Step off the tourist trail to get to the heart of the matter this Valentine’s Day

Step off the tourist trail to get to the heart of the matter this Valentine’s Day

by Louise Italy Portugal Spain , ,
  • Seville is for more than oranges, offering a true taste of Spain (Kyero.com)
  • Le Marche is the heart of Italian living (Appassionata)
  • Tavira tempts those in the know away from the crowds of Portugal’s Algarve (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Visiting a country’s tourist hotspots can be an exciting experience but exploring its hidden gems can be even more rewarding. Move away from the biggest cities and the busiest coastal resorts and suddenly you find yourself able to get to the true heart of a country.

With love in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, three property entrepreneurs talk about how their passion for Spain, Italy and Portugal led them off the tourist trail and into the heart of their chosen country.

“The southern Spanish city of Seville is one of those places that captures your imagination and fills your soul with excitement as you explore,” enthuses Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com. “The architecture is simply stunning – everywhere you turn there’s another wonderful building and I challenge any city to show me a more beautiful site that the Plaza de España at sunset.”

Seville is a city that presents the visitor with a wonderful glimpse of everyday life in Spain. The gardens and grand boulevards of Seville’s Maria Luisa Park are simply gorgeous, with lush foliage interspersed with ponds, pavilions and tiled fountains, but visitors are more likely to find locals jogging than tourists picnicking.

The tapas bars and restaurants are also bustling with locals of an evening and provide some gastronomic delights that will impress even the most serious foodie. Seville is believed to be the birthplace of the tapas concept and is rumoured to have more than 1,000 establishments for diners to choose from.

While Seville does actually attract a few million tourists each year, it tends to draw those wanting to discover the ‘real’ Spain, as Martin explains,

“Visitors who make it beyond Barcelona and Madrid, or the beach resorts of the Costa del Sol, tend to be those looking for a deeper understanding and experience of Spain. They want to get to the heart of the country and that is precisely what Seville enables them to do.”

Property prices in Seville are at just 58% of the national average according to Kyero’s Spanish House Price Index Q4 2014, making second homes a tempting prospect for those who want to do more than just scratch the surface of Spain as a holiday destination.

Over in Italy, it is the Le Marche region that offers visitors a taste of true Italian living. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of luxury fractional ownership holiday home company Appassionata, reveals why it is that Le Marche has stolen her heart,

“Living in Le Marche is like having the whole of Italy on your doorstep. We have the sea, the mountains, the gorgeous weather, incredible local food and some really welcoming neighbours. This isn’t the wealthiest region of Italy by a long way, but it’s definitely the place to be to experience Italian life at its best.”

Dawn and her family have been in Le Marche since 2005, when they founded Appassionata and set about renovating their first fractional ownership holiday home. A decade later, they have recently launched their third luxury property, the urban fractional Casa Tre Archi, which owners can enjoy from £65,000 for a one tenth share.

“Life here is a long way from the mass consumerism that you see in the big cities,” continues Dawn. “We buy our groceries from tiny shops and market stalls and our fish directly from the local fishermen. We drink wine from grapes grown in the region and cook with locally pressed olive oil. Restaurant menus focus on the area’s bountiful produce, like game and truffles, rather than imported goods or products that have to be shipped here from distant parts of the country. This is true, local Italian living.”

It is that sense of being part of a real, local community that inspires Chris White, founding director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, whose passion is for the eastern Algarve town of Tavira. He explains,

“So many places in the Algarve are packed with tourists during the summer months. You see restaurants with menus outside them written only in English and everywhere around you hear English being spoken rather than Portuguese. Tavira is a welcome relief for those looking to experience the Portuguese version of Portugal!”

Straddling a tidal river that runs through the city centre, Tavira is a mishmash of cobbled streets and different architectural styles, from ancient Moorish influences to smart modern townhouses. Its ruined castle with pretty courtyard garden allows visitors brave enough to climb to the top of the walls (there’s not a safety rail in sight) stunning views over the city, while a generous helping of restaurants serve incredible value seafood and traditional Portuguese peasant-style meals.

Tavira Island, accessed from the town via a regular boat service, offers a spectacular beach to those looking for sea and sand, and is a top spot for locals as well as those wise tourists who have had the sense to turn right rather than left upon leaving Faro airport. The local area is also perfect for enjoying the spectacular sunsets for which the Algarve is known.

Properties for sale in Tavira itself are fairly few and far between, though this two bedroom house with swimming pool from Ideal Homes Portugal is within walking distance of the town centre and should be the perfect base for anyone wishing to own their own slice of the real Algarve.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

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

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

Where’s hot in Spain right now? The highs and lows of the Spanish property market

Where’s hot in Spain right now? The highs and lows of the Spanish property market

by Louise Spain
  • Properties purchased with mortgages up 35% (Spanish notaries)
  • National average property asking price at €232,000 (Kyero)
  • Property in Zaragoza priced at just 16% of national average (Kyero)

Spain’s property market looks headed for better times. Spanish notaries reported a 35% increase in residential property purchases made with mortgages in November 2014, compared with one year earlier. At the same time, interest from foreign buyers looking to pick up bargain second homes remains high, particularly from UK buyers enjoying the current strength of the pound against the euro.

Improved access to finance combined with numerous experts agreeing that the base, so far as property prices are concerned, has been reached has certainly buoyed the market in recent months. Figures from Eurostat reveal that prices reached their baseline during H1 2014 before starting their climb again. Q3 2014 saw an increase of 0.3% in prices across Spain, while prices in the Eurozone rose by 0.5%. Figures from the ST Sociedad de Tasación confirmed this positive news, showing a rise of 1.3% in the value of the average Spanish home in Q4 2014.

Despite prices having dipped to their reported lowest, not every location in Spain offers the property bargains that one might expect as Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 175,000 homes from 2,500 estate agents, comments,

“There are some huge variations in residential property prices as you travel across Spain. Kyero’s Spanish House Price Index Q4 2014 revealed prices ranging from 260% above the national average all the way down to a location where prices are just 16% of the average.

“It means that buyers looking for good value properties need to be choosy about the areas they are considering. Buying on Fuerteventura, for example, can get you a property for just 68% of the national average price, while Mallorca will cost you 180% more than the average. ”

 

So where’s hot in Spain right now according to Kyero.com?

At the very top end of the scale is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the perennially popular province of Barcelona, with prices 260% above the national average (€602,500 against an average of €232,000).

Mallorca sits in second place, but a surprise entrant at third place is the Catalonian province of Girona, which is more expensive than Menorca, Malaga and Lanzarote. Prices in Girona currently stand at 161% above the national average. An elegant five bedroom, four bathroom house with infinity pool in Girona can currently command an asking price of €850,000.

Another surprise was the inclusion of Pontevedra in Galicia, where prices are currently 113% above the average. Relatively unknown by those outside of Spain and Portugal, Pontevedra is a working city with a strong services sector and a small industrial presence where tourism is gradually increasing. Despite the high prices, there are still some excellent deals to be had in the city, such as this one bedroom, newly built apartment for just €34,400.

Sitting bang in the middle of the league table, with prices matching the national average, is the delightful coastal province of Cadiz. A charming blend of old town eateries (with some incredible tapas options) and modern shopping streets, Cadiz is a popular holiday destination for those looking to sun themselves on the beach but still have access to the conveniences of the city. A three bedroom, two bathroom apartment close to the beach can be had for €216,000 (reduced from €237,000).

Looking at areas where prices are below the national average, the pretty coastal province of Almeria comes in at just 58%, with average prices of €133,500 and offers a lovely alternative to the Costa del Sol. For that price (well, €134,000) buyers can get a two bedroom bungalow with roof terrace by the sea on a newly built complex with numerous pools (one heated), a Jacuzzi, a children’s playground and sports facilities. The price even includes fully installed air conditioning and a furniture pack.

For the very best Spanish bargains on the market at the moment though, buyers need to head to Zaragoza, where prices sit at just 16% of the national average. Famous for its gastronomic offerings and stunning architecture, the area has many plots of land for sale, with farmhouses in various states of disrepair for those with a vision and time on their hands. This village house, spread across four floors, is perhaps one of the most interesting, but to say it needs a bit of work is something of an understatement. However, with a sale price of just €16,000, it could offer an incredible value home packed full of character to a buyer willing to get their hands dirty and commit to a serious renovation project.

The variations that currently exist in the Spanish market make it the ideal time to purchase property there. Even if a buyer’s preferred destination comes in over budget, a little creative thinking and searching on Kyero.com can turn up a perfect alternative.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

Best exchange rate for 8 years prompts Brits to snap up bargain second homes across Europe

Best exchange rate for 8 years prompts Brits to snap up bargain second homes across Europe

by Louise Albania Portugal Spain , , ,
  • GBP/EUR exchange rate reaches 1.34
  • Buyers of mid-price properties saving as much as £60k (Kyero.com)
  • Brits eyeing up European property as far afield as Albania (Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa)

With the euro at an eight-year low against the pound, can we expect Brits to rush out and grab that bargain second home in the sun that they have dreamed of for so long, or have we become more cautious of the market’s fluctuations since the crash of 2008?

“Definitely the former,” says Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com. “We’re seeing British buyers eyeing up cut-price properties across Spain in high numbers right now, as they can get so much more for their money than they could a few years ago. But what’s interesting is the number of buyers looking to snap up properties with heftier price tags too.”

Dell cites the example of a new build three bedroom villa with pool in Benijofar, Valencia, which is on the market for €335,000. At the current exchange rate, it will cost a British buyer £250,000, while back in 2009 it would have cost £310,000.

Such substantial savings are tempting many buyers to see now as the perfect time to invest in a second home, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, observes,

“With the exchange rate looking so favourable, it really is a case of the more you spend, the more you save at the moment. It certainly seems to have got British buyers moving once more when it comes to Spanish property. We are down to just three townhouses left at our Montesol development and two at Calpesol on the Costa Blanca.”

Nor is it just Spain that Brits are eyeing up for their bargain dream homes. Portugal is also attracting UK buyers in their droves right now as Chris White, founding director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, explains,

“The best exchange rate since 2007 is certainly not something that many British buyers are going to pass up on and Portugal is the perfect place to get more bang for your buck. Even for buyers just looking for a good value apartment, rather than a substantial villa, the savings are impressive. Right now we have some luxury, two bedroom apartments in the most sought after area of Lagos, being sold off plan at €225,000. This equated to around £184,500 a year ago, but right now one would cost closer to £168,500.”

The exchange rate ripples are even being felt as far into Europe as Albania, where the country’s first high-end resort, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, is tempting savvy Brits to invest now before the exchange rate starts moving back the other way. Marketing Director Peter Walshe comments,

“Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa is already a great investment under normal circumstances, but with the current exchange rate it offers incredible value to British buyers. We’re expecting a very busy few weeks ahead until the rate begins to settle again!”

So will Brits be dashing out to purchase a cut price second home now that they can get so much more for their money? Absolutely, it seems.

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.

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

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

Operational approval of ‘ghost airport’ set to turn undiscovered Spanish city into 2015 property hotspot

Operational approval of ‘ghost airport’ set to turn undiscovered Spanish city into 2015 property hotspot

by Louise Spain
  • Undiscovered city of Castellon tipped to become Spain’s 2015 property hotspot (Kyero)
  • ‘Ghost airport’ opened in 2011 finally granted authorization to operate (AESA)
  • Penthouse apartment with pool and sea views just €199,950 (Kyero.com)

With its ‘ghost airport’ now officially up and running, the eastern Spanish city of Castellon is tipped to be the property hotspot of 2015, according to leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com.

Offering a charming old town packed with historic buildings and a pretty Mediterranean coastline, Castellon de la Plana is a city with a rich history. In 2011, it should have been propelled onto the global holidaymaker trail when its brand new airport opened, but the global economic downturn meant that not a single scheduled passenger service ever left or arrived at Castellon airport.

For more than three years, Castellon airport operated nothing more than general aviation services and the occasional charter flight, but December 2014 saw it finally granted authorization to start handling flights.

Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com, which lists over 175,000 Spanish properties from 2,500 estate agents, believes the move will trigger a great deal of interest in the eastern city.

Kyero’s buyer enquiries certainly support the idea and reveal precisely what it is that buyers are looking for in Castellon. Interestingly, it is the French who seem most interested in Castellon at this early stage in its entrance onto the global stage. Enquiries from French buyers account for 48% of the total, followed by English buyers at 30%.

When it comes to property type, homes in the €50k-€100k price range attract some 36% of enquiries, followed by homes under €50k (with 30% of enquiries). 61% of buyers are looking for apartments and 39% want three bedrooms, closely followed by 34% wanting two bedrooms.

Martin Dell comments,

“Castellon is one of Valencia’s most interesting cities and largely unknown up until now. The opening of the Castellon airport is likely to see a localised property boom, with prices rising and international interest in the area really taking off.

“As well as the city of Castellon itself, nearby Peniscola, Vinaros and San Jorge also look set to benefit from Spain’s ghost airport finally gearing up to receive the international jets for which it was built.”

The rise of Castellon is certainly bound to pique the interest of property investors looking for Spain’s hottest investment location in 2015. Many will want to act quickly, before Castellon is ‘discovered’ by too many more people. This traditional country house, with three bedrooms and generous plot of land, just 24km from the coast, costs just €160,000, while this modern Peniscola penthouse with pool and sea views is on the market for €199,950.

As the story of Castellon airport unfolds over the course of 2015 and travellers start discovering this delightful coastal city, it will be fascinating to see how the property market there flourishes now that the ghosts of the past have been banished to the history books.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

Spanish mortgage changes tempt foreign buyers to purchase Iberian dream homes

Spanish mortgage changes tempt foreign buyers to purchase Iberian dream homes

by Louise Spain
  • Lowest ever Euribor rate drives property market movement (Kyero)
  • Number of mortgages up 29.8% in September (National Statistics Institute)
  • Foreigners offered very similar mortgage rates to Spanish nationals (Mortgage Direct)

Spain’s mortgage rate is making headlines at present with Euribor (the rate usually used to set mortgage interest payments in Spain) falling to 0.335% in November with this record low leading many buyers to act fast in order to purchase the property of their dreams.

In fact Spanish mortgages have been on a positive trend for some months with data from the National Statistics Institute showing that the number of mortgages constituted in September was up 29.8% on the year before. This follows year-on-year increases in June, July and August 2014, of 19%, 28.8% and 24% respectively.

So what does this mean for those considering heading off to Spain for a new life?

Martin Dell, Director of Spain’s leading property portal, Kyero.com, which lists over 175,000 properties from 2,500 estate agents, explains,

“Quite simply, better access to finance means more sales to both domestic and overseas buyers. More than 90% of Spanish mortgages are based on Euribor which is at its lowest ever rate. This means huge savings for long term borrowers, tempting many to take out mortgages to buy their dream home.”

Getting a mortgage in Spain is in many ways similar to obtaining one in the UK, with a similar level of paperwork required, according to Kevin Monger of Mortgage Direct. Risk assessment tends to be carried out on a debt-to-income basis, a model that is beginning to be adopted by UK banks as well. Spanish mortgages can be taken out up to the age of 75. Monger comments,

“We have seen a dramatic reduction in mortgage interest rates this year, where foreigners are now being offered very similar rates to Spanish nationals. The banks here have a renewed appetite for lending to non-residents who wish to buy holiday homes or move to Spain.”

Bargain property prices are also tempting foreigners, with Kyero listing attractively priced homes in all areas of Spain. From a townhouse with pool in Almoradi (Alicante) for €79,500, to a country home with plunge pool and river views in Comares (Malaga) for €94,950, the site showcases the best of Spanish property in every price band.

At the top end of the market, those with around €48 million to spend can bag themselves a 237 room frontline beach hotel in Estepona with direct beach access. While getting finance for a property of this stature might prove tricky, certainly mortgages for more reasonable amounts are proving extremely appealing in Spain right now.

The Overseas Guides Company’s latest Quarterly Index has shown that enquiries from individuals wanting to by property abroad have increased 17% since last year. With around 24% of all enquiries relating to it, Spain remains the most popular destination covered by the Index. With the market picking up in 2014, all eyes will be on 2015 to see how fast the positive trends take hold.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

Ditch the grey skies and soak up some sun on these terrific terraces

Ditch the grey skies and soak up some sun on these terrific terraces

by Louise Albania Italy Portugal Spain , , ,
  • Winter travel tipped to beat 2.9% increase of 2013/14 season (Eurostat)
  • EU air passenger traffic up 5.6% in October (Airports Council International)
  • Outdoor sun terraces available from as little as €35,000 (Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa)

As the nights draw in and those early morning starts seem ever colder, the idea of sitting outside and soaking up the sun may seem like a distant dream, but the perfect outdoor terrace is actually a lot closer than you might think.

According to Eurostat, the pursuit of winter sun expanded over the 2013/14 season, with 15.4 million more nights spent in hotels and similar establishments within the European Union, an increase of 2.9% on the previous year. The 2014/15 season looks to be a good one too thus far, with the Airports Council International reporting an increase of 5.6% in passenger traffic at EU airports in October.

Some of the main increases in air passenger traffic were recorded in Spanish and Italian airports, while the Eurostat figures put Spain and Italy as two of the three most popular winter tourist destinations. With their warm climates, pretty beaches and short travel time from the UK it is easy to see why many of these tourists want more than just a hotel room and opt for a second home overseas instead. Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com, explains,

“Being able to bask in the sunshine over the winter months is hugely appealing to buyers from colder countries. For such buyers, outside space is extremely important and a property with a decent outdoor terrace can easily command a price premium over one without.”

It is a fact well understood by Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, whose properties feature outdoor areas in the forms of gardens, balconies and roof terraces. Each development also has at least one communal swimming pool for those wishing to take the plunge over the winter months. Sea views, golf views and wide terraces are all tempting buyers at the company’s latest site, the delightfully designed Miraval on the Costa del Sol, where prices start from €245,000.

Over in Italy, luxury holiday home company Appassionata also appreciates the value of outside space. The urban fractional townhouse Casa Tre Archi comes complete with three outdoor terraces, including a large roof terrace with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Owners can enjoy the three bedroom/three bathroom property for five weeks per year from just £65,000.

For buyers looking a little way beyond Spain and Italy, Portugal and Albania offer plentiful sunshine over the winter months and are both exceptional value for money as holiday destinations. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, observes,

“Being outside and enjoying the sunshine is just part of the way of life here in Portugal. From spacious apartments overlooking the sea to detached villas with their own pools, everything is geared towards maximising sunshine. It’s a wonderfully relaxed approach to life.”

In Albania, soaking up rays is also at the top of holidaymakers’ priority lists, as the generously appointed balconies and terraces of the country’s first high-end resort, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, demonstrate. With prices starting from as little as €35,000 the resort has something for all budgets, so those who think that a second home with a stunning outdoor sun terrace is beyond their budget may just need to think again.

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.

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

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

Spain back and forth – What does 2015 have in store for the Spanish property market?

Spain back and forth – What does 2015 have in store for the Spanish property market?

by Louise Spain ,
  • Asking prices up 7% (Kyero Q3 2014 House Price Index)
  • Foreign buyers account for 1 in 5 Spanish property transactions (General Council of Notaries)
  • Domestic demand tipped to drive Spanish property market during 2015 (Kyero)

Spain’s real estate sector has come a long way in 2014. Property asking prices have risen by 7% across the country, according to leading property portal Kyero, while the prestigious homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has observed increasing confidence in the market as investors and foreign buyers rush in to snap up bargains.

With 2015 on the horizon, the future of the Spanish property sector is under particular scrutiny as analysts look to learn lessons from the past 12 months and understand how the market will develop into the year ahead.

While some areas of Spain continue to feel the hangover from the economic crisis, other are experiencing strong demand. Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard observes,

“Coastal areas and those offering top class sporting experiences such as the golf courses of the Costa del Sol have seen a definite upturn in terms of enquiries and sales during 2014. High quality developments with communal pools have attracted particular interest, with both property investors and second home owners keen to take advantage of Spanish bargains. There has been a fresh optimism in the market this year.”

Kyero’s Martin Dell echoes the sentiment,

“Confidence is up and the market is improving in an increasing number of locations. Foreign buyers have contributed hugely, accounting for a record proportion of overall sales, which has helped to stimulate the market and move it away from stagnation.”

Figures from the General Council of Notaries back up Kyero’s observations. During Q2 2014 foreign buyers accounted for 11.9% more private housing acquisitions than during the same period a year earlier, representing 20.4% of all purchases made during the period.

Both Kyero and Taylor Wimpey España are agreed that this should impact positively on 2015. Marc Pritchard comments,

“The increase in foreign buyers that we have seen this year has got the Spanish property sector motoring once more. With this newly optimistic market, we expect to see domestic demand pick up during 2015, with significant price recovery in well located properties, such as those in large cities or popular tourist areas.”

“Price recovery in 2015 is going to be strongest in those areas that have been attracting foreign buyers during 2014,” adds Kyero’s Martin Dell. “Our data has shown a clear correlation between asking prices and the areas in which foreign buyers are active. Investors and those picking up second homes are turning prices around. With general economic improvements in Spain, as well as increasing employment and better access to credit, 2015 should see the Spanish domestic market given room to grow again.”

The property experts’ conclusion is simple – those looking to pick up bargain second homes in Spain need to act sooner rather than later, with prices expected to show some strong upward movement during 2015.

For more information please contact:

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

Kyero.com:www.kyero.com

Best of the bunch – Top 5 countries for enjoying some winter sun

Best of the bunch – Top 5 countries for enjoying some winter sun

by Louise Grenada Italy Portugal Spain United States , , , ,
  • Costa del Sol offers cheapest European winter sun breaks (Post Office)
  • Mallorca bookings up 68% in a single year (ABTA)
  • Euro approaching best rate since 2012 (Currency Index)

It’s that time of year when the novelty of cold mornings and rainy afternoons has worn off and families turn their attention to which country would be the best place for them to soak up some winter sun. This year the number of those leaving the UK in search of winter sun between October and December is expected to rise, as many families delayed their summer holidays overseas due to Britain’s fantastic summer weather.

The Post Office has provided some handy hints this year for travellers looking for good value from their breaks. Both Portugal (specifically the Algarve) and Spain (the Costa del Sol) have been recognised as providing excellent value for money in the Post Office’s Winter Sunshine Report. The barometer report examines eight tourist staples, including sun-cream, drinks and an evening meal, to judge which destinations offer the cheapest break. The Costa del Sol came in at just £44 for the list of items and the Algarve at £48. As the weather in Spain and Portugal can take a turn for the worse over the winter months, the report also highlighted the value of Tenerife, where the winter sunshine is a little more reliable. The island came in at £58 for the eight items.

Italy is another popular choice for those seeking a winter sun break and if the over-priced cities are avoided it can offer excellent value. In fact, the UK travel organisation ABTA observed at its recent travel convention in Slovenia that Italian bookings were up this summer due to “some great-value hotel deals.” ABTA also highlighted Mallorca as a recent success story, with summer 2014 bookings up 68% on summer 2013. The island’s increased tourism figures are expected to carry through over the winter season.

When it comes to long-haul winter sun destinations, Florida offers excellent value and families can enjoy Orlando’s theme parks without the extensive queues of the summer months. The Caribbean is another popular place for winter sun seekers, especially for couples looking for a relaxed, romantic escape. The luxury appeal of the island of Grenada is proving particularly attractive this year, thanks to its high-end spas and pristine beaches.

For those looking for more than just a holiday, each of these destinations offers a wide variety of options when it comes to property investment. From second homes to pure investment properties, the choice is endless. Those looking to buy in Europe are able to enjoy the cheaper Euro at present, with Currency Index observing that the US Dollar’s recent gains have had a particularly beneficial effect on Euro rates, which are approaching their best levels since 2012.

For those looking to profit from property in the top winter sun destinations, here’s a quick round up of the best opportunities on offer.

Spain – Costa del Sol

Modern 2 and 3 bed apartments and penthouses in Avalon – Los Arqueros Golf, the best golf resort near Puerto Banus, are available from just €290,000 from Taylor Wimpey España. Large terraces, spectacular views, a communal pool and beautiful gardens make this the perfect family resort.

Balearic Islands – Mallorca

Taylor Wimpey España is offering just 24 luxury two bedroom/two bathroom apartments from €242,000 at Cala Anguila II.

Canary Islands – Tenerife

From land plots costing €95,000 for those with imagination and time on their hands, to key-ready, ultra luxe apartments for €483,000, property portal Kyero.com has something to suit every buyer.

Portugal – Algarve

Ideal Homes Portugal has properties ranging from Central Algarve studio apartments in Alvor, costing just €57,419, to a four bedroom villa in the prestigious Vale do Lobo golf community, available to anyone with a spare €11,000,000 to hand. This plot of land with delightful timber house, coming in at just €69,000, is particularly interesting.

Italy – Le Marche

Italy’s stunning Le Marche region offers a good value alternative to the cities and has everything from beaches to mountains with excellent skiing facilities. A one tenth share in the luxury fractional ownership holiday home, Casa Tre Archi from Appassionata, costs from as little as £65,000.

Florida – Orlando

Beautiful two, three and four bedroom investment homes are available from Brookes & Co at The Club at Sunset Lake, from just £96,950. The fully managed properties are close to Orlando’s major attractions and perfect for those looking for a rental property that provides long-term income.

The Caribbean – Grenada

High-end hotel suites for investment in Grenada are available from Property Frontiers and include four weeks’ personal usage, allowing investors to enjoy Grenada for themselves, as well as making money from average projected yields of 10.5%.

 

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

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

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

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

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

Brookes & Co: +44 1621 875 925 or www.brookesandco.co.uk.

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

 

From luxury travellers to second home owners to golfers, everyone’s headed to Tenerife this winter

From luxury travellers to second home owners to golfers, everyone’s headed to Tenerife this winter

by Louise Spain
  • Tenerife property enquiries jump more than 1000% in less than a decade (Kyero)
  • Tenerife makes top 10 list of global winter sun destinations (TripAdvisor)
  • Visitor numbers up 4.7% to June 2014 (HVS)

The most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has a great deal going for it. Stunning beaches and gently rolling aquamarine waves tempt many tourists to do little more than lie around enjoying the subtropical climate while they are there, but for those who do get off their sunbeds, the island is packed with stunning natural parkland, plentiful cultural attractions, a wide range of sporting options (both on land and on the water) and restaurants serving rich yet healthy Mediterranean cuisine.

As with many locations where tourism plays a key part in the economy, Tenerife suffered as a result of the global recession, but now the sun-dappled island has turned a corner, accounting for 65% of total visitors arriving to the Canary Islands during 2013, according to the just-published HVS In Focus report on Tenerife.

The report reveals that 2013 finally saw visitor numbers to Tenerife increase, indicating that the effects of the financial crisis have finally been left behind. Early indicators are that 2014 will show a further increase, with visitor numbers in the year to June 2014 up 4.7% on the same period a year earlier.

Visitors from the UK lead those travelling to Tenerife, making up 31.8% of the total during 2013, based on the HVS report. The winter months of October, November, February and March tend to be the strongest periods of the year, with visitors from colder countries enjoying the winter sun. The island’s Playa de las Americas resort has this year been revealed as the sixth most popular winter break destination with Britons travelling internationally by TripAdvisor.

Interestingly, while Tenerife’s overall tourism sector suffered, its luxury hotels reported a steady increase in number of arrivals (other than a slight decline in 2009). The island’s property sector has also shown a steady increase, with Spain’s leading property portal, Kyero, which lists over 175,000 properties from 2,500 estate agents, registering a steady increase in enquiries since 2006. The increase has been so steep that 2014 has already seen more than 10 times the number of enquiries that were received in 2006.

Martin Dell, Kyero’s Director, comments,

“Tenerife has seen a sharp increase in the number of those looking to buy second homes there over the past decade. British buyers seeking a holiday retreat in the sun are becoming increasingly aware of Tenerife’s delights, particularly as a winter sun destination. The combination of the high quality accommodation, relaxed lifestyle and fantastic weather on the island are perfect for attracting second home owners.

“We have found that properties in the €50k to €100k price band are by far the most popular, attracting 39% of overall enquiries. Properties costing between €100k and €150k draw in 19% of enquiries and those costing €150k to €200k attract 16%. Apartments are the preferred type of accommodation, capturing 63% of overall enquiries.”

The Kyero.com figures reveal that not only are Tenerife properties popular with Brits, but also with Italian buyers. In fact, demand from Italians looking to own second homes on Tenerife was such that Kyero.com launched a dedicated Italian version of its site back in 2008, which has proven extremely popular.

Tenerife’s excellent value for money also plays a part in its popularity. The average property price there was €224,000 according to Kyero.com’s October 2014 Spanish House Price Index, compared with a national average price of €260,000.

Tenerife’s nine golf courses are particularly popular with British visitors and this thriving industry further adds to the island’s charms. It is making a name for itself in the golfing world; so much so, in fact, that the International Golf Travel Market has appointed Tenerife as the venue for its 2015 event, which attracts golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media from around the world. Based on the figures from Kyero.com, it seems that some of those who attend may just end up buying more than golf clubs, as Tenerife woos them into purchasing their dream overseas property.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

Menorca vs Mallorca – how a 20 mile trip could save you 20% on property prices

Menorca vs Mallorca – how a 20 mile trip could save you 20% on property prices

by Louise Spain
  • Menorca property prices just 77% those of Mallorca (Kyero)
  • Spanish property 41.8% cheaper than in 2007 (Tinsa)
  • Property sales rose 10.7% in July (National Statistics Institute)

When it comes to the Balearics, there are some striking similarities between the islands’ offerings. The four largest of the islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) all boast stunning beaches, hot summer sun and fantastic water sports, as well as some fabulous examples of Iberian cuisine.

Each island also has a distinct atmosphere of its own. Ibiza is known around the world for its clubs and party lifestyle, while Mallorca is seen as a haven for sailors. There are also considerable differences when it comes to property prices, as the latest data from Spain’s leading property portal, Kyero, which lists over 175,000 properties from 2,500 estate agents, has revealed.

Martin Dell, Kyero’s Director, explains,

“Both Mallorca and Menorca have some fantastic properties available – everything from high end apartments overlooking the beach to sprawling villas tucked away in the hills. Prices can vary greatly between the islands though. Kyero’s October 2014 Price Index has shown that average prices on Menorca are just 77% of those on Mallorca, making it an excellent choice for property purchasers looking to pick up a bargain home in the sunshine. Just 20 miles of travelling means savings of more than 20%.”

The figures come in light of the news that housing across Spain costs 41.8% less than in 2007, according to the Tinsa IMIE house price index. For many second home buyers, there has never been a better time to look to the Balearics. In fact, property sales across the whole of Spain have picked up of late, with data from the National Statistics Institute showing a 10.7% increase in sales during July, when compared with July 2013.

The 28,583 transactions from July represent the fifth successive month of increases in sales, pointing to the beginnings of a sustained picking up of the market. Second hand sales are largely behind the positive growth, as Kyero’s Martin Dell observes,

“We’ve seen a significant surge in the number of second hand sales over the last several months, which is driving forward the current positive movement in the housing market. Many buyers – both domestic buyers and those from overseas – have been attracted by the price falls that Spain has experienced over the past seven or so years.

“Spain has always been a popular country with holidaymakers and a significant proportion of them see owning a property there as an investment for their retirement or for their children. There has been a definite upturn in the second hand holiday home market of late, as well as the domestic, fulltime home market.”

Kyero is well placed to observe the holiday home market. Uniquely, it is the only Spanish property portal aimed at foreign buyers and, as 45% of buyers are non-English, is available in 33 languages to ensure that the properties listed are accessible to all. So whether Menorca or Mallorca is their island of choice, buyers the world over can find their dream Spanish holiday home bargain this autumn.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.