Satisfaction to the maximum: Leading Spanish agent comes highly recommended

Satisfaction to the maximum: Leading Spanish agent comes highly recommended

Spain
  • 100% of Taylor Wimpey España customers would recommend to a friend (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Recommendations from family, colleagues and friends ranked most trustworthy information source (Nielsen)
  • 74% of consumers identify word-of-mouth as key influencer (Ogilvy, Google and TNS)

The most recent figures released by Taylor Wimpey España highlight the success of their renowned customer service, with 86.7% of customers noting that they were very satisfied with the process in November 2015. This figure remained in the high 80s, month to month throughout 2015, emphasising the steadfast nature of Taylor Wimpey España’s customer satisfaction levels.

Another outstanding statistic uncovered by the latest figures is that last year 100% of Taylor Wimpey España customers would recommend them to a friend. According to a survey conducted by Nielsen, 84% of consumers say they either ‘completely’ or ‘somewhat’ trust recommendations from family, colleagues, and friends about products. This ranks these recommendations as the most trustworthy information source.

A joint study constructed by Ogilvy, Google and TNS revealed that 74% of consumers identify word-of-mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decision. This shows just how essential customer recommendations are to any business and Taylor Wimpey España’s 100% success rate in this area suggests that a very positive year lies ahead.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, is immensely proud of the company’s track record for customer satisfaction, he explains,

“It is extremely important to us that our customers feel like they are being supported through every stage of the buying process, including remaining approachable and accommodating even after the sale has been completed and the property is being used. Our expert customer services team is currently expanding, with a real focus on ensuring that each individual customer feels the benefits of buying their Spanish property with Taylor Wimpey España.”

Anthony and Maria from London, recently purchased a holiday home with Taylor Wimpey España on Spain’s beautiful Costa del Sol and were extremely pleased with the service they received. They explain,

“All members of the Taylor Wimpey España sales and administration team were most helpful and their willingness to take a flexible approach to accommodating our requirements meant that our experience was very satisfying. The legal formalities were handled promptly and efficiently, which helped to avoid the stress that often occurs when purchasing a property, particularly when buying abroad.”

One of Taylor Wimpey España’s exclusive residences on the inviting Costa Blanca is Brisas de Alenda Golf. This private complex of key ready, three bedroom townhouses is located in a peaceful area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, whilst the beautiful beaches of Alicante and Alicante’s international airport are just 15 minutes away.

Starting from €155,000+VAT, all the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. Each property is split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms and 1 additional toilet, as well as a terrace, private garden area and parking space.

Perfect for all day dining, the terraces are either surrounded by the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains, or the stunning views over the golf course, to which some of the properties have direct access. Other onsite facilities include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Sun, sand and school? Bilingual education on the Costa Blanca

Sun, sand and school? Bilingual education on the Costa Blanca

Spain
  • Over 5,000 British children registered in Alicante schools (TES)
  • Globally there are as many bilingual children as monolingual children
  • Renowned private bi-lingual school on Brisas de Alenda Golf development (Taylor Wimpey Espana)

According to government estimates, there are just over 1 million Brits currently residing in Spain. However, contrary to popular belief there are an increasing amount of Britain’s younger generation starting a new life under the Spanish sun. More than 5,000 British children are registered in schools in Alicante alone, with TES research showing they make up 15 per cent of all pupils attending state schools in the region.

For the majority of young families, finding the right school for their children to attend can become one of the most difficult and significant tasks to achieve, no doubt made more daunting after a move overseas.

As an expat himself, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Espana, has personally experienced this parental concern but found comfort in the Spanish schooling system. He comments,

“I am delighted with all that my children have achieved whilst at school here in Spain. Moving your family overseas can be extremely overwhelming, but the ability to be confident in the level of education your children will receive in their new home is integral to the decision making process.

“The importance of languages is taught from a very young age and I believe it is a skill that is highly sought after in the global workplace and will therefore create ample opportunities for them in the future.”

It is estimated that globally there are now as many bilingual children as there are monolingual children. The benefits of speaking multiple languages from a young age are still being debated, however, the majority of research seems conclusive that there are definite advantages to a bilingual education.

Research from York University in Toronto found that young bilingual children show more awareness of how language works and have better social interaction skills, ultimately enhancing their future prospects.

This means therefore that a private, bi-lingual school right on the doorstep a new home overseas could be an idyllic situation.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Brisas de Alenda Golf development can offer just that, with the bi-lingual Colegio San Alberto Magno onsite. A pro-European school of formal education, children will be able to participate in every stage of teaching, Early Childhood Education, Elementary, Secondary and High School.

With the belief, ‘Two languages for living, two instruments for learning’, the school emphasises its bilingual status and the positive impact it has, not only on the children’s learning but also on their life outside of education.

Properties start from €155,000+VAT and all the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. The 3-bed properties are split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms, as well as additional outside space, ideal for family living, including a terrace and private garden area.

The terraces are either surrounded by the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains, or the stunning views over the golf course, to which some of the properties have direct access. The beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca are close by and the complex also offers excellent facilities that include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

A picture is worth a thousand words – why great photography is essential in selling overseas property

A picture is worth a thousand words – why great photography is essential in selling overseas property

Portugal Spain World , , ,

The concept of a single image being able to portray a situation or an idea more evocatively than whole paragraphs of text is not a new one. In fact, the old adage that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ dates back to the early 1900s. However, it remains just as relevant today as it was when the expression was coined.

This is particularly true when it comes to selling overseas property. The majority of potential buyers will use the internet to begin the search for their dream home overseas and in a marketplace crowded with information the perfect image can stand out like a beacon, calling to a buyer to find out more. In the same way, a poorly staged image can cause a property to be passed over with little more than half a glance.

“Good photographs are absolutely essential when it comes to selling overseas property,” observes Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. “You need a photographer who can highlight the property’s features, both inside and out. If you build high quality developments, the images need to reflect that quality. Otherwise so much of your hard work is undone. Quite simply, poor imagery can result in fewer sales.”

For Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis apartments on Spain’s Costa Blanca, the photographer needed to capture the light and space that flows through the apartments, as well as the sizeable swimming pool, golf views and sparkling sea in the background. The result was an excellent set of shots that truly represented the luxurious feel of the property.

So what makes a good image when it comes to overseas property? Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, should certainly know. His company lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents. He comments,

“When it comes to property photography I think I’ve seen everything, from the very worst to the very best! Good images can certainly help a property to generate more interest and sell faster, particularly on a portal like Kyero, where buyers are scrolling through lists of potential homes – it will be the one that looks instantly appealing that is likely to capture their interest first.

“The same is true of rental properties, which we also list on Kyero. Those that have the best pictures are usually the ones that are snapped up first. If a landlord has dressed the property nicely – that is, if it’s clean, tidy and well presented – then a few great photos will really bring it to life in the eyes of those viewing it online. They’ll be able to imagine themselves there, which is precisely the point.”

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, concurs.

“It’s all about selling the lifestyle associated with the property through the imagery,” he explains. “Many buyers seek to find at least a handful of properties they like before going to the expense of travelling overseas for a closer inspection. A property that shows its potential and that they can picture themselves in, will be one that sparks buyers’ imagination.”

Chris cites the stunning apartments in Salgados as an example. The private resort enjoys proximity to both beach and golf, with spacious apartments and wide terraces designed around enjoying the outdoor pursuits that the Algarve has to offer. Seven swimming pools and extensive grounds make the resort ideal for families, with an emphasis on health and happiness, which is precisely what the artfully staged photographs convey.

Selling property overseas is about more than selling houses – it’s about promoting a dream lifestyle that individuals can buy into. And for that kind of venture only the very best photography will suffice.

For more information please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 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: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Spain continues to reign as tourist favourite with Alicante-Elche Airport celebrating best November in history

Spain continues to reign as tourist favourite with Alicante-Elche Airport celebrating best November in history

Spain
  • Spain’s tourism industry records third consecutive record year (National Statistics Office)
  • Alicante-Elche (El Altet) Airport records best November in history with 9.3% increase in passenger numbers
  • Free furniture pack for all Costa Blanca homes at Brisas de Alenda Golf (Taylor Wimpey España)

A heavyweight in the arena of world tourism, Spain looks set to register 2015 as its third consecutive record year for tourism. According to the most recent statistics released by Spain’s National Statistics Office, the first 11 months of 2015 saw tourist levels reach 64.6 million, an impressive 4.8% increase in comparison to the same period in 2014.

Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria has said that December’s figures are expected to top the 3 million mark, putting the full-year estimate at around 68 million tourists. Leading the way in this growing sector were visitors from the UK with a huge rise of 12.6% in visitor numbers in November alone, when compared with the 2014 figures, and it would seem that, as a stand-out destination, the Costa Blanca is emerging as the latest go to destination.

Alicante-Elche (El Altet) Airport, known as the gateway to the Costa Blanca, has just recorded the best November in its history with 645,520 passengers passing through, a 9.3% increase on the previous year. Aena’s most recent figures show that international traffic of commercial flights also increased by 11% in November, as once again visitors from the UK recorded the highest volumes of passengers.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, who currently has three key developments in the Costa Blanca region, also celebrated a momentous November last year, with 2016 also opening strongly. He explains,

“Our own statistics for November 2015 show a significant 313% increase in reservations compared to those made in the same period in 2014, a very positive growth trajectory with which to close 2015. Not only this, but we have also started the New Year extremely positively in light of this, with many enquiries from those looking for the ideal holiday home for 2016.

“Costa Blanca has always been popular with tourists, however we have certainly noticed a new surge of interest in this region in particular. In recent years the area has been revitalised with an injection of modern developments and an array of facilities to accommodate visitors from all over the world, re-establishing it as the go-to holiday home destination on the Spanish coast.”

The latest report from the World Tourism Organisation shows that Spain attracted approximately 6% of all global tourism in 2015. These figures suggest that this already popular destination is set to remain on the international stage as an established favourite for the foreseeable future, with celebrated regions like the Costa Blanca continuing to provide visitors with the perfect holiday setting.

Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Brisas de Alenda Golf development is situated in a peaceful area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, in close proximity to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca. Its prime location means it is just 15 minutes from Alicante Airport, ideal for those second home buyers looking to make the very most of their vacation time.

The complex offers excellent facilities that include a communal swimming pool and club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant, while a more lively beachfront nightlife is just 15 minutes away. All the Brisas de Alenda Golf townhouses have fully-furnished kitchens, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. Each 3-bed property is split across 2 storeys with 2 bathrooms and 1 additional toilet, as well as a terrace, private garden area and parking space.

Alongside this, key ready properties on the Brisas de Alenda Golf development, which are available from €155,000+VAT for a beautiful 3 bedroom townhouse, currently also offer a free furniture pack. The limited time offer runs until 31st March 2016 (or sooner if the last remaining properties at this popular development sell out before then).

It means that buyers can enjoy a stylish and tastefully furnished home, without spending a penny more than the purchase price. This is ideal for buyers who want to enjoy their Spanish second home from the outset and not spend their first holiday in it traipsing round furniture stores looking at cushions, when they could be relaxing on the terrace with a cool drink.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Taylor Wimpey España confirms ‘meaningful improvement in Spanish market’

Taylor Wimpey España confirms ‘meaningful improvement in Spanish market’

Spain

Leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, has today announced continued growth in the business due to a ‘meaningful improvement in the Spanish market in 2015’.

The company, which has been building homes in Spain for over 50 years, released figures that show an increase in the total order book, as at 31 December 2015, of 15.9% to 270 homes at the close of the year.

Alongside this, and as part of their commitment to delivering quality developments as the trusted name in Spain, Taylor Wimpey España revealed an increase in completions of 53% in 2015 compared to 2014 (from 164 homes in 2014 to 251 homes in 2015).

Highlighting the improving Spanish market, the leading developer also confirmed an increase in average selling prices compared to a year ago. The average selling price of a Taylor Wimpey España property in 2014 was €250,000, by 2015 this had increased by 26% to €315,000. The increasing average amount spent on a Spanish holiday home indicates the growing trust in a Spanish market that is going from strength to strength. This trust is being restored as the market continues to gain and increasing numbers of buyers look again at this popular second home market. This has been shown in the recent General Council of Notaries figures which showed an increase of 8.7% in sales of Spanish properties in September.

Javier Ballester, Managing Director for Taylor Wimpey España comments on the successful end of year figures:

“We are extremely proud of the fantastic results Taylor Wimpey España has seen in 2015, figures which have confirmed our position as the leading homebuilder in the Spanish property market. The fact that increasing numbers of buyers are purchasing properties at higher prices, indicates the fantastic news that the Spanish market is on an upward trajectory.

“As more and more people look to buy a home in this wonderful country, we will continue to deliver properties of the highest quality and with accompanying services that provide the very best for our loyal and increasing client base. We look forward to an even more successful 2016, for both Taylor Wimpey España and the Spanish market.”

With properties across the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Mallorca and Ibiza, Taylor Wimpey España is the name that has become synonymous with new homes in the key tourist and second home locations in Spain. Having been building award-winning homes that complement the natural beauty of the regions in which they’re prevalent since 1958, the company prides itself on exceeding customers’ expectations.

With an improved operating profit for 2015, reflecting the significant contribution of newly acquired sites, today’s announcement by Taylor Wimpey España is part of a successful year for parent company Taylor Wimpey plc, which saw the  FTSE 100 company deliver a record operating profit margin of over 20%.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

The true taste of Spanish Christmas

The true taste of Spanish Christmas

Spain
  • Spanish spending on gifts is €200, compared to €420 in UK (ING)
  • Turrón recognised as the essential dessert for those spending Christmas in Spain
  • Stylish second homes available from €245k for the ultimate Spanish lifestyle experience (Taylor Wimpey España)

Owning a second home overseas provides the chance to experience a country in a way that just holidaying there rarely does. With your own home you can live, cook, eat, drink and be merry in just the same way as the locals do – something which is impossible from even the largest of hotel rooms.

In Spain, owning a property to spend the Christmas holidays in means feasting in true Spanish style. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“In the UK, Christmas is a much more commercial holiday than it is in Spain. The UK’s emphasis on gift buying is much greater – here it is more about investing time in making intricate meals and spending precious moments with family. It’s a very different kind of holiday season and one that feels really special to experience: it’s less about money and more about family time.”

Figures from ING outline the difference starkly. The median Christmas present spend in the UK is €420. In Spain it is less than half that, at €200.

With such a strong emphasis on food and drink, many of those with a second home in Spain delight in experimenting with local dishes in the kitchen over the holiday season. The feasting begins in earnest on Christmas Eve night – La Noche Buena – when families gather together to dine at length over the course of the evening, often spending hours at the table and finishing past midnight.

Artichokes with clams, garlicky mushrooms, grilled shrimp, garlic soup, clams with salsa verde, roast lamb, roast suckling pig, lobster stew… the list of delicious delights is long and complex. Nor do the Spanish neglect the sweeter side of the culinary spectrum when it comes to Christmas dishes. Polvorones and mantecados are both traditional biscuits, while the teeth-meltingly sweet turrones are made from almond, honey, sugar, egg white and a few other ingredients, depending on the region.

Turrón is perhaps one of the most well-known Spanish Christmas foods. Dating back to at least the 15th century, turrón is an essential Christmas treat in any Spanish household and supermarket shelves are stacked with different varieties at this time of year. In fact Jijona Turrón, which has a soft texture and wonderfully rich, golden colour, has become one of the country’s most typical Christmas desserts.

For those looking to experience the true taste of Spain this Christmas, Taylor Wimpey España is offering a range of homes for sale close to the Turrón heartland of Jijona. La Vila Paradis offers frontline beach apartments and townhouses, priced from €245,000 for two bedrooms. The site enjoys a shared outdoor pool and prettily landscaped gardens. Each property allows direct access to Playa Paraiso Beach in Villajoyosa and is only 20 minutes from central Alicante, 30 minutes from the airport and one hour from Jijona.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Retire to Spain – a new country for a New Year!

Retire to Spain – a new country for a New Year!

Spain
  • Spain tops list of favourite retirement destinations for over 50s (Retirement Advantage)
  • Regular golf increases life expectancy by 5 years (Karolinska Institutet)
  • The ideal Spanish golf properties from just €155k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Spain is the country of choice for UK citizens approaching their retirement, according to a new survey by Retirement Advantage, with 24% of those questioned listing the country as their favoured European destination when considering a move overseas.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, is familiar with the dream of retiring to Spain – it’s one that prompts many of his clients to purchase the perfect apartment or townhouse, ready to move to fulltime as soon as they’ve thanked their colleagues for their retirement gift. He comments,

“Spain has a lot to offer expats of all ages, but there’s something about the warmth of year-round sunshine that particularly appeals to those approaching retirement age. The comparatively low cost of living that Spain offers is also a draw to those on a limited income, such as a pension. Spain also offers a wealth of pursuits for those with free time on their hands. From solitary strolls along the beach to calm the mind and gently tone the body to social events in the local community, life in Spain can be wonderful for those of retirement age.”

Golf is a popular sport with retirees and Taylor Wimpey España offers the perfect property for those who like spending time on the fairways. Brisas de Alenda Golf, near Elche, provides beautiful, three bedroom townhouses priced from just €155,000. The spacious properties and generously sized communal pool benefit from the tranquillity of the neighbouring golf course, while lively beachfront life is just 15 minutes away, offering those approaching retirement the perfect balance.

The health benefits of golf are well established. According to a study by the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences, a golfer who walks and carries his own bag will burn 721 calories during one round and burning 2,500 calories per week can significantly reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, according to the study. Meanwhile a study conducted by Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet has found that the death rate for golfers is a substantial 40% lower than for other people who are of the same age, gender and socioeconomic status. The figures show that regular golfers can enjoy a five year increase to their life expectancy, compared with non-golfers, making this the perfect pastime for those of retirement age, looking to remain fit and healthy.

For those looking to ditch the UK winter weather immediately and pick up a new property for the New Year, the key-ready homes at La Recoleta III are ideal. Just metres from the beach, the two bedroom apartments are set in immaculate gardens with a lovely outdoor pool. Prices start at €165,000 and those who buy before the end of 2015 can enjoy a full furniture pack at no extra cost.

The offer is perfect for retirees who plan to keep on their home in the UK as a rental property to top up their pension income. They can avoid the hassle and expense of transporting bulky items of furniture to Spain and can instead walk into a tastefully furnished new home that allows them to start the new chapter of their lives in style, while leaving their old furniture to be used by their tenants in the UK.

Marc Pritchard concludes, “From social activities to its wonderful food, Spain is packed with benefits that create a welcoming and cost-effective life for retirees. The fact that it is so close to the UK is also perfect for those looking to make a permanent move, as family and friends are still near enough that regular visits can take place frequently and with minimal cost.”

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

The best places to buy holiday homes in 2016

The best places to buy holiday homes in 2016

World , , ,
  • Got €50k? Head to Spain (Kyero.com)
  • For €100k seek out the Cypriot sun (Ideal Homes International)
  • Make Portugal your choice for €150k (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Try island living with €200k or more

The turning of the year is always a good time to start dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, the sound of the ocean lapping at the shore and lazy evenings spent eating al fresco while a warm breeze rustles through the leaves of nearby citrus trees. It’s a particularly popular pastime in the UK, where it can rain for days on end while plentiful sunshine is available less than three hours away by plane.

Europe’s attractions are many and varied for those looking to pick up a dream holiday home and you don’t need a huge stack of cash in order to turn the dream into a reality. Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, comments,

“There are thousands of Spanish properties available for under €50k. Nor are they just remote country houses in need of vast repairs. €50k gives you plenty of choice in Spain these days. You can pick up a three bedroom townhouse, a six bedroom country cottage or a city apartment with a shared pool – there are literally thousands of possibilities.”

For buyers looking to spend closer to €100k, Cyprus offers excellent value for money. Ideal Homes International offers a range of properties in good locations for that amount, including this light and airy two bedroom apartment in Pafos with shared pool. Founding Director Chris White observes,

“Cyprus has got some real bargains at the moment and the stunning climate is perfect for those looking for a holiday retreat away from the rain and cold back home. The market is unlikely to move much over the next few months, which means UK buyers can take their time to research the area they would like to own in without fear of getting priced out of the market while they do.”

Chris White also runs boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal and has chosen to make Portugal his home. It is there that he recommends buyers with €150k look for their dream holiday home in 2016.

Portugal’s Algarve is easily reachable from airports all over the UK and offers in excess of 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an ideal year-round destination for second home owners. €150k is enough for a two bedroom apartment with huge terrace and garden in the popular city of Portimão, or a three bedroom duplex with pool in Albufeira.

But when it comes to spending €200k or more, it has to be island living, says Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España. A resident of the Balearic Islands himself, Marc explains,

“There’s nothing like owning property in an island location for achieving ultimate relaxation, which is precisely what a holiday home should provide. For many people the sea has a calming effect and Mallorca’s plentiful restaurants, shops, beaches, golf courses and marinas really do offer something to suit all tastes.”

Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of stunning holiday homes on Mallorca, from two bedroom apartments with direct beach access from €235k at Costa Beach, to spectacular frontline townhouses with cliff top communal infinity pool from €625k at Cala Magrana Mar.

With such a wealth of property available so close to home, it’s clear that short-haul European destinations are going to enjoy immense popularity during 2016 when it comes to holiday home ownership overseas.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.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.

Feliz Navidad: Have yourself a sunny little Spanish Christmas!

Feliz Navidad: Have yourself a sunny little Spanish Christmas!

Spain
  • Average Christmas temperature in Spain of 12°C in December, with just 5 days of rain (Holiday Weather)
  • 71% of festive holidaymakers are aged 51+ (Holiday Hypermarket)
  • Spanish house prices up 6.6% in a year (Spanish Registrars’ Association)

There are many reasons to own a second home in Spain and at this time of year, with the weather closing in in the UK, one of the most tantalising Spanish draws is undoubtedly the weather. According to Holiday Weather, the Costa Blanca enjoys an average temperature of 12°C during December, with an average of just five rainy days in December, compared to an average of 17 days for the festive period in London.

But the weather isn’t the only reason that second home buyers look to Spain over the winter months, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“Many of our buyers over the autumn period have been purchasing with a view to spending Christmas in their new home in Spain. It’s why key ready properties at developments like La Recoleta III are so sought after. Spending Christmas overseas in a hotel can be nice, but to truly experience a Spanish Christmas you need to have your own kitchen, to commit to the seasonal feasting in true Iberian style, and your own living room to decorate in the traditional way.”

Beachfront apartments at La Recoleta III are available from €185,000 for two bedrooms. Just an hour from Alicante Airport, the apartments offer spacious surroundings with high spec fixtures and fittings.  The Mediterranean style buildings are set in pretty grounds, with fantastic sea views. Each apartments has its own private outdoor space and the development also features a pool for residents’ use.

The Christmas season in Spain traditionally begins on 8 December. According to The History of Christmas, one tradition is to fill shoes with straw or barley for tired camels that have to carry their riders throughout the night. Overnight, the straw or barley is replaced by gifts. A similar tradition takes place on 6 January, when shoes are left on balconies to be filled with gifts by the Wise Men.

Research by Holiday Hypermarket has found that 71% of festive holidaymakers are aged 51 or more, a demographic that fits well with owning property overseas. A nest egg in the sunshine that can serve as a main residence when retirement comes around is an excellent way to plan for the future – and can provide a host of cherished memories for family holidays and trips with friends even without plans for longer-term occupation.

With house prices up 6.6% in the past year, according to the Spanish Registrars’ Association, there is a sound financial case for property ownership in Spain as well. The sun has been shining on the Spanish housing market of late and buyers from overseas have been keen to be a part of it. Foreign demand rose by 20% in Q3 2015 when compared with a year earlier, according to the Spanish Property Register, while British demand rose by a staggering 53%.

Yet prices remain extremely reasonable. At Brisas de Alenda Golf, near Elche, a three bedroom townhouse costs from just €155,000. The complex includes an array of private gardens, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, a supermarket and a bilingual (Spanish/English) school, all just 15 minutes from the stunning beaches of Alicante.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

What does 2016 hold in store for Spain’s Costa Blanca?

What does 2016 hold in store for Spain’s Costa Blanca?

Spain
  • More visitors and rising property prices set the scene for Costa Blanca boom in 2016 (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Spanish visitor numbers up 3.7% during best summer season for a decade (Exceltur)
  • Property values up 6.6% on average across Spain (Spanish Registrars Association)

The Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s most popular coastal areas thanks to its delightful blend of white sandy beaches, sunshine and delicious local food. With the New Year rapidly approaching, leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has revealed its predictions for the Costa Blanca for 2016.

“2016 is looking like it could be a bumper year for the Costa Blanca,” comments Marc Pritchard, Taylor Wimpey España’s Sales and Marketing Director. “We’re expecting the area to benefit from Spain’s increasing visitor numbers and also from local initiatives like the attention being paid to golf tourism to really give tourist numbers a boost.”

The Costa Blanca is increasingly being seen as one of Europe’s essential destinations for international golfers. The sport has become so important in areas such as Alicante that the Chamber of Commerce will be undertaking a study of golf tourism’s impact. Alicante’s Provincial President César Sanchez explains,

“This report will allow us to see first hand the economic impact that golf has in our province, a sport that attracts many visitors and that brings in our fields over half a million people a year. This tourist product generates considerable business figures in our economy, which has positive effects on job creation.”

The projected rise in golf and other tourism levels along the Costa Blanca in 2016 comes in light of the excellent summer that Spain has reported this year. Visitor numbers from July to September 2015 were up by 3.7% on the previous year, according to Exceltur, making it the best summer for a decade. And Alicante-Elche Airport is still enjoying record numbers of travellers as the winter months approach. The airport has just registered its best October ever, serving 1,027,071 passengers during the month – an increase of 6.3% on October 2014, according to AENA.

The property market has also enjoyed an outstanding year. The median property price in Alicante was up 19.07% year-on-year as of October 2015, according to data.kyero.com, while figures from the official registrars for Q2 2015 show an annual increase in property transactions of 14.73%. The flourishing market is also being backed by a noticeable jump in domestic mortgage approvals where, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), approvals in Alicante were up 56.06% in August 2015, compared with a year earlier.

Rising confidence in the Spanish property market is set to have an impact in 2016, according to Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard,

“We’ve seen a steady rise in buyer numbers in the Costa Blanca over the course of this year and expect that to continue as we head into 2016. Second home buyers are becoming increasingly confident both in their domestic property markets and here in Spain, with buyers from Russia, Belgium, the Ukraine, Scandinavia, Spain and the UK all keen to be home owners along the southern Spanish coastline. The Costa Blanca looks set to be one of the areas to benefit from this next year, thanks to its wide appeal. From golf to shopping to beaches, it’s a location for the whole family to enjoy, as more and more visitors are discovering.”

With house prices rising in Spain, many of these buyers look set to benefit from the growth of their real estate asset(s) during 2016. According to the Spanish Registrars Association, prices rose nationally by 6.6% in the year to the end of September 2015.

“It’s a combination of factors that make buying property on the Costa Blanca a particularly appealing prospect at the moment and that should impact positively on the number of properties purchased here during 2016. The market is responding appropriately to this keen level of interest. The Association of Surveyors, Architects and Engineers Technical Building Alicante (COAATIEA) has just reported that housing starts have increased by 45% this year.

“Certainly Taylor Wimpey España has felt confident in launching new releases at La Recoleta III and La Vila Paradis. We’ve also got two excellent new developments lined up for 2016. Apartments are going to be particularly sought-after next year, with two and three bedroom homes the most in demand,” concludes Pritchard.

Golf tourists looking for a second home will be delighted by Brisas de Alenda Golf, at Elche. Three bedroom properties on the popular golf development are priced from €155,000, with some properties enjoying direct access. The site includes private gardens, a communal pool, a supermarket, a club house and even a bilingual English-Spanish school. The townhouses include superior fixtures and fittings and fully fitted gas central heating and air conditioning, as well as generous outdoor spaces, many of which overlook the golf course.

Of course the Costa Blanca also boasts some excellent properties for those who prefer the beach, such as the aforementioned La Recoleta III, where buyers can currently benefit from a free furniture pack (offer open until 31 December 2015 or when stocks run out). The picturesque development includes two and three bedroom beachfront apartments, just an hour from Alicante Airport. Private terraces, sea views and a large communal pool make this the ideal spot for those who have been charmed by the Costa Blanca. Prices start at €175,000.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.