With Moody’s downgrading the UK, Italy struggling to form a political coalition and Eurozone unemployment at record highs, you might think Europe was a lost cause but think again. Across the North Sea, our Scandinavian neighbours have in fact weathered the financial storm better than most. Indeed the Nordic financial model operated in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, with its emphasis on an expensive yet robust welfare state structure, has seen Scandinavia suffer far less than the majority of Europe’s ailing economies.
Although there have been difficulties, Scandinavia is nevertheless in a strong position compared to the rest of Europe. And it is this comparative difference in economic fortunes which has led to ever increasing numbers of Scandinavians snapping up bargain properties in countries such as Spain.
Taylor Wimpey España, the Spanish arm of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey, has reported record sales figures from the Scandinavian market during 2012. The company’s annual sales analysis has shown a massive 311% increase in Scandinavian purchasers of its properties compared with the previous year. The dramatic trend seems set to continue into 2013 as well, with January sales figures already up 300% on those for the same month in 2012 and the cumulative February sales up 500%.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“The interest from Scandinavian markets continues to boom as buyers take advantage of favourable exchange rates and reduced Spanish house prices to purchase their dream second home abroad. Scandinavians, particularly those from Sweden and Norway, now make up over a fifth of our buyers in Spain – a huge increase on previous years.”
The Costa del Sol area has proven particularly popular, favoured by 46% of Taylor Wimpey España’s Nordic purchasers in 2012. With its stunning coastline, bustling cities, direct flights and fantastic scenery, it’s easy to see why the area’s attractions have led so many Scandinavian buyers to fall in love with it. Add to that the incredible value of property there and you have a winning combination.
Los Arqueros Beach in Marbella is a new residential complex of two and three bedroom apartments situated just four minutes from the seafront promenade, three minutes from the ancient part of San Pedro de Alcantara and five minutes from the prestigious Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club. The apartments are the epitome of high quality modern design, with wide terraces, elevators, a spacious solarium, underground parking and two swimming pools all included in the purchase price, which starts from just €195,000.
But the Costa del Sol isn’t the only area to capture Scandinavian buyers’ interest. As Mark Pritchard continues,
“The stunning scenery and laidback lifestyle of the Costa Blanca are attracting an increasing number of Scandinavian clients. Our buyers there were up 35% in 2012.”
Taylor Wimpey España’s brand new beachfront La Vila Paradís apartments on the Costa Blanca enjoy direct access to Paraíso beach in the stunning Villajoyosa area. Beautiful sea views are complemented by carefully landscaped communal gardens, a delightful pool and private parking, with a range of unique, high quality two and three bedroom apartments starting at just €249,000.
