Taylor Wimpey España confirms ‘meaningful improvement in Spanish market’

Taylor Wimpey España confirms ‘meaningful improvement in Spanish market’

by Kate Spain

Leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, has today announced continued growth in the business due to a ‘meaningful improvement in the Spanish market in 2015’.

The company, which has been building homes in Spain for over 50 years, released figures that show an increase in the total order book, as at 31 December 2015, of 15.9% to 270 homes at the close of the year.

Alongside this, and as part of their commitment to delivering quality developments as the trusted name in Spain, Taylor Wimpey España revealed an increase in completions of 53% in 2015 compared to 2014 (from 164 homes in 2014 to 251 homes in 2015).

Highlighting the improving Spanish market, the leading developer also confirmed an increase in average selling prices compared to a year ago. The average selling price of a Taylor Wimpey España property in 2014 was €250,000, by 2015 this had increased by 26% to €315,000. The increasing average amount spent on a Spanish holiday home indicates the growing trust in a Spanish market that is going from strength to strength. This trust is being restored as the market continues to gain and increasing numbers of buyers look again at this popular second home market. This has been shown in the recent General Council of Notaries figures which showed an increase of 8.7% in sales of Spanish properties in September.

Javier Ballester, Managing Director for Taylor Wimpey España comments on the successful end of year figures:

“We are extremely proud of the fantastic results Taylor Wimpey España has seen in 2015, figures which have confirmed our position as the leading homebuilder in the Spanish property market. The fact that increasing numbers of buyers are purchasing properties at higher prices, indicates the fantastic news that the Spanish market is on an upward trajectory.

“As more and more people look to buy a home in this wonderful country, we will continue to deliver properties of the highest quality and with accompanying services that provide the very best for our loyal and increasing client base. We look forward to an even more successful 2016, for both Taylor Wimpey España and the Spanish market.”

With properties across the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Mallorca and Ibiza, Taylor Wimpey España is the name that has become synonymous with new homes in the key tourist and second home locations in Spain. Having been building award-winning homes that complement the natural beauty of the regions in which they’re prevalent since 1958, the company prides itself on exceeding customers’ expectations.

With an improved operating profit for 2015, reflecting the significant contribution of newly acquired sites, today’s announcement by Taylor Wimpey España is part of a successful year for parent company Taylor Wimpey plc, which saw the  FTSE 100 company deliver a record operating profit margin of over 20%.

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.

Visitor numbers rocket as the Canaries find favour with holiday home buyers

Visitor numbers rocket as the Canaries find favour with holiday home buyers

by Louise Spain
  • Bookings to the Canary Islands up 72% (Holiday Hypermarket)
  • Foreign buyers account for 30% of sales in Canary Islands (Ministry of Development)
  • Canary Islands are officially the sunniest place in Europe (Holiday Weather)
  • 2 bed Tenerife apartment with pool just €54,500 (Kyero.com)

The Canaries are currently enjoying a bumper winter season. According to Trivago, hotel searches for Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, are up 95% compared with the previous year, earning the destination the fifth place on the company’s list of up and coming destinations for 2016. Meanwhile, Holiday Hypermarket has revealed that bookings for the Canary Islands as a whole have risen 72% year on year.

Just four and a half hours from the UK by plane, the Canaries offer a sun-kissed paradise for holidaymakers looking to escape the gloom of the UK weather. In fact, according to Holiday Weather, the Canary Islands are the sunniest and lightest part of Europe, enjoying 3,000 hours of sunshine and 4,800 of daylight per year. Perfect for beating those winter blues!

The clear blue skies and golden sands make the islands popular with second home buyers, but the Canaries’ idyllic setting is not just down to nature as Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, explains,

“The Canaries are known for offering some of the clearest skies in the world, with thermal inversion and trade winds deterring cloud formation, but that’s not the only reason that visitors can enjoy such open blue skies. The Law for the Protection of the Astronomical Quality for the Conservatives of the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute controls a number of factors, including light pollution and flight routes. The result is a huge expanse of deep blue sky, which is best enjoyed from the comfort of a sun lounger, with an ice cold drink in hand.”

Is a scenario that works well for UK holiday home buyers, who have for decades had a soft spot for the sun-drenched shores of the Canaries. While international buyers account for 18.41% of all property purchases in Spain as a whole, according to the Ministry of Development (Q3 2015), in the Canary Islands the figure rises to 29.77%.

Property prices in Santa Cruz de Tenerife rose by 7.56% in the year to October 2015, according to the Kyero.com portal, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the rise has been much more pronounced, shooting up by 26.09% over the course of the year.

A two bedroom apartment with pool in Gran Canaria will now set buyers back anything from €83,000. Though it’s still not a lot, particularly compared with the price of UK property, the increase in demand over the past year has certainly had an impact. Meanwhile an equivalent two bedroom apartment with pool in Tenerife can cost from as little as €54,500 – just shy of £40,000 based on the exchange rate at the time of writing.

Kyero.com’s Martin Dell comments,

“Both Gran Canaria and Tenerife offer excellent value for money. Tenerife has the edge at the moment, with prices there lagging a little behind Gran Canaria. Tenerife could make a great spot for holiday home buyers looking for a place in the sun that also has the potential to gain in value over the next year or two.”

For further details on properties to rent and buy across the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, visit www.kyero.com. For the latest data on the state of the Spanish property market, visit https://data.kyero.com.

16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016

16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016

by Louise Portugal Spain United States
  • Fall for an area, not an individual home
  • Know what you want BEFORE you visit
  • Think about what you will want in the future, as well as what you want now

The arrival of New Year provides a chance to take stock, make plans and look to the future with a positive frame of mind. For many, this will include the excitement of finally planning to buy their dream home overseas, providing the perfect antidote to the months of grey, chilly weather on offer in the UK.

Whether it’s a detached villa with pool on Disney’s doorstep in Florida, a stylish apartment close to the beach in Spain or a perfectly located country retreat in Portugal, the overseas property market is awash with great value properties for those who know where to look.

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

“We’re predicting great things for the overseas property market in 2016, with Spain and Portugal, the US and Cyprus all appealing in unique ways to buyers from the UK. We would always advise buyers to be cautious though, particularly if they haven’t bought overseas before – it’s really important to do your homework and buy through a trusted and reputable company.”

In that vein, Chris and his team have put together their 16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016, to help buyers turn their dreams into reality.

The Ideal Homes International 16 top tips on buying a home overseas in 2016

  1. Investigate on the internet – research potential areas thoroughly, rather than individual properties. Find out about local amenities, from beaches to restaurants, based on your priorities. Think about how those priorities may change in the future as well – a holiday home bought this year could serve as a retirement pad later on, so what facilities would you want on hand then? Don’t fall in love with a particular property until you know the location is right for you!
  2. Use an agent with form – opt for an organisation with a good track record. Make sure they have been in business for some time and have a long list of satisfied customers happy to speak about their experiences.
  3. Budget carefully – buying overseas isn’t just about the property price. Be aware of the buying costs like fees and local taxes. These can vary hugely from country to country, so do your research and budget accordingly.
  4. Plan a trip – once you’ve identified the places you like on the internet, hop on a plane and check them out for yourself. You will quickly be able to get a feel for whether or not a place is right for you and a few hundred pounds invested at this stage can serve extremely well when it comes to finding the perfect location for your new home overseas.
  5. Know what you want BEFORE you visit – think about how many bedrooms you need, whether proximity to the beach or a local golf course is important to you, whether you simply must have your own pool and whether the local supermarket can be reached on foot or by car. Whatever your preferences, have them firmly fixed in mind before you visit – and be sure that your agent understands them too. This will ensure that he/she is able to show you properties that perfectly suit your requirements and avoid wasting time spent touring unsuitable homes.
  6. Think about the journey – work out the journey from your current home to the area in which you plan to purchase. What are the flight times and costs like? Is there just one airline that flies into the local airport or several? Can you hire a car easily upon arrival if you need to? These factors will impact on how relaxed you are by the time you arrive at your overseas property each and every time you visit, so think the journey through in detail.
  7. Find a reputable lawyer – this is one of the most important elements of buying a second home overseas. A good agent should be able to recommend a reputable lawyer, or you can do your own research on the internet and by speaking to others who have bought property in the area. Chat on the phone with the lawyer and meet him or her when you visit – test their knowledge and be sure to choose someone you are comfortable with.
  8. Think about money matters – once you’ve bought your property, you will need to get money out to that country regularly in order to pay bills, take care of maintenance issues and so forth. Look at what you need to do to set up a local bank account and plan to do this as early as possible in the process. Bear in mind that many overseas banks also have a branch in London where you can take care of some of the initial paperwork should you need to do so.
  9. Remember the insurance – before you commit to purchasing a property, check that it is insurable and at a reasonable rate. If the area that you like the look of is prone to flooding or sink holes then it might be time to look elsewhere.
  10. Ask about hidden requirements – speak to your agent and conduct your own research online to ensure that you know everything you need to. In Portugal, for example, you need a fiscal number in order to purchase a property. You can get one quickly and easily from the local Finanças department for a small fee – or you can appoint a lawyer to take care of this on your behalf.
  11. Consider other significant expenses – what other expenses might your property purchase give rise to? One of the most commonly overlooked items is the need for a car, so think about whether you can access your new home on public transport, whether you will pay for a hire car each time or whether you would prefer to purchase a car of your own overseas.
  12. Is the property just for you? – if you plan to rent your property out as well as using it yourself then be sure that it appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers. Neutral décor and access to a pool can make a big difference to the number of people choosing your holiday home over another one.
  13. Speak to the experts – join some online forums and Facebook groups and chat to those who have already purchased in the area you like. Even better, find people who have moved fulltime and benefit from their experiences of local life.
  14. Know the market – understand price trends in the country and region you like in order to know whether or not your expectations are realistic based on your budget. Knowledge of local prices will also help you to gauge whether you are paying over the odds or picking up a real bargain.
  15. Think about maintenance – unless you are planning a permanent move, you will need to consider how best to maintain your property from afar. An isolated villa might be your dream holiday home, but an apartment on a managed condominium might present far fewer headaches in terms of regular maintenance, particularly if you plan to rent it out as well as use it yourself.
  16. Use an agent who does it all – find an agent you trust and who can offer you the whole package. They will be able to support you with every step of the process, from finding a reputable lawyer to arranging an inspection trip. This can often be by far the quickest and cheapest approach – and also the least hassle!

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.

British love for Spanish property still burns strong

British love for Spanish property still burns strong

by Charly Spain
  • €24 billion of Spanish property sold in H1 2015 (Ministry of Development)
  • Almost ¼ of all travel to EU countries in 2014 was UK residents flying to Spain (CAA)
  • International buyers accounted for 51.88% of all transactions in Alicante in Q2 2015 (Spanish Registrars)
  • Costa Blanca offers property bargains aplenty for those with less than €100k to spend (Ideal Homes International)

Britain’s love affair with Spanish property took some serious knocks when the market crashed back in 2008/09, but the latest figures show that Brit’s fondness for Spanish homes has far from faded. In fact, British buyers are surging back to locations like the Costa Blanca in droves.

The impact of buyers from overseas in such popular tourist areas is not to be underestimated. According to the latest Alicante market report from Data.kyero.com, median property prices in the area increased by 19.07% in the year to October 2015, with sales to international buyers accounting for 51.88% of transactions (as at Q2 2015).

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

“The British love for Spanish property is definitely still burning strong and locations such as the Costa Blanca are those that benefit the most. The attractions are clear – 320 days of sunshine per year, a huge range of beaches, golf courses and other attractions to choose from, a diet recognised by UNESCO and one of the top 10 healthcare services in the world according to figures from the World Health Organization. And that’s just for starters. It’s easy to see why so many Brits choose to own a second home in Spain, or even to make a new life there, when all this is just a short flight from the UK.”

More than 34 million passengers flew from the UK to Spain in 2014, representing almost a quarter of all travel to EU countries, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. And in early 2015, figures from Rightmove revealed that 48% more Brits were searching for property in Spain than they were a year before.

When it comes to the property market, Spain is enjoying a sustained recovery. Property sales totalled more than €24 billion during H1 2015 based on figures from the Ministry of Development, with transactions up by more than 10% when compared with the same period in 2014.

Brits looking to buy along the Costa Blanca have a wide range of options open to them. Prices in Spain remain below their 2007 peak, meaning there are some real bargains to be found. A three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with roof terrace including built in BBQ in Torrevieja can be picked up for just €96,000. You can even gaze across the rooftops to the sea for that price, with the beach just 100 metres away.

A two bedroom Costa Blanca seafront apartment with communal pool is only a little more, at €128,000. As a frontline property, the views are stunning and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, as well as a weekly market.

These kind of prices are certainly helping to reignite British buyers’ passion for Spanish property. Ideal Homes International’s Chris White concludes,

“UK buyers can get some real bargains in Spain at the moment, though rising prices mean that they may now have to shop around a little more than they did this time last year. However, there are still enough properties on the market at great prices that 2016 looks to be a fantastic year for purchasing Spanish homes, whether on the coast or inland. TINSA has flagged up the Mediterranean coast as one of the main drivers behind recent price growth, with average prices there increasing 3.6% in the year to October.”

From winter sun chasers to those looking for a more permanent residence in Spain, the scene is set for the Costa Blanca to enjoy an exceptional year in 2016.

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.

The true taste of Spanish Christmas

The true taste of Spanish Christmas

by Charly Spain
  • Spanish spending on gifts is €200, compared to €420 in UK (ING)
  • Turrón recognised as the essential dessert for those spending Christmas in Spain
  • Stylish second homes available from €245k for the ultimate Spanish lifestyle experience (Taylor Wimpey España)

Owning a second home overseas provides the chance to experience a country in a way that just holidaying there rarely does. With your own home you can live, cook, eat, drink and be merry in just the same way as the locals do – something which is impossible from even the largest of hotel rooms.

In Spain, owning a property to spend the Christmas holidays in means feasting in true Spanish style. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“In the UK, Christmas is a much more commercial holiday than it is in Spain. The UK’s emphasis on gift buying is much greater – here it is more about investing time in making intricate meals and spending precious moments with family. It’s a very different kind of holiday season and one that feels really special to experience: it’s less about money and more about family time.”

Figures from ING outline the difference starkly. The median Christmas present spend in the UK is €420. In Spain it is less than half that, at €200.

With such a strong emphasis on food and drink, many of those with a second home in Spain delight in experimenting with local dishes in the kitchen over the holiday season. The feasting begins in earnest on Christmas Eve night – La Noche Buena – when families gather together to dine at length over the course of the evening, often spending hours at the table and finishing past midnight.

Artichokes with clams, garlicky mushrooms, grilled shrimp, garlic soup, clams with salsa verde, roast lamb, roast suckling pig, lobster stew… the list of delicious delights is long and complex. Nor do the Spanish neglect the sweeter side of the culinary spectrum when it comes to Christmas dishes. Polvorones and mantecados are both traditional biscuits, while the teeth-meltingly sweet turrones are made from almond, honey, sugar, egg white and a few other ingredients, depending on the region.

Turrón is perhaps one of the most well-known Spanish Christmas foods. Dating back to at least the 15th century, turrón is an essential Christmas treat in any Spanish household and supermarket shelves are stacked with different varieties at this time of year. In fact Jijona Turrón, which has a soft texture and wonderfully rich, golden colour, has become one of the country’s most typical Christmas desserts.

For those looking to experience the true taste of Spain this Christmas, Taylor Wimpey España is offering a range of homes for sale close to the Turrón heartland of Jijona. La Vila Paradis offers frontline beach apartments and townhouses, priced from €245,000 for two bedrooms. The site enjoys a shared outdoor pool and prettily landscaped gardens. Each property allows direct access to Playa Paraiso Beach in Villajoyosa and is only 20 minutes from central Alicante, 30 minutes from the airport and one hour from Jijona.

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.

Retire to Spain – a new country for a New Year!

Retire to Spain – a new country for a New Year!

by Charly Spain
  • Spain tops list of favourite retirement destinations for over 50s (Retirement Advantage)
  • Regular golf increases life expectancy by 5 years (Karolinska Institutet)
  • The ideal Spanish golf properties from just €155k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Spain is the country of choice for UK citizens approaching their retirement, according to a new survey by Retirement Advantage, with 24% of those questioned listing the country as their favoured European destination when considering a move overseas.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, is familiar with the dream of retiring to Spain – it’s one that prompts many of his clients to purchase the perfect apartment or townhouse, ready to move to fulltime as soon as they’ve thanked their colleagues for their retirement gift. He comments,

“Spain has a lot to offer expats of all ages, but there’s something about the warmth of year-round sunshine that particularly appeals to those approaching retirement age. The comparatively low cost of living that Spain offers is also a draw to those on a limited income, such as a pension. Spain also offers a wealth of pursuits for those with free time on their hands. From solitary strolls along the beach to calm the mind and gently tone the body to social events in the local community, life in Spain can be wonderful for those of retirement age.”

Golf is a popular sport with retirees and Taylor Wimpey España offers the perfect property for those who like spending time on the fairways. Brisas de Alenda Golf, near Elche, provides beautiful, three bedroom townhouses priced from just €155,000. The spacious properties and generously sized communal pool benefit from the tranquillity of the neighbouring golf course, while lively beachfront life is just 15 minutes away, offering those approaching retirement the perfect balance.

The health benefits of golf are well established. According to a study by the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences, a golfer who walks and carries his own bag will burn 721 calories during one round and burning 2,500 calories per week can significantly reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, according to the study. Meanwhile a study conducted by Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet has found that the death rate for golfers is a substantial 40% lower than for other people who are of the same age, gender and socioeconomic status. The figures show that regular golfers can enjoy a five year increase to their life expectancy, compared with non-golfers, making this the perfect pastime for those of retirement age, looking to remain fit and healthy.

For those looking to ditch the UK winter weather immediately and pick up a new property for the New Year, the key-ready homes at La Recoleta III are ideal. Just metres from the beach, the two bedroom apartments are set in immaculate gardens with a lovely outdoor pool. Prices start at €165,000 and those who buy before the end of 2015 can enjoy a full furniture pack at no extra cost.

The offer is perfect for retirees who plan to keep on their home in the UK as a rental property to top up their pension income. They can avoid the hassle and expense of transporting bulky items of furniture to Spain and can instead walk into a tastefully furnished new home that allows them to start the new chapter of their lives in style, while leaving their old furniture to be used by their tenants in the UK.

Marc Pritchard concludes, “From social activities to its wonderful food, Spain is packed with benefits that create a welcoming and cost-effective life for retirees. The fact that it is so close to the UK is also perfect for those looking to make a permanent move, as family and friends are still near enough that regular visits can take place frequently and with minimal cost.”

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.

The Spanish housing market in 2016 – Kyero.com explains where, when and why

The Spanish housing market in 2016 – Kyero.com explains where, when and why

by Charly Spain
  • The Spanish property market WILL grow in 2016
  • The British love affair with Spain has officially resumed
  • Alicante and the islands are the safest places to invest
  • Talk of property bubble is grossly premature

The turbulence of the Spanish property market is recognised across the world, yet 2016 is shaping up to be a good year according to Spanish property portal Kyero.com.

The portal, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, and is at the forefront of market sentiment in Spain and has spent months researching data on the property market in the finest detail. The result is the vast data resource data.kyero.com, which launched in late 2015. Based on this data, Kyero.com’s Head of Research Richard Speigal believes it is possible to predict where the market might be headed over the course of the year ahead.

He comments,

“There are some stark variations across Spain’s regions and provinces but as a whole the market looks poised for growth in 2016. The national economy is rebounding and GDP in Spain is currently up 3.4% year-on-year – more than twice the Eurozone average. Spain’s eye-watering unemployment level is also finally coming down, along with the cost of living. More jobs and more purchasing power for Spaniards is a healthy platform for growth.”

Foreign buyers will also play a role in the projected growth. Currently overseas buyers account for around 18% of the Spanish property market, though in some areas this rises considerably – in Alicante half of all buyers are non-Spaniards.

Thanks to their own country’s recovery and a strong pound, UK buyers have resumed their love affair with Spain. Visitor numbers dropped by nearly a quarter from 16.3 million in 2007 to 12.4 million in 2010, but have since climbed back up to an expected 15.5m in 2015, with a still higher number expected in 2016.

So where should Brits look to buy in Spain in 2016?

The Kyero.com team has examined several factors, including healthy domestic demand and a strong base of international investment, to rank Spain’s most promising property hotspots for 2016.

Alicante properties were the clear winner, with the sheer size of the overseas market offsetting domestic worries like unemployment. With half the market made up of international investors and very strong increases in sales volumes, Alicante is a place to feel good about in 2016.

Homes in the Spanish islands also look promising. Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal explains,

“The eastern Canaries – Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote – look particularly strong with a fast improving jobs market, strong growth in lending and very active overseas interest. Twelve months of sunshine is enduringly appealing. Meanwhile international investors love the Balearics and have driven strong sales growth in 2015: foreign investment now accounts for more than 40% of the market. The Balearics also benefit from one of the lowest unemployment rates in Spain, making a happy overall picture for property investment there in 2016.”

Malaga and Murcia complete the top five likely 2016 hotspots, Malaga thanks to high international investment and stead growth in sales, and Murcia due to rising sales, increased domestic lending and overseas buyers accounting for a quarter of the market.

With rises in sales volumes and price increases, talk of a bubble has been inevitable, but such chatter is grossly premature, according to the Kyero.com team. The company cites transaction data from the Spanish notaries and registrars, which provides a more reliable flavour of market activity than headline grabbing price jumps. The latest mortgage data may show a year on year jump of 18.71%, but in the big picture the property market is still at a very low ebb compared to the boom years. Even triple digit rises would still leave the market a long way from the boom and bust experienced during the decade to 2013.

For further details on properties to rent and buy across Spain and full details of the team’s predictions for 2016, visit www.kyero.com. For the latest data on the state of the Spanish property market, visit https://data.kyero.com.

Feliz Navidad: Have yourself a sunny little Spanish Christmas!

Feliz Navidad: Have yourself a sunny little Spanish Christmas!

by Charly Spain
  • Average Christmas temperature in Spain of 12°C in December, with just 5 days of rain (Holiday Weather)
  • 71% of festive holidaymakers are aged 51+ (Holiday Hypermarket)
  • Spanish house prices up 6.6% in a year (Spanish Registrars’ Association)

There are many reasons to own a second home in Spain and at this time of year, with the weather closing in in the UK, one of the most tantalising Spanish draws is undoubtedly the weather. According to Holiday Weather, the Costa Blanca enjoys an average temperature of 12°C during December, with an average of just five rainy days in December, compared to an average of 17 days for the festive period in London.

But the weather isn’t the only reason that second home buyers look to Spain over the winter months, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“Many of our buyers over the autumn period have been purchasing with a view to spending Christmas in their new home in Spain. It’s why key ready properties at developments like La Recoleta III are so sought after. Spending Christmas overseas in a hotel can be nice, but to truly experience a Spanish Christmas you need to have your own kitchen, to commit to the seasonal feasting in true Iberian style, and your own living room to decorate in the traditional way.”

Beachfront apartments at La Recoleta III are available from €185,000 for two bedrooms. Just an hour from Alicante Airport, the apartments offer spacious surroundings with high spec fixtures and fittings.  The Mediterranean style buildings are set in pretty grounds, with fantastic sea views. Each apartments has its own private outdoor space and the development also features a pool for residents’ use.

The Christmas season in Spain traditionally begins on 8 December. According to The History of Christmas, one tradition is to fill shoes with straw or barley for tired camels that have to carry their riders throughout the night. Overnight, the straw or barley is replaced by gifts. A similar tradition takes place on 6 January, when shoes are left on balconies to be filled with gifts by the Wise Men.

Research by Holiday Hypermarket has found that 71% of festive holidaymakers are aged 51 or more, a demographic that fits well with owning property overseas. A nest egg in the sunshine that can serve as a main residence when retirement comes around is an excellent way to plan for the future – and can provide a host of cherished memories for family holidays and trips with friends even without plans for longer-term occupation.

With house prices up 6.6% in the past year, according to the Spanish Registrars’ Association, there is a sound financial case for property ownership in Spain as well. The sun has been shining on the Spanish housing market of late and buyers from overseas have been keen to be a part of it. Foreign demand rose by 20% in Q3 2015 when compared with a year earlier, according to the Spanish Property Register, while British demand rose by a staggering 53%.

Yet prices remain extremely reasonable. At Brisas de Alenda Golf, near Elche, a three bedroom townhouse costs from just €155,000. The complex includes an array of private gardens, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, a supermarket and a bilingual (Spanish/English) school, all just 15 minutes from the stunning beaches of Alicante.

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.

10 years on, the overseas property market resets itself

10 years on, the overseas property market resets itself

by Charly Cyprus Portugal Spain United States World ,
  • Portuguese property prices due to rise 5% p.a. for next 5 years (RICS/Ci)
  • Florida property values up 8.2% over past year (Zillow)
  • Portugal, Spain and Florida are hot picks for 2016 (Ideal Homes International)

Over the past decade, the landscape of the overseas property market has changed vastly. Property entrepreneur and Founding Director of Ideal Homes Portugal and Ideal Homes International Chris White has been selling property through the good times and the bad. After a turbulent 10 years, he believes the overseas property market has finally reset itself – and that now is the time to look to the future.

In Portugal, where Chris White is based, the market crashed spectacularly following the events of 2006/07, along with residential real estate markets around the world. Lesser estate agents would have crumbled (many did) but Ideal Homes Portugal stuck with the market through the hard times and came out the other side even stronger. Today, the flourishing agency employs 35 staff, selling properties across the Algarve as well as in the capital Lisbon.

Chris comments,

“There were some tough years in the middle of the past decade, but it’s wonderful to see the Portuguese property market back on an even keel again now. Prices look set to rise at a comfortable rate over the next few years. I’d say capital growth of 3-5% per year should be achievable for those who invest in the market during 2016.”

Data from the RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey concurs. The August 2015 report suggested that prices would increase by roughly 5% per annum over the next five years. At present, a lovely two bedroom townhouse with private pool in Quinta do Lago can be picked up for €375,000.

Spain, as well as Portugal, has seen its property market reset itself over the past decade, although prices in Spain have been slower to recover. For buyers in 2016, this presents an excellent opportunity, according to Ideal Homes International’s Chris,

“Prices are rising in Spain, but many areas are still priced below their peak. There aren’t as many opportunities there as there were a year or two ago, but Spain is certainly still a good bet if you’re looking for a real estate market that has the potential to keep expanding over the next few years. The Costa Blanca would be my particular tip for those looking for a second home in the sun that can double as a savvy investment.”

At Orihuela, two bedroom/two bathroom off plan apartments are available from €129,900. Due for completion in December 2016, the apartments will each feature two large terraces, as well as community gardens, sea views and two large swimming pools (one heated).

Florida is another area that’s now back in the game, according to Ideal Homes International. A modern, four bedroom townhouse in Kissimmee, ideally located for access to Walt Disney World, costs just $285,000 (€252,000). Part of an exclusive gated community, the home includes a private pool area, screened in patio and comes fully furnished.

Prices in Florida have risen by 8.2% over the past year, according to Zillow, while data from the National Association of Realtors in June 2015 showed the US market passing its 2006 peak to reach record highs.

Back in Europe, the other country that Chris White of Ideal Homes International has flagged up for attention is Cyprus. Chris comments,

“Cyprus is an interesting prospect as a place to buy a holiday home in 2016. The market there has been incredibly quiet there this year and we don’t expect huge increases in prices over the next 12-24 months. However, what Cyprus does have to offer is fantastic value for money. If you’re looking for somewhere with great weather where your money can go a lot further, then Aphrodite’s isle is an excellent choice.”

As an example, a two bedroom villa in Konia, on a small complex of just six homes with a shared pool, can be picked up for €149,000.

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

What does 2016 hold in store for Spain’s Costa Blanca?

What does 2016 hold in store for Spain’s Costa Blanca?

by Charly Spain
  • More visitors and rising property prices set the scene for Costa Blanca boom in 2016 (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spanish visitor numbers up 3.7% during best summer season for a decade (Exceltur)
  • Property values up 6.6% on average across Spain (Spanish Registrars Association)

The Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s most popular coastal areas thanks to its delightful blend of white sandy beaches, sunshine and delicious local food. With the New Year rapidly approaching, leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has revealed its predictions for the Costa Blanca for 2016.

“2016 is looking like it could be a bumper year for the Costa Blanca,” comments Marc Pritchard, Taylor Wimpey España’s Sales and Marketing Director. “We’re expecting the area to benefit from Spain’s increasing visitor numbers and also from local initiatives like the attention being paid to golf tourism to really give tourist numbers a boost.”

The Costa Blanca is increasingly being seen as one of Europe’s essential destinations for international golfers. The sport has become so important in areas such as Alicante that the Chamber of Commerce will be undertaking a study of golf tourism’s impact. Alicante’s Provincial President César Sanchez explains,

“This report will allow us to see first hand the economic impact that golf has in our province, a sport that attracts many visitors and that brings in our fields over half a million people a year. This tourist product generates considerable business figures in our economy, which has positive effects on job creation.”

The projected rise in golf and other tourism levels along the Costa Blanca in 2016 comes in light of the excellent summer that Spain has reported this year. Visitor numbers from July to September 2015 were up by 3.7% on the previous year, according to Exceltur, making it the best summer for a decade. And Alicante-Elche Airport is still enjoying record numbers of travellers as the winter months approach. The airport has just registered its best October ever, serving 1,027,071 passengers during the month – an increase of 6.3% on October 2014, according to AENA.

The property market has also enjoyed an outstanding year. The median property price in Alicante was up 19.07% year-on-year as of October 2015, according to data.kyero.com, while figures from the official registrars for Q2 2015 show an annual increase in property transactions of 14.73%. The flourishing market is also being backed by a noticeable jump in domestic mortgage approvals where, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), approvals in Alicante were up 56.06% in August 2015, compared with a year earlier.

Rising confidence in the Spanish property market is set to have an impact in 2016, according to Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard,

“We’ve seen a steady rise in buyer numbers in the Costa Blanca over the course of this year and expect that to continue as we head into 2016. Second home buyers are becoming increasingly confident both in their domestic property markets and here in Spain, with buyers from Russia, Belgium, the Ukraine, Scandinavia, Spain and the UK all keen to be home owners along the southern Spanish coastline. The Costa Blanca looks set to be one of the areas to benefit from this next year, thanks to its wide appeal. From golf to shopping to beaches, it’s a location for the whole family to enjoy, as more and more visitors are discovering.”

With house prices rising in Spain, many of these buyers look set to benefit from the growth of their real estate asset(s) during 2016. According to the Spanish Registrars Association, prices rose nationally by 6.6% in the year to the end of September 2015.

“It’s a combination of factors that make buying property on the Costa Blanca a particularly appealing prospect at the moment and that should impact positively on the number of properties purchased here during 2016. The market is responding appropriately to this keen level of interest. The Association of Surveyors, Architects and Engineers Technical Building Alicante (COAATIEA) has just reported that housing starts have increased by 45% this year.

“Certainly Taylor Wimpey España has felt confident in launching new releases at La Recoleta III and La Vila Paradis. We’ve also got two excellent new developments lined up for 2016. Apartments are going to be particularly sought-after next year, with two and three bedroom homes the most in demand,” concludes Pritchard.

Golf tourists looking for a second home will be delighted by Brisas de Alenda Golf, at Elche. Three bedroom properties on the popular golf development are priced from €155,000, with some properties enjoying direct access. The site includes private gardens, a communal pool, a supermarket, a club house and even a bilingual English-Spanish school. The townhouses include superior fixtures and fittings and fully fitted gas central heating and air conditioning, as well as generous outdoor spaces, many of which overlook the golf course.

Of course the Costa Blanca also boasts some excellent properties for those who prefer the beach, such as the aforementioned La Recoleta III, where buyers can currently benefit from a free furniture pack (offer open until 31 December 2015 or when stocks run out). The picturesque development includes two and three bedroom beachfront apartments, just an hour from Alicante Airport. Private terraces, sea views and a large communal pool make this the ideal spot for those who have been charmed by the Costa Blanca. Prices start at €175,000.

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.