How can agents get the most out of their property portal in 2017?

How can agents get the most out of their property portal in 2017?

by Sophie Evans Spain

·         62% of people factor in portal usage when selecting an agent (Harris Interactive)

·         Extra effort with images can generate 54% more leads (Kyero.com)

·         55% of visitors spend under 15 seconds on the websites they visit (Chartbeat)

Property portals are big business. Research by Harris Interactive found that 47% of the UK population used a property search website in the year to April 2016. Not only that, but 62% reported that the portals on which an agent advertises would be a factor in their selection of an agent when selling or letting their home.

Clearly, agents who are smart in their use of property portals stand to gain a great deal of business, both from those selling and letting their properties and from those looking to buy. As such, Spanish property portal Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 properties each month, has analysed buyer enquiries in depth in order to produce a list of quick wins for agents using property portals in 2017. The site’s newly updated agent dashboard is transparency in action.

Kyero.com’s Head of Research Richard Speigal comments,

“Agents who maximize their use of portals have a lot to gain. That maximization doesn’t have to be time consuming or difficult – usually it just means adjusting a couple of procedures. For a small investment of time, the benefits can be huge.”

Top tips for getting the most out of your property portal from Kyero.com

1.       Presentation is key

According to Chartbeat, 55% of visitors spend under 15 seconds on the websites they visit. That’s not a lot of time for visitors to read detailed property descriptions! It will be a property’s images that initially capture a visitor’s attention, so agents should ensure that corners aren’t cut when it comes to photography. Quite simply, the best looking properties generate the most buyer enquiries. Kyero.com’s research has shown that agents who make the extra effort when it comes to imagery generate 54% more leads. That’s quite a result from paying a little extra attention to a few snaps!

2.       Use data to your advantage

Property portals have access to a vast amount of data – on popular locations, buyer trends, average prices and more. Kyero.com invites all agents who list properties on the portal to use that data freely. Head of Research Richard Speigal explains how this is beginning to change the conversation between vendors and agents,

“Transparent, data-based reporting has had some interesting results in Spain. Many Spanish vendors had a difficult time adjusting to the property crash. They became wedded to unrealistically high prices and this cluttered the market with unsellable property. This left agents with a tough dilemma – if they were too honest on (low) pricing, vendors simply went to other agents who were prepared to give a higher valuation. Alternatively, if they priced too high, they were stuck with a stagnant portfolio they couldn’t sell.

“Being able to quote Kyero.com’s numbers about what was selling, in which areas and at what price, meant that all parties could be better informed. This kept negotiations realistic.”

3.       Make conversation

Feedback from agents is an essential tool for operating a popular and easy-to-use property portal, according to the team at Kyero.com. Agents who want to get the most out of their portal in 2017 should let the portal know if they encounter any snags when listing properties, or have ideas about how things could work faster. No portal wants to make it difficult for agents to list properties, so agents who raise ideas for improvements are valuable to those who run the portal.

 

Kyero.com has incorporated user feedback into its newly launched agent interface. The results have been extremely well received thus far, with agents reacting positively to the changes.

4.       Be clear and concise

Remembering how little time agents have to capture viewers’ interest online, it’s essential to be clear and concise when listing a property’s details. A good approach is to try and include all the headline features in the first two or three sentences of the description. If those features are exciting enough, the visitor may well read on.

As Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal advises,

“If you have a villa that has a spa, a wine cellar or a cinema room, be sure to shout about it early on in the description. Don’t bury it at the end of the copy or you may well have missed your chance to excite the viewer with that piece of information. Remember, too, that writing for the web should always be in short paragraphs and that bullet points are your friend when it comes to online audiences.”

5.       Look at each listing with a buyer’s eyes

Finally, agents are advised to check over their listings with a buyer’s eyes. A surprising number of properties are not listed correctly when it comes to price, amenities, number of bedrooms, property type and so forth. If those details aren’t correct, fewer potential buyers will find that property online. Thus agents need to step into the buyer’s shoes and review their listings critically to ensure that every last detail is perfect.

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Spain rivals UK for property price growth

Spain rivals UK for property price growth

by Charly Spain
  • 5 Spanish provinces beating UK for property price growth (Kyero.com)
  • Ibiza property prices up 27.2% in past year
  • Visits to Kyero.com up 42.3% in 12 months

Newly published data from Spanish property portal Kyero.com, has revealed that Spain is giving the UK a run for its money when it comes to property price growth.

Annual asking price growth reached 27.2% on Ibiza in the year to January 2017, with five other Spanish provinces comfortably outpacing price growth in the UK over the past year (which stood at 4.5% year-on year, as at December 2016, according to Nationwide).

 

 “The past year has seen 6.9% price growth across Spain as a whole, with a median asking price of €245,000. The market is returning to strength and we’ve seen a number of provinces rivalling the UK when it comes to price growth. That’s great news for those investing in property in Spain, as well as second home owners and retirees who are looking for a good opportunity for capital gain.”

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Kyero.com

The five provinces enjoying higher annual price growth than the UK over the past year are Tenerife, Mallorca, Cadiz, Gran Canaria and Ibiza, with growth ranging from 8.0% in Tenerife to 27.2% in Ibiza.

That four of the top five destinations are island-based, while Cadiz enjoys a stunning coastal position on the mainland, shows that it’s not just financial benefits that buyers can enjoy.

The cheapest of the five provinces, in terms of average price, is Gran Canaria. Prices there have risen by 12.8% in the past 12 months, with an average price of €227,000. That’s enough for a light and spacious three-bed triplex in San Fernando, or a two-bedroom Playa De Cura apartment with pool and sea, mountain and golf views.

The most expensive of the provinces by far is Ibiza, with an average price of €1.15 million. That’s enough for a large, secluded villa with pool, chill-out area and fishpond. For those looking at Ibiza through entrepreneurial eyes, it’s also just the right amount for a three storey bar and restaurant with a large terrace overlooking the castle.

With annual price growth of 8.7%, Mallorca is the second most expensive of the five provinces. The average property price there is €491,000 – enough for an exclusive Santa Ponsa Nova apartment with an extensive terrace overlooking the pool and lush gardens.

As the only non-island province to enjoy UK-beating growth, Cadiz is generating excitement among buyers on the mainland. Prices there shot up by 8.9% in the last year, while the average price of €269,000 makes it much more affordable than some of its island counterparts. That’s enough an apartment with four bedrooms, an outdoor terrace and ocean views in an excellent location within this lively city.

 

“The competition’s really hotting up now, with the impact of Article 50 on the UK’s property market to be felt over the coming year, we expect to see more and more Spanish provinces outpacing the UK’s property price rises.”

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Kyero.com

 

That fact is reflected in the huge growth in buyer demand that Kyero.com is experiencing. Property enquiries made through the site have risen by 36.07% in the past year, while overall visitor numbers are up by 42.32%.

Does this mean that UK buyers plan to abandon their own property market in favour of an Iberian one? Only time will tell.

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Passenger numbers go sky high as Spanish airports enjoy best year in history

Passenger numbers go sky high as Spanish airports enjoy best year in history

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • 161.7 million international travellers and 67.5 million domestic passengers passed through Spanish airports in 2016 (Aena)
  • Alicante-Elche airport enjoyed a historical 2016 with 12.3 million passengers (Aena)
  • Spain welcomed record 75.6 million foreign tourists in 2016 (INE)
  • Taylor Wimpey España’s La Recoleta III and Panorama Mar new developments are ideally located on the beachfront and close to the record breaking Alicante International Airport

Spain enjoyed a record breaking 2016 when it came to the number of travellers visiting the country by air according to the latest figures from Aena, the state trading company which manages Spanish airports.

161.7 million International travellers passed through Spanish airports last year, confirming its global reputation for connectivity with 67.5 million domestic passengers also travelling during the same period. In particular, Alicante-Elche airport in the popular south-east of the country recorded a historic high in 2016, handling 12.3 million passengers, an increase of 1.7 million passengers in a single year. Interestingly, almost half (42%) of the passengers through Alicante-Elche were from the UK, indicating that the pull for British tourists to the Costa Blanca remains strong.

And even in the face of Brexit, the outlook remains bright with budget airline Jet2 announcing that between April and November this year, they will increase flights by 40% from 9 destinations in the UK including London-Stansted, Edinburgh and Leeds to Alicante-Elche airport, reaching a peak of 93 flights per week in high season.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, the renowned housebuilder which has operated successfully in Spain since 1958, has observed first-hand the rising numbers of both flights and passengers entering Spain by air over the last year.

“Living here in Spain and travelling frequently myself both for work and pleasure, you can just see that the airports are busier. More flights, especially from the UK and Northern Europe, bigger aircraft and higher passenger numbers are being witnessed which, in my opinion, is a very positive indicator of the health of the country’s tourism sector.

“Not only did the airports enjoy a record 2016 but Spain overall welcomed the most foreign tourists ever last year, some 75.6 million according to the latest INE data which is an impressive 10.3% increase year on year and we look forward to welcoming even more in 2017.”

Inextricably linked to accessibility and tourism, Spain’s holiday home sector is also optimistic for another good year in 2017. As Marc Pritchard explains,

“As we reported last month, the Spanish market during 2016 was positive for us here at Taylor Wimpey España with an order book increase of 8.5% and completions up 21% on 2015 figures. The latest airport and tourism figures, combined with sentiment here on the ground means that our outlook for 2017 is positive, especially for the Costa Blanca, despite wider macroeconomic uncertainty created by the EU referendum result.”

Taylor Wimpey España are committed to an optimistic 2017 and are therefore launching new developments; Panorama Mar and La Recoleta III.

Property buyers wishing to soak up the sun in the fantastic region of Alicante then look no further than La Recoleta III. This site is near the beachfront with access to the sea and beach just a few metres away, with the Costa Blanca, famed for its fabulous white sandy beaches.

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.

With prices starting from just €194,000 +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 and to top it off, Alicante’s International airport is just a one hour drive.

Taylor Wimpey España’s complex, Panorama Mar, is a new first line development, situated on 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 €234,000 +VAT, every resident is granted direct access to the beach promenade. Alicante’s International Airport is just 45 minutes away and Punta Prima is also blessed with excellent transport links.

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 +34 971 706 972.

Follow Cupid’s arrow to star-studded Mallorca this Valentine’s Day

Follow Cupid’s arrow to star-studded Mallorca this Valentine’s Day

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Mallorca welcomes a wealth of famous faces from James Blunt to the Beckhams
  • “Mallorca has a special hold on me as the place where I met my wife and where my family and I call home” (Marc Pritchard, Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Follow in the sandy footprints of today’s elite with Taylor Wimpey España array of properties to fall in love with on Mallorca

The Balearic island of Mallorca has attracted the world’s rich and famous for centuries. Its picture postcard scenery has become a sublime setting of both inspiration and relaxation for those in the spotlight, emerging as the perfect romantic getaway destination.

Spain’s most international tennis player, Rafal Nadal often returns home to Mallorca to relax with girlfriend Xisca; look out for his silhouette sailing around the island which also hosted the popular ITV show, Love Island and the hit BBC drama, The Night Manager.

Singer-songwriter James Blunt not only celebrated his wedding on Mallorca but continues to be a frequent visitor to the island with his wife, Sofia. They wanted to show their affection for the island by making sure that their big day gave back, buying the bridal gown from Mallorquin designer Rosa Esteva and using Palma based event planners to organise the celebration.

The Beckhams are the most recent celebrity couple to fall in love with the island and they know how to celebrate their love for one another in style. The luxurious setting of Mallorca is where the world’s power couple now enjoy time away from their star-studded lifestyle.

It is clear that Mallorca is the top destination for a romantic getaway and Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, agrees as he himself fell in love with the island when he first visited on a family holiday in 1975.

He comments, “Having visited a great number of Spanish destinations, Mallorca has a special hold on me. It’s where I met my wife, started my career in property, and it’s the place my family and I call home.

“There are many reasons why Mallorca has a unique and romantic feel; the coastline is truly stunning with an amazing 200 beaches, many of which boast Blue Flags, all over the island. It is also an absolute paradise for nature lovers, my favourite is the Tramuntana mountains. Nothing beats taking my motorbike up through the winding mountain roads to enjoy the most breath-taking views and see the local wildlife at the weekend.

“Mallorca is an island full of life; the capital Palma plays host to half of the island’s population offering style, sophistication and a buzzing nightlife. The Mallorquin people are passionate and I have no doubt that the island will steal your heart just as its stolen mine.”

For those ready to follow in the sandy footprints of today’s elite, leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España offer an array of properties perfect for an A-list romantic retreat. The Marina Golf complex is less than 30 minutes from the capital Palma and is located next to the celebrated Santa Ponsa III Golf Club.

This new Mediterranean style village has spacious townhouses with private terraces, gardens and allocated parking spaces. In the communal area there is a swimming pool for the exclusive use of owners, surrounded by a solarium with views over the golf course and a large communal garden.

Prices start from just €600,000 +VAT and every townhouse has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with air conditioning, under floor heating in the bathrooms, double-glazing, a security door, TV aerial and satellite dish. In order to ensure the maximum amount of light the properties are southwest facing and have several terrace areas so the sun can be enjoyed for most of the day.

Santa Ponsa is surrounded by some of the top golf clubs on the island including Golf Santa Ponsa I, II and III. It is also near the coast, in an area dotted with beautiful coves and beaches and some of the island’s most exclusive marinas such as the Puerto Adriano. Designed by Philippe Starck and just 1.5 km away, Puerto Adriano has a wide variety of elegant bars and restaurants ideal for that much needed date night.

For those with a more modest budget, Taylor Wimpey España’s most recent development is the gorgeous Bahia Sant Pere. The development is situated in the traditional north east coastal village of Colonia de Sant Pere, perfect for those wanting a more rural escape.

Less than an hour from Palma’s international airport and only a short distance from the local fishing port and Mallorca’s golden coastline. From just €215,000 +VAT all apartments have two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen with breakfast bar and the use of a private parking space. Each resident will have access to the development’s two swimming pools and luscious communal gardens.

Known for its outstanding natural beauty, the village of Colonia de Sant Pere allows visitors to experience the more rustic side of Mallorca, being the perfect location to enjoy both the stunning landscape of the mountains of the Peninsula de LLevant Natural Park and the beautiful coast with the white sandy beach of Sa Canova.

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

British love for Spanish islands on the up as Valentine’s Day approaches

British love for Spanish islands on the up as Valentine’s Day approaches

by Charly Spain
  • 60% of top trending locations based in the Canaries (Kyero.com)
  • New ‘rising star’ locations reflect British hunt for value
  • Lliria, Oliva and Santa Pola all ready to boom this summer

Love is in the air across the UK as Valentine’s Day approaches, from couples opting for an evening out to families looking to fan their passion for holidays in the sunshine. And when it comes to second homes in Spain, British love for overseas property has rarely burned more strongly.

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

“The Brexit referendum back in June seems to have started a snowball effect. Each month we’re seeing record-beating numbers of searches for second homes in Spain, with Brits eager to pick up bolt-holes within the confines of the EU.”

The latest data from Kyero.com (Jan 2017) reveals that enquiries into Spanish property are up by 36.07% year-on-year, while Kyero.com’s overall audience has grown by 42.32% over the same period. The most popular locations are Playa del Ingles, Torrevieja and Gran Canaria’s Puerto Rico.

Island life is certainly drawing in plenty of enquiries, with six of the top ten most popular second home destinations located across the Canaries. However, buyers are still being cautious with their expenditure while facing the uncertainties that the Brexit process holds. Of the top ten locations, only two had an average price of more than €200,000.

The latest Kyero.com figures also reveal that buyers are increasingly falling in love with areas of Spain that are less well-known as second home hotspots.

Lliria and Oliva in Valencia, and Santa Pola in Alicante, were all new entrants into the top 20 most popular destinations, at positions 16, 19 and 17 respectively. The average price is €110,000 in Lliria, €130,000 in Oliva and €159,500 in Santa Pola, again emphasizing the push for reasonably priced properties in run up to Article 51 being triggered.

“The trend is becoming clearer as each month’s figures come in,” observes Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal. “Brits aren’t letting Brexit affect them in terms of their Spanish property ownership goals. In fact, more than ever seem to be falling for the sun-kissed lifestyle that Spain can offer. But that doesn’t mean they’re not thinking carefully about the future. Caution is very much the watch-word when it comes to Brits buying in Spain these days.

“The new entrants into the top 20 trending locations definitely reflect that. It means that Lliria, Oliva and Santa Pola are all names that are going to become increasingly familiar to Brits over the coming months.”

It’s easy to see why. An average-price, €110,000 property in Lliria is enough for a smartly decorated three-bedroom villa with its own pool, terrace and orchard complete with fruit trees. In Oliva, €130,000 is enough for a stylish second line beach apartment with sunny terrace, on a complex with pools for adults and children, garden areas and communal terraces.

Meanwhile in Santa Pola the average cost of €159,500 is sufficient for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment overlooking the sea with shared pool on a gated complex, with private solarium with barbecue and kitchen.

With properties and prices like these available, the British “Brexit, what Brexit?” attitude looks set to continue working wonders for the Spanish property market over the months ahead.

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Brits look to Spain to bag a bargain holiday home in 2017

Brits look to Spain to bag a bargain holiday home in 2017

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • 37% of Brits currently regretting their Christmas spending (Nationwide)
  • Bargain hunting particularly important to second home buyers in the New Year (Kyero.com)
  • Playa del Ingles and Almeria named top destinations for making a saving (Kyero.com)

According to Nationwide, 37% of Brits will currently be regretting the amount they have spent over Christmas, while 19% will still be paying off their festive spending in March. Across Europe, Christmas spending was projected to hit £77.56 billion in 2016, based on research by the Centre for Retail Research and RetailMeNot. Meanwhile, while in the US, Deloitte’s 2016 Holiday Survey predicted that spending would pass the $1 trillion mark.

Whatever the total cost of the holiday season, the early months of the New Year are certainly a time when bargain hunting becomes a priority for many. Whether it’s the weekly shop or something altogether larger – such as a holiday home overseas – achieving value for money in January and February is a serious business.

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

“Clearly, everyone who buys a second home wants that property to be good value, but at the start of the year we see a particular emphasis on bargain hunting. Buyers are looking for properties that offer something exceptional for the money. Price reductions, even small ones, can make for quick sales at this time of year, as buyers are keen to snap up homes that mean they can make a saving while still achieving their dream of owning abroad.”

Those looking for a bargain holiday home would do well to make use of Kyero.com’s extensive data on market trends to scour Spain for the best areas to pick up under-valued property. The portal offers a dedicated data site to enable this (data.kyero.com) and also regularly reviews their latest search data for the most up and coming areas and those places where prices are lagging behind the national average.

Right now, Playa del Ingles in Gran Canaria is the place to buy for those looking for an up and coming area. Enquiries for properties in the Canary Islands always rise in the winter months, but 2017 has seen Playa del Ingles knock Torrevieja off the top spot of Kyero.com’s trending locations list for the first time ever.

The average property price in Playa del Ingles is €165,000, against €249,000 nationally, making it ideal for bargain hunters looking for all the benefits of Spanish property ownership but without the usual price tag.

For buyers looking for an area lagging behind the rest of the market, Almeria province is an excellent choice. Prices there are currently averaging €129,000 – nearly half the national average.

Despite a spike in sales since the Brexit vote, prices in Almeria have yet to catch up to those in the rest of Spain, creating excellent potential for future capital gains. Mojacar (average property price €165,000), Albox (€126,000) and Palomares (€84,000) are the three top spots, according to Kyero.com’s data.

Of course, discounted properties can be found in many areas of Spain, by those who know where to look. This spacious, three-bedroom frontline beach penthouse in Estepona has been reduced by a staggering €250,000, to €999,000.

Buyers looking for something more traditional can enjoy a €20,000 discount on this five-bedroom cortijo with private pool and terraces, now just €130,000. Meanwhile golfers can take advantage of the €40,000 discount on this three-bedroom villa near La Marquesa, now priced at €159,000.

“Spain offers something for everyone when it comes to bargain hunting,” concludes Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal. “There are plenty of price reductions available to buyers right now and some fantastic areas that offer excellent potential. It’s a buyer’s market for Brits looking to pick up a bargain holiday home.”

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.

Belgian buyers head to Spain’s Costa Blanca as sales increase by 156%

Belgian buyers head to Spain’s Costa Blanca as sales increase by 156%

by Charly Spain
  • Belgian buyers up 43% in 2016 (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Belgians demand Costa Blanca property with sales growing 156% (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • “European buyers enjoy the friendly atmosphere on our Costa Blanca developments” (Taylor Wimpey España)

The number of Belgian buyers looking to Spain as a second home destination increased by 43% in 2016 according to Taylor Wimpey España.

In comparison to the previous year, the leading Spanish homebuilder experienced growing interest from Belgian buyers, representing 13% of all Taylor Wimpey España reservations made in 2016.

The latest figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed that as of November, over 2.2 million Belgian tourists had visited Spain in 2016 and it seems there is one location in particular that has caught their attention.

Spain’s Costa Blanca region is where property demand is highest, with sales to Belgian buyers increasing by 156% alone last year.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, which has operated successfully in Spain since 1958, has observed firsthand the movement from Belgian buyers towards the Costa Blanca. He comments,

“The past twelve months have seen a real boost in sales to North Europeans, especially Belgian buyers. Easily accessible, with regular, direct, low cost flights, the Costa Blanca on Spain’s southeastern coast has become a holiday home haven for them in 2016.

“European buyers in particular enjoy the friendly atmosphere on our Costa Blanca developments; a great example being Panorama Mar, where there is a strong sense of family and community with three shared swimming pools and a children’s playground. The stunning and enjoyable site encourages international buyers to socialise and appreciate the gorgeous weather in the favourable communal areas.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s complex, Panorama Mar, is a new first line development, situated on 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 €234,000 +VAT, every resident is 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.

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.

Sun shines on the Costa Blanca as property sales soar 91% in 2016

Sun shines on the Costa Blanca as property sales soar 91% in 2016

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • British buyers increase by 60% on the Costa Blanca in just 12 months (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spanish buyers grow by 260% as demand for property on the Costa Blanca soars (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • “We are delighted to present Arenal Dream after the success of its neighbouring development, Jardín del Mar, which has now completely sold out” (Taylor Wimpey España)

Taylor Wimpey España has confirmed an encouraging trend within the Spanish property market’s recovery with the leading homebuilder seeing sales on the Costa Blanca rise by a significant 91% last year.

Positive news for the expat community was also reported with sales to British buyers increasing by 60% in comparison to 2015, however, it is domestic buyers that are leading the charge towards the Costa Blanca.

Property transactions by Spanish buyers have grown by an incredible 260% during the last 12 months on the Costa Blanca as they reignite their love for Spain’s white coast.

This excitement surrounding the Costa Blanca property market has definitely driven demand for property in the area and Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, believes this trend is set to continue throughout 2017. He explains,

“As both domestic and overseas buyers return to the Spanish market, the Costa Blanca is once again emerging as the firm favourite. It’s sought after sunshine, chiseled coastline and laidback lifestyle has granted the region a new lease of life and second home buyers are showing a real desire to be a part of it.

“In response to buyer demand, we are delighted to be presenting our new development, Arenal Dream, to the market. Especially after the success of its neighbouring development, Jardín del Mar, which has now completely sold out in less than a year.”

Situated only 300 metres from the beach of El Arenal, awarded with a Blue Flag and one of the best beaches in the Valencian Community, the stunning development consists of 47 properties, comprised of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Luxurious communal areas include a swimming pool and luscious gardens creating a beautiful environment in which to relax.

With prices starting from just €220,000+VAT, all residents can enjoy the spacious terraces integrated as part of the living room which benefit from natural light through large French windows. Each property includes an underground parking space and ground floor apartments also offer private gardens to the front and rear. It is a privileged location with many services within walking distance such as leisure amenities, restaurants, banks and supermarkets.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Spain’s laidback lifestyle lures second home buyers

Spain’s laidback lifestyle lures second home buyers

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Spain has second best life expectancy on the planet (OECD)
  • More than 15,000 people over the age of 100 live in Spain (OECD)
  • “Many move to Spain for a healthier, happier way of life” (Taylor Wimpey España)

The average person born in Spain today can expect to live to the ripe old age of 83.3 years according to the latest data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Home to more than 15,000 people aged over 100 years, Spain officially has the second best life expectancy on the planet, just behind Japan. In comparison, those that live in the UK and Ireland have a lower average life expectancy than most of Western Europe and Scandinavia, at 81.4 years.

The main reasons suggested for Spain’s impressive life expectancy are the more relaxed lifestyle, keeping active and strong family connections.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España and long term Spanish residents comments on the attraction of Spain as a destination,

“The relaxed lifestyle of sea, sunshine and siestas is what draws many Brits to Spanish shores. Life here is very different from the UK; there is greater focus on quality living, getting out and enjoying the natural environment and regularly taking the time to share good food with friends and family.

“That’s not to say that this way of life comes at the cost of 21st century living – far from it! Here in Spain we enjoy every technology available in the rest of Europe and operate some of the most successful companies in the world. It’s just about balance.”

Indeed, a lower cost of living and higher amount of paid leave than in the UK make finding that balance between work and play easier in Spain, not to mention the Mediterranean climate which offers significantly greater inspiration to keep fit and healthy year round

Pritchard continues,

“Having lived and worked in Spain for over 20 years now, raising my family here on Mallorca, I know firsthand why the Spanish way of life is so appealing and I speak to many clients looking to realise that dream lifestyle. Quality of life is becoming an ever growing driver for Brits buying second homes abroad with many moving to Spain for a healthier, happier way of life.”

For those lured by the laidback Spanish lifestyle, Taylor Wimpey España has a range of superb properties in a variety of prime locations to choose from.

Panorama Mar for example is Taylor Wimpey España’s newest frontline development, situated on Punta Prima Beach in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca. This private residential complex offers an array of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all designed for both comfort and convenience. Each apartment in the first phase is south facing and therefore blessed with spacious terraces and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea to relax and unwind with friends and visiting family.

With prices starting from just €234,000 + VAT, every Panorama Mar 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, situated 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 with regular direct flights to a choice of UK airports.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Playa Del Ingles knocks Torrevieja off the top spot

Playa Del Ingles knocks Torrevieja off the top spot

by Charly Spain
  • More second home buyers searching in Playa Del Ingles than Torrevieja (Kyero.com)
  • Average property value sought in Gran Canaria hotspot, Playa Del Ingles, is €165k
  • Torrevieja remains firm favourite with buyers on a budget

New data from innovative Spanish property portal Kyero.com has revealed that Playa Del Ingles has knocked Torrevieja off the top spot of trending location searches for the first time ever.

Figures from the past month show that more buyers are searching for properties in the stunning Gran Canaria location than in the traditional favourite within Alicante province.

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Kyero.com, comments,

“Torrevieja is such a renowned hotspot and so popular with buyers of overseas property that we were surprised to see it had lost its crown to Playa Del Ingles. While both destinations are incredibly popular with those seeking sun, sand and good value homes, it’s the first time that our monthly search data has shown Playa Del Ingles to be the favourite.”

Buyers are searching for properties with an average value of €165,000 in Playa Del Ingles, which is sufficient for a two-bedroom apartment in a good location, with either sea views or a pool.

However, those still opting for Torrevieja are on something of a tighter budget, with the Kyero.com figures revealing an average search price of €116,000. That’s enough for a two to three-bedroom apartment with sea views, or even a three-bedroom villa with pool for those happy to live on the outskirts of town.

So, has Playa Del Ingles knocked Torrevieja off the top spot for good?

Unlikely, believes Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal. “Torrevieja has all the elements that make up the perfect Spanish holiday home destination,” he explains. “Playa Del Ingles does too, with both destinations boasting stunning coastline, fantastic food, a welcoming community and great weather. However, Torrevieja has the added advantage that buyers can get more for their money. Ultimately I believe that’s what will push Torrevieja back to the top spot before long.”

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.