Overseas Property Show’s UK tour huge success welcoming over 3,000 visitors

Overseas Property Show’s UK tour huge success welcoming over 3,000 visitors

by Louise Portugal ,
  • Over 3,000 visitors to first 6 locations on Overseas Property Show tour
  • Glasgow hosts most popular show so far, with 700 visitors
  • Final show to be held in Aberdeen from 31 Oct to 3 Nov

As the industry-leading Overseas Property Show nears the conclusion of its UK tour, which ends at the AECC in Aberdeen from 31 October to 3 November, celebrations of the success of this year’s events are already underway.

The first six shows brought over 3,000 visitors through the doors, with clients keen to find out about properties in Portugal, Italy, Spain and the US. Visitors included those wishing to emigrate and ready to leave the UK as soon as they found the perfect property abroad, to those looking to turn the dream of owning a second home overseas into reality.

Due to the breadth of its offering, this year’s Overseas Property Show has been able to satisfy every client’s wishes, from apartments in America to luxury villas in Portugal, such as this delightfully appointed and tastefully furnished five bedroom villa with pool overlooking the Algarve’s prestigious Quinta do Lago south course.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which has impressed the show’s visitors with its huge range of Portuguese property options, comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is pleased to report the resounding success of its current run, with over 3,000 people through the doors searching for their ideal second home. With one show remaining we are on target to reach 150 property sales for the year and with the expansion of our Iberian operation, we are looking at doubling this figure in 2015!”

As the harsh winter approaches once more, Scottish clients in particular have been keen to see what options are available in sunnier climes, with the Glasgow show attracting an impressive 700 visitors over the course of its three days. The Aberdeen show this weekend is expected to be equally well attended.

With their sales forecast for November estimated at €1.9 million worth of real estate, Ideal Homes Portugal is delighted with the success of the 2014 Overseas Property Shows. For Chris White though, the joy of what he does isn’t in the big numbers, but in the difference that finding their dream home overseas makes to individual buyers. It is this that drives the company’s ethos of providing excellent customer service during every transaction, the results of which can be seen in Ideal Homes Portugal’s long list of satisfied customers including Dragon’s Den star, Duncan Bannatyne!.

As buyer Moria Hutchinson, an equally happy customer as Duncan, from Leyland in Lancashire recently commented,

“Ideal Homes were good and we would have no reservations about using them again, or recommending them to other prospective buyers.”

Those yet to discover the pleasure of second home ownership through Ideal Homes Portugal still have the chance to meet the team in person in Aberdeen this weekend. Tickets to the final Overseas Property Show are free to obtain from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

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.

Portugal named top value destination for travel and property in 2015

Portugal named top value destination for travel and property in 2015

by Louise Portugal ,
  • Portugal in top 10 value destinations for 2015 (Lonely Planet)
  • Portuguese property prices on their way to stabilising (PMHS)
  • Four bedroom townhouse with pool from €249,500 (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Portugal has been hailed as one of the world’s best value places to visit, according to the just released Lonely Planet top 10 value destinations for 2015. The report emphasises the fact that Portugal as a tourist destination is here to stay, remarking upon the Algarve region’s position as trumping prices at other European resort areas.

The Portugal News also recently described the Portuguese property market as “back on track with a strong and positive outlook for the future.” The confidence is representative of the shift that has taken place in the Portuguese market this year, with the RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey (PHMS) reporting both new buyer enquiries and transactions as increasing. The report states,

“PHMS results show sales activity continues to pick up, while prices appear to be a step closer to stabilisation. On the back of this, confidence in the outlook continues to strengthen.

“Meanwhile, sales expectations are now more buoyant than at any other time in the survey’s history.”

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, and Portuguese property market expert, summarises the current positivity gripping the Iberian country,

“Portugal’s economic journey certainly hasn’t been smooth over the past decade, but there’s definitely a feeling – within the property sector especially – that things are on the up. We’re seeing more enquiries and more sales, both from buyers within Portugal and from overseas purchasers.

“Those looking to own holiday homes tend to be savvy about their investment choice when it comes to property in Portugal. They want top floor apartments with stunning views, along with communal pools and generously appointed balconies, so that the property is an appealing prospect for renting out during the summer months.”

With confidence returning to the market, many see now as the perfect time to buy either a permanent residence or a holiday home in Portugal. Prices have begun to rise – by 1.22% in the year to Q1 2014, according to Statistics Portugal (INE) – but there are still plenty of fantastic bargains to be had.

Areas such as the Algarve, a perennially popular tourist destination, also offer the flexibility of using a second home as a rental property, with many owners making enough income during the peak summer months to cover their mortgage payments year round.

Portugal’s value for money, beaches and golf courses entice many travellers to visit time and again and those willing to look beyond the most obvious destinations can find some impressive bargains. At the luxury end of the market, villas in the eastern Algarve, such as a four bedroom/four bathroom villa with infinity pool and 25,000 sqm estate bursting with olive and carob trees, in the picturesque Santa Catarina area, can be picked up for €1,625,000.

Bargains in glaringly obvious areas are still to be had too. In the popular town of Albufeira, a beautiful four bedroom townhouse with communal pool can be picked up for just €249,500. The price includes modern touches like electric shutters and a central vacuuming system, as well as a fully fitted kitchen and outside BBQ and dining area.

Many have chosen to use the Overseas Property Show as their means of assessing what Portugal has to offer. The show has received over 2,400 visitors already, with five UK cities under its belt. The two remaining events – Newmarket on 25-27 October and Aberdeen from 31 October to 3 November – are tipped to be just as popular. Free tickets are available from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com for those looking to turn their second home dream into a reality.

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.

The Russians are on the move… from the cold of Moscow to the warmth of the Costa Blanca

The Russians are on the move… from the cold of Moscow to the warmth of the Costa Blanca

by Louise Spain
  • Costa Blanca leads the way for Russian property sales (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Russian visitor numbers to the Costa del Sol up 17% (Tourism Board Malaga)
  • Air passenger traffic up 4.6% overall (AENA)

There’s no questioning the attractions of the Spanish Costas. With sea, sand and sunshine, they make the perfect location for everything from a quick weekend break to a permanent move overseas. While Brits and Germans have been heading to Spain for decades, Russian property investors and tourists have been a more recent addition.

Russian buyers in the Costa del Sol are nothing new. For several years now Russians have been scouring the area for upscale properties, so much so that the luxury market is flooded with them. In fact, recent data from the General Council of Notaries has shown that buyers from the former Soviet Union are now at the top of the ranking of investments in property costing €500,000 or more in three Spanish provinces.

Figures from the Tourism Board Malaga-Costa del Sol have shown a 17% year on year increase in Russian visitors arriving at the Malaga-Costa del Sol airport, with visitor numbers this year up to 42,861 from 36,610 the year before. Clearly the Costa del Sol continues to tempt Russian buyers, but the real story at present is the Costa Blanca.

At the same time as the Spanish Tourism Office in Moscow is reporting a sharp upturn in the number of people wishing to travel to Spain, based on visa application numbers, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, is experiencing a boom in Russian buyers looking to be part of the Costa Blanca property scene. He explains,

“We’ve noticed a definite increase in demand from Russian buyers of late. While interest in the Costa del Sol still exists, it’s actually the Costa Blanca that is attracting the majority of our Russian purchasers. Front-line properties that are well located for international airports, such as Alicante, are top of the shopping list, so developments such as La Recoleta III, Montesol and La Vila Paradis are all extremely popular.”

According to Eye on Spain, the Costa Blanca is becoming so popular with Russian buyers that they have overtaken even the British when it comes to foreign investment in the Spanish property market. While Russian buyers represented less than 5% of the foreign purchasers in Alicante just four years ago, they now account for half of the 7,000 sales made to non-Spaniards last year.

Taylor Wimpey España’s Costa Blanca developments showcase the high spec accommodation that Russians are seeking. Just two minutes from Punta Prima beach, La Recoleta III is a tranquil development of two and three bedroom apartments, including luxurious penthouses with solariums and outstanding sea views. Prices start at €142,000. Montesol in Calpe, one of the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful locations, has townhouses for sale from €252,000, while La Vila Paradis combines both apartments and townhouses, starting at €265,000. In line with Taylor Wimpey España’s reputation for delightful design, all three developments include prettily landscaped grounds and generously sized swimming pools.

Spain has experienced a country-wide improvement in air passenger numbers so far this year, with data from Spanish airports network AENA showing a 4.6% increase in air passenger traffic during the first nine months of 2014. The increase took the total to more than 153.2 million passengers, many of them travelling from Russia for inspection trips or to make cash purchases.

As well as visitors, investment capital has also been flowing into Spain. According to a report from Money Market UK, Spain is positioned first in Europe in terms of the amount of foreign investment received during 2013, equating to some €28,755,000.

Much of the investment has been in property and a recent report from Knight Frank Russia & CIS has placed Russians fifth for total investments in Western European real estate. As the Spanish market stabilises, thanks to both an increase in foreign buyers and strengthening domestic demand, rating agency Fitch has observed in a recent statement,

“The house price and mortgage market stabilisation reflects Spain’s macroeconomic recovery and banks’ increasing willingness to lend.”

With Russian interest continuing to drive forward property sales in the Costa Blanca, developers such as Taylor Wimpey España are feeling positive about the signs of the property market’s reinvigoration within the area. Marc Pritchard concludes,

“Russian buyers are not only providing a strong boost to the Costa Blanca’s property market, they are emphasising the desirability of high end developments across the Costas. The attractions of Spain’s golden visa programme mean that many of those purchasing property here have serious cash to invest, which is helping to ensure a healthy and stable property sector once more.”

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.

Overseas Property Show selects Aberdeen to host last show of the season

Overseas Property Show selects Aberdeen to host last show of the season

by Louise Italy Portugal Spain United Kingdom United States ,
  • Overseas Property Show hits 7 UK cities in 3 months
  • Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Final show to be hosted in Aberdeen from 31 October to 3 November

It’s been a whirlwind three months for the Overseas Property Show, which has so far brought a host of overseas property options to residents of six UK areas. Some 2,400 people attended the first five shows, with Glasgow proving to be by far the most popular. It seems fitting that the final show should head north of the border once more, to be held in Aberdeen.

The end of this month will see the Gordon B Suite of the AECC packed with those interested in owning a second home overseas. From holiday apartments to retirement villas to primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone. It will open in Aberdeen on 31 October and run until 3 November, offering some sun-kissed relief from the increasingly harsh winter weather.

The property industry’s most dynamic show, the event will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US. The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for buyers looking to turn that dream of owning an overseas property into reality.

International property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be attending the shows with his expert team, ready to answer any questions that prospective buyers may have about owning property in Portugal. He comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is the show for anyone who is interested in buying overseas. As well as an incredible range of properties, it offers access to some of the sector’s key professionals all in one location – an opportunity not to be missed for those who are serious about owning overseas.

“Earlier this year, a Rightmove Overseas report revealed that 51% of those planning to buy abroad were doing so in order to have a holiday home, around 1/3 were looking to emigrate and 13% as an investment. Expert advice on all three of these options will be on hand at the Overseas Property Show, along with the perfect property to suit every attendee’s desires.”

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Battle of the capitals – Belfast and London neck and neck on house price rises

Battle of the capitals – Belfast and London neck and neck on house price rises

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Belfast prices rise 21% in 12 months (Nationwide)
  • Average Belfast house price now £188,240 (Nationwide)
  • Leading buy-to-let investment from £108,100 (Property Frontiers)

London is used to sitting above the rest of the UK when it comes to house prices, but new data has revealed that Belfast is now giving the English capital a run for its money, at least so far as house price rises are concerned.

The past year has been a good one for the housing market across Northern Ireland, with Nationwide figures showing price rises of 10.2% during the year. Belfast was the area to perform most strongly, with 21% growth in prices over the past 12 months.

The figure puts Belfast on par with London when it comes to the rate at which property prices are rising. As property sale prices remain significantly lower than in the English capital – the average Belfast house price is now £188,240 according to the Nationwide House Price Index – many property investors have turned away from the more obvious choice of London in order to benefit from Belfast’s buoyant housing market. Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, explains,

“Belfast is one of the most dynamic markets in the UK right now for property investors. Buy-to-let apartments are leading the field, attracting investors from across the globe. Belfast’s business prowess continues to impress and young professionals are flocking to the city in search of employment, driving the need for high quality rental accommodation.”

Typical of the new kind of rental accommodation in demand by Belfast’s latest generation of professionals is The Sandford. Comprised of luxury one and two bedroom apartments that have been designed in the spirit of modern elegance, the development offers buy-to-let investors the opportunity to make a purchase from as little as £108,100. Available at 6% below RICS valuation, the apartments represent exceptional value for money, while an 8% expected yield adds to their attractions.

The Sandford is ideally located for access to Belfast’s iconic Titanic Quarter and the city centre, where one of the world’s largest and most exciting urban waterfront regeneration projects is underway. Demand for the apartments will be intense, thanks to the considerable amount of foreign direct investment currently flowing into Belfast, with companies from across the globe choosing the city as the location for their operations.

With tenant demand tipped to be so strong, investors have been snapping up the apartments at an impressive rate. Withers observes,

“The apartments at The Sandford offer that rare combination of the right investment opportunity at the right price, at the right time in the market’s fluctuations. As such, we’ve seen incredible interest in them from the very first day they were launched. We certainly don’t expect to have availability at The Sandford for much longer.”

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

Foreign buyers bag bargains as Spanish property market offers best value in Europe

Foreign buyers bag bargains as Spanish property market offers best value in Europe

by Louise Spain
  • Spain and France tied for first place as favourites with foreign buyers (HiFX)
  • 89% of ‘foreign’ buyers already live in Spain (Ministry of Development)
  • Spanish property costs 4.4 times average salary, versus 6.1 times EU average (Deloitte)

A popular winter sun destination, Spain is packed with delights to engage and entertain those looking to while away the days in a warmer clime than the UK affords. The temperate weather has appealed to holidaymakers for decades, with average temperatures remaining firmly above 10C/50F, even in the depths of winter. Even the sea remains a respectable average of 15C/59F at the coldest point in its annual temperature cycle, according to holiday-weather.com.

With property prices that have fallen significantly since the global financial crisis, many investors are seeing now as the perfect time to put their funds into Spain’s housing market. Spanish real estate and construction accounted for around 18% of Spain’s GDP back in 2007, with a market capitalisation of more than €30 billion. It is now about a tenth of that, with the result that economists and investors alike are looking at Spain as being one of the last bastions of good value property in Europe. European Portfolio Manager Dean Tenerelli of T Rowe Price summarises the situation succinctly,

“We are at an interesting juncture as real estate in Spain has reached a trough since the crisis; rent prices are historically low and there is an abundance of low-cost property on sale.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, at the heart of the Iberian country’s residential property market, comments,

“Spanish property is some of the best value in Europe. Buyers from across the globe are taking an interest in what Spain can offer, both as an investment choice and for the lifestyle benefits. We’ve found that our buyers include a mixture of those looking for an escape pad for long weekends, those chasing the winter sun and then summering in their country of origin and those looking to move fulltime to Spain and settle here for the long term.

“The Balearics are proving particularly popular right now. They provide fantastic value and developments such as our Cala Magrana III resort, which offers easy access to both golfing and beaches, are being snapped up at an impressive pace. So much so that we only have a few apartments left there.”

Two bedroom apartments at Cala Magrana III currently cost from €230,000 thanks to an end of season offer from Taylor Wimpey España. Foreign buyers are enjoying the high end apartments, with their designer fixtures and fittings, large swimming pool and communal gardens, as well as the sandy beaches, coves, water sports and crystal waters of the surrounding area.

Figures from the recent HiFX Property Hotspots Report confirm the interest that foreign buyers are currently taking in Spain. The latest report saw Spain tie in first place with France as the destination of choice for buyers, garnering some 35% of the vote. Additionally, the National Statistics Institute has confirmed that home sales are rising, up 8.8% in June 2014 compared with a year earlier, while Spain´s society of notaries has reported that foreign buyers favour coastal areas. The breakdown of foreign buyers included 15% Brits, 10% French, 9% Russians and 7% Belgians, according to the data.

While the influx of foreign property investors is good news for Spain’s economy, the situation for domestic buyers is also looking up. Deloitte’s fourth annual analysis of the Spanish housing market has shown that the average price of housing is now 4.4 times the individual gross salary. This compares with an EU average ratio of 6.1%, rising to 7.9% in France and 8.5% in Britain.

Interestingly, many of the ‘domestic’ buyers benefitting from this situation are foreigners already living in Spain. According to data from the Ministry of Development, 89% of foreign buyers in the second quarter of 2014 were already living in Spain. The figures reveal that Malaga is one of the most popular parts of Spain when it comes to home sales to foreigners, which reached a total of 2,499 transactions during Q2 2014 – a level not seen since 2007 and an increase of 30% over Q2 2013.

Taylor Wimpey España’s experience certainly supports the finding. Their Horizon Beach development in the Estepona area of Malaga has only a few apartments left for sale. One of the last beachfront plots in the Costa del Sol, Horizon Beach’s 36 two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses offer a level of exclusivity that sets them apart, having been designed to impress even the most demanding of buyers. Prices start at €370,000. Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard concludes,

“It is the perfect time to buy in Spain right now, whether for foreign property investors or domestic buyers. Property here offers some incredible bargains and it’s great to see the market beginning to pick up pace as the world wakes up to the excellent value for money that the Spanish residential property market currently affords.”

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.

Italian house prices pick up as foreigners bolster economy

Italian house prices pick up as foreigners bolster economy

by Louise Italy
  • Nationwide property sales up 4.1% (Nomisma)
  • Foreign-owned small businesses up 44% (CAN)
  • 5.1% increase in organised international travel projected (ISNART)

It’s fair to say that Italy has had something of a bumpy ride over the past few years. Although the path to economic prosperity is proving to be a long and winding one, there are numerous rays of hope for the boot-shaped country, with the most recent figures indicating that Italy’s property market could finally be on the up once more.

Recent data from the Nomisma economic research institute has shown that both residential and commercial property transactions in Italy increased during Q1 2014. Nomisma’s Real Estate Market Report registered an increase in nationwide sales of 4.1% for the quarter compared to the same period in 2013. The news has been welcomed by those in the property sector, as Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, confirms,

“The past few years have been tough for Italy and it’s great to see property sales figures heading in the right direction again. There are some real bargains on the market right now and there is a buzz of excitement about the sector once more.”

Dawn certainly knows her stuff when it comes to Italian property. Since moving from the UK to Italy in 2004, she and her family have purchased and renovated four fabulous Italian properties, carefully coaxing luxury fractional ownership holiday homes out of the rubble of former buildings. Their company, Appassionata, has just released its latest offering to the market – the three bedroom, three bathroom Casa Tre Archi, which is available from £65,000 for a one tenth share, with owners entitled to five weeks’ usage of the property per year.

Dawn and the Appassionata family team are representative of a rising trend of foreigners who are driving forward Italy’s economy. Figures from the Unioncamere and Infocamere chambers of commerce and the Rome unit of the National Confederation of Artisans and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (CAN) show that small businesses owned by foreigners surged by 44% between April and June this year. As well as European business owners such as Dawn, Moroccan entrepreneurs have a strong presence (accounting for some 63,000 of the 325,000 non-European-owned entities), as do Chinese businesspeople (accounting for 46,000 companies).

Foreign income from tourism is also boosting Italy’s economy, with the US, Australia and China all providing plentiful long-haul visitors according to figures from the Bank of Italy and the Centre National Tourist Unioncamere-ISNART, with an increase of 5.1% in organised international travel forecast. Visitors from the US during 2013 accounted for a total of 30.61 million overnight stays in Italian accommodation – 9.5% of the total number of foreign overnight stays.

Appassionata’s fractional ownership holiday homes contributed to this figure, with Dawn listing American owners amongst those who have purchased fractions,

“Our fractional ownership holiday homes are truly international when it comes to their owners. We have owners from as far afield as the US and South Africa, as well as numerous countries closer to home.”

With foreign entrepreneurial spirit and foreign income flowing into Italy in such quantities, adding to domestic efforts to enhance the country’s economic situation, it is hoped that the road ahead may be a little smoother for Italy over the coming years.

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.

Swapping horses for houses – Suffolk residents head to Newmarket to pursue their overseas property dreams

Swapping horses for houses – Suffolk residents head to Newmarket to pursue their overseas property dreams

by Louise Portugal ,
  • Overseas Property Show hits 7 UK cities in 3 months
  • Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Penultimate show set to hit Newmarket Racecourse on 25-27 October

As the English autumn sets in, people across the country are thinking wistfully of sun-kissed beaches on foreign shores, where they can escape the rain and the extra edge of chill in the wind.

For those in Suffolk, the dream is about to become a reality as Newmarket Racecourse swaps horses for houses in order to host the penultimate Overseas Property Show on 25-27 October. The property industry’s most dynamic show, the event will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to Suffolk buyers. From holiday apartments to retirement villas to primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone.

The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for buyers looking to turn that dream of owning an overseas property into reality.

International property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be attending the shows with his expert team, ready to answer any questions that prospective buyers may have about owning property in Portugal.

The Newmarket event will be followed by the final Overseas Property Show, to be held in Aberdeen from 31 October to 3 November.

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is the show for anyone who is interested in buying overseas. As well as an incredible range of properties, it offers access to some of the sector’s key professionals all in one location – an opportunity not to be missed for those who are serious about owning overseas.

“Earlier this year, a Rightmove Overseas report revealed that 51% of those planning to buy abroad were doing so in order to have a holiday home, around 1/3 were looking to emigrate and 13% as an investment. Expert advice on all three of these options will be on hand at the Overseas Property Show, along with the perfect property to suit every attendee’s desires.”

 

Menorca vs Mallorca – how a 20 mile trip could save you 20% on property prices

Menorca vs Mallorca – how a 20 mile trip could save you 20% on property prices

by Louise Spain
  • Menorca property prices just 77% those of Mallorca (Kyero)
  • Spanish property 41.8% cheaper than in 2007 (Tinsa)
  • Property sales rose 10.7% in July (National Statistics Institute)

When it comes to the Balearics, there are some striking similarities between the islands’ offerings. The four largest of the islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) all boast stunning beaches, hot summer sun and fantastic water sports, as well as some fabulous examples of Iberian cuisine.

Each island also has a distinct atmosphere of its own. Ibiza is known around the world for its clubs and party lifestyle, while Mallorca is seen as a haven for sailors. There are also considerable differences when it comes to property prices, as the latest data from Spain’s leading property portal, Kyero, which lists over 175,000 properties from 2,500 estate agents, has revealed.

Martin Dell, Kyero’s Director, explains,

“Both Mallorca and Menorca have some fantastic properties available – everything from high end apartments overlooking the beach to sprawling villas tucked away in the hills. Prices can vary greatly between the islands though. Kyero’s October 2014 Price Index has shown that average prices on Menorca are just 77% of those on Mallorca, making it an excellent choice for property purchasers looking to pick up a bargain home in the sunshine. Just 20 miles of travelling means savings of more than 20%.”

The figures come in light of the news that housing across Spain costs 41.8% less than in 2007, according to the Tinsa IMIE house price index. For many second home buyers, there has never been a better time to look to the Balearics. In fact, property sales across the whole of Spain have picked up of late, with data from the National Statistics Institute showing a 10.7% increase in sales during July, when compared with July 2013.

The 28,583 transactions from July represent the fifth successive month of increases in sales, pointing to the beginnings of a sustained picking up of the market. Second hand sales are largely behind the positive growth, as Kyero’s Martin Dell observes,

“We’ve seen a significant surge in the number of second hand sales over the last several months, which is driving forward the current positive movement in the housing market. Many buyers – both domestic buyers and those from overseas – have been attracted by the price falls that Spain has experienced over the past seven or so years.

“Spain has always been a popular country with holidaymakers and a significant proportion of them see owning a property there as an investment for their retirement or for their children. There has been a definite upturn in the second hand holiday home market of late, as well as the domestic, fulltime home market.”

Kyero is well placed to observe the holiday home market. Uniquely, it is the only Spanish property portal aimed at foreign buyers and, as 45% of buyers are non-English, is available in 33 languages to ensure that the properties listed are accessible to all. So whether Menorca or Mallorca is their island of choice, buyers the world over can find their dream Spanish holiday home bargain this autumn.

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

Former Liverpool ballroom which hosted Beatle John Lennon’s wedding reception due for residential redevelopment

Former Liverpool ballroom which hosted Beatle John Lennon’s wedding reception due for residential redevelopment

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Kings Dock to undergo £1.5 billion redevelopment (Liverpool City Council)
  • 23.4% of households rent privately (Chief Executive’s Policy Team)
  • Parker Street will see the refurbishment of former ballroom which hosted the wedding reception of Beatle John Lennon

When it comes to buy-to-let property investment in the UK, look no further than Liverpool for some of the most exciting opportunities on the market. That’s the message from Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers and a leading voice in the UK’s buy-to-let sector.

“Liverpool is known across the world for being the birthplace of the Beatles and for its role in revolutionising the music scene. Beatles attractions still draw tourists to the city today – the 2012 Liverpool Digest of Tourism Statistics listed two Beatles attractions (Beatles Story and Beatles Magical Mystery Tour) in the top ten paid attractions in the city, bringing a combined total of more than ¼ of a million visitors to the city in a single year.

“Of course, Liverpool itself has moved on somewhat since the Beatles first focused the world’s attention on it. A modern, dynamic city, it is packed with young professionals seeking to make their fortune from the plentiful job opportunities available there.”

Most recently, Liverpool’s modernisation has included the announcement of plans for the Kings Dock area, which Liverpool City Council has confirmed is set to create thousands of jobs as the £1.5 billion redevelopment takes place. Just days ago, the first phase of the Anfield stadium redevelopment was also confirmed, with planning permission granted for work on the new £75 million main stand.

With a booming class of young professionals looking for high end, well located housing, Liverpool’s buy-to-let sector is attracting investors in their droves. Alan Bevan, Managing Director of City Residential, comments,

“With Liverpool’s lettings market performing strongly and continuing to expand, sales momentum “exploding” into life and new rental/sales developments springing up across the city and the forthcoming investment in PRS (Private Rented Sector), the future is indeed looking particularly bright!”

Those looking to be a part of Liverpool’s bright future by buying into the private rented sector see now as the perfect time to do so. Data from Liverpool City Council’s Chief Executive’s Policy Team in 2013 showed that some 23.4% of households rented from a private landlord, compared with a national average across England and Wales of 16.7%. The figure had increased from 13.1% in 2001, highlighting how rapid the growth of the Liverpool’s private rented sector has been.

Ever at the forefront of UK buy-to-let investment opportunities, Property Frontiers has launched a new project in the heart of Liverpool city centre, Parker Street. With an unrivalled city centre location, within minutes of Liverpool One and Lime Street, this brand new buy-to-let opportunity will see a fabulous 1930s Portland Stone building, the former ballroom which hosted the wedding reception of Beatle John Lennon, redeveloped into luxury studio suites and one bedroom apartments. Panoramic views from the upper floors will combine with high end design to provide the very latest in modern city living appeal.

The ambitious plans will see a 12 month build schedule in place, though the investment opportunity (available from just £64,950 with 6% net yield assured for 5 years) will sell out long before the paint has dried and the furniture packs have been delivered. With a buy-to-let market as demand-led as Liverpool’s, an investment opportunity like this won’t be around for long.

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