• Top developments all focused around greenery and outdoor space
• Budget also comes into play for Brits buying in Mallorca
• Nearby beach and golf facilities still important too

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has revealed its bestselling resorts, providing fascinating insights into what Britons buying in different parts of Spain are looking for.

In the Costa Blanca, for example, British buyers are all about homes that offer extensive outdoor space. At Kiruna Residencial, where the three-bedroom townhouses are priced from €178,000 plus VAT, that’s precisely what they get. The homes are available to move into or holiday in before Christmas. Each of the stylish townhouses comes with a 14 m² terrace, an impressive 50 m² roof terrace and a pretty, 26 m² garden. That’s in addition to the development’s landscaped gardens and communal pool.

Kiruna Residencial’s location at Alenda Golf means that buyers have plenty more wide open space around them too. Interestingly, British buyers in the Costa del Sol have also put nature at the top of their wish list; Taylor Wimpey España’s Botanic has proven to be its most popular development in that area.

Botanic beat frontline golf homes and beachfront apartments in order to become Brits’ favourite Costa del Sol resort in 2019, based on Taylor Wimpey España’s reservation figures. The development is built around principles of sustainability, ecology and bioclimatic architecture. Split across different ground levels, it provides exceptional views of the surrounding countryside and golf course, all the way to the sea, some 7 km away.

The natural environment is core to Botanic, which was designed to respect the variety of species and indigenous trees in the area. The properties boast lush vertical gardens, while green corridors link each of the site’s phases and envelop the buildings within nature. The spacious, three-bedroom homes all feature large, south-facing terraces to make the most of the beautiful natural environment and abundant sunshine. Homes are available from €425,000 plus VAT.

“It’s interesting to see which sites have been our bestsellers in 2019 and to understand what it is that has so charmed British buyers when it comes to those particular developments. In mainland Spain, getting close to nature and enjoying plenty of outdoor space has been the priority this year, while Brits buying in Mallorca have made the beach a key focus alongside local greenery.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

In Mallorca, it is Canyamel Pins that has emerged as 2019’s most popular site for British buyers. Canyamel Beach is just a short (0.4 km) stroll away, providing some lovely sea views, while Canyamel Golf is almost as easily accessible, at a distance of 0.6 km. Like its bestselling mainland counterparts, Canyamel Pins also delivers plenty of greenery, with mature trees both surrounding the development and dotted about the site itself.

The two- and three-bedroom homes are available from €342,000 plus VAT, which is also revealing. The development is Taylor Wimpey España’s most affordable on Mallorca, indicating that British buyers have been keeping one eye on the purse strings during 2019, seeking out value for money as well as superb second homes.

“Mallorca’s unique property market means that prices there are higher than they are in many parts of mainland Spain. While that doesn’t stop holiday properties in Mallorca from being snapped up, we have certainly seen British buyers focusing on their budgets over the course of 2019.”

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.

• Spain is Europe’s no. 1 retirement destination (Blacktower Financial Management)
• Property prices and quality are a big draw for UK retirees (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Cost of living in Spain is 4^th lowest in Europe (Expatistan)

As the autumn weather turns colder, and the prospect of a ‘big freeze’ arises once again, it’s hard to keep from imagining spending the winter – indeed, all winters – somewhere a little warmer than the UK. Southern Spain is an obvious choice for several reasons, particularly when it comes to retirement.

“Spain is such a short distance from the UK, but the climate is so different. The southern coast enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, which is ideal for those looking to spend more time outdoors and to keep active in their golden years. The food is also superb. With hundreds of variations of rice dishes alone and plenty of local, seasonal ingredients, it’s a diet that is delicious, healthy and budget-friendly.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

A poll by Expatistan placed Spain fourth in Europe earlier this year in terms of affordable destinations. Blacktower Financial Management, meanwhile, has just rated Spain as the top retirement destination in Europe, based on criteria including the cost of living, life expectancy and property prices.

Spain certainly has plenty to offer when it comes to the latter. The Costa Blanca has long been seen as an affordable location in which to own your own slice of Spain, whether as a holiday home or a main residence. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España offers apartments and townhouses there, priced from €170,000 plus VAT.

At La Recoleta III, for example, buyers can pick up two- and three-bedroom apartments with private terraces and lovely views over the sea and the development’s pool and landscaped communal gardens. Those with a little more to spend have the option to purchase a penthouse, complete with private solarium.

The Costa del Sol also has a number of affordable off-plan and key-ready options. At the newly launched Sun Valley, prices start from €241,000. The 23 apartments include two- and three-bedroom homes, with glass balcony enclosures surrounding the large terraces to allow buyers to enjoy the surrounding golf course to the full. With an adult pool, an infant splash pool and communal gardens, the homes offer a surprisingly affordable option at the heart of the prestigious La Cala Golf Resort.

Taylor Wimpey España’s homes are designed with sustainability in mind, drawing inspiration from a long-term desire to build in harmony with the natural beauty of the local environment. For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, it’s entirely possible to access southern Spain by train, rather than plane. London to Alicante is doable with just three changes, as is London to Malaga, with a choice of four departures to each city each day.

For those retiring to Spain and looking forward to visits from friends, children and grandchildren, this accessibility is an important consideration. Flights from destinations around the UK are also plentiful, during the winter months as well as the main summer tourist season.

“Spain is a fantastic retirement option for those looking to live somewhere with a superb climate, a welcoming community vibe, first rate medical facilities, easy accessibility, plentiful entertainment options and so much more. With good value, high quality homes available in a range of beachfront and frontline golf locations, it also delivers on the property front. Why spend your retirement years in the rain and cold, when there are other options out there?”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, 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.

• 23 apartments to offer best prices in La Cala Golf resort
• Homes to benefit from south-facing terraces, panoramic views and ‘total living’ concept
• Residents awarded discount ‘privilege card’ for La Cala’s golf, spa, restaurant, tennis and football offering

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has announced the launch of its latest development – 23 two- and three-bedroom apartments at the boutique Sun Valley site at La Cala Golf in Mijas, on the Costa del Sol.

Built to the developer’s usual exemplary standards, the homes will include spacious, south- or southwest-facing terraces. Sun Valley’s position at the top of the hill overlooking La Cala’s popular America golf course means that they will also provide panoramic views of both the course and the sea.

Due for completion in 2020 and available from €241,000 plus VAT, the homes promise to be the most affordable yet at La Cala Resort. Located close to the golf resort’s club house, hotel and spa, they are the ideal choice for families looking to buy a holiday home with added extras, as well as for investors looking for a well-located golf property to rent out.

Buyers at Sun Valley can also enjoy discounted use of La Cala’s golf, tennis, football, spa and restaurant facilities as a result of the resort’s residential privilege card.

“Sun Valley delivers the whole package when it comes to what buyers are looking for in a Costa del Sol property, and at a fantastic price. This style of affordable quality on such a well-known golf resort is an exciting prospect for both holiday home buyers and property investors.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Sun Valley’s apartments are spread over three independent plots. The 23 apartments, which are already under construction, are split across two four-storey buildings. The 12 three-bedroom and nine two-bedroom homes will be topped by two exclusive, three-bedroom penthouses with amazing wraparound terraces, priced at €425,000 plus VAT.

Every Sun Valley home includes a glass balcony enclosure around its large terrace, meaning that owners can make the most of the stunning views. Ground floor apartments also come with private gardens that offer views of the pool, communal gardens and golf course.

Internally, the homes offer a contemporary layout in line with the ‘total living’ concept, meaning that all the space is fully utilised. They also feature large windows to allow the spacious living room to integrate beautifully with the terrace for blended indoor/outdoor living.

As with every Taylor Wimpey España home, each property comes fully equipped, with fitted wardrobes, air conditioning, and fitted kitchen with appliances. There is also an extras package available so that buyers can personalise their home with additional appliances, extra lighting and more.

“We’ve poured 60 years of design experience into Sun Valley to ensure that the homes offer a superb contemporary living experience. The fabulous location complements the outstanding design, making this an excellent choice for buyers looking for a holiday home that ticks all the right boxes.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Sun Valley at La Cala Golf is just 40 km from Malaga Airport and 7 km from some of the Costa del Sol’s most popular beaches.

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.

• Costa del Sol rivals Costa Blanca in attracting budget-conscious buyers (Taylor Wimpey España)
• New Designer Outlet Malaga adds to Costa del Sol’s affordable charms
• Overall picture for Spain is of a “brighter future” (Savills)

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has flagged up the Costa del Sol as the ideal place for second home bargain hunters. While budget-conscious buyers have traditionally flocked to the Costa Blanca – where townhouses such as those at Kiruna Residencial cost from as little as €178,000 plus VAT for three bedrooms – a number of price reductions are now drawing buyers along the coast to the Costa del Sol instead.

In terms of the big picture, property values in Spain continue to rise, with the latest Tinsa figures showing an increase of 4.2% in the 12 months to September 2019. In Marbella, Knight Frank reports that prices have risen by 23% since the market low in 2012. Savills, meanwhile, points to “an increase in construction activity, growing interest from international buyers and steadily growing prices” to highlight the potential of a brighter future for Spain’s property market.

This positive national picture means that bargains in the Costa del Sol are an even more exciting prospect, as they come with healthy potential for future capital growth.

“The Costa del Sol is an interesting area to buy in right now, as a number of lower price offers mean that buyers can pick up some superb bargains while the market continues to move in a positive direction. Whereas previously we’ve seen budget-conscious buyers heading straight for the Costa Blanca, they’re also now extending their property search along the Costa del Sol.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Possibly Spain’s most famous stretch of coastline, and certainly one of its most popular, the Costa del Sol offers everything that holidaymakers are seeking – abundant sunshine, pristine beaches, championship-quality golf courses, waterparks, outstanding cuisine… and all at prices which remain very competitive compared to those of many other European countries.

Spain was the most popular destination in this year’s Ryanair Summer Trends travel survey, with Mallorca, Alicante and Malaga being the most sought-after cities. The Costa del Sol has even caught the attention of Portugal’s most famous footballer this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding a €1.4 million villa in Marbella to his €28 million property portfolio.

For those with slightly more realistic budgets, Taylor Wimpey España offers a wide range of choice, with both off-plan and key-ready homes available. The company’s developments include some stunning golf properties at the prestigious La Cala Golf Resort. Luxurious townhouses at Horizon Golf are available from €360,000 plus VAT for three bedrooms, while those at Natura (three-beds available from €441,750 plus VAT) boast panoramic views of the resort. Both developments include Taylor Wimpey España’s signature blend of lush, landscaped gardens, communal pools and spacious private terraces and/or gardens.

Buyers seeking golf apartments are presented with the stunning properties at Grand View, also at La Cala Golf and also benefitting from communal gardens and pool. Available from €262,000 plus VAT, the apartments are located opposite the club house, next to the popular Asia and America courses. The ‘grand view’ that the name suggests is of the stunning Mijas mountains, as well as the beauty of the golf courses.

For water-babies, the marina-front apartments of Pier at Sotogrande are the natural choice. The private, gated community offers apartments and penthouses, with prices starting at €375,000 plus VAT. Pools and garden areas complement the magnificent views of the marina, while the nearest beach is just 400 metres away.

Andalusia, the region in which the Costa del Sol is located, is hugely popular with visitors from the UK, as well as from a wide range of other countries. They flock to its cities as well as its beaches and the area has a lively shopping scene. Its retail offering was further bolstered this month by the opening of the new Designer Outlet Malaga from McArthurGlen on 22^nd October. The chance to save up to 70% on designer fashion brands is yet another draw for the already hugely popular Costa del Sol.

“We’re delighted to see that McArthurGlen chose the Costa del Sol as the optimum location for its first designer outlet mall in Spain. The decision speaks volumes about the potential of the area and once again highlights the vast diversity of attractions that the Costa del Sol has to offer.”

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.

• 3-day Halloween celebrations combine feasting with honouring the dead
• Autumn offers chance for buyers to take their time finding the right property (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Second home ownership means seeing a country in ways that other visitors don’t

Many holidays in Spain are a wonderful blend of religious and commercial elements. They somehow seem to have a more heartfelt, family focus than is evident in similar celebrations elsewhere in the world.

Halloween is a prime example of this. In the UK, Halloween has become a mainly commercial event, celebrated as much by costume- and sweet-makers as by sugar-crazed children out trick or treating. Over in Spain, however, the event has an altogether more family-focused and respectful vibe.

“Halloween in Spain is celebrated across three days, from 31^st October to 2^nd November: Dia de las Brujas (Day of the Witches), Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It’s a time to remember and honour departed loved ones and to enjoy the chance to spend time with close family and friends. There are commercial elements to it, but those are far from the main focus.” 

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The main day of the celebration is 1^st November. A national holiday, Dia de Todos los Santos sees families across Spain take the time to decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers. It is a day for cherishing memories of the departed, as well as spending time with the living. There is still a commercial edge to it, with traditional sweets such as wind fritters, saints’ bones and panellets on sale, while many markets also participate by ‘disguising’ their wares.

Halloween is a time when regional variety in Spain is truly joyous. From residents covering the locks of their homes with porridge (to keep bad spirits out) to plays that honour those convicted of witchcraft during the Inquisition, local celebrations abound.

One tradition that many regions enjoy together is that of feasting on chestnuts. As 1^st November is seen by many as marking the start of harvest in Spain, there are strong links between Dia de Todos los Santos and feasting. In Maro in Malaga, for example, ‘Maroween’ is a gastronomic feast packed with chestnut and sweet potato treats, as well as witches and ghoulish costumes.

According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, it is discovering local customs and events such as this that make second home ownership in Spain such a joy

“One of the many wonderful things about buying a holiday home in Spain is the fact that owners can visit year-round and for as long as they wish. This means that time spent in Spain allows them to develop a deeper connection with the country – one that takes in local events and traditions that those who just visit for two weeks in the summer never uncover.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Those keen to discover Spain’s secrets can begin to do so swiftly, thanks to Taylor Wimpey España’s collection of key-ready homes. In the Costa Blanca, La Vila Paradis is a collection of frontline apartments and townhouses with beautiful communal gardens, swimming pools and direct access to Paraíso beach de Villajoyosa. The last apartment in the development is priced at €299,000 plus VAT, including furnishings.

Key-ready homes are also available at Panorama Mar, at Punta Prima, Torrevieja. Just an hour from Alicante Airport, the seafront apartments provide spectacular views over the beach and sea. The gated development boasts three communal pools, including an infinity pool and a hydro-massage pool. There’s also a paddling pool and playground for smaller children.

“Autumn is a good time of year to buy a home in Spain. With the summer holidays behind us, autumn is a time for considered purchase decisions. Right now, the falling Euribor rate spells out good news for anyone interested in taking out a Spanish mortgage, as does the competition between banks over the mortgage products they offer.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Autumn is also a good time of year to consider how a property looks and feels now that the endless days of summer have passed. It doesn’t rain as much in Spain as it does in the UK, nor get as cold, but there are periods of poor weather. Those who can see a holiday home’s charms even when the weather is cold and blustery know that they’re onto a good thing. Having said that, looking for a property in Alicante in October is on guarantee of finding out what it’s like in poor weather – this month has seen beaches packed as daytime temperatures reached 30°C, with night-time temperatures barely dipping below 20°C!

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.

• Golf can improve your financial as well as your physical and mental health (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Malaga province saw house price rises of 7.1% in year to Q3 2019 (TINSA)
• October temperature average is 20°C in Malaga (Holiday Weather)

The health benefits of golf are well documented, but the sport also brings with it a range of mental health benefits. And at this time of year, there are fewer places that offer a more beautiful setting than some of the Costa del Sol’s championship-quality fairways, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España.

“The Costa del Sol is home to some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses – and for good reason. The courses here combine challenging play with stunning scenery and are at their best in the warm autumn sunshine.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

While golf courses across the UK undergo the intermittent deluges of autumn, those in the Costa del Sol are still basking in sunshine. Holiday Weather reports an average temperature of 20°C in Malaga in October, with just four days of rainfall.

Sunshine can do much to improve our mental health, providing anything from a mild mood lift to a powerful tool to combat depression. Physical exercise can also help to fight depression, as well as anxiety and low self-confidence. It can also sharpen the memory and prevent cognitive decline. Access to green spaces has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, according to the World Health Organization.

Golf, therefore, comes with a host of both physical and mental health benefits, and autumn is the ideal time to play, as the summer crowds head home and leave courses gloriously quiet by comparison.

Autumn is also a great time to buy a golf property and choosing one in the right location can mean that golf also benefits your financial health. TINSA reports that Malaga saw the second highest rate of price increases across all Spanish provinces during Q3 2019, with properties increasing by an average of 7.1% year on year.

“The Costa del Sol is home to some superb golf properties. Its fame as a golfing destination mean that buyers have plenty of choice and those who shop around are often able to pick up additional benefits, such as discounts at some of the region’s courses and other golfing facilities.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The homes at Grand View, at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas, Malaga, offer just that. Buyers are eligible for special privileges on all facilities and services at La Cala Golf, as well as providing panoramic views of the golf course and nearby mountains. The key-ready homes include sunny two- and three-bedroom apartments and a select number of penthouses with spectacular solariums. Opposite the club house and adjacent to the prestigious Asia and America golf courses, the contemporary homes are in the ideal location for keen golfers and their families. Children in particular will be delighted by the gated development’s generously sized swimming pool and communal gardens. Homes are priced from €282,000 plus VAT.

Just a short distance from Grand View, Green Golf also offers discounts and special privileges for holiday home buyers at Estepona Golf. The three-bedroom, frontline golf homes, which cost from €280,000 plus VAT, enjoy an idyllic, southwest-facing location with views over the course and all the way to the sea. The private, gated community features communal gardens and pools, while the homes have been designed to provide a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.

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.

• 37% of Spain is covered by forests
• Building in harmony with nature benefits home owners as well as the planet
• Global tree coverage up 7% in 35 years
• Green corridors and vertical gardens at Botanic enrich the holiday experience

The recent global focus on sustainability and all things eco-friendly means that we understand the value of trees and greenery better than ever. And according to Nature, the Earth’s tree coverage is actually one area where we are winning – at least in terms of total coverage. The planet has 7% more trees than it did 35 years ago, based on satellite images, though we still need to do much more to preserve and boost tree cover in tropical areas.

The construction industry has certainly done its part in helping to preserve tree coverage in recent years. There is now far greater awareness of the need to protect local ecosystems and to move or replant trees that are removed as part of the construction process.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is taking this one step further, protecting local ecosystems and indigenous tree and plant species by making them features of its developments. Botanic, Horizon Golf and La Floresta Sur in the Costa del Sol all boast beautiful woodland surroundings, with homeowners also benefitting from the stunning greenery provided by local golf courses.

“Building in harmony with local natural resources is key to ensuring that we respect the environment while also providing holiday homes that come with all the benefits of living near greenery. Both physical and mental health can receive a boost from spending time in nature, particularly when surrounded by trees. Preserving mature woodland makes sense on every level when building new holiday home developments.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Botanic, in particular, demonstrates how the careful integration of buildings and land can deliver an enhanced holiday home experience for owners while also promoting the local environment. Available from €395,000 plus VAT, the three-bedroom homes with their enormous, south-facing terraces are divided into phases by green corridors and vertical gardens packed with indigenous trees and plants. The ideal setting for relaxing on the terrace, enjoying a quick round of golf or lazing in and around the communal pool.

Spain certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to greenery. A full third of the country is forest, and tree coverage has increased by an impressive 33% since 1990 according to World Bank data. Those looking to enjoy Spain’s abundance of greenery have the chance to buy key-ready homes with Taylor Wimpey España.

The key-ready, two- and three-bedroom apartments at La Floresta Sur, for example, are located in striking surroundings that UNESCO has declared a natural biosphere. They offer stunning views over the oak and pine forest, as well as down to the sea. Homes there are priced from €222,000 plus VAT.

“A green environment with a healthy atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the pressures of modern life. Buying a key-ready home means being able to enjoy all the beauty of the Spanish woodland as autumn gets fully underway – it’s a wonderful time of year to experience the changing of the seasons.”

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 build home prices up by 7.2% in past year (INE)
• Germans snapping up holiday homes faster than any other nationality (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Coastal locations with golf resort access among most sought-after homes

The Spanish property market is alive and well, as a combination of domestic enthusiasm and ongoing foreign appetite for Iberian properties keeps things moving apace. The latest Housing Price Index figures from the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica show a 5.3% rise in prices over the past year across Spain. New build homes have performed particularly well, with a price increase of 7.2% during that time.

Whether its urban Spaniards looking for second homes on the coast or foreigners seeking a reliably sunny location for their holidays, certain areas in Spain are perennially popular. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been building homes along the mainland coastline and in select Spanish island locations for the past 60 years, so has seen plenty of buyer trends come and go during that time. However, certain elements of Spanish holiday homes have remained remarkably constant.

“Having a home with large terraces, bright sunlight and access to beaches, golf courses and good restaurants, all with the convenience of an on-site pool, is a winning combination that has been charming buyers for decades. Yes, building styles have changed over the years, as have the demographics of those buying second homes, but these core requirements remain firmly in place.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

In terms of who’s buying in Spain right now, Taylor Wimpey España reports that German buyers are leading the field right now. Germans have accounted for 19% of the company’s reservations so far in 2019, followed by Britons and Russians at 11%. Spanish and Belgian buyers each account for 9% of 2019’s reservations. Other buyers hail from the Scandinavian countries, Poland, the Netherlands, Ukraine, France and more, with a total of 37 different nationalities reserving properties.

When it comes to location, both the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca are strong contenders. The latter, in particular, provides excellent value for money. At Kiruna Residencial in Elche (Alicante), for example, buyers can pick up a beautiful three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse from as little as €178,000 plus VAT. Each property comes with outdoor terraces (including a roof terrace) and a good-sized garden, with views of either the spectacular Sierra de las Aguilas mountains or the stunning course at Alenda Golf. The golden beaches of Alicante and Alicante Airport are a 15-minute drive away.

Less budget-conscious buyers are often drawn away from mainland Spain, with islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca offering some outstanding locations for second homes

“There’s something very special about owning an island home. Island life is unique in many ways and can offer an incredible degree of relaxation. The fact that you’re surrounded by the ocean also means that a huge variety of water sports tends to be available, so there are plenty of exciting ways to keep active when you own an island holiday home.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Cala Vinyes Hills II, located at Calvia (Mallorca), offers premium, three-bedroom townhouses with spacious terraces and private gardens from €637,000 plus VAT. A large communal pool is surrounded by landscaped gardens for all residents to enjoy. Some of the homes feature views of the Mediterranean, while all are finished to the same incredibly high standard. 60% of the impressive homes have already been bought off plan.

Summer’s rapid descent into autumn is a popular time for those living in colder European climes to seek out their perfect holiday home in the sun. Not only are new builds proving particularly popular at present, as well as enjoying higher-than-average price rises, they also offer a degree of style and comfort that many older properties lack. For many buyers, therefore, new build is the ideal solution for their dream second home.

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.

• Spanish coastal areas will see most demand – Costa Blanca already showing 24% increase in sales (Colegio de Registradores)
• Technology and sustainability features to top buyers’ list of demands
• Foreign buyers in Alicante accounted for over 40% of property sales in Q1 2019
• Brits still buying more homes in Spain than any other foreign nationality

As we’re already well over halfway through 2019, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has shared its insights into the hottest holiday home trends for the coming year. 2020 will have much to offer second home buyers, though budgets will be tight, according to the Spanish property experts.

“We’re already seeing buyers tightening the purse strings, which has an impact on both the type of properties they are seeking and the locations. The Costa Blanca, in particular, is likely to benefit as this trend carries on into 2020, as it’s combination of beautiful beaches and low prices proves a winning one for many buyers.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Buyers in the Costa Blanca can certainly get a lot for their money and interest in the area is growing. The Colegio de Registradores reported a 24% increase in sales there during the first three months of 2019. It also highlighted the ongoing importance of British buyers to the Spanish property market, with Britons accounting for 13.79% of all foreign buyers – more than any other nationality – during Q1 2019.

Kiruna Residencial in Elche, Alicante, epitomises the reason that the Costa Blanca is increasingly on budget-conscious buyers’ radars. Spacious three-bedroom properties there cost from just €173,000 plus VAT. The light-filled homes come with balconies, roof terraces and gardens for blended indoor and outdoor living set against the backdrop of the Alenda golf course and the stunning Sierra de las Aguilas mountains.

With private gardens, a communal pool, a supermarket, a clubhouse and a bilingual school on site, plus lively beachfront nightlife just 15 minutes away, there’s plenty to keep owners of all ages entertained. This variety, along with a well-connected airport, is much of the reason that Alicante Province is leading Spain when it comes to foreign buyers. The Colegio de Registradores reports that 40.92% of all home buyers there were foreigners during Q1 2019.

As well as the temptation of lower prices, second home buyers in 2020 will also be prioritising both technology and sustainability features, according to the Taylor Wimpey España team. USB chargers, WiFi and electric blinds will all be essential features, while energy-saving devices such as solar panels and rainwater harvesters will also be much in demand. That’s in addition to more traditional demands such as large windows, generously sized terraces and open kitchen/dining areas.

In terms of interior design, 2020 will be all about minimalism and light colours. Holiday homes will be places to escape the hectic pace of modern life, with light tones used to create a sense of serenity and peace. Fabric choices will focus on ease of maintenance as well as style, minimising the owner’s effort when it comes to keeping the home clean.

“We’re focusing on all of these trends as we design and build homes ready for 2020’s buyers, while also remembering all of the usual expectations. From proximity to the beach and local shops to air conditioning and on-site parking spaces, we’re ensuring that buyers’ demands are well catered to in advance of the start of 2020.”

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, call 00 34 971 706 972.

• Number of female solo travellers up 88% since 2015 (Hostelworld)
• Spain is the world’s safest country to visit (Asher & Lyric)
• Second home design catering to solo holidaymakers (Taylor Wimpey España)
• Spain ahead of EU average for gender equality (Gender Equality Index)

Recently released figures from Hostelworld have shown a stark rise in the number of women choosing to travel on their own. The Evolution of the Hostel Traveller report reveals that the number of women choosing to travel solo has risen by 88% since 2015. Women from the US are making the greatest number of female solo travel plans, accounting for 20% of bookings. They are followed by female travellers from Germany (11%) and the UK (10%).

Holidaying alone isn’t only limited to those staying in hostels. Nor is it just for youngsters. A 2018 Booking.com survey of 20,500 travellers found that 40% of Baby Boomers had taken a trip on their own in the past year, while a further 21% were planning to do so in the future. Princeton Survey Research Associates meanwhile, have found that 58% of millennials are willing to travel solo, while 26% of millennial women have already done so.

The growth of solo travel has led to keen interest in destination safety. Asher & Lyric recently compared the world’s top 50 most visited countries around the globe in order to establish which was the safest. Spain came out as the clear winner.

“Spain is a superb destination for solo travellers looking for a safe, welcoming place to enjoy their leisure time. From street safety to gender equality, Spain scores highly across a wide range of factors when it comes to traveller safety. Combined with the country’s beautiful Mediterranean beaches and fantastic weather, this makes it a wonderfully inviting location for those holidaying on their own.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is well used to delivering safe and secure environments for solo holidaymakers, as well as those travelling with young children. Gated communities in popular areas, such as Horizon Golf at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas (Malaga), provide homes that are ideal for those holidaying on their own, as well as family groups.

Available from €435,000 (with 10% VAT included until the end of August as part of Taylor Wimpey España’s summer offer), the key-ready townhouses at Horizon Golf are split over three levels, with large terraces and solariums providing panoramic views. Luxury touches abound, from motorized blinds to designer bathrooms. A communal pool and garden complete the development, which also boasts access to La Cala Golf Resort’s three 18-hole golf courses, hydrotherapy centre and spa, all with 24-hour security.

Spain is known for its positive attitude towards gender equality. In 2018, women held 11 of the government’s 17 cabinet seats. The Gender Equality Index 2017 for Spain shows that Spain is ahead of the EU-28 average score and that progress is occurring at a faster pace than the EU average. In the decade to 2015, Spain made progress in every domain that the Gender Equality Index assessed: health, power, money, work, knowledge and time.

“It is no wonder that solo female travellers feel so positive about holidaying in Spain, with its safe local environment and a respectful attitude towards women. We are delighted to cater to all demographics when designing and building second homes here, including the growing market of those who prefer to travel on their own.” 

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.