It’s Friday 13th! Will the New Year be lucky for Spanish property?Taylor Wimpey España forecast a positive outlook for 2014

by Georgina Spain

A growing number of experts believe that the Spanish property market is showing signs of recovery following the well documented economic crash which plagued numerous global property markets. With a brand new year ahead we ask leading Spanish house builders, Taylor Wimpey España, for their insights into the future of Spanish property in 2014.

With years of experience in building some of Spain’s most highly regarded properties, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey España suggests that the Spanish market will move in a positive direction in 2014, highlighting a number of aspects that will aid Spain’s recovery.

Sale prices in Spain for quality properties in prime locations could be nearing the end of their fall according to several reports released in recent weeks. Indeed, the Ministry of Development reported that during Q3 2013, homes recorded their lowest drop since 2010 – even becoming more expensive in several regions. Pritchard indicates that this trend will continue into 2014 while properties in less popular inland locations which have reduced infrastructure or no views will drop further in price.
Indeed, the perception that the housing market is nearing the end of its adjustment is gaining in popularity. According to the Consumer Confidence Indicator for November, prepared by the Centre for Sociological Research, 46.4% of those surveyed think that Spanish housing prices will stabilise over the next year, signalling a boost of confidence in the market.
When it comes to Taylor Wimpey España‘s performance this year and forecasts for the year ahead, Pritchard comments,
“2013 will be a hard year to beat as here at Taylor Wimpey España we experienced a huge increase of sales across the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca over the last 12 months.
“We are expecting sales levels in 2014 to be in line with 2013 however seeing as we will have additional sales outlets and several new developments in the pipeline across all three regions of Spain in which we operate, coupled with the fact that prices in prime locations across each area have now bottomed out and will not fall any further, we are hoping sales volumes to increase making for an exciting new year at Taylor Wimpey España. ”
Furthermore, Pritchard explains that 2014 is likely to see a surge of interest from foreign buyers outside the EU from countries such as China, Russia and the Middle East investing their money in Spanish property due to the ‘golden visa’ scheme which could be introduced by January 2014. Taylor Wimpey España hope to see second home buyers to continue to descend on the Costa del Sol after the success of the area throughout 2013.
For those thinking about making a Spanish property purchase in next year, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer buyers in 2014 – You might just get lucky!
Boasting a frontline location in the traditional Spanish fishing town of Estepona, just 1 hour from Malaga via motorway, Horizon Beach comprises 2 and 3 bedroom apartments all with views of the Mediterranean Sea and Rock of Gibraltar.
With only 36 units, this boutique gated development is the ideal second home with spacious open-plan apartments, large terraces or private gardens, direct beach access, panoramic swimming pool and underground parking, all available from just €300,000.
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today 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.

Balearic property market boosted by foreign buyers as prices rise by 4.8%

by Georgina Spain
The Spanish government has recently revealed that 4 of the country´s 17 regions posted property price increases in the third quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2012.
  • Balearic property prices rise 4.8% in Q3 2013 vs Q3 2012 (Spanish development ministry)
  • Flight arrivals from the UK to Balearics up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period
  • Taylor Wimpey España taking advantage of Balearic popularity, offering two brand new luxury developments on the golden isle of Mallorca
The country´s development ministry said the biggest increase in property prices, 4.8%, was posted by the Balearic Islands, a relatively small region with a high percentage of foreign residents.
Indeed, the Balearic region may be geographically slight but it is a force to be reckoned with in terms of real estate on offer which attracts both the rich and famous, along with savvy holiday home hunters looking for high quality properties in a very popular holiday destination.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Whilst other markets such as Greece, Egypt and Turkey may have lowered their prices to attract more tourists, the Balearics have taken the bold decision to target the higher end of the market.  The calibre of stock and property prices have gone in an upward direction and interest levels remain extremely high.
“Here at Taylor Wimpey España, we are reaffirming our commitment to the golden Balearic island of Mallorca, building a further two new luxury frontline developments which are proving extremely popular with buyers from across the globe. Foreign interest in our properties has been phenomenal this year however British and Belgian clients stood out last month comprising 65% of total sales across Mallorca, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca!”
Indeed, it comes as no surprise Spain is a firm favourite for Brits looking for their perfect place in the sun. Comprising 26.16% of the total Balearic tourist market, British visitors spent 8.5% more in the Balearics in the first nine months of 2013 over last year and flight arrivals from the UK are also up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period.
A mere hop, skip and a jump from British shores, Mallorca in particular is easily accessible, as leading  low cost airlines offer frequent flights from an extensive list of cities across the UK. And with more flights readily accessible, it could be time to stop renting a hotel room or apartment and buy your very own slice of Spanish sunshine.
The brand new Camp de Mar Beach development offers a very rare opportunity to buy a well-priced new townhouse in the south west of Mallorca, Camp de Mar, which is walking distance to the best golf courses on the island and a beautiful beach, about 25 minutes from Palma and 30 minutes to the airport.
The development consists of 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses in a gated community designed to a Mediterranean style with beautiful landscaped gardens and a large modern swimming pool.
With the Andratx Golf Clubhouse being just 50 metres away for all owners to enjoy and a few minutes’ walk to the stunning beach of Camp de Mar, from 377,000€.
Or why not take a look at the new Cala Estancia apartments just 5 minutes from Palma airport, visiting these new holiday apartments couldn´t be easier. Offering the best of both worlds, the calm serenity of Cala Estancia bay and direct access to Palma city centre in under 10 minutes. These new apartments, available from 141,000€, are sure to be popular with buyers, boasting large terraces on which you can enjoy the view to the sea and amazing sunsets.
These properties are definitely not to be missed so for more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today 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.

Thinking about buying a Spanish holiday home in 2014? Check out what’s on the Horizon from Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

If your New Year’s resolution is to turn that dream of owning a second home in the Spanish sunshine into a reality then 2014 could just be the right time to take action.

With Spain officially out of recession and continued positive GDP growth forecast for 2014 according to the European Commission, the re-ignition of the Spanish economy is proving attractive to investors and none more so that those based overseas.

  • Costa del Sol saw 33% increase in foreign buyers in H1 2013 (Malaga Tourist Board)
  • British buyers still drive the market, accounting for almost 20% of foreign purchases
  • Horizon Beach is Taylor Wimpey España’s 22nd development on the Costa del Sol

From one of the world’s richest men, Bill Gates, who recently acquired a $155 million stake in Spanish builder Fomento de Construcciones & Contratas SA through to ordinary men and women purchasing Taylor Wimpey España homes, the smart money is pouring into the Spanish property market with the Costa del Sol on the receiving end of much of this investment.

The perennially popular second home destination, the Costa del Sol located in the province of Malaga, saw a 33% increase in home sales to foreign buyers in H1 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 according to The President of the Tourist Board and the Council of Malaga.
Indeed despite predictions that the introduction of the new ‘Golden Visa’ earlier this year (which grants residency to non-EU nationals who purchase property worth €500,000 or more) would see a ascendancy of Russian and Asian buyers, it is in fact the British who remain the Spanish second home market drivers accounting for 630 transactions, almost 20%, within the Malaga province according to Diario Sur, the regional newspaper of Malaga.
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Having worked at Taylor Wimpey España for 20 years now I have seen the Spanish second homes market undergo a number of cycles. Visiting the Costa del Sol each month I have seen first-hand the steady increase in both tourism levels and demand for second homes over the last 18 – 24 months and am confident that we are once again on an upward curve.

“I agree with Jose Prado, President of the Association of Builders and Developers, who commented that sales have returned to a level not seen for many years; we at Taylor Wimpey España are experiencing the same with a staggering increase in sales on the Costa del Sol from Jan – October this year compared to the same period in 2012. And it is due to this high demand for second homes on the Costa del Sol that Taylor Wimpey España has commenced construction of their latest development, Horizon Beach.
Boasting a frontline location in the traditional Spanish fishing town of Estepona, just 1 hour from Malaga via motorway, Horizon Beach comprises 2 and 3 bedroom apartments all with views of the Mediterranean Sea and Rock of Gibraltar. With only 36 units, this boutique gated development is the ideal second home with spacious open-plan apartments, large terraces or private gardens, direct beach access, panoramic swimming pool and underground parking.
Available from just €300,000, Horizons Beach will be Taylor Wimpey España’s 22nd development on the Costa del Sol and is due for completion in July 2015.  For more information contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 9 72.

Sea view city apartments released today in Best Travel Destination of 2014

by Georgina Spain

Today, Tuesday 19th November 2013, sees the much-anticipated release of Cala Estancia, a boutique collection of just eleven 1 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments in Palma, Mallorca.

Due for completion in June 2014, these spacious properties from leading Spanish house builder, Taylor Wimpey España, will present the perfect opportunity to visit the stunning Balearic Island of Mallorca, named one of the Best Travel Destinations for 2014 by the auspicious Lonely Planet.

  • Boutique collection of 1 and 3 bedroom sea view apartments
  • Located in Palma, Mallorca – Best Travel Destination 2014 (Lonely Planet)
  • 22.6 million people passed through Son Sant Joan airport in 2012

Located just 100m from the Mediterranean coast yet also close to Palma city centre, these apartments are within walking distance of all amenities and boast spacious terraces from which to enjoy the direct views of Palma bay and the Cathedral as well as allocated underground parking and private gardens.

Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director who is based at Taylor Wimpey Espana’s head office nearby in the heart of Palma, explains just why the location of this new release is so exciting,

“Mallorca is well known for its 550km of coastline, 40 plus Blue Flag beaches and clear, turquoise waters but this Balearic Island also holds some urban gems. The ancient city of Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times with numerous architectural gems within the Old City.

“Set around the Bay of Palma, this cosmopolitan city attracts the rich and famous with the Spanish Royal Family visiting each summer. With world class restaurants, designer boutiques, a sizeable marina capable of accommodating even the largest of yachts and pleasant climate year round, it’s no wonder that Palma attracts more and more international visitors each year.”

Indeed, tourism levels to the city of Palma have grown significantly over the last 50 years since Taylor Wimpey España first started building second homes on the island. From 500,000 visitors in 1960 to 6,739,700 in 1997 and a staggering 22.6 million people passing through the city’s Son Sant Joan airport last year alone, it is no wonder that this Spanish city continues to enjoy a boom not seen by many others on the mainland.

And it’s not just tourists who have recognized the clear appeals of Palma; travel operator LowCost Holidays recently relocated from the UK to its Spanish subsidiary in Palma creating over 100 jobs in the process along with no-frills Spanish airline Vueling announcing new direct flights to the city from Brussels for summer 2014.

With more flights than ever touching down in Palma and the new Cala Estancia apartments just 5 minutes from the airport, visiting these new holiday apartments couldn’t be easier. Offering the best of both worlds, the calm serenity of Cala Estancia bay and direct access to Palma city centre in under 10 minutes, these new apartments, available from 141,000 Euro, are sure to be popular with buyers so contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 9 72.

Is it time to follow Bill Gates into the Spanish property market?

by Georgina Spain

News that billionaire Bill Gates has acquired a $155 million stake in Spanish builder Fomento de Construcciones & Contratas SA (FCC) has certainly caught the attention of property investors around the world. With Gates’ 5.7% acquisition leading to an immediate increase in the share price of FCC, is now the time to follow this business magnate into the Spanish property market ?

According to the latest data released from the Spanish Office for National Statistics (INE), the downward trend of property sales has definitely turned a corner, once again thanks to the foreign investors. The first half of this year saw the highest turnover of property transactions in 9 years with €2.834 billion being brought into the country, compared to the lowest year in the last decade which registered just €199 million.

  • Taylor Wimpey España says ‘YES’ as influx of buyers swoop in on the Costa del Sol
  • Bill Gates acquires[RC1] $155 million stake in Fomento de Construcciones & Contratas SA
  • €2.8 billion brought into Spain through real estate (INE)
  • Taylor Wimpey España records 257% increase of sales on the Costa del Sol (Oct 2013)

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

“Even though Spain is now officially out of recession, many Spaniards are still feeling the pinch of turbulent economic times; the situation seems to be easing across neighbouring European nations which is having a positive effect on the Spanish property market.

“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we are experiencing an influx of foreign buyers on the Costa del Sol in particular with a 257% increase in property purchases throughout October alone, in comparison with the same period in 2012, showing Spanish property in prime coastal locations remains a hot commodity!”

Indeed, the love affair with owning a bolthole under the Spanish sun is yet to show signs of cooling so why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in the ever popular Costa del Sol.

Avalon is situated in one of the best areas of Marbella,on the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course and just 20 minutes from Estepona. This residential complex consists of luxury apartments and penthouses of 2 large bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and indulgent finishes.

Boasting natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, large terraces, communal swimming pool and beautiful landscaped gardens all for just €260.000, these properties are certainly not to be missed!

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Mallorca named top 10 region to visit in 2014 Mallorca named top 10 region to visit in 2014

by Georgina Spain

Contrary to what you may have heard about the nocturnal habits of certain younger visitors to the popular tourist resort of Magaluf, the island of Mallorca is one of the great natural destinations in the world. Majestic limestone cliffs plunge into the translucent sapphire and turquoise-hued waters of the Mediterranean along the length of the island’s western and northern coasts whilst the rugged interior of the Tramuntana mountains offers diverse fauna and flora, not to mention picture postcard villages.

 

It’s no wonder therefore that this beautiful Balearic Island has been named by renowned travel publisher, Lonely Planet, as one of the top 10 regions to visit in the world in 2014, in its just released Best in Travel 2014 publication.
“Like a movie star settling comfortably into middle age, Mallorca has matured, wedding stunning natural beauty with an appreciation for the finer things in life without ever losing its glamour,” Lonely Planet says. And with accolades such as that, it’s no wonder that Mallorca has welcomed over 1.3 million tourists in September alone this year, with many more looking to make their stay more permanent with a property on the Golden Isle!
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España who has also lived on the island for 24 years, comments,
“It’s about time that travellers wake up to the wonder that is Mallorca. Naming the island as one of the best regions in the world for visitors in the coming year is in recognition of it being a fantastic all-rounder; with some of the most stunning scenery, dynamic towns, friendly people and a burgeoning food scene.
“This prestigious Lonely Planet accolade is only set to boost buyer confidence into 2014 and beyond as visitors look to purchase their own slice of Mallorcan paradise. Indeed this positive sentiment is already being reflected in our property sales figures which are up by 51% over this time last year.”
So for those property hunters looking for high quality homes at affordable prices, located in one of the top regions of the world for 2014 and beyond, Taylor Wimpey de España has some stunning properties on offer.
El Puerto II situated in Cala d´Or, south east Mallorca boasts 2 bedroom apartments surrounded by generous gardens with native Balearic plants and 3 communal swimming pools. Costing from €155,000 + VAT this sophisticated complex is within reach of the Blue Flag beach, Cala Mondrago and easy reach of the popular super yacht action.
Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II, Taylor Wimpey España have launched phase III located just 500 metres from Cala Anguila beach and a stone´s throw from the Mediterranean.
The Cala Magrana III residential complex is situated very close to several golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo. 2 bedroom apartments of Mediterranean design with sea views, surrounding a communal garden and swimming pool are available from just €179,000 + VAT.
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Spain retains its crown as top golf destination in Europe

by Georgina Spain

According to the latest European Spotlight on Golf Tourism to Spain research report commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, out of the 28.5% of those who travelled to Spain to play golf in the last 12 months, 12.7% visited the Costa del Sol, 3.9% to the Costa Brava and 3.2% to the Canary Islands.

  • 28.5% tourists travelled to Spain to play golf in the last 12 months (Reed Travel Exhibitions)
  • Research has also revealed golfer’s nationality impacts on their choice of region to visit (Reed Travel Exhibitions)
  •  2,500% increase of overall purchases of golf properties from Middle Eastern buyers in September alone this year compared to the same period in 2012 (Taylor Wimpey España)
This latest study also revealed that Spain has retained its crown as a key player in the European golf tourism industry with thousands of golfers from all over the continent putting Spanish greens and bunkers at the top of their tee off list.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“Whilst the course itself is an important factor when selecting a Spanish golfing holiday, the accommodation is equally important once you leave the fairway. Resorts with onsite courses, quality accommodation and amenities are in high demand as they offer the entire package and offer a higher level of security and community living.
“This new study commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions comes as no surprise to us here at Taylor Wimpey España. We have experienced a great level of interest in our golfing properties throughout 2013 from not only the British but Scandinavians, Russians and Middle Eastern buyers in particular, where overall purchases from this region have increased by 2,500% in September alone this year compared to the same period in 2012.”
Interestingly, the research also revealed that a golfer´s nationality impacts on their choice of region to visit, with British and Scandinavian golfers preferring the Costa del Sol; French golfers more likely to visit Costa Brava; and German golfers travelling to all regions, with Mallorca a firm favourite.
Indeed, Spain boasts some of the most luxurious golf resorts in Europe, and the warm, sunny climate makes it a pleasure to hit the green. So what are you waiting for? Take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer today!
Los Altos del Golf is a brand new development in the Port Andratx area of Mallorca, nestled in the heart of the Andratx golf course and only 500 meters from the famous Camp de Mar beach, consisting of large, detached two and three bedroom houses with stunning sea views.
These luxury properties are designed in the style of a small Mediterranean village with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, beautiful landscaped gardens and three large communal swimming pools.
Available now from €495,000, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
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