Swedish buyers heads for sunny southern Spain as the market heats up

Swedish buyers heads for sunny southern Spain as the market heats up

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Swedes in top 3 foreign purchasers in Spain (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Number of Swedish buyers up 31% in the last year (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Almost half of all Swedish buyers choose the Costa del Sol (Taylor Wimpey España)

Swedish buyers looking to Spain as a second home destination have increased by just under a third; they are amongst the top 3 nationalities of foreign purchasers according to the latest data from leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España.

Total year to date sales by Swedish nationals, as of April 2017, are up by 31% and now account for 16% of all purchases made.

Loose monetary conditions, rising wages and general optimism in the economy have fueled prosperity in the Swedish economy with SEB (Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken A/B) forecasting growth of 3.1% this year and 2.6% in 2018.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, which has operated successfully in Spain since 1958, has observed firsthand the rise in demand from Swedish buyers.

Marc and his team now translate all property brochures and contracts in Swedish as a matter of course and for the last 3 years have a Swedish version of Taylor Wimpey España website to meet demand.

 

“The past twelve months have seen a real boost in sales to North Europeans, especially Swedish buyers. The regular, direct, low cost flights from Sweden and neighbouring countries to the Costa del Sol on Spain’s southern coast has made it a hotspot for buyers in 2017.

“Almost half of all Swedish buyers are choosing the Costa del Sol with the new ‘Acqua’ development being very high demand. A major pull of this development is its perfect location for a perfectly competitive price. The new homes are strategically situated very close to the well-known harbour of Puerto Banus and just a few minutes away from the beaches of Nueva Alcantara de Marbella. Swedish buyers are excited to live the high life without the high price tag.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Another aspect of Acqua’s appeal is it’s community vibe with 130 homes set across 4 buildings, each of 4 storeys. As the name suggests, Acqua has its own residents’ swimming pool with each 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home boasting ample space for families and lots of natural light.

With prices starting from just €265,000 +VAT, the modern homes are just a 4 minute walk from Alcantara beach and seafront promenade. It is just 5 minutes from the harbour of Puerto Banus and has great transport links to enjoy the best in leisure and entertainment, not to mention the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol. Only 40 minutes’ drive from Malaga airport it couldn’t be situated in a much better location.

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.

Over €2,000,000 already won in 2017 against 6 Spanish banks by CostaLuz Lawyers

Over €2,000,000 already won in 2017 against 6 Spanish banks by CostaLuz Lawyers

by Georgina Spain United Kingdom World

· 13 court cases already won to date in 2017

· British and Irish property buyers queuing up to reclaim lost deposits

· The highest payout in any one case was €958,000 plus interest

· Spanish judiciary working to restore faith in Spanish property market

2017 has been a busy year for the team at CostaLuz Lawyers. After successfully supporting Keith Rule in his quest for justice over the €54,000 deposit payment he made to a Spanish developer who never built the home Keith had paid towards, CostaLuz Lawyers has been inundated with requests for help.

Now working for CostaLuz Lawyers alongside legal eagle Maria de Castro, Keith and his colleagues have so far supported 13 British and Irish claimants to victory in 2017. The cases focus on reclaiming lost deposits from Spanish banks.

“The wording of Spanish law LEY 57/1968 and the ruling made in respect of my own case opened the doors for those in similar situations to come forward and try to recoup their lost investment. It’s not a quick process, but it is possible to beat the banks and reclaim funds that were handed over in good faith, even if the transaction dates back many years.”

Keith Rule, CostaLuz Lawyers

So far, 6 banks have been ordered to make payments to CostaLuz Lawyers’ British and Irish clients this year: SGR, BBVA, Banco de Sabadell, Caixabank, Banco Popular and Caja Rural.

The amount awarded across all 13 cases totaled €2,155,072, plus an amount of interest that is still being calculated. The highest payout in any one case was €958,000 plus interest.

Those being represented hailed from all over the UK and Ireland, while their investment locations were spread out across Spain. The only thing they had in common was that they had paid out money for a dream home, only for their dream to turn into a nightmare.

The reasons for the clients’ legal wrangling were varied. In one case, at La Reserva de Marbella, the homes had been built illegally. Another related to the Malaya political and planning corruption saga at Marbella’s local council. Yet another was due to the developer’s descent into insolvency when Spain’s economy crumbled following the global financial crisis.

Whatever the reason, CostaLuz Lawyers has been fighting to gain back the money that British and Irish property buyers lost.

“These successful judgements are making a huge difference to people’s lives. The stress associated with going through the process of losing so much money can never be taken away, but at least a ruling that the bank is required to pay back the money (plus interest) finally draws a line under the matter.

“However, there’s more to it than simply getting people’s money back. The evolution of Spanish case law that we’re seeing is going a long way to restore faith in the Spanish property market. The Spanish judiciary is working hard to ensure that a system exists in which individuals’ rights are respected and that Spain is one of the safest countries in the world for the purchase of off plan property.”

Keith Rule, CostaLuz Lawyers

For more information, please contact CostaLuz Lawyers’ UK office on +44 1908 635 111 and speak with Keith. To speak with Maria in the Spanish office, please call +34 956 092 687 or you can visit www.costaluzlawyers.es 

Top of the Props: Spain still number one for international buyers

Top of the Props: Spain still number one for international buyers

by Georgina Spain United Kingdom World , ,
  • Spanish property enquiries no.1 on TheMoveChannel.com in April 2017
  • Bulgaria climbs 11 places to take fourth
  • Malta biggest climber to 11th from 24th

 

Spain is still number one for international buyers, reveals TheMoveChannel.com’s latest Top of the Props index. Spanish property accounted for 1 in 10 of all enquiries on the portal in April 2017, stealing back the top spot from the USA. This is the second time that the country has been the most popular destination on the site in 2017, after it ranked first in February, with 14.02 per cent of enquiries.

Spain’s return to the top of the chart is despite much speculation surrounding the impact of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union upon British buyer appetites. Historically, UK buyers have been the biggest spenders on Spanish property. The country’s appeal to a wide range of nationalities, though, remains undiminished: The Spanish Registrars’ latest annual report shows that foreign transactions now make up a record 13.25 per cent of transactions, despite a dip in demand for British investors. On TheMoveChannel.com, Spain also accounted for 31 of the 50 most searched-for locations on The MoveChannel.com in Q1 2017 – an all-time high for any country.

Demand is also booming for Bulgaria, which surged 11 places up the Top of the Props index to steal fourth place. The country accounted for 4.09 per cent of all enquiries in May 2017, marking its first place in TheMoveChannel.com’s Top 10 in seven months and its highest ranking in the Top of the Props index since February 2015.

May’s biggest climber, though, was Malta, which jumped 13 places in the chart to become the 11th most popular country on TheMoveChannel.com. This is the island’s first time in the Top 20 since August 2016, accounting for 1.45 per cent of enquiries, and its highest ranking since July 2013.

Portugal held onto fourth place, with 3.37 per cent of enquiries, while interest in Cyprus continued to climb, as the country rose into fifth place. Cape Verde climbed seven places to seize sixth spot, just ahead of Italy and Indonesia. France and the UAE completed the Top 10.

“Even with the more expensive buying costs for Brits brought about by Brexit, Spanish property’s affordability is at its most appealing in 2017, as bottomed-out prices mean that capital growth is possible for investors,” comments Dan Johnson, CEO of TheMoveChannel.com. “The same is true of Bulgaria, where prices are now rising steadily and the economy is similarly growing: both present overseas buyers with stable markets, potential for rental returns and rising values, and, of course, a life beside the seaside. Indeed, since the Brexit vote last year, we have seen a growing trend among some British buyers looking to Bulgaria for bargain opportunities that won’t break the budget. Whether Bulgaria and Malta can stay in the Top 15 during 2017 is yet to be seen, but with overseas interest in Cyprus staying steady for the second month in a row, Spain is not the only bright spot in Europe this Spring.”

Click here  to see the full top 40 property destinations for May 2017.

 

— ENDS –

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 1.4 million listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

——————————-

Do you need comment or statistics for an international real estate article? Our experienced editorial team and management are happy to collate data, provide example properties, or offer insightful comment to support your publication.

Please contact Ivan Radford on ivan.radford@themovechannel.com or +44 (0)207 952 7221

——————————-

Sign up to our Daily International Property Newsletter:

– Daily updates on property market news headlines

– Quirky stories from around the world of property

– Hot properties being launched internationally

– Useful guides, surveys, research and trends

– Gossip, lists and other property chit chat

Sign up here: http://www.themovechannel.com/my/subscriptions/

——————————-

Feature property listings in your publication!

Our technical team has developed a great new solution for content publishers that allows the addition of high impact advertising units, which can be configured to show property listings, relevant to a type of property, country, region or a specific location.

There are 2 types of implementation:

  • Standard Ad Units: These show in 120,600, 160×600, 300×150, 300×250, 300×500, 300×750 and 728×90 formats, with a varying number of listings showing in each version.
  • Dynamic Portfolio: This is a completely configurable panel, where you can choose the number of columns and rows, plus the size of the listings and dedicate a section of a page, or even a whole page to a set of properties.

Please contact Ivan Radford on ivan.radford@themovechannel.com or +44 (0)207 952 7221

What’s in a name? “Everything” say leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España

What’s in a name? “Everything” say leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Taylor Wimpey is one of the UK’s most trusted housebuilders, constantly evolving to stay on top
  • The housebuilder’s Spanish arm, Taylor Wimpey España founded in 1958
  • More than 4,000 happy clients can testify their satisfaction with Taylor Wimpey España

 

“Buying a Spanish property from Taylor Wimpey España means more than investing in a stunning home in a great location, it means you’ll be calm and carefree”.


That’s the commitment made by Taylor Wimpey España, the Spanish arm of one of the UK’s leading and most trusted housebuilders, established almost 60 years ago in 1958.

Constantly evolving and changing to remain the very best, buying a home in Spain has never been easier due to the trust and confidence that many Brits have with this household name.

The expert team at Taylor Wimpey ensure that buying a property in Spain is easy and efficient from start to finish with one of their homes consultants in regular contact with clients every step of the way.

More than 4,000 happy clients can testify their satisfaction, in fact 98% have stated that they would buy again from Taylor Wimpey España.

The longstanding company is nonetheless constantly changing with the times and making sure that it is developing in order to meet the needs of 21st century Spanish homeowners. The company’s recent initiative to brand their developments with names that reflect the unique identity of each project is proving a popular and worthwhile campaign.

Behind the scenes, the Taylor Wimpey España team hold competitions to decide on the name of a new development, enabling everyone involved to get creative. Only once the team become familiar with the project and its unique appeals, are they comfortable naming it.

With the development brand names put to a vote, the lucky winner receives a prize to enjoy such as a dinner for two at a top restaurant. Recent developments launched in this manner include Cala Vinyes Hills and Serenity on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, Arenal Dream on the Costa Blanca and Botanic on the Costa del Sol.

Cala Vinyes Hills and Arenal Dream are aptly named with links to the stunning areas in which they are located – In Cala Vinyes, the development slopes down into the warm crystal waters of the Mediterranean and the ‘dream’ apartments are close to Arenal Beach in charming Javea, near Alicante.

The homes of Botanic, located in the ecological La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, Benahavis, are surrounded by a variety of trees and unique botanical gardens representing the five continents. Finally, Serenity is set in the most gorgeous and tranquil part of Mallorca and allows buyers to live in complete ‘serenity’.

“Just one year shy of our 60 wonderful years of service, providing homes in Spain, we have made some big changes, to not only peoples’ lives by providing dream homes, but to the way we deliver those homes. “By involving the team that have worked firsthand on the sites and know the areas inside out, the naming of Taylor Wimpey España developments has become very personal and speaks volumes for the feel of the homes on sale.

“We have noticed that this approach is really helping our team create a personal connection with the developments as well as customers having a clearer idea of the homes they are purchasing and our vision. Taylor Wimpey enjoyed an amazing 2016, celebrating double operating profit to a massive £20.6 million and we are keen to carry on with this success for the next 60 years!’

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

On the Market

Botanic is a lavish yet eco-friendly development located on the Costa del Sol that boasts its exaggeration of the greenery that surrounds it. The stunning 4.5 acre grounds include pine trees and cork oaks representing Europe to more exotic varieties of flora such as the ginkgo tree and the Himalayan cedar to represent Asia, taking you through the 5 continents of the world.

The development itself comprises 92 bright and spacious 3 bedroom homes with large terraces, all of which are southwest facing. The 4 storey buildings are crowned by spacious penthouses of modern design with spectacular solariums from which you can enjoy the views from dawn to dusk.

With minimal energy consumption (holding a ‘B’ energy certificate) each home protects the environment by using solar panels, high quality thermal insulation and sound-proofing. With prices from just €350,000 +VAT, this new build residential complex is found in one of the most exclusive areas of Benahavis – La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, situated between the golf courses at Los Arqueros Golf, La Quinta and Zagaleta.

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.

Taylor Wimpey España reaches new heights as they tackle the 14 Peak Charity Challenge

Taylor Wimpey España reaches new heights as they tackle the 14 Peak Charity Challenge

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Taylor Wimpey’s Charity Challenge for 2017 sees teams head to the Lake District
  • Teams will compete in an inter-BU ‘It’s a knockout’ before trekking 14 Peaks in just 10 hours
  • Taylor Wimpey España employees have already raised almost €5,300 for Youth Adventure Trust

This month will see the return of Taylor Wimpey’s annual Charity Challenge as employees from across the UK and Spain take part in a weekend filled with testing trekking.

This year two teams from Taylor Wimpey España will participate in the Tizzie Wizzie Challenge set in the beautiful Lake District.

Legend has it that a Tizzie Wizzie is a shy mini-monster, said to live on the shores of Lake Windermere, with the body of a hedgehog, tail of a squirrel and the wings of a bee. Although the teams aren’t guaranteed a sighting, they will compete in an inter-BU ‘It’s a knockout’ which will include activities such as zorb football, Segway racing and monster volleyball.

After a detailed safety briefing the teams will set off the following morning on their 14 Peak Challenge, with a target time of just 10 hours!

All teams are required to fundraise a minimum amount in order to take part and once again the two teams representing Taylor Wimpey España have chosen to support the Youth Adventure Trust. The charity helps vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to gain the skills, confidence and courage needed in order to face the challenges in their daily lives.

Established in 1992 by David Hempleman-Adams and Major Richard Mitchell, both well known for their record breaking Arctic, Antarctic and mountain climbing expeditions, the Youth Adventure Trust provides young people with the opportunity to start the ‘believe – achieve’ process and make the most of their lives.

With the main event this weekend, the Taylor Wimpey España teams have raised almost €5,300! And this figure is set to rise before the challenge’s conclusion.

 

 “The Taylor Wimpey Challenge has become a key event on the company calendar with many employees looking forward to the opportunity to participate. This year we were delighted to have two teams representing the Spanish division of the company.

“As well as being able to develop essential team building skills, the challenge gives Taylor Wimpey employees the opportunity to give something back to the community. We wish them all the very best on the trek and are extremely proud of our Taylor Wimpey España team’s involvement.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, has been building award-winning homes that complement the natural beauty of the Balearics, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol for almost 60 years. If you would like to sponsor the team or view more about the event including their list of sponsors, please do click on this link.

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

5 top tips on why you should choose a new build home in Spain

5 top tips on why you should choose a new build home in Spain

by Sophie Evans Spain

Marking the start of #NewHomesWeek today, Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director at leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey España highlights his top 5 reasons why choosing a new build property in Spain is a great option:

1)      The right paperwork – It can be complicated when it comes to the purchase paperwork, especially when looking to move to Spain. All of our new build homes are sold with final building certification and guaranteed to have complied fully with all relevant planning permissions. This ensures that life is made a lot easier and Taylor Wimpey España will give you all the relevant information needed to move abroad.

2)      Guarantees – As in the UK, all Taylor Wimpey España new build homes comes with a 10 year structural guarantee to ensure that your new home is built to the highest standard.

3)      New fixtures & fittings – With a new build, you can guarantee that all the fittings and fixtures will be brand new. No leaking taps, no broken door handles, no loose light fittings. As part of the UK’s largest home builder, Taylor Wimpey España properties can be trusted to be fitted to the very highest standard.

4)      24/7 assistance – Most new build properties are built as part of a community meaning that the developer will be on hand to help with any issues. Taylor Wimpey España offers a 24 hour help-line for emergencies and are committed to dealing with all other requests within 15 days. Another consideration is the language barrier, all communication with Taylor Wimpey España will be to a high standard of English.

5)      Recourse – If you move in and there are snagging issues or any questions at all regarding your home, Taylor Wimpey España are on hand to fix them. You won’t be left high and dry once you’ve got the keys.

Taylor Wimpey España offer a range gorgeous new build holiday homes across Spain including the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and the Balearic island of Mallorca.

A current favourite on the market is Botanic, currently under construction on the Costa del Sol.

Botanic comprises 92 bright and spacious 3 bedroom homes with large terraces, all of which are southwest facing. The 4 storey buildings are crowned by spacious penthouses of modern design with spectacular solariums from which you can enjoy the views from dawn to dusk.

The lavish yet eco-friendly homes are delivered fully equipped with high quality finishes. Cream coloured marble throughout, wide patio doors to the terrace, top of the range kitchen appliances and sanitary fittings, LED lighting, air conditioning and heated flooring in bathrooms, are all included as standard.

With minimal energy consumption (holding a ‘B’ energy certificate) each home protects the environment by using solar panels, high quality thermal insulation and sound-proofing.

With prices from just €350,000 +VAT, this new build residential complex is found in one of the most exclusive areas of Benahavis – La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, situated between the golf courses at Los Arqueros Golf, La Quinta and Zagaleta. An extremely well connected location, the amenities on offer in Benahavis, Marbella, Puerto Banús or the new San Pedro Boulevard are all within close proximity.

For more information about investing in a beautiful new build Spanish property, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Spanish beaches take the blue ribbon with the highest number of Blue Flags in 2017!

Spanish beaches take the blue ribbon with the highest number of Blue Flags in 2017!

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Spain’s beaches top the table with 684 Blue Flags (FEE)
  • Spain has topped the league table since it was first launched in 1987 (FEE)
  • “Punta Prima beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and our stunning La Recoleta III and Panorama Mar developments have the ideal frontline location to enjoy its sea, sand and sunshine.” (Taylor Wimpey España)

Every year countries across the world eagerly await the awarding of Blue Flags to their beaches and marinas.

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label that identifies a beach as clean, safe and committed to sustainability, based on strict criteria addressing water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

This year, Spain has once more been awarded more Blue Flags than any other country in the world – 684 in total.

Spain values its reputation as having the world’s best beaches and has topped the league table from the Foundation for Environmental Education (the body that awards the Blue Flags) since it was first launched in 1987.

The Communidad Valencia received the most Blue Flags in Spain with 129, followed by Galicia with 133 and Cataluna with 95 – the same trend as in 2016.

“It is wonderful to once again see the Comunidad Valencia receive the most awards in Spain with 129 Blue Flags. Alicante and its award-winning beaches is a hotspot for holiday makers and those looking to buy a holiday home in Spain.

 

“Punta Prima beach, just south of Alicante, with its fine sandy beaches and clean waters has for example been awarded a Blue Flag for 2017 and our stunning La Recoleta III and Panorama Mar developments have the ideal frontline location to enjoy its sea, sand and sunshine.”

 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Panorama Mar is Taylor Wimpey Espana’s latest frontline development on the hugely popular Costa Blanca, situated on the Blue Flag Punta Prima beach in Torrevieja.

This private residential complex offers an array of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all designed for both comfort and convenience, with 2 bathrooms and an underground parking space. Each apartment in the first phase is south facing and therefore blessed with spacious terraces and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.

With prices starting from just €240,000 + VAT, every resident will be able to use the three communal swimming pools and Jacuzzi facility, as well as being granted direct access to the beach promenade. Whilst being an area of natural beauty right on the waterfront, Punta Prima is also blessed with excellent transport links. The San Javier Airport in Murcia is only a 30 minute drive and Alicante’s International Airport is just 45 minutes away.

La Recoleta III is also located on the beachfront of the blue flag beach of Punta Prima, with access to the sea and beach just a few metres away. La Recoleta’s Mediterranean style buildings, wide avenues leading down to the sea, immaculate garden areas and well-run services make this a perfect place to relax and enjoy the fantastic climate all year around. From €184,000 + VAT, the 2 or 3 bed apartments have a well-designed layout, each with a private terrace. Enjoy beautiful views over the sea, the pool and private gardens of the development. The unique penthouses include solariums and outstanding views.

Alicante’s international airport is just a one hour drive and the property offers a lift from the underground car park and storage rooms.

 

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

10 year ‘David & Goliath’ crusade finally sees justice for off-plan Spanish property buyers

10 year ‘David & Goliath’ crusade finally sees justice for off-plan Spanish property buyers

by Georgina Spain United Kingdom
  • Keith Rule’s victory over the Spanish banks gives hope to those who lost deposits
  • CostaLuz Lawyers representing hundreds of off-plan buyers who lost money
  • All those who lost deposits before 1 January 2016 are eligible to claim

 

2006

When Keith Rule paid the €54,000 deposit for his dream property in Spain back in 2006, he had no idea that it would be the start of more than a decade of legal wrangling and, ultimately, a whole new career path.

Keith thought that he was taking the first step in buying a dream second home when he paid his deposit. However, things began to go wrong almost as soon as he had handed over the money. He wasn’t given a bank guarantee. Then the developer began falling behind with the build schedule.

2007

In 2007, while chasing the bank for the much-needed guarantee, Keith came across Spanish law LEY 57/1968. Keith’s interpretation of the words ‘bajo su responsibilidad’ (‘under its responsibility) in that law was that the developer’s bank was obliged to issue or confirm the existence of the guarantee, as it had received the off-plan deposit.

2008

With the developer falling further and further behind, Keith appointed Maria de Castro of CostaLuz Lawyers in 2008 and set up the Finca Parcs Action Group, along with 46 other claimants who were in the same position as him.

2009

He continued gathering evidence into 2009, when the developer finally abandoned the construction project entirely. Keith held several meetings with the developer’s bank, travelling between London and Murcia in order to speak to those in a position to help. However, his guarantee was still not forthcoming.

2010

In 2010, determined to recoup his investment, Keith set up a website for the Finca Parcs Action Group. He also launched the Bank Guarantees in Spain petition, setting up the Bank Guarantees in Spain website in the process.

2011

A year later, he joined other affected buyers in staging protests against the Spanish Government when they visited London for a property road show. He also joined a delegation that met with Europe Minister David Lidington in London in order to further publicise his cause.

 

“I was determined that – somehow – the other buyers and I would be heard. The stress and frustration that result from so many years of battling an unwilling system were hard at times, but we knew that we had a right to receive our funds back. Giving up was simply not an option.”

Keith Rule, CostaLuz Lawyers

 

Maria de Castro at CostaLuz Lawyers filed a lawsuit on behalf of Keith and the Finca Parcs Action Group against the Spanish developer and the bank.

2012

In 2012, a First Instance Court ruling was made in favour of Keith and his fellow property buyers. However, the bank appealed.

2013

The Provincial Appeal Court considered the case next, ruling once more in favour of Keith and the Finca Parcs Action Group in April 2013. The total pay-out was €1.5 million plus interest.

The success in court and the 7 years it had taken to achieve it had seen strong bonds form between not only the Finca Parcs Action Group but also between Keith and CostaLuz Lawyers. He joined the CostaLuz team and now works fulltime to assist others in their quest for off-plan deposit reclaims, running the UK office since 2013.

2014

In 2014, CostaLuz lawyers filed lawsuits for hundreds of affected off-plan buyers against developers’ banks, relating to properties all over Spain.

2015

In 2015, the law that had led to Keith’s success – LEY 57/1968 – was repealed and replaced by LEY 20/2015, which came into force on 1 January 2016. The new legislation means that only off-plan deposits made before 1 January 2016 are eligible for reclaim under the original LEY 57/1968 law.

2016

2016 saw the Supreme Court confirm its doctrine on liabilities of banks receiving deposits, though a case won by CostaLuz Lawyers/De Castro against Caja Canarias (now Bankia) for an off-plan property in the Canary Islands. The case, which marked a decade since Keith Rule first began his crusade, has given fresh hope to those still awaiting the return of their own deposits.

2017

Keith’s battle continues. Now he fights together with CostaLuz lawyers on behalf of others who were affected by investing in off-plan developments that were subsequently abandoned.

So far in 2017, 12 new cases have been won against off-plan developers’ banks in the First Instance Courts by Keith and CostaLuz Lawyers, for 34 individual buyers, with just over €2 million euros awarded, plus interest of approximately 800,000€ and costs. Around 450 clients’ cases are still in progress.

For more information, please contact CostaLuz Lawyers’ UK office on +44 1908 635 111 and speak with Keith. To speak with Maria in the Spanish office, please call +34 956 092 687 or you can visit www.costaluzlawyers.es

 

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.

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.