Inbound tourists to Spain spent a total of €9.01 billion in Q1 2012, an increase of 7.4% over the same period in 2011 according to the Tourist Expenditure Survey conscripted by the Institute for Tourism Studies of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

While the survey identified that in March 2012 alone, inbound tourists to Spain spent €3.61 billion representing 11.9% more than in the same month of 2011, it also highlighted that the biggest contributors to tourist expenditure in that month were British tourists who spent a total of €631 million euros in the month, a 10% increase over 2011.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“We are not surprised that tourist spend in Spain is on the up – in spite of the economic doom and gloom Spain will always be a top choice for tourists. Indeed, the pound is now at its strongest against the euro in nearly 2 years reaching an exchange rate of £1:€1.20 meaning that British families have more money to spend.

“Indeed, Q1 2012 has been rather successful for Spain with British and German bargain hunters choosing the nation as their top holiday and second home destination. Searches on Hotels.com U.K for hotels in Spain for example  increased by 106% in Q1 2012 over the same period last year and we at Taylor Wimpey España have actually seen a 21% increase in the number of units sold between January and April this year over the same period in 2011 with Brits still remaining our biggest buyers.”

Spain is still considered one of the most reliable and established markets for property buyers with Mallorca remaining one of the most popular destinations. The Balearic islands’ economy still remains buoyant thanks to a thriving tourist industry which, despite a few variations in the past year, has hardly felt the burn.  As a result, the latest census from the Spanish National Statistics Institute has identified that there are officially 23,773 Britons now living on the island with foreigners now representing 21.6% of the population – the highest concentration of overseas residents in Spain.

Marc Pritchard comments,

“Mallorca has always been a firm favourite – it’s easy to get too, offers sunny days and the most beautiful scenery. To highlights its popularity Lowcostholidays.com has recently identified that Mallorca is the number one destination for people over the Jubilee week, registering a 60% increase on 2011 and Palma de Mallorca voted one of Spain’s Top 10 Destinations in Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice awards 2012.”

Although Mallorca has been deemed much more of an ‘aspirational destination’ attracting the more affluent expat given the low supply of quality homes and high property prices, Taylor Wimpey España’s prove that quality homes and affordable prices can go hand in hand.

Located on the south east coast of Mallorca, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or El Puerto II consists of 2 bedroom apartments costing from just 171.500€ + 4% VAT – KEY READY. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

Cala Magrana III in Mallorca, situated close to Cala Anguila beach and the marina of Porto Cristo comprises 21 stunning 2 bedroom apartments surrounding a communal garden with a swimming pool. Ground floor apartments have a spacious terrace with a garden for private use while top floor apartments benefit from a private roof terrace, affording a great price of €211,500 + 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.

The Costa del Sol will be making every effort to welcome British holiday makers escaping London during the 2012 summer Olympic Games after a report from the Association of British Travel Agencies (ABTA) discovered that 21% of people questioned said that they do not want to be in the UK whilst the world’s biggest sporting event takes place.

With the report highlighting that the Olympics will generate vital opportunities for favoured British holiday hotspots outside the UK including the Spanish Costas, the Costa del Sol Tourist Board is already working on its new tourism campaign which aims to generate a 37% increase in arrivals this year compared to 2011.

The British market will be a primary focus for the Costa del Sol after Elías Bendodo, President of the Costa del Sol Tourist Board explained that the recovery of the British market last year was a key factor in the revival in the Spanish tourism industry as a whole with more than 35% of arrivals at Malaga airport in 2011 from Britain.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Spain is always a hot pick for Brits when deciding where to holiday and if the latest news from Lowcostholidays.com is anything to go by, having identified that Mallorca is the number one destination for people over the Jubilee week, registering a 60% increase on last year along with other popular regions such as the Costa del Sol fairing just as well, we fully expect to see a surge of British arrivals when the Olympic Games begin.”

Meanwhile, Marbella one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular spots has so far witnessed a very positive 2012 according to the city’s councillor of tourism Jose Luis Hernandez explaining that Marbella’s tourism figures have increased by 5% with an 8% increase in overnight stays this year.

Pritchard further comments,

“While Brits love Marbella for it sun, sea and sophistication, there has been a real push in promoting Marbella’s luxurious side in Arab countries which has no doubt aided the positive effect on tourism witnessed this year. It really is no surprise that Marbella is popular as a holiday and second home destination. Offering a perfect location between mountains and award winning beaches, as well as warm temperatures long after the summertime crowds have departed, Marbella affords excellent shopping, delicious Andalucían dishes and a beautiful historic centre. There really is something for everyone here.”

For those on the hunt for the perfect Spanish property on the Costa del Sol why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer?

La Floresta de la Mairena, set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga is situated in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

Affording 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom penthouses, the development has two large communal swimming pools, landscape gardens and external private parking all built to the highest standard with first-class finishes including an Italian designed kitchens from just €178.000.

Los Robles de Los Arqueros II, is a modern complex with cutting edge interior set in one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course.

Offering stunning sea and golf views the 2 and 3 bedroom apartments afford superb amenities such swimming pool and community gardens with underground parking and storage for €240,000.

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 00 34 971 706 244.

The latest Lloyds TSB International Wealth survey has estimated that the volume of wealthy Brits who move overseas is expected to increase over the next two years, with a growing number seeking a new life in Spain.

According to the survey, approximately 19% of people with savings and investments over £250,000 are considering moving overseas, an increase of 17% six months ago and 14% a year ago with new figures from the survey proposing that over half of these individuals could well move overseas by 2014 in search of a better lifestyle.

With many Brits looking set to vacate the UK, stating that they would only reconsider if Briton reduced taxes, cut regulatory red tape for businesses and upgraded public services including healthcare and education, Brits moving overseas over the next two years will certainly increase the demand for homes abroad, particularly in the forever popular location of Spain.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“There is a wealth of opportunity to be had in Spain – the quality of life the nation offers is second to none so it’s no wonder Spain is a top choice. Indeed, with the Costa del Sol Tourism Board having launched a new campaign to attract national and foreign tourists after joining forces with more than 100 local businesses from the tourism sector to create a campaign which promotes all that is great about this favoured Spanish region, we fully expect the Costa del Sol to feel the force of this proposed British arrival. And, the fact that these will be successful, wealthy individuals is a welcomed bonus for the Spanish economy.”

While Brits have proven to be one of Spain’s most loyal visitor and indeed property owners, foreign property buyers from stronger Eurozone are on the up with these nations continuing to purchase Spanish property while prices are low. To highlight this, Fastighetsbyrån, part of the Swedish banking group Swedbank, has identified that Swedish and Norwegian property buyers are pushing hard into the Spanish residential property market with purchases by Swedes up 46% and Norwegians up 61%.

Pritchard explains,

“The Swedish economy has been performing better than the UK given the strength of the krona and low house prices and as a result Swedes are fast becoming Spain’s biggest fans. It is for this reason that we are spending more time on this lucrative market.

“Meanwhile, making it even easier for Swedish property buyers to visit Spain, Scandinavian airline SAS has added direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda to Malaga operating thrice weekly – a welcomed boost to the Spanish/Swedish relationship.”

For those on the hunt for the perfect Spanish property on the Costa del Sol why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer?

La Floresta de la Mairena, set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga is situated in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

Affording 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom penthouses, the development has two large communal swimming pools, landscape gardens and external private parking all built to the highest standard with first-class finishes including an Italian designed kitchens from just €178.000.

Los Robles de Los Arqueros II, is a modern complex with cutting edge interior set in one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course.

Offering stunning sea and golf views the 2 and 3 bedroom apartments afford superb amenities such swimming pool and community gardens with underground parking and storage for €240,000.

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 00 34 971 706 244.

It seems that sellers of Spanish property are being a little more realistic when it comes to asking prices according to Spain’s largest English language property portal, Kyero.com’s Q1 2012 House Price Index.

Kyero.com predicts that Spanish property prices will ‘bottom-out’ in 2012, while foreign buyers from stronger Eurozone nations continue to purchase Spanish property while prices are low.

Mark Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España comments,

“Prices across Spain are readjusting with sellers and agents pricing more reasonably. At Taylor Wimpey de España we consider our prices very fair given the prime locations, space and quality of build and indeed our reduced 4% VAT offer in itself highlights that we want to make it even easier for property hunters to buy in Spain.

“Certainly, strong Eurozone nations as cited in Kyero’s report such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium and Holland as well as Russia are currently some of our biggest fans showing increased interest in property particularly on the Costa Blanca. With this market firmly in mind we also attended the Investor Show in Russia on the 9th and 10th of last month where we received a good level of interest and will be exhibiting at Property Worldwide in Russia from the 13th – 15th of April.”

Pritchard continues,

“At present, the Swedish economy has been performing better than the UK and with a strong krona and a reduction in Spanish house prices, more Swedes are beginning to realise the possibilities of a life in Spain. With this in mind it is important that we spend time on this lucrative market.”

To further support Pritchard’s comments, figures published by Fastighetsbyrån, part of the Swedish banking group Swedbank, suggests that Swedish and Norwegian property buyers have pushed hard into the Spanish residential property market with purchases by Swedes up 46% and Norwegians up 61%.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the wider Spanish property market, Mallorca continues to rank highly with limited land and property supply keeping it desirable for property hunters. Kyero.com’s Q1 2012 House Price Index reveals that average house prices in Mallorca are 181% above Spain’s national average of €253,000, standing at €456,700 as of March 2012.  

For those on the hunt for the perfect Spanish property why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer.

Las Brisas de Alenda, located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course is a private complex consisting of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses.

The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant while wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute away costing from just 169.000€ + 4% VAT.

Located on the south east coast of Mallorca, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or El Puerto II consists of 2 bedroom apartments costing from just 182.000€ + 4% VAT – KEY READY without furniture. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

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.
 

Once again, Spain continues to be the most popular holiday destination for Brits over the Easter period with data from Carehiremarket.com revealing that from the 31st March to 15th April, 35% of UK holiday makers hiring a car through the company booked a holiday to Spain.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading house builders Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Spain is a top pick for Easter time. It’s easy to get to from the UK meaning more time can be spent enjoying the sun, sea and sangria – the perfect way to fight away the winter blues. For those wanting to explore the country, hiring a car is the best possible way to ensure that you soak up all the scenic beauty that Spain has to offer.”

Meanwhile, recent data compiled by Frontur has highlighted that it’s not just Easter drawing in the crowds. Almost 2.8 million foreign tourists arrived in Spain back in January this year, an impressive 4.6% increase on January 2011.

To further highlight the British love affair with Spain, the data also identified that British tourists accounted for 19.1% of all the foreign tourists that came to Spain in January 2012 while data released by the National Statistics Institute showed that 12.6 million overnight stays were recorded in hotels in Spain during January 2012, an increase of 3.5% over the same period in 2011.

Marc Pritchard further explains,

“The stats clearly demonstrate that Brits continue to be one of the most important tourism source markets for Spain. At Taylor Wimpey España British buyers remain our biggest fans with a staggering 100% increase in sales to this group to date this year compared to the same period in 2011. I really do think that the British love affair with Spain will be stronger than ever in 2012 and as a way to say thanks we are commencing a ‘send a friend’ campaign. You recommend friends and family who are interested in Spanish property and if they buy, you earn €2,000.”

For those looking to own a slice of Spanish paradise why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has on offer.

The private complex of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses of Las Brisas de Alenda is located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute away.

The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just 169.000€ + 4% VAT.

Located on the south east coast of Mallorca, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or El Puerto II consists of 2 bedroom apartments costing from just 182.000€ + 4% VAT – KEY READY without furniture. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

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.
 

This could be the second consecutive year that the British tourism market will help pull the Costa Blanca out of economic hardship according to the tourism council in Valencia.

According to their findings, bookings made by Brits to the holiday hotspot for 2012 are already up on last year´s figures by around 13%. Indeed last year Brits holidaying on the Costa Blanca rose by 9.1% in spite of the economic crisis and in turn generating increased confidence in the market for 2012.

Data from the tourism observatory of the Valencia Region has estimated that 2012 will see around 2,500,000 Britons visit the Costa Blanca, with a large proportion heading to the Alicante province.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Spain’s leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“International investment into Spanish property increased last year by 27.8% through to the end of September. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have seen a 10% increase in enquiries from potential buyers already this year which is positive news.

“Of course, while there has been an overall 63% increase in the number of Taylor Wimpey España properties sold to foreign buyers this year already, British buyers remain our biggest fans with a staggering 100% increase in sales to this group to date this year compared to the same time in 2011.”

For those thinking about making a move to the Costa Blanca in Spain, Taylor Wimpey España has some wonderful properties to choose from.

Brisas de Alenda, located on the forever popular Costa Blanca affords beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses located in a peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course, just 15 minutes away from the beach.

With generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool, a club house, gym, bar and restaurant properties cost from just from €189,000.

The new Lagunas del Sol development, a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

The properties have been built on two floors with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens available now from €114,920.

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.

An increase in the demand for holiday accommodation in Spain last year has resulted in more and more Spanish home owners preparing to rent their properties out this summer, providing a welcome boost to the property market.

According to a report from holiday home rentals website HomeAway.co.uk booking enquires for Spain in 2011 increased by 27% in comparison with 2010. As a result, a greater number of British and European buyers are acting now and purchasing a home in Spain with a view to capitalising on this growing rental demand.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Spain’s leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The growth of the rental market has made Spain once again a popular destination for property buyers to invest in, particularly given the readjustment of property prices and abundance of cheap flights. We have seen an exceptionally strong start to 2012 with sales in January markedly up on the same period last year.

“Indeed, to highlight just how much demand Spain is in, as part of London Southend Airport’s growth, easyJet will commence new departures each week to a variety of Spanish destinations including Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Malaga and Mallorca from April 2012.”

Mallorca is tipped to be a top performing Spanish destination seeing as it registered the highest number of overnight hotel stays in 2011, with 41.6 million, according to data from the National Statistics Institute. Interestingly, online reservations for care hire in Mallorca this summer have also increased by 10% compared to 2011 according to Rhinocarhire.com.

For those thinking about taking advantage of growing rental demand, Taylor Wimpey España has launched Cala Magrana III, following the vast success of phases I and II.

As an excellent investment choice costing just €220,000 + VAT, the development comprises 20 apartments situated close to golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo as well as direct access to the sea and the Cala Anguila beach just 500m away. 

While the 2 bedroom apartments afford a communal garden with a swimming pool designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding area, ground floor apartments have spacious terraces with a garden for private use while top floor apartments benefit from a roof terrace also for private use.

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.
 

Foreign investment in Spanish property grew in 2011 according to figures from the Bank of Spain. After surging by 27.8% through September over the same period in 2010 which experienced a mere 2.6% growth, overall transactions reached 3.6 billion euros with the Bank of Spain reporting that these investments exceeded 1 billion euros for three consecutive quarters, something not seen since 2008.

Marc Pritchard Sales and Marketing Manager of Spain’s leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Foreign investment into Spain has been very changeable in recent years. It progressively declined between 2003 and 2006 only to increase in 2007 however, the upward trend was cut in 2008, during the economic crisis seeing foreign investment fall. However, the news that foreign investment in once again up is a sign that property market conditions are improving with property purchases in the third quarter of 2011 increasing by 19.2% over the same period of 2010, amounting to 1.1 billion euros.

“The increase in Spanish property sales seen in the last quarter of 2011 has spilled over into 2012 as international bargain buyer’s hunt down the best Costa deals with Germany and Nordic countries outspending the Brits, who have been a little slow in spotting new opportunities.”

Nevertheless, the euro´s depreciation against the pound could mean that there will be numerous opportunities for Brits to expatriate to Spain in 2012 with Pritchard stating: “As Spanish property seems more affordable in the eyes of British buyers there now seems to be a slow but sure increase in the demand for villas and apartments along Costa shorelines.”

For those who are thinking about making a Spanish property purchase this year why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in 2012.

The new Lagunas del Sol development, a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada /Rojales is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

The properties have been built on two floors with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens available now from €114,920.

The Calpesol residential complex in Calpe, Costa Blanca perfectly matches buyer’s needs. Comprised of stunning houses with gardens, this development affords communal swimming pools and three bedroom and two bathroom properties with roofed sun terrace and private parking costing from just €165,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 2012. Last unit available.

The private complex of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses of Las Brisas de Alenda is located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute away.

The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just €189,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 2012.

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.
 

Alicante takes the top flight destination spot for Brits travelling abroad in 2012 it has been revealed by price comparison website dealchechecker.co.uk.

Up five places from last year, Alicante has always been a popular destination, offering great value getaways. A fall in local prices on everything from a restaurant meal to sun cream combined with the fact that the pound is at a two year high against the euro has made the Costas even more affordable this year according to an annual survey conducted by the Post Office.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“In today’s holiday market, people are looking for the best available deals to get the most for their money, and places like Alicante offer just that. To highlight just how affordable, the recent Post Office Survey  highlighted Spain as the second cheapest destination with a price of £37.72 for eight everyday items.  In tough economic times, holiday makers prefer to stick to what they know and the cheaper cost of travel and living in Spain will make the country even more attractive to bargain hunters this year.”

Last year, over 286 million overnight stays were registered in Spanish hotels, representing an increase of 6.4% over the previous year, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). Indeed, this trend looks set to continue according to a recent report from low cost airline Jet2.com and package holiday specialist, Jet2holidays where 1 in 3 sun seekers stated that they will be heading to the Iberian nation for their main holiday in 2012.

Making travelling to Spain even easier this year, Vueling, Spain’s low cost airline, announced it is adding two new destinations to its list seeing new flights from Cardiff Airport to Alicante and Palma, Mallorca this summer.

Pritchard comments,

“This is excellent news for Spain. These routes are to very popular holiday destinations and have the potential to significantly increase traffic to Spain. We are even more excited by the increase in passenger numbers this year as we have just completed the purchase of an amazing and unique first line plot of land with direct beach access in Villajoyosa between Alicante and Benidorm. All south facing apartments and townhouses will have sea views with Paraiso beach, only 150 feet away. This kind of location has not been seen on the international second home market for years and we are confident it will be a hit.”

For those who are thinking about making a Spanish property purchase this year on the sunny Costa Blanca, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in 2012.

The new Lagunas del Sol development, a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Rojales is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

The properties have been built on two floors with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens available now from €114,920.

The Calpesol residential complex in Calpe, Costa Blanca perfectly matches buyer’s needs. Comprised of stunning houses with gardens, this development affords communal swimming pools and three bedroom and two bathroom properties with roofed sun terrace and private parking costing from just €165,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 2012.

This private complex of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses of Las Brisas de Alenda is located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute away.

The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just €189,000 + NO VAT until 29th February 2012.

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.