• Spanish construction up 13.9% in October (Eurostat)
• Construction and real estate to drive Spanish economy in 2015 (Arcano)
• Newly constructed golf properties from just €145,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

The cranes are on the move once again in Spain, as the construction sector finally picks up its tools following a seven year pause. October 2014 saw the sector register a 13.9% increase in activity compared with a year earlier, according to Eurostat, while financial advisors Arcano have pegged real estate and construction as two of the driving forces behind the Spanish economy in 2015.

Only the biggest and the best in the sector carried on building through the downturn, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“The past few years certainly haven’t been easy for Spain’s construction and real estate sectors. Many developments were simply left mid-construction when the hard times hit and it has taken until now for a lot of companies to have both the confidence and the financing to begin building once more.”

Taylor Wimpey España, which is the Spanish arm of FTSE 100 listed homebuilder Taylor Wimpey, continued building throughout the crisis years and was rewarded with strong sales figures as a result. While domestic demand may have dwindled, many overseas buyers remained keen to pick up second homes in Spain and the company found that its signature blend of beach access, pools and high end properties was the perfect combination to meet the needs of those looking to buy.

“It really felt like we were the only ones still building at some points,” continues Pritchard. “So it was great to see the sector picking up again late last year. I think 2015 should see it come surging back to something like its former glory as there’s pent up demand for new properties. This year should definitely mark a turning point for the Spanish construction and real estate industries.”

A recent report from independent financial advisors Arcano supports Taylor Wimpey España’s thinking, highlighting real estate and construction as two of the most significant engines of economic growth in Spain in 2015. The company has predicted a resurgence of both house prices and residential building in Spain this year, driven by improved financing and mortgage options, foreign investment and recovering domestic demand.

Taylor Wimpey España is certainly expecting big things during 2015. Its Miraval development, which offers a rare opportunity to purchase a high end apartment near the fantastic La Cala Golf Resort at Mijas Costa (on the Costa del Sol) is tipped to be one of the most popular this year, with seven of the 27 units having sold already. The apartments enjoy large terraces (gardens on the ground floor), golf and sea views and a southerly orientation. Prices start at €245,000 and completion and handover is scheduled for October 2016.

Over on the Costa Blanca, key ready properties are available at Las Brisas de Alenda Golf, in sight of the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas mountains. Select properties enjoy direct access to the stunning Alenda Golf Course, while the beach is just 15 minutes away. As with all Taylor Wimpey España sits, pretty gardens and a communal pool complete the offering. Prices for a three bedroom/two bathroom home are from €145,000.

With both construction activity and house prices on the up, no doubt many buyers will see early 2015 as the optimum time to buy their dream property in Spain, while bargains like these still abound.

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.

• 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail (University of Bristol)
• 1 round of golf equates to a 3 to 6 mile walk (Live Healthy)
• Get fit in the Costa del Sol sunshine, with apartment prices from €178,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Even those with the strongest willpower in the world tend to relax and indulge in a few extra calories over the festive season, as mince pies, boxes of chocolates and general feasting ruin all but the strictest of diets. Then comes January, with its usual dose of good intentions and resolutions to get fit.

Getting fit doesn’t have to be difficult and doesn’t have to mean crowding into a gym with dozens of other sweaty individuals. There are several fabulous alternatives and not all of them are restricted to the UK, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“Exercising and participating in sport should be an enjoyable experience. It’s something that we keep in mind with every development that we build. All of our sites have communal pools, for example, and with almost year-round sunshine in Spain, burning off calories with a few daily lengths during the winter months is definitely achievable.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s sites also benefit from access to a host of nautical sports, such as sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving, thanks to their carefully selected locations close to popular beaches and marinas. Many owners enjoy participating in such activities, which are a far cry from pounding away on a running machine in an over-crowded gym.

Golf is another great way to get fit. A round of 18 holes involves a walk of between three and six miles, according to Live Healthy. Owners at La Floresta Sur can benefit from access to El Soto Golf Club, which includes a gym and sauna as well as the course itself. Prices for two bedroom apartments there being at €178,000.

Also on the Costa del Sol, Avalon is a stunning new development at which prices are from €295,000 for a spacious, two bedroom apartment with high spec fixtures and fittings. Owners are treated to special prices at Los Arqueros Golf, including its gym, sauna and squash, tennis and paddle courts.

Taylor Wimpey España’s Miraval site, where apartments start at just €245,000, also enjoys special golf packages, being located by La Cala Golf Resort.

A University of Bristol study conducted back in 2007 examined in detail the success rates of New Year’s resolutions by working with some 3,000 participants and tracking their progress against their goals. It found that, despite the participants’ initial confidence, some 88% of those who set New Year’s resolutions failed to achieve their goals. Perhaps the additional motivation of Spanish sunshine streaming down on them while they attempted to get fit might have been enough to turn some of those failures into success stories.

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 pulls in record tourist spending of €56,374 million (Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism)
• Spanish economy to grow 2.4% in 2015 (Funcas)
• Luxurious Costa Blanca properties from €142,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Tourism in Spain contributed 11.7% to the economy in 2013, according to the latest data from Market Research Reports, with total tourism output reaching €191.5 billion. And as 2014 draws to a close it looks certain that those figures will be pushed even higher thanks to a record-breaking year.

“It’s been a fantastic year for Spain,” comments Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, the Iberian arm of the UK’s Taylor Wimpey, which has just re-entered the FTSE 100.

“We’ve seen resorts across the country receive record numbers of visitors, with the lure of Spanish sunshine tempting many to come here for their holidays. One of the great things about Spain is its mass appeal – whether for singletons, couples, families or retirees, Spain has something to offer everyone.”

One of the country’s most popular areas is the Costa Blanca, where Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis offers luxurious apartments with a communal pool and stunning beachfront location from as little as €229,500. Excellent restaurants, beautiful beaches and glorious sunshine abound in the area, helping to drive up visitor numbers over the course of the year.

Those looking for even better value for money will be wowed by La Recoleta, where two bedroom apartments just a few metres from the beach can be picked up for an astonishing €142,000. Sea views, private gardens and a communal pool perfect the development.

Nationally, tourism had an excellent year. Overnight stays at Spanish hotels were up 5.1% in October compared with the year before, reaching a total of 26.2 million according to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism reported record tourist spending of €56,374 million between January and October.

“There’s a feeling here that while 2014 has been good, 2015 is going to be great,” Pritchard continues. “Spain still has some way to go in sorting out its finances, but there is much more of a feeling of positivity about the economy than there was this time last year.”

Indeed, the latest projections from the Foundation of Savings Banks (Funcas) show the economy as growing by 2.4% in 2015, an increase on the previous estimate. The global reduction in the cost of oil is cited as one of the key reasons, as it lowers production costs and increases the money available to individual Spanish families.

Those overseas will be feeling the same effects and for many 2015 may well be the time to invest in that much-longed-for second home in the sunshine. Those looking outside of mainland Spain will find some wonderful property options on the sun-kissed island of Mallorca. One of the best is Taylor Wimpey España’s Cala Magrana III development, with two bedroom properties packed with designer fixtures and fittings available from €230,000. The site includes a lovely communal garden with swimming pool and is just 600 m from Cala Anguila beach, with golf courses and Porto Cristo marina also nearby.

As the New Year rolls in and the excesses of Christmas make way for planning and preparing for the new year ahead, many will be thinking wishfully of a week or two in the sunshine – and Spain will no doubt be top of many wish lists. With visitor numbers and spending already on an upward trend, it looks like the future of the tourism industry in Spain could be bright indeed.

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.

• Key-ready holiday properties with 5% cash discount for festive buyers (Taylor Wimpey España)
• UK residents spent 611.5 million nights overseas in 2013 (ONS)
• Spain is UK’s favourite destination, attracting 11.7 million visitors last year (ONS)

When you’re a kid, Christmas is packed with the promise of sleigh bells in the snow, feasting on chocolate and the wonderment of seeing that Santa has delivered the presents when you wake up on Christmas morning. As a teenager, it’s a time for no school and for asking your parents for over-priced goods that you wouldn’t normally get. When you become a parent, it’s about making it perfect for the little ones and starting the cycle again.

But what about those whose children are past the age of believing in Father Christmas or even so grown up that they have flown the nest? While the holiday period is still full of excitement, it can be tricky to find the perfect gift after so many previous Christmases (and birthdays!) of having done just that.

All is not lost though. This year, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, has the ultimate Christmas gift in mind – a second home in Spain. He comments,

“Surprising your partner and family with a Christmas gift on this scale has to be the ultimate present! You’re giving them the gift of years of happy holidays and memories to come. I’m not sure there’s anything to top that. The towns along the coast here are twinkling with Christmas lights and all manner of festive events are planned to run from now through until the New Year.”

Spain is the UK’s favourite travel destination, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with 11.7 million visits last year (an increase of 5.8% over the 2012 figure). In mainland Spain, on the Costa Blanca, Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis – Villajoyosa resort is offering festive purchasers a discounted price of €225,000 for its well thought out two bedroom apartments. The gated development boasts swimming pools, communal gardens and stunning sea views over Paraiso beach.

Alternatively, on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, the Cala Magrana III development has key-ready apartments from just €230,000, with a 5% cash discount for any buyer who legally completes before the end of the year. Porto Cristo marina, Cala Anguila beach and some of Mallorca’s best golf courses are all close to these contemporary apartments.

ONS figures show that visits abroad by UK residents increased by 3.5% in 2013 over the previous year, with 611.5 million nights spent overseas. Why not pick up the ultimate Christmas gift this year by buying a house in Spain and push this figure even higher in 2015?

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.

• “Comfort, quality and the exquisite aesthetic” are the order of the day
• Outdoor furniture more important than indoor for sun-kissed locations
• Taylor Wimpey España takes care of the furnishings so that buyers can relax from the moment they arrive

Dressing a property to wow potential buyers is a skilled art. Mirrors need to be strategically placed in order to maximise light while avoiding glare. Pictures need to complement the colour scheme while remaining neutral in order to suit a wide range of tastes. The sofa needs to have just the right number of cushions to show how delightfully comfortable it will be the moment the viewer sits down.

While it’s true that those viewing a property are buying it based on its location and other fixed attributes such as the number of rooms and the layout, the way that it is dressed can have a massive impact.

When it comes to dressing show properties for new developments, particularly those overseas that will be bought as second homes, the design becomes even more important. As Spain’s leading homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España is well aware of the importance of dressing a property for success. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard comments,

“For many of those interested in buying a second home in Spain, first impressions are everything. They need to walk through the door of the property and get ‘the feeling’ straight away; to know that the property is perfect for them.”

With construction beginning on the company’s new Miraval development this month, Taylor Wimpey España’s Costa del Sol designer, Ana García, will once more be hard at work. The first phase of the development consists of 27 two and three-bedroom apartments, along with a large communal swimming pool and prettily landscaped gardens. Prices start at €240,000.

As with all Taylor Wimpey España’s properties, Miraval has been designed with outdoor living very much in mind. For many purchasers, outdoor furniture is even more important than indoor furniture, as their intention is to spend as much time outdoors as possible. As plans for Miraval’s furniture begin to take shape, we pinned down the Taylor Wimpey España designer to find out her top tips for furnishing a second home overseas.

What are the three key points you keep in mind when furnishing a Taylor Wimpey España apartment?

Comfort, quality and the exquisite aesthetic. I ensure that there is an affinity between the interior and the exterior qualities of the individual apartments and the building as a whole, so that the furnishings complement the design of the development.

How important is the interior design of an apartment in attracting a buyer, compared with the build quality, communal areas and location?

The importance of the interior design is huge. The key to it is to make each apartment different, reflecting in each one the personal taste of each individual and granting them the comfort that they demand for their lifestyle.

Do holiday home owners and full-time residents differ in what they want when furnishing a new apartment?

Yes. The most common difference between them is that the long-stay resident usually demands more functional furniture, whereas holiday home owners may opt for something more stylish and exciting. This is because furniture in a home that is used all the time will undergo more stress than furniture in home that is used part-time, so it needs to be more durable while still looking fantastic.

Which is your favourite room to furnish in an apartment and why?

For me, each room is important as the others when we are furnishing and garnishing. However, I do make a point of taking special care of the areas where the purchasers are going to spend the most time, like the living room and the terrace.

Is there anything else we should know about the role that interior design plays in selling Taylor Wimpey España apartments?

Our experience of dealing with foreigners who are buying property in Spain has shown us that it takes some time for them to get to know an area, which can make it hard for them to find everything they might need to buy for their new home. We try to solve this problem by meeting as many of their needs in advance as possible. That way they can enjoy their holidays without having to worry about where they might be able to buy tablemats or pillow cases!

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.

• Spanish life expectancy higher than in the UK (WHO)
• Spain tops list of retirement destinations for Brits (MGM Advantage)
• 5% cash discount on retirement properties on Mallorca (Taylor Wimpey España)

The Foreign Office estimates that some 800,000 Brits live in Spain for all or part of each year. The number of those residing permanently is uncertain but best estimates put the figure as being somewhere between 250,000 and 400,000 people.

Spain’s attractions as a retirement destination are clear for all to see, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, observes,

“The Spanish lifestyle is hugely appealing to those who have lived and worked all their lives in the UK. The warmth of the Spanish sun, the beautiful beaches and the laidback way of life are a world away from the prospect of retirement in the UK.

“The low cost of living in Spain is also a draw. Quite simply, retirees can get more for their money here in Spain as their pensions stretch further. From food to property, pensioners can take advantage of lower prices in order to indulge in a level of luxury that retirement in the UK would preclude.”

Spain’s proximity to the UK also makes it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy their retirement in the sunshine. Short flight times and cheap fares make it easy for family members to visit, meaning that retirees don’t need to feel isolated from their loved ones just because they have moved overseas.

Those retiring to Spain can even enjoy increased life expectancy, with World Health Organization data showing life expectancy in Spain as 82 years, as opposed to 81 in the United Kingdom.

The global economic downturn briefly impacted on Spain’s popularity as a retirement destination for Brits, but the latest MGM Advantage survey has shown that the Iberian country has regained the top spot, with 13% of the 2,000 Britons who were polled voting for sunny Spain as their retirement destination of choice.

It’s not just mainland Spain that is proving such an attractive destination for pensioners, but also the Spanish islands. Mallorca, where retirees can pick up stunning key-ready properties at Taylor Wimpey España’s Cala Magrana III development from just €230,000, is. With communal pool and lush gardens, the site offers buyers contemporary accommodation with easy access to both the beach and Mallorca’s excellent golfing facilities.

As a special offer, Taylor Wimpey España will apply a 5% cash discount to any buyer who completes their purchase at Cala Magrana III before 31 December 2014, giving those who dream of picking up the ultimate overseas retirement property this side of Christmas an added incentive.

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.