5 top tips for viewing a second property whilst on holiday in Spain this summer
Spain UncategorizedIf the latest data for international tourist arrivals to Spain is anything to go by, then the land of sun, sea and sangria is set for a sizzling summer!
Tourist arrivals to Spain rose 16% year-on-year to just over 7 million in April 2017 with holidaymakers from the UK totaling 1.523 million, up 7% from the previous year.
The Balearic Islands (comprising Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) saw UK tourist arrivals rise by 9.3% in April with the Valencian Community, home of the hugely popular Costa Blanca region, welcoming 14% more Brits in the first four months of 2017 according to the Spanish tourism authority, Frontur.
For those who’ll fall in love with Spain this summer and don’t want the holiday to end, leading housebuilder operating across Spain since 1958, Taylor Wimpey España, has compiled 5 top tips for viewing a holiday home whilst on vacation:
- Choose the area you want to buy in – Before you view any properties, make sure to select the right location that fits all your holiday home needs perfectly. You might love where your hotel is located for two weeks of the year but would it be right for longer-term living? What everyday amenities are nearby? How easy it is to reach the airport? What will it be like out of season?
- Consider your property type wisely – Fancy a house close to the beach? Spacious apartment or prestigious townhouse? Consider what you want from your holiday home in Spain? How many people will be using it and how often? How much maintenance might it require? How much outside space does it offer and what about on-site facilities such as a swimming pool or children’s play area? What about parking?
Happily, Taylor Wimpey España has something for everyone. Try Bahia Sant Pere on the stunning island of Mallorca for penthouse living with uninterrupted sea views. Want ace golf courses within walking distance of your home? Then head to Malaga on the Costa del Sol and Horizon Golf which features courts and training programmers for golf lovers.
- Book viewing appointment as early as possible – To avoid disappointment during the peak season, arrange in advance to view properties you are interested in. Taylor Wimpey España’s friendly team are on hand to meet with you for no-obligation personal viewings at a time which suits you – and your sunbathing schedule!
- Prepare your questions – You wouldn’t buy a house in the UK without asking questions so why would you do so in Spain? No questions is too big or too small for the Taylor Wimpey España team so prepare a list of queries about the property, the area, the company and the buying process and ask away!
- Learn the lingo – Whilst English is widely spoken across Spain and indeed by all members of the Taylor Wimpey España team, it’s always a valued gesture to learn the basics of Spanish to help integration. Even a few words such as “hola (hello), adiós (goodbye), buenos días (good morning), hoy (today) mañana (tomorrow), por favor (please) and gracias (thank you)” will go a long way.
For those more advanced, then some useful Property related vocab might include comprar (to buy), viviendas (properties), número habitaciones (number of rooms) and viviendas de vacaciones (holiday homes).
So, if you’re thinking of visiting some stunning holiday homes during your trip to Spain this summer, why not start now and book a no-obligation appointment with Taylor Wimpey España by clicking here: http://taylorwimpeyspain.com/newsletter/Visit_show_home_en.htm.
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.
Lock in for longer with 3 year-tenancies available at be:here Hayes & be:here East India
United Kingdom- 68% of tenants expected to remain renting in the next three years (Knight Frank Multihousing 2017)
- 80% of be:here Hayes residents want to stay “as long as possible” (be:here Hayes survey)
- Be:here Hayes offers long term renting solutions with 3-year tenancies
As developers are encouraged to allow tenants to lock in for longer, a new era is dawning for renters.
Student housing revolution means parents no longer need to worry about where their kids will live at university
United Kingdom- Contemporary accommodation gives students space to study, socialise and develop
- Residents’ safety and security are top concerns addressed by modern developers like Collegiate AC
- Private kitchens and cleaning services mean that students can become independent at their own pace
Wild about Wimbledon? Taylor Wimpey España serve up these ace holiday homes for tennis lovers
SpainFrom 3rd– 16th July, the world’s best tennis players will contest again at the Wimbledon grass court tennis tournament.
As Wimbledon excitements sets in, people are once again inspired to pick up a racket and get swept up in the atmosphere and Taylor Wimpey España has the ideal holiday homes with ace tennis courts in Spain, perfect to practice that backhand.
“For fans of the sport, properties with tennis facilities provide the ideal choice for a holiday home or retirement plans. Horizon Golf for example is within La Cala Resort which features outdoor tennis courts perfect for a set or two. Spain’s plentiful sunshine and dry, warm days allow for visits throughout every season.”
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España
Situated in the beautiful valley of Mijas, Horizon Golf is Taylor Wimpey de España’s second development at La Cala Resort within the complex’s famous Campo Asia golf course. At La Cala Resort, beginners and experienced players will find their perfect tennis holiday as coaching programs are offered.
With prices starting from €375,000 + VAT, the private gated development offers 55 terraced homes, all with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cloakroom, and stunning panoramic views over the golf course and La Cala de Mijas.
Horizon Golf features luxury finishes including fully equipped furnished kitchens, air conditioning, designer bathrooms, bedrooms with motorized blinds, and secure, fully lined wardrobes. Residents can reach the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol in just ten minutes, with Malaga airport only thirty minutes away.
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.
Cutting edge interior design and first-class features signal the next generation of student accommodation
United Kingdom
- Collegiate AC presents first biophilic design site in Lisbon
- Students look forward to swimming pools and saunas in the new academic year
- First Collegiate Prestige Collection site features visionary interior design
The UK purpose built student accommodation sector attracted £3.1 billion of investment in 2016, according to Knight Frank. Meanwhile, PwC has flagged student accommodation as one of Europe’s top three alternative real estate investment options for 2017.
Given this impressive scenario, it is perhaps no wonder that leading student accommodation providers are stepping up their game.
“The 2017/18 academic year is going to see some incredible sites open. Each year marks further innovation in the student accommodation sector, but this September is due to mark a step change in this huge market.”
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
The Collegiate AC team is excited about being part of the new era of student accommodation. 2017 will mark both the opening of the visionary provider’s first overseas site – Collegiate Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon – and the launch of its first Prestige Collection site – Ernest Place in Durham.
Designing two such ultra-opulent sites has been an exciting experience for the Collegiate interior design team.
In Lisbon, a localised blend of industrial chic, art and nature has given the site an incredibly unique character. In the natural light-filled Skylight Lounge, students can relax in between olive trees, flower beds and long, hanging fronds of foliage. Just off the lounge, the stunning swimming pool area uses ceramic tiles and bespoke furniture pieces to create a fabulous sense of luxury.
“We’ve used biophilic design concepts at Marquês de Pombal to provide residents with the wellness benefits associated with a deep connection to nature. At the same time, we’ve introduced a wealth of cultural quirks to reflect the unique atmosphere of Lisbon. The huge artwork of the main façade, painted by a locally commissioned artist, is reflective of the spirit and feel of the site.”
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
The new Ernest Place site in Durham is just as exciting. The cutting edge interior design has created a sophisticated scheme, with bold elements that surprise and charm. The building is playful in its approach to atmospheres. The common room oozes warmth, with timber, brass and copper creating a relaxed, welcoming environment. By contrast, the impressive Sky Lounge offers a deliciously dark and moody atmosphere. Meanwhile the rooftop terrace provides an ultra-contemporary, chic outdoor bar vibe. And for those moments where ultimate relaxation is required, the fresh, natural feel of the sauna is just the ticket.
As well as crafting superb communal areas, Collegiate’s interior design team has paid particular attention to the bedrooms available to students in Lisbon and Durham.
Sleekly designed storage solutions provide plenty of space for possessions, while clever spatial planning has ensured that each student can get maximum use out of their available space. Rooms are designed to allow for resting, working, socializing, cooking, eating, and entertaining. They are at once homely and sophisticated in their design, as well as drawing on local inspiration. In Lisbon, the influence of the blue and white patterned azulejos (tiles) for which Portugal is so well known, can really be felt in the serene surroundings of the scheme’s bedrooms.
“Our approach has always been to deliver a lifestyle – an experience. Now, we’ve used visionary interior design to kick that up a notch. It’s about creating something more than just a simple home for students – this is accommodation that challenges and excites. It’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable university experience.”
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.
4 reasons why #HayesIsHappening
United Kingdom
With the capital’s population set to reach 10 million by 2026 (ONS) and with PwC reporting that 60% of Londoners will be renting rather than owning in the city by 2025, developers are having to seek new locations and new approaches to delivering homes.
The rise in popularity of build to rent (PRS) developments has kick-started a wave of interest in building rental homes in strategic hotspots and with Crossrail on the way and so much more, Hayes, 13 miles west of Central London, has become a focal point.
Leading build to rent developer Be Living Ltd has selected Hayes as the location of their latest rental offering, 119 award-winning and pet-friendly homes of be:here Hayes at The Gatefold Building.
Be:Living Ltd believe that #HayesIsHappening and below are just four of the reasons why…
- A destination to work, rest and play
Well known for its connections with industry having been the home of the music label EMI, global food giants Nestle and Heinz and Japanese tech company Fujitsu, Hayes is now becoming a destination to not only work but also rest and play.
Hillingdon, the borough in which Hayes is situated, was named in 2016 by former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, as one of 11 new ‘housing zones’ and plans for 2,788 homes in Hayes town centre were outlined. Young professionals looking for luxury and affordable living are now flocking to Hayes as developments such as be:here Hayes, part of the wider redevelopment of The Old Vinyl Factory, spring up.
The stylish new, secure development, offers 119 homes specially designed for renting with a roof terrace for community events, on-site property manager and caretaker, secure car parking and pet-friendly apartments featuring plenty of storage.
- First-class connections
In 2019 Crossrail will pull in to Hayes & Harlington station with fast, frequent train services to Central London. Journey times to the West End will be cut in half with residents able to reach Bond Street in just 20 minutes, Farringdon in 25 and Canary Wharf in 34. Journey times to Heathrow and its international airport will also be cut to just 10 minutes.
Those living at be:here Hayes will be able to take advantage to these fast new links into the city as the development is just a three-minute walk from Hayes & Harlington station.
- Regeneration hotspot
From the £6 million redevelopment of Hayes town centre, due to complete this summer, to The Old Vinyl Factory, a £250 million multi-use regeneration project by U+I, Hayes is changing fast. A 17-acre manufacturing facility, formerly owned by music company EMI, The Old Vinyl Factory regeneration scheme is expected to deliver 4,000 jobs, 642 homes, 750,000 sq ft of commercial and leisure space including a 3-screen cinema and live music venue in Hayes, all by 2020.
The Old Vinyl Factory is also home to the Central Research Laboratory (CRL), a place for entrepreneurial designers and engineers who want to create amazing products and grow innovative new businesses focused on hardware. They join a number of other high-tech companies already on site including SITA, Sonos, Champ Cargosystems and web hosting giants GoDaddy EMEA.
Located within The Old Vinyl Factory development, be:here Hayes at the Gatefold Building is right at the heart of the action.
- Cultural attractions, canal and historical sites – Hayes has it all!
Despite its urban location, Hayes has a village feel with the Heinz buildings, Barra Hall and St Mary’s Church being Grade II listed. There are also plenty of green and open spaces to enjoy with the Grand Union Canal offering the ideal location for cycling or walking the dog, Minet and Lake Farm Country Parks nearby and the course at Stockley Park ideal for a round of golf.
Famous former residents include celebrated author George Orwell who taught in Hayes as well as William Byrd known as ‘the father of English music’. Indeed, the town’s musical heritage lived on to the 20th century as many of The Beatles albums were famously ‘Made in Hayes’ and today venues including the Beck Theatre, regularly host local musicians and stage productions.
“We’re seeing residents at be:here Hayes moving into the community from all over London and beyond. Things will only get more exciting with the completion of the rest of The Old Vinyl Factory’s retail, employment and entertainment facilities and the launch of Crossrail in 2019. Crossrail in particular will make living in this part of west London a great option for people working in the City or Canary Wharf who want the amenities and services you get from a building specifically designed and managed with renters in mind, without the central London price tag.”
Layla Kausar, Property Manager, be:here Hayes
Hayes is definitely happening and with homes at be:here Hayes starting from just £1,150 pcm, it’s time to get in quick!
For more information please contact be:here Hayes on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/ . To see more details on the wider masterplan for The Old Vinyl Factory visit http://www.theoldvinylfactory.com/
Casa creation: Exclusive interview with Taylor Wimpey Spain’s architect
SpainWhen choosing the perfect home holiday abroad to relax, a property’s exterior appearance is just as important as its location.
Pablo Liev Sanchez is Spanish housebuilder Taylor Wimpey Spain’s highly experienced architect who has worked independently with developers for 20 years.
Working closely with the technical team at Taylor Wimpey Spain, Pablo participates in the full process from the initial study for the purchase of a land, unit design, quality definition and budgetary controls to the final delivery of the properties to client.
Working alongside Taylor Wimpey Spain’s head interior design, Ana Garcia Maldonado (also his wife), Pablo shares his trade secrets and what is it about architectural design that he enjoys so much:
What is your vision for Taylor Wimpey Spain properties?
All the sites we develop go through an exhaustive quality control, in search of the characteristics demanded by clients – orientation, views, transport links and / or proximity to beaches and golf courses. The result is homes that respond to the needs of our customers, integrated in an environment that conveys feelings of well-being, elegance and quality.
In terms of the properties themselves, large terraces that allow customers to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the Costa del Sol and its fantastic weather conditions are the stand out architectural features of Taylor Wimpey Spain properties.
What was your vision for the stunning new, eco-friendly ‘Botanic’ development on the Costa del Sol?
Botanic is indeed a project that has generated much expectation because we are using innovative and technologically advanced construction systems, with the intention of providing the dwellings with maximum comfort and fundamentally high energy efficiency. We are very proud to have achieved the highest energy efficiency rating obtained today on the Costa del Sol.
Are you using any innovative design techniques or materials in the Taylor Wimpey Spain properties?
Undoubtedly the Costa del Sol is a very competitive real estate market, so a leading company in the sector such as Taylor Wimpey Spain is at the forefront of new technologies oriented primarily to comfort and energy efficiency.
As an example, the air renewal systems used determine a significant energy saving as well as the use of solar energy that provides more than 70% of the hot water of the houses. In terms of materials we use porcelain of the highest range of the SALONI brand.
Horizon Golf is located within the famous Campo Asia golf course, is the golfing element reflected in the design of the homes?
This project has homes on the frontline of the golf course which has been a fundamental of the design. The homes were designed with large windows and garden terraces to act as an extension of the golf course within the houses.
How do you find working so closely with your wife on the interior design side?
Ana is a professional with an enormous creative capacity, she brings a special sensitivity to our projects and gives the spaces of a special elegance, warmth and sense of well-being.
Costa del Sol: Horizon Golf and Botanic
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com or more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.
University accommodation: 4 top tips for students from Collegiate AC
United Kingdom- Book early to avoid disappointment
- Make location your top priority
- Think through the amenities that are most important to you
- Work out which lifestyle services you plan to use
If you’re heading off to university this September, there’s plenty to think about. Not only will you have the fun of making new friends and discovering your new city, chances are you’ll be living independently for the first time. If that’s the case, you’ll almost certainly have questions about student housing.
“We find that many students are anxious about where they’re going to live and when and how to book their accommodation. That’s why we’ve made the booking process so simple on the Collegiate website – students can view our properties at their leisure, then book online to ensure they have the accommodation that they want.”
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
- The first thing to consider is how early to book.
According to UCAS, 48% of students book their accommodation before August. This means that you need to plan ahead and book early in order to have a decent choice of accommodation.
The UK has a shortage of university accommodation (2.3 students per available bed, according to Cushman and Wakefield), so don’t leave arranging your new home to the last minute, or you might end up living an awfully long way away from both the university and your fellow students.
- Location is the next thing to consider.
Do you want to be close to the university or close to the city centre? Many newly built student accommodation schemes offer accommodation that ticks both of these boxes, so shop around until you find a location that meets all of your needs.
Collegiate AC’s new Ernest Place accommodation in Durham, for example, is located within 10 minutes of the city centre and the university’s Durham city location, so whether you want to study, shop or go out for dinner, everything you need is within easy reach.
- Next, consider the facilities that you would like to have access to.
“Purpose built student accommodation gets better every year, so if an onsite gym or private cinema is important to you then opt for accommodation that has opened in the last two or three years. Communal features are becoming more and more important and students are reaping the rewards of this trend.”
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
At Collegiate’s Plummer House in Newcastle, for example, residents not only have their own en-suite apartments, but a wide range of luxurious amenities. There’s a games room, club lounge and bar for relaxing, a study room for hitting the books, an on-site cool room and concierge so that you can have your shopping delivered while you’re out at lectures, an on-site cinema for enjoying evenings in with friends and a private gym for keeping in shape.
- It’s also important to think about what you plan to take with you to uni.
Aside from clothes, toiletries and books, do you want the hassle of packing up pots and pans, plates, cups, bedding, towels and a toilet brush? No? Then make sure you opt for an accommodation provider that offers lifestyle services that provide these kind of items.
Consider too how you plan to cook and care for yourself. If you plan to live off takeaways, then kitchen facilities probably won’t matter too much, but if greasy meals day after day aren’t your style then make sure you opt for an apartment that includes a decent kitchen area, along with a breakfast bar or table where you can eat in comfort.
Then there’s the cleaning. Mum and Dad won’t be around to vacuum your floor or scrub your toilet, so if you don’t fancy taking on those tasks yourself, it’s best to find out what kind of cleaning services are available at your chosen accommodation. Many providers offer this as another of their lifestyle services. Find out in advance what’s available so you know how many dusters you need to pack.
“Starting university is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter, so make sure you organise your accommodation well in advance and have all of the features that you need. That way, you can arrive to the perfect home and focus on meeting new people and getting stuck into your studies, feeling happy and secure in your fabulous new accommodation.”
Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC
For more information and to book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.