• Taylor Wimpey España reports environmental matters continue to attract attention
• Solar panels and energy cost savings are buyers’ main focus
• New builds continue to out-perform second-hand homes in Spain

New build properties in Spain are winning over buyers thanks to their eco-friendly credentials, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. The company reports that solar panels and energy cost savings top buyers’ priority list when it comes to sustainability.

“All of our new homes achieve at least a B energy rating in terms of their sustainability and efficiency. It’s something that we’re increasingly talking to our buyers about – our virtual catalogues now have a dedicated sustainability section that outlines each development’s environmental credentials.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The Taylor Wimpey España team believe that this is playing into new build properties’ continuing out-performance of older homes in the Spanish market. Pre-pandemic, new builds were enjoying higher price gains than second-hand homes. And while the Colegio de Registradores’ 2020 report shows a 16.7% overall contraction in market size due to the pandemic, the new build sector shrank by just 7.3%.

While solar panels tend to be the sustainability poster boy, creating more environmentally friendly holiday homes goes much further than this. New Taylor Wimpey España developments are built using materials and equipment with high percentages of recycled material. They feature low consumption lighting, appliances with the highest energy rating and aerothermal and solar photovoltaic energy to reduce CO₂ emissions. There is also a ventilation system for indoor air renewal and an Airzone system to regulate the temperature in ducted air conditioning. Homes include a thermal break in the exterior carpentry and double glazing with air chamber.

Communal areas, meanwhile, include charging points for electric vehicles, community recycling facilities, programmable drip irrigation for landscaped areas and sensors, presence detectors and/or timers for lighting in common areas.

“We are committed to adapting all of our processes and supply chain to fight climate change, be more sustainable and contribute to improved health and wellbeing. It’s great to see that our buyers are thinking about this too and that we can respond so confidently and proactively to their queries around sustainability. And, of course, if we can save them money on their energy bills then so much the better.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

One B energy rated development that is attracting keen interest at the moment is Ikat, located in the town of Ses Salines on Mallorca’s south-eastern coast. The two-bedroom/two-bathroom homes include ground floor apartments with private gardens, penthouses with direct access to their own solarium terrace and duplex homes with both garden and solarium terrace. Prices start from €260,000 plus VAT.

Ikat is located just metres from the centre of Ses Salines. Owners have easy access to the restaurants and renowned wine cellars of the town, with the option to explore at their leisure and then return home to relax by the pool or on their terraces. The beach is around 5 km away, while Ses Salines is also surrounded by many spectacular cycling routes. Perfect for holidaymakers looking to enjoy Mallorca’s stunning natural environment.

Also B-rated is Emerald Greens, located at the prestigious San Roque Club in Cadiz, just 18 km from Gibraltar – one of just 12 countries currently on the UK government’s green list. The apartments and penthouses at Emerald Greens have the most effective thermal and acoustic insulation available on the market. The development also has some beautiful outdoor space, including corn oak meadows with footpaths crisscrossing them and benches for sitting quietly in the shade in the midst of the abundant greenery.

Emerald Greens will have a large leisure area for communal use, roughly the size of three football pitches. The first phase of 24 homes and a communal pool (one of three that the finished development will have) is due for completion by September, with a second phase recently released to keep up with demand.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• Fewer travel restrictions and longer restaurant opening hours as life gets back to ‘normal’
• Taylor Wimpey España welcomes positive impact on Spanish property market
• Summer season spending to relieve some of pressure on tourism sector

As one of the world’s most visited countries, Spain relies heavily on its tourism sector to keep the economy ticking over. Like many sun-kissed hotspots, it was hit hard by the pandemic. But hopes are now high for the summer season, as the end of Spain’s ‘alarm status’ on 9 May signals a return to something akin to normal.

“The ending of the alarm status in Spain means a reduction in travel restrictions and an easing of the rules imposed on hospitality venues such as restaurants. People can go out at night again and generally enjoy a quality of life that is much closer to the pre-pandemic days than we have seen here in quite some time.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Kyero.com reports that sales to international buyers account for 13.97% of all property transactions in Spain (as at Q4 2020). The figure tends to be significantly higher in coastal areas. In the Balearic Islands, that figure stands at 32.89%, while in Malaga province it is 32.23%. In Alicante, foreign buyers made up 40.73% of all transactions.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been serving international buyers in Spain for over 60 years. The company sees the ending of the alarm status as a major step forward in terms of supporting buyer confidence.

“We have many enquiries at the moment from potential buyers who are just waiting for a little more ‘normality’ before they commit to purchasing a second hone. The end of the alarm status is a significant step in the right direction, just as the easing of international travel restrictions in the UK will be on 17 May. The combination of these factors spells good news for the Spanish tourism sector and the country’s property market.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España has continued to build throughout the pandemic. One of the company’s most recent launches is Port Blau in Mallorca. Consisting of 10 three-bedroom apartments with spacious private terraces, the development provides a communal pool and pretty gardens for residents to enjoy. Port Blau also delivers direct sea access, while the southeast orientation means buyers can enjoy plenty of sunshine. Prices start at €425,000 plus VAT.

Over on the Costa del Sol, meanwhile, Taylor Wimpey España had just launched the second phase of Sun Valley, located in the renowned La Cala Golf resort. With the course winding its way around the homes and a variety of golf, pool and garden views available, buyers can enjoy the serenity of the stunning natural environment, with apartments priced from €251,000 plus VAT.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• New build transactions exceeded 2019 levels in August and September 2020 (Valmesa Consultores)
• Mediterranean Coast property prices up 2.7% since February (Tinsa)
• Britons bought more homes in Spain than any other foreign nationality in 2020 (Colegio de Registradores)

Despite Brexit and Covid, Britons bought more properties in Spain than any other foreign nationality in 2020. They accounted for 1.48% of overall property sales, with total purchases by foreigners accounting for 11.3%, according to the Colegio de Registradores.

While the total number of sales inevitably shrank in 2020, it was the second-hand homes market that was the most heavily impacted. Nationally, home sales dropped by 16.7%, but for second-hand homes, that figure reached 18.7%. Sales of new build homes, meanwhile, dropped by just 7.3%.

In fact, according to analysis by Valmesa Consultores, the number of new build transactions in August and September 2020 surpassed those in the same months of 2019.

“We’re seeing some very positive signs across the Spanish property sector right now, with demand and sales both increasing. Buyers are looking for a mix of key-ready, newly completed homes, as well as off-plan properties on new developments. With renewed interest in the market, prices in coastal regions are beginning to increase, making now a great time to buy before they rise any further.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Prices along the Mediterranean coast rose by 0.1% year on year in March 2021, according to Tinsa. However, the monthly increase since February stood at 2.7%, as buyers continue to gain confidence in the light of ongoing vaccination programme rollouts.

Increasing enthusiasm for overseas second homes was confirmed by recent statistics from A Place in the Sun, which found that 30% of people are now more motivated than ever to buy a property overseas. Of those looking at buying a property in Spain, 40% have their sights set on the Costa del Sol.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been building along the Spanish Mediterranean coast for over 60 years. Most recently, the company has launched the second phase of homes at Sun Valley at La Cala Golf in Mijas, Malaga. With all but four of the key-ready homes in phase I already sold, Sun Valley’s second phase of stunning golf resort properties are available for purchase. Prices start from €251,000 plus VAT.

La Cala is Spain’s largest golf resort. It has a well-deserved reputation for the excellence of its facilities. Nestled between the sea and the mountains between Marbella and Fuengirola, the resort includes a hotel, restaurant, spa, golf club and academy, tennis court, squash court, fitness centre, running circuits and FIFA football pitch. All in addition to its three 18-hole golf courses.

The apartments at Sun Valley sit in a privileged position within the resort, at the top of the hill overlooking the Europa course. Their location provides buyers with panoramic views of the golf course and the sea, while all apartments are south or southwest facing for maximum enjoyment of the Spanish sunshine. Buyers also benefit from Sun Valley’s communal swimming pool and landscaped gardens.

The two- and three-bedroom apartments’ large terraces have glass balcony enclosures to make the most of the fabulous views. Interestingly, the April 2021 Savills report on homebuying trends in Spain found that those buying property in Spain prioritise having a good view more than any other factor. 94% of buyers ranked this as important, followed by 87% who were focused on having high-speed internet – also something that comes as standard at Sun Valley.

“We’re hearing from many buyers that it is peace and proximity to nature that they want right now. This means that golf developments such as Sun Valley are ticking all the right boxes. With international travel hopefully just weeks away from resuming, we’re busy providing virtual viewings and have taken a number of reservations following WhatsApp and Zoom tours.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The Taylor Wimpey España team has been providing ‘live’ viewings via video call almost since the start of the pandemic, touring apartments and developments and even walking down to the beach. Calls last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• British buyer snaps up first property at Essential in Jávea, Costa Blanca
• New homes also launched in Port Verd, Mallorca
• Demand for holidays to UK-friendly destinations increasing (Jet2)

In another sign that the resumption of foreign holidays is edging closer, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has launched not one but two brand new developments. 

“With vaccination programmes underway and airlines adding new routes and additional capacity for this summer, many families are feeling confident once more about their longer-term holiday plans. Buying off-plan means that families who can’t travel right now can still enjoy planning for a future of building happy memories together overseas.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

That’s precisely what the first buyer at Essential in Jávea on the Costa Blanca can now do. The British buyer has snapped up the first of the 74 two- and three-bedroom apartments, which come with communal pools for adults and children and prettily landscaped gardens, just a 15-minute walk from the beaches and marina of Jávea.

Priced from €175,000 plus VAT, the apartments at Essential include spacious terraces with huge windows that blend indoor and outdoor living space beautifully. Privat rooftop terraces with hot tubs are available for the penthouse homes, offering a slice of sunshine-packed luxury at a superb price.

With supermarkets, a market, banks, restaurants, cafés, gyms, schools (state and international), a bus station and a post office all within walking distance, the homes are well-suited to year-round living, as well as holiday usage. They are due for completion in March 2023, providing families with plenty of time to look forward to using them once international travel is largely back to normal.

“We’re delighted to be able to provide buyers with a mix of properties to suit their differing needs. For some, that means providing homes that allow them to look a couple of years into the future and plan for anything from family holidays to retirement. For others, that means providing key-ready homes that allow them to enjoy the Spanish sunshine this summer, as soon as they can travel.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Over in Mallorca, Taylor Wimpey has also launch Port Blau this month. The high-end homes enjoy a superb location in Port Verd, on the island’s east coast, with direct access to the sea. Each home is filled with space and natural light, with ground floor apartments offering private gardens and penthouses coming with their own private sun terrace.

Port Blau also comes with communal gardens and a good size swimming pool. Homes face south-east in order to delivery plentiful sunshine throughout the year. The 10 three-bedroom homes are priced from €425,000 plus VAT.

The launches come as demand for international travel continues to build. A number of airlines have launched additional routes and seats for the summer 2021 season. Jet2, for example, has added over 50,000 additional seats as a “direct response to demand” for holidays to locations that are open to welcoming holidaymakers from the UK, including Spain.

“While we are still some way off from international travel operating as ‘normal’ once more, the industry is nevertheless preparing for a far better summer than last year. We’ve already seen a notable increase in interest from UK holiday home buyers, with leads up 116% YTD in March from British clients, compared with an increase of 73% across all nationalities. Brits are coming back in force.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• Second homes surge anticipated as Taylor Wimpey España reports 116% rise in UK leads
• UK offering more summer flights to Malaga than any other country (Costa del Sol Tourism)
• 93% of young adults report an increased desire to travel (Topdeck Travel)

It’s nearly time to pack the sun cream once more. The UK government is poised to announce the resumption of international travel, with details of its traffic light system eagerly awaited. The announcement is expected to lead to a huge wave of travel bookings, as pent-up demand for sunshine and international culture is finally released.

The news of travel resuming will come as a welcome relief for the travel industry and many associated sectors. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España points out that the Spanish second homes market will be one beneficiary of the resumption of international travel.

“The news that Britons can head to Spain for their holidays once more will be very welcome. We’ve been in contact with a number of families during this latest lockdown who are itching to come and check out our second homes in person, having already completed virtual viewings and video tours. We’re expecting a very busy summer once families can finally put their plans into action.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Travel industry experts are anticipating plenty of bookings when Britons are finally allowed overseas once more. One firm – Topdeck Travel – anticipates considerable movement around the globe from younger travellers. The company recently reported that 93% of young adults that it surveyed have an increased desire to travel as a result of the pandemic and lockdowns.

Meanwhile, Costa del Sol Tourism has flagged up the UK as offering more flights to Malaga than any other country between May and July, with seats available for 615,000 passengers between Malaga and 15 British cities.

For those who’ve already sated their wanderlust in their youth, second home ownership in a favourite destination is the perfect way to enjoy holidays as they grow older. Space, sunshine and safety are now the top priorities, according to the Taylor Wimpey España team. The firm has just reported an increase of 116% YTD for UK leads in March, signalling a solid rise in interest in second home ownership now that the country is getting close to the resumption of international travel.

“Plentiful space has become a key priority as a result of the pandemic. In particular, flexible space, which can suit working from home if need be or that can be used as leisure space at other times. Families also, of course, want to feel safe, which is why owning a second home can seem so much more attractive than booking a hotel stay right now. It offers a far greater degree of distance and privacy.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s new Ikat development in Mallorca has been designed with space and comfort firmly in mind. Based in the heart of the traditional town of Ses Salines, the homes are ideal for year-round living as well as regular holidays. They provide easy access to all of Ses Salines’ amenities, while still enjoying a resort-style pool and landscaped gardens. Priced from €260,000 plus VAT, the homes include two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes, all of which come with a private garden, a solarium terrace or both. Three homes have already sold since the development launched in March, with a number of other sales expected to finalise in the next few weeks.

Ikat is ideal for families looking to foster a meaningful connection with Mallorca and the island’s traditional way of life. Away from the crowds of tourists, the homes provide an authentic Mallorcan living experience. The development’s exterior has been designed to fit beautifully with the local colours and architectural styles of Ses Salines. Interiors, meanwhile, showcase high quality, contemporary finishes. Living rooms that open onto terraces, while integrating kitchen and dining areas, provide a sense of spaciousness while flooding the homes with natural light.

“We’re excited to be able to offer a slice of authentic Mallorcan atmosphere at Ikat. Even the building’s name is traditional – it refers to the ancient textile dyeing technique for which the island is known around the world. Homes at Ikat have been built with post-pandemic family needs in mind. They are ideally suited to changing travel patterns and usage trends.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• Foreign buyers account for 32.65% of all Balearic Island sales (Registradores)
• Taylor Wimpey España reports 42% increase in leads
• Ryanair includes Mallorca as key focus for summer schedule  

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has announced details of its newest launch: Ikat, in the picturesque town of Ses Salines, on Mallorca’s southern coast. The launch comes as figures from Registradores de España show that not even the pandemic can crush foreigners’ love for the Balearic Islands. In Q4 2020, foreign home buyers accounted for 32.65% of sales, compared with 10.73% for Spain as a whole.

“All eyes are on Mallorca as we wait for confirmation on how soon international travel can resume. Interest from foreigners and travellers from mainland Spain is up, so we are delighted to be launching such an interesting new development at this particular time.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

British interest in Spanish property is up by 24% YTD when measured in terms of Taylor Wimpey España’s website visitors, while interest from Germany has doubled in 2021. Overall leads are up by 42% YTD. 39% of those leads hail from the UK.

Kyero, meanwhile, reports an increase in visitor enquiries from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Ireland and Switzerland by up to 48.4%. Most notable has been a huge surge in interest from 18-34-year-olds, as the pandemic and the wider acceptance of remote working impact property buyer behaviour.

In terms of demand from within Spain, it’s telling that Ryanair (Spain’s leading airline) has just launched nine new routes, three of which are to Mallorca: Mallorca-Zaragoza, Mallorca-Santander and Mallorca-Tenerife Norte. The airline has also scheduled an additional four flights per week between Mallorca and Valencia.

In the midst of this booming interest in Mallorca, Taylor Wimpey España has launched a small and exclusive collection of ground floor apartments, penthouses and duplexes just metres from the centre of Ses Salines. Ikat’s apartments provide private gardens for the ground floor homes and spacious solarium terraces for the penthouses, while duplexes come with both. Many of the homes provide magnificent views of the sea and the island of Cabrera from their terraces.

Ikat has been developed in the traditional Mallorcan architectural style, meaning that the homes integrate beautifully into the surrounding scenery. They surround a generously sized pool, with plants, flowers and mature trees adding to the charm. Priced from €260,000 plus VAT, each apartment has two double bedrooms, a fitted kitchen and two bathrooms, while duplexes have an additional guest cloakroom. A storeroom and outdoor parking space are included with each home.

“Every element of the design at Ikat has been considered with buyers’ priorities in mind. Our focus has been on providing the maximum amount of space and comfort within each apartment and duplex, giving buyers the room they need, both indoors and out. With prices on the rise in Mallorca, now is the ideal time to buy a home on this beautiful island.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• Buyers with €500k to spend can pick up residency along with their property
• Brexit pushing more Brits to consider the Golden Visa route into the Schengen Zone
• Working from home on the terrace ‘infinitely more desirable’ due to pandemic

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has reported a surge in enquiries from British families seeking Spanish residency through the country’s Golden Visa scheme. The firm believes that both Brexit and the pandemic are playing a role in the rise.

“A Spanish Golden Visa provides not just residency in Spain but also access to the rest of the Schengen Zone. It’s something that Britons haven’t had to worry about previously, but Brexit has driven a notable rise in enquiries from families seeking to use a residential property purchase to maintain access to the Eurozone. The fact that working from home on a terrace in Spain has become infinitely more desirable due to the pandemic is also likely to be pushing some families down the Golden Visa route.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The Golden Visa scheme allows an individual investing €500,000 or more in either residential or commercial property to obtain a one-year resident visa in order to purchase a home in Spain. They must travel to Spain at least once during that year. Next, they can apply for an investor’s residence authorisation, which is granted for two years and can be renewed for a further five. After five years, the buyer can apply for a residency permit.

The buyer must maintain the property investment throughout this period/process and comply with a number of other requirements. These range from a lack of criminal record to having health insurance that can be used in Spain. They also need to have enough funds to cover the person applying and their family for the term of the residency.

Family members included in the Golden Visa scheme include the property buyer’s spouse, any children under the age of 18, any adult children classed as dependents for physical or mental health reasons and any dependent elderly parents.

“The breadth of the definition of ‘family’ under the Golden Visa is particularly generous. This is another reason why so many property buyers are keen to find out more about whether they are eligible and how they can access the scheme.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Sterling’s rise in value against the euro is playing into the situation as well, with buyers at the time of writing able to get significantly more for their money than they could at the start of 2021.

One interesting element of the Spanish Golden Visa is that the investor can split their purchase across multiple properties. They could, for example, purchase a home for themselves and one to use as a source of income.

Key-ready homes at Sun Valley, for example, at the Costa del Sol’s hugely popular La Cala Golf Resort, are available from €251,000 plus VAT. This means that a buyer purchasing two of the apartments, which come with panoramic golf and sea views, spacious terraces and use of a lovely communal pool, would be eligible for the Golden Visa scheme.

The same is true for buyers of more than one property at Pier 2, in Cadiz. Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard reports multiple buyers at the development purchasing two homes, in order to transform them into one giant apartment, with flexible space that can be used for anything from home offices to guest rooms. Key-ready homes at Pier are available from €342,000. The properties enjoy superb views of Sotogrande’s marina, while the private, gated community also provides pools and garden areas.

Golden Visas in Spain were launched in 2013 and more than 24,500 were granted between then and early 2020, including over 8,000 in 2019 alone – a 22.6% increase on the year before.

“The Golden Visa scheme was conceived as a means of attracting non-EU foreign investment into Spain. It’s interesting to see that it is now serving the additional purpose of providing a route into the Eurozone for British families. This is certainly a key consideration for a rising number of our clients from the UK.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• Buyers looking for golf homes with private outdoor space, pools and flexible internal areas (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Single-family homes account for record-breaking 20.43% of transactions (Q3 2020)
• Palma Tourism Board “confident” that British visitors will be some of earliest to return

Popular tourism destinations such as Spain have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but hopes are high that pent up demand from British holidaymakers will provide a significant boost this summer.

Spain’s golf industry, in particular, is eyeing up demand from British golfers. The sector is responsible for 120,000 jobs (direct and indirect) and the generation of nearly €13 billion, including €777 million in direct income from golf courses and €4,640 million in spending by golf tourists. As such, golf is a major player in Spain’s tourism offering, with 1.2 million golfers travelling to enjoy Spain’s fairways each year (2020, obviously, being a notable exception).

“Think of Spain and you immediately picture sunny beaches, great food and wine and world-class golf courses. Being able to spend time on the fairways year-round is an intrinsic part of Spain’s appeal. Not being able to visit Spain and play has been distressing for all those who enjoy golf as a way to stay fit and healthy and to spend time outdoors in beautiful natural surroundings.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

British players are certainly missing golf – so much so that design and build firm Oakbridge Bespoke recently reported an increase in interest from clients wanting golf simulators in their own homes. Of course, even the fanciest of simulators can’t beat the feel of being out on the fairway, but it is hoped that British golfers won’t have to wait too much longer to do so. According to Pedro Homar, Director of the Palma Tourism Board,

“With the rate in which the UK is rolling out the vaccination, we are confident that the UK market will be one of the first to return to Palma… In terms of timings, we expect the UK market to return from around May onwards.”

Golf in Spain comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag. Indeed, the Golf Travel Centre recently worked out that the average Brit doing Dry January would save £343 from missing nights out (pandemic aside). That’s enough for a long weekend at the Costa del Sol’s stunning La Cala Golf Resort.

For many golfers, though, the odd weekend here and there just isn’t enough. They are looking for golf properties where they can play golf all year round, enjoying the lush greenery, sea views and abundant sunshine that are so good for mental as well as physical health. As such, many seek to buy golf properties that they can use whenever suits them.

The pandemic has, of course, impacted the kind of homes that golfers in Spain are seeking. According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, buyers are looking for spacious terraces, communal areas and swimming pools as their top priorities (alongside access to first-rate golf facilities, of course). Open, flexible spaces within the home are also important, with many buyers now incorporating working from home in their plans for the way they will use their golf property. The option to practice other outdoors sports has also moved up buyers’ priority list, with socially distanced outdoor activities holding even more appeal than previously.

As in the UK, demand for rural and coastal area homes has increased, while more densely populated cities have fallen out of favour. Not only that, but buyers also looking for individual villas and townhouses, rather than apartments. The Association of Property Registrars, Movable Property and Mercantile of Spain report that the sale of single-family homes accounted for 20.43% of total transactions in Q3 2020 – the highest recorded percentage for this type of property.

“Single-family homes in quiet locations, with easy access to golf and other outdoor sports are experiencing strong demand right now. Buyers are looking for plenty of their own outdoor space, in addition to communal areas and shared pools.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

In the Costa Blanca, where prices increased by 2% in 2020 despite the pandemic, according to Fotocasa, it is newly built, private developments that are turning buyers’ heads. At Kiruna Residencial, for example, just one key-ready home remains for sale, priced at €191,000 plus VAT. A further development in the area, Kiruna Hills, has properties available off-plan, priced from €193,800.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at Kiruna Residencial boasts a 50 m² roof terrace, a 26 m² garden and a further terrace of 14 m². The development offers views of the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains, as well as Elche’s Alenda Golf, in which the property is located. Residents also benefit from a communal swimming pool, an array of landscaped gardens, a supermarket and a club house. There’s even a bilingual English/Spanish school for families looking to settle more permanently.

The Costa del Sol is, of course, renowned for its golf courses and Taylor Wimpey España’s Green Golf has everything that buyers are looking for there. Available from as little as €299,000 plus VAT, the frontline golf townhouses face southwest to make the most of the plentiful sunshine. The three bedroom, three-bathroom homes, which are ready to move in to, have large terraces that are ideal for outdoor dining, and make up a private, gated community with communal gardens and pools at Estepona Golf.

With Palma’s tourism director ‘confident’ that UK holidaymakers will be some of the first to return to Mallorca, many golfers are also eyeing up properties there as both potential second homes and main residences. One popular development is Canyamel Pins, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach at Canyamel and the Canyamel golf course. The two- and three-bedroom homes, with have large terraces for enjoying the unbeatable Mediterranean climate, are available from €335,000 plus VAT.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• Sierra de las Nieves to become Spain’s 16th National Park later this year
• Designation includes strict environmental protections
• Taylor Wimpey España reports uptick in interest in greener homes

Later this year, Spain’s Malaga province will finally get its first National Park, after six years of campaigning. Sierra de las Nieves, the mountainous area north of Marbella and east of Ronda, will enjoy increased funding and stricter environmental protections as a result of the decision.

Sierra de las Nieves has been a protected national park since 1989 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1995. It is home to the largest collection of pinsapo trees in existence, along with an abundance of largely untouched flora and fauna, with some of the trees thought to be over 500 years old. Bird spotters who visit the park can enjoy sightings of golden eagles, griffon vultures, peregrine falcons and many more species, while ibex, wild cats, mouflon and roe deer roam the steep slopes.

Connecting with nature has rarely felt so important as it has over the past year, with lockdown restrictions confining so many people to the inside of their homes. Likewise, exercise has becoming something to be valued even more than normal. With cycling, hiking, horse-riding, kayaking, climbing, abseiling, potholing and canyoning all available in Sierra de las Nieves, those visiting the resorts of the Costa del Sol will have easy access to all the nature and exercise they could possibly wish for.

“Many visitors and locals alike have long enjoyed the rich eco-diversity of Sierra de las Nieves. Now, the profile-raising nature of the National Park designation, along with the funding that comes with it, means that many more families will benefit from this incredible natural resource. The development of sustainable tourism activities will ensure the area is well protected, which is incredibly important for the future of Sierra de las Nieves.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Both tourists and second home owners are increasingly conscious of the need for greater sustainability, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. Concern for the environment is being reflected in the questions that buyers are asking as part of the purchase process.

Taylor Wimpey España has long been included environmentally friendly features in its developments. Its properties at the prestigious La Cala Golf resort, located just over an hour from Sierra de las Nieves, include several such features. One example is their electric water heaters, which use energy saving systems and source their hot water through thermal solar energy. Double glazed windows also help to make the homes more energy efficient.

The properties also deliver the chance to reconnect with nature. The low-density construction and quiet location of the key-ready homes at Sun Valley, for example, are ideal for those looking for a greenery-surrounded retreat. Available from €251,000 plus VAT, the southwest-facing homes offer stunning golf view from their ample terraces. In addition to golf, owners can enjoy the on-site tennis facilities, as well as an array of water sports at the stunning beaches just 7 km away.

The off-plan apartments available at Harmony, also on the La Cala Golf site, will also make the most of the natural surroundings and spectacular scenery, with views taking in the golf course, mountains and sea in a single vista. Priced from €295,000 plus VAT, the homes are being built in accordance with the new Technical Building Code (CTE). This means that they are ahead of the market in terms of delivering some of the highest levels of energy efficiency and thermal and acoustic insulation. The property has achieved Energy Certification B, as does Sun Valley (this obligatory certification ranges from A for the most energy efficient homes to G for the least).

“Features such as energy efficiency, solar energy and thermal insulation are no longer ‘nice to haves’ – they are a core part of what many buyers are seeking. We are delighted to be developing homes that adhere to such high standards in this respect.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

• UK-based visitors to Taylor Wimpey España website up 39% in first week of January
• Demand ranging from key-ready homes to brand new off-plan launches
• Would-be buyers using virtual tours to view their dream homes during lockdown

Interest in Spanish second homes continues to grow, as British families while away the lockdown hours perusing their options online. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, which has a selection of brand new, key-ready homes available for buyers to enjoy in 2021, has reported continued growth in both web visits and leads.

UK visitors to the company’s website increased by 39% during the first week of 2021, when compared to the first week of 2020. Interest from other European countries is also on the up, with web visitors from Germany up 51% and those from Belgium up by 44%. Domestic visitors have increased too, with website visits from Spain up 15% on the year before.

Leads, meanwhile, were up 30% for the first week of January 2021, compared to those a year earlier.

“Unfortunately, both the UK and Germany are in lockdown right now, while Spain, France and a whole host of other countries have extensive restrictions in place. But that doesn’t mean that would-be buyers aren’t dreaming of owning a home in the sunshine. The appeal of Spain’s golf courses and expansive beaches is only emphasized by stay-at-home orders; families are itching to return to normality with a newfound zeal for travel and leisure time.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España is delivering a range of properties, designed to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. The company has five new sites launching during the first half of 2021, as well as brand new, key-ready homes available in popular locations. Virtual tours of these have proven particularly popular. The tours are so thorough that some buyers have even bought during lockdown, without seeing the property in person.

Both mainland Spain and Mallorca continue to attract keen interest. The mixture of affordability and sunshine that the Costa Blanca delivers has long been a favourite with British buyers. At La Recoleta III, for example, key-ready apartments just metres from the sea are available from €180,000 plus VAT. The stunning location is complemented by garden areas, a generously sized pool and practical touches ranging from underground parking that is accessible by lift to handy storage rooms.

Mallorca, though unable to rival the Costa Blanca in terms of affordability, certainly gives it a run for its money in terms of stunning scenery, sporting facilities and local gastronomy, not to mention abundant sunshine. The island has been a key area of focus for Taylor Wimpey España for some time. Available properties range from stunning first line apartments – such as those at Blue Cove – to contemporary villas offering spacious living indoor and out at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita.

“We are delighted that interest in Spanish second homes has grown so considerably over the past year, despite the many challenges that the pandemic has delivered. Being able to travel freely and enjoy unrestricted second home ownership is going to feel so incredibly welcome after the events of 2020. By continuing to deliver thoughtfully designed homes in prized locations, we will ensure that there is no disruption on the supply side as demand increases over the course of 2021.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.