Know your EPCs from your ABCs: New Spanish ruling comes into effect tomorrow

by Georgina Spain

Already in place in the UK, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be introduced in Spain on 1st June 2013 but what does this new piece of ‘green’ tape mean for owners of Spanish holiday homes?

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) law comes into effect on 1st June 2013
  • New law set to lower CO2 emissions and lead to higher real estate quality
  • Selling/renting a property after June 1st without certificate could lead to hefty fines
Stemming from the Kyoto Agreement, the introduction of EPCs brings Spain in line with the 2007 EU Directive on Energy as part of a strategy to deal with climate change. The new decree will make energy transparent by testing and grading a building’s energy use and carbon emissions based on the way it is used and how the efficiency could be improved.
Many estate agents believe the move will see older properties being better insulated as a poor rating could be used by a buyer to lower the price. Meanwhile, anyone found renting or selling a property in Spain after June 1st without the certificate could face hefty fines.
The move is welcomed by companies such as leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España who are calling the introduction essential.
“This law is necessary in order to bring Spain up to European levels in the fight to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The law is already in practice on the island of Mallorca and has proved that energy efficient homes can reduce electricity bills and will lead to higher real estate quality and transparency in Spain,” explains Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager.
“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we already ensure your property has an EPC included in the price, cutting out any extra worry and making your purchase as easy as possible.”
Indeed, for those looking to purchase their own place in the Spanish sun stress free, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer!
Brisas de Alenda, located on the forever-popular Costa Blanca, offers beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses located in a peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, just 15 minutes away from the beach. With generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool, a club house, gym, bars and restaurant, properties cost from just from €159,999.
Or how about living on the glamorous Costa del Sol? La Floresta sur is a new residential development, currently under construction, set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to 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 beautiful properties are available now from €178.000.
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.

It’s not just our genes – now we are inheriting holiday destinations from our parents as well!

by Georgina Spain

It’s no longer just eye and hair colour that parents are passing on to their children. New research from TravelSupermarket has identified that holiday destinations are also inherited, with nearly 50% of UK adults surveyed returning to the holiday destinations of their childhood.

  • Nearly 50% of UK adults have inherited holiday destinations from their parents
  • 27% of Brits have been on an inherited holiday in the past two years
  • 39% want their children to have the same experiences they had

Fond memories of childhood days in the sun, along with the current tough economic times, mean that parents are looking to ensure they get both quality family time and value for money from their summer holidays. The situation has given rise to the ‘inherited holiday,’ with countries revisited so that parents know they will enjoy themselves (40% of respondents) and so that their children can have the same experiences as they had in their formative years (39%).

The inherited holiday trend is on the increase, with 27% of those surveyed having been on one in the past two years. For Marc Pritchard, Mallorca was the destination of some of his favourite childhood holidays. Having caught the love for the island from his parents, Marc took the inherited holiday one step further and, as an adult, moved to Mallorca. He has now lived there for some 20 years, bringing his own children up on the island. Marc comments,

“I have some wonderful memories of holidaying in Mallorca as a child. My parents instilled a love for the place in me at an early age and it is fabulous to now be able to live somewhere that is so close to my heart. The fact that through my work I am able to help others to build their own family memories here is an added bonus.”

Taylor Wimpey España, where Marc is the Sales and Marketing Manager, offers buyers a range of properties on the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands. On the island’s south-west coast, the exclusive Los Altos del Golf development offers two and three bedroom houses with sea views. Located only 10 minutes from the famous Camp de Mar beach, the townhouses have been designed in the style of a small Mediterranean village, with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, gardens and 3 communal swimming pools. Prices start from just €515,000.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s newest Mallorcan resort, Costa Beach, is on the island’s north-eastern coast, with direct access to the white sandy beach and outstanding views across the crystal clear Mediterranean sea. The two and three bedroom frontline residential properties which come with a large communal swimming pool and sunbathing area, are available from €220,000. Ground floor apartments include spacious terraces with a garden for private use, while penthouses benefit from direct access to private sun terraces. All of the properties are built to the highest standards and include designer fixtures and fittings.

Italian-based Appassionata is also a part of the inherited holiday trend, though – like Marc – they have taken a novel approach to it. The family-run company moved to Italy’s Le Marche region in 2007, where they bought a derelict farmhouse to restore. After years of hard work, the estate now includes two luxury homes (Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi), as well as olive groves, vineyards, a lavender plantation and a truffle orchard.

Appassionata is offering the houses as fractional ownership properties, with owners enjoying five weeks’ exclusive use of their house each year, along with a share of the estate’s organic produce and use of its swimming pool, tennis court and basketball court. The majority of the owners use their house for family holidays, as Appassionata’s founder Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs observes,

“Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi have been designed as a ‘home from home’ for the owners, so they can relax and enjoy spending time with their families as soon as they arrive. Owning a fractional property is so much more enjoyable than owning a holiday home outright, as all the maintenance and cleaning is taken care of without the owners having to worry.

“The inherited holiday idea plays a key part in our fractional ownership offer. Over 90% of our buyers have mentioned that their intention is to pass their share on to their children, meaning their families will inherit the property and not just the holiday destination.”

Although Casa Giacomo is now fully sold, a few fractions of Casa Leopardi remain available for just £185,000. For sales completed before September 2013, Appassionata is also offering two years of free maintenance fees – a discount worth around £7,600.

With properties of the calibre of those detailed above available, it seems the inherited holiday trend is here to stay, as increasing numbers of families seek to ensure that their children enjoy their summer holidays just as much as they themselves did when they were young.

For more information on Taylor Wimpey España, call 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  Those residing outside of the UK can call +34 971 70 69 72.

Appassionata can be contacted on 0039 073 465 8775 or by visiting www.appassionata.com. A video tour of Casa Leopardi is also available.

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! Spain ranked top 10 in EU for bathing water quality

by Georgina Spain

Spain ranked top 10 in EU for bathing water quality with 3 Mallorcan sites (EEA)

Taylor Wimpey España records 30% y-o-y increase in property sales on Mallorca

Demand for frontline second homes met with launch of new Costa Beach development

According to new research compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), using data from more than 22,000 sites, Spain has been placed in the top 10 EU locations for bathing water quality with an excellent score of 82.8%.
3 coastal areas on the popular holiday island of Mallorca were noted in particular by the EEA for their ‘excellent’ bathing qualities which when combined with the 63 Blue Flag rated beaches makes it no surprise that leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España has experienced a year-on-year sales increase of 30% on the Balearic isle (April 2013).
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Mallorca remains a very popular choice for holiday makers from all over Europe, with families in particular drawn to the award-winning beaches and clean Mediterranean waters. Not content with simply visiting for a couple of weeks each year however, we are seeing more and more people looking to buy a holiday home on the island with 1 in 6 sales now for Mallorcan property.
“Demand for second homes with direct beach access remains especially high which is why we are very excited to be launching our new frontline development, Costa Beach. Adhering to the belief that location is key, this superb site on the north east coast of Mallorca is being redeveloped to offer a range of high quality beach homes on one of the most spectacular shorelines on the island.”
Superbly situated in Port Vell, near Costa de los Pinos, just 15 minutes from Manacor and 5 km  from world class golf courses such as Golf de Son Servera , the new 2 or 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses of Costa Beach also benefit from direct beach access and extraordinary sea views.
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding area and built to the highest specification with designer fixtures and fittings, air conditioning, double glazing, security doors and private underground parking, Costa Beach presents a rare opportunity to own a frontline property in Spain from as little as €220,000.
With spacious terraces surrounding sumptuous landscaped gardens as well as a large communal swimming pool and wonderful sunbathing area for all owners to enjoy, Costa Beach is one development 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

Forget the sunshine! Tapas alone brought 5.6 million tourists to Spain last year

by Georgina Spain

Barely a week after Spain was shown to be the dominant country in Restaurant magazine´s list of the top 50 Restaurants in the World, a new report has revealed how food tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector for the Iberian nation.

  • Spanish cuisine big draw attracting estimated 5.6 million tourists (Spanish tourism office)
  • Visitor spending on food and wine in 2012 was €6.4 million, 10% increase on 2011
  • Taylor Wimpey España experienced 123% y-o-y sales increase in April 2013
The latest statistics from Spain’s tourism office show that the country´s food was thought to be a key attraction for as many as 5.6 million visitors last year, with an estimated expenditure on food and wine placed at €6.4 million representing a delicious 10% increase on 2011.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“I’ve lived on Mallorca for almost 20 years now and have never tasted food quite as good anywhere else. We cater to all tastes, from family run tavernas tucked away in the hills above Palma serving the finest steaks to small fishing villages dotted along the coast offering the freshest catch of the day. And if meat or fish aren’t to your taste, Spain prides itself on a variety of national dishes using home grown fresh vegetables such as Patatas Bravas, Tortilla and Berenjenas con miel, slices of aubergine, fried and covered in a dark, slightly bitter honey or molasses which are to die for.
“With such a range of gastronomic delights on offer, it’s no wonder that we have experienced a whopping 123% y-o-y increase in sales in April this year with 25% of second home buyers coming from the UK, up 50% from last year!”
Indeed, it may only be 2 hours by plane from the UK but Spain offers a completely different dining experience for budding master chefs! This immensely varied landscape is home to an equally wide variety of produce and livestock and a multitude of seafood in the waters that lap the shores, from the Mediterranean to the Cantabrian Sea.
Southern areas such as the Costa del Sol in particular have plenty to offer; serving up fresh prawns with a spicy sauce, what the Andalucians know and love as gambas al pil-pil, a regional favourite. The salsa is made up of a combination of garlic, paprika, chillies, and white wine, arriving to your table sizzling and guaranteeing to get your taste buds tingling.
Costa Blancan cuisine boasts an enormous range of local products to sample such as the sticky rice that is the basis of the ubiquitous Paella which is grown in the rice fields south of Valencia. But these gastro delights aren’t just restricted to the mainland; Mallorca also offers hundreds of tasty specialities from llom amb col, a pork dish wrapped in cabbage with pine nuts and raisins all grown locally, to Tumbet, a traditional rustic vegetable dish that’s like a Provencal ratatouille bursting with colour and flavour.
So for those looking to make their stay in foodie heaven more permanent in exclusive Mediterranean surroundings, 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 starting at just €249,000.
For more information on buying property in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com .

The Eagle has landed! Spain records 35.7% increase in US visitors

by Georgina Spain

The Spanish government´s tourism research agency Frontur, revealed last week that overall tourism numbers were up 7.9 %, year-on-year in March 2013. The agency also revealed that the number of tourists visiting Spain was up 2.3 % for the first quarter of the year, with a whopping 9.4 million visiting Spain from January through to March.

  • Overall Spanish tourism up 7.9% year-on-year (Frontur)
  • Spain welcomed 9.4 million tourists from Jan – March 2013
  • Tourists from USA recorded the biggest year-on-year increase at 35.7%

Visitors from the UK made up just less than 1 in every 5 of all arrivals to Spain in March (19.9 %) whilst German nationals accounted 11.9 % of total visitor numbers. French arrivals were also up by 16% and Scandinavians up 13.8 % year-on-year.

But possibly the most interesting trend was that arrivals from the United States soared by 35.7% to almost 100,000 in March 2013 compared to the previous year. The highest growth rate of any nation. 

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

“US citizens have been vacationing in Spain for many years. Numerous celebrities including Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffiths and even George Cooney own second homes here and walking down the Golden Mile in Marbella can at times feel like a stroll through the streets of Hollywood. 

“But it’s not only the Costa del Sol which attracts the great and the good; the Costa Blanca on the south eastern coast of Spain remains a popular hotspot. Direct flights operate from New York, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, Newark, Charlotte, Dallas and LA to Madrid and with the new high speed AVE rail link from the Spanish capital to Alicante set to open this summer, it will be even easier for US visitors to enjoy the delights of the White Coast.”

Indeed Taylor Wimpey España has seen not only tourism numbers to the Costa Blanca rise over the years but also second property buyers returning to the region. Sales volumes on the Costa Blanca rose by an impressive 25% last month (compared to April 2012) with buyers from Britain, Scandinavia and Benelux leading the charge.

So if you are thinking about making a move to this stunning region of Spain, Taylor Wimpey España has some wonderful properties to choose from.

Brisas de Alenda, located on the forever popular Costa Blanca affords beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses located in a peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, just 15 minutes away from the beach. With generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool, a club house, gym, bars and restaurant properties cost from just from €155,000.

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.

Russian and Scandinavian buyers beat Brits as biggest purchasers of Spanish property according to Taylor Wimpey España

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

New figures have revealed that despite the tough economic climate, Spain remains the EU’s top holiday destination. Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union, found that in 2011 13% of all outbound trips within Europe where made to Spain with Italy and France coming in joint second place. These figures do not include holidaymakers outside of the EU however and total visitor numbers are likely to be much higher.

• Russian and Scandinavian buyers account for 45% of sales on Costa del Sol so far in 2013 (Taylor Wimpey España
•International property investment in Spain grew 17% in 2012 (Bank of Spain)
•13% of all outbound trips in Europe made to Spain in 2011 (Eurostat)

With almost 10% of the nation’s GDP deriving from tourism, this news will no doubt be welcomed by Spaniards. Furthermore with buoyant tourism sectors often driving local property markets, it’s no wonder that ever more foreign nationals are looking to purchase Spanish property. According to statistics from the Bank of Spain international property investment in Spain grew by 17% to more than 5,445 million euros in 2012.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“For us, Russians take the top spot of biggest property purchasers followed closely by Scandinavian buyers. Russian interest in particular has increased dramatically over the last year. On the Costa del Sol alone, 45% of the total sales this year have been from both Scandinavian and Russian buyers.”
“Marbella in particular is one of the most popular places for foreign nationals to buy property in Spain. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have experienced a 300% year-on-year increase in sales in the area, proving that demand for Spanish real estate shows little sign of abating anytime soon, with non-residents of the country increasing their market share for six consecutive quarters now.”
It really is little surprise that Marbella is popular both as a holiday and second home destination. Occupying a perfect location between the mountains and award-winning beaches, as well as offering warm temperatures long after the summertime crowds have departed with world class golf courses, excellent shopping, delicious Andalucían dishes and a beautiful historic centre, Marbella is hard to beat.
For those on the hunt for the perfect Spanish property on the Costa del Sol why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer?
La Floresta de la Mairena, set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga is situated in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Affording 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom penthouses, the development has two large communal swimming pools, landscape gardens and external private parking all built to the highest standard with first-class finishes including an Italian designed kitchens from just €178,000.
Avalon is a new Taylor Wimpey development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course, and 20 minutes from Estepona. This residential complex boasts luxury apartments and penthouses of 2 and 3 large bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and luxury finishes. The properties have a natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, communal swimming pool and beautiful gardens all from €250,000.
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.

Spain ranked #1 in the world as golf holiday sales hit estimated 1.5 billion Euros

by Georgina Spain

Spain’s status as the number one golf holiday hot spot has been confirmed by a new survey of golf tour operators compiled by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice.

The Golf Travel Insights 2013 report reveals that Spain is the most popular travel destination in the world for golf tourists, followed by Portugal and then Scotland. Interestingly Turkey has become the fourth most visited destination ranking ahead of traditional golfing hotspots including the Republic of Ireland, Dubai, South Africa, USA and England.

According to the report, global golf holiday sales grew 9.3% compared to the previous year with the surveyed operators alone catering for 1.6 million golf travellers in 2012. Indeed with golf holiday sales exceeding an estimated EUR 1.5 billion, this spells great news for those looking to invest in a golf property in the number one destination – Spain.

 

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

 

“Whilst the course itself is an important factor when choosing a golfing holiday, the accommodation is equally important once you leave the fairway. Developments with onsite courses, accommodation and amenities are in high demand as they offer the entire package, are often easy to maintain and offer a higher level of security and community living.

 

“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we are experiencing high levels of global interest in our golfing properties from not only the British but local Spaniards, Scandinavians, Russians and Germans in particular where buyer levels increased by 36% in 2012 compared to 2011. It’s also worth noting that it’s not only golfers who are buying but those looking for the ideal holiday home or property to retire to.”

 

In terms of locations within Spain, the Costa del Sol is one of, if not the, finest golfing regions boasting over 50 courses some with stunning mountain locales offering spectacular views over the region’s varied landscapes, leading down to the sea. These fantastic golf courses and well-appointed developments have led to Spain being the world’s leading golf break destination; with world-class golf on offer and days of endless sunshine it’s easy to see why.

 

For savvy investors looking to cash in on this golfing boom, look no further than Taylor Wimpey España, providing several stunning locations with properties to match!

 

La Floresta de la Mairena is a new residential development from Taylor Wimpey España located near the charming village of Elviria and its golden beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga. Designed in a typical Mediterranean style, the apartments have large terraces on which to enjoy the beautiful views, two large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking. With a very good road network nearby, all owners at La Floresta de la Mairena will have easy access to the beach at Elviria and to the superb golf courses of Santa Maria and La Cala Golf Club.

 

Another choice for the golf lover is Avalon, a new Taylor Wimpey development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course and 20 minutes from Estepona. The residential complex of luxury apartments and penthouses boasts a natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, communal swimming pool and beautiful gardens.

 

These properties are available now from €166,000 at La Floresta de la Mairena and €250,000 at Avalon. This is the perfect to invest in a beautiful Spanish property, 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.

 

Make Mallorca your port of call this summer as cruises boost Balearic property investment

by Georgina Spain

With demand for holiday rental accommodation in Spain during Easter week this year increasing by 29% compared to 2012 according to the Spanish holiday rental portal, Homeaway.es, this summer is set to be a sizzler!

 

Indeed Mallorca is one of the great European playgrounds drawing in sun seekers from across the globe. Over 6 million tourists visit this Balearic Island each year and on a busy summer day, hundreds of flights land at the Palma airport and the harbour is bustling with cruise ships.
This sun drenched island has long been a popular port of call for cruise liners and an extension of the pier will accommodate not only larger ships, but also more vessels. Around 1 million passengers come to Mallorca by sea each year and Palma´s port is expecting around 449 cruise ships to visit the city in 2013.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey de España, leading Spanish house builder, who also lives on the island, comments,
“Mallorca is quite simply a tourist hotspot. Every year cruise ships visit and prepare to set sail from the beautiful Mallorcan shore with an abundance of intrigued visitors flocking to the island to explore its many attractions coupled with sun soaked climate, over 43 striking blue flag beaches and high class restaurants.”
Cruise ships visiting Mallorca offer exciting shore excursions that include tours of Palma de Mallorca, the big, bustling capital city, home to about 300,000 people, with most of the tourist action in the old part of town around the Cathedral and trips to secret natural coves with secluded beaches.
For the adventurer, you can explore small traditional fishing villages, as well as places to hike for amazing views, Mallorca has it all!
With this in mind, the natural beauty and popular social programme of the island means that demand for accommodation over the summer period especially increases, with properties close to marinas becoming highly desirable.
Pritchard further comments,
“There are many benefits to be had from owning a home in Mallorca. The stunning Balearic Island offers a wonderful quality of life and superb properties that are so often desired by holiday makers and potential home owners. And, although recognised in part as a hub for the rich and famous, Mallorca has plenty to offer in terms of affordable property with something for everyone.”
But it’s not only the presence of cruise ships, a number of sailing events such as the Super Yacht Cup race, one of the most significant luxury sailing events in Europe, which takes place annually across Mallorca’s stunning shores, further aides Mallorcan property investor confidence.
For property investors looking to cash in on Mallorca’s thriving cruise ship industry as well as an abundant year round sailing events programme, Taylor Wimpey de España has some stunning affordable properties on offer.

El Puerto II situated in Cala d´Or, south east Mallorca has 2 bedroom apartments surrounded by generous gardens with native Balearic plants and 3 communal swimming pools. Costing from €149,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and within easy reach of the glamorous harbours.
Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the sea.
The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo. The properties consist of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €190,000 + VAT.
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.

It’s time to celebrate as Taylor Wimpey España achieves yet another year of 100% customer satisfaction

by Georgina Spain

Spain has always been a popular destination for Brits looking to move abroad or to own a second home. Spain’s lure of sunshine, stunning coastal scenery and lively cities has been attracting interest for years and it seems that the trend isn’t about to change any time soon.

 

The latest HiFX Property Hotspots Report has highlighted that the demand for homes abroad remains high, with Spain voted the second most popular destination (second only to France) and recent figures from the Spanish Ministry of Development add further weight to the suvey’s findings, with house sales in Spain rising 3.6% in 2012 over the previous year.
Yet for some, despite technology and globalisation making the world a smaller place, buying abroad remains a daunting prospect. Not speaking the language and being nervous about hidden pitfalls make many UK buyers uncertain about whether or not they should pursue their dream. That’s where Taylor Wimpey España comes in.
Taylor Wimpey España, the Spanish arm of prestigious house builder Taylor Wimpey, is proud to have been operating in Spain since 1958. It began with an ethos of providing high quality homes and delivery first-rate customer service. This approach remains at the core of the company today – its 2012 annual report has just confirmed that 100% of Taylor Wimpey España’s customers in Spain would recommend the house builder to friends and family. The figure was the same in 2011, highlighting the company’s commitment to ensuring full customer satisfaction.
Mark Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, comments,
“We are delighted that our customers have yet again given us such a glowing recommendation. We work hard to ensure that the experience of buying in Spain with Taylor Wimpey España is clear and straightforward, so it’s great to receive such positive affirmation that we are doing things right.”
Mr Pritchard was also positive about the company’s great start to 2013. Sales in Mallorca were up 100% in February 2013 compared with February 2012, while buyers in the Costa del Sol for the same period had increased by an impressive 183%.
Cathel Bethune from Inverness was one buyer who chose Taylor Wimpey España to help him find his perfect home in the Costa del Sol. He purchased a two bedroom apartment in La Floresta de la Mairena, set near the village of Elviria and its beach. La Floresta is set the beautiful surroundings of a UNESCO-declared natural biosphere reserve, with stunning views over the oak and pine forest and towards the sea. The apartments are typically Mediterranean, with large terraces, two communal swimming pools and landscaped gardens, all available from just €166,000.
Mr Bethune said of his experience,
“This was so much easier than buying in the UK. The whole process was handled by professionals and I would have no hesitation in recommending this company.”
Taylor Wimpey España’s Mallorca development, El Puerto, is equally popular with British buyers: 50% of the company’s 2012 Mallorca sales were to British purchasers. The El Puerto property is located in Cala d’Or on the island’s south-eastern coast, close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or. The high standard of design is clear, with the spaciously appointed apartments offering private gardens or sun terraces, along with three communal swimming pools surrounded by generous landscaped gardens. Prices start from as little as €149,500.
For more information on buying property in the Costa del Sol and Mallorca contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

57% y-o-y sales increase recorded on the Costa ‘booming’ Blanca by Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

Despite economic contraction and a 3% fall in the overall number of real estate transactions, foreign second home buyers just can´t get enough of Spanish property.

Of the three Spanish regions in which Taylor Wimpey España, leading Spanish house builder specialise – Mallorca, the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca – the latter experienced a massive 57% increase in sales throughout 2012 compared to 2011.
The region not only remains one of the most popular tourism destinations in Spain but also a second home hotspot, with the increase of sales reflecting buyer demand not just from the UK but across the globe.

•Leading Spanish house builder sees 57% increase in sales on the Costa Blanca in 2012 

•Meeting buyer demand, Taylor Wimpey España launches new luxury development

•Inauguration welcomed by officials last Friday, 22nd March 2013 

Indeed, as has been recently reported, a huge number of foreign buyers have descended on the Costas to find their perfect second home. According to Vicente Dómine, Head of the Housing and Public Works Department of the regional government in the Costa Blanca, the purchase of homes in the region by foreign citizens accounted for 29% of the total number sold in Spain, a rise of 32% on 2011.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“The rise in demand for second homes which we have seen on the Costa Blanca over the last 12 months is very encouraging. Enquiry rates have steadily been returning to pre-recession levels and as the market picks up we are building once again.
“Our latest frontline development, La Vila Paradis, Villajoyosa on the Costa Blanca caters to buyers’ needs providing a clean, comfortable and stylish property, a beach on your doorstep, year round sunshine and with new airlines opening up daily routes from all over the world direct to the Costa Blanca, your own piece of paradise is easily accessible within just a few hours!”
Indeed Taylor Wimpey España’s commitment to the Costa Blanca has been welcomed by officials in the area attending the inauguration of La Vila Paradis last Friday.
The brand new La Vila Paradís apartments enjoy a stunning location on the beachfront in Villajoyosa, a picturesque Spanish fishing town, world renowned for its delicious chocolate! These unique apartments of 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, are built to the highest specification and enjoy beautiful views over the Paraíso Beach, the Mediterranean Sea, the pool and private gardens of the development all from 249.000 Euros.
For more information on buying property in the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020, +34 971 70 69 72 (from outside the UK) or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.