German buyers soak up the Spanish sun as sales soar 40%

German buyers soak up the Spanish sun as sales soar 40%

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • German buyers increased by 40% in 2016 (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • 93% of property sales to German buyers located on Mallorca (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Taylor Wimpey España launch new free phone number for German buyers

Taylor Wimpey España’s most recent data reveals that German buyers are returning to Spain at an increasing rate.

Overall, total sales by German buyers in 2016 increased by 40% compared to the previous year.

Geographically, the hotspot for German buyers was the Balearic Isle of Mallorca where 93% of all sales were completed.

“We definitely experienced a significant increase in enquiries and indeed sales from German buyers in 2016. Mallorca has always been a popular holiday destination with German tourists and as the island’s property market expands in order to accommodate the growing demand from prospective holiday home owners, it is German buyers who are leading the sales.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

In response to this rising demand, Taylor Wimpey España has launched a brand-new free phone helpline for those residing in Germany. Prospective buyers will be able to call 0800 511 1551 to discuss the property options available to them.

With 300 days of sunshine every year, the advantages of the Mallorcan coastline being protected from overdevelopment and over 20 golf courses to enjoy, it is no wonder the German’s are rushing to buy a holiday home.

Two developments which have caught both the attention of German buyers and indeed the Brits are Cala Vinyes Hills and Serenity, both located in the south west of the island.

The new Cala Vinyes Hills residential complex offers 15 exclusive and spacious 3 bedroom apartments and duplexes within a modern, gated community comprised of 5 independent buildings. From €380,000 +VAT residents will benefit from private terraces, a communal swimming pool with landscaped gardens and private parking.

 

Cala Vinyes Hills is located in the prestigious area of Cala Vinyes, just 15 minutes from the island’s vibrant capital city, Palma. The exclusive marinas Puerto Portals and Port Adriano are also close by, providing a wide variety of elegant bars and restaurants such as the most exclusive designer stores.

Less than a 30-minute drive from Palma’s international airport, Serenity is located next to the Santa Ponsa II Golf Club in Nova Santa Ponsa, one of the most exclusive and highly sought-after areas on the island. This new residential complex offers beautiful 3 bedroom homes from apartments to top floor penthouses.

All units benefit from private terraces, with those on the ground floor enjoying spacious garden areas which are also private. From €545,000 +VAT for an apartment and €790,000 +VAT for a penthouse, residents will enjoy the private use of two swimming pools, surrounded by a solarium area, and luscious communal gardens.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 (Free from the UK) or 0800 511 1551 (Free from Germany) or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK / Germany you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

EXCLUSIVE: British students outnumber Chinese students in UK PBSA sites for the first time

EXCLUSIVE: British students outnumber Chinese students in UK PBSA sites for the first time

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Exclusive data from leading student accommodation operator reveals top 5 resident nationalities
  • British students lead the way for the first time, with Chinese students following close behind (Collegiate AC)
  • “More and more British students actively seek out higher quality living accommodation for their university years” (CEO, Collegiate AC)

Collegiate AC is leading the way in luxury purpose built student accommodation in the UK. New data reveals the demographics of their residents and exactly who is enjoying the superb facilities that the operator provides.

With first class sites located in 23 towns and cities across the UK, Collegiate AC is well established and according to new data collected by the company, UK residents, for the first time, are the number one occupants.

In the 2016/17 academic year 25% of all Collegiate AC student residents are British with Chinese and Thai students in second and third position respectively.

In comparison to Collegiate’s 2015 student nationality statistics, there has been a notable increase in British residents, from 23% to 26%.

Greek students have interestingly entered the top 5 for the first time in 2016/17, accounting for 3% of all Collegiate residents.

The top 5 resident nationalities at Collegiate AC for 2016/17 are as follows:

  1. British – 25.77%
  2. Chinese – 25.62%
  3. Thai – 4.08%
  4. Greek – 3.44%
  5. Malaysian – 3.41%

  “Collegiate’s doors are open to students of every nationality and we are committed to ensuring that each and every student feels at home. For many years, Chinese students have been our most prolific residents but this is now changing as more and more British students actively seek out higher quality living accommodation for their university years.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC

 

A perfect example of a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Collegiate AC, is the site in Newcastle. Plummer House is part of the Fusion Collection, this offers breath-taking facilities at the heart of the city such as a private on-site cinema, gym, games room and VIP bar.

From £140 per week, the fantastic location is just 10-minute walk from Newcastle University and the exclusive design-led apartments, with high speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout, are thriving with likeminded students.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.

Stylish inside and out: Exclusive interview with Taylor Wimpey España’s interior designer

Stylish inside and out: Exclusive interview with Taylor Wimpey España’s interior designer

by Sophie Evans Spain

It’s not a property’s location or indeed what it looks like from the outside, interior design is just as vital when choosing a perfect holiday home abroad to relax in style.

Ana Garcia Maldonado is leading Spanish developer Taylor Wimpey España’s highly experienced head of interior design who has worked independently with developers for almost 15 years.

Forget dated wicker furniture and terracotta colour palettes, the design of Taylor Wimpey España’s abodes are very much on trend and well thought out. Ana frequently attends all furniture and decoration fairs to maintain a creative flow of ideas and to keep up to date with Spanish design.

Working alongside Taylor Wimpey España’s head architect, Pablo Live Sanchez and also her husband, Ana shares her trade secrets and what is it about interior design that she enjoys so much:


What is your vision for the interior design of Taylor Wimpey España homes?

In all Taylor Wimpey España homes the first premise is quality, comfort, and an aesthetic mix of modernity and elegance that pleases a wide range of buyers. Our goal through decorating is to offer not a house, but a home.


What influences you in your design choices?

I try to follow and respect the line drawn by the Architecture Studio, which since the landmark Avalon development on the Costa del Sol, has been modern lines without leaving aside comfort and warmth of a home. When choosing colours and furniture, we usually take into account factors such as the name, location and even logo of the development, as each of them have their own identity.


What are the key materials / pieces of furniture / brands / colour palettes that you are using for Taylor Wimpey España interiors at the moment?

We always look for functional furniture with light lines that does not detract from the spacious feel of each property. We like wood or matte finishes, natural tones and textures such as linen and cotton. For the walls we prefer a large canvases or mirrors, wallpapers with personality but still discreet, and playing around with the same colour tones in a single environment. We use an endless number of national and international brands in furniture, fabrics, papers, carpets, lighting, and choose brand depending on the budget we are allocated.


What should owners avoid interiors wise when furnishing their holiday homes?

From experience I know that many clients give much more importance to furnishing the terrace than to the rest of the house, without taking into account the inclement weather. So my only advice is to equip the house with the same degree of comfort on the inside as the outside.

Finally, how do you find working so closely with your husband on the architectural side? 

It is a true privilege. We help and complement each other whilst enjoying our work. Can you ask for more?!

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.

Collegiate AC continue 2017 expansion launching new division with Rob Clothier at the helm

Collegiate AC continue 2017 expansion launching new division with Rob Clothier at the helm

by Sophie Evans World

With Collegiate AC’s extensive expansion plans set for Europe in 2017, the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK has announced the appointment of Rob Clothier as Development Director.

Set to manage a newly launched division, Acquisitions & Development Management, we spoke with Rob to discuss his role and the future for Collegiate AC;

 

What does your new role entail?  

 

“As part of our continued strategic expansion, Collegiate AC have launched a brand new division; Collegiate Acquisitions & Development Management. Our core objectives will be on supporting our clients through the following stages of new projects to ensure they achieve the Collegiate AC standards for consumer quality, branding and investment sustainability;

 

  1. Evaluation, appraisal and acquisition
  2. Layout, room mix, detailed design and specification
  3. Tendering support, branding and construction phases

 

The team will focus on delivering class-leading stock for our clients and our students, as we enter into longer and stronger partnerships.”

 

 

What is it about this new role that excites you?

 

“Collegiate AC have an outstanding reputation for the delivery and operation of superior student accommodation, whilst delivering the best value for their clients and their students. Working with one of the markets leading providers, establishing an acquisition and development management team – providing more support to a strategic number of clients and investors – and being part of a successful team to grow this incredibly strong brand, both here in the UK and overseas – is very exciting indeed.”

 

 

How does your experience from previous positions prepare you for this role?

 

“I have over 16 years’ experience in the Property / Construction industry.  Starting as QS with a main contractor, responsible for ensuring a high-quality build, within budget and to programme – provided me with essential delivery experience.

 

Within the last 8 years, I have worked for the property development arm of Bouygues UK and specifically their student accommodation brand Uliving, developing over 5,000 purpose built student accommodation beds across the country. This role gave me vital experience in structuring development transactions from the very outset, working with universities and landowners to meet their objectives in full.

 

The combination of roles allowed me to secure a skill set which completes the development cycle, from acquisition through to delivery.”

 

What do you see as being the greatest challenges?

 

“The student accommodation sector is a highly competitive one. Ensuring that we listen to the needs of our students, clients and investors in this time of expansion, whilst continuing to focus on the Collegiate AC brand principals and core values, will be critical in maintaining success and achieving our business plan going forward.”

 

What can the industry expect from Collegiate in 2017?

 

“From a project perspective – a continued focus on the UK market, ensuring that all projects due for completion in time for the start of the 2017 / 2018 academic year, are handed over to the operational team successfully. In addition to this, we are very excited to have launched the first of our European schemes, Collegiate Marquês Pombal, a flagship project in Lisbon, also due for completion later this year.

 

The Acquisition and Development team will be strengthening our activity in the UK and Europe, continuing to work with key clients and investors. Excitingly other transactions across the continent are due for financial close throughout the calendar year.”

 

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

The art of interior design – creating the picture-perfect home

The art of interior design – creating the picture-perfect home

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see” (Edgar Degas)
  • “Art plays a fundamental role in interior design – no scheme is complete without it” (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Use art to echo a room’s theme and balance it perfectly with lighting for maximum impact (Alexander James)
  • Damien Hirst print featured in London’s Landmark Place show home (Alexander James)

 

Art lovers are in for a treat this year, with London’s Lisson Gallery celebrating its 50th birthday with a magnificent series of exhibitions and events. The National Gallery – the UK’s most visited gallery, with well over 6.2 million visitors in 2016, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions – is also offering something special, with Cagnacci’s Repentant Magdalene, the Michelangelo and Sebastiano exhibition and a Rubens and Rembrandt feature all running concurrently.

 

However, if we are to believe the words of Edgar Degas, then “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” It is a concept that is familiar to every successful interior designer – those with the powers to make others see an overall vision that is greater than the sum of its parts.

 

 “Art plays a fundamental role in interior design. Paintings, prints and sculptures are essential to completing a decorative scheme and have to be planned in as part of the overall look and feel of a property. These are not things to be left to chance and then picked out at the last minute.”

 

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

Having worked in interior design for 24 years, Alexander James’ Stacey Sibley is well versed in finding the right artwork to tie together all the elements of a room, from fabrics to colour palette to furniture.

 

Art can both echo the theme of the room and inspire it. This Beaconsfield family home, dressed by the Alexander James team, displays the concept beautifully, with artworks reflecting the colours, textures and themes of the rooms in which they feature.

 

For those looking for a uniquely artistic home, engaging the services of a local artist can be a wonderful way to obtain bespoke artwork. Furnishing the artist with a swatch of cushion fabric, key colour samples or a mood board can allow him or her to draw together all aspects of the design.

 

In the Beaconsfield home, for example, the open plan living room features beautiful, bespoke artwork designed to fade from bold to light and inspired by the accent cushions, which feature a bold oil painting inspired fabric designed by artist Jessica Zoob for Romo.

 

Nor is it just private homes in which art plays an important role. Working closely with developers has emphasised to the Alexander James team how essential artworks are when dressing show homes. At Landmark Place in London, their interior designers embraced the use of art by purchasing a limited edition Damien Hirst print for the show home.

 

‘The Souls III’ is one of a 15-piece signed edition purchased by Alexander James Interior Design as part of their dressing of the stunning new show home. The print is currently on loan to Landmark Place’s developer, Barratt Homes, enabling art to be taken to the next level in show home design.

 

Whether it’s a Damien Hirst print or the work of a talented, up-and-coming local artist, placing art perfectly is almost as important a skill as choosing the right pieces, according to Alexander James’ Stacey Sibley. She recommends balancing art and furniture by aligning artwork with a sideboard or console table and bordering it with side lamps to highlight it. The right framing is also essential, as is balancing the frame with the lamps and other furniture around it.

 

Hanging artwork at the right level is also essential. The centre of the image should ideally be at eye level. However, for informal seating areas, hanging the artwork low will make the space feel more cosy and intimate. Hanging artwork in clusters can also work well.

 

 “Gallery walls are a great way to occupy vast and open wall spaces, especially stairwells which are usually quite bare. Grouping several frames in various sizes, styles and orientations gives a really creative look and allows you to add more whenever you like.

 

“You can also take inspiration from the environment around your home. If you live in a rural area, seek inspiration from the surrounding trees and greenery, with botanical prints or natural paintings. Likewise, if your home has an interesting history, this can inspire the artwork. If the house has been rejuvenated, perhaps use old architectural drawings to accessorise the scheme.”

 

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

 

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk, email info@aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604.

US interest in Spanish property surges, while UK buyers keep calm and carry on

US interest in Spanish property surges, while UK buyers keep calm and carry on

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • US visitors to Kyero.com up 75% year on year
  • UK interest remains steady for now but will be hostage to Brexit negotiations
  • Chiclana De La Frontera races up ranks to become 9th most popular location

The official March report from Kyero.com has, as ever, revealed some interesting insights into the Spanish property market.

The portal received 65,473 property enquiries during the month, up 19.55% year on year, while visitor numbers reached 594,917, up 41.7%.

From this wealth of data, Kyero.com reports that UK buyers remain steadfast in their love for Spanish property, despite the triggering of Article 50 towards the end of March.

“With Prime Minister May emphasizing how slow the Brexit process is going to be, with the UK being hostage to the negotiation cycle, it seems that Brits are happy to take a ‘keep calm and carry on’ approach to buying homes in Spain. Interest has slowed, but is far from going into reverse – in fact, British visitors to Kyero.com have increased by 30.2% over the past year.”

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Spanish property portal Kyero.com

 

While Theresa May seems to be keeping British buyers calm, President Trump’s countrymen seem to have found a fresh desire to pick up properties in Spain.

US visitors to Kyero.com have surged, up 75.3% year on year. US buyers are now firmly in the site’s top ten list of nationalities interested in buying in Spain, as life far away from Donald Trump’s America takes on added appeal.

Meanwhile, prices across Spain are growing steadily. The median asking price across Kyero.com’s 200,000+ listed properties now stands at €244,000, an increase of 5.9% over the past year.

“When it comes to location, Gran Canaria’s Playa Del Ingles has reclaimed the top spot, knocking Torrevieja down into second place once again. Other traditional favourites like Playa De Las Americas in Tenerife and Alicante continue to rank among the most popular destinations for those buying in Spain.”

Richard Speigal, Kyero.com

 

The biggest mover in terms of the top ten locations is Chiclana De La Frontera in Cadiz, which shot up six places to become the ninth most popular location in March.

With a rich history of sherry production (it’s just 40 km from the sherry heartland of Jerez De La Frontera), Chiclana offers visitors easy access to the ‘real Spain’ – away from the vast hordes of tourists flocking to the beaches of the southern coastline.

As well as its own architectural and culinary charms, the town offers easy access to Cadiz (for outstanding tapas and beautiful beaches), Gibraltar, Portugal and Morocco, all of which can be reached easily in under three hours, making Chiclana De La Frontera an excellent base for those wanting to use their base in Spain for exploring other locations.

As political instability continues to rock the foundations of both the UK and the US, it will be interesting to see how this is reflected in the Spanish property market. Home to the largest British expat population in Europe and to a somewhat smaller but still sizeable population of American expats (estimates put the figures at around 300,000 and 41,000 people respectively), Spain’s second home market stands to be singularly affected by political happenings in both countries. Needless to say, the folk at Kyero.com will continue to monitor the situation closely.

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Liverpool lights the way as savvy investors head to the north of the city

Liverpool lights the way as savvy investors head to the north of the city

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Top tip for investors looking to Liverpool in 2017/8 is to head north of the city centre, around the Vauxhall area (Aspen Woolf)
  • One to watch is L3 postcode, it will be very different in 5-10 years’ time (Aspen Woolf)
  • New Eldon Grove carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation (Aspen Woolf)

 

As momentum for the Northern Powerhouse builds, more and more investors are looking to the north of the country. However, Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director of Aspen Woolf, leaders in providing wealth building opportunities for investors through property, believes investors should take it one step further, looking to the north of Liverpool’s bustling city centre to uncover hidden gems of its property market.

We spoke with Oliver after his most recent visit to Liverpool in relation to the changes taking place throughout the city, and which postcodes are showing the most promise to investors.

“What makes Liverpool unique is its young population, nearly 45% of the city is under 30, and many are young professionals and renters looking for quality accommodation that is still lacking in many of the city’s central postcodes.

“For investors, the trick is to spot the next hotspots early. While in Liverpool I spent a significant amount of time walking around the dock area, checking on different builds and their progress, and even for someone that travels to and from Liverpool often, the change I’ve seen in such a short time is simply astounding. The Baltic Triangle, The Georgian Quarter, The Docks, all these areas that stagnated in the past are all thriving now. It was really exciting to see.

“Our top tip for investors looking to Liverpool in 2017/8 is to head north of the city centre, around the Vauxhall area. The area is benefitting from a wealth of investment with road expansions, new train stations, a brand new football ground and new cruise terminal to boot. We’ve witnessed a huge spike in planning applications granted in the area, which is always a good indication.

“The L3 postcode will be very different in 5-10 years’ time. Prices are still low but that won’t last long if we’re to go by what’s happened in other parts of Liverpool in the past 5 years.”

One property set to benefit from its L3 postcode is Aspen Woolf’s Eldon Grove. Having provided some of the best pre-war social housing built by Liverpool city council, Eldon Grove set a new standard for the whole country and was officially opened by the Countess of Derby in 1912.

The layout, with its central square, well-maintained garden and bandstand, along with the chocolate-box look, helped create a vibrant community, lifting up some of Liverpool’s poorest residents.

Incorporating three original Grade II-listed blocks alongside three new blocks of stylish and contemporary apartments, New Eldon Grove has been carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation. Comprised of 45 apartments including 1,2 and 3 bedroom units, New Eldon Grove is Set within peaceful surroundings, yet on the edge of the vibrant Liverpool city centre.

Apartments situated in the original blocks have been re-imagined for 21st century living, with fully modernised fitted kitchens and bathrooms, while benefiting from the character of the Tudor buildings, with mullioned bay windows and their own front doors leading from the external walkways.

New Eldon Grove residents will also benefit from a community garden and shared landscaping, as well as parking, bicycle storage and secured entrance hallways. From just £94,950, with ready to rent furniture packs available, New Eldon Grove provides investors with an assured 2-year NET rental of 7%.

For more information, visit http://www.aspenwoolf.co.uk/ or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.

Brits choose the Balearic isle of Mallorca for an Easter getaway

Brits choose the Balearic isle of Mallorca for an Easter getaway

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Spain most popular holiday destination this Easter with Mallorca topping the list (On the Beach)
  • Sunshine and temperatures of 20C and upward for Easter on Mallorca (Weather .com)
  • Taylor Wimpey España launch two new residential developments in Mallorca’s growing property market

Easter in the UK is usually a mixed bag of time off work, hyperactive children, threatening rainclouds and an overwhelming amount of chocolate. Though this combo does have a certain British charm, increasingly the temptation to spend the Easter break overseas is winning over the hearts of those looking for some springtime sunshine. And Spain is set to be the destination of choice in 2017.

According to the most recent data from beach holiday specialist On the Beach, Spain is the most popular destination for Brits during the Easter period this year. The beautiful island of Mallorca tops the list of holiday hotspots, with the sun-kissed province of Alicante also celebrating a place in the top five.

With Mallorca just a couple of hours’ flight from the UK, long weekends there are now easily achievable, allowing the island to be more than simply a summer destination. Long-term resident Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, observes,

“No longer considered a one season destination, Mallorca’s popularity throughout the year is growing. With such a short flight time, spending Easter there is easy for those living in the UK and with temperatures predicted to stay firmly in the 20s over the course of the long weekend, the Balearics are definitely a tempting prospect for a short coastal getaway.”

Easter in Mallorca is a big event, with processions, feasting and celebrations held across the island. The processions have their origins in the 16th century, when the Christian church set out to present the story of the Passion of the Christ to laypeople through street processions. While the religious element is still strong today, the festival atmosphere is one that those of all denominations can enjoy and the food that accompanies it is something that everyone should experience at least once!

But why experience Mallorca just once this year? Coastal properties on the island are becoming increasingly popular with holiday home owners and Taylor Wimpey España have just launched two new developments to the growing market. Both already attracting the attention of buyers who are keen to make Mallorca’s coastline a more regular feature of their lives.

The new Cala Vinyes Hills residential complex offers 15 exclusive and spacious three bedroom apartments and duplexes within a modern, gated community comprised of 5 independent buildings. From €380,000+VAT residents will benefit from private terraces, a communal swimming pool with landscaped gardens and private parking.

Cala Vinyes Hills is located in the prestigious area of Cala Vinyes, in the south west of Mallorca, just 15 minutes from the island’s vibrant capital city, Palma. The exclusive marinas Puerto Portals and Port Adriano are also close by, providing a wide variety of elegant bars and restaurants such as the most exclusive designer stores.

Less than a 30-minute drive from Palma’s international airport, Serenity is located next to the Santa Ponsa II Golf Club in Nova Santa Ponsa, one of the most exclusive and highly sought-after areas on the island. This new residential complex offers beautiful 3 bedroom homes from apartments to top floor penthouses.

All units benefit from private terraces, with those on the ground floor enjoying spacious garden areas which are also private. From €545,000 +VAT for an apartment and €790,000 +VAT for a penthouse, residents will enjoy the private use of two swimming pools, surrounded by a solarium area, and luscious communal gardens.

With Spanish Easter celebrations lasting for around 10 days, Mallorca and many other parts of Spain may already be in full celebratory mode. Why not leave the chocolate at home and hop on a plane to see for yourself?

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.

Golf abodes worthy of green jacket glory

Golf abodes worthy of green jacket glory

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • The Masters Tournament begins on 6th April, the first of 2017’s major championships
  • Spain provides ideal climate for those keen to walk the fairways in every season (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Start the season in the perfect golfing retreat from the Costa Blanca to the isle of Mallorca (Taylor Wimpey España)

The Masters Tournament is one of the four major championships in professional golf. The competition is scheduled to begin on Thursday 6th April and continues to be the first of the majors to be played each year.

Last year’s green jacket was awarded to Danny Willett and the suspense is building as to who will receive the honour next. With golfing mania building, get swept up in the atmosphere and check out this round up of golfing homes in Spain, perfectly located to practice your swing and give Tiger Woods’ tournament record score a run for its money.

“For fans of the sport, golf properties provide the idyllic base for any holiday or retirement plans with high quality facilities right on the doorstep. Buyers should consider properties near a golf course that is also considered a resort offering an array of additional facilities to keep the non-golf players in the party equally as happy. Spain’s plentiful sunshine and dry, warm days allow for visits throughout every season for exciting weekends away playing golf and a very popular rental opportunity.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Horizon Golf, Costa del Sol

Situated in the beautiful valley of Mijas, in the ‘Costa del Golf’, Horizon Golf is Taylor Wimpey de España’s second development at La Cala Resort within the complex’s famous Campo Asia golf course. With prices starting from €275,000 +VAT, all properties benefit from three 18-hole golf courses, a hydrotherapy centre and spa, La Cala Golf Academy School and an array of sports facilities all close by.

Residents will enjoy stunning panoramic views over the golf course and La Cala de Mijas with each property; the private gated development offers 55 terraced homes, all with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a cloakroom, as well as 48 2 or 3 bedroom apartments.

Residents can reach the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol in just 10 minutes, with Malaga airport only 30 minutes away.

Serenity, Nova Santa Ponsa, Mallorca

The brand-new Serenity residential complex is located next to the Santa Ponsa III Golf Club. The properties have a modern design, with three spacious bedrooms and private terraces, with the ground floor properties enjoying large private gardens.

It is in a superb location, surrounded by some of Mallorca’s top golf clubs including Golf Santa Ponsa I, II and III, Golf de Andratx, Golf de Poniente and Bendinat Golf. It is also close to the coast, in an area dotted with beautiful coves and beaches and some of the island’s most exclusive marinas such as Puerto Adriano, which is only a few minutes’ walk from Serenity, Puerto Portals and Puerto de Andratx.

From €545,000 +VAT, Serenity is accessible within just a 25 minute drive from Palma de Mallorca airport and just 20 kilometres from Palma city centre.

Brisas de Alenda Golf, Costa Blanca

Brisas de Alenda Golf, is located in the peaceful area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute drive away. There are currently 15 golf courses on the Costa Blanca, all in close proximity to one another. Many of the properties will have access to the Alenda Golf Club, with residents able to use all facilities available.

The complex consists of 3 bedroom townhouses boasting generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just €150,000 +VAT.

With the warm climate, together with the proximity of the beaches, allows sailing and water sports to be enjoyed throughout most of the year.

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.

PBSA demand at all-time high in “structurally undersupplied student market” – Plymouth

PBSA demand at all-time high in “structurally undersupplied student market” – Plymouth

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • £3.1 billion invested in the UK PBSA market in 2016 (Knight Frank) 
  • Student accommodation from Plymouth University caters for just 12% of student population (Aspen Woolf) 
  • Beds at Beaumont Square priced 30% less than the SW regional average (Aspen Woolf)

 

The most recent data on the UK Student Housing sector has been released by Knight Frank revealing that some £3.1 billion was invested in the UK Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market in 2016. More than double the levels seen in 2013 and 2014.

Although the latest figures show that last year’s total spend was lower than the record of £5.1bn seen in 2015, it does demonstrate that interest in PBSA remains strong. And this certainly seems to be the case in the South West as demand for much needed PBSA continues to rise, especially within the city of Plymouth.

According to figures from HESA, experts in UK higher education data and analysis, Plymouth University welcomed 23,155 students in the 2015/16 academic year. Yet, the Complete University Guide notes that there are only 2,800 rooms available for students from Plymouth University itself.

“Plymouth is a structurally undersupplied student market in the UK today with the accommodation available through Plymouth University itself catering for just 12% of its student population. Existing University owned and private HMO stock just cannot keep up with the demand from Plymouth’s thriving higher education sector.” 

Oliver Ramsden, Director of Aspen Woolf 

And, it seems that keeping the city’s student population happy is important to the region’s economy with a recent event held at City College revealing that Plymouth’s student population is worth nearly £8.5 million weekly and over £39 million every month, as they spend a staggering £305 million annually.

Tim Jones, Chairman of the Devon & Cornwall Business Council, said: “the student economy is a valuable and unrecognised sector with lots of opportunities to grow with the right support, and a massive asset to the Plymouth and SW economy.”

And it is just this opportunity that the experts at Aspen Woolf are presenting to their investors through PBSA developments such as the brand new Beaumont Square in Plymouth.

“As Knight Frank indicate in their latest report, PBSA stock availability is an issue for both investors and end-user students which is why we are very excited to be launching Beaumont Square. The 39 self-contained studio apartments are already under construction, with delivery expected by the end of the year.” 

Oliver Ramsden, Director of Aspen Woolf 

Prices for the exclusive studio apartments at Beaumont Square start at just £78,500, 30% cheaper than the average price of a student bed in the South West as revealed by Knight Frank (£112,693). As well as a substantial below market value discount, investors will also enjoy an assured 3-year NET return of 8%.

Located in an idyllic location, Beaumont Square is less than a mile away from Plymouth University, the bustling city centre and the beautiful harbour of this coastal city. Every apartment will be offered fully furnished to prospective student tenants and the building will benefit from high end hotel apartment style finishes. Residents will also be able to enjoy an array of additional facilities including a laundry room, staffed reception area and the security of 24-hour CCTV.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44(0) 203 176 0060.