• Spanish housebuilder announces 7 new developments for H1 2020
• Cost of new homes will total €92 million
• Mallorca, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca all feature in developer’s plans

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has signalled massive confidence in the state of the Spanish property market, announcing plans to launch seven new developments during the first half of 2020. The properties will provide a combined total of 430 new homes, at a cost of €92 million.

“We are delighted to share details of our plans for the coming months. The Spanish property market continues to demonstrate its strength and British appetite for homes here has picked up significantly since the December election result. During the first half of 2020, we’ll be focusing on three areas that are particularly popular with British buyers: the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España had already shared details of its new Compass development in Mallorca’s Cala D’Or, where construction is already underway. The two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartments with spacious terraces will have two communal pools and spacious landscaped grounds, within easy reach of the stunning cove beaches that dot the south-east Mallorca coastline.

In March, the three-bedroom homes at Port Verd (one of the lovely locations featured on Love Island in 2017) will be the next development to begin in Mallorca, while the Costa Blanca will see the launch of Iconic. One of Taylor Wimpey España’s largest and most ambitious projects, Iconic will include 170 two- and three-bedroom apartments, overlooking the sea in the Gran Alacant area.

Over the course of April and May, Taylor Wimpey España will start work on Cala Estancia, close to Palma de Mallorca, and then on Harmony – a new development at La Cala Golf on the Costa del Sol.

To bring the first half of 2020 to a close, Taylor Wimpey España will be launching Essential at Javea on the Costa Blanca and Marbella Lake on the Costa del Sol.

“We’ve got an incredibly busy start to 2020 mapped out as a result of the increasing level of demand for new build homes in popular coastal and golf areas of southern Spain and Mallorca. Overall, we’re projecting a 5% uptick in demand for new homes across Spain this year, with stronger performance in many coastal areas. It’s an exciting time to be at the forefront of developing new homes in Spain.”

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.

• Brits were top nationality of buyers during Dec 2019 and Jan 2020 (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Andalusia most popular region for property sales, with 19.55% of total sales (Colegio de Registradores)
• Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca flagged as top 2020 summer hotspots (Taylor Wimpey España)

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has reported a 125% jump in British buyer numbers, as the uncertainty around the UK’s departure from the EU has finally turned into action. Brits were the top buyer nationality in both December 2019 and January 2020, with total growth across the two months standing at 125%.

Almost all British buyers during that period were focused on properties in the Costa del Sol. It’s one of three areas that the Taylor Wimpey España team has flagged up as Spanish summer hotspots this year. Of particular interest is the prestigious La Cala Golf resort, where holidaymakers and second home buyers can enjoy a wide range of luxurious facilities, including tennis, football and spa facilities, top end dining experiences and three superb championship golf courses.

Some of the best homes for enjoying the stunning views that stretch out over the fairways and rolling countryside to the distant mountains are the key-ready apartments at Grand View. Available from €265,000 + VAT, the two- and three-bedroom homes enjoy both a beautiful setting and high-end fixtures and fittings. They offer ample outdoor space in the form of terraces, while communal facilities include landscaped gardens and a large communal pool.

“The British love of the Costa del Sol dates back decades. While the drawn-out Brexit process caused many buyers to pause they are now pushing ahead with their plans and buying Spanish second homes at an impressive pace. With a range of styles and price points available, the Costa del Sol is perfectly positioned to meet varying needs as sales pick up speed during 2020.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

British interest in the Costa del Sol is mirrored by buyers from Spain itself and from other countries. According to the Colegio de Registradores, there were more sales in Andalusia in Q3 2019 than in any other Spanish region. Andalusia accounted for 19.55% of total property sales, with Catalonia coming second with 16.41%. New homes in Andalusia proved particularly popular during the quarter, rising by 5.85% compared to a year earlier.

The Costa Blanca – over 200 km of sun-kissed coastline – is another of Taylor Wimpey España’s summer 2020 hotspots. At Elche in Alicante, smart, three-bedroom townhouses with a communal pool and private terraces and solariums are priced from €179,000 + VAT at Kiruna Residencial.

Over in Mallorca, Taylor Wimpey España has flagged up the area near Pollensa, which has recently been added to the official list of Spain’s “Most Beautiful Villages.” At the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, Pollensa has an historic centre packed with medieval character that cannot fail to charm. Within an hour’s drive of the village are a range of golf courses and some stunning beaches with crystal clear waters, along with a wide variety of second homes for buyers to choose from. Mallorca also benefits from a regular schedule of well-priced flights from the UK.

At Canyamel Pins in Capdepera (less than an hour from Pollensa), the two- and three-bedroom apartments include large terraces surrounded by pleasant communal gardens. The lovely pool provides the ideal way to cool off during the long, hot summer months, while the location is just beautiful. The homes are just a few minutes’ walk from the beach at Canyamel, as well as the popular Canyamel Golf Course.

 “It’s that time of year when many British families are planning and looking forward to their summer holidays. For those buying a holiday home, it’s an incredibly exciting time, with some superb locations offering sun, sand sporting facilities to suit every taste and budget.”

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.

• New Mallorca development offers affordable luxury in superb location
• Compass apartments offer easy beach and golf access
• UK visitor numbers to Mallorca second only to German visitors

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has unveiled its newest Mallorca development. Compass, located on the south-eastern side of the island, will offer two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments just a kilometre from the beach.

Mallorca has been a firm favourite with holidaymakers and second home buyers from the UK for years. The latest Balearic Island visitor numbers from Spain’s National Statistics Agency (INE) show 182,833 arrivals in November 2019 and 13,555,994 over the course of the year. During November, visitor numbers were highest from Germany followed by those from the UK.

Tourists are drawn to Mallorca for a range of reasons – its superb climate, picturesque beaches, Michelin-star restaurants and the immense array of sporting facilities on offer. Cycling and Mallorca go hand in hand and the island is also home to some excellent golf courses.

Compass is located just a short distance from the 18-hole Vall d´Or course, in the lovely Cala d’Or area. It is close to a number of stunningly beautiful coves, including Cala Mondragó (declared a National Park), Calo d´Es Pou and Cala Esmeralda, all of which are famed for their crystal-clear waters.

“We are delighted to be launching Compass so early in 2020. This is the time of year when most Brits are busy planning and booking their summer holidays and dreaming of a better life in the sun. Compass turns that dream into an affordable reality.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Two-bedroom apartments at Compass are priced from €256,000 plus VAT. Each home includes direct access to private terraces or balconies from each bedroom, as well as the living room. Apartments on the ground floor enjoy private porches and gardens, while all homes enjoy natural light in both bathrooms. Each apartment also has its own parking space and storeroom, for maximum convenience. There are landscaped gardens, swimming pools and some lovely views down to the harbour from select apartments.

The homes are surprisingly affordable at a time when Mallorca property prices have been rising steeply. Tinsa reports a surge in property prices of 10.7% for Palma de Mallorca in the year from Q4 2018 to Q4 2019, following a rise of 9.5% the previous year. This trend was reflected across many of the island’s most sought-after locations.

“2019 saw Mallorca’s property market perform strongly, boosted by a healthy demand from second home buyers. This level of performance means that those who buy at the right time can enjoy the potential for steady capital growth, as well as the lifestyle benefits of owning a holiday home in Mallorca.”

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.

• Sunshine, sport and sophistication make Cadiz a winning choice for British buyers
• Connectivity also key to Cadiz’s popularity
• Taylor Wimpey España delivering glamourous, gated developments for Cadiz second home buyers

Taylor Wimpey España has flagged up Cadiz as one of Spain’s top areas for second home buyers in 2020. The Leading Spanish home builder cites the province’s reputation for sophistication and sporting prowess as key reasons behind British buyers’ interest in second homes there, but explains that there’s much more to Cadiz to draw homebuyers in.

“Cadiz holds wide-ranging appeal and there’s so much to discover here. Not only does it have the beautiful beaches and internationally acclaimed golf courses that dot so much of southern Spain, but the province is also home to some incredible architecture, vibrant cities and the heart of Spain’s ancient sherry industry, at Jerez. We’re seeing increasing interest in Cadiz as a location with broad appeal and particularly as somewhere that both family groups and retirees have in their sights as their top second home location.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Two locations that are of particular interest to second home buyers in Cadiz are Sotogrande and San Roque. Taylor Wimpey España is building homes in both.

Sotogrande has an interesting history. Joseph and Mercedes McMicking created the development in 1962, when they bought five neighbouring farms along a stretch of the beautiful Andalusian coastline. Over the years, they added everything from artificial lakes to five golf courses, one of which went on to host the Ryder Cup.

By 2006, Sotogrande was home to the most expensive homes in Europe. To this day, it remains Andalusia’s largest privately-owned residential development, with luxury homes snapped up by the rich and famous.

Taylor Wimpey España’s Sotogrande development – named Pier thanks to its frontline location on the stunning Marina de Sotogrande – provides second home buyers with their own taste of luxury. Available from €375,000 plus VAT, the two- and three-bedroom homes form part of a private, gated community complete with pools and garden areas. The high end homes are packed with luxury touches, as befits their prestigious location.

San Roque, meanwhile, is a pretty town that is known for its lively annual ‘Feria Real’ (Royal Fair) and the stunning golf course to which it has given its name. It is on the latter that Emerald Greens is located.

An exclusive residential project offering sleek, stylish apartments and luxurious penthouses, Emerald Greens is one of Taylor Wimpey España’s most exciting developments. Located at the heart of the San Roque golf club, the homes are designed around the open plan and ‘total living’ concepts, where spaces flow naturally into one another and indoor and outdoor living blend seamlessly. Residents also benefit from a communal pool, large leisure area and a private corn oak meadow with interlaced footpaths and benches for resting in the shade and soaking up the serenity of the natural environment. Prices start from €290,000 plus VAT.

While Cadiz may offer the perfect escape from modern life, it’s still surprisingly accessible. San Roque is just a 30-minute drive from Gibraltar, while Sotogrande is 45 minutes away, making access easy through regular direct flights from the UK. The A7 motorway means that the area is also well connected with other parts of Spain.

Then, of course, there is the weather. Temperatures average 25°C during July and August, dipping to a very mild 13°C in January. Rainfall in July is nil, according to Holiday Weather, while the average number of hours of sunshine per day stands at 14. The sea temperature hits 23°C in August. It’s perhaps not surprising that the area is known for sailing and other nautical sports, as well as for golf and polo.

“Cadiz manages to combine glamour with traditional Spanish charm in a way that few areas do. It is upscale and sophisticated while remaining welcoming and inclusive – the perfect setting for happy holidays with family and friends.”

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.

• Average selling price jumped 25% between 2018 and 2019
• Spanish holiday home market remained healthy throughout 2019
• Buyers seeking high quality homes in well-established locations

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has revealed a 24.7% increase in the average selling price of its properties in 2019. The company’s annual report shows a jump from an average selling price of €344,000 in 2018 to €429,000 in 2019, indicating a notable shift if the level of space and luxury that second home buyers are seeking.

In total, Taylor Wimpey España sold 323 homes during the year, with a further 217 homes on the order book as at 31 December 2019. The figures speak to a healthy market for Spanish second homes.

“We’ve seen steady, stable demand during 2019, with a notable increase in the average selling price. Spain’s second home market continues to attract buyers from across northern Europe, as well as from further afield, despite the numerous economic and political fluctuations that continue to impact various countries.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Figures from TINSA also highlight the healthy state of the Spanish property market. Property prices rose by 2.6% year-on-year during Q4 2019, while the average annual price increase stood at 3.6%.

In terms of the types of second homes that buyers are seeking, Taylor Wimpey España’s latest results show that buyers were happy to spend more in 2019 than they were in 2018. Frontline beach, golf and marina homes with outstanding views all proved popular, with buyers splashing out on larger properties than during the year before.

“Buyers in 2019 placed plenty of emphasis on location, as they sought both to minimise their travelling time and to get the best out of the local environment here in Spain.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Panorama Mar, at Punta Prima, some 5km from Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca, is a good example of this. Just an hour from Alicante Airport, the seafront apartments deliver exceptional views over the beach and the Mediterranean Sea. Available from €345,000 plus VAT, the two- and three-bedroom homes all come with spacious terraces, while interiors are finished to an exceptionally high standard. Three on-site communal pools include an infinity pool and a hydro-massage pool, with a paddling pool area and playground available for children. Direct access to the promenade completes the offering.

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.

• Sterling hit 3.5 year high against euro in December 2019
• Spanish mortgage interest rates at record low levels
• UK’s departure from EU could present key opportunity for second home buyers

When Boris Johnson led the Conservatives to a resounding win in the December 2019 election, the pound rocketed, hitting a three-and-a-half-year high against the euro. Over the course of the full year, it rose by more than 6% against the euro – the first year since 2015 that it has done so.

2020 has the potential to strengthen the pound further, sensitive as it is to Brexit-based certainty. With legislation now in place for the UK to leave the EU on 31 January, we can reasonably expect a further surge. This presents an interesting opportunity for those looking to purchase holiday homes in euros.

Meanwhile, over in Spain, the cost of borrowing has never been cheaper. Interest rates are running at historic lows, making it the ideal time to take out a mortgage. There’s speculation that the rates will rise before too long, meaning that buyers need to move fairly swiftly to take advantage of them.

“It’s an exciting time to be taking out a mortgage in Spain as there are some superb borrowing opportunities right now. With a stronger pound to play with as well, British buyers can suddenly get quite a bit more for their money when it comes to second home ownership in Spain.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

On the Costa Blanca, one development that is attracting keen interest from British buyers is Kiruna Residencial. Built by leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, the key-ready, three-bedroom townhouses provide spacious homes for holiday use or year-round living. Nestled between the Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains and the coast, on the beautiful Alenda Golf Course, Kiruna Residencial’s homes feature private gardens and solariums, along with lovely communal garden and pool areas.

As well as British buyers, Taylor Wimpey España’s holiday homes attract Swedes, Belgians, Germans, French, Russians and a host of other nationalities, as well as buyers from Spain itself. Many of those who buy have previously holidayed in Spain, so rising tourism numbers can be a good indicator of a future surge in interest in second homes.

In 2018, the number of visitors to Spain hit a new record level of 82.6 million. 2019’s total figures are still awaited, but the latest figures from the Spanish central government’s statistics bureau show that visitor numbers in November 2019 were 2.8% higher than they were in November 2018. A total of 4.66 million people visited Spain in November, spending 1.15 million euros per hour over the course of the month (a rise of 3.7% compared to the same month in 2018).

“Spain remains the second most visited country in the world, as its superb climate, cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and pristine beaches – along with a huge range of other attractions – continue to charm visitors from across the globe. Some of those who visit are so delighted by Spain that they want it to play a more substantial role in their lives – hence the huge demand for holiday homes here.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

With the economic stars seemingly in alignment in the UK and Spain, the early months of 2020 look like the perfect time for British buyers to pick up their dream holiday home. Those buying at Taylor Wimpey España’s Kiruna Residencial can purchase a three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse from €178,000 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.

• All 134 homes at La Vila Paradis now sold
• Taylor Wimpey España to focus on Costa del Sol and Cadiz over coming decade
• Spanish holiday homes continue to attract broad mix of buyers

The end of a year – let alone the end of a decade – is the ideal time to look back and reflect on past successes, as well as to look to the future. In the case of leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, one of 2019’s successes has been selling out its La Vila Paradis development in Villajoyosa (Alicante).

“It’s always an exciting moment to sell the final property in a development – particularly so when it’s been a phased build over several years. La Vila Paradis has attracted a diverse range of buyers and we are delighted that so many families have been able to enjoy cherished holiday experiences as a result of their purchases.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The first line, two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses at Playa Paraiso provide direct beach access and impressive sea views, as well as a communal pool and attractive, landscaped gardens.

La Vila Paradis was built in four phases, providing a total of 134 properties. Taylor Wimpey España began selling the homes in 2013, selling the last home of the final phase in 2019. The buyers are a mix of those using their apartments as holiday homes and those living there year-round.

In terms of nationalities, Russian buyers snapped up the most homes at La Vila Paradis, accounting for 21% of total sales. They were followed by Belgians (16%), Norwegians (13%), Spaniards (10%), Swedes (10%) and a selection of other nationalities. British buyers accounted for 5% of the total sales.

“Sales at La Vila Paradis reflect the broad range of interest in the Costa Blanca, with people from across Europe and beyond seeking their own piece of the Spanish sunshine. The area has so much to offer – beaches, golf, shopping, history, culture, incredible gastronomy… its charms appeal to young and old alike, making it the ideal family holiday hotspot. We’ve seen this reflected in the popularity of our developments there over the past decade and it’s why we intend to continue focusing on this area during the 2020s.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

One Costa Blanca development that looks set to enjoy a strong start to the coming decade is Panorama Mar. Available from €345,000 plus VAT, the two- and three-bedroom/two-bathroom homes have been designed for comfort and convenience. Spacious terraces deliver spectacular views over the sea and the beach, as well as the ideal flow between indoor and outdoor living.

The decade ahead holds plenty in store for Taylor Wimpey España. As well as the Costa Blanca, the company will be building along the Costa del Sol and in Cadiz, along with key hotspots in Mallorca and Ibiza.

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.

• Sustainability will be top of many buyers’ lists of priorities
• The kitchen as the heart of the home will see spacious, light-filled areas come to the fore
• British buyers still leading the way, accounting for 14.3% of foreign buyers in Spain (Colegio Registradores de España)

A new decade is nearly upon us and, for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, that means it’s time to reveal a glimpse at what the future holds in store for the holiday homes market.

“From 2020 onwards, we’re going to see a real emphasis on sustainability when it comes to holiday homes, with eco-friendly features taking top priority. 2020’s trends will also reflect the changing way that we’re travelling now, with an emphasis on spending quality time with family and friends, away from the hectic place of modern life. That plays out both in holiday home design and property location.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

On the sustainability front, energy saving will be a key feature, from solar panels to energy-efficient aerothermal heating pumps. New developments will also feature pre-installation for electric cars. Attention to details such as these mean that Taylor Wimpey España already achieves energy certification B for most of its new properties and this will be an even greater priority moving forward, alongside ways of enhancing the sustainability of the construction process itself.

In terms of property design, the open plan kitchen will be the priority when it comes to the home’s social spaces. 2020’s kitchens will be spacious, airy and awash with bright, natural light. They will serve as a haven from the outside world – a retreat from the always-on nature of fake news and social media, where families and friends can relax and regroup, taking the time to enjoy each other’s company and nurture those all-important friendships and relationships.

When it comes to property location, 2020’s holiday home buyers want it all! The Taylor Wimpey España team report an increasing focus on access to quiet, authentic parts of Spain, from lesser known beaches to small villages. At the same time, buyers still want easy access to cosmopolitan areas for shopping, golfing and nautical sports facilities, as well as a range of historical places to visit. All of this will be underpinned by a keen focus on gastronomy, from glamorous dining experiences in big cities to humble establishments serving tasty traditional fare.

“The Costa del Sol looks set for a bumper year in 2020, thanks to its combination of lively urban areas, outstanding sporting amenities, beautiful beaches and quieter villages. Locations such as Mijas, Benahavis, Competa, Ronda and Nerja are attracting increasing attention from tourists looking to see all that Spain has to offer.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

When it comes to buyer demographics, 2020 will see investors continuing to pick up Spanish holiday homes, as well as those buying them for their own use. Britons remain the top nationality when it comes to buyers (based on Colegio Registradores de España’s 2019 Q3 figures), accounting for around 14.3% of buyers. Despite Brexit, British buyers still far outpace other nationalities, with the French and Germans coming in second and third, accounting for 8.4% and 6.6% respectively.

With all this in mind, the Taylor Wimpey España team has flagged up two properties as likely to be of particular interest to holiday home buyers in 2020. The first is Botanic at La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, Benahavis. Available from €430,000 plus VAT, the apartments at this unique development are focused around sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture. The site’s tiered levels optimize views and provide an exceptional panorama of the surrounding area, while vertical gardens and green corridors link the different phases of the development while respecting the huge variety of indigenous flora and fauna in the local area.

Stunning natural scenery is also a key feature at Grand View at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas, where homes are available from €262,000 plus VAT for two bedrooms. Open plan kitchen/dining/living areas are the heart of the homes, with full height glazing flooding them with light. The on-site golfing facilities at La Cala Golf are simply stunning, while Mijas and nearby villages offer a wealth of opportunities for leisurely strolls and relaxed meals with good wine and good company.

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.

• Choice of key-ready homes available from Taylor Wimpey España this Christmas
• Spanish Christmas food traditions a key part of the seasonal appeal
• British buyers can exchange a Christmas Day sea swim for one in a spacious pool

Christmas means many different things to people. For some, it’s not truly Christmas unless they spend it somewhere snowy. For others, it’s all about attending Midnight Mass with their nearest and dearest. And then there are those who think Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy a spot of winter sunshine. With key-ready homes along the Costa del Sol, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is perfectly positioned to make the dreams of this last group come true this year!

“Christmas in the Spanish sunshine is a wonderful experience. It’s still not too late (just!) to buy a home in time for this year’s holidays. What a fantastic last-minute way to treat the family to a magical Christmas surprise!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Key-ready developments on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol include Horizon Golf and La Floresta Sur. Horizon Golf offers three-bedroom/two-bathroom townhouses with panoramic views at the famous La Cala golf resort, with spacious private terraces and 50m² solariums. Prices start from €370,000 plus VAT.

La Floresta Sur, meanwhile, provides spacious apartments (from two bedrooms) with beautiful sea and mountain views, near Elviria Beach and with free access to El Soto Golf Club. Prices start from €222,000 plus VAT, with a current offer for a penthouse priced at €335,000 plus VAT.

Both developments feature communal pools, as well as landscaped gardens. For buyers looking to pick up a holiday home in time for Christmas, the pool is often a key part of a property’s appeal, according to the Taylor Wimpey España team.

“In many coastal parts of the UK, a Christmas Day dip in the sea has become quite the tradition, despite the climate not always making it seem overly inviting. In the Costa del Sol, the average December temperature is 13°C, with highs of 16°C. That’s far more appealing for a quick Christmas Day swim to burn off all those festive calories!”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

As it is in the UK, Christmas in Spain is inextricably linked with feasting. The main meal tends to be on Christmas Eve, with traditional dishes including truffle-stuffed turkey and roast young hen. Lamb and suckling pork often feature these days too, along with lobster or sea bream in many northern parts of Spain. Charcuterie platters laden with hams, cheeses and olives are served as starters in many homes at Christmas, while many regions also have their own traditions, from soups to seafood dishes.

When it comes to Christmas desserts, Spanish options are much lighter than those in the UK. Turron (a deliciously moreish nougat with nuts) and polvorones (light, crumbly shortbread) are two of the most tempting treats.

In terms of gifts, 6 January (Epiphany) tends to be the main day, although some presents may also be exchanged on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Those looking to spend Christmas in their new Spanish second home don’t have much time to spare – but a holiday home in time for Christmas is just still doable for those who are determined to treat themselves and their families to the ultimate present this Christmas.

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.

• UN COP25 to take place in Madrid from 2-13 December 2019
• Spain ranks 12^th globally for environmental performance
• Taylor Wimpey España praises Spain’s approach to all things eco

The United Nations Conference on Climate Change, which was due to be hosted in Chile but cancelled due to the recent unrest there, has now been confirmed as taking place in Madrid. It will run from 2 to 13 December 2019.

Spain is a good choice of host in terms of its environmental credentials. The 2018 Environmental Performance Index ranked Spain 12^th globally (out of 180 countries) for its overall environmental friendliness. The study took both environmental health and ecosystem vitality into consideration.

“Spain has some spectacular scenery and a wonderful variety of local wildlife. There has long been a will here to do as much as possible to preserve and protect the environment, with a number of progressive laws being passed in order to facilitate that.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The law in Spain requires newly built homes, for example, to include pre-installation of electric car chargers. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has included them in a range of properties since the law came into force in mid-2015. These includes its Canyamel Pins, Cala Vinyes Hills and Blue Cove developments in Mallorca.

The lovely Sunset Ibiza also includes pre-installation of electric car chargers. It is Taylor Wimpey España’s second Ibiza development in the last five years, after the company found the perfect beachfront spot for an exclusive collection of new homes. The apartments, which are priced from €410,500 for a two-bedroom home, provide incredible views over the sea to Conillera Island. A communal pool is surrounded by lush gardens, while each home also features a large private terrace.

Almost all Taylor Wimpey España developments also include solar panels and have done for a number of years. The aptly named Costa del Sol is officially Spain’s sunniest spot, according to a report by the country’s national Meteorological Agency. The 300+ kilometre stretch of coastline enjoys, on average, more than 320 sunny days per year. As such, solar panels can make a significant contribution to the provision of energy for homes being built there.

“In each location in which we build, we seek to do all we can to work in harmony with nature and to make the best use of natural resources. That includes everything from protecting local biodiversity to harnessing the sun’s energy to meet ongoing power needs.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

All eyes will be on Spain in December when the country hosts the COP25 climate change summit. In the meantime, those living and working in the country continue to do all they can to protect our precious natural resources.

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.