Gourmet offerings across Europe tempt travellers to enjoy more than just winter sunshine

Gourmet offerings across Europe tempt travellers to enjoy more than just winter sunshine

by Louise Albania Italy Spain , ,
  • Spanish cuisine attracted 7.4 million international travellers in 2013 (Turespaña)
  • 67.5% of visitors to Italy frequent restaurants and pizzerias (National Union of Chambers of Commerce)
  • Foodie focus at Albania’s most exclusive Adriatic resort, with properties from €35,000 (Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa)

Britain used to have an incredibly poor reputation when it came to cuisine, but two decades of love and attention have revolutionised the UK’s edible offerings. Now, the country can proudly boast of its world-class cuisine, with everything from fine dining establishments in big cities to gourmet country pubs attracting tourists to the UK.

However, Britain’s foodie offerings were insufficient to earn it a mention in the Huffington Post report on the 20 most Michelin starred cities by capita in the world. Instead, France, Italy and Japan stole the limelight, with Spain (San Sebastian and Marbella) also earning two spots in the top 20.

The Spanish results are a far cry from the ‘Costa del Nightmares’ currently being showcased on British TV by Gordon Ramsay. Of course, nightmare restaurants can still be found in Spain (as in any country), but the majority of establishments are offering fresh, locally produced food that celebrates the country’s fantastic flavours. In fact, Spanish cuisine drew 7.4 million international tourists to the country in 2013, according to Turespaña – an increase of 32% on 2012.

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

“Spain has some wonderful flavours flowing through its cuisine. Saffron and paprika add both taste and colour, while a rich variety of meats and cheeses delight the pallete. The climate here also means that Spain benefits from a wonderful range of domestically produced wines and olive oils, as the long summer season makes growing conditions just perfect.”

Taylor Wimpey España has two developments currently near the foodie capital of Marbella: La Floresta Sur, in a peaceful location near Elviria Beach, where the large two and three bedroom apartments start at €178,000; and Avalon, in the best golf resort near Puerto Banus, where apartments are available from €265,000.

Italy’s gourmet reputation is unquestioned and its pizza, pasta, gelato and wine have been drawing tourists to it for decades. Data from the National Union of Chambers of Commerce reveals that 67.5% of those who travel to Italy attend its restaurants and pizzerias, while 68.3% frequent bars, cafés and bakeries.

Luxury Italian fractional ownership company Appassionata has found that food and flavour cooking holidays are one of the key attractions for the owners of their properties. From the urban fractional Casa Tre Archi (from £65,00 per fraction), in close proximity to an award-winning pizzeria, to the rural Casa Leopardi (£195,000 per fraction), where owners share in the wine, olive oil and truffles produced on the estate, food is high on the priority list. Owners regularly indulge in cookery lessons with pasta chef Fabio, either at his Castello di Marte restaurant or at their Appassionata holiday home. Appassionata founder Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs observes,

“Italy has such an incredible reputation for food and it’s definitely well deserved. Here in the Le Marche region, the emphasis is on locally sourced produce, so the diet is rich in game, fish, wonderful cheeses, peppery olive oils and soft, velvety red wines. We buy and cook what is in season, the ultimate in healthy living. My personal favourite are the local mussels, caught in Pedaso, cooked in white wine and garlic, accompanied by a chilled glass of local passerina white wine’’.

One less obvious gourmet destination, but one that is fast rising up the ranks of foodie must-visits, is Albania. Just 45 miles from Italy, Albania’s cuisine shares many of its neighbour’s flavours, but without the heft price tag. While Italy is known as an expensive place to eat and drink, Albania offers the same wines for as little as €4, making it a wonderful alternative for a foodie holiday.

The food offering formed an important part of the development and planning stage for the exclusive Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa on Albania’s Adriatic coast, where deluxe apartments and villas can be purchased from between €35,000 and €360,000. Marketing Director Peter Walshe explains,

“Albania’s traditional and Italian inspired cuisine is fantastic and we were keen to showcase this as part of the Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa. The development’s emphasis is on high-end, luxury accommodation and facilities and we knew that the food has to be first-class. We will feature both local dishes and select international dining experiences, as well as freshly caught seafood – with 300 m of private beach frontage, it would be a crime not to! The fruit and vegetables grown in the region are outstanding for freshness and quality and it’s incredibly cheap too.”

As rain and winds descend on the UK once more, the lure of winter sunshine becomes ever stronger. Thanks to destinations such as those mentioned above it can now be accompanied by gourmet feasting as well.

For more information on the properties detailed above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 (0) 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

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

Lalzit Bay: +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

 

Germans top the table as ever more visitors head to Mallorca

Germans top the table as ever more visitors head to Mallorca

by Louise Spain
  • Germans account for 18.4 million overnight stays during 2013 (Ultima Hora)
  • Touristic apartment occupancy up 3.4% in August 2014 (INE)
  • High spec 2 bedroom apartments from just €230,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Mallorca is an island blessed with stunning beaches, scenic mountains and a climate that attracts holidaymakers in their droves. It became a major tourist destination in the 1950s, since when the island has delighted millions of visitors, offering everything that a summer holiday should entail.

The largest of the four main Balearic Islands, which together accounted for 18.3% of Spanish tourism during 2013 according to Ultima Hora’s economic review of the year, Mallorca is the isle of choice for those looking for a sun-soaked family holiday, as well as for couples looking for a beach break with a little more sophistication and elegance.

The Ultima Hora report highlights the popularity of Mallorca with German tourists in particular. German visitors far outstripped those from other countries, with 18.4 million overnight stays during 2013. Visitors from the UK trailed behind, with just under 10.8 million overnight stays over the course of the year.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which has a number of leading developments on the island, comments,

“Mallorca is a true holiday paradise. Sun, sea and fabulous cuisine keep people coming here year after year and there are enough activities available to amuse everyone from toddlers to retirees.”

Pritchard speaks from the heart. His passion for Mallorca is such that he moved there with his family more than 20 years ago, since when he has been proud to present Taylor Wimpey España’s developments on the island to those looking for a high end second home in an exclusive location.

The company’s latest key-ready properties at the picturesque Cala Magrana III offer everything that visitors to the island are looking for from their accommodation, regardless of their country of origin. Available from just €230,000 thanks to an end of season offer, the last apartments have sea views and are located just 600m from Cala Anguila beach. Golf courses and Porto Cristo marina are also nearby, as well as a wealth of restaurants, bars and shops.

With either spacious gardens or generously appointed roof terraces, the apartments ensure that owners can partake of Mallorca’s laid back, outdoor lifestyle. The resort boasts a large swimming pool, communal gardens and dedicated sunbathing area in furtherance of this approach.

According to data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), occupancy in touristic apartments on Mallorca during August 2014 was some 3.4% higher than the previous year, emphasising the popularity of this kind of accommodation on the island. Visitors looking to own their own apartment, rather than renting someone else’s, are frequently delighted with the range of offer from Taylor Wimpey España, as well as the ease of the buying process.

Barbara Hibbert, an owner at Cala Magrana, was impressed with the high build quality of the development and that the apartments had clearly been built for owners to live in, rather than just as holiday accommodation. Features such as decent-sized fitted cupboards and a handy utility room ensured that her apartment could be a true home from home, meaning she could relax the moment she arrived. The location, with the beach, restaurants and shops all within walking distance, was also perfect.

With more and more visitors discovering Mallorca each year, Taylor Wimpey España’s developments are rarely for sale for long, so those looking to live the Mallorquin dream, whether full time or just for a few weeks of the year, are encouraged to act sooner rather than later.

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.

Record August drives up tourism employment in Spain as holidaymakers from Italy to the US flock to its sunny shores

Record August drives up tourism employment in Spain as holidaymakers from Italy to the US flock to its sunny shores

by Louise Spain
  • Spain is world’s third most visited country with 60.7 million annual visitors (WTO)
  • Tourism-related employment up 3.8% (Ministry of Tourism)
  • August visitor numbers at all-time high of 9 million (FRONTUR)

Spain is the world’s third most visited country, according to figures from the World Tourism Organization, and with everything on offer from beautiful beaches to delicious cuisine, there’s no questioning why that is. According to FRONTUR – The Inbound Tourism Survey Spain welcomed some 60.7 million visitors in 2013, up 5.6% on the year before.

2014 looks on track to be another fantastic year for the Spanish tourism sector, with August figures from FRONTUR showing a record month. Visitor numbers in August reached 9,070,024 – the highest figure since the FRONTUR surveys began and an increase of 8.8% on the previous year.

What is particularly interesting is the origin of the visitors. While the UK remains top of the table when it comes to visitor origin, with 2,136,879 in August, followed by France and Germany (with 1,981,643 and 1,290,777 respectively), the countries showing the largest growth were the US, Portugal and Italy.

Visitors from the US increased by 35.4% during August, according to the FRONTUR figures, while those from Portugal increased by 24.4% and from Italy by 15.5%. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which has been satisfying overseas holiday home owners for years with its stunning housing developments, comments,

“We see a true mix of international visitors here in Spain. While the UK, German and French markets remain strong, it’s good to see that Spain’s appeal continues to widen, adding to the diversity of those who visit its sunny shores.

“Spain itself is a country of vast contrasts, from landscapes to cuisine, so it seems fitting that those who visit it should also be from contrasting countries and backgrounds. Of course for many one visit just isn’t enough and many look to Taylor Wimpey España to provide them with a fantastic holiday home that they can enjoy time and again.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s brand new La Vila Paradís apartments and townhouses typify the kind of properties that overseas visitors are demanding. With an enviable beachfront location at Villajoyosa, the gated development boasts swimming pools, private parking and communal gardens. Buyers at La Vila Paradís can opt for two or three bedroom apartments, or three bedroom townhouses. All enjoy well thought out layouts, with beautiful views over the Paraíso Beach and sea. Prices start at €265,000.

Such properties are increasingly popular with those visiting Spain on a regular basis. The FRONTUR data revealed that while those staying in hotels in August increased by 4% (and accounted for 53.7% of total visitors), the 46.3% of visitors who stayed in non-hotel accommodation increased far more sharply – by 15%.

With such a strong month for tourism in August, employment in Spain has seen a marked benefit. Figures from the Ministry of Tourism show an increase of 3.8% during the month for the tourism sector, putting the total of those employed across the sector at 2.15 million. It’s a win win situation – Spain is opening up to new markets and attracting growing numbers of visitors from an increasing range of countries while building a strong economic foundation for its own future. Something for which future generations of Spanish citizens will no doubt be most grateful.

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.

Not just for affluent retirees – Golf looks to attract the younger generation

Not just for affluent retirees – Golf looks to attract the younger generation

by Louise Portugal Spain United Kingdom , ,
  • Only 22% of under 33s played golf in 2013 (D.K Shifflet)
  • Round of golf equivalent to 3.5 mile run (JC Golf)
  • Golf tourism to increase for 3 consecutive years (IAGTO)

The impact of leading golf tournaments, such as this year’s exciting Ryder Cup, is felt around the world – not just amongst the sporting community, but also within the property sector, as those with a love for the sport decide to turn their passion into purchasing power by picking up a property on a golf resort.

Global golf tourism is a big industry. According to Peter Walton, Chief Executive of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), golf tourism expanded by 9.3% in 2012 and “reported further growth in 2013.” 2014 is set to be the third consecutive year of growth, as keen players travel the world to indulge their habit.

Many players who find a course that they particularly love, or an area with several courses in the vicinity, are tempted to take the next step, as Chris White of Ideal Homes Portugal, which offers a selection of exclusive Algarve golf properties to the market, explains,

“Owning a golf resort property combines the traditional benefits of a holiday home with indulgence of a sport that for many is a lifelong passion. Many golfers dream of owning a second home on a golf resort and we tend to notice an upsurge in interest following the main tournaments each year.”

While the Algarve’s obvious choices of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo may be beyond the budgets of many – a four bedroom villa with sea and golf views at Vale do Lobo costs a cool €11m – those looking past the obvious choices can pick up good value properties for far less. A three bedroom semi-detached villa at Carvoerio’s delightful Vale da Pinta golf resort, for example, costs just €465,000.

Golf is a fantastic way to keep in shape. Though viewed by many as a leisurely sport, research compiled by JC Golf has shown that playing 18 holes and carrying your own clubs burns 2,000 calories, equivalent to going for a 3.5 mile run. It also aids balance and control, boosts brain power by stimulating blood flow and improving neural pathway connections and increases life expectancy by the equivalent of five years.

It’s also a great way to enjoy the sunshine of some of the world’s most tempting holiday destinations, as Marc Pritchard of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España observes,

“Many of those buying Costa del Sol apartments and penthouses at our popular Avalon golf resort have mixed motives for their purchase. They want the resort’s swimming pool for the children to enjoy, proximity to Marbella for dining, shopping and people-watching and spacious terraces on which to relax and appreciate the stunning sea views. The golfing element is of course a huge draw as well, with keen players loving the views across the whole golf valley, inspiring them daily to get out on the course and hone their skills.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s luxury Avalon properties can be picked up from as little as €265,000 for a two bedroom apartment. Their location is an attractive one for young adults who aren’t prepared to wait until their golden years to own a golf resort property, as the popularity of ‘Marbs’ with that generation continues to increase.

Young adults are being courted particularly hard by the global golfing industry at present, in the face of research by D.K Shifflet and Associates that has shown that only 22% of travellers under the age of 33 played golf in 2013. Keen to ensure that a new generation takes to the courses, many resorts are looking to attract younger players. Certainly the luxurious modernity of the Avalon apartments does just that.

Of course, it’s not just those looking to buy overseas who can enjoy the advantages of owning a golf resort property. Those buying in the UK have a fantastic choice of courses in the Surrey area, many of which have the added advantage of offering great deals for youngsters, as well as plentiful coaching and matches. James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning UK estate agency Barton Wyatt, comments,

“Courses at locations such as the Wentworth Club and Sunningdale in Surrey offer some fabulous golf for UK players and many are working hard to attract a new generation of players to the sport. I’ve even just signed my 10 year old son up to be a member! While we find that it’s the baby boomers rather than their children who are purchasing resort properties in the area, many families are certainly doing so with a view to encouraging their children to play.”

Properties in the area include the wonderful, seven bedroom Roundbarrow House, which benefits from its own swimming pool, landscaped gardens and one bedroom staff flat and the equally attractive five bedroom Longbourn, with swimming pool and tennis/sports court, valued at £3.95m and £5.95m respectively. Roundbarrow is situated just minutes from both Sunningdale Golf Club and Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club, making it the perfect choice for golfing couples who love the sport but don’t want to let competition on the fairway ruin their otherwise harmonious relationship!

Whether overseas or abroad, it seems that the enduring allure of golf resort properties is not to be underestimated.

For more information on the properties detailed above, please contact:

Ideal Homes Portugal: on +44 (0) 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 (0) 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Barton Wyatt: +44 (0) 1344 843 000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Spanish property on the up as penthouses command 30% price premiums

Spanish property on the up as penthouses command 30% price premiums

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish homes sales up 10.7% in July (National Statistics Institute)
  • Penthouses commanding price premiums of 30% (Globaliza)
  • 90% of foreign buyers don’t require financing (Aguirre Newman)

Spain’s property market is on the up, as a flood of foreign investors are snapping up bargain properties following years of tumbling prices. Provisional July figures from the National Statistics Institute have indicated that home sales increased by 10.7% compared with the same month in 2013, with 28,583 transactions in total.

The July figures mark the fifth successive month of rises, with homes sales increasing by 22% in March, 5% in April, 5.4% in May and 8.8% in June. The second hand sales market is doing well, while the homebuilding market has also experienced an uplift, with popular tourist areas issuing an increasing number of licences for new homes. In Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca, for example, the local planning department dealt with 451 licences in H1 2014 – an increase of 339% over the previous year, according to The Leader.

Demand is growing significantly on the Costa del Sol as well, with discerning buyers looking for high quality second homes and primary residences. Penthouses in particular are proving popular, with Globaliza.com reporting price premiums of 30% for such dwellings.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which has just released a new phase of its stunning Avalon development, with two and three bedroom apartments from €265,000, along with a lovely selection of penthouses, comments,

“We’ve seen a lot of interest from foreign buyers in the Costa del Sol recently and our penthouses are proving particularly popular. Buyers are looking for extremely high build quality at the moment, along with serious luxury when it comes to interiors. Obviously this is great news for Taylor Wimpey España as this is our ethos.

“As well as Avalon, our La Floresta Sur site near Marbella is proving a hit with buyers this year. Two bedroom apartments are available from €178,000, with buyers looking to enjoy the area’s fabulous sea and mountain views, lovely beach and delicious cuisine. Two large communal swimming pools and landscaped gardens provide a delightful setting for La Floresta Sur, while free unlimited use of all the facilities of El Soto Golf Club also add to the development’s family appeal.”

Interestingly, a new report from Aguirre Newman has shown that not only are foreign investors attracted by the bargain property prices of the Costa del Sol, but that they are also cash-rich when it comes to purchasing, with 90% able to buy their new property without financing, in stark contrast to the domestic market.

Such foreign investment is helping to reinvigorate the Spanish market and bringing money back into the country. The demand for new build property is also creating jobs and comes in light of the news that unemployment is finally falling. Employment Ministry figures show a decrease in the number of unemployed people of 122,700 in June, followed by a decrease of 29,800 in July.

While Spain’s recovery is still at an early stage, the future is looking increasingly rosy for the Iberian nation, so those looking to pick up Spanish property at the perfect price point had better act fast!

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.

Beat the hotel price rises by buying your own pad in Spain’s sun-kissed Costa Blanca

Beat the hotel price rises by buying your own pad in Spain’s sun-kissed Costa Blanca

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish hotels 22.6% more expensive in 2014 (National Statistics Institute)
  • Costa Blanca revealed as area of choice for overseas property buyers (National Statistics Institute)
  • Alicante-Elche airport sees more than 1.2 million passengers in busiest ever month

This summer has seen Brits heading abroad in their droves to take advantage of cheap sunshine breaks in the Costas. But it seems that Spain isn’t the cheap holiday destination that once it was, with recent data from the National Statistics Institute revealing that the price of hotels in the Iberian country has risen by 22.6% so far this year. Additional figures from the Consumer Price Index showed that the month of July alone saw an 8.3% increase in the price of hotels and other accommodation.

To beat the hotel price rises, an increasing number of clued up holiday makers are turning to investment in a second home in Spain as an alternative means of enjoying the Costas at their best. The Costa Blanca in particular has proven popular with both holidaymakers and foreign investors. In fact, according to data from the National Statistics Institute, Alicante absorbed almost 40% of total purchases made by foreign European buyers during H1 2014 – 4,267 homes in total – while Alicante-Elche airport recorded its busiest ever month in August, with passenger numbers in excess of 1.2 million.

As well as providing an alternative to hotel accommodation, holiday homes in Spain are used by many families as a means of building something up as an investment for future generations, as well as a potential retirement property in the more immediate future. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of established homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which specialises in developing luxury accommodation in key areas of Spain, explains,

“Many of our buyers are thinking way beyond their immediate desire for a holiday home. They are seeing their purchase as a nest egg for their retirement, or as something that their children and grandchildren can benefit from. Second homes provide a lifestyle benefit that multiple generations of family can enjoy.

“This summer here at Taylor Wimpey España we’ve noticed a particular increase in sales of holiday homes within the Costa Blanca. Our La Vila Paradis and La Recoleta developments are answering many would-be holiday home owners’ dreams by providing then with luxurious properties in prime locations.”

Located in carefully selected spots on the Costa Blanca, both developments offer beachfront accommodation that has been designed with owners’ comfort and luxury in mind. The two and three bedroom apartments at La Recoleta cost from just €142,000. The resort’s Mediterranean style buildings, wide avenues leading down to the sea and immaculate garden areas are complemented by a large swimming pool that is perfect for family fun.

Over at La Vila Paradis, sea views are the order of the day, with the gated development including two and three bedroom apartments as well as three bedroom townhouses. A communal swimming pool and landscaped gardens complete the site, while individual properties benefit from private gardens or terraces, depending on their position at the site. Prices begin at €245,000.

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.

French cross the border in search of bargain Spanish property according to latest Kyero report

French cross the border in search of bargain Spanish property according to latest Kyero report

by Louise Spain
  • 18.2% of foreign Spanish property buyers are French
  • 51% of enquiries for properties within an hour’s drive of France
  • 800,000 French citizens are Spanish speakers

It may come as no surprise that the English are the biggest foreign purchasers of Spanish property. For decades Brits have been flocking to the Costas for sun, sea and sangria and many have invested in family holiday houses that have the potential to become retirement homes in their golden years.

However, it seems that the English aren’t the only ones seduced by Spain’s charms. New data from Spain’s leading property portal, Kyero, which lists over 175,000 properties from 2,500 estate agents, has revealed that the French are the second largest group of foreign buyers of Spanish property.

Some 18.2% of overseas purchasers of Spanish accommodation during the past 12 months were French, according to the figures. Though they have some way to go before they rival the British figure (54.5% of purchasers), French buyers have already more than doubled those of their next nearest rival, Germans, who account for 7.5% of buyers.

So what is it driving so many of French across the border in search of Spanish property? The answer incorporates a range of factors. The desire for sunshine certainly comes into play (the weather in northern France is often not much better than it is in the UK), but it’s really a multitude of economic factors that have over the past year pushed more and more French buyers into Spain, as Martin Dell, Kyero’s Director, explains,

“The French economy is one of the strongest in Europe at the moment, providing French citizens with great buying power. With the French property market looking pretty flat, many are casting their eyes further south in search of holiday home bargains that can satisfy both investment and lifestyle requirements. Property in Spain is incredibly cheap right now and for French buyers, being part of the Euro, means that the headache of currency exchange is removed from the purchase process.”

Spain’s northern provinces, within an easy drive of the border, have proven particularly attractive to French buyers. Kyero figures reveal that Girona, just 55 minutes’ drive from France, garnered 51% of enquiries during the period. It was followed by Castellon (46%), Tarragona (29%) and Cantabria (25%).

Spanish is the second most widely taught foreign language in French schools, with some 800,000 French nationals speaking it and leaving plenty with the desire to spend time over the border for anything from a long weekend to a more permanent arrangement.

The French preclusion for Spanish property is one of a number of insights made available thanks to Kyero’s data. The portal will be producing a new quarterly report from September onwards, capturing all of the essentials regarding the Spanish property market. Uniquely, it is the only Spanish property portal aimed at foreign buyers and, as 45% of buyers are non-English, is available in 33 languages to ensure that the Spanish market is accessible to all.

For more information, to ensure you receive your copy of the report and keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, please visit www.kyero.com.

There’s more to Mallorca than Magaluf, as record numbers of tourists are discovering

There’s more to Mallorca than Magaluf, as record numbers of tourists are discovering

by Louise Spain
  • Record 8.3 million foreign visitors head to Spain in July (tourism ministry)
  • Visitor spending up 7% to unprecedented €34.5 million for Jan-Jul (EGATUR)
  • Balearic visitor numbers up 3.9% in July (Frontur)

It seems that tourists everywhere have been packing their sun cream and heading off to Spain this year for some summer beach time. 2014 has seen millions of foreign visitors flock to Spanish shores, with a record 8.3 million in July alone – up 5.9% year on year, according to the country’s tourism ministry. Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria comments,

“If the trend continues I think we will have a good August, too.”

The impressive visitor numbers are backed by further positive news, as figures from the Tourist Expenditure Survey (EGATUR) show a record spending increase of 7% year on year from January to July. Total tourist expenditure for the period reached €34.5 million, while July alone saw expenditure of €8.1 million – another record and an increase of 4.5%.

The Spanish economy has welcomed the additional tourists and their eagerness to spend more than ever before. The impact on unemployment in tourist-driven areas such as the Balearics has been positive, with the number of people out of work falling 0.24% in August compared with the previous year. Data from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security registered the largest monthly drop in unemployment in the services industry, with 133 fewer people unemployed.

The Balearics, along with mainland Spain, have been enjoying a share of increased visitor numbers. Some 6.2 million tourists visited the islands between January and July, 0.8% more than for the same period in 2013. The Frontur tourist movement survey shows that July was 3.9% better than the year before for Balearic visitor numbers.

With stunning beaches, excellent sailing and water sports facilities, distinctive cuisine and plentiful sunshine, it’s not too hard to see the Balearics’ appeal. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, one of Spain’s most prestigious and respected homebuilders, comments,

“To my mind, the Balearics are paradise on Earth. Mallorca, in particular, is an incredible place to visit. It offers holidaymakers everything they could wish for, whether they’re holidaying as a young couple, a family group or a retirees. Mallorca’s charms captured my imagination from the moment I first set foot on the island – so much so that I was compelled to make it my home.

“The impressive tourism figures show Spain’s recovering strength as a nation and reflect the fantastic leisure pursuits, weather and recreational activities that this wonderfully varied country has to offer.”

For those, like Marc, who want more than just a brief holiday under the Mallorcan sunshine, Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of delightful homes on the island, from two bedroom luxury apartments with communal pool close to the beaches, coves and amenities of Porto Cristo (from €230,000), to pretty townhouses just 50 m from Camp de Mar beach (from €377,000).

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.

All aboard! World’s largest cruise liner set to visit Malaga amid soaring Andalucía tourist figures

All aboard! World’s largest cruise liner set to visit Malaga amid soaring Andalucía tourist figures

by Louise Spain
  • 361 metre MS Oasis of the Seas set to arrive at Malaga on 11 September
  • Cruise passenger numbers double in decade to 2013, to 20.9 million (Cruise Market Watch)
  • International visitor numbers to Andalucía up 4% from 2012 to 2013 (Andalucia.com)

The gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol, the municipality of Malaga is steeped in culture and history, from its contemporary art centre to its two Moorish castles and museum dedicated to the city’s most famous son – Pablo Picasso. It is also home to some of Spain’s finest beaches, with wide expanses of sand at locations such as Estepona attracting hordes of tourists each year.

In fact, the autonomous community of Andalucía, where Malaga is located, attracted some 7.9 million international tourists during 2013 (up 4% on 2012) according to Andalucia.com. The area’s combination of sunshine, beaches and delicious cuisine has proved a winning combination with visitors for decades.

Now, the world’s largest cruise ship is set to join the list of those enjoying Malaga’s myriad attractions. On September 11, the 361.6 metre long MS Oasis of the Seas, which has 16 decks and can hold up to 6,365 passengers, will dock at Malaga en route from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona. The ship features the usual range of bars, restaurants, lounges and shops but also includes everything from a miniature golf course, 5 swimming pools, 10 whirlpools, an ice-rink, tattoo parlour and water park.

The cruise liner industry is one that has experienced massive growth over the past decade, with passenger numbers doubling from 10.4 million in 2004 to 20.9 million in 2013, according the Cruise Market Watch. By 2018, the figure is expected to rise to 24.1 million. In the 2015 and 2016 alone, 17 new cruise ships are expected to come online, adding $3.4 billion in annual revenue to the industry.

Spain is a popular destination not just for cruise passengers. According to the UN World Tourism Organization’s Tourism Highlights 2014 Edition report, it is the third most visited country in the world, with the Costa del Sol amongst the leading tourist attractions.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, one of Spain’s most prestigious and respected homebuilders, comments,

“Spain, and in particular the Costa del Sol, has so much to offer that tourists can spend weeks here and still go home feeling that there were things that they didn’t have time to do. It’s one of the reasons that so many look to purchase a second home in Spain, so that they can return time and again in order to make the most of this fascinating country.”

The current strength of the pound against the euro has certainly also played a part in prompting buyers from the UK to look to Spain to find the holiday home of their dreams. Those wishing for property in the Malaga area would do well to consider the stunning new Horizon Beach development in Estepona.

With direct access to the beautiful, 2km long Galera Beach, overlooking the Bay of Gibraltar, the two and three bedroom homes at Horizon Beach boast sea views, private gardens or sunroof terraces and a delightful cream marble finish in living rooms and bedrooms. With delivery set for June 2015, prices start at just €360,000.

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.

Don’t lose your brain on the plane – 5 steps to buying your second home overseas safely

by Louise Italy Portugal Spain United States , , ,
  • Foreign property purchases up 50% in 1 year
  • Pound at 22 month high against Euro
  • Brits buying in Spain up 84% (Currencies Direct)

Yahoo Travel has revealed that France has taken the top spot as the world’s most visited destination, followed by the US, Spain, China and Italy. However, when it comes to UK residents, it seems that a holiday just isn’t enough anymore, with Currencies Direct reporting an upsurge in Brits buying overseas. The figures show an increase of more than 50% in foreign property purchases in the last year alone, with Spain registering the greatest growth at 84%.

Such an increase is a sure sign that Brits are keen to buy fast once the time is right. The favourable exchange rate (the pound is at a 22 month high against the euro), coupled with markets such as Spain and Portugal bottoming out, creates significant opportunity for those looking to profit from their second home overseas.

Panic buying, though, can be a risky business, so don’t lose your brain on the plane – instead follow these five simple steps to buying overseas with confidence.

  1. Buy through an established company

It may sound obvious, but if a deal from a little-known company sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Buying a villa from an unscrupulous developer who has built on protected land could see your life savings vanish fast, so always buy through a reputable company with a long and pristine track record. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, advises,

“Do your research and find out how long the developer you are considering buying with has been in business. Find reviews on the internet from customers who have bought previously through them and grill them on any details where you require clarification. A reputable company will be happy to answer your questions, no matter how many you many have.”

  1. Make use of inspection trip offers but don’t feel obliged to purchase

Many companies offer inspection trips to allow you to view a range of their properties and get a feel for the areas in which you are considering buying.  Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“A reputable company should be happy to assist your property search by arranging an inspection trip. At Ideal Homes Portugal, for example, we offer inspection trips from just £149, which include return flights for two adults, airport transfers, luxury hotel accommodation, free legal advice from an independent property lawyer, free financial advice from an independent mortgage brokerage, a rental and property management presentation and exclusive advice and guidance from one of our experienced property consultants.

“Those on our inspection trips certainly get excellent value for their money, but we at no point pressure them to buy – and any company that does should be treated with extreme caution.”

  1. Think outside the box

If you’re nervous about sinking your savings into overseas property, consider some alternative options. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs of Appassionata recommends fractional ownership for those looking to buy overseas with less risk. She explains,

“Fractional ownership allows buyers to pick up their dream holiday home for just a snippet of the usual price. Here at Appassionata our owners get five weeks’ usage of their Italian property per year, without having to worry about the hassle of maintenance and upkeep in between times. They still own a share in a property overseas that they can pass down to their children or sell at a later date, but with less risk then buying outright.”

  1. Be sure to get value for money

Do your own research on property prices in the area/country you are looking at, but make use of the experts’ research too. As Philip Button, Managing Director of specialist property investment firm Brookes & Co, comments,

“Any company worth their salt will be able to offer you extensive information on price trends in the area where you are looking to buy, with figures from reliable sources that you can check out yourself. From historical data to the latest market predictions, they should have everything to hand to enable you to make a fully informed decision. If they don’t, beware!”

  1. Get to know the people you’re buying from

Key to buying with confidence is getting to know the individuals that you are dealing with and who will be responsible for assisting in the purchase of your property. An ideal way to go about this is to start your search at a local event, such as the Overseas Property Show, which is due to tour the UK between September and November. Professionals will be on hand to answer questions from potential buyers and to demonstrate just what their money can buy them in a range of overseas locations, from Portugal to the US.

With so many more buyers looking to second homes overseas to meet their lifestyle and investment requirements, these top tips to buying safely have never been more timely.

For more information on buying safely overseas with the companies detailed above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 (0) 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call +34 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 (0) 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Appassionata: +39 073 465 8775 or www.appassionata.com.

Brookes & Co: +44 (0) 1621 875 925 or www.brookesandco.co.uk.

Overseas Property Show: for free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.