Sun shines on Spain as Taylor Wimpey España reports double operating profit for 2015

Sun shines on Spain as Taylor Wimpey España reports double operating profit for 2015

Spain

Leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España has released end of year results for 2015 that highlight the significant progress being made in the Spanish property market. The most recent figures show Taylor Wimpey España delivered an improved operating profit of £10.0 million for 2015, an impressive 138.1% growth on 2014’s £4.2 million, and an operating profit margin of 17.2%.

The company, which has been building homes in Spain for over 50 years, completed 251 homes in 2015 which is a substantial 53% increase compared to the previous year. The average selling price of these properties has also seen a rise of 26%, from €250,000 to €315,000. Such positive statistics emphasise the Spanish property market’s success in 2015.

Javier Ballester, Managing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, is confident that the market will continue to thrive this year, commenting,

“The start of the year has been extremely encouraging and with international demand rising again. The growing talk of a potential Brexit is yet to have an impact as British buyers are responsible for the most sales so far this year, and there is nothing to suggest that this trend will not continue throughout 2016. Our latest figures show Spain is still very much top of the list for many potential buyers and we are very excited to see what the next 12 months hold for the market.”

Early 2016 figures from Taylor Wimpey España confirm that British buyers are definitely back in Spain, accounting for a quarter of 2016’s January and February sales. An ever popular region with British buyers is the Costa Del Sol and this week also saw the launch of Taylor Wimpey España’s newest project, Horizon Golf. Situated in the beautiful Valley of Mijas, Horizon Golf is Taylor Wimpey de España’s second development at La Cala Resort within the complex’s famous Campo Asia golf course.

With prices starting from €375,000, the private gated development offers 55 terraced homes, all have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a cloakroom, with stunning panoramic views over the golf course and La Cala de Mijas. Horizon Golf features luxury finishes including fully equipped furnished kitchens, air conditioning, designer bathrooms, bedrooms with motorized blinds, and secure, fully lined wardrobes.

All properties benefit from 24-hour security, the communal gardens and swimming pool, as well as three 18-hole golf courses, a hydrotherapy centre and spa, a golf school (La Cala Golf Academy) and an array of sports facilities all close by. Residents can reach the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol in just 10 minutes, with Malaga airport only 30 minutes away.

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.

Mallorca set for a hole in one as the island emerges as top European golf destination

Mallorca set for a hole in one as the island emerges as top European golf destination

Spain
  • Mallorca to host 2016 International Golf Travel Market
  • Tourists played 600,000 rounds of golf in Mallorca in 2015 (Asociacion de Campos de Golf de Mallorca)
  • Taylor Wimpey España’s new Marina Golf development located next to Mallorca’s iconic Santa Ponsa III Golf Club

The beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca is preparing to set the golf world alight as it plays host to the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) this November. Emerging as a leading European golf destination, this international event will attract a global audience who will come to discover all that Mallorca has to offer, from the first tee off to the 19th hole.

During 2015, tourists played 600,000 rounds of golf on the island and the Asociacion de Campos de Golf de Mallorca (ACGM) are excited for this figure to continue to grow. Federico Knuchel, president of the ACGM is passionate about golf in Mallorca and is looking forward to welcoming this year’s IGTM. He explains, “We would like to increase [the rounds of golf played on the island] by five percent every year. We think Mallorca offers real quality and value for golfers and we are hoping to show that to as many people as possible.”

Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España is answering this growing demand for access to Mallorca’s stunning golf facilities with its new project Marina Golf. Located next to the iconic Santa Ponsa III Golf Club, their most recent residential complex offers direct access to one of Mallorca’s most exclusive golf courses. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, explains more,

“The IGTM event will showcase Mallorca as the idyllic location for golf, with at least 300 days of sunshine a year and a choice of over 20 picturesque courses suitable for golfers of all abilities. We have definitely noticed an increase in enquiries for property on the island. With Mallorca becoming an essential stop on the golf tourism world circuit, we would expect this growth to continue on a positive trajectory as more and more potential buyers look for properties within walking distance of the island’s best golf courses.”

Alongside the glorious sunshine and scenic fairways, Mallorca’s golf courses can also provide their visitors with a healthy workout, without the regimented gym environment. A report by Walker Research Group, LLC for the World Golf Foundation and GOLF 20/20, revealed that the total caloric expenditure for an 18-hole round is approximately 2,000 calories.

Outlining golf’s overwhelming health benefits, the study went on to show that when walking 18-holes of golf, blood glucose levels fall by up to 20% in young people, 10% for those who are middle-aged, and 30% for more senior players. Combining valuable exercise with enjoyable leisure time is further increasing the popularity of Mallorca’s golfing industry, which is set to reach new heights this year.

Marina Golf is in an excellent location, surrounded by some of the ACGM’s top golf courses on the island including Golf Santa Ponsa I, II and III, which are right next to the development, as well as the Golf de Andratx, Golf de Poniente and Bendinat Golf.

With prices starting from just €400,000+VAT, this Mediterranean style village has spacious, 3 bedroom properties with private terraces, gardens and private parking spaces. In the communal area there is a swimming pool for the exclusive use of owners, surrounded by a solarium area with views over the golf course and a large communal garden. There are also changing rooms, showers and toilets.

Every townhouse has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with air conditioning, under floor heating in the bathrooms, double-glazing, a security oor, 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.

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 34 971 706 244.

It’s time to go mad for buy-to-lets in Madrid!

It’s time to go mad for buy-to-lets in Madrid!

Spain
  • Madrid property prices down 18.35% in a single year (Kyero.com)
  • Rents up by 6.3% (Fotocasa)
  • Madrid is most liquid market of Spain’s big cities (Tinsa)

Leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, has highlighted Madrid as one of Spain’s most exciting property markets for overseas property buyers.

Martin Dell, Kyero.com’s Director, explains,

“We’re seeing a really unique situation in Madrid right now, with a range of factors combining to make the city a particularly exciting prospect for those looking to purchase a holiday home that’s also an investment. Not only can they benefit from owning a second home for their own use in this vibrant and exciting city, but the prospects for renting it out are excellent.”

Madrid’s property market has been on its own particular rollercoaster ride of late. In 2015, Knight Frank’s Prime Global Cities Index placed Spain’s capital second in Europe for luxury home price growth. Tinsa went on to report in late 2015 that Madrid had the most liquid market of Spain’s five largest cities, with the average property taking just 6.1 months to sell (by way of comparison, it was 14.3 months in Valencia).

However, according to the latest Madrid market report from data.kyero.com, home values in Madrid are down 18.35% on the same time last year, having fallen to a median price of €445,000 in February 2016.

The fall in prices means that Madrid’s property market is offering a great deal more for the money than it was a year ago, and for buyers paying in sterling the ongoing strength of the pound against the euro paints an even more positive picture.

At the same time as prices have fallen in Madrid, rents have been on the rise, increasing by 6.3% in the year to November 2015, according to Fotocasa , and positioning Madrid as the second most expensive place to rent in the country.

Lowered prices and higher rents are a great combination for those looking for a holiday home that they can also rent out and Madrid is offering the perfect storm of these factors, making now the ideal time to purchase a buy-to-let.

Low prices also mean the potential for capital growth, a situation which David Beckham enjoyed when he sold his Madrid mansion in 2015, making a £1 million profit in the eight years since he bought it.

While Becks might have sold up and moved on, those buying property in Madrid still have the chance to rub shoulders with plenty of other celebrities, including clusters of Real Madrid players who have adopted the La Finca and La Moraleja areas of the city as their home turf. Research from Promora has shown that owning a modern and spacious home is top of the priority list so far as Real Madrid players are concerned, followed by a quiet and private location, a house with top security measures and space for a home gym.

Professional footballers’ budgets may be a little higher than for most of those buying a second home, but the wealth of property available in Madrid certainly provides plenty of choice, regardless of how much a buyer has available to spend. At least, it does for those buyers who are prepared to act fast and take advantage of the city’s lowered prices, before they start to rise again!

For further details on properties to buy and rent in Madrid and other parts of Spain, visit www.kyero.com. For the latest data on the state of the Spanish property market, visit https://data.kyero.com.

 

Completed 3 bed Spanish properties emerge as ideal holiday home for 2016

Completed 3 bed Spanish properties emerge as ideal holiday home for 2016

Spain
  • Popularity of three bedroom properties set to increase in 2016 (Aliseda Inmobiliaria)
  • There is a demand within the Spanish market for a finished property product (Samuel Población, CBRE)
  • Taylor Wimpey España launch new 3-bed Marina Golf development in Mallorca

The ideal holiday home for 2016 has been revealed with the release of new Spanish market analysis by Aliseda Inmobiliaria. The company, experts in the management of Spanish real estate assets, have shown that 2016 will be the year for the three bed property, as part of their ’10 Real Estate Trends for 2016’.

The study, highlighting the top trends for Spain’s housing market this year, has revealed that more and more people are looking for this size of property in this popular second home destination as it provides an added sense of luxury, saying “the feeling of luxury begins with space”.

This desire for additional space has led to an influx of construction activity in Spain, with the New Year sparking numerous new project launches. According to a survey by CBRE, this year will see more than twice the number of homes being built than in the past two years combined. The majority of the survey respondents believe that this will be in the region of between 100,000 and 175,000 units, a figure significantly higher than the 35,000 construction starts in 2014.

Samuel Población, National Director of CBRE Residential in Spain, believes that the type of property ‘on trend’ for 2016 can be defined further still. He says that “there is demand for the finished product [inspiring] active promoters to produce new housing.” This certainly appears to be the case as the Spanish property market is set for a remarkable transformation.

With the ideal holiday home for 2016 emerging as a finished, 3 bedroom property, leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España is answering this growing market demand, by launching a new development of their own on the beautiful island of Mallorca.

The new Marina Golf residential complex is a Mediterranean style village consisting solely of spacious, 3 bedroom properties all with private terraces, gardens and private parking spaces. In the communal area there is a swimming pool, for the exclusive use of owners, surrounded by a solarium area with views over the golf course and a large communal garden.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, believes this increase in construction is a positive indication for the market’s growing success and is excited about all the new project has to offer. He comments,

“With the demand for Spanish property regaining momentum and set to thrive in 2016, we are thrilled to be expanding our offering in Mallorca. We have definitely experienced a growth of interest both in mainland Spain and Mallorca, especially in relation to our three bedroom properties. They often provide additional space, both interior and exterior, which offers buyers a greater sense of luxury and ultimately freedom with how the property can be used. This is fantastic for families and for those looking to have friends come and stay.”

Every townhouse on the Marina Golf complex 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. All the properties also have large gardens where you can enjoy sunny Mallorca days and warm Mediterranean evenings.

Marina Golf benefits from an idyllic location, surrounded by some of the top golf clubs on the island including Golf Santa Ponsa I, II and III, which are right next to the development, as well as Golf de Andratx, Golf de Poniente and Bendinat Golf. 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, which is just 1.5 km away and has a wide variety of elegant bars and restaurants and some of the most exclusive designer stores.

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 34 971 706 244.

London versus the world! What can you get abroad for the price of an average property in the capital?

London versus the world! What can you get abroad for the price of an average property in the capital?

Portugal Spain United States , , ,
  • Average London house price is £514,097 (Gov.uk)
  • This is enough for 3 detached villas with pools in Spain, with €80k change (Kyero.com)
  • Or 2 5-bedroom resort homes with pools in Florida (Ideal Homes International)
  • Cliff-top townhouses with infinity pool in Mallorca also an option (Taylor Wimpey España)

According to the UK government’s December 2015 House Price Index, the average property in London now costs £514,097. Based on a quick Rightmove search, £514,097 is enough to purchase a new build one bedroom flat in Newham, a two bedroom flat in a converted house in Acton or a four bedroom mid-terrace house in Tottenham in need of some serious modernisation.

But what could you get for the same money overseas? £514,097 is worth just over €656,151, or USD $743,053, at today’s exchange rate, which opens up a wealth of property options to those looking to buy on the continent or even further afield.

Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes International, explains,

“There are some fantastic bargains to be had when it comes to overseas property at the moment. Portugal and Spain are offering incredible value for money and are just a short hop on a plane from the UK, making them ideal locations for second homes or investment properties that you want to keep a close eye on. For fans of the US, Florida is also offering some serious bargains and is a perennially popular destination thanks to its winning combination of sun, sea and theme parks.”

In Portugal, €650,000 is enough for a four/five bedroom villa in the hills at Soalheira, 10 minutes from the beaches and golf courses of Vilamoura and just two minutes from the town of Loulé. The villa comes complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, pergola sunbathing area, pool house and gardener’s bathroom, two double garages, ocean views, grill house with sink, fridge and BBQ, cinema room, wood burning fire and under-floor heating in the two bathrooms. A far cry from a run-down terraced house in Tottenham!

For beach bunnies, the Spanish island of Mallorca is the ideal location. There, €625,000 will buy a premium frontline townhouse with incredible sea views, close to the golf courses and marina of Porto Cristo. There are just seven spacious three bedroom townhouses on the Cala Magrana Mar development, from leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which also benefits from a communal infinity pool and sunbathing area, designer fixtures and fittings and the latest security features.

Another option for those with €650,000 to spend is to invest in more than one property, which is easily achievable for this budget in both Portugal and Spain. Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, comments,

“It’s staggering what you can get in Spain for the price of an average London property. Those looking for rental investments can pick up a whole string of properties in idyllic coastal locations for that kind of money.”

In the pretty seaside town of Javea, for example, detached villas with pools can be bought off plan for £189,800, with scope for the buyer to personalise the layout, with the build completed within 5-7 months. Instead of a one bedroom flat in E16, a buyer could pick up three of these villas and still have €80,000 left in his pocket.

Over in America, a buyer can easily pick up two five bedroom villas with pools in the hugely popular Kissimmee area of Florida for $743,053, the equivalent price of the average London home. Resort homes with screened in pool and spas in gated communities just a few miles from Walt Disney World are available for between $350,000 and $450,000. Certainly food for thought for all those thinking about buying a home in London at the moment!

For more information please contact:

Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Europe’s hottest property investment opportunities

Europe’s hottest property investment opportunities

Portugal Spain
  • Head to Spain and Portugal for Europe’s best investment opportunities (Ideal Homes International)
  • Spanish property market undervalued by 26% (OED)
  • Lisbon visitor numbers up 42% since 2011 (MasterCard Global Destination Index)
  • Resale properties account for 76% of Spanish sales (Ideal Homes International)

“Spain and Portugal are ripe for property investment this year. Iberia is definitely the place to be looking right now.”

So speaks Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes International, when asked about his recommendations for places to invest in property within Europe. He continues,

“2016 is a tale of capital cities and beaches when it comes to property investment. In Portugal it’s Lisbon that is offering some of the most enticing opportunities, while in Spain the sun-kissed Costas are definitely the places to find the ideal investment property.”

Portugal’s Lisbon was highlighted recently as one of the highest ranked cities in Europe for property investment, with PwC and the Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report awarding it seventh place overall. The city is know for its rich history, fabulous architecture and late-night party scene. It is a major tourist destination, attracting some 3.5 million visitors per year. In fact, the MasterCard Global Destination Index revealed that Lisbon has the fourth highest growth rate for foreign visitors in Europe. Since 2011, the city’s visitor numbers have risen by 42%.

Lisbon offers vast choice when it comes to property investment. Buyers can choose from stunning contemporary apartments in the heart of the city to luxury condominium townhouses with pools, tennis courts and a host of other facilities.

Meanwhile over in Spain it is all about the Costas when it comes to property investment. The Costa Blanca is awash with high quality properties at great prices, including beachfront apartments that are ripe for investment. Over on the Costa Cálida buyers can choose anything from spacious villas to off-plan townhouses.

Spain and Portugal’s position as top investment destinations is lent further weight by the findings of the Organisation for Economic Development, which has examined property markets around the world to find those that are the most overvalued and the most undervalued. Southern Europe, including Portugal and Spain, was found to have some of the lowest price property. Spain’s property market was noted as being undervalued by 26%, Portugal’s as by just over 7%.

According to Ideal Homes International, it is resale properties that British buyers are most interested in in Spain right now. Resale properties account for 76% of sales, compared with just 24% for new builds. While new build developments remain popular with buyers from Scandinavia and Belgium, many Brits are looking for resale townhouses and apartments that they can invest in as a nest egg for their golden years, as well as for properties that can earn them income as holiday lets.

“There are some serious bargains to be had in Iberia at the moment,” concludes Ideal Homes International’s Chris White. “Portugal and Spain offer a wealth of great opportunities for buyers looking for investment properties, as both enjoy thriving tourist markets, meaning there is good scope for profiting from a rental property. Of course, both countries are also fantastic places to visit, so there are lifestyle benefits as well as potential financial benefits to be had from owning a second home in them.”

For further details call Ideal Homes International on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email info@idealhomesinternational.co.uk or visit www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk.

Satisfaction to the maximum: Leading Spanish agent comes highly recommended

Satisfaction to the maximum: Leading Spanish agent comes highly recommended

Spain
  • 100% of Taylor Wimpey España customers would recommend to a friend (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Recommendations from family, colleagues and friends ranked most trustworthy information source (Nielsen)
  • 74% of consumers identify word-of-mouth as key influencer (Ogilvy, Google and TNS)

The most recent figures released by Taylor Wimpey España highlight the success of their renowned customer service, with 86.7% of customers noting that they were very satisfied with the process in November 2015. This figure remained in the high 80s, month to month throughout 2015, emphasising the steadfast nature of Taylor Wimpey España’s customer satisfaction levels.

Another outstanding statistic uncovered by the latest figures is that last year 100% of Taylor Wimpey España customers would recommend them to a friend. According to a survey conducted by Nielsen, 84% of consumers say they either ‘completely’ or ‘somewhat’ trust recommendations from family, colleagues, and friends about products. This ranks these recommendations as the most trustworthy information source.

A joint study constructed by Ogilvy, Google and TNS revealed that 74% of consumers identify word-of-mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decision. This shows just how essential customer recommendations are to any business and Taylor Wimpey España’s 100% success rate in this area suggests that a very positive year lies ahead.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, is immensely proud of the company’s track record for customer satisfaction, he explains,

“It is extremely important to us that our customers feel like they are being supported through every stage of the buying process, including remaining approachable and accommodating even after the sale has been completed and the property is being used. Our expert customer services team is currently expanding, with a real focus on ensuring that each individual customer feels the benefits of buying their Spanish property with Taylor Wimpey España.”

Anthony and Maria from London, recently purchased a holiday home with Taylor Wimpey España on Spain’s beautiful Costa del Sol and were extremely pleased with the service they received. They explain,

“All members of the Taylor Wimpey España sales and administration team were most helpful and their willingness to take a flexible approach to accommodating our requirements meant that our experience was very satisfying. The legal formalities were handled promptly and efficiently, which helped to avoid the stress that often occurs when purchasing a property, particularly when buying abroad.”

One of Taylor Wimpey España’s exclusive residences on the inviting Costa Blanca is Brisas de Alenda Golf. This private complex of key ready, three bedroom townhouses is located in a peaceful area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, whilst the beautiful beaches of Alicante and Alicante’s international airport are just 15 minutes away.

Starting from €155,000+VAT, all the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. Each property is split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms and 1 additional toilet, as well as a terrace, private garden area and parking space.

Perfect for all day dining, the terraces are either surrounded by the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains, or the stunning views over the golf course, to which some of the properties have direct access. Other onsite facilities include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

Sun, sand and school? Bilingual education on the Costa Blanca

Sun, sand and school? Bilingual education on the Costa Blanca

Spain
  • Over 5,000 British children registered in Alicante schools (TES)
  • Globally there are as many bilingual children as monolingual children
  • Renowned private bi-lingual school on Brisas de Alenda Golf development (Taylor Wimpey Espana)

According to government estimates, there are just over 1 million Brits currently residing in Spain. However, contrary to popular belief there are an increasing amount of Britain’s younger generation starting a new life under the Spanish sun. More than 5,000 British children are registered in schools in Alicante alone, with TES research showing they make up 15 per cent of all pupils attending state schools in the region.

For the majority of young families, finding the right school for their children to attend can become one of the most difficult and significant tasks to achieve, no doubt made more daunting after a move overseas.

As an expat himself, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Espana, has personally experienced this parental concern but found comfort in the Spanish schooling system. He comments,

“I am delighted with all that my children have achieved whilst at school here in Spain. Moving your family overseas can be extremely overwhelming, but the ability to be confident in the level of education your children will receive in their new home is integral to the decision making process.

“The importance of languages is taught from a very young age and I believe it is a skill that is highly sought after in the global workplace and will therefore create ample opportunities for them in the future.”

It is estimated that globally there are now as many bilingual children as there are monolingual children. The benefits of speaking multiple languages from a young age are still being debated, however, the majority of research seems conclusive that there are definite advantages to a bilingual education.

Research from York University in Toronto found that young bilingual children show more awareness of how language works and have better social interaction skills, ultimately enhancing their future prospects.

This means therefore that a private, bi-lingual school right on the doorstep a new home overseas could be an idyllic situation.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Brisas de Alenda Golf development can offer just that, with the bi-lingual Colegio San Alberto Magno onsite. A pro-European school of formal education, children will be able to participate in every stage of teaching, Early Childhood Education, Elementary, Secondary and High School.

With the belief, ‘Two languages for living, two instruments for learning’, the school emphasises its bilingual status and the positive impact it has, not only on the children’s learning but also on their life outside of education.

Properties start from €155,000+VAT and all the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. The 3-bed properties are split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms, as well as additional outside space, ideal for family living, including a terrace and private garden area.

The terraces are either surrounded by the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains, or the stunning views over the golf course, to which some of the properties have direct access. The beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca are close by and the complex also offers excellent facilities that include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

A picture is worth a thousand words – why great photography is essential in selling overseas property

A picture is worth a thousand words – why great photography is essential in selling overseas property

Portugal Spain World , , ,

The concept of a single image being able to portray a situation or an idea more evocatively than whole paragraphs of text is not a new one. In fact, the old adage that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ dates back to the early 1900s. However, it remains just as relevant today as it was when the expression was coined.

This is particularly true when it comes to selling overseas property. The majority of potential buyers will use the internet to begin the search for their dream home overseas and in a marketplace crowded with information the perfect image can stand out like a beacon, calling to a buyer to find out more. In the same way, a poorly staged image can cause a property to be passed over with little more than half a glance.

“Good photographs are absolutely essential when it comes to selling overseas property,” observes Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. “You need a photographer who can highlight the property’s features, both inside and out. If you build high quality developments, the images need to reflect that quality. Otherwise so much of your hard work is undone. Quite simply, poor imagery can result in fewer sales.”

For Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis apartments on Spain’s Costa Blanca, the photographer needed to capture the light and space that flows through the apartments, as well as the sizeable swimming pool, golf views and sparkling sea in the background. The result was an excellent set of shots that truly represented the luxurious feel of the property.

So what makes a good image when it comes to overseas property? Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, should certainly know. His company lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents. He comments,

“When it comes to property photography I think I’ve seen everything, from the very worst to the very best! Good images can certainly help a property to generate more interest and sell faster, particularly on a portal like Kyero, where buyers are scrolling through lists of potential homes – it will be the one that looks instantly appealing that is likely to capture their interest first.

“The same is true of rental properties, which we also list on Kyero. Those that have the best pictures are usually the ones that are snapped up first. If a landlord has dressed the property nicely – that is, if it’s clean, tidy and well presented – then a few great photos will really bring it to life in the eyes of those viewing it online. They’ll be able to imagine themselves there, which is precisely the point.”

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, concurs.

“It’s all about selling the lifestyle associated with the property through the imagery,” he explains. “Many buyers seek to find at least a handful of properties they like before going to the expense of travelling overseas for a closer inspection. A property that shows its potential and that they can picture themselves in, will be one that sparks buyers’ imagination.”

Chris cites the stunning apartments in Salgados as an example. The private resort enjoys proximity to both beach and golf, with spacious apartments and wide terraces designed around enjoying the outdoor pursuits that the Algarve has to offer. Seven swimming pools and extensive grounds make the resort ideal for families, with an emphasis on health and happiness, which is precisely what the artfully staged photographs convey.

Selling property overseas is about more than selling houses – it’s about promoting a dream lifestyle that individuals can buy into. And for that kind of venture only the very best photography will suffice.

For more information please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Spain continues to reign as tourist favourite with Alicante-Elche Airport celebrating best November in history

Spain continues to reign as tourist favourite with Alicante-Elche Airport celebrating best November in history

Spain
  • Spain’s tourism industry records third consecutive record year (National Statistics Office)
  • Alicante-Elche (El Altet) Airport records best November in history with 9.3% increase in passenger numbers
  • Free furniture pack for all Costa Blanca homes at Brisas de Alenda Golf (Taylor Wimpey España)

A heavyweight in the arena of world tourism, Spain looks set to register 2015 as its third consecutive record year for tourism. According to the most recent statistics released by Spain’s National Statistics Office, the first 11 months of 2015 saw tourist levels reach 64.6 million, an impressive 4.8% increase in comparison to the same period in 2014.

Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria has said that December’s figures are expected to top the 3 million mark, putting the full-year estimate at around 68 million tourists. Leading the way in this growing sector were visitors from the UK with a huge rise of 12.6% in visitor numbers in November alone, when compared with the 2014 figures, and it would seem that, as a stand-out destination, the Costa Blanca is emerging as the latest go to destination.

Alicante-Elche (El Altet) Airport, known as the gateway to the Costa Blanca, has just recorded the best November in its history with 645,520 passengers passing through, a 9.3% increase on the previous year. Aena’s most recent figures show that international traffic of commercial flights also increased by 11% in November, as once again visitors from the UK recorded the highest volumes of passengers.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, who currently has three key developments in the Costa Blanca region, also celebrated a momentous November last year, with 2016 also opening strongly. He explains,

“Our own statistics for November 2015 show a significant 313% increase in reservations compared to those made in the same period in 2014, a very positive growth trajectory with which to close 2015. Not only this, but we have also started the New Year extremely positively in light of this, with many enquiries from those looking for the ideal holiday home for 2016.

“Costa Blanca has always been popular with tourists, however we have certainly noticed a new surge of interest in this region in particular. In recent years the area has been revitalised with an injection of modern developments and an array of facilities to accommodate visitors from all over the world, re-establishing it as the go-to holiday home destination on the Spanish coast.”

The latest report from the World Tourism Organisation shows that Spain attracted approximately 6% of all global tourism in 2015. These figures suggest that this already popular destination is set to remain on the international stage as an established favourite for the foreseeable future, with celebrated regions like the Costa Blanca continuing to provide visitors with the perfect holiday setting.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Brisas de Alenda Golf development is situated in a peaceful area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, in close proximity to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca. Its prime location means it is just 15 minutes from Alicante Airport, ideal for those second home buyers looking to make the very most of their vacation time.

The complex offers excellent facilities that include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant, while a more lively beachfront nightlife is just 15 minutes away. All the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. Each 3-bed property is split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms and 1 additional toilet, as well as a terrace, private garden area and parking space.

Alongside this, key ready properties on the Brisas de Alenda Golf development, which are available from €155,000+VAT for a beautiful 3 bedroom townhouse, currently also offer a free furniture pack. The limited time offer runs until 31st March 2016 (or sooner if the last remaining properties at this popular development sell out before then).

It means that buyers can enjoy a stylish and tastefully furnished home, without spending a penny more than the purchase price. This is ideal for buyers who want to enjoy their Spanish second home from the outset and not spend their first holiday in it traipsing round furniture stores looking at cushions, when they could be relaxing on the terrace with a cool drink.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.