Holiday firm Thomson experienced a surge in website hits from April to June this year with the Balearics proving to be one of the most popular destinations for Brits to escape to it has been revealed.

Overall holiday searches for the month of June were up nearly 20% on the same period in 2011 according to the Head of Online Marketing at Thomson, Nathan Timmins. He explained: “The constant rain is driving all of us around the bend. Over the last month the Balearics, Spain, Greece, Tunisia and Morocco have proved popular as Brits look to escape to sandy beaches, beautiful weather and resorts that they know and love.”

With this in mind, according to a report from Frontur Institute of Tourism Studies, Spain reached 5.43 million international tourists in May this year representing a 5.8% increase compared to May 2011, the highest rate for the month of May over the last three years.

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

“Tourism into Spain has grown this year with Brits representing the highest proportion of visitors into the nation in May 2012 with 1.44 million tourists – hardly surprising given that April, May and June have been the wettest three months in the UK for 90 years. Indeed, millions of Brits are looking to head off overseas not just for more reliable weather but the fact that the pound is 10% stronger than last year.”

Further good news comes from the Bank of Spain who has revealed that foreign investment in Spanish real estate grew by 2.4% through March 2012 compared to the same period last year, with 1,163 million euros.

“In spite of what is happening in Spain, many property investors still hold confidence in the market recognising the Mallorcan property sector as one of the most resilient. Kyero.com, the biggest Spanish property portal has discovered in its Spanish House Price Index for July that property prices in Mallorca are 193% above the national average with house prices increasing across each quarter of 2012 rising from 450,000 euros in March this year to 471,000 euros last month.”

For those property hunters looking for high quality at affordable prices Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent properties on offer in Mallorca at only 4% VAT until the end 2012.

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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d´Or Golf Club.
 

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 on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + 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. 
 

The Spanish Government has sanctioned a 2012-2016 Comprehensive National Tourism Plan which will cover 28 measures aimed at boosting tourism – a strategic factor that will aid the nation’s economic recovery according to the government.

The recently approved plan which will generate much needed jobs and wealth for the country will help improve Spain’s position as a leader in world tourism by focussing on 6 pillars, encompassing 28 measures and 104 specific actions. The basics of the plan will include building the strength of Marca Espana, achieved through its coordinated promotion; customer-oriented management targeting the loyalty of mature markets and market unity through syncing legislation and public-private cooperation.

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

“What is of particular interest is the tourist-oriented framework of this new plan which will see the development of a loyalty programme aimed at producing incentives for tourists who have already visited Spain to come back which will be done through special cards that collect points at associated Spanish corporations.

“Furthermore, the programme will include a campaign to encourage domestic tourism and support the much needed promotion of non-coastal locations. To further stimulate tourism, the plan proposes establishing rebates on airport fees for off peak days at airports in the Canary Islands as well as winter months at Balearic airports.

“This plan really demonstrates a sound and logical commitment from the Spanish government to propel tourism forward in Spain – it is after all the engine that drives the nation and in tough times, the focus really needs to be on this sector more than ever.”

Meanwhile, it seems Spanish tourism is already on its way up after receiving a total of 19.1 million international tourists between January and May 2012, an increase of more than 458,000 over the same period in 2011 according to the Survey of Tourist Movements in Frontera (Frontur).

Pritchard explains,

“In spite of Spain’s current situation, the nation is still a top pick with tourists and if the number of visitors till May has already risen by 2.4% compared to last year, can you imagine what will happen once the new tourism plan kicks in? With this in mind, while work is already being carried out to make visa applications quicker and more effective the Spanish government is considering giving residence permits to foreigners who buy apartments from 250,000 euros so anyone dubious about buying Spanish property should be feeling more confident. Buyers can now snap up great deals given low prices but feel reassured about the future.”

For optimistic property hunters looking for the very best in Spanish property Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent 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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d´Or Golf Club.

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 on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + 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. 
 
 

Spain received in the first five months of 2012 a total of 19.1 million international tourists, an increase of more than 458,000 over the same period in 2011, according to the Survey of Tourist Movements in Frontera (Frontur) testament the longstanding popularity of the Iberian nation despite economic concerns.

As a result of the increase, spending by international tourists reached 17.811 million euros between January and May this year, an increase of 4.6% over the same period in 2011 with the bulk of expenditure by British tourists at 3.166 million euros followed by 2.968 million euros spent by Germans according to figures provided by the survey of tourist spending Egatur prepared by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

But what is it that has caused the increase in visitors to Spanish shores this year? According to a survey by satnav firm TomTom, 69% of respondents admitted that their summer holiday was important to them with almost a third of Britons (31%) visiting Spain for sunshine while 42% just want to relax.

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

“There are numerous reasons why Spain still ranks top of the list for holiday makers. 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. In fact, we at Taylor Wimpey España have actually seen a 5% increase in unit sales from January to June this year compared to the same period in 2011!

“And it looks as though the influx of tourists is set to continue in the coming months with many jetting off in July and August to avoid the London Olympics. Online travel agents have actually reported a 200% increases in bookings for this period with the Balearics topping the list.”

With the Balearics in mind, those looking to snap up Mallorcan property could well be in a better position to take advantage of the dip in asking prices with leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com revealing that overall asking prices in Mallorca have declined by 23% from their peak. In spite of this, Kyero.com explains that prices are still 226,600 euros above the national average of 245,000 euros weighted by a large number of luxury properties.

Notably, in Kyero’s enquiry report for H1 2012 there is a high percentage of enquiries (61.4%) for properties with no swimming pool and over half of enquiries (50.1%) targeted at apartments.  Generally, as one might expect in the current economic climate, the cheapest properties available seem to receive the most enquiries with 32.9% searching for property priced between 50 – 150,000 euros. 

For those property hunters looking for high quality at affordable prices Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent 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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d’Or Golf Club.
 

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 on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + 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.
 

There’s no denying that the Spanish economy has been suffering recently. Banking losses resulting in the Iberian nation asking for help to recapitalise its banks has caused concern and aided a decline in property prices but for bargain property hunters, it isn’t all doom and gloom.

While investment house Variant Perception reports that parts of Spain have seen prices drop by as much as 50% from their peak, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España believes that there remains plenty of opportunities to capitalise off the back of low prices commenting:

“In spite of Spain’s current situation there are some big opportunities for shrewd property hunters right now. Property investors will not only benefit from the fact that Spanish property is currently around 33% lower than it was during its peak in 2008 but from growing tourism, which saw a 2.6% increase in the first few months of this year. Indeed, cheaper prices along with a particularly favourable euro rate means that Spanish property is an extremely worthwhile consideration as long as potential buyers ensure that they do thorough research first to avoid getting burnt. ”

Further boosting the case for buying a second property in Spain today, research conducted by Holiday Lettings has revealed that Spanish property continues to dominate the holiday rental market with strong demand for apartments and villas in Spain in the first three months of 2012.

Pritchard explains,

“Demand for second homes in Spain has not been broken. Properties in prime locations are now more readily available to potential buyers given low prices and, considering the unfaltering love for Spain as a holiday destination, Spanish property owners will still be able to obtain a solid return on a relatively low-cost investment.

“For anyone dubious about how the market is performing we at Taylor Wimpey de España, the only developer on the Costa del Sol actively building and selling and the only developer building and selling larger developments in Mallorca have been experiencing great success of late. Not only has traffic taken a positive turn with a 15% increase from May until now, reaching its highest level ever last week but both leads and sales are up. Just two weeks ago we made 4 sales – our strongest performance so far this year. Indeed, our biggest success story has to be our complete sell out recently in just 13 months of our off plan development at Cala Anguila, Mallorca. Our positive results highlight that in spite of what is going on in Spain right now, buyer interest still remains solid. ”

For clued up property hunters looking to take advantage of Spain’s unbeatable prices, Taylor Wimpey de España has some excellent 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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and just 10 minutes from Vall d’Or Golf Club.
 

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 on Mallorca. 
 

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + 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.
 

The beautiful Spanish Island of Mallorca, a popular holiday destination for Brits and Europeans alike lured by the island’s sophistication and diversity is currently gearing up for one of the most significant luxury sailing yacht events – the annual Superyacht Cup.

As the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe, now in its 16th year, the Superyacht Cup has drawn in hundreds of sailing superyachts to the occasion since it began back in 1996, gathering the world’s largest and most impressive privately owned superyachts to the Bay of Palma every year to participate in the four day invitation only event.

Kicking off today, the event is designed to showcase the Balearic Islands as one of the best superyacht bases in the world, chosen for its central location and reliable wind conditions as well as tourist attractions by combining spectacular boating vessels and competitive sailing with a relaxed and glamorous atmosphere ashore.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey de España who also lives in the island, comments,

“Every year this prestigious event not only sees many boating enthusiasts preparing to set sail from the dazzling Mallorcan shore but an abundance of intrigued visitors flocking to the island to witness the action. Indeed, international events of such magnitude continue to aid Mallorca’s reputation as the place to be and while many sailing devotees are attracted to such events, many more stay for Mallorca’s sun soaked climate, striking blue flag beaches and high class restaurants.”

With this in mind, the natural beauty and popular social programme of the island means that the demand for accommodation increases, with rental property close to marinas becoming highly desirable.

Pritchard further comments,

“There are many benefits to be had from owning a home in Mallorca as it can offer a great rental income for owners throughout the year. The stunning Balearic Island offers a wonderful quality of life and superb properties that are so often desired by tourists 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.”

Meanwhile the recently launched ‘Palma 365’ campaign designed to encourage winter as well as summertime tourism to the Balearic Island will be further aiding potential Mallorcan property investor confidence this year.

Palma 365 will aim to develop new ideas and offers to attract winter visitors highlighting Mallorca’s mild winters and limited rainfall and promoting the year-round nautical and golfing activity on the Island.

For property investors looking to cash in on the rental potential from Mallorca’s superyacht race as well as abundant year round events programme, leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España has some stunning Mallorcan 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 €171,500 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the blue flag beach, Cala Mondrago and within easy reach of the superyacht action.

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 on Mallorca.

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a Mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + 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.

 The Blue Flag beach results for 2012 are in and Spain has recorded its best ever outcome winning a total of 638 blue flags, 35 more than the 603 flags achieved last year according to the European Foundation for Environmental Education. 

While the eurozone construction sector recorded an increase in activity of 12.4% in March 2012 over the previous month according to European statistics office, Eurostat there is no denying that some nations such as Spain have seen a decline in activity. Specifically, while there seems to be an air of doom and gloom surrounding property in Spain, Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España appears to be bucking the trend.

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

“In Spite of what has been a testing time, we have experienced incredible success of late particularly with our off plan projects. We are currently building our last 30 units at our development Los Robles de Los Arqueros, Costa del Sol where we have already sold 19 units. As well as this, we have already sold 50% off plan at Lagunas del Sol, on the Costa Blanca. However, our biggest success story has to be our complete sell out in just 13 months of our off plan development at Cala Anguila, Mallorca.

“We aren’t surprised that Cala Anguila is completely sold out. The development not only benefits from being one of the last few plots of land for a home next to a beach in Mallorca – just 100 metres to be exact but from an unbeatable price tag starting from just €200.000. It just goes to show that even in difficult times; it’s still possible to sell a complete development in Spain off plan. We’ve proved it!”

Meanwhile, when it comes to who’s buying, Brits still remain the strongest purchasing nation according to Taylor Wimpey España with the Balearics ranking as one of the most popular destinations for British buyers, having risen over the past year to a total of 23,773 people according to recent figures from the Spanish National Statistics Institute.

Pritchard comments,

“The Balearic island of Mallorca, where celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer and Boris Becker have homes, has bucked the trend seen on mainland Spain and still remains a highly sort after second home location. As an island, Mallorca’s restriction of available land to develop combined with conscientious planning has meant that the isle is not over developed allowing prices to remain steady. Indeed, along with Mallorca’s resilience, any properties in prime locations that are well-constructed are selling fast – this was certainly Cala Anguila’s USP!”

Making travel to the golden island even more popular amongst Mallorca’s second home owners and tourists, Ryanair commenced six new routes out of Palma de Mallorca Airport earlier this month, now flying daily to Cologne, thrice-weekly to Rome Ciampino, Porto in Portugal and Malmo Sweden as well as twice-weekly to Groningen in the Netherlands and once a week to Smaland in Sweden.

For those thinking about buying the perfect property in Mallorca why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has on offer?

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 on Mallorca.

The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo and consists of 2 bedroom apartments with sea views with a mediterranean design surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool priced from just €199,500 + VAT

El Puerto II, Cala D’Or, Mallorca located on the south east coast of the island very close to the  Marina de Cala D’Or affords comfortable two bedroom apartments available  from €171,500 + VAT . With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

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.

Despite current economic uncertainty, it’s no surprise that Spain is still considered one of the best destinations in which to purchase a home abroad with the Costa del Azahar topping the list of areas in which investors wish to purchase homes according to a recent survey from Rightmove Overseas.

The Costa del Azahar, north of the Costa Blanca and literally translated as the ‘Orange blossom’ coast has started to grab the attention of international property buyers recently. As one of the lesser known areas of Spain, the Costa del Azahar affords an abundance of treasures yet to be discovered, perfect for those who want avoid the heavy tourist crowds associated with the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca.

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

“One of the great things about the Costa del Azahar is that fact that it has maintained all that is authentic about Spain. The coast has upheld its appeal with people and activities still in keeping with Spanish culture and tradition – something that appeals to second-home buyers who want to immerse themselves in the true Spanish way of life.

“Given the region is relatively off the tourist radar when compared to its more southerly cousins, property prices in this part of Spain remain reasonable and very good value for money. Our latest development located in Alcossebre on the Costa del Azahar – a first for us – affords a highly sort after frontline location with direct access to the sea matched with an affordable price tag – a perfect combination for buyers looking for something special that won’t break the bank!”

While the Costa del Azahar provides beautiful pristine beaches many of which fly Blue Flags, inland visitors can discover the exceptional beauty of quaint villages and the rugged mountains of Castellon, the second most mountainous province in Spain. However, one of its most popular destinations for those looking for something away from the masses is the small coastal village of Alcossebre.

Pritchard explains,

“Alcossebre is one of the few towns in the area that is not fully built-up. There aren’t too many large buildings around so a peaceful and natural landscape exists with a variety of unspoiled beaches to choose from. What’s more, potential second home buyers will be pleased to know that house prices in Alcossebre were 15.8% less expensive in Q1 2012 than the national average of Spain according to recent figures from the number one portal for Spanish property, Kyero.com.”

For those who are thinking about buying the perfect frontline property on the Costa del Azahar why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has on offer?

Located in a privileged spot on the Mediterranean coastline, right on the Cap i Corp seafront, belonging to the town of Alcossebre, La Ermita del Mar affords 2 & 3 bed frontline apartments from just €172.000.

As well as being privileged with direct access to the beach, apartments will have direct access to generous covered and open terraces with imposing views of the sea as well as a communal swimming pool and underground parking spaces.

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 latest Golf Travel Insights report from KPMG, 60% of golf tour operators experienced an increase in the number of golf holidays booked in 2011, compared to just 38% in the previous year, highlighting a welcomed boost to the golf tourism sector.

Utilising the feedback of 90 golf tour operators in 35 countries, the survey, published by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice identified that Spain and Portugal continue to be the most popular golf holiday destinations, while the UK, Ireland, Turkey and Thailand follow behind.

While the KPMG survey discovered that golfers from the USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany and the UK remain the biggest golf travellers, the data also revealed that golfers spend considerably more on a vacation than standard leisure tourists, spending around €600-900 for a four to seven night stay.

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

“The golf tourism sector has proven to be a resilient and reliable market that always bounces back even when the chips are down and we are happy to hear that there is an optimistic outlook among golf tour operators with three-quarters of those surveyed in KPMG’s report expecting growth in the market this year and next.

“Spain is one of the biggest international golf destinations; it’s certainly the most popular European golf location and anyone thinking of buying a golf property in Spain would definitely be making a wise move. With our developments you are buying into community spirited neighbourhoods that afford excellent facilities and green surroundings as well as potential high returns from consistent demand should you chose to rent your property out. For example, Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course is one example of a quality golf course in Spain that has performed remarkably well.  We developed and sold during the last 11 years more than 1,200 apartments, villas and detached villas in Los Arqueros so the results of buying a golf property really speak for themselves.”

For those who are thinking about buying a golf property in Spain to perfect your swing or fill your pockets from rental opportunities why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has on 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.

Just a ten minute drive from two of the best known golf courses on the Costa del Sol, La Cala Golf Resort and Santa Maria Golf this development comprises of 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom penthouses and affords two large communal swimming pools, landscape gardens and external private parking all built to the highest standard from just €178.000.

Los Robles de Los Arqueros II, is a modern complex with cutting edge interior set in one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course.

Offering stunning sea and golf views the 2 and 3 bedroom apartments afford superb amenities such swimming pool and community gardens with underground parking and storage for €240,000.

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 00 34 971 706 244.