Property buyers flock to Spain as number of home sales rockets by 39.8%

Property buyers flock to Spain as number of home sales rockets by 39.8%

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

It seems the Spanish housing market has finally turned the corner. According to the latest figures based on actual transactions from the General Council of Notaries, home sales in February 2014 were up by 39.8% (to 26,602 transactions) when compared with February 2013.

  • Spanish home sales in February 2014 rose by 39.8% (General Council of Notaries)
  • Sales of private apartments in new homes up by 24.1% (General Council of Notaries)
  • Asking prices for Spanish property increase by 8.9% throughout Jan and steadily on the up (General Council of Notaries)

This increase in transactions is reflected in all segments of the residential property market, including the sale of private apartments, with sales of those in new homes soaring by 24.1%.

The report also showed that the value of property sold so far this year has steadied, after an increase in prices of 8.9% in January. While in February there was a slight increase in the average selling price (which was up 0.6%), the figures corroborate reports that asking prices have finally stabilised over the  last three months.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“We’ve seen that sales are steadily increasing and prices are stabilising … could this be the much-anticipated beginning of a new chapter for the property market in Spain?

“Another indicator of confidence in the market came from the construction industry, where new build completions have also stabilised. Considering this sector took the biggest blow as a result of the economic crisis, it is now visibly on the up. Here at Taylor Wimpey España alone we have acquired 12 new plots and developments.”

The latest analysis from Spanish property portal Kyero has pinpointed exactly what buyers are looking for. The data shows that Alicante and the Costa Blanca continue to be the most attractive areas for foreign buyers, accounting for 31% of all enquiries generated, followed by Malaga in second place, which attracted almost 14% of enquiries.

The most popular properties by far were apartments, which generated 41% of enquiries. These were followed by villas (28%) and country houses (15%). In terms of accommodation size, 3-bed properties attracted the most interest (34%), though they were followed closely by 2-bed properties (30%).

In terms of cost, the most attractive price band when it came to foreign buyers was €50K to €150K, with 47% of all enquiries falling into this bracket.

So for those looking for their perfect place in the Spanish sunshine, it seems there is no time like the present. Prices are continuing to rise and the strength of the pound against the Euro is once again in the favour of British buyers, leading many to take a closer look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer.

Brisas de Alenda Golf is a beautiful residential development on the Costa Blanca that typifies the type of high specification, well-built property that Brits are looking for. The private complex offers 3 bedroom properties with generous private gardens, communal swimming pool and club house, as well as a gym, bar and restaurant all available from just €145,000 + VAT.

Designed to optimize the light and the space and with the best finishes and facilities, the Brisas de Alenda townhouses enjoy a peaceful location adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, while the wonderful white sands of the Costa Blanca are a mere 15 minute drive away.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Spain in top 10 most attractive global real estate markets for foreign investors

by Georgina Spain

Europe “seems to have regained the favour of investors,” demonstrated by the fact that 70% of investors chose Western Europe as “the world’s most attractive region for real estate investment,” according to the CB Richard Ellis European Real Estate Investor Intention 2014 study.

An “increase in investor appetite” was also observed in the report, which indicated that some 67% of those consulted expected that their activity in real estate would increase this year.

Furthermore, the study reveals Spain as the third most attractive country in Europe for investment in real estate, with only the UK and Germany coming in ahead.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey Españacomments,

“This news comes as no surprise to those of us on the ground in the Spanish property market. We have seen a steady increase already this year of foreign buyers coming from Western Europe, looking for residential property across the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca.

“Spain has become an oasis for foreign investors, who between 2009 and 2013 bought property totalling just over €9.6 billion according to a study by Real Capital Analytics. This puts Spain in tenth position globally for attracting foreign investment.

“Interestingly, our own sales figures for this year, up until mid-March, reveal that the biggest interest from European buyers has come not just from traditional Brit buyers but from those in Spain itself, indicating that confidence is returning once again to the market not just on an international but also on a domestic level.”

Indeed, the Taylor Wimpey España figures show that British buyers, unsurprisingly, have taken a place in the top three positions in terms of those nationalities snapping up Spanish boltholes in the sun, along-side Spanish (20%) German (20%) and Scandinavian buyers (20%) followed by Belgians (12%).

For those Europeans wanting to join in the action and pick up their own slice of Spanish sunshine in the world’s tenth most attractive real estate market, the timing has rarely been better. As a holiday home destination Spain has it all: climate, golf courses, shops, hospitals, international schools, good infrastructure and international airports with connections to numerous cities across the globe.

Taylor Wimpey España’s glamorous homes on the Costa del Sol include a range of options designed to appeal to property buyers of all nationalities.

La Floresta Sur is a new residential development, currently under construction, located near the village of Elviria and its delightful beach, very close to both Marbella and Malaga. Set in beautiful surroundings, which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO, this development benefits from stunning views towards the oak and pine forest as well as towards the sea. These incredible properties are available now from just €178,000.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visitwww.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Holiday homes with swimming pools make a splash as 23% of Brits are scared to swim in the sea

Holiday homes with swimming pools make a splash as 23% of Brits are scared to swim in the sea

by Georgina Spain

As Britons prepare for their sunshine holidays over the Easter break, with millions more busy planning their summer getaway, a survey conducted by leading online travel agent On the Beach has revealed that whilst 67% of holidaymakers consider themselves confident swimmers, almost a third (31%) won´t swim in the sea!

  • 23% of British holidaymakers are scared to swim in the sea (On the Beach)
  • 45% of those avoiding the sea prefer the swimming pool instead (On the Beach) 
  • 70% of Costa Blanca second home seekers desire a swimming pool (Kyero)

Indeed, the survey also revealed that almost half (45%) of those that stay well clear of the deep blue say they prefer to swim in their hotel pool, whilst almost a quarter (23%) say they are scared of swimming in the sea.

Of course, this spells great news for owners of properties in frontline locations with swimming pools in top European getaway destinations such as Spain.

Recent findings from leading online Spanish property portal Kyero.com has suggested, unsurprisingly, that a swimming pool is a huge priority for those looking for a property in Spain, with a whopping 70% looking for homes with pools in the Costa Blanca alone!

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“It comes as no surprise that swimming pools are popular with second home buyers. A swimming pool is sand-free, contains no dangerous currents, you can go back to your property within seconds and with Taylor Wimpey España properties the pool can only be used by residents, so is far more private and exclusive than the beach.

“Demand for second homes with both communal pools and direct beach access remains especially high which is why we are very excited to be able to offer a range of high quality beach homes on some of the most spectacular shorelines in the country including the Costa Blanca.”

Indeed for homebuyers looking for a place in the sun, most will find that their money stretches further today in Spain due to the strengthening of the Pound against the Euro. Incredible property bargains are to be had such as 3 bedroom townhouses in established areas of the Costa Blanca available from just €145,000 – many thousands below the asking price for similar property in the UK.

Those who are thinking about making a Spanish property purchase this year, would do well to take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer.

Brisas de Alenda Golf is a beautiful residential development offering three-bedroom townhouses with generous private gardens, communal swimming pool, clubhouse, gym, bar and restaurant, all available from just €145,000 + VAT.

Designed to optimize the light and the space with the best finishes and facilities, the Brisas de Alenda townhouses enjoy a peaceful location adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are a mere 15 minute drive away.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visitwww.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Forget the sunshine! Cuisine and culture alone brought 7.4 million tourists to Spain last year

Forget the sunshine! Cuisine and culture alone brought 7.4 million tourists to Spain last year

by Georgina Spain
Spain’s diversity makes it a cultural powerhouse. It is Western Europe’s second-largest country (after France) in terms of area and the world’s third-largest exporter of wine, fruits and vegetables. The incredible diversity of its people and passions holds the key to understanding Spain’s eternal appeal.
  • Spanish cuisine attracts estimated 7.4 million tourists, 32% increase on 2012 (Turespaña) 
  • Spanish food named Europeans’ second favourite cuisine (National Report of Trips and Gastronomy, TripAdvisor)
Gastronomy in particular has become the new ´goose that lays golden eggs´ of the Spanish economy, and hundreds of young chefs are filling cooking schools, turning gastronomy into a mainstay of the country. Spain’s cuisine attracted 7.4 million international tourists in 2013 alone according to Turespaña, representing a delicious 32% increase on 2012.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,
“Fine food and wine are insurance for our culture. It is very hard for tourists to not get hooked on our huge range of gastronomic offerings, which are often a key part of their desire to make their sojourn in Spain a more permanent arrangement.
“Gastronomy in Spain is different; it is authentic and sets us apart competitively from other destinations. Spanish food is currently the second most preferred food of Europeans, finding itself second only to Italian, according to the National Report on Trips and Gastronomy completed by TripAdvisor among continental users.
“With such a range of gastronomic delights on offer, it’s no wonder that we have experienced a whopping increase in sales this year already, with second home buyers coming from all over the world.”
It may only be two hours by plane from the UK but Spain offers a completely different dining experience for budding master chefs. The immensely varied landscape is home to a huge range of livestock and a multitude of seafood in the waters that lap the shores, from the Mediterranean to the Cantabrian Sea.
Those looking to make their stay in foodie heaven more permanent in exclusive Mediterranean surroundings need look no further than Taylor Wimpey España’s brand new beachfront La Vila Paradís apartments on the Costa Blanca, offering direct access to Paraíso beach in the stunning Villajoyosa area.
Beautiful sea views are complemented by carefully landscaped communal gardens and a delightful pool with a range of unique, high quality two and three bedroom apartments boasting large terraces perfect for al fresco dining. Prices start at just €259,500.
The Costa Blanca is well known for its fine choice of restaurants, where diners can enjoy a vast array of tapas, including regional specialities including red prawns from Denia, the world’s best artichokes from Amoradi and delightful local wines from Jalon. For those with a sweet tooth, the delicate, crumbly turron from Jijona – along with turron ice cream – are an absolute must.
For more information on buying property in Spain contact Taylor Wimpey España today on:
08000 121 020,
+34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK)
Retirement refugees: British retirees break the mould and branch out to pastures new, seeking a better life abroad

Retirement refugees: British retirees break the mould and branch out to pastures new, seeking a better life abroad

by Georgina Spain

New Office for National Statistics (ONS) data suggests that more than 30% of the UK population is now above the age of 50 – and that they control 80% of the wealth.

The research chimes with last month’s poll of 1,500 over-50s by charity Age UK, which found that 60% of older consumers are open to trying new brands, contrary to perceptions that older customers are likely to stick with tried-and-tested products and services.

With the older generation open to new ideas and holding 80% of the UK’s wealth, more and more are venturing further afield and seeking new options for retirement. A new wave of ‘retirement refugees’ has been created with older people feeling pushed out of the UK due to increasing costs of retiring, cold weather affecting their health and a lack of suitable accommodation.

Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living, a Summers’ Villages, a private gated apartment resort dedicated exclusively to active over 50s on Lanzarote, has witnessed a huge increase of retirees visiting the resort since opening in September 2012. His clients are united in their quest for something different from the life they had in their home country. Summers explains,

“Moving to Sun Park Living means you’ll have daily access to the climate, culture, food, amenities and facilities that you’ve possibly only ever enjoyed on holiday. We see retirees visit Lanzarote in their droves, enjoying a near-perfect climate and a relaxing lifestyle. They all have one thing in common: they are not afraid to embrace a new adventure.

“Here we offer retirees a great chance to indulge in their favourite hobbies and activities, and maybe even try something new. Our Villages have great places where you can get together with new found friends, enjoy a cuppa (or maybe something stronger), or just take a bit of time out on your own.

“Moving abroad to the sunshine and learning new tricks – or brushing up on old ones – helps to maintain the grey matter and regenerate both the body and mind. Nothing is as important throughout your golden years as keeping stimulated and living life to the full both mentally and physically.”

Indeed, soaking up the sun has been medically proven to be beneficial. Vitamin D, which the body makes when exposed to natural sunlight, helps bones to absorb calcium, which is vital to bone health, communication between nerves and fighting inflammation.

As well as the medicinal advantages of its warm, sunny climate, Sun Park Living allows residents to get involved with all manner of social and sporting activities. The activities and events are organised by those living on the resort, fondly called ‘SunRockers.’ They vary from Village to Village, but generally include outdoor and indoor bowls, reiki, yoga and even dancing classes, arts and crafts, gardening groups, Spanish and computer lessons, many competitions, charity work and movie nights.

There are also social events to look forward to such as Village dinners, ‘happy hours,’ morning teas, Social Fridays for those not living at the resort to come and meet residents, or group outings to local restaurants and shops, island tours and attractions.

So what are you waiting for? If you are semi or fully retired over 50 and looking to meet like-minded people on sunnier shores then why not consider a stay at Sun Park Living? Become a SunRocker today for the affordable year-round rate of €625 for each four-week (28 day) stay.

Alternatively, if you are thinking of visiting Sun Park Living for the first time to see if the village lifestyle is for you, take advantage of the Taster Week rate of just €250.

For more information, visit www.sunparkliving.com or call 0161 408 3360. You can also follow Gil and the team onTwitter or Like them on Facebook.
It’s smiles all-around as a record number of foreign tourists descend on Spanish shores

It’s smiles all-around as a record number of foreign tourists descend on Spanish shores

by Georgina Spain

A record number of tourists travelled to Spain last month – January 2014 – with 3.1 million foreigners making their way to the country, a rise of 12.3 per cent on the previous highest-ever figure of 2.9 million, seen in January 2008.

Interestingly, the sharpest rise in foreign holidaymakers were the French with a year-on-year increase of 19.5 per cent, according to the survey Tourist Movements across Borders released last week by the ministry of industry, energy and tourism (FRONTUR).

Whilst British nationals were once again the most prevalent visitors to Spain in January, accounting for 32.8 per cent of tourists from abroad, nearly 553,000 travellers and 9.2 per cent more than last January.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Ranked the third most popular tourist destination in the world, Spain remains a resilient holiday destination, popular with foreign travellers whatever the market conditions. The record number of tourists welcomed in January 2014 continues the positive trend in arrivals witnessed in 2013 when a record 60.66 million arrived on Spanish shores.

“Indeed in line with growth in tourism so too we have seen growth in the second home market in Spain over the last 12 months. The introduction of new and expanded air routes such as EasyJet increasing the number of flights it operates from Germany to destinations such as Alicante this year, is a real sign of confidence, both from FTSE 100 companies and individuals alike, in the market.

“The Costa Blanca in particular is one Spanish destination that has performed very well on the property front, offering one of the most famous coastlines and climates. We only may be two months in but here at Taylor Wimpey España, we have experienced a great start to 2014 with a recorded growth of 300% throughout Feb compared to the same month last year  in the Costa Blanca already.”

Dissecting the FRONTUR survey data further, it reveals that package holidays accounted for 28.5 per cent of travellers in January, 11.9 per cent more than last year, whilst the remaining 71.5 per cent opted for a ´DIY´ trip, representing a rise of 12.5 per cent on January 2013.

So for those looking to ‘Do It Yourself’ and purchase your own slice of the Spanish sunshine, why not check out what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer?

Brisas de Alenda Golf is a beautiful residential development on the Costa Blanca offering 3 bedroom townhouses with generous private gardens, communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant all available from just €145,000 + VAT.

Designed to optimize the light and the space with the best finishes and facilities, the Brisas de Alenda townhouses enjoy a peaceful location adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful white sands of the Costa Blanca are a mere 15 minute drive away.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 0034 971 70 69 72.

New global flight routes set to take Spanish tourism to even higher heights in 2014

New global flight routes set to take Spanish tourism to even higher heights in 2014

by Georgina Spain

Global jetsetters planning their journeys to Spain will see even more options open up in 2014 as the airline industry launches new routes and increases the frequency of flights to the world’s third most visited tourist destination.

  • Air Europa plans thrice weekly direct service between Madrid and Abu Dhabi from late 2014
  • In addition to thrice weekly non-stop flights from Miami to Madrid from August
  • Emirates launches new A380 service from Dubai to Barcelona
  • Air China to open second route to Spain in May 2014
  • Norwegian plans new direct service to Malaga and Alicante from three German cities

The United Arab Emirates´ flag carrier Etihad Airways and Spanish airline Air Europa have signed a codeshare agreement which will see both carriers significantly enhance access to and from Spain, the UAE and destinations across the globe.

As part of its effort to increase travel to Spain, Air Europa plans to commence a thrice weekly direct service between Madrid and Abu Dhabi from late 2014.

This news is welcomed by Taylor Wimpey España who are happy to hear that their Middle Eastern clients will have a greater selection of routes available to Spain’s glorious Mediterranean destinations such as the Costa Blanca on the east coast this winter with Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of the leading Spanish builder commenting,

“Historically it hasn’t always been easy to fly direct from the Middle East to Spain which is unfortunate considering the popularity of the Spanish market but now with this new codeshare agreement and thrice weekly direct service to the capital, both holidaymakers and property owners alike can enjoy easier and more flexible access to our wonderful nation.”

In addition Emirates has just launched the first regular A380 service with daily flights from Dubai to Barcelona and Air China will open its second route to Spain in May 2014 with a four-times-weekly Beijing-Barcelona service via Vienna, further boosting air connections to the Far East.

Looking west across the Pond, Air Europa will commence a new thrice weekly non-stop flight on the popular Miami to Madrid route from August this year whilst closer to home Scandinavian budget airline Norwegian is planning a string of new routes between Hamburg, Cologne and Munich and Malaga and Alicante.

So with Spain even more accessible in 2014, why not make your stay more permanent and own your own place in the sun with Taylor Wimpey España?

Montesol is a fabulous residential complex situated in one of the best areas of the Costa Blanca, Calpe “Maryvilla”, an area characterised by its tranquillity and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
These 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouses offer gardens for those all-important barbeques, a large sun terrace, air conditioning and hydro-massage bath. With a price tag of just €252,000, this development is a perfect investment, destined to attract savvy buyers from all over the world.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com . If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Apartment accommodation on the up in the Canaries

Apartment accommodation on the up in the Canaries

by Georgina Spain

According to the latest figures released by ISTAC, the Canarian Institute of Statistics, 33 million overnight stays were made in apartment accommodation throughout the Canary Islands in 2013, an increase of over 1.8% compared to 2012.

  • 33 million overnight apartment stays made in 2013, up 1.8% on 2012 (ISTAC)
  • English dominate with 11 million overnight apartment stays in 2013
  • Apartments at Sun Park Living, Lanzarote fully booked for 2013/4 winter season

A popular winter sun holiday hotspot, 3.2 million overnight stays in apartments (as opposed to hotel accommodation or with friends and family) were recorded in December 2013 alone with the Islands welcoming both international and domestic visitors alike.

By nationality, once again English visitors dominated with 11 million overnight apartment stays in 2013, followed by the Nordic nations at 6 million. A trend attributed to the overall increase in tourism to the islands over the last 12 months.

Gil Summers, Co-founder and Co-owner of Sun Park Living, a Summers’ Village, a private gated apartment resort dedicated exclusively to active over 50s on Lanzarote, comments,

“2013 was a record year for the Canary Islands as a whole with 10.63 million foreign visitors arriving on our beautifully sunny shores. Lanzarote welcomed almost a quarter, at 2.1 million, with British tourists dominating, at nearly 1 million, followed by the Irish, French, Russian and Italian visitors, where there´s been a significant gain.

“ISTAC reports a 4 point increase in apartment occupancy rates across the Canaries for 2013 compared to 2012; in Playa Blanca, the south of Lanzarote, occupancy levels were up at 88.62% in November last year. At Sun Park Living, we´ve been fully booked for the entire 2013 winter season and, today, a year ahead of next winter, we have already reached almost full capacity for the 2014 season so we are very happy indeed.”

So what makes apartments such an increasingly popular accommodation option?

In Gil’s eyes it´s all about the magic combination of safety, affordability, comfort, convenience and flexibility. In this specific case, Sun Park Living is about creating a home from home for all guests, he explains,

“Compared to a traditional holiday accommodation in a hotel, apartment accommodation offers visitors the opportunity to relax and set the tone to their own stay. Today’s travellers want variety and experiences, as much as the freedom to explore and enjoy on their own terms and not be restricted by set meals, closing times, daily intrusions in their space, or even being bombarded with repetitive entertainment. Touristic hotels usually operate a 7 or 14 day stay model, and travellers spend most of their time within the complex, with no need or interest in eating out and experiencing the local cuisine and culture, and hence missing out on everything the island has to offer.

“By comparison, apartments, by their nature, lend themselves to longer term stays. They are usually set within a resort enabling guests to make use of the communal facilities such as the swimming pools and recreation areas, and meet with like-minded people as and when they wish. The apartments are more spacious than hotel rooms and feature kitchen areas to prepare you own food, to your own liking on your own timescales. And additional services, such as laundry, housekeeping, transfers and even doctor services can be arranged of course.

“At Sun Park Living apartments we go the extra mile by offering guests a breath of fresh air, they get a wonderful community spirit, the complex is very safe and is quickly becoming the ideal meeting point for community minded singles and couples. We have also recognised the need to go beyond the expected and necessary; going back to our initial point of “creating a home from home” we have made it possible for all our guests to arrange for long term storage, enabling them to keep their cherished personal belongings in the complex, travel light, and have their things always ready when they return to the resort.

“This apartment style accommodation is particularly popular with older British guests, we are seeing ever increasing numbers staying for 4 to 6 months or even a year at a time, many even changing their lifestyles completely, by renting out their home back in the UK to come to live here and spend holidays back at home with the family, making this a great option for anyone considering an over 50s senior gap year”.

So if you are over 50 and looking to meet like-minded people with whom to spend a long term in sunny shores then why not consider a long term stay at a Sun Park Living apartment? Become a ‘SunRocker‘ today for an affordable year-round rate of €625 for each four-week (28 days) stay.

Alternatively, if you are thinking of visiting Sun Park Living for the first time to see it this is for you, the rate for a Taster Week is only €250.

For more information visit the website at www.sunparkliving.com or call 0161 408 3360. You can also follow Gil and the team on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.

Construction cogs turn once again as Costa Blanca property market shows signs of recovery

Construction cogs turn once again as Costa Blanca property market shows signs of recovery

by Georgina Spain

According to official statistics from the College of Technical Architects and Surveyors of Alicante, activity in the construction sector, which suffered a significant slump after reaching record highs during the boom years, has begun to show signs of recovery, returning to levels witnessed at the beginning of the crash in 2008.

  • 362% increase in Alicante housing construction in 2013 (College of Technical Architects and Surveyors of Alicante)
  • 11,501 home sales in Q3 2013 (Department of Infrastructure Development for Statistics)
  •  32.4% of homes in Spain acquired by foreign residents (Q3 2013)

Indeed Alicante alone ended the year 2013 with 2,037 new dwellings, a staggering 362% increase in housing construction in the area compared to 2012.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, operational in Alicante, comments,

“It comes as no surprise that official data such as that from the College of Technical Architects and Surveyors of Alicante confirms that construction in the Costa Blanca region is showing pre-recession levels again. We have experienced this resurgence on the ground ourselves with four new developments on the Costa Blanca and more on the horizon as sales continue to rise.
“There is clearly a high demand for second properties in the area as more and more visitor’s descend. Nearly 6 million foreigners visited the region last year attracted by the stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, warm Mediterranean climate and ease of access with ever increasing flight routes from budget airlines across Europe and the world.
Further cementing this trend, a report from the Department of Infrastructure Development for Statistics reveals that the Iberian nation, despite recent economic challenges, remains a firm favourite for foreigners to establish permanent residence or find their perfect holiday home. Of the 11,501 home sales in Q3 2013, 32.4% were acquired by foreign residents in Spain.
Furthermore, the report reveals that foreigners staying in a property or homes of family visit the Costa Blanca area an average of 15.2 nights per year, with 83% of arrivals travelling by air, which supports the strong increase in passenger numbers passing through the international airport of El Altet last year.
In terms of nationalities visiting the region, Norwegians arrivals increased by 31% throughout 2013, Swedish 28%, Danish 56% and Finnish 46%. Also flocking to Spanish shores are Russian tourists, which increased by 54% last year in comparison with 2012 figures.
So why not see what all the fuss is about for yourself and take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in this ever popular region of Spain?
Sitting on the border of the Mediterranean, Calpe, famous for the Peñón de Ifach rock and renowned for being a popular beach town in Costa Blanca, is a haven for potential property buyers.
The Calpesol residential complex is a brand new development consisting of spacious homes with landscaped gardens and a communal swimming pool. The properties have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and cost from €168,000  + VAT. The properties include terraces, private gardens and outdoor parking all finished to a high standard.

For more information about buying a Spanish property in 2014, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Spanish real estate now a ‘good opportunity’ according to latest PwC report

Spanish real estate now a ‘good opportunity’ according to latest PwC report

by Georgina Spain

In a forecast published jointly by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PwC, the weight of international capital is leading investors to turn to recovering markets such as Spain in 2014. The report states that the Iberian nation undergone an “extraordinary turnaround in sentiment” with 67% of respondents slightly or strongly agreeing that there are now “good buying opportunities” in Spain.

  • 67% agree there are good buying opportunities in Spain (PWC  Emerging Trends in Real Estate report Europe 2014)
  • The price of housing in Spain increased 0.8% in Q3 2013 (Eurostat)
  • Taylor Wimpey España reports best year for sales since 2006 

Investor confidence has also been further boosted by data published by the EU’s statistical office, Eurostat which reveals that the price of housing in Spain recorded an increase of 0.8% in Q3 2013 compared to the previous three months, when it had fallen by eight tenths.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“It is very encouraging to see the experts such as the Urban Land Institute and PwC highlighting the turnaround which Spain has undergone and the vast potential which remains. We have been saying for some months now that the situation, especially within the second homes market, is steadily improving.

“Last year we at Taylor Wimpey España recorded our best year since 2006 in terms of sales volume and you only have to look at the vast sums being invested into real estate by both private individuals such as Bill Gates and large investment funds, to see that ‘good opportunities’ still do exist in Spain.“

One such ‘good opportunity’ presented by Taylor Wimpey España is the key-ready Brisas de Alenda Golf development located on the perennially popular Costa Blanca.

3 bedroom townhouses boasting generous private gardens, communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant as well as a bilingual English/Spanish school close by, are available now from just €145,000 + VAT, well below the average asking price for the region (€197,000 according to Kyero.com, Q4 2013).

Designed to optimize the light and the space with the best finishes and facilities, the Brisas de Alenda townhouses enjoy a peaceful location adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca and Alicante airport are both a mere 15 minute drive away.

For more information about making the most of this ‘good opportunity’ and investing in Spanish property in 2014, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.