Goodbye villa, hello apartment!
- 80% of properties sold in Spain in 2014 were apartments (General Council of Notaries)
- Shops and restaurants now just as important as beach access (Taylor Wimpey España)
- Mallorca highlighted as one of world’s top diving spots (La Tienda del Buceo)
The days of the rural holiday villa are numbered, according to Taylor Wimpey España. The leading Spanish homebuilder has been operating in Spain for more than 50 years and over that time has seen second homeowners’ tastes change and evolve.
Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard explains,
“Buyers are much more discerning than they used to be when it comes to property type and location. Remote, isolated villas are falling out of favour as second homeowners’ demands have changed. Nowadays, proximity to shops, restaurants and beach access are the priorities. Buyers want modern conveniences, like apartments that are pre-wired for internet connectivity and decent water pressure for the shower. Rustic charm has had its day in Spain.”
The official figures certainly back up Taylor Wimpey España’s findings. According to a report published this summer by the General Council of Notaries, 80% of the properties that changed hands in 2014 were flats or apartments. Both domestic buyers and those from overseas favour condominium style living when it comes to Spanish real estate.
“We still do have some demand for townhouses,” continues Pritchard, “but apartments are definitely king at the moment. Almost all of our developments now feature a mix of apartments and townhouses, in order to satisfy the shift in demand.”
Costa Beach in Mallorca is an excellent example. The site offers a range of apartments and townhouses, from ground floor homes with private gardens to luxury penthouses. As with all of the homebuilder’s developments, lush communal gardens and a generously sized shared pool perfect the site. The resort is located close to local shops, eateries and golf courses, as well as the idyllic beaches of Port Vell and Costa de los Pinos. Prices start from €242,000.
Buyer numbers are up as confidence in the Spanish property market increases. Prices are projected to rise by 2% by the end of 2015, according to Bankinter, prompting many British buyers in particular to buy while the exchange rate is so good and before prices increase further. The figures say it all: cumulative sales data to July 2015 shows that Taylor Wimpey España’s buyer numbers have jumped by c. 28%.
The sun-drenched island of Mallorca is one of the company’s top selling spots. Popular with British and German buyers, Mallorca offers a host of holiday delights, from stunning scenery to beautiful beaches. It also provides plenty of opportunities for water sports, with La Tienda del Buceo recently highlighting it as one of the top diving spots in the world.
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.