Dutch buyers look to sunny Spain for their dream holiday homes

Dutch buyers look to sunny Spain for their dream holiday homes

by Louise Spain
  • Dutch travellers took 2.79 holidays per person during 2013 (NBTC-NIPO)
  • Dutch property buyers show largest increase of any nationality (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Mallorca clocks up more than double the sunshine hours of the Netherlands (Weather Online)

A perennially popular choice with Dutch tourists, Spain has been in the top five countries that the Dutch choose to spend their holidays in for years. In 2013, it was the fourth most popular destination, according a report from NBTC-NIPO Research. The report states that Dutch travellers undertook an average of 2.79 holidays per person during 2013, spending a total of €15.5 billion.

While the majority of Dutch travellers chose hotels or motels as their holiday accommodation, the NBTC-NIPO figures reveal that a significant proportion (21%) stayed in a holiday cottage or private home instead. The data correlates with the findings of market leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, as the company’s Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard observes,

“Our cumulative October 2014 data shows that the largest increase in purchases of our holiday homes across Spain is from Dutch buyers. Experience has shown us that buyers from the Netherlands are looking for high quality accommodation with luxury touches. Balconies, gardens and roof terraces are all popular with Dutch buyers, as are facilities such as communal pools and landscaped gardens, which all Taylor Wimpey España developments feature.”

The Taylor Wimpey España data also shows a significant increase in sales of properties located on the sun-drenched Balearic island of Mallorca, where the new Cala Anguila II development is already proving extremely popular. Prices for the two bedroom apartments begin at €242,000 and all benefit from the development’s direct beach access. Meanwhile the company’s Cala Magrana III development has key-ready properties available at a special price of €230,000, for buyers who want to complete their purchase in time for Christmas.

Flights from Holland to Spain can be purchased at bargain prices thanks to budget airlines, making visits to the Iberian nation excellent value for Dutch owners of holiday homes. The short flight time is no doubt another plus for those looking to own a second home in the sun.

Mallorca is a particularly attractive location for the health-conscious Dutch, thanks to its extensive coastline and the wide range of water sports available. Those looking for active holidays can enjoy everything from stand up paddling to kite surfing. Those wishing for slightly less intensive activity can enjoy Mallorca’s fantastic golf courses, taking in a round or two under the delightfully warm winter sun.

Of course Mallorca is also the perfect location for holidaymakers who want to do little other than sunbathe, enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace and let the sea breeze refresh their spirits. According to Weather Online, Mallorca during the winter months enjoys more than double the number of average daily sunshine hours that the Netherlands does, making it an extremely tempting destination for buyers looking to swap their scarves for suntans and enjoy some winter sun.

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.

Spain back and forth – What does 2015 have in store for the Spanish property market?

Spain back and forth – What does 2015 have in store for the Spanish property market?

by Louise Spain ,
  • Asking prices up 7% (Kyero Q3 2014 House Price Index)
  • Foreign buyers account for 1 in 5 Spanish property transactions (General Council of Notaries)
  • Domestic demand tipped to drive Spanish property market during 2015 (Kyero)

Spain’s real estate sector has come a long way in 2014. Property asking prices have risen by 7% across the country, according to leading property portal Kyero, while the prestigious homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has observed increasing confidence in the market as investors and foreign buyers rush in to snap up bargains.

With 2015 on the horizon, the future of the Spanish property sector is under particular scrutiny as analysts look to learn lessons from the past 12 months and understand how the market will develop into the year ahead.

While some areas of Spain continue to feel the hangover from the economic crisis, other are experiencing strong demand. Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard observes,

“Coastal areas and those offering top class sporting experiences such as the golf courses of the Costa del Sol have seen a definite upturn in terms of enquiries and sales during 2014. High quality developments with communal pools have attracted particular interest, with both property investors and second home owners keen to take advantage of Spanish bargains. There has been a fresh optimism in the market this year.”

Kyero’s Martin Dell echoes the sentiment,

“Confidence is up and the market is improving in an increasing number of locations. Foreign buyers have contributed hugely, accounting for a record proportion of overall sales, which has helped to stimulate the market and move it away from stagnation.”

Figures from the General Council of Notaries back up Kyero’s observations. During Q2 2014 foreign buyers accounted for 11.9% more private housing acquisitions than during the same period a year earlier, representing 20.4% of all purchases made during the period.

Both Kyero and Taylor Wimpey España are agreed that this should impact positively on 2015. Marc Pritchard comments,

“The increase in foreign buyers that we have seen this year has got the Spanish property sector motoring once more. With this newly optimistic market, we expect to see domestic demand pick up during 2015, with significant price recovery in well located properties, such as those in large cities or popular tourist areas.”

“Price recovery in 2015 is going to be strongest in those areas that have been attracting foreign buyers during 2014,” adds Kyero’s Martin Dell. “Our data has shown a clear correlation between asking prices and the areas in which foreign buyers are active. Investors and those picking up second homes are turning prices around. With general economic improvements in Spain, as well as increasing employment and better access to credit, 2015 should see the Spanish domestic market given room to grow again.”

The property experts’ conclusion is simple – those looking to pick up bargain second homes in Spain need to act sooner rather than later, with prices expected to show some strong upward movement during 2015.

For more information please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España:+44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com:www.kyero.com

London for less: Property investors flock to Harrow to pick up buy-to-let bargains

London for less: Property investors flock to Harrow to pick up buy-to-let bargains

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Asking prices in Harrow up 15% (Home.co.uk)
  • Private rented sector to account for 24% of households by 2019 (Savills)
  • Harrow property investment from £210k (Property Frontiers)

Nestled to the north west of London is the large, family-oriented area of Harrow. Comprising South Harrow, West Harrow, North Harrow and Harrow on the Hill, this green, spacious urban village is packed full of family homes and leading schools.

A shifting landscape

Harrow is also home to a growing body of young professionals, who are demanding a new kind of accommodation in the area. Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, which has just launched an exclusive new development in Harrow, Carnegie House, explains,

“Harrow’s young professionals are changing the face of accommodation in the area. Many are choosing to rent rather than buy, in order to have a more flexible lifestyle and avoid the commitments and expense that home ownership entails. They want to rent high spec apartments in convenient locations and being only 16 minutes from London Marylebone, Harrow is just that.”

Prices that pack a punch

Harrow is attractive to property investors as well as to families and young professionals. Asking prices there have risen by 15% in the year to November 2014, according to Home.co.uk, while the average rent stands at £1,374 pcm. With strong demand for rented accommodation (Savills’ most recent report has identified the private rented sector as likely to account for 24% of households by 2019), investors are looking to Harrow as a means of generating solid yields while growing their capital.

In addition to its convenience for commuters heading into London, Harrow’s huge regeneration scheme is attracting property investors who want to be involved in an up and coming urban village. With 135,000 square feet of new shops, a school, a health centre and £10 million worth of infrastructure improvements, the scheme is set to add substantially to Harrow’s already impressive offering.

London for less

“Harrow offers the dynamism of investment in a London property market, alongside the solid prospects that one might expect from a housing market elsewhere,” Property Frontiers’ Ray Withers continues. “It offers plentiful green spaces as well, thanks to the conservation area and verdant parkland. First-class shopping and dining facilities are also in place, making Harrow an ideal location for those looking for an apartment that is both convenient for work and well located for leisure activities.”

Compared with a number of areas of London, Harrow offers property investors a way to become involved in the London market for less than they might expect. Property Frontiers’ new development of apartments, for example, has a starting price of just £210,000, with anticipated yields in excess of 5%.

For further details, contact Property Frontiers or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Best of the bunch – Top 5 countries for enjoying some winter sun

Best of the bunch – Top 5 countries for enjoying some winter sun

by Louise Grenada Italy Portugal Spain United States , , , ,
  • Costa del Sol offers cheapest European winter sun breaks (Post Office)
  • Mallorca bookings up 68% in a single year (ABTA)
  • Euro approaching best rate since 2012 (Currency Index)

It’s that time of year when the novelty of cold mornings and rainy afternoons has worn off and families turn their attention to which country would be the best place for them to soak up some winter sun. This year the number of those leaving the UK in search of winter sun between October and December is expected to rise, as many families delayed their summer holidays overseas due to Britain’s fantastic summer weather.

The Post Office has provided some handy hints this year for travellers looking for good value from their breaks. Both Portugal (specifically the Algarve) and Spain (the Costa del Sol) have been recognised as providing excellent value for money in the Post Office’s Winter Sunshine Report. The barometer report examines eight tourist staples, including sun-cream, drinks and an evening meal, to judge which destinations offer the cheapest break. The Costa del Sol came in at just £44 for the list of items and the Algarve at £48. As the weather in Spain and Portugal can take a turn for the worse over the winter months, the report also highlighted the value of Tenerife, where the winter sunshine is a little more reliable. The island came in at £58 for the eight items.

Italy is another popular choice for those seeking a winter sun break and if the over-priced cities are avoided it can offer excellent value. In fact, the UK travel organisation ABTA observed at its recent travel convention in Slovenia that Italian bookings were up this summer due to “some great-value hotel deals.” ABTA also highlighted Mallorca as a recent success story, with summer 2014 bookings up 68% on summer 2013. The island’s increased tourism figures are expected to carry through over the winter season.

When it comes to long-haul winter sun destinations, Florida offers excellent value and families can enjoy Orlando’s theme parks without the extensive queues of the summer months. The Caribbean is another popular place for winter sun seekers, especially for couples looking for a relaxed, romantic escape. The luxury appeal of the island of Grenada is proving particularly attractive this year, thanks to its high-end spas and pristine beaches.

For those looking for more than just a holiday, each of these destinations offers a wide variety of options when it comes to property investment. From second homes to pure investment properties, the choice is endless. Those looking to buy in Europe are able to enjoy the cheaper Euro at present, with Currency Index observing that the US Dollar’s recent gains have had a particularly beneficial effect on Euro rates, which are approaching their best levels since 2012.

For those looking to profit from property in the top winter sun destinations, here’s a quick round up of the best opportunities on offer.

Spain – Costa del Sol

Modern 2 and 3 bed apartments and penthouses in Avalon – Los Arqueros Golf, the best golf resort near Puerto Banus, are available from just €290,000 from Taylor Wimpey España. Large terraces, spectacular views, a communal pool and beautiful gardens make this the perfect family resort.

Balearic Islands – Mallorca

Taylor Wimpey España is offering just 24 luxury two bedroom/two bathroom apartments from €242,000 at Cala Anguila II.

Canary Islands – Tenerife

From land plots costing €95,000 for those with imagination and time on their hands, to key-ready, ultra luxe apartments for €483,000, property portal Kyero.com has something to suit every buyer.

Portugal – Algarve

Ideal Homes Portugal has properties ranging from Central Algarve studio apartments in Alvor, costing just €57,419, to a four bedroom villa in the prestigious Vale do Lobo golf community, available to anyone with a spare €11,000,000 to hand. This plot of land with delightful timber house, coming in at just €69,000, is particularly interesting.

Italy – Le Marche

Italy’s stunning Le Marche region offers a good value alternative to the cities and has everything from beaches to mountains with excellent skiing facilities. A one tenth share in the luxury fractional ownership holiday home, Casa Tre Archi from Appassionata, costs from as little as £65,000.

Florida – Orlando

Beautiful two, three and four bedroom investment homes are available from Brookes & Co at The Club at Sunset Lake, from just £96,950. The fully managed properties are close to Orlando’s major attractions and perfect for those looking for a rental property that provides long-term income.

The Caribbean – Grenada

High-end hotel suites for investment in Grenada are available from Property Frontiers and include four weeks’ personal usage, allowing investors to enjoy Grenada for themselves, as well as making money from average projected yields of 10.5%.

 

For more information on the properties detailed above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

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

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com.

Brookes & Co: +44 1621 875 925 or www.brookesandco.co.uk.

Property Frontiers: +44 1865 202 700 or www.propertyfrontiers.com.

 

Silver travellers and golden oldies feel the force of Spain’s allure

Silver travellers and golden oldies feel the force of Spain’s allure

by Louise Spain
  • 1.7 million over 60s in UK live in poor quality housing (IPPR North)
  • Dream Spanish retirement properties from €262,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spanish Government actively courting over 55s

With 95% of the UK’s housing stock not fully accessible for older people, according to IPPR North, it’s perhaps unsurprising that increasing numbers of individuals are setting their sights on overseas properties in which to spend their golden years.

Spain is an extremely popular choice of both holiday and retirement destination for UK citizens. The reliably warm weather and low cost of living are perfectly suited to pensioners looking to make their budgets stretch further while escaping the English rain, whether for a week or a lifetime. As the IPPR North report projects that households of over-65s are set to grow dramatically over the next decade, while the number of over 85s is set to increase even more (by 33%) it looks like Spain’s charms will be appreciated by a growing number of older people over the years ahead.

Spain’s modern, accessible transport infrastructure and the easy access that its numerous airports provide to the UK make it an even more attractive destination for older people. It’s a fact that is certainly appreciated by the Spanish Government’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, which in collaboration with SEGITTUR has announced the delivery of the 2014/2015 Europe Senior Tourism Program. The initiative sets out to court travellers aged 55 and above from with the EU, tempting them to choose Spain for their holidays and benefit from the low price tag that the country is able to offer.

The increase in silver travel will include many of those considering settling on Spain as a retirement destination. Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España is one company that’s ahead of the game when it comes to offering high end properties as holiday homes that can in time become full-time accommodation. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, explains,

“Many of our buyers are looking for holiday homes right now but with a view to one day living in them permanently, once they retire. They are seeking high quality homes on developments that provide them with luxuries they don’t have in the UK, like swimming pools and balconies on which to enjoy the sun. We bear all of this in mind when we begin a new development, so that our apartments and townhouses appeal to buyers of all ages.

“All of our developments are compliant with the latest European building regulations, meaning they include wheelchair-friendly access and lifts. Our Costa Beach development in Mallorca’s Port Vell, for example, has two properties in the second phase that have been built with wheelchair users in mind, with wider doors and adapted bathrooms.”

Prices at Costa Beach begin from as little as €262,000.

The IPPR North report goes on to state that there are already 1.7 million people in the UK over the age of 60 who are living in houses that do not meet the UK Government’s Decent Homes Standard. Add to this the dismal UK winter weather and is it any wonder that so many retirees are turning to Spain to live the dream during their golden years?

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.

From luxury travellers to second home owners to golfers, everyone’s headed to Tenerife this winter

From luxury travellers to second home owners to golfers, everyone’s headed to Tenerife this winter

by Louise Spain
  • Tenerife property enquiries jump more than 1000% in less than a decade (Kyero)
  • Tenerife makes top 10 list of global winter sun destinations (TripAdvisor)
  • Visitor numbers up 4.7% to June 2014 (HVS)

The most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has a great deal going for it. Stunning beaches and gently rolling aquamarine waves tempt many tourists to do little more than lie around enjoying the subtropical climate while they are there, but for those who do get off their sunbeds, the island is packed with stunning natural parkland, plentiful cultural attractions, a wide range of sporting options (both on land and on the water) and restaurants serving rich yet healthy Mediterranean cuisine.

As with many locations where tourism plays a key part in the economy, Tenerife suffered as a result of the global recession, but now the sun-dappled island has turned a corner, accounting for 65% of total visitors arriving to the Canary Islands during 2013, according to the just-published HVS In Focus report on Tenerife.

The report reveals that 2013 finally saw visitor numbers to Tenerife increase, indicating that the effects of the financial crisis have finally been left behind. Early indicators are that 2014 will show a further increase, with visitor numbers in the year to June 2014 up 4.7% on the same period a year earlier.

Visitors from the UK lead those travelling to Tenerife, making up 31.8% of the total during 2013, based on the HVS report. The winter months of October, November, February and March tend to be the strongest periods of the year, with visitors from colder countries enjoying the winter sun. The island’s Playa de las Americas resort has this year been revealed as the sixth most popular winter break destination with Britons travelling internationally by TripAdvisor.

Interestingly, while Tenerife’s overall tourism sector suffered, its luxury hotels reported a steady increase in number of arrivals (other than a slight decline in 2009). The island’s property sector has also shown a steady increase, with Spain’s leading property portal, Kyero, which lists over 175,000 properties from 2,500 estate agents, registering a steady increase in enquiries since 2006. The increase has been so steep that 2014 has already seen more than 10 times the number of enquiries that were received in 2006.

Martin Dell, Kyero’s Director, comments,

“Tenerife has seen a sharp increase in the number of those looking to buy second homes there over the past decade. British buyers seeking a holiday retreat in the sun are becoming increasingly aware of Tenerife’s delights, particularly as a winter sun destination. The combination of the high quality accommodation, relaxed lifestyle and fantastic weather on the island are perfect for attracting second home owners.

“We have found that properties in the €50k to €100k price band are by far the most popular, attracting 39% of overall enquiries. Properties costing between €100k and €150k draw in 19% of enquiries and those costing €150k to €200k attract 16%. Apartments are the preferred type of accommodation, capturing 63% of overall enquiries.”

The Kyero.com figures reveal that not only are Tenerife properties popular with Brits, but also with Italian buyers. In fact, demand from Italians looking to own second homes on Tenerife was such that Kyero.com launched a dedicated Italian version of its site back in 2008, which has proven extremely popular.

Tenerife’s excellent value for money also plays a part in its popularity. The average property price there was €224,000 according to Kyero.com’s October 2014 Spanish House Price Index, compared with a national average price of €260,000.

Tenerife’s nine golf courses are particularly popular with British visitors and this thriving industry further adds to the island’s charms. It is making a name for itself in the golfing world; so much so, in fact, that the International Golf Travel Market has appointed Tenerife as the venue for its 2015 event, which attracts golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media from around the world. Based on the figures from Kyero.com, it seems that some of those who attend may just end up buying more than golf clubs, as Tenerife woos them into purchasing their dream overseas property.

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

Pop to Portugal for some winter sun and pick up a property while you’re there

Pop to Portugal for some winter sun and pick up a property while you’re there

by Louise Portugal
  • Algarve averages temperatures of 12-19 C throughout the winter (holiday-weather.com)
  • 4 bed villa with pool, tennis court and grounds for just €975,000 (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Algarve boasts 300 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for winter sun breaks

Whether it’s a long weekend to escape the stresses of work, or somewhere to bed down and hide away from the cold British winter, increasing numbers of house buyers are discovering that Portugal has the perfect property to offer them. Purchasers are picking up second homes to use in a variety of ways, both for personal usage and as a means of gaining rental income.

Many UK buyers turn to Portugal as a welcome way to feel the sun on their skin again as autumn begins to drift into winter. Temperatures in Portugal vary considerably across the country, so those looking for winter sun will want to head to the southernmost Algarve region. There, average temperatures range from 12 to 19 C (54 to 66 F) between October and April and the sun makes an appearance on most days – the Algarve is reputed to have 300 days of sunshine per year.

According to holiday-weather.com, the average sea temperature in the Algarve is still as high as 17 C (63 F) during November, making the area particularly popular with beach lovers. In fact, it only drops as low as 14C (57 F) in January and February, before rising again in March.

But the Algarve has a great deal more to offer than just beaches, as Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, observes,

“Portugal, and in particular the Algarve, has a surprising amount to offer those who head there for some winter sun. Championship-grade golf courses are dotted along the southern coastline and boast some spectacular views out over the sea, as well as some addictively challenging holes.

“The Algarve’s cities and towns are also well worth exploring extensively. The area has everything from large, newly built shopping centres packed with contemporary stores and brands to tiny little bakeries serving exquisite cakes that seem to have been tucked away in winding, cobbled side streets since the dawn of time.”

This mixture of old and new is characteristic of Portugal’s charms and offers an element of appeal that ensures that visitors of all generations can find themselves enchanted by the Iberian country. The cuisine is also a draw, with simple, peasant-food-style fish and rice dishes elevated to a new level by the careful use of herbs, spices and traditional cooking methods. Portugal’s emerging wine industry, which features an extensive range of offerings unique to within its borders – including some of the best green wines and rose ports to be found anywhere in the world – is another of the country’s attractions.

The prevalence of low-cost flights from the UK to Portugal, which SkyScanner lists from as little as £39, and the swift journey time (under three hours) mean that travelling there is quick and easy, another factor that has encouraged many families to choose Portugal as the location for their second home.

The property market, particularly in the Algarve, has turned a corner in past months, with buyers looking to pick up a bargain while prices are low. Many properties are particularly well suited to winter sun holidays, as well as summer entertaining, such as this four bedroom villa with pool costing €975,000 near the wonderful city of Lagos. The large BBQ area, pool and tennis court are perfect for sunny days, while the well-appointed interior and features such as a fireplace and corner spa bath make it ideal for winter breaks too.

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

Good things come in small packages – 1 bedroom buy-to-lets outperform larger properties

Good things come in small packages – 1 bedroom buy-to-lets outperform larger properties

by Louise United Kingdom
  • One bedroom properties generate rental yields of 5.9% (LendInvest)
  • Liverpool and Oxford among best UK buy-to-let investment areas (HSBC)
  • Ten tenants chase every London rental vacancy (Wriglesworth Consultancy)

As experts in the UK buy-to-let property sector, Property Frontiers have for many years been offering the best property investment deals to their clients. Now, the newly released October LendInvest Buy-To-Let Index has confirmed the company’s approach and focus.

The LendInvest figures show that average rental yields for one bedroom buy-to-let properties in the UK far outstrip those for larger (three bedroom) properties. One bedroom properties earned investors average rental yields of 5.9% p.a., two bedroom properties brought in 5.2% and three bedroom properties dropped to 4.6%.

Bigger isn’t always better

Property Frontiers Chief Executive Ray Withers comments,

“We have for years endeavoured to present the best of the UK’s one bedroom buy-to-let investments to our clients, rather than more substantial three and four bedroom properties, as our experience and knowledge of the sector had shown us that those were the properties likely to generate the most impressive returns. It is gratifying to see that LendInvest’s research has shown this to be the case.

“We have also found that city centre studio apartments offer excellent returns and both these and one bedroom apartments have proven particularly popular with investors looking to diversify their portfolios with a range of high yielding properties in key UK cities.”

The other side of the coin

The LendInvest report shows that it is not just rental income that investors have gained. The average buy-to-let property has achieved capital gains of 2.5% p.a. over the last four years, according to the October data. It is this combination of capital growth and attractive yields that have caused so many investors to turn to buy-to-let as the way to make their money work harder for them.

Of course, as ever with property investment, location is king. HSBC’s figures earlier this year highlighted the UK’s top areas for buy-to-let investment. Liverpool and Oxford were among the top ten locations in the country for rental yields, generating gross rental yields of 6.5% and 7.02% respectively. Property Frontiers has one and two bedroom apartments ready for investment in both cities.

HSBC’s head of mortgages Peter Dockar, comments,

“House prices in the top-yielding locations – while still out of reach among many first time buyers – are relatively affordable for landlords investing in property and the demand from young professionals has pushed up rents and driven up the returns.

“London is often seen as the haven of property investment with many believing the streets are paved with gold. However, while the highest rents in the country are an attractive draw for landlords, high house prices in the capital squeeze yields and limit the returns available. As a result, returns can often be far more attractive in other areas so it certainly pays for landlords to do their research.”

Of course London is still an extremely attractive location for buy-to-let investors, with the LendInvest October figures highlighting several of the capital’s postcodes as generating the most impressive returns. A new report from Wriglesworth has emphasised the reason behind London’s exceptional returns, showing that an average of 10 tenants are chasing every rental vacancy.

Property Frontiers is, naturally, at the forefront of the buy-to-let housing market in London, as well as other major cities. The company’s superb Rise @ Deptford development is just 6 minutes from London Bridge and offers a limited number of two bedroom apartments to investors. With a dedicated concierge facility and communal roof terrace, the building is set to be one of the area’s most iconic sites.

For further details, contact Property Frontiers or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

Don’t put it on your Christmas list – treat yourself to a bargain Spanish apartment this Black Friday

Don’t put it on your Christmas list – treat yourself to a bargain Spanish apartment this Black Friday

by Louise Spain
  • Only 16% of shoppers prepared to pay full price (Statistics Brain)
  • Costa Blanca apartment discount drops price to just €249k (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • 25% of all personal spending takes place during Christmas season (Statistics Brain)

The end of this month will see Americans hit the stores in a shopping frenzy as Black Friday – the day when the Christmas shopping season officially begins – sees stores across the country offer impressive discounts in order to kick start the traditional holiday spend-a-thon.

According to Statistic Brain, a staggering 25% of all personal spending in the US takes place during the Christmas shopping period, with Black Friday 2013 seeing total spending of $57.4 billion. However, that doesn’t mean that shoppers are prepared to spend money without careful thought – the same research showed that just 16% of shoppers were prepared to pay full price for their purchases.

Indeed the popularity of Black Friday has meant that it is now being embraced by more and more UK shops most notably, supermarket chain Asda, who offered discounts across its stores on 29 November 2013. The result was astonishing, with the retailer reporting a month’s worth of televisions sold in just 45 minutes! Across the week, sales were up 400% on the year before.

With shoppers becoming evermore savvy in their hunt for discounts and bargains, the range of products on offer has increased hugely. Even holiday homes can now be purchased at discounted rates by those who shop around.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Often those buying homes overseas can benefit from one-time offers and discounts if they buy in the right location at the right time. Our La Vila Paradis development, for example, has an offer currently on one of the remaining three apartments, which will see the price reduced from €265,000 to €249,000 if legal completion takes place before the end of the year.”

La Vila Paradis is a contemporary beachfront development in the Costa Blanca, with direct access to Villajoyosa beach, just 20 minutes from Alicante. Two and three bedroom apartments feature high spec interiors, with well thought-out layouts that ensure beautiful views over the Paraíso Beach and sea. The gated development includes swimming pools, prettily designed communal gardens and private parking. Three bedroom townhouses are also available, starting at €359,000.

With the unusually warm autumn weather in the UK about to give way to winter, many are looking to fight off the cold by holidaying overseas. For those who love Spain and visit frequently, a second home makes excellent financial sense, particularly when it can be bought at a discounted rate. Thanks to Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis promotion, a second home overseas might not have to wait to be added to Santa’s list this year, as smart shoppers look to bag their bargain well before the year ends.

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.

Sea and ski – why Italy is the perfect destination this winter

Sea and ski – why Italy is the perfect destination this winter

by Louise Italy
  • Ski sector celebrates increase in travellers for first time since 2007/08 (Crystal)
  • Italy attracts 47.7 million annual visitors (WTO)
  • Luxury sea and ski Italian holiday home from just £65k (Appassionata)

Travellers looking to escape the grey skies of the UK this winter are currently eyeing up southern Europe and, as ever, Italy is one of the top destinations for those looking for some winter sun.

“Italy is incredibly popular as a winter holiday destination,” comments Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, who moved to Italy with her family in 2004. “Here in Le Marche there is so much to do during the winter months. The coastline offers some stunning scenery and extends for over 100 miles, making it perfect for walking, hiking and cycling holidays.

“The slopes of the Sibillini Mountains are also extremely popular, with everyone from amateurs to wannabe pros donning their snow boots and grabbing their skis or snowboards. We find that, for many of our owners, the combination of sea and ski provides the ultimate winter holiday experience.”

The owners Dawn refers to are those who have purchased shares in Appassionata’s luxury fractional ownership properties, which include stunning rural houses such as Casa Leopardi, complete with a roaring fire that is perfect for snuggling in front of with a book and a glass of wine from grapes grown on the estate as twilight falls on a winter evening.

Appassionata’s latest fractional ownership property – the three bedrooms, three bathroom Casa Tre Archi – is ideal for those looking to head south for some winter sunshine. The spacious property boasts outdoor space on three levels, allowing owners to maximise their time in the sun. In the medieval hilltop town of Petritoli, the townhouse is perfectly located for local shops and restaurants while also providing easy access to the Sibillini Mountains and the coastal town of Pedaso, which is famous for its fabulous seafood restaurants, large fish market and some of the best mussels in Italy. A one tenth fraction in Casa Tre Archi, which entitles the owner to five weeks’ exclusive use per year, costs from £65,000. Just one share remains available at this special offer price.

Overall, Italy attracted 47.7 million visitors in 2013, according to the World Tourism Organization. While big cities such as Rome and Milan and well-known areas such as Tuscany attracted their fair share of tourists, those seeking out the ‘real Italy’ are increasingly heading to Le Marche and many of them are looking to ski during the winter months.

In fact, for Brits looking to ski overseas, the 2012/13 season marked a turnaround in the market, with a 1% increase year on year in the number of skiers travelling abroad. It is the first time the sector has seen an increase since its 2007/08 peak, according to the Crystal Ski Report, but with countries such as Italy doing all they can to court tourists over the winter months, it seems that the 2013/14 season might be an even better one.

For more information on fractional ownership and the wonders of life in Le Marche, contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225 or visit www.appassionata.com.