,

“Living in Le Marche is like having the whole of Italy on your doorstep. We have the sea, the mountains, the gorgeous weather, incredible local food and some really welcoming neighbours. This isn’t the wealthiest region of Italy by a long way, but it’s definitely the place to be to experience Italian life at its best.”

Dawn and her family have been in Le Marche since 2005, when they founded Appassionata and set about renovating their first fractional ownership holiday home. A decade later, they have recently launched their third luxury property, the urban fractional Casa Tre Archi, which owners can enjoy from £65,000 for a one tenth share.

“Life here is a long way from the mass consumerism that you see in the big cities,” continues Dawn. “We buy our groceries from tiny shops and market stalls and our fish directly from the local fishermen. We drink wine from grapes grown in the region and cook with locally pressed olive oil. Restaurant menus focus on the area’s bountiful produce, like game and truffles, rather than imported goods or products that have to be shipped here from distant parts of the country. This is true, local Italian living.”

It is that sense of being part of a real, local community that inspires Chris White, founding director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, whose passion is for the eastern Algarve town of Tavira. He explains,

“So many places in the Algarve are packed with tourists during the summer months. You see restaurants with menus outside them written only in English and everywhere around you hear English being spoken rather than Portuguese. Tavira is a welcome relief for those looking to experience the Portuguese version of Portugal!”

Straddling a tidal river that runs through the city centre, Tavira is a mishmash of cobbled streets and different architectural styles, from ancient Moorish influences to smart modern townhouses. Its ruined castle with pretty courtyard garden allows visitors brave enough to climb to the top of the walls (there’s not a safety rail in sight) stunning views over the city, while a generous helping of restaurants serve incredible value seafood and traditional Portuguese peasant-style meals.

Tavira Island, accessed from the town via a regular boat service, offers a spectacular beach to those looking for sea and sand, and is a top spot for locals as well as those wise tourists who have had the sense to turn right rather than left upon leaving Faro airport. The local area is also perfect for enjoying the spectacular sunsets for which the Algarve is known.

Properties for sale in Tavira itself are fairly few and far between, though this two bedroom house with swimming pool from Ideal Homes Portugal is within walking distance of the town centre and should be the perfect base for anyone wishing to own their own slice of the real Algarve.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Appassionata: +39 073 465 8775 or www.appassionata.com

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Where’s hot in Spain right now? The highs and lows of the Spanish property market

Where’s hot in Spain right now? The highs and lows of the Spanish property market

by Louise Spain
  • Properties purchased with mortgages up 35% (Spanish notaries)
  • National average property asking price at €232,000 (Kyero)
  • Property in Zaragoza priced at just 16% of national average (Kyero)

Spain’s property market looks headed for better times. Spanish notaries reported a 35% increase in residential property purchases made with mortgages in November 2014, compared with one year earlier. At the same time, interest from foreign buyers looking to pick up bargain second homes remains high, particularly from UK buyers enjoying the current strength of the pound against the euro.

Improved access to finance combined with numerous experts agreeing that the base, so far as property prices are concerned, has been reached has certainly buoyed the market in recent months. Figures from Eurostat reveal that prices reached their baseline during H1 2014 before starting their climb again. Q3 2014 saw an increase of 0.3% in prices across Spain, while prices in the Eurozone rose by 0.5%. Figures from the ST Sociedad de Tasación confirmed this positive news, showing a rise of 1.3% in the value of the average Spanish home in Q4 2014.

Despite prices having dipped to their reported lowest, not every location in Spain offers the property bargains that one might expect as Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 175,000 homes from 2,500 estate agents, comments,

“There are some huge variations in residential property prices as you travel across Spain. Kyero’s Spanish House Price Index Q4 2014 revealed prices ranging from 260% above the national average all the way down to a location where prices are just 16% of the average.

“It means that buyers looking for good value properties need to be choosy about the areas they are considering. Buying on Fuerteventura, for example, can get you a property for just 68% of the national average price, while Mallorca will cost you 180% more than the average. ”

 

So where’s hot in Spain right now according to Kyero.com?

At the very top end of the scale is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the perennially popular province of Barcelona, with prices 260% above the national average (€602,500 against an average of €232,000).

Mallorca sits in second place, but a surprise entrant at third place is the Catalonian province of Girona, which is more expensive than Menorca, Malaga and Lanzarote. Prices in Girona currently stand at 161% above the national average. An elegant five bedroom, four bathroom house with infinity pool in Girona can currently command an asking price of €850,000.

Another surprise was the inclusion of Pontevedra in Galicia, where prices are currently 113% above the average. Relatively unknown by those outside of Spain and Portugal, Pontevedra is a working city with a strong services sector and a small industrial presence where tourism is gradually increasing. Despite the high prices, there are still some excellent deals to be had in the city, such as this one bedroom, newly built apartment for just €34,400.

Sitting bang in the middle of the league table, with prices matching the national average, is the delightful coastal province of Cadiz. A charming blend of old town eateries (with some incredible tapas options) and modern shopping streets, Cadiz is a popular holiday destination for those looking to sun themselves on the beach but still have access to the conveniences of the city. A three bedroom, two bathroom apartment close to the beach can be had for €216,000 (reduced from €237,000).

Looking at areas where prices are below the national average, the pretty coastal province of Almeria comes in at just 58%, with average prices of €133,500 and offers a lovely alternative to the Costa del Sol. For that price (well, €134,000) buyers can get a two bedroom bungalow with roof terrace by the sea on a newly built complex with numerous pools (one heated), a Jacuzzi, a children’s playground and sports facilities. The price even includes fully installed air conditioning and a furniture pack.

For the very best Spanish bargains on the market at the moment though, buyers need to head to Zaragoza, where prices sit at just 16% of the national average. Famous for its gastronomic offerings and stunning architecture, the area has many plots of land for sale, with farmhouses in various states of disrepair for those with a vision and time on their hands. This village house, spread across four floors, is perhaps one of the most interesting, but to say it needs a bit of work is something of an understatement. However, with a sale price of just €16,000, it could offer an incredible value home packed full of character to a buyer willing to get their hands dirty and commit to a serious renovation project.

The variations that currently exist in the Spanish market make it the ideal time to purchase property there. Even if a buyer’s preferred destination comes in over budget, a little creative thinking and searching on Kyero.com can turn up a perfect alternative.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

Dispense with hotels and stay in style when doing business overseas

Dispense with hotels and stay in style when doing business overseas

by Louise Spain
  • Business travel set to increase 6.6% during 2015 (GBTA Foundation)
  • Spanish company optimism well above EU average (Markit)
  • Perfect business base available for just €179,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

“Business travelers often bring spouses, discover new interests abroad and in general, prime the pumps for all manners of travel.”

So speaks TravelPulse Europe senior editor James Ruggia, in light of the GBTA Foundation’s prediction that business travel in five European markets (Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK) will increase by a healthy 6.6% during 2015, to a total value of €156.8 billion. The projection was based on the impressive H1 2014 business travel figures for the five markets, with spending growing by 4.3% – the biggest gain since 2010.

Interestingly, even Spain’s struggling economy saw business spending grow comfortably during the period, while companies within the Iberian country are feeling positive that the increase is part of a wider picture of positivity. Markit’s Business Outlook Survey found that optimism among Spanish firms was well above the EU average, with growth expected thanks to efficient business practices, new product launches and activity in new markets.

The increased business spending and positive outlook, along with the current strength of the pound against the euro, have created an optimum situation for regular business travellers looking to dispense with the hassle of hotels and instead opt for an apartment that can be used as a base while they are overseas.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“We’ve all been there – watching the minutes pass and worrying about being late while waiting for the hotel staff to locate an ironing board and deliver it to your room so that you can look presentable for the big meeting, or going down to breakfast only to find a sizeable queue and having to skip it in order to get away on time. For the discerning business traveller, a second home overseas provides a much more attractive alternative and it has the added benefit that it can also be used for leisure purposes.”

Calpesol in the bustling Costa Blanca is an excellent example of the kind of property that is perfect for a regular business traveller. The high spec, three bedroom/two bathroom townhouses are available from just €179,000, which is incredible value given the current exchange rate. All have well appointed terraces for relaxing after a hard day’s work and superior kitchens to banish those memories of questionable hotel food forever.

Certainly such a property would benefit the business traveller’s family as well, with Spain regularly making top 5 lists of global holiday destinations based on everything from its popularity to its value for money. Most recently, research from On The Beach saw Spain take 3 of the top 5 spots in the best value 4* holiday destination category.

For more information about purchasing the ultimate business base and second home, 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.