There are many reasons to own a second home in Spain and at this time of year, with the weather closing in in the UK, one of the most tantalising Spanish draws is undoubtedly the weather. According to Holiday Weather, the Costa Blanca enjoys an average temperature of 12°C during December, with an average of just five rainy days in December, compared to an average of 17 days for the festive period in London.
But the weather isn’t the only reason that second home buyers look to Spain over the winter months, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,
“Many of our buyers over the autumn period have been purchasing with a view to spending Christmas in their new home in Spain. It’s why key ready properties at developments like La Recoleta III are so sought after. Spending Christmas overseas in a hotel can be nice, but to truly experience a Spanish Christmas you need to have your own kitchen, to commit to the seasonal feasting in true Iberian style, and your own living room to decorate in the traditional way.”
Beachfront apartments at La Recoleta III are available from €185,000 for two bedrooms. Just an hour from Alicante Airport, the apartments offer spacious surroundings with high spec fixtures and fittings. The Mediterranean style buildings are set in pretty grounds, with fantastic sea views. Each apartments has its own private outdoor space and the development also features a pool for residents’ use.
The Christmas season in Spain traditionally begins on 8 December. According to The History of Christmas, one tradition is to fill shoes with straw or barley for tired camels that have to carry their riders throughout the night. Overnight, the straw or barley is replaced by gifts. A similar tradition takes place on 6 January, when shoes are left on balconies to be filled with gifts by the Wise Men.
Research by Holiday Hypermarket has found that 71% of festive holidaymakers are aged 51 or more, a demographic that fits well with owning property overseas. A nest egg in the sunshine that can serve as a main residence when retirement comes around is an excellent way to plan for the future – and can provide a host of cherished memories for family holidays and trips with friends even without plans for longer-term occupation.
With house prices up 6.6% in the past year, according to the Spanish Registrars’ Association, there is a sound financial case for property ownership in Spain as well. The sun has been shining on the Spanish housing market of late and buyers from overseas have been keen to be a part of it. Foreign demand rose by 20% in Q3 2015 when compared with a year earlier, according to the Spanish Property Register, while British demand rose by a staggering 53%.
Yet prices remain extremely reasonable. At Brisas de Alenda Golf, near Elche, a three bedroom townhouse costs from just €155,000. The complex includes an array of private gardens, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, a supermarket and a bilingual (Spanish/English) school, all just 15 minutes from the stunning beaches of Alicante.
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.
