Silver travellers and golden oldies feel the force of Spain’s allure
- 1.7 million over 60s in UK live in poor quality housing (IPPR North)
- Dream Spanish retirement properties from €262,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)
- Spanish Government actively courting over 55s
With 95% of the UK’s housing stock not fully accessible for older people, according to IPPR North, it’s perhaps unsurprising that increasing numbers of individuals are setting their sights on overseas properties in which to spend their golden years.
Spain is an extremely popular choice of both holiday and retirement destination for UK citizens. The reliably warm weather and low cost of living are perfectly suited to pensioners looking to make their budgets stretch further while escaping the English rain, whether for a week or a lifetime. As the IPPR North report projects that households of over-65s are set to grow dramatically over the next decade, while the number of over 85s is set to increase even more (by 33%) it looks like Spain’s charms will be appreciated by a growing number of older people over the years ahead.
Spain’s modern, accessible transport infrastructure and the easy access that its numerous airports provide to the UK make it an even more attractive destination for older people. It’s a fact that is certainly appreciated by the Spanish Government’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, which in collaboration with SEGITTUR has announced the delivery of the 2014/2015 Europe Senior Tourism Program. The initiative sets out to court travellers aged 55 and above from with the EU, tempting them to choose Spain for their holidays and benefit from the low price tag that the country is able to offer.
The increase in silver travel will include many of those considering settling on Spain as a retirement destination. Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España is one company that’s ahead of the game when it comes to offering high end properties as holiday homes that can in time become full-time accommodation. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, explains,
“Many of our buyers are looking for holiday homes right now but with a view to one day living in them permanently, once they retire. They are seeking high quality homes on developments that provide them with luxuries they don’t have in the UK, like swimming pools and balconies on which to enjoy the sun. We bear all of this in mind when we begin a new development, so that our apartments and townhouses appeal to buyers of all ages.
“All of our developments are compliant with the latest European building regulations, meaning they include wheelchair-friendly access and lifts. Our Costa Beach development in Mallorca’s Port Vell, for example, has two properties in the second phase that have been built with wheelchair users in mind, with wider doors and adapted bathrooms.”
Prices at Costa Beach begin from as little as €262,000.
The IPPR North report goes on to state that there are already 1.7 million people in the UK over the age of 60 who are living in houses that do not meet the UK Government’s Decent Homes Standard. Add to this the dismal UK winter weather and is it any wonder that so many retirees are turning to Spain to live the dream during their golden years?
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.