Record numbers of visitors head to Spain – and many of them are looking to stay long-term
- Spaniards are healthier and live longer than the rest of Europe (WHO)
- Summer season visitor numbers up 6% (Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism)
- Costa del Sol buyers looking to stay in Spain for longer (Taylor Wimpey España)
According to the latest World Health Organisation findings, the Spanish have the best health and life expectancy of any country in Europe. Plentiful sunshine and fresh air, a Mediterranean diet and fabulous local wine (the Spanish consume 11.2 litres of alcohol per person per year, against a world average of 6.2 litres) are all likely contributors to the robust longevity of the Iberian nation.
These factors, plus golden sandy beaches and bustling, contemporary cities, are some of the reasons that Spain is enduringly popular with visitors. Tourist numbers increased by 6% over summer 2015 and are expected to hit 68 million in total for the year, according to José Manuel Soria, Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism.
The Minister has highlighted tourism’s importance to the Spanish economic recovery. In the last 12 months, the sector has contributed 11% to GDP and 12% to employment. It has also offset Spain’s trade deficit by an impressive 256%.
Spain’s property market is also faring well. According to Q2 2015 figures from the official registrars, the number of house sales in Spain is up 13.91% on the previous year, with 104,530 transactions recorded during the quarter. Ministry of Development figures show that foreign buyers accounted for 18.41% of transactions, while Spanish land registry figures show that buyers from the UK made up 19.8% of those foreign buyers – more than any other nationality.
With the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca two of the most popular areas for foreigners buying homes in Spain, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,
“As well as seeing record foreign visitor numbers this summer, Spain has also seen a huge amount of interest from overseas property buyers looking for a dream home in the sunshine. Taylor Wimpey España has had a bumper summer, with UK buyers in particular keen to purchase property here. Many of them are looking for more than just a couple of weeks’ use of their second home during the summer months. We’re seeing buyers who are keen to stay for extended periods – often weeks or months at a time – and many who plan to make the move to Spain fulltime.”
Eef Meijer and Lydia Kosijungan, from the Netherlands, are one such couple. Eef and Lydia purchased a Taylor Wimpey España home in Marbella as a second home using the profit from selling their house in Holland. They plan to use the apartment for one to two weeks each month and then move there fulltime in two years.
Proximity to the beach and to fantastic golf courses were two of the key reasons that the couple bought on the Costa del Sol, as they are for many British buyers. Two of the best developments on the market currently for beach and golf access are La Floresta Sur and Miraval.
La Floresta Sur enjoys stunning sea and mountain views, with the spacious apartments nestled in a tranquil location close to Elvira Beach. The development is close enough to Marbella to benefit from the shops, restaurants and nightlife, but enough removed to offer a haven of peace and quiet to those who own properties there. Prices start at €192,000 for a Mediterranean style two bedroom apartment with external private parking and use of two generously sized communal swimming pools and landscaped gardens.
Miraval is the perfect second home location for golf lovers, being sited at the respected La Cala Golf Resort near Mijas. Views stretch over the fairways to the deep blue sea, just 10 minutes from the development. Prices are from €279,000 for a two bedroom apartment, which includes a wonderful shared pool and lush grounds.
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.