There’s more to Mallorca than Magaluf, as record numbers of tourists are discovering

There’s more to Mallorca than Magaluf, as record numbers of tourists are discovering

by Louise Spain
  • Record 8.3 million foreign visitors head to Spain in July (tourism ministry)
  • Visitor spending up 7% to unprecedented €34.5 million for Jan-Jul (EGATUR)
  • Balearic visitor numbers up 3.9% in July (Frontur)

It seems that tourists everywhere have been packing their sun cream and heading off to Spain this year for some summer beach time. 2014 has seen millions of foreign visitors flock to Spanish shores, with a record 8.3 million in July alone – up 5.9% year on year, according to the country’s tourism ministry. Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria comments,

“If the trend continues I think we will have a good August, too.”

The impressive visitor numbers are backed by further positive news, as figures from the Tourist Expenditure Survey (EGATUR) show a record spending increase of 7% year on year from January to July. Total tourist expenditure for the period reached €34.5 million, while July alone saw expenditure of €8.1 million – another record and an increase of 4.5%.

The Spanish economy has welcomed the additional tourists and their eagerness to spend more than ever before. The impact on unemployment in tourist-driven areas such as the Balearics has been positive, with the number of people out of work falling 0.24% in August compared with the previous year. Data from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security registered the largest monthly drop in unemployment in the services industry, with 133 fewer people unemployed.

The Balearics, along with mainland Spain, have been enjoying a share of increased visitor numbers. Some 6.2 million tourists visited the islands between January and July, 0.8% more than for the same period in 2013. The Frontur tourist movement survey shows that July was 3.9% better than the year before for Balearic visitor numbers.

With stunning beaches, excellent sailing and water sports facilities, distinctive cuisine and plentiful sunshine, it’s not too hard to see the Balearics’ appeal. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, one of Spain’s most prestigious and respected homebuilders, comments,

“To my mind, the Balearics are paradise on Earth. Mallorca, in particular, is an incredible place to visit. It offers holidaymakers everything they could wish for, whether they’re holidaying as a young couple, a family group or a retirees. Mallorca’s charms captured my imagination from the moment I first set foot on the island – so much so that I was compelled to make it my home.

“The impressive tourism figures show Spain’s recovering strength as a nation and reflect the fantastic leisure pursuits, weather and recreational activities that this wonderfully varied country has to offer.”

For those, like Marc, who want more than just a brief holiday under the Mallorcan sunshine, Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of delightful homes on the island, from two bedroom luxury apartments with communal pool close to the beaches, coves and amenities of Porto Cristo (from €230,000), to pretty townhouses just 50 m from Camp de Mar beach (from €377,000).

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.

Overseas Property Show hits Surrey on new 3 month UK tour

Overseas Property Show hits Surrey on new 3 month UK tour

by Louise United Kingdom ,
  • 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 from 5th – 7th September, the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show has hit the road to begin its UK tour.

Heading over to the Hilton Cobham in Surrey from 13th – 15th 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 Surrey event will be followed by:

  • Leeds (19-21 September)
  • Glasgow (26-29 September)
  • Manchester (11-13 October)
  • Newmarket (25-27 October)
  • 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/.

 

Don’t suffer for the sake of a sofa: feature furniture to fill your wallet

Don’t suffer for the sake of a sofa: feature furniture to fill your wallet

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Furnished flats command 8.1% premium (Countrywide)
  • Young professionals demand accommodation furnished to high standards (Property Frontiers)
  • UK rents up 3.7% year on year in July (Countrywide)

Buy-to-let is the cornerstone of many investors’ portfolios these days, as the allure of capital gains combined with rental yields tempts ever-increasing numbers of individuals to become investor landlords.

Gaining an income through buy-to-let is about more than just buying a property, as Ray Withers, Chief Executive of property investment specialists Property Frontiers, comments,

“Becoming a successful investor landlord means paying attention to a wide range of factors. There is of course the financial aspect of calculating yield accurately and buying at the right time in terms of the housing market, but other elements are equally important. Buying in the right or wrong area, for example, can be the difference between a successful investment that generates excellent returns and a disaster that sucks in more capital than it generates.”

Even seemingly minor factors such as furniture can make a big difference when it comes to renting out a buy-to-let investment property. New research from lettings agency Countrywide has shown that furnished flats command an 8.1% premium over their unfurnished counterparts.

The Countrywide research shows that overall the best rental returns are to be had from flats in towns and cities, due to their appeal to young, mobile tenants. As many of these tenants have minimal or no furniture of their own, a furniture pack can mean the difference between attracting a tenant and not.

Withers’ own experience backs up the finding. He explains,

“Town and city centre locations are much in demand by young professionals when it comes to accommodation. They want to be near work, within walking distance of the shops and close to the local nightlife. They also demand accommodation that is furnished to a high standard, which is why Property Frontiers has taken the time to ensure that many of its leading buy-to-let properties in UK cities offer investors the option to buy furniture packs.”

Furniture packs provide landlords with a quick and easy way to furnish a new property in a modern, appealing style designed to maximise its chances of attracting tenants quickly. At Property Frontiers’ Birmingham buy-to-let development, furniture packs start at £2,250 – a bargain when one considers that the purchase not only impacts on the rent charged, but also on the time taken to rent the property in the first place. After all, the last thing an investor landlord wants is a property that is sitting empty.

With Countrywide also reporting an increase in UK rents of 3.7% year on year for July, the tide of investor landlords doesn’t look likely to turn anytime soon and the more there are, the greater the competition to attract tenants – so that furniture pack really could make all the difference!

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

Revealed! The 5 golden rules of renovating overseas property for profit

Revealed! The 5 golden rules of renovating overseas property for profit

by Louise Italy

Buying and renovating a property overseas is a bold move, particularly in a country where you don’t speak the language and have never lived before. It’s a dream that many don’t dare to pursue, but for those who do, the results can be incredibly rewarding.

Interestingly, a recent survey from Gate-Away.com has found that British buyers are more likely than any other nationality to take the plunge and tackle a renovation project, with 25% saying that they’re willing to refurbish a property.

Brits were also revealed by the survey as the individuals most attracted to moving to Italy. The number of them thinking seriously about doing so jumped by 11% between H1 2013 and H1 2014, following a 31% jump from H1 2012 to H1 2013.

This was precisely what happened in the case of the Appassionata team. British interior designer Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs fell in love with Italy almost a decade ago and, back in 2007, packed up her husband, offspring and a suitcase full of antiques in order to take on the renovation of a cluster of tumbledown farm buildings, redeveloping them as two incredible, luxury fractional ownership holiday homes.

The road hasn’t always been smooth but it’s certainly been a fascinating journey. Now, Dawn shares her expert insights with all those considering renovating a property overseas, helping them to avoid the unexpected pitfalls in order to turn a dilapidated building into an enchanting holiday home that they will be proud to sell on for a profit.

The 5 golden rules of renovating overseas property for profit:

  1. Pick the right spot – any holiday home has to be viewed through the potential user’s eyes from day one, so consider your target audience. Is the property just for your own usage or will you be renting it out? Or even developing it as a fractional ownership property? Access to an airport or train station, restaurants, cafés, shops, beaches and stunning local scenery are key appeals to holidaymakers, so make sure you choose a property in a spot which offers as many of these as possible.
  2. Ensure clean title deeds – this is hugely important, so be clear from the offset that the property you buy and renovate has clean title deeds. If not, it’s best to keep searching. Don’t let your heart rule your head and purchase a property without clean deeds just because you fall in love with it. Such a move could cost you serious amounts of time and money, so be sure that the paperwork is in order and that your legal representative is happy with the documents that you have.
  3. Know the local government – do your research and purchase a property in an area with a local council that is easy to work with and quick to make decisions. This can make a huge difference, especially when you are planning to renovate the property as you may require additional planning approval for any changes you make to the building. Be sure to check what you will need planning permission for as well, as rules overseas will differ from those in the UK.
  4. Wait for the wow factor – make sure that the property feels right. It has to have that certain something that means you know it is the one. I drive my husband crazy with my insistence on this sometimes, but he always knows I’m right when we finally find the perfect property and I get that feeling!
  5. Do the maths – remember that the property purchase is a business venture. Look at the asking price and the amount of work that will need doing and do the maths. If you can’t make a profit to cover all of the time and energy that you invest, then it may not be the right property for you. Be sure to include the cost of your time and set aside a contingency fund to enable you to weather the unexpected.

Following these 5 golden rules has certainly paid off in Appassionata’s experience. Their first Italian renovation – a crumbling farmhouse that the team transformed into the stunning Casa Giacomo, saw nine of its ten ownership fractions sell within just eight months of the house being launched. The equally beautiful Casa Leopardi sold seven fractions within seven months in 2013.

The latest Appassionata property to be renovated by Dawn is the urban fractional townhouse Casa Tre Archi, in the ancient Le Marche town of Petritoli. Following a thorough yet sympathetic renovation, the three bedroom three bathroom property has sold two of its ten fractions already, with a third sale pending.

Clearly, those looking to live the Italian holiday home dream need to act fast if they are to turn their dreams to reality. The remaining fractions in Casa Tre Archi are available from £65,000, which entitles the owners to five weeks’ exclusive usage of the property per year.

For more information on fractional ownership and the wonders of the luxury Italian urban lifestyle, contact the Appassionata team on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

All aboard! World’s largest cruise liner set to visit Malaga amid soaring Andalucía tourist figures

All aboard! World’s largest cruise liner set to visit Malaga amid soaring Andalucía tourist figures

by Louise Spain
  • 361 metre MS Oasis of the Seas set to arrive at Malaga on 11 September
  • Cruise passenger numbers double in decade to 2013, to 20.9 million (Cruise Market Watch)
  • International visitor numbers to Andalucía up 4% from 2012 to 2013 (Andalucia.com)

The gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol, the municipality of Malaga is steeped in culture and history, from its contemporary art centre to its two Moorish castles and museum dedicated to the city’s most famous son – Pablo Picasso. It is also home to some of Spain’s finest beaches, with wide expanses of sand at locations such as Estepona attracting hordes of tourists each year.

In fact, the autonomous community of Andalucía, where Malaga is located, attracted some 7.9 million international tourists during 2013 (up 4% on 2012) according to Andalucia.com. The area’s combination of sunshine, beaches and delicious cuisine has proved a winning combination with visitors for decades.

Now, the world’s largest cruise ship is set to join the list of those enjoying Malaga’s myriad attractions. On September 11, the 361.6 metre long MS Oasis of the Seas, which has 16 decks and can hold up to 6,365 passengers, will dock at Malaga en route from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona. The ship features the usual range of bars, restaurants, lounges and shops but also includes everything from a miniature golf course, 5 swimming pools, 10 whirlpools, an ice-rink, tattoo parlour and water park.

The cruise liner industry is one that has experienced massive growth over the past decade, with passenger numbers doubling from 10.4 million in 2004 to 20.9 million in 2013, according the Cruise Market Watch. By 2018, the figure is expected to rise to 24.1 million. In the 2015 and 2016 alone, 17 new cruise ships are expected to come online, adding $3.4 billion in annual revenue to the industry.

Spain is a popular destination not just for cruise passengers. According to the UN World Tourism Organization’s Tourism Highlights 2014 Edition report, it is the third most visited country in the world, with the Costa del Sol amongst the leading tourist attractions.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, one of Spain’s most prestigious and respected homebuilders, comments,

“Spain, and in particular the Costa del Sol, has so much to offer that tourists can spend weeks here and still go home feeling that there were things that they didn’t have time to do. It’s one of the reasons that so many look to purchase a second home in Spain, so that they can return time and again in order to make the most of this fascinating country.”

The current strength of the pound against the euro has certainly also played a part in prompting buyers from the UK to look to Spain to find the holiday home of their dreams. Those wishing for property in the Malaga area would do well to consider the stunning new Horizon Beach development in Estepona.

With direct access to the beautiful, 2km long Galera Beach, overlooking the Bay of Gibraltar, the two and three bedroom homes at Horizon Beach boast sea views, private gardens or sunroof terraces and a delightful cream marble finish in living rooms and bedrooms. With delivery set for June 2015, prices start at just €360,000.

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.

Don’t lose your brain on the plane – 5 steps to buying your second home overseas safely

by Louise Italy Portugal Spain United States , , ,
  • Foreign property purchases up 50% in 1 year
  • Pound at 22 month high against Euro
  • Brits buying in Spain up 84% (Currencies Direct)

Yahoo Travel has revealed that France has taken the top spot as the world’s most visited destination, followed by the US, Spain, China and Italy. However, when it comes to UK residents, it seems that a holiday just isn’t enough anymore, with Currencies Direct reporting an upsurge in Brits buying overseas. The figures show an increase of more than 50% in foreign property purchases in the last year alone, with Spain registering the greatest growth at 84%.

Such an increase is a sure sign that Brits are keen to buy fast once the time is right. The favourable exchange rate (the pound is at a 22 month high against the euro), coupled with markets such as Spain and Portugal bottoming out, creates significant opportunity for those looking to profit from their second home overseas.

Panic buying, though, can be a risky business, so don’t lose your brain on the plane – instead follow these five simple steps to buying overseas with confidence.

  1. Buy through an established company

It may sound obvious, but if a deal from a little-known company sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Buying a villa from an unscrupulous developer who has built on protected land could see your life savings vanish fast, so always buy through a reputable company with a long and pristine track record. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, advises,

“Do your research and find out how long the developer you are considering buying with has been in business. Find reviews on the internet from customers who have bought previously through them and grill them on any details where you require clarification. A reputable company will be happy to answer your questions, no matter how many you many have.”

  1. Make use of inspection trip offers but don’t feel obliged to purchase

Many companies offer inspection trips to allow you to view a range of their properties and get a feel for the areas in which you are considering buying.  Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“A reputable company should be happy to assist your property search by arranging an inspection trip. At Ideal Homes Portugal, for example, we offer inspection trips from just £149, which include return flights for two adults, airport transfers, luxury hotel accommodation, free legal advice from an independent property lawyer, free financial advice from an independent mortgage brokerage, a rental and property management presentation and exclusive advice and guidance from one of our experienced property consultants.

“Those on our inspection trips certainly get excellent value for their money, but we at no point pressure them to buy – and any company that does should be treated with extreme caution.”

  1. Think outside the box

If you’re nervous about sinking your savings into overseas property, consider some alternative options. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs of Appassionata recommends fractional ownership for those looking to buy overseas with less risk. She explains,

“Fractional ownership allows buyers to pick up their dream holiday home for just a snippet of the usual price. Here at Appassionata our owners get five weeks’ usage of their Italian property per year, without having to worry about the hassle of maintenance and upkeep in between times. They still own a share in a property overseas that they can pass down to their children or sell at a later date, but with less risk then buying outright.”

  1. Be sure to get value for money

Do your own research on property prices in the area/country you are looking at, but make use of the experts’ research too. As Philip Button, Managing Director of specialist property investment firm Brookes & Co, comments,

“Any company worth their salt will be able to offer you extensive information on price trends in the area where you are looking to buy, with figures from reliable sources that you can check out yourself. From historical data to the latest market predictions, they should have everything to hand to enable you to make a fully informed decision. If they don’t, beware!”

  1. Get to know the people you’re buying from

Key to buying with confidence is getting to know the individuals that you are dealing with and who will be responsible for assisting in the purchase of your property. An ideal way to go about this is to start your search at a local event, such as the Overseas Property Show, which is due to tour the UK between September and November. Professionals will be on hand to answer questions from potential buyers and to demonstrate just what their money can buy them in a range of overseas locations, from Portugal to the US.

With so many more buyers looking to second homes overseas to meet their lifestyle and investment requirements, these top tips to buying safely have never been more timely.

For more information on buying safely overseas with the companies detailed above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 (0) 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call +34 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 (0) 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

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

Brookes & Co: +44 (0) 1621 875 925 or www.brookesandco.co.uk.

Overseas Property Show: for free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

 

Building a better future – Spanish construction sector is fastest growing in Europe

Building a better future – Spanish construction sector is fastest growing in Europe

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish construction sector leads Europe with 42.4% increase (Eurostat)
  • Home sales up 16.3% in June (General Council of Notaries)
  • Stunning high end Costa Blanca apartments for as little as €142k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Spain has had enough of economic doom and gloom. The sun-kissed Iberian country has put its economic troubles behind it and is now leading Europe in the race to build a better and brighter future.

Figures from EU statistics office Eurostat have shown that the Spanish construction sector has registered a massive year on year increase of 42.4% for May 2014 – the highest percentage of any country in Europe and well above the European Union’s registered increase of just 3.2%.

The construction boom is set against a backdrop of strong performance from Spain’s housing market, with data from the General Council of Notaries showing a 16.3% increase in home sales in June 2014 compared with the same month a year earlier. Apartment sales have grown by a healthy 11.6%, while family home sales have shot up by 37.9%, according to Diario Sur.

Much of the activity has been focused on Spain’s delightful Costa Blanca area. Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has found that British and Russian buyers, along with domestic purchasers, are leading the market’s revival. Marc Pritchard, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, comments,

“Real estate transactions by British buyers have increased more than 20% according to the British Embassy in Spain and certainly here at Taylor Wimpey España we’ve noticed an upsurge in purchasers from the UK. We’ve also had a high level of interest from Russian buyers, with Spain’s golden visa capturing the attention of many wealthier individuals from outside of the EU.

“The market right now is being buoyed up by second home buyers who want a holiday home in the sunshine that they can one day retire to. It’s not about investment and flipping properties any more – it’s a lifestyle market nowadays.”

La Recoleta III is a prime example of the high quality properties that are driving the residential construction boom. Just a few metres from the soft white sands and sparkling sea of Punta Prima, Torrevieja (Alicante), the stunning two and three bedroom apartments offer lifestyle buyers everything they could wish for, with prices from just €142,000. Private terraces enjoy beautiful sea and pool views and the apartments themselves are delightfully high spec; the penthouses even include solariums.

Mallorca is another area where the Spanish property market revival can be felt, with Taylor Wimpey España very much leading the construction sector. The homebuilder’s key-ready Cala Magrana III resort is a new residential complex just 600 m from Cala Anguila beach. Two bedroom apartments start at €230,000.

Its privileged position affords extraordinary sea views over this natural paradise, while the local area offers the chance to sample the wonderful local cuisine and explore the famous caves of Drach. A wide range of water sports and various golf courses ensure that there is something for everyone, while those who prefer a less active holiday or retirement can simply relax by the pool, enjoying the tranquillity of the property under the hot Spanish 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.

Ideal Homes Portugal’s top 7 reasons to move to the Algarve – why delay the dream?

Ideal Homes Portugal’s top 7 reasons to move to the Algarve – why delay the dream?

by Louise Portugal
  • Property prices in Portugal have fallen by more than 20% (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Homes available for €100k or less (Overseas Property Show)
  • Non-habitual Residents scheme offers tax exemption on foreign earnings

Portugal’s Algarve region has been a mecca for British holidaymakers for decades, but for many who visit it, a holiday just isn’t long enough, something Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, knows only too well:

“The Algarve has an inherent charm that seems to strike a chord with Brits who holiday there. More affordable than Italy, less obvious than Spain and with better beaches than France, Portugal’s Algarve definitely has that certain something that keeps visitors wanting to go back time and again.”

The organisers of this year’s Overseas Property Show, which will tour the UK between September and November, taking in Birmingham, Surrey, Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Newmarket and Aberdeen on its way, expect to see strong interest in properties in Portugal, as both holiday homes and permanent residences.

So what precisely is it about the Algarve that keeps Brits returning to its sun-soaked shores? Chris White provides his top seven reasons to move to the Algarve in an effort to explain it.

Top 7 reasons to move to the Algarve

  1. The weather. Based on data from a Lloyds TSB Insurance survey, the average Brit spends a full six months of their life talking about the weather. It’s a true national pastime and therefore has to be top of the list of reasons to move to the Algarve. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the region enjoys mild winters, gentle springs and autumns and super hot summer days that are perfect for doing nothing more than lazing on the beach of by the pool.

 

  1. The property market. Right now, property prices in Portugal are more than 20% below their peak, with Deloitte’s Property Index Report revealing the country as one of the most affordable in Europe. From magnificent seafront apartments in the unspoiled eastern Algarve to superb villas with their own pools in the west, Algarve properties offer excellent value for money and the potential for impressive capital growth as the market recovers.

 

  1. The wine. Portugal is known for its superb cuisine and the sparklingly fresh seafood on offer in the Algarve is second to none, but the country’s wineries are yet to receive the global recognition that they deserve. The 2013 Challenge International du Vin in France saw Portuguese wines taking home a total of 145 medals: 50 gold, 32 silver and 63 bronze. Though entrants were from 38 countries, Portugal alone won more than 11% of the total medals awarded. With prices for good wine starting at €1.59, there’s no excuse for those moving to the Algarve not to become connoisseurs!

 

  1. The beaches. The Algarve’s beaches are simply stunning. In the east, long strips of soft, white sand stretch away as far as the eye can see. As you head west, the landscape transforms to one of softly crumbling red and yellow cliffs, with tiny cove beaches interspersing the larger resorts. Few places in the world offer so many beaches of such variety in such close proximity to one another.

 

  1. Tax benefits. To attract more foreign residents, Portugal has created the Non-habitual Residents taxation scheme. Essentially the regime allows individuals who qualify for it to pay a flat rate of 20% tax on income earned in Portugal, with an exemption from taxation on most income earned overseas. Clearly for those moving to the Algarve while still retaining an income from the UK will want to take full advantage of the scheme.

 

  1. Golden Visas. Those wishing to move to Portugal from outside of Europe are also offered an advantage by the Portuguese government, in the form of the Golden Visa scheme. They are able to obtain residency rights in Portugal and travel rights throughout the Schengen Agreement area, in return for just €500,000 of investment in property – an amount sufficient to purchase a traditional four bedroom, three bathroom villa in the upscale area of Vilamoura.

 

  1. Pace of life. Though the summer months can be frenetic in the popular tourist areas, the pace of life outside of July and August in the Algarve is delightfully laid back. Locals linger over meals in restaurants, sip coffee at a leisurely pace in café-lined squares and stroll slowly along the shoreline of an evening as the sun sinks towards the horizon. Life is unhurried and relaxed – a wonderful antidote to the relentless pace that modern technology has created.

If all that sounds too good to be true, why not see for yourself? Tickets for the Overseas Property Show, where experts on all aspects of buying and living in Portugal will be available to answer questions, are completely free of charge.

The first show will run from 5-8 September at Birmingham’s National Motorcycle Museum. For more information visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

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

From connoisseurs to family groups, Italy calls out to travellers from across the globe

From connoisseurs to family groups, Italy calls out to travellers from across the globe

by Louise Italy
  • Tourist numbers up by as much as 40%, according to tour operators (ENIT Italia)
  • 21% of travellers dream of connoisseur holidays (Virtuoso)
  • Stunning Italian property available from just £65,000 (Appassionata)

“Italy has everything – stunning beaches, snow-capped mountain ranges for winter sports, world-class cuisine that is both healthy and delicious, a culture steeped in art and intellectual pursuits, a sun-drenched climate… It really is one of the most attractive countries I can think of when it comes to a holiday destination.”

So speaks Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs of luxury holiday home company Appassionata, based in Italy’s Le Marche region. And Dawn is certainly not alone in her view. The ENIT Italia survey has shown that tourist numbers were well up over the summer 2013 season, with individual tour operators reporting increases of as much as 40%.

Without question, Italy remains a top global holiday destination. From Rome’s ancient architecture, to the shopping streets of Milan, to the rural splendour, quaint medieval towns and beautiful beaches of Le Marche, Italy has such diversity that it never fails to charm and delight those who venture within its borders.

Food and wine are high up on the list of Italy’s attractions, with Virtuoso’s eighth annual Travel Dreams Survey recently identifying family pasta making lessons as one of the dream holidays for connoisseur travellers, who made up 21% of the survey’s respondents. Deb Gale, owner of a 1/10th share of Appassionata’s stunning fractional ownership property Casa Leopardi, nestled snuggling between the sparkling sea and the misty mountains, explains,

“You cannot help but love the food, the wine, the restaurants and the markets but images of our daughters and a recent fresh pasta making lesson in our farmhouse kitchen at Casa Leopardi lingers even longer.”

Those looking for town life will no doubt be drawn to Appassionata’s latest offering: the three bedroom/three bathroom Casa Tre Archi, in the picturesque and unspoiled town of Petritoli. The townhouse enjoys outside space on three levels, including a generous roof terrace with room for owners to dine at a leisurely pace as the sun lowers over the rolling countryside. Family-friendly, Blue Flag beaches await those who care to venture out, while holidaymakers who prefer to relax in town can stroll through Petritoli’s pretty piazzas.

With shares available from just £65,000, entitling owners to five weeks’ usage per year, Casa Tre Archi provides the perfect way for those who want a second home in Italy to buy one without breaking the bank. The fractional ownership model also removes the stress from owning a holiday home overseas. Owners arrive to a house that is clean, well maintained and ready for them to simply drop their bags and begin having fun, while those who own their second home outright usually arrive to an overgrown garden, general maintenance and a list of outstanding minor repairs.

For more information on the benefits of fractional ownership and the joys of Italy as a holiday destination, contact the Appassionata team on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Bye bye Belgium, hello Spain! Belgian buyers race to pick up a Spanish second home

Bye bye Belgium, hello Spain! Belgian buyers race to pick up a Spanish second home

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish property sales up 8.8% in June 2014 (INE)
  • Sales to Belgian buyers up 27% in Q1 2014 (Het Nieuwsblad)
  • Belgians such as Herman Dircx now account for 11% of total buyers (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • New Ryanair Brussels base connects directly with Alicante, Malaga and Palma

Spain’s property market is roaring back to life, with sales climbing 8.8% in June according to figures from Spain’s national statistics institute, the INE. It is the fourth consecutive month of rising sales numbers that the Iberian country has reported. Spain’s central bank also has positive news to report, announcing recently that the country’s economy grew by 0.5% in Q2 2014 – the fastest rate of growth in six years.

The changes have tempted many buyers to see now as the perfect time to pick up their dream second home in Spain, a decision backed by the latest pronouncements from Standard & Poors (S&P): the agency has predicted price rises of as much as 2% across Spain in 2016, as the economic recovery settles into its stride.

For British buyers in particular, Spain remains a perennially popular destination. UK government data shows it as being the most popular country within Europe for Brits to emigrate to, with some 770,000 British citizens currently residing there.

Other nationalities that are relocating to Spain in significant numbers include Russians, Germans, the French and Belgians, based on the findings of the recent study from Fotocasa. The report found that foreign buyers invested an average of €381,860 on the purchase of Spanish coastal properties during 2013. At the top end of the scale, Russian buyers invested an average of €678,424, while at the lower end French buyers invested €171,644 on average.

Belgian buyers sat mid-table, investing an average of €346,728 on Spanish coastal property during 2013. The new and exclusive Santa Ponsa Residencial development at Santa Ponsa, Calviá in Mallorca, typifies the kind of high end properties that Belgian buyers are demanding. Offered to the market by leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, the residential complex consists of 40 apartments with ample terraces with views over the golf course, along with a communal swimming pool and the beach just five minutes’ away. The apartments are priced at the perfect point for Belgian buyers: from €345,000 for three bedrooms.

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

“We’re seeing much more interest from Belgian buyers this year – our sales to them were up 8% in June. Belgians now account for 11% of our buyers, whereas this time last year they accounted for just 8%. Our Costa del Sol properties have proven particularly popular with Belgian buyers, with Horizon Beach at Estepona, Málaga attracting the greatest number of sales so far this year.

“Proximity to the beach is definitely proving important to Belgian buyers. I believe that it is Horizon Beach’s direct access to the 2 km long golden sands of La Galera beach that has made the complex such a hit, along with the stunning quality of the three bedroom, two bathroom homes of course!”

Taylor Wimpey España’s experience is reflective of the broader national picture. Sales of Spanish homes to Belgian buyers were up 27% in Q1 2014 compared to the same period a year before, according to Het Nieuwsblad.

With Ryanair’s new Brussels base connecting directly with Alicante, Malaga and Palma, access from Belgium has never been easier, adding to Spain’s already significant charms. Herman Dircx, one of many Belgians who has snapped up a Spanish home in the sun, comments,

“I bought a wonderful apartment in the Costa del Sol through Taylor Wimpey España. I chose to buy a holiday home in Spain due to the excellent weather, great surroundings and brilliant golf courses to potentially retire to and use as a base to meet family and friends. This particular development (Avalon) caught my eye due to the modern design and competitive price for such a beautiful location, there’s no wonder so many mainland Europeans are buying in Spain!”

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.