Swap Christmas pud for paella and spend Christmas in the Costa del Sol with Taylor Wimpey España.

With the financial crisis making real estate in Spain more affordable than ever, the number of people looking to snap up a bargain Spanish property is ever increasing.

Indeed, the volume of foreigners buying property in Spain has increased by 18.0% from last year as reported by online Spanish news portal, Invertia.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España commented,

"Improvement of sales in the Spanish property market has primarily come from developments in coastal areas such as Andalucía, with buyer´s request´s to live in close proximity to a beach coming top of the list followed closely by a golf course.

"In November 2012 alone we saw sales increase 144% compared to October. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we are able to meet the needs of customers not only because many of our properties are located in these popular areas but because we can deliver high quality properties for every budget."

According to the Kyero Spanish House Price Index H1 2012, Alicante and the Costa Blanca continue to be the most attractive areas for foreign buyers with Malaga following closely behind, generating almost 20% of enquiries.

The most popular properties enquired about were apartments (35%) followed by villas (30%) and in terms of size, both 3-bed properties and 2-bed properties were of equal appeal to foreign buyers, each with 32% of total enquiries.

Current conditions show that Spain is truly a buyer´s market – good news for the 35 per cent of UK adults (HiFX.co.uk) looking to buy a property abroad within the next one to two years.

Property buyers wishing to soak up the sun in the Costa del Sol should look no further than La Floresta de le Mairena. 

Costing from just 178.000€ at only 4% VAT until the end 2012, these 2 bed apartments set in beautiful surroundings, boasting 2 swimming pools, landscaped gardens and stunning views towards the oak and pine forest as well as towards the sea, provides everything a potential buyer could want and more.

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 00 34 971 706 244      

Amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty, a depressed domestic property market and the   introduction of ´bad banks´, it appears that confidence in the Costa del Sol, one of the most established second home destinations in the world, is on the up once again with leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España recording a massive 74%% increase in sales so far this year.

Of the three Spanish regions in which Taylor Wimpey España specialise, Mallorca, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, the latter has by far seen the largest increase in sales compared to the same period last year with new developments such as Los Arqueros Beach in Marbella selling in record time.

Over 60% of this luxury new development, just 4 minutes´ walk to the beach and amenities of San Pedro de Alcantara, has been sold off-plan since launch just 3 months ago.

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

"Whilst the domestic market in Spain is indeed suffering, the second home market is back with vengeance. Overall we have seen a 17% increase in sales to date in 2012 compared to the same time last year but the 74% increase in sales in the Costa del Sol is remarkable.

"Taylor Wimpey España has been active in the Costa del Sol for 50 years now; we have experienced the boom days as well as the bubble bursting but we remain strong in our belief in the area as the perfect place to own a second home so much so in fact that we have just invested €15 million into our latest development Los Arqueros Beach in Marbella."

Indeed Taylor Wimpey España´s commitment to the Costa del Sol has been welcomed by officials in the area with the Mayor of Marbella, Angeles Muñoz, attending the inauguration of Los Arqueros Beach last week and commenting,

"Our region remains a benchmark for a sector as important as construction; this new project will create more than 160 jobs, both direct and indirect over the next five years, emphasising the social impact of Los Arqueros Beach in the area."

But it´s not just British buyers being drawn back to Spain. Taylor Wimpey España has sold properties to over 20 nationalities this year alone from Germans to Russians, Saudi Arabians and Australians.

One market which has shown particular interest in owning in Spain is Scandinavia with Taylor Wimpey España recording a 300% increase in sales from this region followed closely by Denmark with a 150% increase to date in 2012 compared to 2011.

Marc Pritchard comments,

"No longer is Spain and the Costa del Sol in particular the preserve of the British second home owner. With the fall of the euro and the reduction of VAT to 4% until the end of 2012, Spanish property has become much more affordable, attracting buyers from all corners of the world.

 Indeed the newly proposed law which will grant foreign buyers residency in Spain if they purchase a property worth more than €160,000 will surely boost the international demand for homes further and help propel the market in the right direction."

So with limited units remaining and prices from a very reasonable €190,000 + 4% VAT, well below the average asking price for the province of €298,300 (Kyero.com), now is the perfect time to buy with confidence at Los Arqueros Beach.

Providing stunning homes, finished to the highest standards, close to the beach, with beautiful scenery and the ability to enjoy the facilities of the prestigious golf course of Los Arqueros, located just five minutes´ drive away, the 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms apartments at Los Arqueros Beach are not to be missed.

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 00 34 971 706 244.

A new generation budget Spanish airline, Vueling, will commence new daily flights from London Heathrow to Palma Mallorca with the introduction of its summer timetable on 23 March 2013.

This decision to fly to Palma reintroduces a popular route that has not been served from London´s No. 1 airport since 2009.

The fantastic new route will offer a total of 75,600 seats, which are now on sale online with competitive lead in fares. Vueling will utilise one of its Airbus A320 aircraft, operating from Heathrow Terminal 3, where it currently operates daily flights to La Coruna and Bilbao.

All Vueling passengers will enjoy free allocated seating and will have access to Vueling´s new concept, Business Excellence, featuring differentiated cabin seats, access to VIP lounges, priority boarding, ergonomic head rests, snacks and refreshments on board, extra loyalty points and total flexibility to appeal to the 40% of travellers who will use the route for business.

The island of Mallorca, the largest of Spain´s Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is one of Europe´s top tourist destinations, renowned for its beautiful beaches, fabulous fiestas and gastronomic delights.

The island has something for everyone – from the mountains in the north to the fine, pale sands of secluded coves and from the ancient villages to the modernism of the island´s capital, Palma. The old and new have developed side by side to create a matchless mixture unique to Mallorca.

Spain is still considered one of the most reliable and established markets for property buyers with Mallorca remaining one of the most popular destinations.

The Balearic islands´ economy still remains buoyant thanks to a thriving tourist industry which, despite a few variations in the past year, has hardly felt the burn. As a result, the latest census from the Spanish National Statistics Institute has identified that there are officially 23,773 Britons now living on the island with foreigners now representing 21.6% of the population – the highest concentration of overseas residents in Spain.

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

“Mallorca has always been a firm favourite – it´s easy to get too, offers sunny days and the most beautiful scenery. To highlight its popularity Lowcostholidays.com has recently identified that Mallorca is the number one destination for people over the Jubilee week, registering a 60% increase on 2011 and Palma de Mallorca voted one of Spain´s Top 10 Destinations in Trip Advisor´s Traveller´s Choice awards 2012.”

Although Mallorca has been deemed much more of an ´aspirational destination´ attracting the more affluent expat given the low supply of quality homes and high property prices, Taylor Wimpey España prove that quality homes and affordable prices can go hand in hand.

The El Puerto II complex is situated on the south east coast of the island, very close to the marina of Cala d´Or and only 27 km from Porto Cristo. The development is surrounded by an outstanding area of natural beauty where all types of water sports can be enjoyed or where you can relax in its sleepy coves with crystalline waters, take bicycle rides or play a stress-free round of golf.

These properties are available fully furnished from 149,000€ + 4% VAT and half capital gains tax if you purchase before the end of 2012.

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 00 34 971 706 244

Spain´s leading property developer Taylor Wimpey España are offering VAT of 4 % on properties in a number of fantastic locations throughout Spain, allowing buyers to qualify for half future Capital Gains Tax until the end of 2012.

The growing strength of the pound against the euro and low interest rates are making holiday homes attractively affordable to Brits.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España has revealed that 53 per cent of the company´s property sales last month were made to UK clients, the most sales made in a month to buyers from the UK since September of 2011. He went on to explain that British investors are making the most of the current market situation in Spain.

He commented,

"It is not surprising for Spain to see the increase in foreign spending, and especially this year, as the country´s tourism sector is experiencing an influx of vacationers. These tourists are known to visit Spain mainly to improve their knowledge of the nation´s property market before deciding to invest in it."

Further stating,

"The decline in real estate prices in some of the serene areas of the country has seen an influx of interest from foreign investors as more and more people believe that this is the best time to purchase a holiday home in Spain, and that too for incredibly cheap prices."

 
La Floresta de la Mairena is a new residential development 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 just 178,000 euros at just 4% 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 00 34 971 706 244
 

According to the National Institute of Statistics, there has been a further rise in the number of people taking advantage of bargain priced properties across Spain throughout September of this year, with sales rising for the second consecutive month.

The figures reveal that there were 22,648 residential property sales in September, up 3% on the corresponding month last year with enquiry data from leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España revealing that proximity to beaches and golf courses the main sales appeal.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España explains,

“Despite turbulence in the domestic property sector, demand for second or holiday homes in Spain from international buyers remains high. Half of our British buyers wish to own a property which is in close proximity to a beach, followed closely by almost 40% that aspire to live near a golf course reinforcing the importance of prime location to today’s buyers.”

Indeed a recent study by the Spanish Ministry of Tourism showed that golf contributed 4.5% of tourist revenues to the Andalucía region alone, with a surge of 427,000 tourists visiting the area and its world class courses last year.

The Costa del Sol is quite simply a golfer’s paradise; there are some 72 golf resorts and courses in Andalucía which rank in the top 10 in Europe. Add to that a fantastic all year round climate and easy access from the UK and you are most definitely in golfing heaven.

For example 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. 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.

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 perfect location for the golf lover is Los Robles de los Arqueros, a development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course.

With this in mind the inauguration of this residential project at Los Arqueros Beach is due to take place this afternoon, Thursday 22nd Nov 2012 and will be attended by the Mayor of Marbella.

The residential complex has a natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, wide streets and beautiful gardens. It is surrounded by a prestigious golf course with 18 holes and the properties boast large terraces with spectacular views over the golf course and sea.

These properties are available now from €178,000 at La Floresta de la Mairena and from €240,000 at Los Robles de los Arqueros. With only 4% VAT until the end of 2012 and half capital gains tax if you purchase before the year ends, this is the perfect opportunity 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 00 34 971 706 244.

Frontline properties in Spain are always in demand, however finding homes of any quality on a beach front location has always been difficult even for those with cash to burn. Now, leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España is happy to announce the pre-release of a unique first line development on the Spanish Mediterranean coast that won’t break the bank.

The first phase of La Vila Paradis in Villajoyosa, Costa Blanca will compromise of 27, two and three bedroom/two bathroom apartments, all with beautiful sea views and direct beach access.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“We are extremely excited about the La Vila Paradis development. At present, there are no first line developments with direct beach access going up on the Spanish Mediterranean coast – rest assured we are the only developer building beach front properties. In my time I can’t recall seeing anything similar to this plot of land in Spain and I’m very excited that we’ve managed to secure such a wonderful piece of land!

“Recently the Spanish government approved a change to the Coastal law of 1998 which ruled that thousands of Spanish homes developed on public coastline will be allowed to remain there for another 75 years. Many second hand front line properties built 20 years ago are up for sale but these are still difficult to get hold of. Unlike these older properties, our development will offer something that is not only new and affordable but also unique.”

Less commercialised than its cousin the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca is the second most popular choice for foreign buyers seeking second homes. In this regard, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alberto Fabra recently revealed that Alicante has become the Spanish province with the largest number of foreign transactions, with almost 85%.

Pritchard remarks,

“With Alicante being such a popular choice for overseas buyers, it’s hardly surprising we are a little excited by our new development – our own sales reflect the Costa Blanca’s popularity and we are happy to report that we’ve seen a 76% increase on total property sales on the Costa Blanca until September 2012 compared to the same period last year.

“As well as this, Savills UK Second Home Abroad 2011 report explains that beach access is one of the most important factors governing choice of holiday home location, with 69% of holiday homes benefitting from proximity to the beach. We are confident that La Vila Paradis will go down a storm – we’ve already reserved six units!”

La Vila Paradis will benefit from a beautiful Mediterranean design and will be built with high specifications and qualities including modern stone tile floors, air conditioning and hot water with an energy saving solar thermal system.

Starting from just €249.000 the development rests within walking distance to local amenities and a 20 minute drive to Alicante city centre. The tram station is only 250 metres from the development and will take visitors to Alicante centre and up the coast as far as Denia.

For more information on this unique front line development on the Costa Blanca 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 00 34 971 706 244.
 

In spite of concerns surrounding the Spanish economy this year, the nation has bounced back once again with 2012 predicted to be the best year ever in tourism revenues and second best in visitor numbers according to recent data.

According to the Bank of Spain, from January to July 2012 the resilient Iberian nation saw tourism revenues reach €23.877 million representing an increase of 0.6% compared to 2011 which was already a record year for Spain.

With this in mind, the average daily expenditure by foreign tourists visiting the country increased by 7% between January and August, reaching €107.

Meanwhile, when it comes to 2012 visitor numbers, Spain managed to close the best summer of its history with nearly 21.6 million visitors between June and August while official estimates show that 2012 will be the second best year for Spanish tourism with 58.1 million tourists, not far behind the record breaking 58.6 million visitors seen back in 2007.

Mark Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España comments,

“Whatever has been said about Spain, I don’t think anyone can argue that it’s lost its appeal as one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations. It’s really no surprise that foreign spending has increased in Spain this year particularly among British tourists who have been bagging more for their buck considering the strength on the pound over the euro.

“As well as positive tourism levels, property sales are also on the up. We at Taylor Wimpey España have seen an 22% increase in September sales over the same month in 2011 while on the Costa del Sol for example we’ve experienced an impressive 52% in total property sales so far this year compared to last.”

Indeed, when it comes to purchasing property, Spain still tops the chart according to a recent monthly analysis report by Rightmove Overseas, noting that the Costa Del Sol remains a firm favourite with potential British buyers with the well-known resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus both increasing in property searches.

For property hunters looking for high quality affordable property, Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent properties on offer on the Costa del Sol at only 4% VAT until the end 2012 and half capital gains tax if you purchase before year end.

Los Arqueros Beach is a new residential complex of 24 apartments consisting of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, only four minutes away from the sea front promenade and 3 minutes from the ancient part of San Pedro de Alcantara, in the new expanding area towards Marbella beach and near Puerto Banus called the New Alcantara.

Costing from just €205.000 with only 4% VAT until the end 2012 and capital gains tax half if you purchase before year end, the apartments have wide terraces, spacious solarium and a swimming pool.

Avalon – Los Arqueros Golf 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. The residential complex has a natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, communal swimming pool and beautiful gardens.

There are luxury 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses with 2 bathrooms costing from just €250.000 with only 4% VAT until the end 2012 and capital gains tax half if you purchase before year end. The complex features a communal swimming pool and gardens, underground parking and storage and is surrounded by a prestigious golf course with 18 holes.

For more information on buying on the Costa del Sol 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 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Swedish property buyers have become the target of new property sales drive on the Costa del Sol after a conference headed up by Malaga real estate representatives in Stockholm earlier this month decided they would push to sell 40,000 properties to the Swedish market.

Tourism director Elias Bendodo and tourist board manager Arturo Bernal liaised with Swedish promoters at the Living Costa del Sol conference in Stockholm drawing up a new deal to encourage Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish property buyers to purchase holiday or second homes on the Costa del Sol.

Mark Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España comments,

“For years, Germans and Britons dominated the second home market in Spain but now the tables have turned towards Nordic buyers. Having recognised the popularity of Spain among this market, we have dedicated a lot of time and effort in these buyers. On the Costa del Sol, we saw a 31% increase in total September sales to Scandinavians, a growth of 150% over last year.

“Interestingly, in addition to the Scandinavian push and helping lift Malaga’s tourism industry to an estimated €250 million a year, plans were recently unveiled by health chiefs to turn the Andalucian city into a prominent destination for global healthcare by drawing patients to clinics and hospitals where some of the best surgeons reside. Health tourism is becoming increasingly popular so this will certainly be one area to watch.”

With Malaga province’s tourism industry in mind, data from the National Statistics Institute show that Marbella is leading the way in foreign tourism on the Costa del Sol with The City Council explaining that during August 2012 the number of overnight stays by foreigners increased by 27%.

For property hunters looking for high quality affordable property, Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent properties on offer on the Costa del Sol at only 4% VAT until the end 2012 and half capital gains tax if you purchase before year end.

Los Arqueros Beach is a new residential complex of 24 apartments consisting of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, only four minutes away from the sea front promenade and 3 minutes from the ancient part of San Pedro de Alcántara, in the new expanding area towards Marbella beach and near Puerto Banus called the New Alcantara.

Costing from just €205.000 with only 4% VAT until the end 2012 and capital gains tax half if you purchase before year end, the apartments have wide terraces, spacious solarium and a swimming pool.

Avalon – Los Arqueros Golf 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. The residential complex has a natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, communal swimming pool and beautiful gardens.

There are luxury 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses with 2 bathrooms costing from just €250.000 with only 4% VAT until the end 2012 and capital gains tax half if you purchase before year end. The complex features a communal swimming pool and gardens, underground parking and storage and is surrounded by a prestigious golf course with 18 holes.

For more information on buying on the Costa del Sol 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 00 34 971 706 244.

Whether you want to know if prices are rising or falling on the Costa del Sol, who’s buying what on the Golden Mile, where the best place to buy a restored finca or pueblo blanco is or discuss the legal issues surrounding buying rural properties in Andalucía, there’s only one person to ask – Barbara Wood of The Property Finders.

A well-known face in the overseas property industry, property finder Barbara has loved Spain and all things Spanish since her student days in Madrid. Over the last 20 years she has amassed an unrivalled wealth of knowledge of the Spanish property market and it is for this reason that market leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing is delighted to now be representing Barbara.

After a very successful career with British Airways, Barbara arrived in Marbella in 1983, just as the first sustained property boom was getting under way. The experience she gained then led to her working for top estate agents Knight Frank, setting up and managing their office on the Costa del Sol from 1990.

Barbara believes that the years she worked as an Estate Agent have made her particularly effective in her role today as the buyer´s representative. She understands how the property market works in Spain and knows the kind of pressures that buyers may be subjected to. She knows from first-hand experience what to do and what not to do!

Over the years Barbara has helped clients buy ruins in the Andalucian countryside, found fine country estates, hunted down special properties among the thousands on the coasts and discovered gems in the historic city centres of Seville and Granada. She finds it particularly satisfying when her clients buy a property not listed for sale with any agents, having tracked it down through her network of contacts. It doesn´t matter what it is, as long as it is somewhere in Andalucía, Barbara can find it.

Barbara is an authority on Andalucía and can be relied upon by the media for accurate, timely, educated and unbiased opinion on the property market in this popular region of Spain. She also runs a very popular insightful blog.

Barbara has numerous case studies and is available for seminar speaking, podcasts, radio and TV interviews. She can be contacted 24/7 via Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing on +44 (0) 845 054 7524, charlotte@abpropertymarketing.co.uk or via Twitter at https://twitter.com/CharlotteA_PR.

Further information about Barbara Wood and The Property Finders which helps buyers locate and purchase property in Andalucía can be found here http://www.thepropertyfinders.com/.