Overseas Property Show set to take Herts by storm this summer!

Overseas Property Show set to take Herts by storm this summer!

by Charly World
  • Overseas Property Show coming to Watford, 4th & 5th July 2015
  • Cyprus is new addition to list of destinations for this year’s show
  • Free tickets available at theoverseaspropertyshow.com

Hertfordshire residents are gearing up for the arrival of the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show this July, with the Watford show tour dates just announced.

The Overseas Property Show is one of the most respected shows in the industry and has proven itself invaluable over the years as a means of connecting buyers with their dream homes abroad. The first six shows held in 2014 attracted more than 3,000 visitors, while the 2015 tour has already got off to a bumper start with the first show in Surrey at the end of June.

The Hertfordshire Overseas Property Show will take place at the Hilton Watford Hotel on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July. The show provides visitors with access to experts on buying and owning property in Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and the US. It is ideal for everyone, from those dreaming of owning property abroad to those with a string of holiday homes and rental properties, looking to add to their portfolio.

The free-to-attend Overseas Property Show includes everything from holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, with experts on hand to answer questions and discuss the merits of buying in their country of expertise.

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be available with his team to talk buyers through the advantages of property ownership in Portugal and how they can pick up that dream second home in the sunshine. Chris comments,

“Many people dream of owning a home overseas, but aren’t sure where to start. The Overseas Property Show provides the perfect resource for them, as well as an invaluable tool for those who already own overseas but want to purchase further properties or expand their portfolio into a new country.

“People want to own property overseas for all kinds of reasons, from straightforward holiday homes to rental businesses that generate an income. Many also want a dual purpose property, that they can use for holidays or rent out initially, then retire to in the future. At the Overseas Property Show we cater for all these buyers and more, sharing our knowledge and offering top tips and insights into the joys of owning property overseas with confidence.”

The Ideal Homes International team will also be on hand at the show, presenting visitors with a range of stunning properties in Cyprus. From frontline villas to luxurious city apartments, Cypriot property expert Maria McLaren will be available to talk visitors through their property ownership options in this fabulous country.

All are welcome at the Overseas Property Show. The doors at the Hilton Watford Hotel will open at 10.00 am and close at 6.00 pm on both 4th and 5th July.

For further details and to claim your free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

The Overseas Property Show: Making Surrey residents’ holiday home dreams come true

The Overseas Property Show: Making Surrey residents’ holiday home dreams come true

by Charly World
  • 2014 Overseas Property Show tour attracted more than 3,000 visitors
  • Overseas Property Show coming to Guildford, 27th & 28th June 2015
  • Free tickets available at theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Cyprus added to list of destinations for this year’s show

Following a hugely successful UK tour in 2014, which attracted more than 3,000 visitors in just the first six shows, the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show is returning to Surrey. The show will arrive in all its glory this June, with experts on hand to discuss the merits of owning property overseas, as well as what to watch out for, for those who are new to second home ownership.

Appearing at the Holiday Inn Guildford on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2015, the show will present properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and the US to UK buyers looking to pick up a home in the sunshine. From holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, the free-to-attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone. The prevalence of high net worth individuals in the Guildford area makes it the ideal location for this prestigious event.

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

International property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be available with his expert team to talk buyers through property ownership in Portugal and how they can turn their dreams of a second home in the sunshine into a reality. Chris comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is the perfect resource for UK buyers who want to own a home overseas. Whether it’s for holidays, to live in fulltime or to use as a means of earning income, second home ownership can be a fulfilling and rewarding activity, but many buyers are unnecessarily daunted by the prospect. The Overseas Property Show offers the chance to ask questions of property professionals who have lived and worked overseas for years and can share their knowledge, hints and tips of how to get the best from overseas home ownership.”

Chris and his team will also be presenting buyers with a range of stunning second home options in Cyprus, through Ideal Homes International. Basking in more than 340 days of sunshine per year, Cyprus has long been a favourite with British second home buyers, with its sandy beaches, turquoise Mediterranean waters and fresh cuisine tempting many to turn their holiday home dream into a reality with a Cypriot property.

Surrey residents have the opportunity to explore properties in Cyprus, Portugal and more this month by joining the Overseas Property Show at the Holiday Inn Guildford on 27th and 28th June. Doors open at 10.00 am and close at 6.00 pm on both days.

For further details and to claim your free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Summer holiday heaven – look no further, Europe has it all!

Summer holiday heaven – look no further, Europe has it all!

by Kate World , , , ,
  • 76% of UK parents let their kids have a say about where to go on holiday (HomeAway)
  • Beachfront apartments near Spain’s top theme park from €560 per week (Kyero)
  • Average UK child costs £35k by age 5 (Aviva)

When it comes to summer holidays, it seems we want it all – pristine beaches, high-octane theme parks and water parks, first-rate golf courses, rural activities like horse riding – and all set against a backdrop of good weather and great food. It might seem like a lot to ask, but there’s no need to book that round the world ticket, as it turns out that Europe has it all this summer!

With a new study from Aviva revealing that the average UK child costs their parents £35,000 by the time they reach the age of five, many families will be looking for affordable holiday options, yet not wanting to compromise on the quality of the vacation experience.

At the same time, research from HomeAway and YouGov has shown that a significant majority of parents (ranging from 76% in the UK to 95% in Germany) allow their children to have a say in deciding on the holiday destination. With this in mind, here we look at five European options to suit every taste and budget this summer.

For beach lovers

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, is an advocate of the Albanian coastline when it comes to pristine beaches. He comments,

“Albania offers both good value for money and the long, quiet stretches of sand that are perfect for family holidays. The kids can splash around in the shallows at hyper-speed, while mum and dad can relax and put their feet up just a few feet away, making places like Lalzit Bay ideal for families who want to enjoy the beach for a range of purposes.”

Those looking to invest in their own property by the beach can choose from a range of high quality apartments at Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, where prices start from as little as €35,000 for an apartment. Those looking to splash the cash can opt for the ultimate in luxury property, with five and six bedroom beachfront villas offering unobstructed Mediterranean views from just €437,000.

For water park fanatics

Portugal also offers some stunning beachscapes, as well as a number of excellent water parks, dotted along the southern Algarve coastline. Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, observes,

“One of the many great things about the Algarve is the number of holiday options that it provides. Golf lovers, beach bunnies, foodie travellers and water park fanatics are all perfectly at home here. Between the three main water parks – Slide & Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand – families have an incredible choice of H2O-based rides and activities. They offer something for everyone, from tiny children splashing in the warm waters of the children’s pool at Slide & Splash to serious adrenaline junkies rocketing down the White Fall at Aquashow. Aquashow even includes a sizeable theme park for those for whom the water rides aren’t quite enough!”

A three bedroom villa with its own pool close to Slide & Splash in Lagoa can be picked up for €350,000.

For theme park aficionados

Those who prefer to stay dry while satisfying their adrenaline craving should head to neighbouring Spain, where theme parks abound. One of the best is PortAventura Park in Salou, which was voted the number one amusement park in Spain in the 2014 TripAdvisor travellers’ choice awards. Martin Dell, Director of leading property portal Kyero.com, which offers property sales, holiday rentals and long-term rentals across Spain, comments,

“PortAventura is one of Spain’s best-loved theme parks and is packed with families seeking adventure during their summer holidays. From gentle rides for the littlest members to super-fast thrills for big kids (of all ages!), its six themed worlds offer a huge range of entertainment options. It has an aquatic park too with a vast array of slides and rides, packing in far more than can be done in a single day – it’s Spain’s equivalent to Florida.”

A frontline beach apartment with pool in Salou can be rented from €560 per week.

For golfers

Spain is also a wonderful destination for golfers, particularly those looking for island-based courses in the Balearics. Mallorca is a popular choice, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, points out,

“The views from some of Mallorca’s golf courses are simply stunning and the island welcomes golfers of all abilities, from pros to those just learning the ropes. The Mallorca Golf Academy operates across the island, for those looking to hone their skills in the sunshine, while the range of courses of the island mean that those who have come simply to play can always find a quiet time to enjoy golf here at its best.”

Costa Beach at Port Vell has four excellent golf courses within a ten minute drive, the nearest being just 900 meters away. The development also offers direct beach access and a fantastic pool, with prices for the apartments and townhouses starting at €240,000.

For nature lovers

If even golf sounds like too hectic an activity, Italy is the place to go, according to Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs founder of Le Marche-based luxury fractional ownership business Appassionata. Italy is one of Europe’s most popular rural tourism destinations and the Le Marche region offers the perfect blend of a small town base (for the convenience of restaurants, cafés and shops) with access to stunning countryside. Dawn comments,

“Le Marche is perfect for holidaymakers looking to escape it all. They can enjoy horse riding across miles of rolling countryside, picnic in solitude beneath the vast blue sky and refresh their spirits with the peace and fragrance of the open country, all before returning home at the end of the day to sink into a deep bath before a visit to the local pizzeria for a slice and a glass of locally produced wine.”

Fractional ownership options at Casa Tre Archi in Le Marche are available from £70,000 for five weeks’ use of the luxury holiday home per year.

 

For more information please contact:

Kyero: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa: +44 845 125 8600 or www.lalzitbay.com

Ideal Homes Portugal: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

At a Glance: Demand climbs for Christ Church property

At a Glance: Demand climbs for Christ Church property

by Kate World
  • Saint James most popular property destination in Barbados
  • Overseas demand rising for Christ Church
  • Hastings most sought-after location
  • One to watch: Brighton (Saint George) rising hotspot for 2015

Demand is climbing for property in Christ Church, TheMoveChannel.com’s new Barbados infographic reveals. The portal’s At a Glance report, which compares buyer activity in the past 12 months to two years ago, shows that the popularity of Christ Church is catching up with Saint James.

Saint James remains the number one destination for buyers of property in Barbados, accounting for 38.98 per cent of enquiries in the 12 months to April 2015 – up slightly from 38.83 per cent in the year to April 2013. Interest in Christ Church, though, is rising. The surfer hotspot accounted for 36.67 per cent of enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com, up from 30.06 per cent in 2013.

Christ Church is now the most sought after area on the island, as Hastings overtook Holetown in Saint James to top the list of searched for locations. Hastings now accounts for more than 1 in 10 Barbados searches on the site (11.02 per cent, up from 9.4 per cent two years ago).

Demand also stayed strong for Atlantic Shores, Silver Sands and Maxwell: Christ Church is now home to four of the top 10 most popular locations in Barbados on TheMoveChannel.com. Saint James, on the other hand, accounts for three of the top 10, including the resorts of Sandy Lane and Westmoreland. Holetown fell to fourth in the search rankings, as Atlantic Shores rose into third place. Brighton, in Saint George, is a rising hotspot on the island, becoming the second most searched for location (up from 55th place in April 2013).

Saint Peter, next to Saint James, saw its share of enquiries rise from 13.57 per cent to 14.73 per cent. Saint Philip, next to Christ Church, on the other hand, saw enquiries drop from 13.68 per cent to 8.22 per cent. Saint Lucy, Saint Andrew and Saint John continued to attract no enquiries at all.

The At a Glance infographic also charts buyer behaviour on Google. Internet searches for “property for sale in Barbados”, “Barbados property” and “property in Barbados” have all increased in the past two years. Most notable of all, though, are searches for “houses for sale in Barbados”, which became the most used keyword relating to Barbadian real estate between August and October 2014.

TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson comments: “The Barbados property market has always been fuelled by wealthy buyers, with prime property in Saint James attracting the most attention. The resilience of the luxury real estate sector during times of wider economic uncertainty has helped to support activity on the Platinum Coast in the past two years

“Christ Church, though, is rising in popularity, thanks to its appeal among surfers and holidaymakers, as well as its more affordable property prices. The rising interest among less wealthy buyers has helped to drive up searches on Google. The increasing interest in houses for sale in Barbados, though, which are searched for significantly more than apartments, highlights just how stable demand for prime property on the island remains.”

Click here see the full Barbados At a Glance infographic.

 

— ENDS —

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

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Please contact Ivan Radford on ivan.radford@themovechannel.com or +44 (0)207 952 7221

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At a Glance: Warsaw tops Polish property wish list

At a Glance: Warsaw tops Polish property wish list

by Charlotte Ashton World

Warsaw is top of buyers´ Polish property wish list,TheMoveChannel.com´s latest research reveals. The portal´s At a Glance infographic shows that real estate in Poland is a tale of three cities, but that activity is driven by the capital, which accounts for almost one-quarter of all buyers´ searches.

22.4 per cent of searches in the 12 months to January 2014 were directed towards Warsaw, making the capital city the second most sought-after location in the country. Krakow was the most looked-for property market, attracting 23.3 per cent of searches. While interest in the two was almost equal, though, that activity translated into twice as many enquiries in Warsaw´s district of Masovia.

Masovia, home to two of the 10 most popular cities (Warsaw and Konstancin-jeziorna), accounted for 37.7 per cent of all Polish real estate enquiries in the past year, far ahead of Malopolskie, which accounted for another two of the top 10 (Krakow and Zakopane) and 18.8 per cent of enquires. Together, the two districts are responsible for four of the most in-demand cities in Poland and make up 56.5 per cent of the country´s enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com.

The third most popular region was Wielkopolskie, responsible for the top 10´s Poznan and Lodz, as well as 17.4 per cent of enquiries. Dolnoslkaskie was the fourth most popular district, generating 9.6 per cent of enquiries. It is home to Wroclaw, the third most searched-for city on the site. All the other districts accounted for fewer than 5 per cent of enquiries.

The infographic also analyses activity on Google from the past year related to buying property in Poland. “Property in Poland” was the most commonly used phrase. “Houses for sale in Poland” are the most popular type of real estate; there were no searches for “villas for sale in Poland” on Google in the past year.

Searches featuring the general keywords “property for sale in Poland” have decreased in the past year, particularly during the winter months at the end of 2013. While interest in Polish property appears to be diminishing, though, demand for land appears to be growing. Indeed, the number of searches for “land in Poland” almost doubled in the 12 months to January 2014, with 140 searches recorded in the three months between February and April 2013 rising to 230 in past three months.

TheMoveChannel.com Editor Ivan Radford comments: “When laid out on paper, Poland´s property market is a tale of three cities: Krakow is top of the shopping list thanks to its historical and cultural appeal; Wroclaw´s beautiful riverside scenery and Gothic architecture attracts more than one in 10 searches; but Warsaw, a centre of both nightlife and commerce, appeals to investors and buyers, to the extent that the district of Masovia generated more than double the enquiries of Molopolskie, home to Krakow, in the last year.

“Poland´s economy has been strong in recent years. GDP grew 1.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, according to Eurostat. That stability appears to have helped fuel a rise in interest in the country´s property on TheMoveChannel.com since November 2013. It is interesting to note that away from our portal, interest is also climbing in the country´s land opportunities.”

Notes to Editors
Cheap wedding dresses are one of the most noticeable things in a wedding. Which dress should you wear; its style and fitting need your attention. Different countries have different fashion statements for dress designs. So choosing your perfect dress is really a difficult task.

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.
Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

At a Glance: Eastern Cape drives demand for South African property

At a Glance: Eastern Cape drives demand for South African property

by Charlotte Ashton World
 The Eastern Cape is driving demand for South African property, according to TheMoveChannel.com´s latest research. The portal´s At a Glance infographic, which depicts activity on the site in 2013, shows that the Eastern Cape accounted for three quarters of enquiries into the country´s real estate.
  • Eastern Cape accounts for 74.1% of South African enquiries
  • Johannesburg most sought-after location, accounting for 1 in 10 searches
  • Buyer demand highest for coastal areas
The Eastern Cape received 74.1 per cent of enquiries into South African property between January and December 2013. The Western Cape was the second most popular area, accounting for one in five (19.3 per cent) of activity.
Despite that, buyers searching for South African property tended to look at the Western Cape first, with the region accounting for half of the top 10 most-searched destinations in the country. Cape Town was the second most sought-after location, featuring in one in 10 searches, behind only Johannesburg, which attracted 12 per cent of searches. The Gauteng province accounted for two out of the top 10 most-searched cities, including Pretoria. KwaZulu-Natal accounted for the same number, with Durban the subject of 8.5 per cent of searches.
The Eastern Cape, on the other hand, was home to just one of the top 10 most-searched places: Port Elizabeth. The popular tourist hotspot, though, located on the Garden Route, held enough appeal to convert searches into enquiries. Indeed, overseas buyers of South African property were primarily interested in coastal areas: provinces further inland, such as the Free State, North West, Northern Cape and Limpopo received no enquiries at all
The At a Glance infographic also charts search activity on Google related to buying South African real estate. Buyers tended to search for “property in South Africa” in general, while “houses for sale in South Africa” were the most popular type of property, followed by “land for sale in South Africa”.
Searches for the country´s real estate peaked in the third quarter of 2013. This trend is backed up by TheMoveChannel.com, where enquiries into South African property peaked in September, driven by an off-plan opportunity to invest in a resort in the Eastern Cape.
Editor Ivan Radford comments:
“South Africa´s real estate enjoyed a stronger 2013 than previous years, with demand increasing in the third quarter. But the At a Glance infographic confirms the emerging nature of the market, with the majority of interest directed towards tourist-friendly areas, such as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and many provinces receiving no attention. Buyers attracted to the area´s Mediterranean climate searched mostly for property in the Western Cape. The Garden Route´s mild temperatures, though, as well as September´s attractive off-plan listing, saw the majority of buyers hunt for real estate in the Eastern Cape instead. While properties near the coast tended to perform well, the country´s most popular listings in 2013 covered a wide range of off-plan developments, houses and even alternative assets, which indicates a variety of investors and buyers in the market – a positive indicator for the future.”
Click here to see the full infographic.
Notes to Editors 
Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.
TheMoveChannel.com is operated by lead generation company Lead Galaxy, which powers the largest online network of overseas property portals.
The website address is http://www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN. The website address of Lead Galaxy is http://www.leadgalaxy.com
Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.
Family fun in the sun: longer life expectancy leads to increase in multi-generational holidays

Family fun in the sun: longer life expectancy leads to increase in multi-generational holidays

by Charlotte Ashton World , ,

It looks like 2014 is going to be all about family. As the world celebrates the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, holiday destinations across the globe are emphasising their family-friendly features.

According to the TravelSupermarket Travel Trends Tracker 2013, 70% of respondents aimed to go on holiday with their partner last year, while 30% had planned to holiday with their children, 7% with their parents and 5% with their grandchildren. The reasons behind this multi-generational approach to holidays are particularly interesting.

Dr Ian Yeoman’s study, The Future of the UK Family Holiday: Social and Demography Trends, shows like expectancy in the UK as having achieved a ten year increase for both men and women since 1950, with men now at 78.4 years and women at 82.6 years. Simply translated, this means that grandparents have more time with their children and grandchildren than previously, leading to a rise in multigenerational family holidays.

It is a concept that resonates with Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living, Lanzarote’s exclusive short and long-stay resort for the over 50s, where apartments can be booked for just €625 per four weeks. He comments,

“Here at Sun Park Living we’ve found that many of our guests enjoy having their children and grandchildren come out to spend time with them. As active retirees, our guests certainly enjoy spending time on their own in the resort, but they also look forward to quality time with the younger generations. As families generally have less time to relax and play together, quality time has become more of a luxury and we’ve noticed family tourism increase as a result.”

The observation regarding quality family time is backed by research from the Future Foundation, which found that half of the UK’s population claims to get all or most of their satisfaction as a result of family life. This satisfaction increases with age, as new generations are added to family life.

One consistently family-friendly holiday destination is Spain. In the recent survey of travel editors and writers by 101 Holidays, Spain came third in the list of countries with the best beaches. The finding is unsurprising, given the mass migration of families that flock to the Iberian country’s shores for a few days or weeks of glorious sunshine every year.

Award-winning developer Taylor Wimpey España has found that is Spanish properties are consistently popular with families, and the Costa Blanca’s Calpesol resort particularly so. The combination of the peaceful town of Calpe, the beautiful beach five minutes from the resort, landscaped gardens and communal swimming pool has proven a winning combination. With spacious houses available from just €168,000 + VAT, it is perhaps unsurprising that Spain is seen as the go-to option for many families looking to own a dream holiday home in the sun.

Italy also remains a firm favourite with family holiday home buyers, having been voted one of Lonely Planet’s best family travel destinations for 2014. According to the National Agency of Tourism (ENIT), 62% of international operators globally confirmed an increase in travel toward Italy over the festive season. It is a trend which looks set to continue, with Italian life proving a strong draw to British families looking to enjoy culture, food and wonderful scenery, as well as beach life, as part of their holidays.

At Appassionata, which refurbishes and manages luxury fractional ownership holiday homes in Italy’s Le Marche region, family is a key driver behind many of their owners’ decisions to purchase. Company founder and established interior designer Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,

“Our fractional ownership properties not only provide an incredible standard of Italian holiday home for their owners, but also an inheritance that can be handed down through the generations. Many of our owners love to bring several generations of their family out to Italy with them and our two new properties in the delightful town of Petritoli will allow families to truly immerse themselves in day-to-day Italian living.”

The Petritoli properties – a three bedroom townhouse with fractions available from £55,000 and a five bedroom palazzo with fractions from £100,000 – were selected with family living in mind. Unusually, both feature outside areas large enough for family dining, which Dawn confirms was an essential part of her decision to renovate the two homes.

On the opposite side of the Adriatic, Albania is also emerging as one Europe’s leading family holiday destinations, with sun-drenched beach holidays attracting a growing number of visitors. Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa has been designed with a family focus firmly in mind. Recreational areas, sporting zones, boutique shops and extensive dining options provide enjoyment and convenience for the whole family. A stunning beach and purpose-built beach club further enhance the resort’s family feel.

Even the investment opportunities offered by Lalzit Bay are family-friendly – the resort’s apartments, villas and hotel rooms can be reserved for just €500, while lifestyle buyers can also choose to benefit from a free Fiat Punto when they complete on their purchase.

With so many family-focused options available, and pressure on families to make the most of their quality time together, holiday home developers and resorts will no doubt continue to celebrate their myriad family features, creating abundant choice for those looking to celebrate family life in the sunshine during 2014.

For more information on the properties detailed above, please contact:

Sun Park Living: call +44 161 408 3360 or visit www.sunparkliving.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Appassionata: call +39 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa: call +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

At a Glance: Little Cayman is big property player

by Charlotte Ashton World

Little Cayman is the big property player for people investing in the Cayman Islands, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s latest At a Glance report. The infographic shows that when it comes to real estate in the Cayman Islands, Little Cayman attracts the largest attention, accounting for almost two-thirds of enquiries.

Little Cayman is the smallest of the three-island archipelago but it outshone its big sister Grand Cayman in the 12 months to October 2013, attracting 65.09 per cent of property enquiries. Cayman Brac received the second highest number of enquiries (33.36 per cent). On Grand Cayman, the only districts to receive enquiries were Bodden Town, George Town and West End, although neither accounted for more than 2 per cent of enquiries.

In terms of searches, though, Grand Cayman is still the most popular: the biggest of the islands accounted for almost half (43 per cent) of all searches for Cayman Islands property on TheMoveChannel.com. Cayman Brac was the second most sought-after, receiving just over one quarter (27.66%) of searches. Little Cayman was the target of just one in five (19.21%) searches.

Some house hunters were more specific, looking for real estate within certain areas of Grand Cayman: 4.32 per cent searched for property in George Town, while 2.94 per cent searched for property in West End and 1.56 per cent in Bodden Town. Almost 300 hundred buyers searched for property in the Cayman Islands in general, without naming a location.

The At a Glance infographic also charts the number of searches for real estate in the Cayman Islands on Google. In the year to October 2013, the majority of buyers tended to search generally for “Caymans Islands Property”. Over the 12 months, searches for “property for sale in Cayman Islands” and “Cayman islands property” have both declined slightly, while searches for “property in Cayman Islands” have increased 77 per cent in the three months to October 2013 compared to the three months to January 2013.

“Houses for sale” were the most popular property type, occurring in more searches than “land for sale”, despite the proliferation of land opportunities on TheMoveChannel.com. Indeed, land accounts for almost half (48 per cent) of Cayman Islands property listings currently on the site.

Editor Ivan Radford comments: “Demand for property in the Cayman Islands has grown significantly in the last year on TheMoveChannel.com, with the country appearing four times in the top 10 destinations on the site in 2013 so far. Land in the Cayman Islands is the investment of choice among buyers on the site, so it is surprising to see so few searches for it on Google. The Cayman Islands, though, seem to be full of small surprises – not least of all Little Cayman.“Little Cayman accounts for one quarter of TheMoveChannel.com’s Cayman Islands listings compared to Grand Cayman, which is home to 53 per cent. Despite that – and even with buyers actively searching for property on the largest island – the tinier of the two generated more enquiries in the past 12 months. Is that because there were better returns from Little Cayman for investors thanks to softer property prices, or a sign that even Grand Cayman’s traditional hotspot of the Seven-Mile Beach has a new rival for lifestyle appeal? Either way, as the cold nights set in and buyers dream of Caribbean sun, the rising popularity of the Cayman Islands could yet surprise us all.”

Click here for the full infographic.

Notes to Editors

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Let’s get physical! New Post Office survey reveals Brits want sport and adventure while abroad

by Georgina World

Far from spending their days sunning themselves on the beach in a state of almost stupor-like relaxation, it appears that British holidaymakers are demanding more and more from their holidays. The latest Post Office Travel Money Activity Barometer has revealed that an astonishing 75% of 18-64 year old adults are looking to try out a new sport or physical activity while on holiday.

  • 75% of British adults want to try out new sports or activities on holiday
  • Two thirds have already tried out new activities during past breaks
  • 40% of adults drawn to water-based activities while on holiday

The survey listed 27 activities and found that two thirds of respondents had already taken part in one or more of them while on holiday in the past. The favourite activity to try was rally car driving (58%), yet further research by Post Office Travel Money found that no overseas rally car driving activities were available for the price point set by survey respondents.

For leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España the survey results come as no surprise. Sales and Marketing Manager Marc Pritchard explains,

“We’ve found that those purchasing our La Floresta Sur holiday homes near Marbella are keen to take advantage of the plethora of activities available in the local area. Although rally car driving isn’t available locally, buggy safaris through inland Marbella are extremely popular, as is go-karting. They say that variety is the spice of life and this is certainly true for buyers in southern Spain, with activities ranging from mountain biking, to deep sea fishing, to potholing. All holidaymakers need to do is choose their desired adrenalin level!”

Other popular activities identified by the Post Office survey were adventure sports, with 40% of respondents looking to try a water-based sport, including scuba diving (49%) and white water rafting (43%). Taylor Wimpey España’s Costa Blanca properties are particularly popular with those looking to try their hand at scuba diving. From novices to qualified divers, the Mediterranean Sea offers something for everyone.

The five star Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, nestled on the beautiful Albanian Adriatic coastline, also recognises the popularity of such activities. The resort recommends white water rafting through the magnificent canyons of the Osumi River, which opens up breath-taking scenery that is usually hidden from most tourists’ eyes. The best time to go is during the spring, when melting snow allows navigation through the entire length of the canyon and creates a series of amazing waterfalls.

For winter adventurers, snowboarding was one of the most desired activities (41%). Family-run company Appassionata, which offers fractional ownership of its two luxury holiday homes (Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi) in Italy’s beautiful Le Marche region, has found this to be true of its owners. Snowboarding in the nearby Sibillini Mountains is particularly popular with owners during the winter months, as is skiing.

Over in Germany, the same is true of the 4* Alpen Club, in the spectacular Bavarian Alps. The family-friendly hotel, which offers hotel room investment through Property Frontiers, provides access to an incredible natural playground during the winter months, with sledging, snowboarding, Nordic hikes, ice skating and snow-tubing all extremely popular. Skiing at one of the two ski resorts (Spitzingee and Bayrishell) within a 15 minute drive of the hotel is also a favourite activity for holidaymakers.

While adventure sports capture the imagination of many holidaymakers, mainstream activities such as fishing, cycling and golf were still picked by 27-28% of the Post Office survey respondents. The Villages Group, which offers active properties for those in the gay community aged 50+ at its Canal du Midi village in southern France, affords residents the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape of the Languedoc through access to the 250 km long Canal du Midi cycle path. The path is one of France’s most popular cycling tours, both with those exploring just a small area of it and with more committed cyclists who intend to journey along its full length.

With so many incredible options for active holidays just a short flight away from Britain’s shores, it’s no wonder that holidaymakers are taking advantage of their free time to engage with a more active lifestyle.

For more information on the wonderful properties mentioned above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: call 08000 121 020 (or +34 971 70 69 72 from outside the UK) or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa: call +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Appassionata: 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com

Property Frontiers: call +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com

The Villages Group: +33 1 4007 8625 or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow

 

Sun, sea, sand and Speedos… The quest to find the perfect beachfront property

by Charlotte Ashton World

The world has a lot to offer holidaymakers. Skiing retreats, theme parks, safari adventures and city breaks are just a few of the options. Yet it seems that what people want more than anything is a relaxing beach break. The 2013 Expedia Flip Flop Report, an annual survey completed by holidaymakers around the world, found that 46% of respondents had taken a beach holiday in the past year and that a further 64% were hoping to take one during the year ahead.

  • 64% of people hope to take a beach holiday within the next year (Expedia)
  • 21% of Italians exercise more before hitting the beach (YouGov)
  • 90% of French people find the Speedo to be acceptable beachwear (Expedia)

Such is the popularity of beach breaks that many holidaymakers go one step further and purchase their own beachfront holiday home. In recent years, Albania has proven a particularly popular choice for this. Areas such as the pristine Adriatic beach of Lalzit Bay are attracting increasing amounts of attention from holidaymakers. In particular the award-winning Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, which is tipped to become the most exclusive beach community in Albania and which offers apartments from just €30,000 and villas from €117,000, has experienced a surge in overseas buyers looking to own five star beachfront accommodation.

Though beach holidays are in themselves relaxing, it seems that they require serious preparation beforehand. The latest YouGov survey on pre-holiday trends, conducted for lastminute.de, found that 19% of Italians increase their exercise regime before going on holiday, while 17% go on a diet. With Italy having over 6% of the world’s Blue Flag beaches, according to the Foundation for Environmental Education, perhaps it is not surprising that the Italians want to look their best before reclining on such delightfully clean sand!

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of Appassionata, which has renovated the stunning fractional ownership property Casa Leopardi in Italy’s Le March region as a luxury holiday home (fractions cost £185,000 for five weeks’ exclusive use of the five bedroom/five bathroom house per year), commented:

“One of the things that has attracted our owners – as well as how wonderful the house and estate are – is Casa Leopardi’s proximity to the beach. We have three Blue Flag beaches (Pedaso, Cupra Marittima and Grottamare) all within 10 km. As holiday home owners become more discerning, they are increasingly listing access to a beach as one of their key requirements.”

Spaniards are also concerned about their summer appearance, with the same YouGov survey finding that 21% exercised more before their holidays and 14% dieted. With beach names like ‘Paraíso’ (paradise) perhaps this is understandable. This stunning beach on the Costa Blanca has long been popular with holidaymakers and now leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España is offering them the chance to own their own slice of paradise with its fabulous La Vila Paradis apartments. With direct access to Paraíso beach, as well as the pool and private gardens of the development, all for just €249,000, it’s easy to see why the two and three bedroom apartments are so popular.

While the French don’t feel inclined to exercise en masse before a beach holiday, they are the most open of European countries in terms of their attitude towards that most famous of beach garments – the Speedo. While invoking strong feelings in other European nations, Speedos are highly approved of in France, with over 90% of the country’s beachgoers finding trim trunks acceptable, according to the Expedia survey.

The Villages Group, which runs the Le Village –Rainbow, a gay active living retirement community in France’s beautiful Dordogne region, features superb indoor and outdoor pools on site as well as being only 29 km from the beach of Narbonne, on the Mediterranean coast. Their eco-friendly properties start from €180,000 for those within the LGBT community looking to enjoy an active retirement. Of course, choice of suitable swimwear is left down to each individual owner!

European beachgoers were also the most permissive with regard to sunbathing topless on the beach, with 23% feeling comfortable with upper-half nudity. However, 48% of the total respondents were unhappy with the idea of dropping their tops (or more) while on the beach. For those looking for a holiday home in a place with a slightly more conservative attitude towards topless sunbathing – as well as powder-fine sand and clear, sparkling seas of course – the Caribbean has long been the favourite choice.

Within the Caribbean the island of Grenada is currently the top spot for those looking to own a holiday home overseas, having been predicted to be the fastest growing market in the Caribbean from 2011 to 2021 by the World Travel and Tourism Council. At Bacolet Bay, Property Frontiers is offering incredible five star sea view hotel suites from £248,500 as an investment opportunity that also includes four weeks’ personal usage every year. As well as access to the secluded 300m long white sandy beach on Grenada’s tropical southern shore, owners will be able to enjoy the resort’s waterfront restaurant, bars, gymnasium, swimming pool and spa.

It seems that wherever people prefer to holiday, the perfect beach property is ready and waiting.

For more information on buying a beachfront property abroad, please contact AB Property Marketing by calling 0845 054 7524, visiting http://www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk/ or emailing enquiries@abpropertymarketing.co.uk.