• Tourist spending up 6.5% to €63 billion in 2014 (PM Rajoy)
• Booming tourism benefits construction, particularly on the Costa Blanca (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Tourism now accounts for 10.9% of Spain’s GDP (PM Rajoy)

Spain is celebrating a record year of tourism, having welcomed nearly 65 million foreign visitors in 2014. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has confirmed that between them visitors spent an impressive €63 billion, up 6.5% on the previous year.

Tourism accounts for 10.9% of Spain’s GDP, according to the PM, generating 1 in every 9 jobs. Prime Minister Rajoy has stressed the area’s importance, saying it is, “a strategic sector for both the present and the future of our economy.”

The impact of the record-breaking year has been felt far and wide across Spain, with the country’s tourism minister recognising it as, “one of the key sectors in Spain’s economic recovery.”

Executive Vice president of Exceltur, José Luis Zoreda, comments,

“Tourism is leading the generation of net employment, closing 2014 with 53,213 enrolled in Social Security, 4.1% more than in 2013.”

He adds that tourism has given a boost to several related sectors, including commerce and construction. It is something that Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, has observed as well. He comments,

“Rising visitor numbers are great news for Spain’s construction sector. Certainly here at Taylor Wimpey España we have noticed strong demand for luxury holiday properties from buyers hailing from a wide range of countries. Spain has such an enchanting effect on so many people that they want to come back again and again, so buying a second home here is the perfect solution.”

The Costa Blanca is one of the areas to have benefited from Spain’s booming tourism trade. The Mayor of Calpe, César Sánchez, has highlighted the area’s cuisine and beaches as two of the leading reasons for its success and Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard is certainly in agreement.

“We selected Calpe as one of the most beautiful and desirable areas of the Costa Blanca and our influx of buyers have shown that it was the right choice. Our charming Calpesol development, where three bedroom houses are for sale from €179,500, has only two properties left available. Our other Calpe site, Montesol, has proven equally popular, with just three townhouses left, priced from €249,000. The area’s blend of excellent food, good wine, stunning scenery and family friendly beach is a truly winning combination.”

Though it is early in 2015 to be predicting another record year for Spanish tourism, indications are that the figures should once more be good. Ryanair has reflected its confidence in the Spanish market by confirming that it will offer a total of 26 routes into and out of Valencia this summer, totalling 121 flights per week from that airport alone.

With its winning combination of sun, sand and sangria, Spain is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but it seems that the powers that be are not taking anything for granted and are working hard to ensure that the Spanish experience is one that delights visitors from across the world.

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.

• Light therapy provides relief to 50-80% of SAD sufferers (Online Psychology Degree)
• Costa Blanca enjoys 325 sunny days per year (Holiday Weather)
• Properties in the Spanish sunshine available from just €142,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) touches upon many people over the winter months, manifesting as moodiness, lack of energy, social withdrawal, carb cravings, weigh gain or full blown depression. Research shared by the Online Psychology Degree website has shown that some 50% of sufferers find antidepressants to be effective in combatting SAD, but that light therapy is significantly more effective, providing relief to between 50-80% of sufferers.

Taking advantage of daylight is a key driver in the fight to combat SAD. A study by scientist Mirjam Muench showed that even just a few extra hours of natural daylight can help the brain’s cortisol levels to be naturally balanced, increasing levels of alertness and reducing stress. This is true of people suffering from SAD and of those who are not – in a nutshell, more daylight means more happiness.

Many of those who buy second homes overseas highlight the weather as one of their main motivators and it is something that leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España takes into account when selecting the sites for its properties. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, explains,

“Spain is the perfect place for banishing those winter blues and the Costa Blanca, enjoying some 325 sunny days per year according to Holiday Weather, is the ideal location for maximising exposure to natural light and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s stunning new front line properties there, with direct access to the beach, are packed with features like full length, sliding glass doors and well appointed terraces to ensure that outdoor living is fully embraced. At La Recoleta III in Punta Prima, Torrevieja, the Mediterranean style buildings enjoy outstanding views of the sea and owners can stand on their terraces and let the sunlight dancing on the water fill them with relaxation. Prices start at €142,000 for a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment.

La Vila Paradis at Villajoyosa also enjoys direct beach access, with prices starting at €239,000. The apartments and townhouses feature gardens at ground level and terraces on the upper levels, providing ample space for sunbathing, dining outside or simply relaxing in the sun with a book. Both La Vila Paradis and La Recoleta III benefit from Taylor Wimpey España’s signature combination of communal pools, high spec finishes and great location in terms of local facilities.

It is not only adults who are susceptible to the winter blues, as any parent whose children have become restless and mischievous cooped up in the house over the course of a rainy weekend can testify, so a second home in the Spanish sunshine can be of benefit to the whole family. The UN General Assembly has decreed 2015 to be the Year of Light – now that’s something that every family can get on board with!

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.

• Spain ranks 11^th for work/life balance while UK comes in 33^rd (HSBC)
• Beautiful Alicante townhouses perfect for expats available from €145,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Spain takes 4^th place for diet and 5^th for local markets (HSBC)

The attractions of a move overseas may seem obvious at first glance – better weather and a lower cost of living are sure to head up the list for many people. But moving to a new country is a bold undertaking and many expats find that despite their best laid plans there are things that they didn’t expect about their new country.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, who himself moved from Germany to the Spanish island of Mallorca more than two decades ago, explains,

“Going on holiday somewhere and moving there are two extremely different undertakings. On holiday you only tend to notice the positive points, but when you live there things like bureaucracy and pace of life can show you a very different side to your chosen country of residence.”

The HSBC Expat Explorer tool provides some fascinating insights into what Brits who choose to move to Spain can expect as a result of their migration. At a top level, the country comparison tool ranks Spain 24^th out of 34 countries based on 2014 results. The UK scrapes in at 33^rd position.

Some of the positives about moving to Spain are those one might expect to see. The country ranks 4^th out of all those considered for its cuisine, which is both delicious and healthy. It ranks 5^th for local shops and markets. For work/life balance, Spain ranks 11^th against the UK’s 33^rd position.

But there are also unexpected benefits. Despite the wonders of the NHS, Spain ranks 12^th for healthcare and the UK 19^th. Spain comes 11^th for social life and the UK 26^th. Spain is also 9^th for environment, while the UK is 27^th.

The Iberian nation scores highly when it comes to expats finding their feet as well, thanks to the welcoming attitude of the locals in many areas and to the large community of expats already settled there ranking 4^th for integrating into the community, 8^th for adjusting to the new culture/lifestyle and 3^rd for learning the local language.

But when it comes to the working world and the economy, expats can expect a rather different picture. Spain ranks 32^nd for making people feel welcome at work and 33^rd for household income (the UK ranks 24^th and 21^st respectively in these two categories). Interestingly, though, the lower cost of living means that those in Spain actually have more personal disposable income, with Spain taking 29^th position and the UK taking 33^rd.

Of course, the only way to really tell what a country is like is to live there for an extended period of time. Taylor Wimpey España find that many who purchase their holiday homes do so with a view to using them in the future as retirement properties. This enables them to spend holidays there with family and friends, but also to stay for longer periods before committing to a full move. It’s an ideal solution for those considering becoming expats but uncertain as to what they can really expect.

The beautiful townhouses at Brisas de Alenda Golf in Alicante are the perfect properties for those considering a new life in Spain, as well as for second homes. The last remaining townhouses, which are available for €145,000, enjoy a superb location in this exclusive and tranquil area and their spacious terraces, communal pool and pretty communal gardens have been designed with outdoor living in mind. As well as the idyllic golf course, the area boasts a clubhouse, bilingual Spanish/English school and nearby supermarket, all just 15 minutes from Alicante airport.

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.

• Business travel set to increase 6.6% during 2015 (GBTA Foundation)
• Spanish company optimism well above EU average (Markit)
• Perfect business base available for just €179,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

“Business travelers often bring spouses, discover new interests abroad and in general, prime the pumps for all manners of travel.”

So speaks TravelPulse Europe senior editor James Ruggia, in light of the GBTA Foundation’s prediction that business travel in five European markets (Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK) will increase by a healthy 6.6% during 2015, to a total value of €156.8 billion. The projection was based on the impressive H1 2014 business travel figures for the five markets, with spending growing by 4.3% – the biggest gain since 2010.

Interestingly, even Spain’s struggling economy saw business spending grow comfortably during the period, while companies within the Iberian country are feeling positive that the increase is part of a wider picture of positivity. Markit’s Business Outlook Survey found that optimism among Spanish firms was well above the EU average, with growth expected thanks to efficient business practices, new product launches and activity in new markets.

The increased business spending and positive outlook, along with the current strength of the pound against the euro, have created an optimum situation for regular business travellers looking to dispense with the hassle of hotels and instead opt for an apartment that can be used as a base while they are overseas.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“We’ve all been there – watching the minutes pass and worrying about being late while waiting for the hotel staff to locate an ironing board and deliver it to your room so that you can look presentable for the big meeting, or going down to breakfast only to find a sizeable queue and having to skip it in order to get away on time. For the discerning business traveller, a second home overseas provides a much more attractive alternative and it has the added benefit that it can also be used for leisure purposes.”

Calpesol in the bustling Costa Blanca is an excellent example of the kind of property that is perfect for a regular business traveller. The high spec, three bedroom/two bathroom townhouses are available from just €179,000, which is incredible value given the current exchange rate. All have well appointed terraces for relaxing after a hard day’s work and superior kitchens to banish those memories of questionable hotel food forever.

Certainly such a property would benefit the business traveller’s family as well, with Spain regularly making top 5 lists of global holiday destinations based on everything from its popularity to its value for money. Most recently, research from On The Beach saw Spain take 3 of the top 5 spots in the best value 4* holiday destination category.

For more information about purchasing the ultimate business base and second home, 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.

• Belgian and Dutch buyers particularly influential on Spanish property market during 2015 (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Spain gains entry to top ten cheapest countries for property (OECD)
• Two bedroom beach apartments from just €142k (Taylor Wimpey España)

The Spanish Confederation of Employers’ Organizations has announced that it expects the Spanish economy to grow by 2% in 2015, with job creation increasing as the country gets back on its feet. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy shares this optimism, citing 2015 as the year that his country’s economy will “take off.” Even the IMF is joining in the positivity, with Spain one of only two countries to have its forecast revised upward in the latest report, with another prediction that the economy will expand by 2% this year.

The Spanish property market is also looking up, with BBVA Bank reporting,

“2015 may mark the beginning of a moderate recovery in residential developments. The improvement in housing sales continues. The latest housing sales figures demonstrate the improvement throughout 2014: sales leapt at a rate of 20.7 per cent.”

So who was buying in Spain in 2014 and who will do so as 2015 unfolds?

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, shares his insights based on the company’s annual performance figures,

“A total of 32 nationalities bought properties from us during 2014, demonstrating Spain’s global appeal. Our average selling price was up and we noticed a rise in the number of buyers from the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Luxemburg, France and Spain itself.

“Looking forward, I believe that Belgian and Dutch, and also Swiss buyers, will be particularly influential in the Spanish property market during 2015. In fact, the Taylor Wimpey España website has just been launched in French and plans are in place to launch a Dutch language version later this year.”

Official statistics from Spain support the company’s findings, recording French purchasers making up 10.48% of the market. During the same period, German buyers accounted for 6.45% of sales and Belgians 6.19%, while Brits led the pack at 18.06%.

Spanish property’s excellent value for money and the strongest £ to € exchange rate in 7 years are the key drivers behind this mixture of nationalities looking to pick up homes here, as Marc Pritchard explains,

“There are some incredible bargains on the market at the moment, particularly in popular areas like the Costa Blanca. In Alicante, for example, the delightful La Recoleta III development has two bedroom apartments available from just €142,000, which is excellent value, particularly given the site is just a few metres from the beach.”

The properties at La Recoleta III are due for completion in November 2015, but for those who want their Spanish home sooner, the Costa Blanca’s Brisas de Alenda Golf at Elche offers key-ready, three bedroom townhouses for the fantastic price of €145,000. The development comes complete with private gardens and communal swimming pool, as well as enjoying access to the stunning golf course. The properties themselves have been designed with light and space in mind and enjoy terraces that make the most of the views of the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas mountains and the serene golf course.

With such bargain prices available, it is clear that Spain deserved its 2014 entry into the number ten spot of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s study of the countries where property is cheapest. Its appeal to overseas buyers is expected to continue during 2015 and well beyond, as the Iberian country’s charms continue to work their magic on buyers from across the globe.

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.

• Strong start to 2015, with interest in property booming (Taylor Wimpey España)
• 2014 saw first Spanish property price rises in 6 years (national statistics office)
• 32 nationalities bought in Spain during 2014 (Taylor Wimpey España)

2014 turned out to be an excellent year for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey. The company re-entered the FTSE 100 while its Spanish arm, Taylor Wimpey España, recorded ‘a significant improvement in performance,’ as stated in the Taylor Wimpey trading statement for the year ending 31 December 2014.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“We were delighted to see sales of our Spanish properties jump by almost 39% during 2014. The increase is testament to the carefully selected locations and high spec finishes of the properties that Taylor Wimpey España is constructing and shows that even in a difficult market, the right property is still much in demand.”

At the end of the year, the company’s order book was also looking healthy, with 19.5% more properties on it than at the end of 2013.

Spain has long been a popular tourism and second home destination for buyers from across the world. In fact, Taylor Wimpey España sold properties to buyers of 32 different nationalities during 2014, evidencing the widespread appeal that Spanish property holds. Buyers from across the globe see Spain as the ideal location for a second home.

“Spain really does have everything a holidaymaker could wish for,” continues Pritchard. “Sunshine, beautiful beaches, great food and wine, friendly people – it’s all here.”

The Costa Blanca is one of the country’s most popular areas, offering all of this and more, and will be key to the Spanish homebuilder’s year ahead. Key-ready golf properties at Brisas de Alenda are available from just €145,000, while a newly released phase at La Vila Paradis, where prices start at €239,000, is already attracting considerable global attention.

The Costa Blanca is so popular, in fact, that only two townhouses remain available at Taylor Wimpey España’s Calpesol development (prices from €179,500) and just three at its Montesol site (from €252,000).

With house prices in Spain rising for the first time in six years during 2014, according to the country’s national statistics office, the market seems to have finally turned a corner and is looking to the future. Given the success that Taylor Wimpey España achieved during the hard times and the stability of the Spanish property market during 2014, the future looks promising.

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.

• Spanish construction up 13.9% in October (Eurostat)
• Construction and real estate to drive Spanish economy in 2015 (Arcano)
• Newly constructed golf properties from just €145,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

The cranes are on the move once again in Spain, as the construction sector finally picks up its tools following a seven year pause. October 2014 saw the sector register a 13.9% increase in activity compared with a year earlier, according to Eurostat, while financial advisors Arcano have pegged real estate and construction as two of the driving forces behind the Spanish economy in 2015.

Only the biggest and the best in the sector carried on building through the downturn, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“The past few years certainly haven’t been easy for Spain’s construction and real estate sectors. Many developments were simply left mid-construction when the hard times hit and it has taken until now for a lot of companies to have both the confidence and the financing to begin building once more.”

Taylor Wimpey España, which is the Spanish arm of FTSE 100 listed homebuilder Taylor Wimpey, continued building throughout the crisis years and was rewarded with strong sales figures as a result. While domestic demand may have dwindled, many overseas buyers remained keen to pick up second homes in Spain and the company found that its signature blend of beach access, pools and high end properties was the perfect combination to meet the needs of those looking to buy.

“It really felt like we were the only ones still building at some points,” continues Pritchard. “So it was great to see the sector picking up again late last year. I think 2015 should see it come surging back to something like its former glory as there’s pent up demand for new properties. This year should definitely mark a turning point for the Spanish construction and real estate industries.”

A recent report from independent financial advisors Arcano supports Taylor Wimpey España’s thinking, highlighting real estate and construction as two of the most significant engines of economic growth in Spain in 2015. The company has predicted a resurgence of both house prices and residential building in Spain this year, driven by improved financing and mortgage options, foreign investment and recovering domestic demand.

Taylor Wimpey España is certainly expecting big things during 2015. Its Miraval development, which offers a rare opportunity to purchase a high end apartment near the fantastic La Cala Golf Resort at Mijas Costa (on the Costa del Sol) is tipped to be one of the most popular this year, with seven of the 27 units having sold already. The apartments enjoy large terraces (gardens on the ground floor), golf and sea views and a southerly orientation. Prices start at €245,000 and completion and handover is scheduled for October 2016.

Over on the Costa Blanca, key ready properties are available at Las Brisas de Alenda Golf, in sight of the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas mountains. Select properties enjoy direct access to the stunning Alenda Golf Course, while the beach is just 15 minutes away. As with all Taylor Wimpey España sits, pretty gardens and a communal pool complete the offering. Prices for a three bedroom/two bathroom home are from €145,000.

With both construction activity and house prices on the up, no doubt many buyers will see early 2015 as the optimum time to buy their dream property in Spain, while bargains like these still abound.

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.

• 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail (University of Bristol)
• 1 round of golf equates to a 3 to 6 mile walk (Live Healthy)
• Get fit in the Costa del Sol sunshine, with apartment prices from €178,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

Even those with the strongest willpower in the world tend to relax and indulge in a few extra calories over the festive season, as mince pies, boxes of chocolates and general feasting ruin all but the strictest of diets. Then comes January, with its usual dose of good intentions and resolutions to get fit.

Getting fit doesn’t have to be difficult and doesn’t have to mean crowding into a gym with dozens of other sweaty individuals. There are several fabulous alternatives and not all of them are restricted to the UK, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“Exercising and participating in sport should be an enjoyable experience. It’s something that we keep in mind with every development that we build. All of our sites have communal pools, for example, and with almost year-round sunshine in Spain, burning off calories with a few daily lengths during the winter months is definitely achievable.”

Taylor Wimpey España’s sites also benefit from access to a host of nautical sports, such as sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving, thanks to their carefully selected locations close to popular beaches and marinas. Many owners enjoy participating in such activities, which are a far cry from pounding away on a running machine in an over-crowded gym.

Golf is another great way to get fit. A round of 18 holes involves a walk of between three and six miles, according to Live Healthy. Owners at La Floresta Sur can benefit from access to El Soto Golf Club, which includes a gym and sauna as well as the course itself. Prices for two bedroom apartments there being at €178,000.

Also on the Costa del Sol, Avalon is a stunning new development at which prices are from €295,000 for a spacious, two bedroom apartment with high spec fixtures and fittings. Owners are treated to special prices at Los Arqueros Golf, including its gym, sauna and squash, tennis and paddle courts.

Taylor Wimpey España’s Miraval site, where apartments start at just €245,000, also enjoys special golf packages, being located by La Cala Golf Resort.

A University of Bristol study conducted back in 2007 examined in detail the success rates of New Year’s resolutions by working with some 3,000 participants and tracking their progress against their goals. It found that, despite the participants’ initial confidence, some 88% of those who set New Year’s resolutions failed to achieve their goals. Perhaps the additional motivation of Spanish sunshine streaming down on them while they attempted to get fit might have been enough to turn some of those failures into success stories.

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.