Britons rush to gain Spanish citizenship before Brexit

Britons rush to gain Spanish citizenship before Brexit

Spain ,
  • British requests for Spanish citizenship treble from 2015 to 2018 (General Directorateof Registries and Notaries of Spain)
  • Foreign buyers now account for 15% of Spanish property sales (Fiabci Spain)
  • Taylor Wimpey España legal completions up 13.6% in 2018

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has reported a 13.6% uplift in legal completions of its properties in 2018, as the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca remain prized locations for second home owners. The number of foreigners buying in Spain has also risen, hitting 15% according to Fiabci Spain.

Spain’s property market is absolutely thriving right now and foreign buyers are playing an important role in that. Foreign buyer numbers have been rising steadily over the past decade and demand for second homes in beach and golf resorts is incredibly high.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey has responded in force to the strong demand for their stylish, spacious homes, with six new developments launching in the first six months of 2019. That follows the legal completion of 342 homes in 2018.

Interestingly, but perhaps not unsurprisingly, the number of British people wanting to make Spain part of their lives has shot up in the last few years. The number of Britons applying for Spanish citizenship in 2018 was treble the number who applied in 2015, according to the General Directorate of Registries and Notaries of Spain. Assurances from the UK government that Britons living in EU member states will continue to receive the UK state pension, even in the event of a no deal Brexit, have bolstered the confidence of many who are seeking to hang on to their freedom of movement and other EU membership benefits after 29 March.

Brits are still enamoured with Spain as a holiday destination too, with visitor numbers increasing by 2.8% in November 2018 compared to November 2017. They remain the top nationality for visitors to Spain, with 17.64 million visiting between January and November 2018.

The number of registered housing sales in Spain has also increased by 2.8% when comparing November 2018 with November 2017, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute. That figure rises considerably for certain areas, with Andalusia seeing an annual variation of 10.6%.

Developments such as Taylor Wimpey España’s Green Golf are well placed to serve those looking for something particularly special in Andalusia. Offering marvellous views over Estepona Golf, the private gated community provides luxurious three-bedroom townhouses. Pools and garden areas complement the stunning views, while the apartments themselves boast generous terraces. Prices start from just €280,000 plus VAT.

“Areas such as Andalusia continue to draw in not only considerable numbers of tourists, but also those who want a deeper connection with Spain and are looking to make it a more established part of their lives. For some of our buyers, that means a second home, while for others it means making Spain their primary residence. Either way, they benefit from all that this beautiful part of the country has to offer, from its fabulous climate and cuisine to its beaches, golf courses and so much more.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

Tourist spending in Spain rockets, as Taylor Wimpey España shines the spotlight on Punta Prima

Tourist spending in Spain rockets, as Taylor Wimpey España shines the spotlight on Punta Prima

Spain ,
  • Tourist spending up 12.4% to average of €155 per day (INE)
  • Costa Blanca is 6th most cost-effective holiday destination in Europe (Post Office)
  • Taylor Wimpey España focused on Punta Prima after 60 years of successful building in Spain

The latest figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) show that tourist spending rocketed towards the end of last year. Average daily expenditure in November 2018 was 12.4% higher than for the same month in 2017, standing at €155. The Post Office Holiday Barometer reports that £83.58 is enough to cover a two-course lunch, three-course dinner with wine and assorted essentials (drinks, sun cream, insect repellent) in Spain’s Costa Blanca region, so a daily spend of €155 is more than enough to enjoy the area thoroughly.

Average temperatures in the Costa Blanca at that time of year stand at around 16°C; even in January the average is 11°C, with a high of 16°C. Add to that the plentiful availability of quick, cheap flights, a range of superb golf courses and one of the world’s healthiest and tastiest cuisines, and the lure of Spain to British holidaymakers in the winter months is not difficult to understand.

Indeed, many of those drawn to Spain end up wanting more than just a week or two in the sun, which is why leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has enjoyed 60 years of success building in areas like the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca.

The Costa Blanca is such a wonderful holiday hotspot. From the soft white sands of its beaches to the superb local food, it is an area that evokes a strong desire to return year after year in many visitors. That’s why it has been one of our key areas of focus over the past 60 years – and why it will remain so going forward.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The pretty seaside town of Punta Prima is currently home to two Taylor Wimpey España developments. Within around 30 minutes of both Murcia and Alicante airports, Punta Prima is easily accessible from a wide range of locations. Its blue flag beaches are some of the cleanest in the area, while the lovely promenade is the perfect place to wander, relax and dine.

Taylor Wimpey España’s Panorama Mar provides seafront apartments on Punta Prima beach, with spectacular sea views. The two and three-bedroom homes feature good-sized terraces for soaking up the sun. Ample landscaped gardens provide a lovely setting for treasured holiday moments, while for those who love the water, the site provides three outdoor swimming pools, including an infinity pool and a hydro-massage pool. Children have their own paddling pool and playground area. Homes at Panorama Mar are available from €319,000 plus VAT.

La Recoleta III, meanwhile, offers beautiful apartments with access to the beach and sea just a few meters away. Wide avenues lead down to the sands, in between the Mediterranean-style buildings and immaculate garden areas. Individual apartments are well-designed and feature private terraces, while the penthouses provide spacious solariums and outstanding views. Prices start from €219,000 plus VAT.

“Our Punta Prima properties combine easy access to the beach with all the elements required for laid back enjoyment of the Spanish lifestyle. They are the ideal base for anyone looking to make the most of this lovely area of Spain.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

Taylor Wimpey España celebrates Year of Green Action with superb Botanic development

Taylor Wimpey España celebrates Year of Green Action with superb Botanic development

Spain ,
  • 2019 to see push to raise environmental awareness and responsibility through #iwill campaign
  • Botanic development showcasing how homes can work in harmony with nature
  • Sustainable design, environmentally sound construction and natural elements all key to creating homes for the future

Saving the environment is no longer something that we can leave to future generations and, thanks to the work of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Sir David Attenborough, awareness of this has never been greater. The IPCC warned in late 2018 that we have just 12 years to keep global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C, while Sir David’s Blue Planet II has done wonders for raising awareness of plastic pollution issues.

2019 is Year of Green Action, with the UK government encouraging environmental responsibility through the #iwill hashtag. While individuals can do much by reducing their use of plastics, water and energy, large companies are also in a powerful position to support the cause. Nor is it just a UK issue. Over in Spain, for example, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been actively working to build more sustainable homes for some years.

By working together to protect the environment, we still have time to effect change. As a responsible and environmentally aware company, Taylor Wimpey España has been doing just that. Almost all of our new developments have energy certification B thanks to the use of energy-saving components such as special windows and solar panels. We’re building homes for today’s holidaymakers at the same time as working to make a better future for their children and grandchildren.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Located at La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, Benahavis (Malaga), Botanic is a leading example of this green ethos in action. Sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture are at the heart of the development, which consists of 92 bright, spacious three-bedroom apartments. In addition to environmentally sound construction elements (including solar panels, high quality thermal insulation and sound-proofing), the development features vertical gardens and green corridors that link each of the phases. This envelops the homes in a unique natural environment that respects the immense variety of local species and indigenous trees.

At the same time, the properties themselves have been designed to maximise the natural light and spectacular views. The buildings use the varying height of the ground to optimise views across the mountainous landscape to the sea, while the incredibly generous terraces all face south to benefit from the abundant Spanish sunshine. At the top of the four-storey buildings, the impressive penthouses boast spectacular solariums. Internally, the rooms exceed market standards in terms of their space, while open plan design allows a beautiful flow between the kitchen, living room and terrace areas.

“Our aim with Botanic was to show how contemporary homes can offer a superb lifestyle experience while also respecting the environment. The result is a development that creates a real sense of harmony with nature. Our buyers love Botanic’s serenity – it’s the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life, as well as showcasing how housebuilders can work with the natural environment to create homes that are both environmentally aware and highly desirable.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Homes at Botanic are available from €375,000 plus VAT for a three-bedroom apartment.

 

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

Taylor Wimpey España announces six development launches in six months for H1 2019

Taylor Wimpey España announces six development launches in six months for H1 2019

Spain ,
  • Spanish house sales up 9.7% in year to September 2018 (INE)
  • House price boom to continue until 2021 (ITEC)
  • Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are 2 of Brits’ top 3 favourite second home locations (Savills)

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has announced big plans for the first half of 2019. The company will be launching six developments in the first six months of the year. Located in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands, the developments will provide a total of 330 superb quality homes, alongside a range of communal pools and other shared facilities.

2018 has been an excellent year for Spanish property and 2019 looks set to be even better. I’m delighted to be moving into the year ahead in such a strong position. We are building with confidence, as shown by our commitment to six new launches in H1 2019. Each development will have its own unique charms and style, while delivering the high quality accommodation for which we have been known over the past 60 years of building in Spain.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The success of Pier, the company’s latest Costa del Sol development, in the upscale Sotogrande area, shows the strength of the current appetite for Spanish second homes. Within four months of the development being announced, 30% of the 56 elegant, spacious homes have already been reserved.

The sun is certainly shining on Spanish property in general at present. The volume of house sales has just hit its highest level in a decade, increasing by 9.7% in the year to September 2018, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE). Meanwhile, experts at the Institut de Tecnologia de la Construccio de Catalunya (ITEC) have predicted that the current boom will continue until 2021 before beginning to slow down.

Research from Savills shows that it is British and German second home owners who are currently snapping up properties in Spain faster than any other nation – a finding which Taylor Wimpey España’s own experience backs up. According to Savills, British buyers’ top three preferred second home locations in the world include two of the areas in which Taylor Wimpey España is active: the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca.

“We listen closely to what our buyers want and shape our developments accordingly, both in terms of location and the type of properties that we offer. At Pier, for example, we’ve included an option for buyers to purchase two two/three-bedroom apartments off plan in order to create one vast, four/five-bedroom apartment. We’ll continue to take buyer preferences into account like this with our 2019 developments. It’s going to be a busy year!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

Taylor Wimpey España spreads festive joy with superb second homes in Spain

Taylor Wimpey España spreads festive joy with superb second homes in Spain

Spain ,
  • 42% of Brits would consider spending Christmas overseas (Bolsover)
  • Just 33% of Britons prefer Christmas at home
  • Spain in top 3 global destinations for Christmas overseas

It seems that the old Christmas tradition of staying home with family for the festive period is fading fast. A Bolsover Cruise Club survey has found that just 33% of Britons want to spend Christmas at home. 25% want to spend it elsewhere in the UK, but the majority – an impressive 42% – would be willing to go abroad for their Christmas celebrations.

The USA, Spain and the Caribbean top the list of countries that Brits would like to spend Christmas in, with sunshine clearly a priority for many. For leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, the survey results make sense. The company has been building sun-kissed holiday homes across the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca for 60 years and has seen many British owners – along with those from other countries – enjoy spending their Christmas holidays in Spain in that time.

“Christmas in Spain has many similarities with Christmas in the UK, but also some notable differences. It’s a less commercialized holiday here in Spain, with more emphasis on spending time with family and enjoying each other’s company. Food is a hugely important part of Christmas here too, from Turkey stuffed with truffles on Christmas Eve, before Midnight Mass, to regional favourites like seafood feasts in Galicia to picadillo soup and stuffed eggs in Andalusia.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Of course, Christmas in Spain comes with the added benefit of superb weather for those in the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. While braving the icy waters of the North Sea or the Atlantic Ocean is a Boxing Day tradition for some of those in the UK, a more relaxed dip in the communal pool of a site like La Floresta Sur is likely to hold greater appeal to many. Located in Elviria, Marbella, the site is surrounded by natural beauty, from oak and pine forests to the ever-shifting splendour of the Mediterranean Sea. Key-ready homes are available from €228,000 plus VAT, with apartments providing spacious surroundings with plenty of outdoor space for making the most of the Spanish sun.

“So many of those who’ve bought homes here in Spain find that spending Christmas in them is one of their most magical holiday experiences. Picture-postcard Christmas scenes in the UK – of snow carpeting the country while children laugh and play while wrapped up against the cold – don’t often pan out. In fact, the UK has only seen widespread snow on Christmas Day four times in the past half-century. As such, those looking to dodge Christmas in the rain are increasingly looking to Spain to provide them with a more enjoyable festive experience.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

From Dia de los Santos Inocentes (the Spanish version of April Fool’s Day) on 28 December, to super-sweet turrón and polvorón, Spain has a wealth of Christmas tastes and traditions waiting to be discovered, making it the ideal holiday destination for the festive period.

 

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

Is moving to Spain the secret to longer life?

Is moving to Spain the secret to longer life?

Spain ,

 

  • Spain on track to achieve world’s highest longevity rate (IHME)
  • Diet, weather and outdoor lifestyle all contributing factors to healthy Spanish lifestyle (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • House prices up 7.2% in past year (INE), with 5-7% rise projected for 2019 (Tinsa)

Spain is on target to become the country with the world’s highest life expectancy, according to the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The average Spanish lifespan is projected to hit 85.8 years by 2040, just surpassing Japan’s 85.7 years.

The researchers believe that one of the key factors behind the longevity of those in Spain is their UNESCO-recognised Mediterranean diet. Spain’s climate allows its people to grow an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year, while its extensive coastline and superb arable land means that the country also has plenty of locally sourced fish and meat.

Spain’s balmy climate is associated with a range of health benefits too, with sunshine proven to do everything from lower high blood pressure and protect against inflammation to improve brain function and combat depression. Sunlight can even help to stave off conditions such as dementia, prostate cancer and heart disease, where low levels of vitamin D are a contributing factor.

Spain has the perfect balance of good weather, outstanding cuisine, friendly people and stunning scenery. It’s clear to see why it enjoys one of the highest rates of longevity in the world. With sport so important here too, there’s plenty of scope for keeping fit, which is undoubtedly another contributing factor. The outdoor lifestyle also brings its own benefits for health and happiness.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

There is much to gain by moving to Spain and it seems Brits are well aware of the fact, according to the recently published AnyVan International Dream Moves survey. A full 13% of respondents picked Spain as their number one choice of destination when dreaming of a move overseas, making it the top pick of any country.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España works with clients who are turning their fantasy of a move overseas into a reality. With developments dotted along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, along with a smattering of locations in Mallorca, the company is well placed to serve those looking for their dream home in Spain.

Green Golf, for example, combines the best elements of all that the Costa del Sol has to offer. Located at Estepona Golf, the development lies just 3 km from the nearest beach, while on-site pools and beautifully landscaped communal gardens ensure that there is plenty of space for residents to relax and enjoy their leisure time. Individual properties benefit from generously proportioned terraces. Interiors, meanwhile, are spacious and stylish. Prices start from €280,000 plus VAT.

House prices are another plus point for those contemplating a move to Spain. The market offers a healthy, stable environment in which to buy. Annual house price rises now stand at 7.2%, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), while Tinsa has projected a rise of between 5% and 7% for the year ahead.

“From longer life to the potential for impressive capital gains, home buyers in Spain have much to look forward to. For buyers from the UK who plan to move to Spain, there is the added benefit of a vastly improved climate – something that is particularly appealing at this time of year!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

 

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

Taylor Wimpey España shares 6 Spanish property predictions for 2019

Taylor Wimpey España shares 6 Spanish property predictions for 2019

Spain ,

 

  • German and French buyers will lead hunt for Spanish second homes
  • House prices to increase by 5-7% in 2019 (Tinsa)
  • Sotogrande will be key 2019 hotspot

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has shared some insights into what we can expect from the Spanish property market in 2019. The predictions come off the back of Tinsa’s forecast that Spanish homes will enjoy an average price rise of between 5% and 7% over the course of 2019.

2019 looks set to be a busy year for the Spanish housing market, with strong demand from both domestic and overseas buyers for the right properties in the right locations. For second home buyers, both beach and golf properties will continue to be top of the priority list.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The three key regions that are like to continue to capture holiday home buyers’ attention in 2019 will be the perennially popular locations of Mallorca/Ibiza, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol. In response to keen buyer demand, Taylor Wimpey España will be investing substantially in all three regions over the course of 2019.

In particular, the Taylor Wimpey España team has highlighted the Costa del Sol’s Sotogrande as a top 2019 hotspot. The company’s brand new Pier development there was already 30% sold by the time construction commenced, highlighting how popular the high end two and three-bedroom apartments are likely to be in 2019. For those looking for something larger, Pier offers the option to purchase two homes prior to construction in order to convert them into a single, spacious four or five-bedroom home.

Offering marvellous views of La Marina de Sotogrande, Pier is a private, gated community that comes complete with pools and garden areas. Green Golf, further along the Costa del Sol at Estepona, also benefits from on-site pools and pretty landscaped gardens. Taylor Wimpey España expects that golf properties such as Green Golf, with its stylish houses with large terraces, will be big news in the coming year.

Looking ahead to the market in 2019 isn’t just about predicting where people will be buying, but who will be buying. We anticipate a lot of interest in Spanish second homes from German and French buyers over the course of 2019 – these two groups are likely to be buying in big numbers, along with keen interest from buyers in Scandinavia. It will be interesting to see what impact Brexit has on British buyers next year too. At present they remain the leading nationality in terms of foreigners buying homes in Spain, though whether that will remain the case is something that nobody can predict with any certainty!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España believes that Spain will certainly do what it can to continue attracting British buyers, as well as courting British tourists in the post-Brexit era. Quite how that will work is, at present, anyone’s guess. However, even without British buyers in the equation, Spain is looking forward to a healthy, successful 2019, at least as far as its property market is concerned.

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

Old school Spain is back in fashion as Brits eye up beautiful new homes in Sotogrande

Old school Spain is back in fashion as Brits eye up beautiful new homes in Sotogrande

Spain ,
  • Taylor Wimpey España’s Pier is breathing new life into Sotogrande
  • 60-year history gives Taylor Wimpey España unique insight into buyer trends
  • 30% of homes at the €23 million development have already been reserved

Just like foods, clothes, brands and more, holiday destinations go in and out of fashion with the passing of the years. Spain has been the favourite country for Brits to visit almost every year since the 1960s, but within Spain, different areas have gained and lost in the popularity stakes over the years. This is true not just for those holidaying in Spain, but for those buying second homes there as well.

We saw a major influx of expats back in the 1970s and many of those moving to Spain from the UK chose to settle in the upscale Sotogrande area. Over the years, Sotogrande slowly fell out of fashion, but now it’s back with a vengeance! There are some beautiful new homes springing up in this area, with demand driving the development of a new wave of luxury dwellings.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is one of those focusing on Sotogrande – already famous for its hosting of the Ryder Cup and numerous polo tournaments – and its appeal to a new generation of expats. The company has just announced the beginning of construction work on Pier – a €23 million development that will include as first phase of 56 apartments. Sited around the stunning marina (hence the development’s name), the homes will offer superb views, as well as spacious, stylish interiors.

The fact that 30% of the Pier homes have been reserved in the four months that it has taken for the Spanish authorities to approve the development’s building licence says much about Sotogrande’s resurgence. British buyers are leading the charge, accounting for 50% of the Pier reservations. Tinsa’s recent IMIE local markets report also flagged up San Roque, where Sotogrande is located, as one of the most favoured municipalities in the region.

Taylor Wimpey España has been building in Spain for 60 years, so we are well positioned to understand what buyers are looking for when it comes to Spanish homes. We’ve poured all of that expertise into the design of Pier, which is going to be one of our most impressive developments to date.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Pier will offer two- and three-bedroom apartments, with the option for buyers to purchase two and transform them into ultra-luxurious four- or five-bedrooms homes. The building of this first phase should take just under two years, with apartments delivered to owners in Q3 2020. The homes are priced from €398,000 plus VAT.

 

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

Buy in Spain for a better life in the sun!

Buy in Spain for a better life in the sun!

Spain ,

 

  • Spain comes 2nd globally for experiential parts of living overseas (HSBC)
  • Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca perfect for meeting Brits’ needs (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Andalusia property transactions up 15.3% in year to September 2018 (INE)

Spain has some of the best beaches in the world and ranks second globally for quality of life in terms of the experience of living there. Pair that with a booming property market, with values increasing faster than those in the UK, and it’s easy to see why so many foreigners are keen to buy homes in Spain.

Despite the uncertainty created by Brexit, British buyers still make up the largest group of foreigners buying homes in Spain, albeit at a more cautious pace these days. Areas like the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca have that winning combination of sun, sea and sand that so many of those in more northern European nations are currently pining for. Add in welcoming locals and superb cuisine and you begin to see just why Spain’s quality of life is rated so highly.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey quizzed a staggering 22,000 expats on their experiences of working and living abroad. A total of 27 areas were considered, split into three categories: experience, family and economics. It was in the experience category, which includes factors such as health, security, integration and culture, that Spain ranked second globally.

In terms of its beaches, Spain has more Blue Flags than any other country, with 696 in total, as a result of the quality, safety, management and environmental credentials of its sandy shores.

Spain’s beaches do much to draw tourists to the country, along with its fantastic cities and Mediterranean diet, which UNESCO has recognised as part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage. Visitor numbers for the 2018/19 winter season are already looking promising, with NOVASOL reporting a 15% increase in bookings compared to last year, making Spain the most popular self-catering holiday destination of the season.

For those who want more of a Spanish connection than just a week or two, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has some beautiful, key-ready properties on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.

On the Costa del Sol, Green Golf provides the perfect setting for relaxation. The views of Estepona golf course and the coastline just 3 km away are absolutely stunning. The smart townhouses offer spacious, homely living environments, with plenty of private outdoor space for enjoying the sunshine. There are also lush communal gardens and swimming pools on the site. Prices start from €280,000 plus VAT.

Meanwhile, a little along the coast at Villajoyosa, Costa Blanca, the lovely La Vila Paradis development is home to frontline beach properties that provide direct access to Paraíso beach. Communal pools and pretty grounds complement the stylish homes of this gated development. Prices start at €285,000 plus VAT.

“Property prices in Spain are rising at a steady rate, which means that the market offers excellent potential for capital gains right now. Strong demand from both Spanish buyers and foreigners is fuelling a buoyant market.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The latest housing market figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) certainly bear that out. In September 2018, properties registered in the Spanish land registers were up 7.7% compared with the year before. In the Andalusia region, the increase stood at 15.3% for the same period.

The takeaway from all this? It’s simple: buy in Spain for a better life in the sun!

 

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

Homes near Christmas markets – at home and overseas

Homes near Christmas markets – at home and overseas

France Spain United Kingdom , , , ,
  • Regional Christmas markets pulling in shoppers from far and wide
  • Arras French Christmas market drawing shoppers across the Channel
  • Twinkling festive lights and beach sunsets a winning combination in Spain

Each year, towns and cities around the world hang up their twinkly lights and roll out the market stalls, ready for the magic of Christmas to come alive once more. From traditional toys to quirky gifts, Christmas markets provide a wonderfully atmospheric way to do your Christmas shopping, with plenty of tasty treats thrown in to keep you going.

According to the Nabma ROI team, Christmas markets generate more than £250 million in visitor spending. Deloitte, meanwhile, are projecting a rise of 1% in our Christmas spending this year, with an average spend of £567 per person over the festive season. The figure is 42% higher than the European average. The majority of the expenditure (£299) will be on gifts, though food and drink and socialising will account for a fair amount, at £151 and £66 respectively.

Those shopping for properties at this time of year can enjoy the delights of local Christmas markets as they analyse the area(s) they’re interested in. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best festive markets and the best local properties, to give them a head start.

Birmingham

Birmingham is known for hosting the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. From craft beers and artisan edibles to toys and crafts, this is a great place to do your Christmas shopping while indulging in some incredible gingerbread.

In terms of property market opportunities, Birmingham is home to the exceptional Westminster Works. Nestled in the city’s hip and happening Digbeth area, the 220 elegant apartments are available from £168,000 through Surrenden Invest.

Manchester

Manchester’s Christmas market attracts millions of visitors each year, with a wide variety of gifts, toys and gourmet treats, alongside an ice rink to burn off all those extra Christmas calories.

For property investors, Ancoats Gardens is the obvious choice. The latest of Surrenden Invest’s investment opportunities, the world-class apartments are one of the city’s most exciting developments. Prices start from £229,714.

France

Of course, it’s not just the UK that has jumped on the Christmas market trend. Shoppers looking to head across the Channel will find one of France’s most beautiful Christmas markets just an hour’s drive from Calais. The market is set in the midst of the splendid, Flemish-style architecture of Arras, some of which is UNESCO World Heritage listed. The Village de Noël includes more than 130 chalets, surrounded by richly decorated Christmas trees and fairy lights. Toys, gifts and gourmet treats abound, along with an action-packed funfair with everything from an ice rink and toboggan slide to a merry-go-round and big wheel.

Properties in the local area are as diverse as the gifts for sale at the market. One of the most interesting currently on the market is a three-storey water mill with beautiful grounds, which spans the River Ternoise. Ripe for conversion, the property is on the market for €309,000.

Spain

A short plane ride away, Spain also hosts some superb Christmas markets each year. In the Costa del Sol, visitors can enjoy sunshine and beachscapes during the day, then head for the gently twinkling lights of the Nordic-style stalls in Estepona of an evening. Traditional teddy bears, clothing, craft items, festive Spanish treats and much more await eager shoppers, while an ice rink and children’s playground ensure little ones (and not so little ones) will be entertained too.

On the property front, Taylor Wimpey España’s picturesque Green Golf development is home to 48 spacious houses with large terraces and spectacular golf course views. Prices for these three-bedroom, three-bathroom home start from €280,000 plus VAT, with residents enjoying lush communal gardens and pools as part of their purchase.

 

For more information:

Surrenden Invest: visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499 

FrenchEntrée: visit www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/ or call +44 (0)1225 463752.

Taylor Wimpey España: visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com or call 08000 121 020 (or 00 34 971 706 972 from outside the UK).