Property Inspector: Generation rent: Madrid vs. London

by Georgina Spain United Kingdom

The state of the UK buy-to-let market is no secret: even as Help to Buy helps people climb the property ladder, tenant demand stays strong. But how does Britain´s rental sector compare to Spain? TheMoveChannel.com´s podcast compares the experiences of a Madrid renter to a London letter.

  • Buy-to-let booms in Britain 
  • Spanish housing crisis good news for tenants?
  • 9.1 per cent of Madrid rents reduced in October 2013
  • Rents in London up 4.9 per cent year-on-year in October 2013

TheMoveChannel.com´s Property Inspector: taking a closer look at global real estate each month.

The housing crisis has left a lot of UK house hunters stuck as tenants, with landlords able to snap up the houses that are available and charge high rates. For Spanish renters, though, the housing crisis may have been a good thing, judging by the Property Inspector´s chat with Silvia Platero Peña, as large supply and low prices appear to produce favourable conditions for tenants.

Indeed, according to idealista.com, 6.3 per cent of all homes listed for rent in Spain reduced their rates in October 2013, 11.5 per cent higher than the previous month. In Madrid, 9.1 per cent of rental prices were reduced.

In London, meanwhile, rents jumped 4.9 per cent year-on-year in London, according to LSL Property Services, while the number of new tenancies also increased – that demand has helped to push up rents throughout 2013. Help to Buy is helping to slow down that demand and stabilise rents, according to other indexes, but the broad conditions remain the same.

In terms of investment, another idealista.com report shows that the gross return on a rental property in Madrid was 4.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2013. In London, rising property prices have offset rental incomes, leaving the UK capital outside of HSBC´s top 10 buy-to-let hotspots in April 2013. Even so, the highest yields available in the UK capital were 6.15 per cent in the borough of Southwark, much higher than Spain´s capital.

The head of research at idealista.com, Fernando Encinar, says the discounted rental rates “clearly shows that property owners are aware that price remains the determining factor in closing a deal”.

Are Spain´s landlords more sympathetic to growing numbers of cash-strapped tenants amid high levels of unemployment?

Silvia´s friend recently moved flat in Madrid. Steve recently moved flat in London. We record a conversation between them discussing their experiences of renting property.

Click here to listen to the full discussion.

How hard was it to find a place to rent?
Silvia: It was easy for her. She wanted to move but she didn’t spend much time looking – finally, she found it by chance!

Steve: It was quite tough, mainly because there were so many people looking at the same time. Our specific budget, below £1,000 per month, is also pretty rare in London, which made it tougher.

Are there many homes/flats available on the market?
Silvia: Yes, there are many flats available on the market.

Steve: It depends on location and price. I think the main problem is competition for the supply that there is, with a lot of people renting because they can´t buy.

Are there lots of people fighting over the same rental property?
Silvia: People don’t fight over the same home, because there are many places to live.

Steve: Yes, competition is high. If we viewed a home one day, it could be gone by the time we made an offer.

Did you have to be quick to sign a contract before someone else moved in?
Silvia: No

Steve: Yes. To secure the flat, we made an offer on the spot while at the viewing and also paid a deposit to reserve it.

Was your landlord willing to negotiate on how much you pay?
Silvia: Yes, he let me negotiate but not too much.

Steve: Yes, he was willing to negotiate, although not by a huge amount.

Are rents more expensive now, in your opinion?
Silvia: No, the cost of renting rooms has dropped €100.

Steve: Yes, I think so. Our landlord is now trying to increase our rent when we renew the contract next month to keep in line with rising prices around the area.

Was it harder to move flat now than when she last moved?
Silvia: No, now it is easier because prices are cheaper and there are more houses available because of the crisis.

Have you ever considered moving to another city or country?
Steve: No.
Silvia: Yes, she would like to move to any country, she doesn’t care where.

Notes to Editors
Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world.

The website address is http://www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

Sun-drenched Spain steals number 3 spot in latest world tourism rankings

Sun-drenched Spain steals number 3 spot in latest world tourism rankings

by Georgina Spain

Spain announced earlier this week that it had retaken the number three spot in world tourism in 2013, overtaking China by welcoming a record 60.6 million international visitors. The sun drenched Mediterranean country now only stands behind France with 83 million international tourist arrivals and the United States with 67 million according to the World Tourism Organisation.

  • Spain overtakes China to coveted third global position (WTO)
  • Iberian nation welcomed record 60.6 million international visitors in 2013
  • 2013 the best year in terms of sales since 2006 reports Taylor Wimpey España

Indeed, foreign tourist arrivals surged by 5.6% in the year according to the Spanish national statistics group FRONTUR, adding almost 11% to the country’s total GDP and remaining a key driver of economic recovery.

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

“There are numerous reasons why Spain still ranks top of the list for holidaymakers. For Brits the easy to reach reliable good weather plays a big part, swapping grey clouds for blue skies and the strength of the pound against the euro means that visitors can get more for their money which has no doubt aided the increase in people snapping up attractive deals on hotel accommodation and rental properties.

“We at Taylor Wimpey España have seen this increase of tourists translate directly into the holiday real estate market. 2013 has been the best year in terms of sales since 2006 with both frontline and inland projects performing very well. We currently do not have any stock properties on the Costa del Sol and only 18 in total on Mallorca and the Costa Blanca.

“Whilst this is of course impressive, I do not however think that we have seen a complete turnaround in the market. The fact that Spain has decided to exit its EU bailout is a sign of real progress and a step in the right direction. Indeed if our 2013 sales volumes are anything to go by, 2014 is looking like a very promising year for the Spanish second homes market.”

For those looking to grab a slice of Spanish life, the expert team at Taylor Wimpey España are more than willing to lend a hand offering up an array of high quality properties in popular locations across Spain.

One of the most famous coastlines in Spain, the Costa Blanca attracts millions of visitors each year and is traditionally a favourite destination for foreign buyers drawn to the clear blue waters, miles of golden sandy beaches, quaint villages, sophisticated cafes and restaurants and an abundance of historical, cultural and leisure activities.

Why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in this beautiful region?

The brand new La Vila Paradís apartments enjoy a stunning location in Villajoyosa, on the beachfront with direct access to Paraíso beach. The complex has a pool, private parking and communal gardens. The penthouses include basement parking and storage.

These apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and boast wonderful views over the Paraíso Beach, the sea, the pool and private gardens of the development.

For more information about this exciting new frontline development priced from €259,500 + VAT please 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.

No pain in Spain as Taylor Wimpey de España records significant increase in foreign sales – but who’s buying in 2014?

No pain in Spain as Taylor Wimpey de España records significant increase in foreign sales – but who’s buying in 2014?

by Georgina Spain

The latest data from Spain’s leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España, suggests that 2013 saw the end of the pain in the Spanish property market with a substantial increase in enquiries by foreign buyers last year compared to 2012.

In addition to an increase in traditional British buyer interest, enquiry levels rose markedly during 2013 with a staggering increase from Middle Eastern buyers topping the list, with Belgians following in second place, and Italian, Swiss and Russian purchasers all showing an increased amount of activity, boosting overall property sales throughout last year illustrating just how broad the appeal of owning a home in Spain is.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España comments:

“Obviously in this current climate we are delighted with the 2013 enquiry rate. Buyers are aware that prices have realigned from 2009 and this is having an impact on purchasing confidence.

“Secondly, buyers from non-EU countries have become more prominent on the Spanish property market throughout the last 12 months, looking to take full advantage of the new golden visa law set to come into play later this year, enabling Spanish residency for purchases of property over €500,000.

“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have already seen a huge influx of Russian and Middle Eastern buyers and we predict an even bigger increase throughout 2014 with the potential of newly affluent Asian buyers following suit as their wealth swells and the Chinese government steps up a three-year campaign to cool home prices. We also expect buyers from those EU countries which have not been so badly hit by the global downturn such as Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark to continue to push Spanish property sales up this year.”

Meeting demand from both EU and non-EU buyers, Taylor Wimpey de España is continuing to release high quality new developments to the market. The Costa Blanca market is proving particularly buoyant at present and is the perfect place in the sun for your dream Spanish getaway.

Indeed, according to data provided by the Spanish Institution of the Government Infrastructure (EIGE), the region continues to lead in home sales to foreigners grabbing 32% of the total sales volume across Spain making the newly released Taylor Wimpey España apartments in the region in high demand.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bathers and take a look before the world descends on Spain!

The Calpesolresidential complex is situated in the small tourist town of Calpe, in a desirable, peaceful spot only 5 minutes from the beach. It consists of properties boasting 3 bedrooms, cloakroom, 2 bathrooms, terrace, private garden and also benefit from outdoor parking, all for just €168,000.

Located one hour from Valencia and 35 minutes from Alicante, these beautiful homes, located in a scenic beach side valley surrounded by mountain landscape, offering various activities such as water sports and golf, are mot to be missed!

For more information 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.

Only boring people get bored. Kick the retirement blues and become a SunRocker today!

Only boring people get bored. Kick the retirement blues and become a SunRocker today!

by Georgina Spain
The relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented but multiple studies have also revealed an increasingly strong link between social interaction and mental and physical well-being for retirees.
•After just 10 months of retirement, boredom starts to kick in (Skipton Building Society) 
•24% of retirees complain that the British weather affects their desire to get out of the house
•Every Friday is Social Friday at Sun Park Living, Lanzarote 
While socialisation is critical for all people, regardless of age, seniors can be more susceptible to isolation. Upon reaching retirement age, and with children flying the nest, the opportunities for socialisation often decrease but research has indicated that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase feelings of happiness, develop a sense of belonging and beat boredom.
Indeed, according to Skipton Building Society after just 10 months of retirement boredom starts to kick in. The research reveals that more than half of those surveyed (54%) said the retirement glow wore off because they missed the camaraderie they had at work, while 4 in 10 felt they weren´t being mentally stimulated enough at home and 24% complaining that the British weather affected the desire to get out of the house.
Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living, a private gated community resort exclusively for those who are retired and active, located on the year-round sunny and warm Canary Island of Lanzarote, comments,
“As people get older boredom and loneliness can start to creep its way in but it doesn’t have to be that way. Rather than choosing an expensive care home in the UK why not choose a sunshine resort that encourages physical and social activity?
“Here at Sun Park Living we have devised a way of combatting boredom and isolation in your golden years. The joy is that residents, fondly referred to as ‘SunRockers’ can lead an active and independent community life within a permanent holiday environment of like-minded individuals.
“The residents organise their own events and activities whilst staying here. You may find some doing gardening, practising yoga, learning Spanish, painting, singing, dancing, organising BBQs, the list goes on! Everyone here is free to join in, meet new people, learn new things and enjoy their golden years as much or as little as they want. A Summers Village is neither merely a holiday resort, nor a retirement home; it is a unique private ‘village-like’ community within a holiday resort, where friendships and camaraderie develops easily.”
Every Friday between 10:30am and 2:00pm at Sun Park Living is Social Friday, where the expat community of Playa Blanca in the south of the island meet for coffee/tea and socialising. This is also an opportunity for non-residents to explore Sun Park Living, view the accommodation and meet the SunRockers – watch out, their thirst for living life to the full is infectious!
So what are you waiting for? Don’t get bored in Old Blighty! Escape to Lanzarote for some fun in the sun!
The one bedroom self-catering apartments at Sun Park Living are non-smoking and come fully furnished, offering a comfortable and spacious homeaway from home with bathroom, open plan kitchen-diner, living room with sofa bed and large terrace overlooking the beautiful mature gardens and swimming pools.
For more information about being a SunRocker at Sun Park Living 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.

 

Spain destined to feel the heat this year, as second home buyers swoop in on prime locations as prices bottom out

Spain destined to feel the heat this year, as second home buyers swoop in on prime locations as prices bottom out

by Georgina Spain

It´s that time of year again: the return to normal life after a long Christmas break filled with festive madness. The days may be short, grey and cold but there´s no better time of year to plan your escape to sunnier climes.

  • 57.6 million international tourists arrived in Spain from Jan – Nov 2013(Spanish Ministry of Industry)
  • Foreign investors injected over 45 Euros into Spanish economy from Jan-Oct 2013 (Bank of Spain)
  • Taylor Wimpey España predict a strong start to 2014 as foreign investors boost confidence
According to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, from January to the end of November 57.6 million international tourists had arrived Spain, totalling a 5% increase over the same period in 2012 with many making their stay more permanent.
Indeed, data recently published by the Bank of Spain revealed foreign investors added over 45 million euros into the Spanish economy in the first ten months of 2013, showing strong interest in Spain despite the turbulent couple of years the country has recently faced and promoting confidence once again.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish house builder, Taylor Wimpey Espana comments,
“For the past 50 years, we at Taylor Wimpey España have primarily been selling high quality second homes across Spain to buyers from across the globe to find the perfect place in the sun. It’s no wonder  the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are extremely popular, boasting miles of white sandy beaches, great climate and cuisine not to mention prices in both areas starting to bottom out, I truly believe the Spanish property market in prime locations is on track for a great 2014.
“In terms of location, by far the most popular for our buyers is the Costa del Sol. Known globally as a European hotspot for glitz and glamour, it’s still the place to be seen for many and has become a real magnate for savvy Middle Eastern and Russian investors, hoping to take full advantage of the golden visa law set to be imposed this year.”
“Another hotspot for 2014 is definitely Mallorca where, after having very successfully launched 4 new developments, Taylor Wimpey España will launch another 2 new projects early this year. The Costa Blanca is booming too and we are in the process of finalizing another major new development. With several options pending on the Costa del Sol too, the biggest problem across all 3 regions we currently operate in is finding good plots to start developing, as we are running short!”
Notably, in leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com’s enquiry report for Q4 2013 foreign buyers continue to look for bargain properties, focusing their property searches in Spain’s best-known areas, citing Alicante and the Costa Blanca to be the most attractive province for foreign buyers accounting for 31% of all enquiries generated, with Malaga province following in second, attracting almost 14% of enquiries and it’s easy to see why.
So for those property hunters looking for high quality at affordable prices why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer.
The brand new La Vila Paradís apartments, enjoy a stunning location in Villajoyosa, on the beachfront with direct access to Paraíso beach. The complex has a pool, private parking and communal gardens.
These apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and boast wonderful views over the Paraíso Beach, the sea, the pool and private gardens of the development. The ground floor properties also have gardens for those all-important barbeques and entertaining outdoors, all from just €259,500
For more information please 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.
Priced-out pensioners escape the grey UK and get away for 2014

Priced-out pensioners escape the grey UK and get away for 2014

by Georgina Spain

A new report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed one in every four retired households across England and Wales are currently renting their home, citing that pensioners living in big cities are being forced to rent because they have been priced out of the property market.

 

  • 1 in 4 retired UK households currently renting their home (ONS)
  • Rise in number of pensioners using equity release to boost income
  • 58% of older people keen to move with 1 in 4 interested in retirement property (Demos)
Indeed, recent years have also seen a rise in the number of pensioners seeking to boost their incomes by unlocking cash from their home using equity release products and looking overseas for alternative accommodation.
According to polling by Demos, a think-tank, 58% of older people are keen to move with one in four interested in the idea of a retirement property, but have few options. Britain has just 106,000 purpose-built owned retirement homes. Most one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats are built for first-time buyers, with little of the storage space and practical adaptations that older people need.
Gil Summers, Co- Founder of Sun Park Living, a private gated community resort exclusively for those who are retired and active, located on the year-round sunny and warm Canary Island of Lanzarote comments,
“Testament to the growing trend of older generations looking abroad for alternative retirement accommodation, Sun Park Living is now fully booked for the 2013/14 winter season. Today’s over 50s are seeking greater value for money, to enjoy the warm weather we have here in Lanzarote every day, in a simple dream retirement property purposely built for their needs, housing stock which is somewhat lacking in the UK.
“Here at Sun Park Living we offer hassle free-accommodation which is rental only. No bills to pay. No maintenance to worry about. No central heating problems. Just an affordable fixed 4 weekly payment with an extremely low cost of living compared to the UK. This enables residents to leave retirement property worries at the door and start living stress-free in their golden years.”
So what are you waiting for? Escape the grey and get away to Sun Park Living today, a “Home from home” for the over 50’s.
Enjoy staying on the ever sunny island of Lanzarote on your own terms, with self-service and self-catering accommodation within an enclosed, self-sufficient community of English speaking 50+ singles and couples.
For more information about Sun Park Living 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.

It’s Friday 13th! Will the New Year be lucky for Spanish property?Taylor Wimpey España forecast a positive outlook for 2014

by Georgina Spain

A growing number of experts believe that the Spanish property market is showing signs of recovery following the well documented economic crash which plagued numerous global property markets. With a brand new year ahead we ask leading Spanish house builders, Taylor Wimpey España, for their insights into the future of Spanish property in 2014.

With years of experience in building some of Spain’s most highly regarded properties, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey España suggests that the Spanish market will move in a positive direction in 2014, highlighting a number of aspects that will aid Spain’s recovery.

Sale prices in Spain for quality properties in prime locations could be nearing the end of their fall according to several reports released in recent weeks. Indeed, the Ministry of Development reported that during Q3 2013, homes recorded their lowest drop since 2010 – even becoming more expensive in several regions. Pritchard indicates that this trend will continue into 2014 while properties in less popular inland locations which have reduced infrastructure or no views will drop further in price.
Indeed, the perception that the housing market is nearing the end of its adjustment is gaining in popularity. According to the Consumer Confidence Indicator for November, prepared by the Centre for Sociological Research, 46.4% of those surveyed think that Spanish housing prices will stabilise over the next year, signalling a boost of confidence in the market.
When it comes to Taylor Wimpey España‘s performance this year and forecasts for the year ahead, Pritchard comments,
“2013 will be a hard year to beat as here at Taylor Wimpey España we experienced a huge increase of sales across the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca over the last 12 months.
“We are expecting sales levels in 2014 to be in line with 2013 however seeing as we will have additional sales outlets and several new developments in the pipeline across all three regions of Spain in which we operate, coupled with the fact that prices in prime locations across each area have now bottomed out and will not fall any further, we are hoping sales volumes to increase making for an exciting new year at Taylor Wimpey España. ”
Furthermore, Pritchard explains that 2014 is likely to see a surge of interest from foreign buyers outside the EU from countries such as China, Russia and the Middle East investing their money in Spanish property due to the ‘golden visa’ scheme which could be introduced by January 2014. Taylor Wimpey España hope to see second home buyers to continue to descend on the Costa del Sol after the success of the area throughout 2013.
For those thinking about making a Spanish property purchase in next year, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer buyers in 2014 – You might just get lucky!
Boasting a frontline location in the traditional Spanish fishing town of Estepona, just 1 hour from Malaga via motorway, Horizon Beach comprises 2 and 3 bedroom apartments all with views of the Mediterranean Sea and Rock of Gibraltar.
With only 36 units, this boutique gated development is the ideal second home with spacious open-plan apartments, large terraces or private gardens, direct beach access, panoramic swimming pool and underground parking, all available from just €300,000.
For more information please 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.

Balearic property market boosted by foreign buyers as prices rise by 4.8%

by Georgina Spain
The Spanish government has recently revealed that 4 of the country´s 17 regions posted property price increases in the third quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2012.
  • Balearic property prices rise 4.8% in Q3 2013 vs Q3 2012 (Spanish development ministry)
  • Flight arrivals from the UK to Balearics up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period
  • Taylor Wimpey España taking advantage of Balearic popularity, offering two brand new luxury developments on the golden isle of Mallorca
The country´s development ministry said the biggest increase in property prices, 4.8%, was posted by the Balearic Islands, a relatively small region with a high percentage of foreign residents.
Indeed, the Balearic region may be geographically slight but it is a force to be reckoned with in terms of real estate on offer which attracts both the rich and famous, along with savvy holiday home hunters looking for high quality properties in a very popular holiday destination.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Whilst other markets such as Greece, Egypt and Turkey may have lowered their prices to attract more tourists, the Balearics have taken the bold decision to target the higher end of the market.  The calibre of stock and property prices have gone in an upward direction and interest levels remain extremely high.
“Here at Taylor Wimpey España, we are reaffirming our commitment to the golden Balearic island of Mallorca, building a further two new luxury frontline developments which are proving extremely popular with buyers from across the globe. Foreign interest in our properties has been phenomenal this year however British and Belgian clients stood out last month comprising 65% of total sales across Mallorca, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca!”
Indeed, it comes as no surprise Spain is a firm favourite for Brits looking for their perfect place in the sun. Comprising 26.16% of the total Balearic tourist market, British visitors spent 8.5% more in the Balearics in the first nine months of 2013 over last year and flight arrivals from the UK are also up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period.
A mere hop, skip and a jump from British shores, Mallorca in particular is easily accessible, as leading  low cost airlines offer frequent flights from an extensive list of cities across the UK. And with more flights readily accessible, it could be time to stop renting a hotel room or apartment and buy your very own slice of Spanish sunshine.
The brand new Camp de Mar Beach development offers a very rare opportunity to buy a well-priced new townhouse in the south west of Mallorca, Camp de Mar, which is walking distance to the best golf courses on the island and a beautiful beach, about 25 minutes from Palma and 30 minutes to the airport.
The development consists of 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses in a gated community designed to a Mediterranean style with beautiful landscaped gardens and a large modern swimming pool.
With the Andratx Golf Clubhouse being just 50 metres away for all owners to enjoy and a few minutes’ walk to the stunning beach of Camp de Mar, from 377,000€.
Or why not take a look at the new Cala Estancia apartments just 5 minutes from Palma airport, visiting these new holiday apartments couldn´t be easier. Offering the best of both worlds, the calm serenity of Cala Estancia bay and direct access to Palma city centre in under 10 minutes. These new apartments, available from 141,000€, are sure to be popular with buyers, boasting large terraces on which you can enjoy the view to the sea and amazing sunsets.
These properties are definitely not to be missed so for more information please 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.

Sing like a Canary this winter as tourism levels erupt on the volcanic island of Lanzarote

by Georgina Spain

Far from being ‘Lanzagrotty’, the volcanic Canary Island of Lanzarote, 125km off the west coast of Africa, has become the destination of choice for holidaymakers in 2013.

 

  • Lanzarote airport arrivals up 5.29% in September 2013 (ISTAC)
  • UK tourists account for 45% of arrivals, Irish arrivals up 21% (Jan – Sept 2013)
  • New direct flights to Lanzarote from Shannon, Eindhoven and Lyon launched 
Latest data released by ISTAC, the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics, reveals that tourism levels are erupting with arrivals to the international airport rising by 5.29% in September this year, creating a seven month run of consecutive growth.
Due to its year round warm weather, 12hrs day light in winter, and ease of access from the UK and Europe, Lanzarote’s tourism market enjoys a busy summer and winter seasons with many over 60s, from northern Europe in particular, jetting off to this unique island to escape the long dark days and freezing temperatures.
Indeed the ISTAC figures reveal that tourists from the UK and Ireland are driving the seemingly recession-proof market with arrivals from Britain and the Republic up 9.1% and 18.8% respectively during September alone.
Gil Summers, Co-Founder of Sun Park Living, the private gated community resort, exclusively for those who are retired and active, located in the south of Lanzarote, comments,
“Whilst much of mainland Spain’s tourism industry has suffered during the last few years of recession, here on Lanzarote we have seen visitor levels remain steady and rise in recent months. A perennially popular holiday destination since the first package tours in the 1960’s, the volcanic, almost lunar landscape of the island combined with 213km of coastline, 10km of sandy beaches, charming towns and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected site status, Lanzarote has something for everyone.”
“The low rainfall, year round temperatures in the mid-20s, European culture, and easy, affordable direct access from Europe makes Lanzarote particularly popular for SunRockers (retired people) looking to escape the harsh winter. In fact visitor levels to our resort, Sun Park Living, are up by 37% and we are nearly fully booked from December through to March.”
Whilst the UK remains the source of 45% of foreign arrivals each year (707,117 visitors to date this year), Germany and increasingly Ireland are becoming important sources of tourism. As the Emerald Isle emerges from one of the deepest recessions in the Eurozone, tourism levels to Lanzarote are on the up with a staggering 21% increase seen in the first nine months of 2013 and more than 200,000 passengers expected for the year as a whole.
Gil Summers comments,
“At Sun Park Living, our Sun Rocker’s community in Playa Blanca, on the southern tip of Lanzarote, a well-known upmarket area comprising mostly self-catering accommodation, we welcome a high number of Irish guests. Low cost airlines such as Aer Lingus have recognised the popularity of this destination recently adding a new direct route from Shannon to Arrecife International Airport and with Ryanair’s year round flights from Cork and Dublin, getting from Ireland to our island couldn’t be easier!”
In addition to the new Aer Lingus route, Dutch low-cost airline Transavia has just commenced operation of a weekly charter flight from Eindhoven to Lanzarote and the airport’s Director welcomed the first Jetair flight arrival from Lyon in France in October 2013.
So if you are an active retiree, or a Sun Rocker, as you’ll be fondly referred to, looking for some sun this winter, then why not explore a stay at Sun Park Living? Enjoy all the freedom of great value for money self-catering apartment accommodation with all the benefits of community living with like-minded ‘Sun Rockers’. Stay for just a few weeks or up to 6 months, the choice is yours, the rental options are very flexible, and there’s no need to worry about hidden extras, as utilities and maintenance, are included.
Sun Park Living is about Sun Rockers enjoying 12 or more weeks a year (in 3 or more blocks of 4weeks each, consecutive or not) in a holiday community environment for 625EUR/4weeks. Those wishing to sample the community, may book a 4 Weeks Taster Stay for 225EUR/week. One week Taster Visit is 350EUR/week.
For more information contact Gil and the team on 0161 408 3360 or visit www.sunparkliving.com.

Thinking about buying a Spanish holiday home in 2014? Check out what’s on the Horizon from Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

If your New Year’s resolution is to turn that dream of owning a second home in the Spanish sunshine into a reality then 2014 could just be the right time to take action.

With Spain officially out of recession and continued positive GDP growth forecast for 2014 according to the European Commission, the re-ignition of the Spanish economy is proving attractive to investors and none more so that those based overseas.

  • Costa del Sol saw 33% increase in foreign buyers in H1 2013 (Malaga Tourist Board)
  • British buyers still drive the market, accounting for almost 20% of foreign purchases
  • Horizon Beach is Taylor Wimpey España’s 22nd development on the Costa del Sol

From one of the world’s richest men, Bill Gates, who recently acquired a $155 million stake in Spanish builder Fomento de Construcciones & Contratas SA through to ordinary men and women purchasing Taylor Wimpey España homes, the smart money is pouring into the Spanish property market with the Costa del Sol on the receiving end of much of this investment.

The perennially popular second home destination, the Costa del Sol located in the province of Malaga, saw a 33% increase in home sales to foreign buyers in H1 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 according to The President of the Tourist Board and the Council of Malaga.
Indeed despite predictions that the introduction of the new ‘Golden Visa’ earlier this year (which grants residency to non-EU nationals who purchase property worth €500,000 or more) would see a ascendancy of Russian and Asian buyers, it is in fact the British who remain the Spanish second home market drivers accounting for 630 transactions, almost 20%, within the Malaga province according to Diario Sur, the regional newspaper of Malaga.
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Having worked at Taylor Wimpey España for 20 years now I have seen the Spanish second homes market undergo a number of cycles. Visiting the Costa del Sol each month I have seen first-hand the steady increase in both tourism levels and demand for second homes over the last 18 – 24 months and am confident that we are once again on an upward curve.

“I agree with Jose Prado, President of the Association of Builders and Developers, who commented that sales have returned to a level not seen for many years; we at Taylor Wimpey España are experiencing the same with a staggering increase in sales on the Costa del Sol from Jan – October this year compared to the same period in 2012. And it is due to this high demand for second homes on the Costa del Sol that Taylor Wimpey España has commenced construction of their latest development, Horizon Beach.
Boasting a frontline location in the traditional Spanish fishing town of Estepona, just 1 hour from Malaga via motorway, Horizon Beach comprises 2 and 3 bedroom apartments all with views of the Mediterranean Sea and Rock of Gibraltar. With only 36 units, this boutique gated development is the ideal second home with spacious open-plan apartments, large terraces or private gardens, direct beach access, panoramic swimming pool and underground parking.
Available from just €300,000, Horizons Beach will be Taylor Wimpey España’s 22nd development on the Costa del Sol and is due for completion in July 2015.  For more information 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 00 34 971 706 9 72.