Brand New Spanish Property Market Confidence Index reveals divisions in the market

Brand New Spanish Property Market Confidence Index reveals divisions in the market

by Kate Spain
  • 71% of agents feel more confident in Spanish property market than 1 year ago (Kyero.com)
  • 30% of English-speaking agents see stronger sterling as most significant shift in market
  • Almeria, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Murcia highlighted as inspiring confidence

The new Spanish Property Market Confidence Index (SPMCI) from leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com has identified some interesting trends in the Spanish market. The survey, covering some 160 English-speaking and 216 Spanish-speaking estate agents across Spain, reveals that on a national level 71% of agents in Spain felt more confident about Spanish property in Q1 2015 than they did compared to a year earlier. Only 4% felt less confident than a year ago.

Interestingly, English-speaking agents were more bullish about the state of the market than their Spanish counterparts. Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, comments,

“The strength of sterling has played a key role in the confidence divide that we are seeing currently between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking real estate agents in Spain. Some 30% of English-speaking respondents have highlighted stronger sterling as the most significant change over the past 12 months.

“For Spanish-speaking agents, increased marketing tops the table of significant changes, with 26% of respondents flagging this up as the biggest change.”

The findings reveal the stark difference that currency exchange fluctuations can have on similar businesses in the same country, just due to the language that their staff speak. While English-speaking agents in Spain have been able to enjoy more confidence in the market thanks to the pound’s movements, their Spanish peers have been working flat-out on their marketing activity in order to achieve the same goal.

Interestingly, both sets of respondents reported similar figures when it came to buyer confidence, with 20% of English-speaking agents feeling that improved buyer confidence had been the most significant change over the past 12 months, compared with 21% of Spanish-speaking agents.

Four geographical areas stood out as inspiring the most confidence in agents. The first of these was Almeria where a three bedroom, two bathroom villa just minutes from the beach can be picked up for around €175,000. For a lower cost option, a four bedroom, two bathroom cortijo in need of a little TLC, but with extensive land, can be had for as little as €79,000.

Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands, also stood out as inspiring above-average confidence in agents. Property there offers excellent value. A two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Corralejo, for example, can be purchased for just €77,000. The property enjoys a popular town centre location, with beach access just a few minutes away.

Nearby Gran Canaria was also highlighted by respondents. The sun-kissed island offers a variety of properties ideal as both second homes and main residences, as well as some exciting ready-made business opportunities. This stunning site with three villas, pool and existing tourist licence is available for €890,000.

Back on the mainland, Murcia was the fourth area to inspire above-average confidence among agents. A two bedroom apartment with pool in Murcia (city) can be picked up for as little as €69,000. Only the regions of Granada and Tarragona recorded no improvement in confidence since 2014.

For further details on the Spanish Property Market Confidence Index 2015, Spanish property market trends and to view properties available for sale across Spain, visit www.kyero.com.

Book that summer break, but don’t forget to pack your politics!

Book that summer break, but don’t forget to pack your politics!

by Kate Spain
  • Labour voters prefer Greek sunshine – Conservatives head to Ibiza (Holiday Hypermarket)
  • Spanish islands set for bumper season (Kyero.com)
  • UKIP voters least likely to holiday in UK (Holiday Hypermarket)

With the dust of the General Election beginning to settle, the UK’s citizens can once more begin to focus on the detail of everyday life and now is the perfect time to book that summer break in the sunshine. But it seems that we can’t quite leave the politics behind just yet, as a recent survey from Holiday Hypermarket has discovered.

The survey of more than 2,000 holidaymakers found a direct link between political preference and holiday destination. Labour voters (17.8%) showed a fondness for breaks in Greece, while UKIP followers were keen to head to Egypt. Oddly, UKIP voters were also the least likely to holiday in the UK.

So with a Conservative government in power, where will we be headed this summer? Ibiza and the Canary Islands, according to the survey. Ibiza is well known as a popular holiday destination with the Cameron household and it seems that the Canaries are also a hit with the party’s supporters.

Both Ibiza and the Canaries enjoy a wealth of good quality rental accommodation. Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, which offers property sales, holiday rentals and long-term rentals, explains,

“Ibiza and the Canary Islands are ideal for UK holidaymakers wanting a break in the sun. Easily reachable by plane and with fantastic weather and stunning beaches, both have a lot to offer. Ibiza has a reputation as a popular clubbing destination, but also features some of the most tranquil and beautiful spots in the Mediterranean, making it ideal for families as well as younger groups of friends – it’s a very versatile island.”

Those looking to splash the cash can enjoy a four bedroom, three bathroom villa with pool in Ibiza city for a cool €12,000 per week, while those on a more limited budget can still enjoy a second line apartment just 50-70 km from the sea at Santa Eulalia Del Rio from €800 per week.

The Canary Islands also provide holidaymakers with a whole host of options. Tenerife offers some very affordable options, with a two bedroom apartment with terrace and shared pool available for just €350 per week, while Lanzarote has a plethora of one bedroom apartments with communal pool from €140 per week.

“The link between political allegiance and holiday destination is fascinating,” concludes Kyero’s Martin Dell. “With a Conservative majority government in place in the UK, it looks like the Spanish islands are in for a bumper season this summer!”

For further details on properties to rent and buy across Spain, visit www.kyero.com.

Personalise that property perfectly with an off-plan purchase

Personalise that property perfectly with an off-plan purchase

by Kate Spain
  • Spanish house price rises in sharpest upturn since Q1 2008 (INE)
  • Economy could grow by as much as 3% during 2015 (Economy Minister)
  • Discerning buyers opt for off-plan properties (Taylor Wimpey España)

With the Spanish property market beginning to look healthy once more (home buyers spent 23% more in 2014 on Spanish property than they did in 2013, according to the Ministry of Development), buyers are becoming more choosy about what they buy and where.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“There has been a rush of buyers, particularly from overseas, looking to pick up bargain properties in Spain while prices are low and the exchange rate is favourable. What we’re seeing now is purchasers honing their requests and seeking out properties that particularly suit their needs – while still enjoying bargain prices.”

Eef Meijer and Lydia Kosijungan are a great example. They purchased an off-plan apartment with Taylor Wimpey España at Los Arqueros Beach, San Pedro de Alcantara, a few kilometers from Marbella. The couple wanted a number of modifications to their holiday home, including a larger living room, a bathroom combined in an open plan format with the bedroom, changes to the kitchen and larger doors.

Eef and Lydia’s changes were easily incorporated into their apartment and the couple were delighted with the results, which were just as they had hoped. They are now enjoying their second home for frequent holidays, while planning their retirement move from their native Netherlands to the Costa del Sol.

At the stunning Camp de Mar Beach at Puerto Andratx, Taylor Wimpey España is able to offer second home buyers a wide range of customisation options for townhouses in Mallorca. The resort enjoys direct beach access in an area of outstanding natural beauty, as well as some of the best golfing facilities on the island. The two and three bedroom properties will enjoy spacious terraces, lush communal gardens and a generously sized swimming pool.

Properties at Camp de Mar Beach come with air conditioning, double glazing, security doors and designer fixtures and fittings as standard. Prices start at €359,500. As to the modifications, it’s really up to the buyer, as Marc Pritchard states,

“We are open to suggestions! From minor layout changes to more substantial alterations, everything can be considered. It is part of the beauty of buying off-plan – purchasers can shape their apartments to perfectly suit their needs and desires.”

The latest Economic Information White Papers from Funcas (the Spanish Savings Banks Foundation) has highlighted the role of developments such as Camp de Mar Beach in driving forward the Spanish economy over the years ahead. The “budding recovery” of Spain’s construction sector is expected to lead to property price rises from this year forward.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rajoy is confident that the overall economy will see growth of more than 2.4% during 2015. Economy Minister Luis de Guindos is even more confident, projecting growth of between 2.5% and 3% over the course of the year. Employment is set to grow by 2.7%, according to the Bank of Spain.

Naturally, Spain’s economy and its property market are intrinsically linked and it is encouraging to see both of these elements reporting positive news. The National Statistics Institute (INE) reported a rise of 1.8% in the housing price index for Q4 2014 compared to a year earlier. The figure is the sharpest rise since Q1 2008 and the Q1 2015 data is eagerly awaited, to see how well the figures support the positive predictions pouring out of Spain right now.

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.

Ready, set, go! Key ready properties to buy in Mallorca this summer

Ready, set, go! Key ready properties to buy in Mallorca this summer

by Kate Spain
  • New Mallorca travel and tourism school set to be one of best in world (JSF)
  • Average second home buyer in Spain is 55-64 and in fulltime employment (RMO)
  • Key ready island properties available from €230k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Travel and tourism is far from a simple subject to study. While in essence the movement of people from A to B for brief periods of time seems straightforward, the complexities of interconnecting sectors, such as distribution, transport and food services, makes this a fascinating industry to study. Now, the announcement of the new JSF Travel and Tourism School on the Balearic island of Mallorca will provide a knowledge centre that is already being hailed as one of the best business schools in the world in its sector, enhancing the world’s understanding of this complex industry and how it interacts with businesses at a variety of levels.

The first cohort of pupils will start in September 2016. The school is the brainchild of the Junνpero Serra Foundation, which is working in partnership with 25 international business sponsors from Europe, Asia and America. It will specialise in research and innovation, as well as academic study.

Mallorca is no stranger to travel and tourism, having attracted generations of families to its sunny shores since it became popular in the 1950s. One of the companies thriving there thanks to the travel and tourism sector is leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which is this summer offering a range of luxury, key ready and off plan properties in idyllic locations across the island.

Marc Pritchard, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, comments

“Mallorca is perfectly positioned to be home to one of the world’s leading travel and tourism business schools and it will be fascinating to see the research that is generated as a result of this new educational establishment being based here on the island.

“Obviously, working for Taylor Wimpey España, I can attest to how important tourism is to Mallorca, with investment in second homes here boosting the local economy and impacting on a range of other sectors. Travel and tourism clearly benefits Mallorca hugely, but it also benefits those who come here. The picturesque views, the calm lapping of the sea against the shore, the wonderful sights, scents and taste of the local cuisine – all of these are memories that visitors get to take with them when they leave.”

Interestingly, the recent Who’s Buying Property Overseas report from Rightmove Overseas has shed some light on those visitors – well, the ones who want a more permanent foothold on the island, anyway. According to the report, overseas buyers of Spanish property are on average aged between 55 and 64 (43%) and in fulltime employment. 67% of buyers are purchasing their property as a second home, while 22% are doing it to relocate.

Taylor Wimpey España is offering key ready and off plan properties in four developments this summer, so those looking for the holiday home of their dreams – or indeed a new permanent home – can start enjoying their new island property as soon as the paperwork has been completed. At Costa Beach, prices start at €262,000 for a two bedroom apartment. The development enjoys direct beach access and fantastic views out over the open sea.

At Cala Magrana III (prices from €230,000), buyers are spoiled for choice, with the sea, golf courses and a charming marina all in the vicinity. For particularly keen golfers, Camp de Mar Beach is the place to be. Two and three bedroom townhouses, located in the heart of the ‘Golf de Andratx,’ are available from €359,500.

Finally, Cala Anguila II offers well appointed apartments from €245,000. As with all of Taylor Wimpey España’s developments, the site provides richly foliaged gardens and a communal pool, as well as properties packed with contemporary, designer fixtures and fittings.

While the JSF Travel and Tourism School won’t be open until September 2016, those looking to be a part of Mallorca’s travel and tourism sector need not delay; thanks to key ready properties from Taylor Wimpey España they can purchase the perfect second home ready for this year’s summer holiday season.

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.

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

by Kate Italy Portugal Spain United Kingdom , , ,
  • Balance elegance with warmth for perfect appeal (Barton Wyatt)
  • Opt for clean, neutral shades with bright splashes of accent colours (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Remember the simple touches that make a room complete (Taylor Wimpey España)

Home staging is a skilled art. Done poorly, it can put off prospective purchasers the moment the front door is opened. Done well, it can be the deciding factor that inspires buyers to commit to a property purchase on the spot.

In fact, home staging in the right hands can be award-winningly good, as demonstrated by Alexander James, who are famed for dressing (amongst others) the stunning new Silverwood residence on the main island of the Wentworth Estate in Surrey. On the market at £4.6 million through Surrey’s leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt, the home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a cinema room and a games room. James Wyatt, Partner at Barton Wyatt, comments,

“Dressing a property as impressive as Silverwood takes real flair, which is why we were delighted to work with Alexander James. The company is able to achieve the perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and homely warmth that makes such grand properties so attractive to those viewing them. It is a balance that is key when it comes to home staging at this level – prospective buyers have to be able to imagine themselves at home the moment they step over the threshold.”

Clean, neutral shades, with splashes of brighter accent colours here and there, are a great way to appeal to the majority of buyers, advises Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal.

“It’s not just new builds that can benefit from home staging,” he explains. “Those looking to sell their homes can use a few simple tricks, like swapping out hectic patterns for fresh, white linens, to add instant appeal to any room. The key is to think like someone viewing the property for the first time – what is the eye immediately drawn to? Is the place clean? Is it tidy?”

Many of those buying through Ideal Homes Portugal are looking for a second home and won’t necessarily be bringing their own furniture, the way one would when moving into a main residence. The company offers furniture packs that provide all of the essentials, from beds to paintings and mirrors for the walls. Colin and Moira Hutchinson, who bought a two bedroom apartment with shared pool on the lovely O Pomar development in the town of Cabanas in the eastern Algarve, offered purchasing furniture well in advance as their top tip to those buying second homes overseas.

For new build homes overseas, home staging is an incredibly important marketing tool. The majority of buyers will inspect a property online before travelling out to their second home country of choice to view it, so having a well staged home to post details of online is the perfect way to reach out to potential buyers. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The key to home staging for high end holiday properties is to provide not just the main furniture items, but also the right amount of finishing touches. A simple bowl of fruit or bunch of flowers can make a room feel complete when placed correctly and can help those looking at images online to picture themselves relaxing in the property. Décor must be tasteful and stylish, with a contemporary edge that exudes comfort and relaxation.”

Over in Italy, home staging takes on a new dimension for luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata. Owner Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,

“With fractional ownership properties, home staging has to appeal to prospective owners at the same time as perfectly meeting the needs of current owners. It’s a delicate balance but one that can lead to a truly fantastic home for all concerned.”

The approach includes furnishing the Appassionata properties with a unique selection of antiques, hand-chosen restored items and other pieces that fit with the style of each individual property. For Dawn’s creative nature, one of the delights of fractional ownership is the ability to re-stage slightly in between each owner’s arrival – an act that is often well received. Owner Chris Everard comments,

“The thoughtfulness, unrestricted kindness and generosity of spirit displayed by the Appassionata team in the setting up of a beautiful new baby’s cot, a selection of mats, toys and baby equipment was a true act of empathy and kindness.”

From luxury new builds in the UK to ancient restorations in the rolling hills of central Italy, the value of home staging cannot be underestimated.

For more information please contact:

Barton Wyatt: 01344 843000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com

Spanish construction activity doubles EU average

Spanish construction activity doubles EU average

by Kate Spain
  • Spanish construction activity growth double that of EU (Eurostat)
  • Frontline Mallorca properties from €262k (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Mallorcan coast enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year (Holiday Weather)

“We’re providing good value for money in the best locations, with the best build quality and from a name that buyers can trust.”

It’s quite a claim that Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, makes, as he basks in the sun on his adopted homeland of Mallorca, where coastal regions enjoy around 300 days of sunshine per year according to Holiday Weather.

“Just look around you,” he continues, gesturing at the stunning backdrop of sparkling azure sea and deep, deep blue sky. “A lot of work goes into choosing the locations for our developments, so that our buyers really do get the best there is.”

It’s an ethos that is clearly apparent at Costa Beach, where Taylor Wimpey España is offering high spec, frontline properties from as little as €262,000. The price tag is impressive. The sea views are fabulous. The nearest golf course is just 900m away. The development enjoys spectacular communal grounds and a sizeable pool. Inside, the apartments include designer fixtures and fittings, air conditioning, double-glazing and security doors.

So far as good value for money is concerned, Pritchard certainly seems to be spot on, and when it comes to the best locations the properties really do speak for themselves. Over in Porto Cristo, close to the incredible Caves of Drach, as well as peaceful sandy beaches, astonishing coves and crystal waters that are perfect for practicing all kinds of water sports, Cala Magrana III (prices from €230,000) offers buyers arguably some of the best sea views on the island.

Just 3km from Porto Cristo, by the idyllic coves of Cala Anguila, Cala Romántica and Cala Mandía, Residencial Cala Anguila II (from €245,000) is perfect for those who love the sea, as well as those looking to spend time on some of Mallorca’s best kept golf courses.

Indeed the building of such high-end developments has helped push Spain ahead of the rest of Europe when it comes to construction.

According to Eurostat, Spain’s construction sector increased by 14.4% year-on-year to January 2015, compared with an EU average rise of only 3%. In monthly terms, Spanish construction activity grew by 2% from December 2014 to January 2015 – double the figure for the EU.

It is indicative of buyers’ trust in Taylor Wimpey España that the company was able to keep building throughout Spain’s difficult economic times. With the right product, the market remained solid, despite tales of desperation elsewhere in the property sector.

“We’ve been doing this a long time, some 50 years,” concludes the company’s Marc Pritchard, “And one of the reasons for that is that we listen to our customers and respond to their needs. From the ability to personalise their new apartments during construction, to selecting the perfect location, we make sure that we never stop learning from those who buy from us.”

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 and Portugal vie for the top spot as golf season gets into full swing

Spain and Portugal vie for the top spot as golf season gets into full swing

by Kate Portugal Spain , ,
  • European Mediterranean countries offer 1,400 golf facilities (European Golf Association)
  • Golf courses command price premium second only to waterfront sites (KPMG)
  • Golf holiday sales up by more than 20% just 2 years (IAGTO)

With the dust settling on another fantastic Masters, golf season is in full swing once more. The PGA tour will see five tournaments take place in May, followed by another five in June and six in July.

When it comes to golfing in Europe, the courses of Spain and Portugal have long enjoyed a friendly rivalry, with both countries vying for the crown of Europe’s best golf destination.

Spain’s credentials lie not only in its fantastic courses, but also in the excellent value for money that it offers to golfers. The recent Avios Airmiles Value Tracker, which calculates the best value destinations around the world, saw Palma de Mallorca and Alicante take two of the top three spots (with Gibraltar in at number two) for value for money golfing destinations.

Portugal made fourth place on the list thanks to the Algarve’s courses, with Lisbon ranking sixth (after Tenerife took the fifth spot). Spain grabbed one further entry in the top ten, with Malaga being ranked number nine.

While Spain may have cornered the value for money market in the Avios rankings, Portugal has just romped home to victory after being named the world’s best golf destination at the 2015 World Golf Awards.

While the two countries continue to vie for the top spot, both are benefitting hugely from the money that comes with golf tourism. Martin Dell, director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, comments,

“Golfers are certainly not shy about spending when they travel abroad to play. Restaurants, shops and spas all do well when located near to a successful golf resort. Golf properties are also incredibly popular, with many commanding a price premium, particularly if they are part of an integrated golf resort development.”

According to figures from the European Golf Association, there are some 1,400 golf facilities in European Mediterranean countries, 170 of which have been considered as part of coastal integrated golf resorts by KPMG’s Golf Resorts in the European Mediterranean Region report. The report includes Portugal, as while it does not technically belong to the European Mediterranean region, its golfing credentials are too significant to ignore.

Properties on these resorts are highly prized, many of them as second homes for keen golfers who use them frequently throughout the year. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Our golf properties are always incredibly popular and the panoramic sea and golf views at resorts like Avalon, near Marbella, really do take some beating. Spain’s excellent value as a golfing destination extends to its golf resort market as well – a two bedroom, luxury apartment in Avalon, which is located in the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course, costs from just €305,000, which is fantastic value for a property of this calibre.”

According to the 2014 IAGTO Golf Tourism Report, global golf holiday sales grew by in excess of 20% between 2011 and 2013. Based on feedback from IAGTO member operators, Spain was ranked the number one top golf destination globally, followed closely by Portugal in second place. Both of these countries offer a wide choice of residential golf properties and the KPMG report highlights the growing shift from purely hotel based golf resorts to those offering residential accommodation options as well.

Interestingly, KPMG identify the fact that many of those who choose to live in a golf resort property do not necessarily play golf themselves. Instead, they are attracted by the beauty and serenity of the surroundings, the golfing lifestyle and the prestige that comes with owning a luxury pad beside a course. Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“We have certainly found that many of those considering purchasing a golf property don’t actually play, though some plan to take it up in the future as part of their retirement. The golf resort homes available means that buyers looking for a stunning, landscaped environment have their pick of some of the best properties that Portugal has to offer. In Lisbon, a four bedroom home on the Quinta do Peru golf estate (which made European Golf Magazine’s top ten golf courses league table) can be picked up for €590,000, while in the Algarve a three bedroom villa on the Vale da Pinta course costs just €439,000.”

For those who enjoy a regular round on the fairway, a golf resort property offers the perfect way to pursue their hobby from the comfort of their own home, either as a fulltime residence or as a second home for use with family and friends. According to the KPMG Golf Resorts in the European Mediterranean Region report, “numerous studies have indicated that golf courses come second only to waterfront sites as the most desirable location for a housing community.” Given the plethora of such sites available in both Spain and Portugal, no wonder the two countries are neck and neck in their quest to provide Europe’s best golfing experience.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Homes fit for a princess

Homes fit for a princess

by Kate Portugal Spain Turkey United Kingdom , , ,
  • Speculation rife that Royal princess is due to arrive on 25 April
  • Palatial Surrey homes available from £3.5 million (Barton Wyatt)
  • Overseas buyers seek sea views and Jacuzzis from €1.75 million (Ideal Homes Portugal)

With speculation rife that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting the arrival of a little princess on 25 April, despite the official party line being that the new baby’s gender is unknown, the world is watching and waiting for the patter of tiny Royal feet at some point this month.

The new princess (or prince, if the rumours and the bookies turn out to be wrong) will reside with her parents and older brother Prince George in the ten bedroom Anmer Hall, close to the Queen’s residence at Sandringham in Norfolk.

The luxury homes of the British Royal family are part of the country’s heritage, but you don’t have to be blue blooded in order to live in sumptuous surroundings. In Surrey, which is home to some of the most exclusive properties that England has to offer, £3.5 million is sufficient to purchase an eight bedroom, four bathroom Ascot house, from Surrey’s leading estate agency Barton Wyatt. The tastefully restored, unique Victorian home boasts a cinema, pool and gym, as well as a large sunny garden for making the most of the British summertime.

On the nearby Wentworth Estate, a brand new Georgian style five bedroom, five reception room home set in an acre of grounds costs a cool £4.6 million. Arranged over three storeys, the house is perfect for a family looking to house their little princes and princesses in style. For those with a nanny in tow, the Wentworth Estate offers a fantastic contemporary home with annex, for £4.95 million. The six bedroom detached home is ideal for those looking to accommodate a nanny on site, while the extensive gardens and ‘secret clearing’ in the woodland would be fantastic for older children.

But it is not just the UK that is attracting buyers of luxury homes, as Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“Many British families are taking advantage of the current excellent exchange rate to purchase a palatial second home overseas and Portugal is one of Europe’s best destinations when it comes to luxury homes that don’t cost the earth. A south facing seven bedroom villa with sea views and pool, with under-floor heating, Jacuzzi and tennis court will set you back just €1.75 million, which really is incredible value.”

Martin Dell, director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, has noticed that prestigious Spanish homes are also attracting the interest of buyers from the UK. He comments,

“Both high end city apartments and luxury coastal villas are piquing the interest of international buyers right now. Spain has a lot to offer those looking for peace and serenity in luxurious surroundings. For €1.2 million you can pick up a five bedroom, four bathroom villa with pool on the coast near Barcelona. Terraces and a summer veranda enjoy stunning sea views, while the basement provides a gym and home cinema for those rare days when the Spanish weather doesn’t oblige.”

For buyers who want to preserve the environment for the future, as well as provide the perfect home for their family in the present, Istanbul offers some fantastic eco homes, such as Oceanic Bay View from prime property agency Universal 21. An exquisite family home spread across three floors on the outskirts of Istanbul, the detached villa with pool combines eco friendly building materials with features such as reclaimed rainwater and solar power. Contemporary features such as earthquake resistance, ergonomic design and a smart house system complete this stunning dwelling.

Whether it’s a palace at home or abroad that your family needs, the right home is out there, just waiting for your little princes and princesses to make it their own.

For more information please contact:

Barton Wyatt: 01344 843000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Universal 21: 0203 287 8700 or www.universal21.com

Why do second home owners love Spain quite so much?

Why do second home owners love Spain quite so much?

by Kate Spain
  • Buyers from Russia, Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and Spain account for 61% of second homes purchased in Spain (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spain has 573 blue flag beaches – more than any other country (Spain Guides)
  • Luxury Mallorca townhouses available from €359,500 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has enjoyed a bumper start to 2015. Visitors to the company website are up by 16% and sales have increased during Q1 in all three locations in which Taylor Wimpey España operates: Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol.

Buyers from around the world have been charmed by Taylor Wimpey España’s luxurious new build properties, all of which come with the company’s signature blend of generously sized terraces, designer fixtures and fittings and communal pools and gardens. The company served buyers from 22 countries during Q1 2015, while those from Russia, Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and Spain made up 61% of the total number of sales.

“Spain offers a unique combination to buyers looking for sun-kissed luxury,” comments Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director. “Its numerous blue flag beaches (Spain has 573 in total – more than any other country) are perfect for families, while those with older children or travelling as a couple delight in its championship quality golf courses. The clement weather means that outdoor activities are rarely ‘rained off’ as they are in colder climes and the combination of sun and water makes for some fantastic memories.”

Buyers looking for a little luxury also delight in Spain’s gastronomic offering. Michelin starred restaurants rub shoulders with rustic tapas bars serving limited but exquisite menus, while excellent quality local wines abound. Spain has hundreds of native grape varieties, which grow well under the intense summer sun, ready for harvesting in autumn when they are plump and full of flavour.

Outdoor activities are a key driver for those with second homes in Spain, as well as in the Balearic Islands, where yachting is a popular pastime for families and friends. Taylor Wimpey España’s gated resort at Camp de Mar Beach in Puerto Andratx, Mallorca is one of the island’s most exclusive new developments. The two and three bedroom townhouses feature air conditioning and under floor heating throughout the properties, fully fitted kitchens with Silestone worktops, suspended washbasins in the bathrooms, double glazing and allocated exterior parking spaces. Prices start at €359,500 for a two bedroom townhouse.

For those looking to stay on the mainland, Los Arqueros Beach next to the wealthy towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus offers seriously luxurious properties from €385,000. Owners can enjoy not just their designer penthouses, but also the site’s two swimming pools, solarium and convenient access to the prestigious Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club, with its challenging par 71 course designed by Severiano Ballestero.

Mark Heaton, who bought a Taylor Wimpey España apartment in Benahavis, Marbella, highlighted the quality of the resort as one of the key factors in his decision-making process. Not only were he and his family delighted with the high specification and quality of their actual apartment, but also with the superbly tended gardens and foliage.

“It’s the details like that which are really important to our buyers,” explains the company’s Marc Pritchard. “There properties are finished to an incredibly high standard, but the work doesn’t stop there – we ensure that the pools, gardens, elevators and so forth are all just as impressive as the homes themselves.”

With such luxurious properties complementing the temptations of Spain’s weather, cuisine, natural beauty and sporting prowess, it is easy to see why so many buyers love to locate their second home there and why Taylor Wimpey España’s homes in particular strike a chord with those who enjoy the finer things in life.

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.

British buyers look to Green Spain to build the holiday homes of their dreams

British buyers look to Green Spain to build the holiday homes of their dreams

by Kate Spain
  • 42% of enquiries in Cantabria for land parcels, 67% from Brits (Kyero.com)
  • Buy and build often a cheaper option than resale property (Just Landed)
  • 25% of Cantabria enquiries for sub €50k plots (Kyero)

The northern Spanish coastal region of Cantabria is known for its lush vegetation, archaeological sites, fierce local rowing competitions and the quality of its beef, which has earned certain kinds of native cattle a European Union “Meats of Cantabria” Protected Geographic Denomination. It’s a pretty region that makes up part of “Green Spain,” which runs between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains.

Cantabria is also known for being home to the port city of Santander and to Spain’s third largest livestock market, but other than that the area has little to draw visitors away from the arguably greater attractions of the beaches of southern Spain or the lure of cities such as Barcelona and Madrid. One might therefore be forgiven for thinking that homebuyers would overlook Cantabria, but new data from leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com has revealed that the region is enjoying a significant amount of interest from British land buyers.

The Kyero Enquiry Report for Q1 2015 has shown that of those searching for property in Cantabria, 42% were searching solely for land, while 67% of enquiries were from Brits. The national average figure for those looking for land was just 7%.

Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, comments,

“The level of interest shown in Cantabria highlights an interesting trend. Price is certainly an influential factor on purchases in the region – 25% of enquiries are for land or properties that cost less than €50k and another 17% are for those costing between €50k and €100k. Buying parcels of land in this way can be a really cost effective way of owning your dream second home in Spain – you buy the land, then build the house that you have always wanted.”

Of course, Spanish red tape can make the process a little more complicated than simply buying and building, but with the right checks before purchase and the right contacts for the design and construction parts of the process, buyers can end up with a home worth far more than they invested. As Just Landed observes,

“It’s still possible in many areas to buy a plot of land and build a bigger and better home for less than the cost of a resale property.”

“Always check that the land is designated as a finca urbana,” advises Martin Dell, “And work in partnership with the local town hall to obtain the approval and certificate that you need to build. Don’t expect the wheels of bureaucracy to move fast, but persevere and the results could be extremely rewarding. Work with a lawyer before making your purchase and ask him or her to investigate any conditions or regulations placed upon the land that you are considering purchasing. A little outlay in time and expense at the start of the process could be well worth it in the long run.”

As well as control over the design, building your own home provides control over the materials used and over eco friendly factors such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. This can be particularly important for buyers looking to build their own retirement property, as investment in such components at the design and build stage can lead to significant reductions in energy bills once the home is completed.

The attractions of building your own home are being felt across Spain, with the number of building licence applications for new housing increasing by 38.9% in January 2015 according to the Ministry of Development. Applications to reform or restore homes were also up, by 10.6%.

When it comes to British buyers, the key to Cantabria’s popularity may well lie in its ferry link to the UK. Regular sailings from Santander to Plymouth and to Portsmouth provide an economical way to transport people, vehicles and goods between the two countries, with ferries taking around 24 hours to complete a single journey. Even pets can be taken along, with the right documentation.

250 km of coastal scenery and delicious, hearty peasant food add to Cantabria’s charms, though the weather isn’t quite as delightful as that in the Costa del Sol. Still, easy access to the UK and a cost effective way to own a dream holiday home seems to be a winning combination for many British buyers. For those of an active nature, the region offers some of the best surfing conditions in Spain, with both beach breaks and reef breaks present, as well as rockier areas for a wide variety of surfing fun.

The neighbouring Basque Country provides another surfer’s paradise, with Mundaka Beach hosting the World Championships in October each year. Windsurfers and kitesurfers also love the area, with both the Basque Country and Cantabria offering beautiful beach after beautiful beach.

The southern Costas may not have too much to worry about in terms of their overall visitor numbers, but one can’t help feeling that those snubbing Torremolinos in favour of settling in the peaceful countryside of Cantabria have discovered a way to enjoy Spain that they would really rather remained a secret.

To view properties across Spain available for sale and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.