Tie the knot or buy some bricks? Which would you choose?

Tie the knot or buy some bricks? Which would you choose?

by Charly Portugal Spain United Kingdom , ,
  • Average UK wedding now costs £20,983 (You and Your Wedding)
  • 47% of women and 48% of men aged 20 will never marry (The Marriage Foundation)
  • Average UK first time buyer needs income of £41k, while average wage is £22k (KPMG)

You grow up, get married, buy a house and have 2.4 children. At least that’s how things used to work. These days an increasing number of young (and indeed not so young) couples are having to make a choice between their dream wedding day and their dream of owning their own home.

In the US, the average wedding (excluding the honeymoon) cost $31,213 in 2014 according to the Real Wedding Survey. In Ireland, couples now shell out €19,635 on their big day (Mrs2Be), while in the UK, You and Your Wedding has found that the bill now totals £20,983.

Of course, £20,000 won’t buy you a house in the UK, but it could make all the difference in obtaining a mortgage when used as a deposit. This is the take of the ING International Survey, published in June 2015, which examined whether couples were sacrificing their ‘big day’ in favour of home ownership.

The results speak for themselves: 60% of people across Europe were found to opt for spending on a house rather than on their wedding day. With home ownership becoming an increasingly unattainable goal and the cost of living rising faster than wages, betrothed couples seem to have a pragmatic mindset when it comes to matters of the heart.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of specialist property investment company Property Frontiers, comments,

“The UK has a real problem in terms of lack of housing supply and that is one of the factors that has driven prices up in recent years. It’s meant a fantastic boom for the buy-to-let sector, as young professionals opt to rent in city locations during the early stages of their careers, but the age of first time buyers has gradually been pushed up and up as a side effect.”

Nationally, the average first time buyer in the UK is now 31 years old, according to The Sunday Times Money, while a KPMG report has found that they need an income of £41,000 – almost double the average UK wage of £22,000. With 100% mortgages a distant memory, buyers are increasingly having to choose between a life of wedded bliss and a roof of their own over their heads.

Some are considering a wedding overseas as a way to cut costs, but even in countries such as Spain, where the cost of living is lower than in the UK, nuptials can still be pricey. Bella Wedding reports the cost of a boutique hotel wedding for 60 guests in Spain as €18,000.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“A wedding in the Spanish sunshine is a lovely idea and can be cheaper than getting married in the UK, but many couples are still having to chose between that and using their cash as a deposit. The reality is that pragmatism has to come before romance in many households these days. For couples in Spain, the ING survey showed that 70% would rather spend their money on a house than on their wedding day – higher than the European average of 60% and the UK average of 67%.”

The €18,000 cost of a Spanish wedding would serve well as a deposit on a seafront apartment at a development like La Recoleta III, on the Costa Blanca, or perhaps an exciting renovation project with two houses and land in neighbouring Portugal.

With couples increasingly preferring to opt for property ownership instead of a wedding day, it is understandable that the marriage rate in the UK is falling, though the statistics from The Marriage Foundation that 47% of women and 48% of men aged 20 will never marry really do throw the issue into stark relief. Until the UK starts building homes at a faster rate, it’s a trend that looks set to continue, with the number of cohabiting couples increasing with each generation. Still, at least they will be cohabiting in homes that they own.

For more information please contact:

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

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

Insurance tops list of items forgotten by overseas second home buyers

Insurance tops list of items forgotten by overseas second home buyers

by Charly Portugal
  • Ideal Homes Portugal partners with Abbeygate to ensure home insurance is not forgotten
  • Portugal prices set to rise 2% in coming year (RICS)
  • Free home insurance for next 10 Ideal Homes Portugal customers (Abbeygate)

Insurance tops the list of items forgotten by those buying second homes overseas, boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, has revealed. Founding Director Chris White explains,

“Buying a property overseas is a wonderful venture, but is also a process with a lot to remember. Dealing with a foreign country’s paperwork can seem daunting and there are exchange rates and language barriers to throw into the mix as well. It’s an exciting process, but our experience has shown that buyers often forget things that they would undertake as standard in the UK. Purchasing insurance is top of that list.”

Ideal Homes Portugal is keen to make the purchase process as smooth as possible and so has a team of experts on hand to ensure that home buyers have all they need, from guided inspection trips to English-speaking solicitors.

Now, the company has announced a new partnership with Abbeygate Insurance, designed to ensure that buyers have easy access to a respected local insurance company able to provide everything from buildings insurance to holiday home cover.

Peter Sheppard, Director of Abbeygate, comments,

“We are delighted to be working with Ideal Homes Portugal in order that their clients can benefit from our fantastic insurance services and competitive rates. Abbeygate provides peace of mind to those purchasing property in Portugal and we specialize in helping customers from overseas. We have English speaking staff and a newly opened office in Boliqueime in the Algarve.”

To celebrate the partnership, Abbeygate is offering free insurance for one year to the next ten Ideal Homes Portugal customers.

Ideal Homes Portugal offers properties across the length and breadth of the Algarve. They include everything from holiday villas in the popular resort of Monte Gordo in the east, with its huge, golden beach and plentiful restaurants, to commercial opportunities like this lovely ‘home and income’ tourism business in the western town of Aljezur, with its historic hilltop fort. The agency also lists a select number of properties from other popular areas of Portugal, such as the ancient capital city of Lisbon.

The Portuguese property market is enjoying a sustained comeback, with new buyer enquiries increasing every month since August 2013, according to the latest RICS/Ci market report. Prices are projected to rise by 2% over the year ahead, leading many buyers to look at the holiday paradise of the Algarve for their dream second home.

“Portugal is a wonderful place to own property, whether for holidays or as a more permanent residence,” remarks Chris White. “It’s got everything you could wish for – glorious weather, a low cost of living, fabulous beaches and a whole host of cultural and historic attractions. Just remember not to be so wowed by the area that you forget to buy your home insurance!”

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.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

Let’s look at Lisbon – investing in the Queen of the Sea

Let’s look at Lisbon – investing in the Queen of the Sea

by Kate Portugal
  • Portugal property prices up 1.81% in the year to March 2015 (INE)
  • Lisbon buy-to-let market ‘experiencing strong demand’ (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Yields of up to 6.41% on Lisbon apartments (Global Property Guide)

Lisbon is a city of many faces. Known as A Cidade das Sete Colinas (The City of Seven Hills), Rainha do Mar (Queen of the Sea) and A Cidade da Tolerância (The City of Tolerance), it is an intriguing destination that combines an old-world charm with a sleek modern offering. From the chic shopping streets of the Chiado to the vibrant nightlife of the Bairro Alto, it is a city with delights hidden around every corner.

Lisbon’s history as a port is an important part of the city’s heritage and still offers a bustling trade today, with cruise ships, pleasure boats and goods vessels docking in the Queen of the Sea’s harbour from all over the world. At present, the dockside is humming with boats participating in the Volvo Ocean Race, ready for the In-Port Race on 6 June 2015, with the leg to Lorient starting the following day.

As well as sailing enthusiasts and tourists, Lisbon is increasingly on the radar of buy-to-let property investors, as Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, reveals,

“Lisbon has long been overlooked for its potential as a rental property investment destination, but the combination of price reductions, heightened demand and competitive yields has led to a surge in investment in the city, particularly among those looking for long-term buy-to-let investments. Investors are looking for modern apartment properties that are perfect for professional tenants. The market is all about the added extras right now, with upscale buy-to-let properties experiencing strong demand.”

White cites the example of the Ávila 81 apartments, on Avenida Duque d’Ávila. Located in an upmarket borough of the city, just steps from the Saldanha and the Jardim do Arco do Cego, the high end apartments are close to transport links and schools, as well as a host of retail outlets, restaurants and other amenities. A typical four bedroom contemporary apartment in the development offers a host of attractive modern essentials, including a home automation system, under-floor heating in the bathrooms, HVAC system chiller, whirlpools, mirror defrosters, LED lighting, natural stone in the kitchens and bathrooms and a high gloss kitchen complete with AEG appliances. Security doors and intrusion alarms also come as standard and all for under €1 million – prices start at €986,250 for a four bedroom property (and at €560,000 for a two bed).

Many buyers see now as the perfect time to look at Lisbon’s property market. After years of falling prices, values finally began to increase again in 2014 and have risen by 1.81% in the year to March 2015 according to data from Statistics Portugal (INE), with an average current price of €1,011 per square metre. At the same time as prices are rising, the number of properties being built is falling. The Global Property Guide reports,

“Dwelling completions continue to plunge in 2014, with completions down by 54% y-o-y to 9,429 units.”

With fewer properties on the market as a result, one can reasonably expect that heightened demand will serve to push prices up further. At the same time, the Global Property Guide is reporting “moderate to good yields on Lisbon apartments, ranging up to 6.41%.”

The lowered prices and potential for healthy returns are drawing in property investors from around the globe. According to a market report from Jones Lang LaSalle, foreign investment in Portugal’s property market rose from 45% in 2012 to a staggering 70% in 2013. Portugal’s tax benefits to foreign buyers are the icing on the cake: the Non-Habitual Residents scheme and the Golden Residence Permit make it an attractive investment destination for buyers both inside and outside of Europe.

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Looking back on the bailout – Portugal’s economic progress through the eyes of a leading housing expert

Looking back on the bailout – Portugal’s economic progress through the eyes of a leading housing expert

by Kate Portugal
  • IMF forecast for Portugal revised upward from 1.2% to 1.6% in 2015
  • OECD projects growth of nearly 2% in GDP in 2016
  • Ideal Homes Portugal reports bargain properties still available to those who know where to look

As embarrassing moments go, having to approach the rest of the world cap in hand for a bailout for your country is pretty much up there with the worst of them. Portugal was one of several countries to have to do so during the financial crisis that swept across much of the world from 2007/08 onwards, but today things are looking rather different in the Iberian country, as local housing expert Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, reveals,

“Obviously Portugal has gone through some tough times, but the country has worked hard to put the bailout money to good use and has turned its fortunes around over the past four to five years. It has been a struggle at times, with austerity measures impacting deeply on the people’s psyche as well as their pockets, but the results of that effort are now beginning to become clear.”

Certainly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) seems to agree. It has just improved its forecast for Portugal’s economy from 1.2% in 2015 and 1.3% in 2016 to 1.6% and 1.5% respectively. Portugal’s minister of state and finance, Maria Luis Albuquerque, is also feeling positive, reporting recently on the improvement to the country’s prospects over the past year and the success of the bailout,

“When we look at the core of the program and the objectives that the program had, we can say it has been successful.”

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is being even more bullish in its forecasts for Portugal’s growing economy, projecting gross domestic product growth of “close to 2% in 2016.”

The numbers look good, but what does all this mean to the average working family in Portugal?

“Unemployment is still fairly high,” continues Chris White of Ideal Homes Portugal, “but the huge spike in employment that the summer season brings – particularly in regions like the Algarve – should mean it ends the year lower than it started. Certainly in terms of the housing market we can feel the quiet new confidence that the country is emanating. Property transactions are on the up and though buyers are more cautious than they used to be the market is definitely reviving nicely.”

Demand from overseas buyers is supporting the newly flourishing market, with British and Irish buyers keen to pick up their piece of Portugal before prices go up much further. Already, many of the bargains that have typified the market over the past couple of years have been snapped up, though there are still some excellent deals to be made if you know where to look. A one bedroom apartment in Vilamoura, complete with communal pool and gardens, for example, can be picked up for just €90,000.

Of course, Portugal has much more to offer than just budget apartments and bargains can still be found on more expensive properties. In the ‘golden triangle,’ close to Vale do Lobo, a luxurious five bedroom villa with pool can be bought for just €785,000 – a €115,000 reduction on the original asking price.

“Prices are on the up,” confirms Chris White. “You can tell that the toughest economic times are beginning to fade out of sight in Portugal’s rear view mirror and the overseas input into the property market is helping to generate a new confidence here. It’s definitely good to be looking back on the bailout rather than living through it!”

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

by Kate Italy Portugal Spain United Kingdom , , ,
  • Balance elegance with warmth for perfect appeal (Barton Wyatt)
  • Opt for clean, neutral shades with bright splashes of accent colours (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Remember the simple touches that make a room complete (Taylor Wimpey España)

Home staging is a skilled art. Done poorly, it can put off prospective purchasers the moment the front door is opened. Done well, it can be the deciding factor that inspires buyers to commit to a property purchase on the spot.

In fact, home staging in the right hands can be award-winningly good, as demonstrated by Alexander James, who are famed for dressing (amongst others) the stunning new Silverwood residence on the main island of the Wentworth Estate in Surrey. On the market at £4.6 million through Surrey’s leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt, the home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a cinema room and a games room. James Wyatt, Partner at Barton Wyatt, comments,

“Dressing a property as impressive as Silverwood takes real flair, which is why we were delighted to work with Alexander James. The company is able to achieve the perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and homely warmth that makes such grand properties so attractive to those viewing them. It is a balance that is key when it comes to home staging at this level – prospective buyers have to be able to imagine themselves at home the moment they step over the threshold.”

Clean, neutral shades, with splashes of brighter accent colours here and there, are a great way to appeal to the majority of buyers, advises Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal.

“It’s not just new builds that can benefit from home staging,” he explains. “Those looking to sell their homes can use a few simple tricks, like swapping out hectic patterns for fresh, white linens, to add instant appeal to any room. The key is to think like someone viewing the property for the first time – what is the eye immediately drawn to? Is the place clean? Is it tidy?”

Many of those buying through Ideal Homes Portugal are looking for a second home and won’t necessarily be bringing their own furniture, the way one would when moving into a main residence. The company offers furniture packs that provide all of the essentials, from beds to paintings and mirrors for the walls. Colin and Moira Hutchinson, who bought a two bedroom apartment with shared pool on the lovely O Pomar development in the town of Cabanas in the eastern Algarve, offered purchasing furniture well in advance as their top tip to those buying second homes overseas.

For new build homes overseas, home staging is an incredibly important marketing tool. The majority of buyers will inspect a property online before travelling out to their second home country of choice to view it, so having a well staged home to post details of online is the perfect way to reach out to potential buyers. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The key to home staging for high end holiday properties is to provide not just the main furniture items, but also the right amount of finishing touches. A simple bowl of fruit or bunch of flowers can make a room feel complete when placed correctly and can help those looking at images online to picture themselves relaxing in the property. Décor must be tasteful and stylish, with a contemporary edge that exudes comfort and relaxation.”

Over in Italy, home staging takes on a new dimension for luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata. Owner Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,

“With fractional ownership properties, home staging has to appeal to prospective owners at the same time as perfectly meeting the needs of current owners. It’s a delicate balance but one that can lead to a truly fantastic home for all concerned.”

The approach includes furnishing the Appassionata properties with a unique selection of antiques, hand-chosen restored items and other pieces that fit with the style of each individual property. For Dawn’s creative nature, one of the delights of fractional ownership is the ability to re-stage slightly in between each owner’s arrival – an act that is often well received. Owner Chris Everard comments,

“The thoughtfulness, unrestricted kindness and generosity of spirit displayed by the Appassionata team in the setting up of a beautiful new baby’s cot, a selection of mats, toys and baby equipment was a true act of empathy and kindness.”

From luxury new builds in the UK to ancient restorations in the rolling hills of central Italy, the value of home staging cannot be underestimated.

For more information please contact:

Barton Wyatt: 01344 843000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

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

Ready-made property business opportunities tempt buyers to Portugal

Ready-made property business opportunities tempt buyers to Portugal

by Kate Portugal
  • Portugal tempting property entrepreneurs towards a life in the sunshine (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Algarve property enquiries up 467% in 3 years (Rightmove Overseas)
  • From glamping to hostel management, the Algarve is the place to be (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Many property entrepreneurs are comfortable with managing their portfolios from home. For others, though, the pull of the warmth and friendliness of areas like Portugal’s Algarve has tempted them to take a more hands-on approach to property entrepreneurship.

“A lot of people want to pursue their property dream in person, not from their armchair,” comments Mark Satchell of Rightmove Overseas, “And the Algarve is certainly one place that is tempting more and more buyers to make the move and see how they fare. It’s a great place for families, well connected to the UK and the scenery is simply stunning. Add to that the fantastic weather and the low cost of living and it’s a really tempting combination.”

Data from Rightmove Overseas has shown that enquiries about property in the Algarve have increased more than fivefold since 2012. In March 2012, there were some 42,211 enquiries. By March 2015, the figure had risen to 239,270.

“Increasingly, we are finding that buyers are looking at the Algarve as a potential property business location,” comments Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal. “Demand from tourists for rental properties across the Algarve is strong and there are some excellent ready-made business opportunities available, particularly for those who want to live on-site.”

For first-time property entrepreneurs, a luxury villa with an on-site annex is a great way to test the water. The owners can live in the annex and manage the villa as a rental business while learning the tricks of the trade. When they have the confidence to scale up a notch, the Algarve presents some excellent opportunities for a B&B business, such as this impressive villa with pool in Santa Barbara de Nexe.

Rural tourism is also attracting keen interest in Portugal right now and those who prefer the peace and space of the Algarve’s countryside can opt for a rural estate with flexible business potential. Portuguese farmhouse properties often enjoy annexes or workers’ cottages in addition to the main house, as well as workable land packed with fruit trees and grape vines. From glamping to gourmet breaks where guests get to harvest their own delightfully fresh produce, farmhouse properties offer a really exciting opportunity to those with vision.

Of course, life in the country isn’t for everyone. Those who prefer an urban vibe might like to set their sights on an ambitious project – a 23 bed hostel in the central Algarve. With permission already in place to remodel it as a tourist residence, this is an exciting opportunity for buyers looking to bring a magnificent new hostel to this popular part of Portugal.

“There’s definitely a sense here in Portugal that the economic hard times are behind us,” concludes Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White. “It’s a new dawn for the property market and many business buyers are opting to pick up the perfect property now, while prices are low and they can bag a real bargain.”

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Spain and Portugal vie for the top spot as golf season gets into full swing

Spain and Portugal vie for the top spot as golf season gets into full swing

by Kate Portugal Spain , ,
  • European Mediterranean countries offer 1,400 golf facilities (European Golf Association)
  • Golf courses command price premium second only to waterfront sites (KPMG)
  • Golf holiday sales up by more than 20% just 2 years (IAGTO)

With the dust settling on another fantastic Masters, golf season is in full swing once more. The PGA tour will see five tournaments take place in May, followed by another five in June and six in July.

When it comes to golfing in Europe, the courses of Spain and Portugal have long enjoyed a friendly rivalry, with both countries vying for the crown of Europe’s best golf destination.

Spain’s credentials lie not only in its fantastic courses, but also in the excellent value for money that it offers to golfers. The recent Avios Airmiles Value Tracker, which calculates the best value destinations around the world, saw Palma de Mallorca and Alicante take two of the top three spots (with Gibraltar in at number two) for value for money golfing destinations.

Portugal made fourth place on the list thanks to the Algarve’s courses, with Lisbon ranking sixth (after Tenerife took the fifth spot). Spain grabbed one further entry in the top ten, with Malaga being ranked number nine.

While Spain may have cornered the value for money market in the Avios rankings, Portugal has just romped home to victory after being named the world’s best golf destination at the 2015 World Golf Awards.

While the two countries continue to vie for the top spot, both are benefitting hugely from the money that comes with golf tourism. Martin Dell, director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, comments,

“Golfers are certainly not shy about spending when they travel abroad to play. Restaurants, shops and spas all do well when located near to a successful golf resort. Golf properties are also incredibly popular, with many commanding a price premium, particularly if they are part of an integrated golf resort development.”

According to figures from the European Golf Association, there are some 1,400 golf facilities in European Mediterranean countries, 170 of which have been considered as part of coastal integrated golf resorts by KPMG’s Golf Resorts in the European Mediterranean Region report. The report includes Portugal, as while it does not technically belong to the European Mediterranean region, its golfing credentials are too significant to ignore.

Properties on these resorts are highly prized, many of them as second homes for keen golfers who use them frequently throughout the year. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Our golf properties are always incredibly popular and the panoramic sea and golf views at resorts like Avalon, near Marbella, really do take some beating. Spain’s excellent value as a golfing destination extends to its golf resort market as well – a two bedroom, luxury apartment in Avalon, which is located in the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course, costs from just €305,000, which is fantastic value for a property of this calibre.”

According to the 2014 IAGTO Golf Tourism Report, global golf holiday sales grew by in excess of 20% between 2011 and 2013. Based on feedback from IAGTO member operators, Spain was ranked the number one top golf destination globally, followed closely by Portugal in second place. Both of these countries offer a wide choice of residential golf properties and the KPMG report highlights the growing shift from purely hotel based golf resorts to those offering residential accommodation options as well.

Interestingly, KPMG identify the fact that many of those who choose to live in a golf resort property do not necessarily play golf themselves. Instead, they are attracted by the beauty and serenity of the surroundings, the golfing lifestyle and the prestige that comes with owning a luxury pad beside a course. Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“We have certainly found that many of those considering purchasing a golf property don’t actually play, though some plan to take it up in the future as part of their retirement. The golf resort homes available means that buyers looking for a stunning, landscaped environment have their pick of some of the best properties that Portugal has to offer. In Lisbon, a four bedroom home on the Quinta do Peru golf estate (which made European Golf Magazine’s top ten golf courses league table) can be picked up for €590,000, while in the Algarve a three bedroom villa on the Vale da Pinta course costs just €439,000.”

For those who enjoy a regular round on the fairway, a golf resort property offers the perfect way to pursue their hobby from the comfort of their own home, either as a fulltime residence or as a second home for use with family and friends. According to the KPMG Golf Resorts in the European Mediterranean Region report, “numerous studies have indicated that golf courses come second only to waterfront sites as the most desirable location for a housing community.” Given the plethora of such sites available in both Spain and Portugal, no wonder the two countries are neck and neck in their quest to provide Europe’s best golfing experience.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Buying outside of the box – inside the Algarve’s most unusual homes

Buying outside of the box – inside the Algarve’s most unusual homes

by Kate Portugal
  • 16th century convent attracts buyers in eastern Algarve
  • €4 million lakeside village ripe for development
  • Restored windmill tempts buyers to set their sights on the stars

Portugal is known for its wealth of accommodation, with modern apartments and villas clustered around some of the best beaches in Europe along the southern Algarve coast. But not everyone is looking for a two bedroom apartment with shared pool, or a three/four bed villa with a few orange trees. These days, a new breed of buyer is looking for something seriously unusual, as Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, explains,

“While buyers of apartments and villas are still the bread and butter of Portugal’s property market, we’ve noticed a growing trend in the Algarve for properties that have unusual features, or an exciting backstory – homes that break the mould so far as a ‘normal’ second home is concerned.”

The Ideal Homes Portugal team has come across some fascinating examples over the past few years. In the pretty, cobbled streets of the eastern Algarve town of Tavira, the Convento da Bernardas is a restored 16th century convent that has been tastefully developed into a number of uniquely designed apartments. Original features abound, like the stunning exterior façade, while new additions like the two saltwater swimming pools add to the building’s charms. In a nod to contemporary living, each apartment has its own entrance and private car parking space, while optical fibre systems, television and internet cabling has been installed throughout the building.

Beyond the urban delights of Tavira, up in the hills of the central Algarve, a restored windmill with two miller’s cottages is another of the unusual properties that has delighted the Ideal Homes Portugal team. On the market for €159,000, the windmill still features the wheel mechanism and the grinding millstone, which has been turned into a table. Solar panels and generators provide electricity to this fascinating home, which is ripe for development as a tourism venture. The unique nature of the property means that the right buyer has the potential to turn it into anything from a yoga retreat to a star gazing haven.

Perhaps the most exciting of the Algarve’s unusual offerings is the centuries-old Funcho Village. A truly unique business/investment opportunity, the lakeside village has stood empty since 1974, when the overthrowing of the Dictator Salazar meant that youngsters suddenly had the freedom to opt for a life beyond working the land. They abandoned the rural life in pursuit of the bright lights of the cities.

Now, the local authority of Silves is keen for Funcho Village to be transformed into an attractive rural tourism destination, with the national government having given permission for the creation of a hotel, log cabins, restaurants, water sports facilities, a dry ski slope and an observatory. The village is on the market for €4 million.

While an entire village in need of redevelopment isn’t what every buyer is seeking, the Algarve also offers some delightful villas with unusual aspects, such as the seven bedroom luxury home in Sao Clemente that includes a ‘magic garden.’ Designed to capture the imagination and hearts of the property’s owners, the garden features several varied living zones in a layout that promotes serenity and peace of mind. Those whose minds are already serene can simply enjoy the property’s tennis court, heated pool, large terraces and hot tub.

“We are seeing more and more of homes for sale with unusual features,” concludes Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White. “Buyers want a home that is special and unique to them – ‘one size fits all’ has definitely had its day!”

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.