Focus on… Portugal’s Algarve – the best place in the world to retire

Focus on… Portugal’s Algarve – the best place in the world to retire

by Louise Portugal United States
  • The Algarve is ‘the best place in the world to retire’ (2014 Retire Overseas Index)
  • Portugal experiences 11 consecutive months of positive demand growth (PHMS)
  • Three bedroom villas with pool from just €260,000 (Ideal Homes Portugal)

It’s official – Portugal is the best place in the world to spend your golden years. The 2014 Retire Overseas Index, from Live and Invest Overseas, listed the country’s southern Algarve region as the global destination of choice for retirees. The report’s publisher, Kathleen Peddicord, comments,

“Portugal’s Algarve is the best place in the world to retire in 2014. This Atlantic coastal region is already home to more than 100,000 resident expat retirees and offers the best of the Old World, from medieval towns and fishing villages to open-air markets and local wine, plus some of Europe’s best beaches.”

For retirees, Portugal has the whole package – a fabulous climate (with a reported 300 days of sunshine per year), a low cost of living and some excellent healthcare facilities. Bargain property prices add to the country’s charms, as Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, explains,

“Portugal’s economic crisis saw property prices drop across the country, but now that the bailout is a thing of the past, the market has bottomed out and prices have begun to rise again. This makes it the ideal time to pick up a bargain property, whether as a second home or as a primary residence to which to retire.”

In addition to lowered prices, bank repossessions have meant that there are some fabulous deals available currently for those who know where to look. In Paderne in the Central Algarve, a three bedroom, three bathroom villa with private garden on closed condominium with communal adult and children’s pools can be picked up for as little as €260,000. Over in Alvor, an ultra-modern villa with eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms and four reception rooms can be purchased for just €480,000.

Both buyer demand and transactions are on the up in Portugal – evidence that the market has turned the corner. July’s Portuguese Housing Market Survey showed new buyer enquiries increasing at their fastest pace for five months and represented the 11th month of positive demand growth. It also showed that agreed sales have risen for six months in a row.

Of the three key Portuguese markets that the survey covers (Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve), the Algarve has demonstrated the best performance over recent months. July was the fourth consecutive month to show either a price rise or no change.

It certainly seems that all signs are pointing to now being the time to pick up that retirement property in the sunshine. Even for those for whom their golden years are still some way off, a property that can be used as a holiday home in the near future and then a permanent residence later in life is likely to make an excellent investment choice.

This was precisely the approach taken by Moira and Colin Hutchinson from Lancashire, who purchased an apartment in the eastern Algarve through Ideal Homes Portugal, to use initially as a holiday home and later as a property to which to retire. Moira was delighted with the Algarve and with the service she received from Ideal Homes Portugal, commenting,

“Ideal Homes took us to view a number of properties that met with our original spec, and to others that we might be interested in. The property we finally decided on was above our original budget, but we have no regrets about opting for it in the end. The development was just what we had in mind – perfect. Very high quality of finish.”

Those interested in achieving their dream of retiring to the Algarvian sunshine, or simply picking up a bargain holiday home in which to build treasured family memories are invited to meet with the Ideal Homes Portugal team at the Overseas Property Show as it tours the UK. Free tickets are available from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com. The next show will be in Glasgow on 26-29 September, followed by Manchester on 10-13 October.

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.

London to lead European hotel sector into 2015 and beyond

London to lead European hotel sector into 2015 and beyond

by Louise United Kingdom
  • London hotels to lead Europe with RevPAR growth of 5.2% in 2015 (PwC)
  • Average daily rates for London hotels up 12.7% in 2013 (Statista)
  • Returns of up to 65.63% over 5 years at new ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula (One Investments)

London’s hotel sector is set to lead Europe into the future, according to the European Cities Hotel Forecast for 2014 and 2015 from PwC. The report forecasts that London will be second for RevPAR growth during 2014 and first during 2015, with 3.8% and 5.2% respectively, ahead of the 17 other leading European cities that the report covered.

The figures follow a positive year for London’s hotel sector during 2013. Average daily rate of hotels in the capital rose by 12.7% during the year, from £122.70 during Q1 to £138.26 by the end of the year, based on data from Statista. At the same time, Statista’s figures show that occupancy rose from 75.2% at the start of the year to 81.1% during Q4.

Naturally, certain elements of the sector have outperformed others. Zeeshaan Shah, Chief Executive Officer of One Capital, comments,

“While the overall picture for the London hotel sector has been positive in recent years – a trend which has continued into 2014 – we’ve seen the budget share of the market flourish particularly. Innovations in the budget offering, such as ‘all inclusive’ packages and new brands such as ibis Styles, from Accor’s ibis offering, are redefining budget hotel accommodation.”

Popular with everyone from tourists to business professionals, budget hotels from leading brands are certainly enjoying sharing in London’s success. Competition within the sector has driven up standards to the point where ‘budget’ can only truly be used to describe their price point. Ibis Styles for example, is a non-standardised brand that features establishments with distinct personalities in the heart of major cities, with a colourful, bright and energetic style complementing an all-inclusive package, with room rates including breakfast and internet access.

The latest ibis Styles hotel, the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula, which is being built through a joint venture between Cherif Investment Properties (the property development arm of the Beaverbrook Family Office) and development company One Capital (with One Investments as the master agent), has just been launched for investment, much to the excitement of those looking to be a part of London’s thriving hotel sector. Investment prices range from £134,995 for a double room, through £147,995 for an executive room, to £179,995 for a family suite. Accumulated returns are projected to reach up to 65.63% over five years.

Just ten minutes from London City Airport, the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula is part of the massive regeneration project underway on the Greenwich Peninsula, which will see some £5 billion of investment across the area, overseen by the London Mayor’s office. One of only two budget hotels on the peninsula, it is perfectly positioned to attract international tourists visiting London, domestic tourists visiting the O2 and other local attractions and professionals in the area for business purposes. One Capital’s Zeeshaan Shah concludes,

“Greenwich is the place to be when it comes to investment in the London hotel market at the moment. The development work underway there is set to drive up visitor numbers to the area for years, while being home to ‘the world’s busiest music arena’ and having London on its doorstep means that Greenwich is already popular with everyone from family groups to international business travellers. With so much to offer already, the impact of the current regeneration work and of the launch of the ibis Styles Hotel, Greenwich Peninsula really is going to be exciting for this vibrant area of London.”

For more information please contact One Investments on +44 (0)845 548 5454, infor@oneinvestments.co.uk or visit www.oneinvestments.co.uk.

Spanish property on the up as penthouses command 30% price premiums

Spanish property on the up as penthouses command 30% price premiums

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish homes sales up 10.7% in July (National Statistics Institute)
  • Penthouses commanding price premiums of 30% (Globaliza)
  • 90% of foreign buyers don’t require financing (Aguirre Newman)

Spain’s property market is on the up, as a flood of foreign investors are snapping up bargain properties following years of tumbling prices. Provisional July figures from the National Statistics Institute have indicated that home sales increased by 10.7% compared with the same month in 2013, with 28,583 transactions in total.

The July figures mark the fifth successive month of rises, with homes sales increasing by 22% in March, 5% in April, 5.4% in May and 8.8% in June. The second hand sales market is doing well, while the homebuilding market has also experienced an uplift, with popular tourist areas issuing an increasing number of licences for new homes. In Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca, for example, the local planning department dealt with 451 licences in H1 2014 – an increase of 339% over the previous year, according to The Leader.

Demand is growing significantly on the Costa del Sol as well, with discerning buyers looking for high quality second homes and primary residences. Penthouses in particular are proving popular, with Globaliza.com reporting price premiums of 30% for such dwellings.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which has just released a new phase of its stunning Avalon development, with two and three bedroom apartments from €265,000, along with a lovely selection of penthouses, comments,

“We’ve seen a lot of interest from foreign buyers in the Costa del Sol recently and our penthouses are proving particularly popular. Buyers are looking for extremely high build quality at the moment, along with serious luxury when it comes to interiors. Obviously this is great news for Taylor Wimpey España as this is our ethos.

“As well as Avalon, our La Floresta Sur site near Marbella is proving a hit with buyers this year. Two bedroom apartments are available from €178,000, with buyers looking to enjoy the area’s fabulous sea and mountain views, lovely beach and delicious cuisine. Two large communal swimming pools and landscaped gardens provide a delightful setting for La Floresta Sur, while free unlimited use of all the facilities of El Soto Golf Club also add to the development’s family appeal.”

Interestingly, a new report from Aguirre Newman has shown that not only are foreign investors attracted by the bargain property prices of the Costa del Sol, but that they are also cash-rich when it comes to purchasing, with 90% able to buy their new property without financing, in stark contrast to the domestic market.

Such foreign investment is helping to reinvigorate the Spanish market and bringing money back into the country. The demand for new build property is also creating jobs and comes in light of the news that unemployment is finally falling. Employment Ministry figures show a decrease in the number of unemployed people of 122,700 in June, followed by a decrease of 29,800 in July.

While Spain’s recovery is still at an early stage, the future is looking increasingly rosy for the Iberian nation, so those looking to pick up Spanish property at the perfect price point had better act fast!

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.

Focus on… Le Marche – Italy’s best kept secret

Focus on… Le Marche – Italy’s best kept secret

by Louise Italy
  • Property prices 35% lower than neighbouring Tuscany (Magic Marche)
  • Urban fractional property causing a stir from £65,000 (Appassionata)
  • Direct enquiries up 300% in H1 2014 (Magic Marche)

“The best of Italy all wrapped up in one place.”

This is how local estate agent Jane Smith, of Magic Marche, sums up Italy’s stunning Le Marche region, and it’s easy to see why. With everything from snow-capped mountains to Blue Flag beaches, interspersed with rolling hills dotted with medieval towns and scattered with olive trees, grapevines and fragrant lavender bushes, the area cannot help but charm upon sight. The cuisine blends fine dining with a farm to table countryside ethos that existed long before the concept began to trend. The organic wine is soft on the palate and gentle on the head.

While wild horses roam the region’s two national parks, the descendants of ancient Italian families still promenade through the narrow, picturesque streets of hilltop towns, making their way between charming churches and tiny delis over which foodies the world over would be green with envy.

The town of Petritoli is typical of the unspoilt, essential ‘Italian-ness’ of the region. Out of its 2,500 permanent residents, only six full time families are from the UK – testament to the undiscovered nature of Le Marche. Those who know the area feel privileged to have experienced it.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs owner of fractional ownership company Appassionata and Petritoli resident explains,

“Le Marche is one of those little pockets of the world that you want to both shout about to everyone you know and keep secret at the same time, so that it remains so perfectly unspoilt.”

Dawn and her family moved to the region in 2007, setting up a business that has managed to do just that, thanks to the fractional nature of the luxury holiday homes that Appassionata painstakingly renovates. The arrangement allows families to own their own slice of Le Marche (at a fraction of the usual cost of buying a second home), with each owner using their property for five weeks of the year. Le Marche avoids being overrun with holiday home owners, yet a few lucky families from around the world get to experience the area’s delights (at the same time as making a property investment that they can pass down through their family).

Owners of Appassionata’s luxury properties hail from around the globe, including South African, Swiss, Italian, Scottish, Irish, English, American and French nationals. Magic Marche’s Jane Smith has experienced a similar level of international interest. The company’s direct enquiries were up 300% during H1 2014 and though 70% of enquirers were from the UK, others ranged from as far afield as the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, the US, Switzerland and the UAE. Le Marche is also a popular area for domestic holidaymakers, with many Italians retreating from the heat and overcrowding of summer in Italy’s cities to revel in its glorious countryside and coastline.

With property prices some 35% lower than in neighbouring Tuscany, according to Magic Marche, and fractional ownership providing holiday home owners with far more luxury than they could individually afford, it is perhaps unsurprising that Appassionata’s latest offering, the three bedroom, three bathroom Casa Tre Archi, has already sold three fractions, despite the renovation work on the property having only just been completed.

With plentiful outside space, including a roof terrace with views of the rolling countryside, and a curved, turret feature wall in the living room that is actually part of Petritoli’s ancient fortifications, the property is certainly packed with delights. Fractions are available from £65,000.

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.

Glasgow citizens given the chance to say ‘yes’ to second homes overseas

Glasgow citizens given the chance to say ‘yes’ to second homes overseas

by Louise Portugal ,
  • Overseas Property Show to hit 7 UK cities in 3 months
  • Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Watch the brand new TV advert featuring Scottish Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne

It’s fair to say that Scotland has engaged in quite a bit of navel gazing over the past few weeks. Now, though, with the whole Yes/No debate finally settled, it’s time for the country to draw a collective breath and look beyond its borders once more.

As it happens, the timing couldn’t be better, as the Overseas Property Show is due to arrive in Glasgow’s Hampden Park on 26-29 September. The property industry’s most dynamic show, the event will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to Scottish 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.

One well-known individual who has already found their perfect Portuguese property through Ideal Homes Portugal is Dragons’ Den star and Scottish entrepreneur, Duncan Bannatyne. So impressed has Duncan been by the service offered from Chris White and his team, he is encouraging other buyers to attend the Overseas Property Shows through his new TV advert – available to watch now at http://www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com/.

The Glasgow event will be followed by Overseas Property Shows in:

  • Manchester (11-13 October)
  • Newmarket (25-27 October)
  • Aberdeen (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.”

 

Beat the hotel price rises by buying your own pad in Spain’s sun-kissed Costa Blanca

Beat the hotel price rises by buying your own pad in Spain’s sun-kissed Costa Blanca

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish hotels 22.6% more expensive in 2014 (National Statistics Institute)
  • Costa Blanca revealed as area of choice for overseas property buyers (National Statistics Institute)
  • Alicante-Elche airport sees more than 1.2 million passengers in busiest ever month

This summer has seen Brits heading abroad in their droves to take advantage of cheap sunshine breaks in the Costas. But it seems that Spain isn’t the cheap holiday destination that once it was, with recent data from the National Statistics Institute revealing that the price of hotels in the Iberian country has risen by 22.6% so far this year. Additional figures from the Consumer Price Index showed that the month of July alone saw an 8.3% increase in the price of hotels and other accommodation.

To beat the hotel price rises, an increasing number of clued up holiday makers are turning to investment in a second home in Spain as an alternative means of enjoying the Costas at their best. The Costa Blanca in particular has proven popular with both holidaymakers and foreign investors. In fact, according to data from the National Statistics Institute, Alicante absorbed almost 40% of total purchases made by foreign European buyers during H1 2014 – 4,267 homes in total – while Alicante-Elche airport recorded its busiest ever month in August, with passenger numbers in excess of 1.2 million.

As well as providing an alternative to hotel accommodation, holiday homes in Spain are used by many families as a means of building something up as an investment for future generations, as well as a potential retirement property in the more immediate future. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of established homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which specialises in developing luxury accommodation in key areas of Spain, explains,

“Many of our buyers are thinking way beyond their immediate desire for a holiday home. They are seeing their purchase as a nest egg for their retirement, or as something that their children and grandchildren can benefit from. Second homes provide a lifestyle benefit that multiple generations of family can enjoy.

“This summer here at Taylor Wimpey España we’ve noticed a particular increase in sales of holiday homes within the Costa Blanca. Our La Vila Paradis and La Recoleta developments are answering many would-be holiday home owners’ dreams by providing then with luxurious properties in prime locations.”

Located in carefully selected spots on the Costa Blanca, both developments offer beachfront accommodation that has been designed with owners’ comfort and luxury in mind. The two and three bedroom apartments at La Recoleta cost from just €142,000. The resort’s Mediterranean style buildings, wide avenues leading down to the sea and immaculate garden areas are complemented by a large swimming pool that is perfect for family fun.

Over at La Vila Paradis, sea views are the order of the day, with the gated development including two and three bedroom apartments as well as three bedroom townhouses. A communal swimming pool and landscaped gardens complete the site, while individual properties benefit from private gardens or terraces, depending on their position at the site. Prices begin at €245,000.

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 tourism up 18.6% as the Caribbean booms back to life

Grenada tourism up 18.6% as the Caribbean booms back to life

by Louise Grenada
  • Grenada tourist arrivals up 18.6% in H1 2014 (CTO)
  • Boutique Grenada accounts for just 0.7% of Caribbean beds (Tourism Minister)
  • European visitors to the Caribbean up 6% (CTO)

As a region dominated by its tourism industry, the Caribbean suffered more than most as a result of the global economic crisis. As families across the world tightened their purse strings, international travel numbers reduced and the Caribbean’s paradise islands saw fewer visitors. Thankfully, tourism numbers are now on the rise again, with the ‘spice island of Grenada’ reporting an increase in tourist arrivals of 18.6% during H1 2014, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

All things nice

Grenada is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations. While some islands have been over-developed in the face of mass tourism, Grenada has maintained a boutique approach, positioning itself as the Caribbean destination of choice for the more discerning traveller. With gorgeous beaches, restaurants ranging from fine dining to foodie snacks and several first-class spas, it offers visitors a distinctly Caribbean experience, but away from the tourist hordes. In fact, Tourism Minister, Alexandria Noel-Otway recently pointed out that Grenada has just 0.7% of the total beds available in the Caribbean, with less than 2,000 on the island.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of property investment specialists Property Frontiers, which is known on Grenada for its stunning 5* Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay, comments,

“Grenada is definitely the destination of choice for those looking for a more exclusive Caribbean experience. It blends ultimate luxury with breath-taking scenery to create the perfect level of appeal to tourists who demand nothing but the best.”

The Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay certainly fit with this ethos. Available for investment from £248,500 (25% below independent real estate valuation), the well-appointed hotel accommodation forms part of a leading resort, packed with facilities to keep even the most demanding guests happy. Stunning sea views add to the development’s charms – as do financial returns of 10.5% average projected NET yield per annum for Bacolet Bay’s investors.

The big picture

Grenada’s success is set against a backdrop of improving tourist numbers across the Caribbean, with the region as a whole recording a growth rate of 5.2% during H1 2014, according to the CTO data. Winfield Griffith, the CTO’s director of research and information technology, has revealed that almost half of those visitors – 6.87 million of the total 14 million long-stay tourists – were from the US. Griffith comments,

“There is enough evidence to suggest that there is growing economic confidence in the region’s biggest neighbor and this is releasing much pent-up travel demand caused by a long recessionary period.”

This pent-up demand has also been released in Canada and Europe, with those regions showing increases of 4.3% and 6.0% respectively in terms of visitor numbers to the Caribbean.

As the world’s economic situation continues to improve, visitor numbers to the Caribbean look set to do the same, with Grenada in particular standing out as the region’s leading island.

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

How to get the best from an overseas property inspection trip – Chris’ 5 top tips

How to get the best from an overseas property inspection trip – Chris’ 5 top tips

by Louise Portugal ,

You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first, nor a new car without taking it for a test drive so why would you buy a second home abroad without seeing it?

Sadly, in the age of the internet and with everything available at the click of a button, some people do – at their peril! Just as you would here at home in the UK, visiting your potential property purchase is advised and any overseas property company worth its salt will offer inspection trips to interested purchasers.

Broadly speaking, a trip will include subsidised flights, airport transfers, accommodation, some meals, perhaps some entertainment and most importantly viewings of several properties. The prospective buyer simply pays a minimal sum to reflect their serious interest.

Generally, with our fast paced lives and time at a premium, inspection trips are brief affairs, so how does one ensure that the time is utilised as fully and efficiently as possible?

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, provides 5 top tips to ensure that his clients always get the best from their inspection trips.

 

Chris’ 5 top tips for getting the best out of an inspection trip:

  1. Know what you want. Be clear with the overseas property company on what you are looking for and ensure you thoroughly consider property specifications and images before confirming the inspection trip. Want a golfer’s paradise? Head to Quinta do Lago. Want to experience authentic Portugal? Try Fuzeta. There’s no point travelling overseas before you realise that the properties and/or areas you have lined up to see don’t meet your requirements.
  1. Know what to expect. Familiarise yourself with the itinerary before you depart. As the property company is hosting you, don’t be surprised if they want to spend time presenting or talking to you about what they offer. Never allow yourself to feel pressured into committing to a property you aren’t 100% happy with but do afford the company enough of your time to allow them to show you the opportunities available.
  1. Take a list. It’s surprising how many people return home after an inspection trip and realise they have forgotten to ask key questions, such as whether the property has a clean title deed or what an apartment’s condominium fees might be. It’s always best to take care of these practical details face to face during the trip.
  1. Know the numbers. Be clear from the offset what your budget is and ensure that the company running the trip knows it too. Villas costing upwards of €1 million may be delightful, but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far then viewing them won’t be a good use of your time and you could miss out on your dream property while looking around the one that’s outside of your budget.
  1. Think it through. The adage “don’t lose your brain on the plane” rings true. You may well fall in love with the perfect second home on an inspection trip but resist the urge to whip out your credit card as soon as you get those butterflies! A good host will allow you to take time to reflect on your decision and be able to furnish you with a plethora of details about the area you are considering, from historical property price trends to language lessons to the best restaurants for local cuisine to make sure it’s the right choice.

 

Equipped with Chris’s 5 top tips to get the best from an inspection trip, potential buyers are invited to join Ideal Homes Portugal to view some of the Algarve’s leading properties. From just £149 per person, the trip includes:

  • Return flights for two adults from an airport of your choice direct to Portugal
  • Individual airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Accommodation in a luxury hotel (minimum 3 star), including breakfast
  • Free legal advice from an independent property lawyer
  • Free financial advice from an independent mortgage brokerage
  • Rental and property management presentation
  • Advice and guidance from Ideal Homes Portugal’s experienced property consultants

For those just starting their search, why not attend the Overseas Property Show as it tours the UK this autumn? Tickets are free and available from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

For further details of the stunning range 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.

Overseas Property Show brings the international holiday home dream to Leeds

Overseas Property Show brings the international holiday home dream to Leeds

by Louise Portugal ,
  • Overseas Property Show to hit 7 UK cities in 3 months
  • Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Watch the brand new TV advert featuring Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne

Following a hugely successful start in Birmingham and then Surrey this September, the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show has Leeds in its sights for the next leg of its UK tour.

Heading over to the Leeds Rugby Stadium from 19th – 21st September, the show will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to UK buyers. From holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone.

The Leeds event will be followed by:

ü  Glasgow (26-29 September)

ü  Manchester (11-13 October)

ü  Newmarket (25-27 October)

ü  Aberdeen (31 October to 3 November)

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

The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for UK 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.”

One well-known individual who has found their perfect Portuguese property through Ideal Homes Portugal is Dragons’ Den star and Scottish entrepreneur, Duncan Bannatyne. So impressed has Duncan been by the service offered from Chris White and his team, he is encouraging other UK buyers to attend the Overseas Property Shows through his new TV advert – available to watch now at http://www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com/.

 

French cross the border in search of bargain Spanish property according to latest Kyero report

French cross the border in search of bargain Spanish property according to latest Kyero report

by Louise Spain
  • 18.2% of foreign Spanish property buyers are French
  • 51% of enquiries for properties within an hour’s drive of France
  • 800,000 French citizens are Spanish speakers

It may come as no surprise that the English are the biggest foreign purchasers of Spanish property. For decades Brits have been flocking to the Costas for sun, sea and sangria and many have invested in family holiday houses that have the potential to become retirement homes in their golden years.

However, it seems that the English aren’t the only ones seduced by Spain’s charms. New data from Spain’s leading property portal, Kyero, which lists over 175,000 properties from 2,500 estate agents, has revealed that the French are the second largest group of foreign buyers of Spanish property.

Some 18.2% of overseas purchasers of Spanish accommodation during the past 12 months were French, according to the figures. Though they have some way to go before they rival the British figure (54.5% of purchasers), French buyers have already more than doubled those of their next nearest rival, Germans, who account for 7.5% of buyers.

So what is it driving so many of French across the border in search of Spanish property? The answer incorporates a range of factors. The desire for sunshine certainly comes into play (the weather in northern France is often not much better than it is in the UK), but it’s really a multitude of economic factors that have over the past year pushed more and more French buyers into Spain, as Martin Dell, Kyero’s Director, explains,

“The French economy is one of the strongest in Europe at the moment, providing French citizens with great buying power. With the French property market looking pretty flat, many are casting their eyes further south in search of holiday home bargains that can satisfy both investment and lifestyle requirements. Property in Spain is incredibly cheap right now and for French buyers, being part of the Euro, means that the headache of currency exchange is removed from the purchase process.”

Spain’s northern provinces, within an easy drive of the border, have proven particularly attractive to French buyers. Kyero figures reveal that Girona, just 55 minutes’ drive from France, garnered 51% of enquiries during the period. It was followed by Castellon (46%), Tarragona (29%) and Cantabria (25%).

Spanish is the second most widely taught foreign language in French schools, with some 800,000 French nationals speaking it and leaving plenty with the desire to spend time over the border for anything from a long weekend to a more permanent arrangement.

The French preclusion for Spanish property is one of a number of insights made available thanks to Kyero’s data. The portal will be producing a new quarterly report from September onwards, capturing all of the essentials regarding the Spanish property 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 Spanish market is accessible to all.

For more information, to ensure you receive your copy of the report and keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, please visit www.kyero.com.