Moving to a new location when retirement approaches is something many of us dream of, aspiring to eventually one day free our minds, spread our wings and fly off, maybe to sunnier skies, or to somewhere where we can pursue our hobbies or to a place that is simply closer to family and friends. But what alluring location you might ask has proven most popular with retirees in particular us British folk this year?
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting the masses time and time again, Spain reigns supreme, ranking as the number one foreign destination British people retire to followed by Australia, USA, France and Ireland according to research conducted by pensions and savings experts Standard Life. The news comes as the Worldwide Property Group reports that 65% of people see now as a good time to buy a property abroad.
But what is the attraction of Spain as a picture-perfect retirement location? Well, it could very well be the appeal of Andalusia’s quaint gleaming white villages bathed in history and tradition or Mallorca’s sublime restaurants and beautiful sunsets. Maybe some go to Spain for the array of leisure activities on water or the golf course or maybe it’s the 320 plus days of sun? For others, it could well be Spain’s laid back lifestyle, the tempting midday fiestas, the soulfully penetrating flamenco, or the fascinating Moorish architecture.
Whatever the reason, one of the biggest attractions is likely to be the relatively low cost of living with a three course meal and bottle of wine costing from as little as €10 allowing even those on fixed pensions to dine out on a regular basis rather than just an occasional treat.
Of course, it will come as no surprise that the majority of retirees flock to Spain’s beach hotspots such as the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol where there are big expat communities. However, nowadays the idyllic island of Mallorca is fairing popular with retired individuals searching for a peaceful yet interesting Mediterranean gem swamped in character, class and of course, good weather.
Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,
“Mallorca to some, is a sleepy, tranquil island and to others, a vivacious and wealthy location where life is in full bloom. Here, you can have the lifestyle you have always dreamed of whether you’re after peace and relaxation in a lesser known traditional village or remain in a city where there is plenty to see and do. There is a general feeling of good health a wellbeing evoked by the island which is enough to encourage anyone looking to retire to make Mallorca their new home.”
One such couple who fell in love with Mallorca,Phil and Pam Redican from Cumbria, UK could certainly vouch for the island as an idyllic retirement location having purchased a house there with the help of leading house builderTaylor Wimpey de España with Mr Redican commenting,
“I am retired and Pam is due to retire soon so we knew we wanted to buy a home abroad in a place with a warmer climate, within walking distance to shops, the beach and restaurants and somewhere within easy reach of our home in the UK. We decided on Mallorca as we had been there 3 times prior to buying and loved it. The property on the Los Altos des Golf resort shown to us by TaylorWimpey de España was perfect with the opportunity to live on a golf course being a big attraction – neither of us played golf before but we knew we wanted to learn and now we are both playing.”
With this in mind, Taylor Wimpey de España, who are now offering FREE VAT on their stock properties are providing the perfect opportunity for potential buyers to view the luxurious side of Mallorca with their affordable fully furnished ready to move into properties at their show home event until the 31st December 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or.
El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning Cala D’Or marina costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. 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.