Spain shines as Europe’s ideal sustainable travel

Spain shines as Europe’s ideal sustainable travel and second home destination

Lonely Planet has just ranked Spain as among the top ten destinations in the world for sustainable travel, as part of its Best in Travel 2024. The country’s commitment to biodiversity and the fact that “new cycle paths, electric buses and train routes offer flight-free ways to see the country” contributed to Spain’s status as a leading destination for eco-conscious travellers.

Sustainability is an increasingly important issue for second home buyers in Spain, as well as holidaymakers. According to the Sales and Marketing Director at leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, energy efficiency is increasingly top of mind for buyers. When asked to predict trends for the Spanish second homes market in 2024, he commented:

“Buyers are increasingly seeking modern homes built with sustainability in mind. They are asking about energy certifications and seeking out A- and B-rated properties with features such as aerothermal heating pumps, installation for electric cars, energy-efficient appliances and energy-saving measures in communal areas. This is going to be a key trend in 2024 and beyond, with buyers increasingly turning away from older properties in favour of new, more sustainable homes.”

Taylor Wimpey España already provides virtual show home visits for buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint by minimising travel. The company has seen travel patterns change too, with many owners using their properties for fewer, longer breaks, often blending leisure time with working from home.

“We expect to see further growth in executive nomads using their second homes in Spain in 2024. Those who have established effective, long-term working from home arrangements now have the freedom to change their travel patterns and enjoy greater lifestyle benefits as a result. Instead of travelling to the office daily, sitting in traffic and adding to the fumes, they can step onto the terrace and enjoy an early morning coffee in the near-year-round sunshine, drinking in the stunning view as motivation for the day’s work.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

With “new train routes making flight-free travel a breeze,” according to Lonely Planet, Spain is immensely accessible by rail. London to Malaga and London to Alicante by train are both achievable in less than 23 hours. Travellers can make the journey part of the adventure – with the right connection times, they can catch a sleeper train from Paris and stop for a relaxed breakfast in the sunshine of the south of France before carrying on to Spain.

Second homes in Spain come in a wide range of styles, sizes and locations, meaning that buyers can find the perfect balance to meet their individual needs when it comes to balancing work and leisure time. At Bella Beach in Dénia (in Alicante in the Costa Blanca) buyers can choose between ground floor homes with private gardens, two- and three-bedroom apartments with spacious terraces and luxurious penthouses with private solarium terraces. The A-rated homes overlook the sea and provide easy access to a wide range of facilities, with supermarkets, a market, cafes, restaurants, banks, a gym, a medical centre and a golf course all dotted about the local area.

While the Costa Blanca typically provides greater value for money than the neighbouring Costa del Sol, it is the latter where demand for properties has really flourished over the past year. According to Taylor Wimpey España, homes in the Costa del Sol represent 50% of its total reservations so far in 2023, with demand still growing.

British buyers, who accounted for 12% of Taylor Wimpey España’s total reservations between January and October 2023, have shown a particular preference for properties with stunning golf views this year. Homes at Solana Village, at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas, have proven a hit, with British buyers snapping up properties at both Solana Village East and Solana Village South. Part of the same development, the two sites offer exceptional golf views, along with communal facilities that include an adult pool, infant splash pool and pretty landscaped gardens overlooking the valley. The difference, as reflected in the names, relates to the orientation of the two- and three-bedroom apartments.

https://internationalbusinessnews.co.uk/spain-shines-as-europes-ideal-sustainable-travel-and-second-home-destination/

https://www.londondaily.news/spain-shines-as-europes-ideal-sustainable-travel-and-second-home-destination/

“Sea” Development Launched

“Sea” Development Launched

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has launched a new development – called Mare – just a four-minute stroll from the seafront in Marbella. The launch comes as the firm reveals that all but seven homes at its nearby development Terra have sold out within nine months.

Andalusia’s sun-drenched blend of beaches, lively towns and cities, superb gastronomy, world-class golf courses and more has long been popular with both Spanish and foreign homebuyers. The region accounts for 20.46% of all Spanish property sales, according to Q2 2023 figures from the Colegio de Registradores (the Spanish property registrars), with foreigners accounting for 14.19% of those purchases.

The new Mare development (“mare” meaning “sea” in Latin) is in San Pedro de Alcántara, close to the beach and minutes from the glitz and glamour of Puerto Banus and all the delights of Marbella. The development, which represents an investment of €52 million into the area by Taylor Wimpey España, will provide spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments, along with substantial four-bedroom penthouses. The homes are just a four-minute walk from the seafront promenade and three minutes from the ancient part of San Pedro de Alcántara.

Properties at Mare will be constructed in compliance with the regulations contained in the new Technical Building Code (CTE), positioning the homes are at the forefront of the market and providing the highest levels of energy efficiency. In addition to the apartments, the development will include a large communal pool and gardens for owners to relax in.

The new launch follows a successful first half of 2023 for Taylor Wimpey España. The firm completed 228 homes during the year’s first half, compared with 203 during the first half of 2022, with an average selling price of €374,000.

Andalusia is certainly a hit with British second home buyers, consistently coming in as the most popular region for Britons buying with Taylor Wimpey España. The firm is anticipating a busy second half of 2023 in terms of demand for its homes in this region, along with its properties in the Costa Blanca and Mallorca.

Nor is Taylor Wimpey España alone in its positive outlook. According to the latest Real Estate Barometer carried out by UCI and SIRA, 55% of real estate agents in Spain expect to see a moderate increase in the volume of second home purchases during the coming months.

https://londonlovesproperty.com/taylor-wimpey-espana-launches-new-marbella-development-in-response-to-strong-demand/

https://www.londondaily.news/sea-development-launched/

Taylor Wimpey España launches new Marbella development

Taylor Wimpey España launches new Marbella development in response to strong demand

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has launched Mare, a new development close to the seafront in Marbella.

The new Mare development (“mare” meaning “sea” in Latin) is in San Pedro de Alcántara, close to the beach and minutes from Puerto Banus and Marbella. The development, which represents an investment of €52 million into the area by Taylor Wimpey España, will provide spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments, along with substantial four-bedroom penthouses.

Properties at Mare will be constructed in compliance with the regulations contained in the new Technical Building Code (CTE), positioning the homes are at the forefront of the market and providing the highest levels of energy efficiency. In addition to the apartments, the development will include a large communal pool and gardens for owners to relax in.

The new launch follows a successful first half of 2023 for Taylor Wimpey España. The firm completed 228 homes during the first half of the year, compared with 203 during the first half of 2022, with an average selling price of €374,000.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España, commented, “British demand for homes in Spain – along with demand from domestic and other foreign buyers – certainly remains strong. Following the success of properties at Terra selling so fast, we are delighted to introduce Mare to the market, providing high-quality, sustainably designed homes for all those who have fallen for the charms of Andalusia.”

The launch comes as the firm reveals that all but seven homes at its nearby development Terra have sold out within nine months.

https://www.planetmarbella.com/taylor-wimpey-espana-launches-new-marbella-development-in-response-to-strong-demand/

https://internationalbusinessnews.co.uk/taylor-wimpey-espana-launches-new-marbella-development-in-response-to-strong-demand/

September sunshine in Spain

September sunshine in Spain: second home owners hit the fairways

Spain welcomed a record-breaking 10.1 million visitors in July 2023, according to the country’s National Statistics Institute (INE). Visitor numbers were up 11.4% compared with July 2022, while tourist spending was up by 16.4%. The figures mean that 47.6 million foreign tourists have now visited Spain so far in 2023, with combined spending of nearly €60 billion.

Now, as September rolls around, the end of the school summer holidays doesn’t mean the end of tourism in Spain for the year – but it does mean that visitors can enjoy the country minus the summer crowds. According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, this year-round access to Spain is one of the key benefits of owning a second home there.

Spain is a wonderful country to enjoy throughout the year. September is particularly popular with golfers looking to enjoy the country’s world-class fairways with more space and serenity than over the summer months. Spain’s beaches are also lovely in September, with fewer visitors than during July and August but with the sea still delightfully warm. As such, many second home owners particular enjoy spending time in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca at this time of year.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Spain’s year-round appeal means that visitors can enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle there regardless of the season. Homeowners at Taylor Wimpey España’s Sunny Golf and Emerald Greens, for example, can reap the benefits of spending time on the golf course during September, when the weather is a little cooler and the crowds a little thinner.

At Sunny Golf, homes with panoramic views of the course at Estepona Golf are easily accessible from both Malaga and Gibraltar airports, the bright and airy properties face southwest to make the most of the sunshine on their large terraces. The private residential complex provides a communal pool and gardens for owners’ use year-round.

Emerald Greens also delivers golf-front homes, at the popular San Roque Club in Cadiz. The apartments surround three communal pools, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes providing views of the golf course and coast.

A wide range of water-based activities are available for those seeking an active break in Spain during September. Surfing, sailing and diving are all popular, while the average sea temperature of 25°C in Mallorca will ensure swimmers are happy too.

Finding a suitable property close to the sea can be something of a challenge in Mallorca, but Senses Cala Anguila fits the bill. There, the two-bedroom apartments with communal gardens and pool – and private gardens on the ground floor – sit just 200 metres from the beach, with open plan living space that flows beautifully from indoors to out. Homes are located on Mallorca’s peaceful eastern coast close to Porto Cristo, Porto Colom and the stunning coves at Cala Mandía and Cala Romántica.

For many regular visitors to Spain, spending time there in September provides a chance to catch up with friends in the local community. Many areas have diverse communities with a mix of native Spaniards, British second home owners and property owners from around the world. The international diversity is such that Taylor Wimpey España has already sold homes in Spain to buyers of 44 different nationalities so far in 2023 (year-to-date August).

The Costa Blanca is one area with a thriving expat community, with regular visitors connecting over their shared love of the area’s golf courses, beaches, cuisine and more. Homes there offer excellent value for money compared with many Spanish coastal regions (and the UK); prices for townhouses at Breeze in Balcón de Finestrat near Benidorm and the Puig Campana golf course, for example, start from €367,000 plus VAT. The spacious, three-bedroom houses with generous terraces and private gardens are ideal for family visits or for sharing holidays with friends. The townhouses face southeast, with accommodation spread over four floors, including a lovely roof terrace. Owners enjoy use of Breeze’s communal pool and gardens.

For year-round enjoyment, the Costa Blanca also provides hiking and cycling routes through the picturesque Serra Gelada natural park and an impressive 21 golf courses dotted across the region.

“The Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca all provide an enticing range of year-round activities, meaning that homeowners in these areas have a wealth of choice when it comes to how to spend their time. In September, the clement weather also means that visitors can simply relax on the terrace with their thoughts or dive into a good book while they enjoy the sunshine – relaxation in Spain takes many forms!”

https://propertynewsdesk.co.uk/2023/09/07/september-sunshine-in-spain-second-home-owners-hit-the-fairways/

https://londonlovesproperty.com/september-sunshine-in-spain-second-home-owners-hit-the-fairways/

Magical Mallorca set to charm visitors this autumn

Magical Mallorca set to charm visitors this autumn as the summer crowds recede

From peaceful streets in Palma to beaches with barely anyone on them, Mallorca takes on a magical serenity as autumn unfolds. For second homeowners, it can be the ideal time to enjoy the island’s sunshine and scenery, minus the frenetic buzz of tourists that the school summer holidays bring. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España and decades-long Mallorca resident, comments:

“There is a wonderful, vibrant energy that arrives with the summer visitors to Mallorca each year. Yet their departure at the end of the season is equally exciting – that is when calm descends over the island once more. It’s the perfect time to enjoy long walks and cycle rides through Mallorca’s idyllic scenery, relax on quiet beaches and linger over lunches as you gaze out to sea.”

Mallorca in the autumn can be truly magical. It can also be much cheaper than visiting in the summer. According to Cheapflights (at the time of writing), the cheapest direct flight from London to Palma is £223 if you fly out on 19th August 2023 for a week. Fly out on 9th September 2023 for a week instead and the price more than halves to £111.

For visitors who aren’t tied to only experiencing Mallorca during school holidays, there is much to enjoy as summer turns to autumn. Holiday Weather reports that the island enjoys an average temperature of 22°C during September, with eight average daily sunshine hours. The average sea temperature in September is a very welcoming 25°C.

Mallorca’s shops and restaurants are blissfully peaceful during autumn, compared with the summer season, so visitors can enjoy everything from souvenir shopping to long lunches and dinners with an air of relaxation. There’s even the chance to pick up a few bargains as stores aim to offload their summer ranges. Mallorca’s bustling local markets also offer plenty to enjoy in autumn, particularly as the island’s bountiful harvest time rolls around.

For visitors keen to enjoy Mallorca throughout the year, autumn provides a great opportunity for viewing second homes on the island at a leisurely pace. The Taylor Wimpey España team provides both digital and in-person viewings of its show homes on the island.

Homes at Taylor Wimpey España’s Compass apartments cost from €310,000 plus VAT for a two-bedroom/two-bathroom property with an open plan kitchen and living space. All homes come with good-sized terraces, while the development has two communal pools for owners to enjoy. The final home for sale in Compass’ second phase is ready to move into and comes complete with kitchen appliances included, while off-plan homes in the third phase have just been launched for sale. Buyers can choose between southeast and southwest orientations, with construction due for completion in September 2024.

Buyers with a slightly higher budget have the option of a home at Senses Cala Anguila, located a little further up Mallorca’s eastern coast than Compass, at Porto Cristo. Just 200m from the sea, the light-filled homes are distributed over two three-storey buildings, with generous terraces and private gardens on the ground floor. Prices start from €410,000 plus VAT, which includes the use of the communal gardens and pool. There is a new show home open for anyone who would like to find out more about the development.

We are excited to welcome visitors to our new show home at Senses Cala Anguila, and share insights into life in this lovely part of Mallorca. From the gorgeous coves at Cala Mandía and Cala Romántica, to the famous Caves of Drach and the equally impressive Caves of Hams, this is a wonderful stretch of coastline to explore.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

 

https://www.londondaily.news/magical-mallorca-set-to-charm-visitors-this-autumn-as-the-summer-crowds-recede/

British appetite for second homes in Spain

British appetite for second homes in Spain grows over the summer months

From holiday searches to second homes, Spain is winning big right now when it comes to courting Britons’ favour. Visitor numbers are soaring, with Spain’s national statistics institute (INE) recording more than 1.82 million British visitors in May 2023 (compared to 1.65 million in May 2022).

This positions Brits as Spain’s leading international visitor group, well ahead of French visitors (1.1 million in May), Germans (1.06 million) and the many other nationalities who choose to holiday in Spain.

Nor is it just holidays in the sunshine that Britons are seeking on Spanish shores. According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, the number of Brits reserving second homes in Spain for purchase has jumped during the past two months. In particular, British buyers are focusing on the Costa del Sol and Mallorca.

Research by Premier Inn, meanwhile, has shown that Malaga isn’t simply Briton’s favourite city in Spain – it’s their top choice globally, based on annual Google searches for holiday destinations.

“The British love for Spain remains unabated. Climate, cuisine, beaches, golf, proximity to the UK… Spain ticks all the right boxes for the perfect holiday destination, which is why it is so popular with British second home buyers.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España said, “In Malaga province, La Cala Golf Resort is home to several property developments that are proving popular with British buyers. A range of price points is available, from sunny apartments and penthouses that cost from €310,000 plus VAT at Solana Village East to spacious townhouses at Belaria priced from €585,000 plus VAT. Both developments come with communal swimming pools. Buyers also enjoy a range of benefits at La Cala, including discounts on green fees at its three 18-hole championship golf courses and in its spa, bars, restaurants and padel, tennis and squash courts.

Over in Mallorca, Senses Cala Anguila is one of a number of resorts that are also attracting keen interest from holiday home-seeking Brits. Located on the island’s eastern coast, which is home to a string of stunning beaches, the development offers homes priced from €380,000 plus VAT.

https://londonlovesproperty.com/british-appetite-for-second-homes-in-spain-grows-over-the-summer-months/

https://londonlovesproperty.com/steady-stream-of-holidaymakers-viewing-show-homes-in-spain-this-summer/

https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/08/15/british-appetite-for-second-homes-in-spain-grows-over-the-summer-months/

Why you should visit Majorca

Majorca (next to Menorca) has been revealed as the top European destination for British travellers this summer, based on Expedia’s hotel search data. What is it about this majestic island that makes it so enduringly popular with holidaymakers?

Nature—in every form

Mountains, valleys, beautiful beaches… if you like feeling at one with nature, Majorca is the place to do it. You can explore on foot or on two wheels, thanks to Majorca’s wealth of excellent walking and cycling routes, enjoying the sunshine and the stunning vistas across the island.

“Majorca is aiming for the island to become a leader in global sustainable tourism”

 

Despite being the most visited of the Balearic Islands and welcoming more than 10 million visitors per year, Majorca is managing to preserve its natural environment and heritage, with an active programme in place that is aiming for the island to become a leader in global sustainable tourism.

Beaches to suit every visitor

Being an island, Majorca is home to an impressive array of beachscapes. Whether you’re looking for gently lapping azure waters, tucked away coves to discover by boat or huge rollers that cry out to be surfed, Majorca delivers.

Local gastronomy to love

The local cuisine is another of Majorca’s many charms. From rich vegetable dishes (trying tumbet is a must) to hearty meat flavours (the spreadable cured sausage known as sobrassada stands out), Majorca is home to unique and distinctive flavours.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to try a slice of ensaimada—a local pastry made with pork fat (which tastes infinitely better than it sounds!). If you’re more of a savoury person, try working your way through the incredible wealth of local cheeses, breads and olive oils.

Stay in style

Majorca also offers an impressive range of holiday properties to purchase for families who want to visit the island regularly. Apartments are the most cost-effective form of second homes on the island. At Compass from Taylor Wimpey España, for example, apartments with good-sized terraces and a communal pool cost from €310,000 plus VAT. For those with more cash to splash, The Village at Es Capdella offers semi-detached houses with private pools in a picturesque village setting from €820,000 plus VAT. Detached villas are also available – at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita in Campos, detached homes with private pools cost from €740,000 plus VAT.

https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/places-to-visit/why-you-should-visit-majorca

Holidaymakers viewing show homes in Spain

Show homes in Spain: “Steady stream” of holidaymakers viewing this summer

For some holidaymakers, a trip to Spain is the start of a more long-term relationship with the country. Sales and Marketing Director at leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España observes:

“Many of our buyers combine their first viewing of a show home with a holiday in Spain, which means that summer is a particularly busy time of year for second home sales. Families want to holiday here while also enjoying their own space, the flexibility to visit at whatever time of year they choose and the freedom to invite friends and extended family to stay. A second home ticks all of those boxes and more.”

Official figures reflect international buyers’ increasing appetite for property in Spain. The Spanish Association of Registrars (Registradores de España) reported that foreigners were responsible for 14.52% of total sales in Spain during the first quarter of 2023, compared to 13.17% during the same period in 2022. Many of these buyers are purchasing properties of €500,000 or more, which means they are eligible for Spain’s residency-based Golden Visa. In 2022, more than 9,000 international transactions were above this threshold.

Climate and lifestyle are top of many buyers’ priority lists when it comes to purchasing a second home overseas. Spain’s beaches and golf courses provide plenty of scope for an active outdoor lifestyle, while the 300+ days of sunshine in regions such as the Costa del Sol appeal to many buyers in rainier and colder countries. So far this year, Taylor Wimpey España has sold homes to buyers of 42 different nationalities, many of them keen to enjoy the Spanish sunshine.

This outdoor, sun-kissed lifestyle is a core part of the experience of owning a home at resorts such as Taylor Wimpey España’s Sunny Golf in Estepona, Malaga. The bright, spacious homes overlook the gently undulating fairways of Estepona Golf. There are communal gardens and a communal pool for spending time outdoors, while apartments also have large terraces that are perfect for relaxing in the sun. In addition, ground floor homes have private gardens, while penthouses have roomy solariums.

Attractive property prices (compared to many other European countries) add to Spain’s appeal as a second home destination. However, prices can vary significantly depending on where you buy.

Prices in southern Spain range from superb value to rather eye-watering, depending on what you buy and where. When making the most of your budget is a priority, the Costa Blanca is an excellent choice. It’s home to both golf and beach properties, so buyers have plenty of choice.” Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

The apartments at Amara, in Gran Alacant, Alicante, showcase the value for money that the Costa Blanca can provide. The two- and three-bedroom homes surround two large communal pools, garden areas and a children’s playpark, set against the stunning backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Mallorca has a reputation for being pricier than some of Spain’s mainland locations. However, the island also delivers surprising pockets of value for budget-conscious buyers, while also providing all the benefits of coastal living. Apartments at Compass in Cala D’Or on Mallorca’s southeastern coast, for example, are just 45 km from Palma airport and 1 km from the beach. The two-bedroom homes, which come with ample terraces (private gardens on the ground floor) and a communal pool.

Domestic appetite for property in Spain is strong at present, alongside international demand. This has led to prices for new build homes rising by 2.8% during the first six months of 2023. Meanwhile, Tinsa reports that property in Spain is 4.8% more expensive than it was a year ago. In some regions, the increase has been much higher – Malaga, for example, has seen price rises of 10.1% over the past year.

“Demand for property in Spain is certainly lively at the moment. And with the value of properties rising, it’s a good time to make a purchase. As a result, we’re seeing a steady stream of buyers enjoying summer  and visiting our show homes in Spain while they are here.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Sustainable approach to second homes in Spain

A more sustainable approach to second homes in Spain

Spanish housebuilder focuses on choosing natural materials and prioritising products from local suppliers, following an increased demand for sustainable second homes.

Sustainability is a big concern for an increasing number of holiday homebuyers, according to Spanish housebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. With this in mind, the firm is showcasing its take on building second homes sustainably with villas located across southern Spain.

Sales and marketing director, explained: “There are concepts which apply as standard when building homes sustainably, such as choosing natural materials and prioritising goods from local sources. It’s also important to understand the context of each site and how best to harness natural energy sources.

“Using aerothermal energy systems, for example, can extract up to 75% of energy from outside air, which can then be used to heat homes. That can deliver significant energy and cost savings for second home buyers.”

According to the team, since half of Europe’s energy consumption relates to heating and cooling buildings, switching to aerothermal heating can make a significant difference.

The villas include thermal insulation of exterior walls, roofs and windows, the provision of LED lighting, double glazing and low-consumption appliances, and pre-installation for charging electric vehicles.

Other benefits are site-specific. Breeze, in Balcón de Finestrat in Alicante, for example, is well located for accessing the local public transport network, providing homebuyers with a range of alternatives to using cars.

“We often think about energy efficiency and natural materials in terms of reducing properties’ impact on the planet. However, there are other benefits too. More energy-efficient properties can save owners money on their gas and electricity bills. Internal air quality can benefit too, which can deliver wellbeing benefits for owners,” added .

The firm’s detached homes at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita in Mallorca showcase the team’s ideas in action.

The three-bedroom villas each have a large terrace with a private garden and swimming pool. Keen cyclists are also well served, with Sa Rapita providing an excellent starting point for various exploratory routes across the island.

The kitchen features a worktop and oven front panel made from compact quartz and is equipped with an oven, induction hob, integrated refrigerator and dishwasher by Siemens. The extractor hood, manufactured by Pando, is integrated into the ceiling and the single sink is in stainless steel with taps by Tres.

 

https://www.bdonline.co.uk/buildings-design-and-specification/a-more-sustainable-approach-to-second-homes-in-spain/5123886.article

Live On Costa del Sol

House Buyers Desperate To Live On Costa del Sol

The desire to live in Spain’s Costa del Sol appears to have reached new heights with a surge in off-plan sales.

According to information from developer Taylor Wimpey Spain on Wednesday, July 19, more than 30 nationalities, including Spaniards, have acquired a home, writes La Opinión de Málaga.

 

What Are Off-Plan Sales?

Off-plan sales are the acquisition of an apartment or house based on a plan, that is, before construction has even begun. The popularity of the Costa del Sol area coupled with the limited availability of finished new constructions has seen a massive surge in off-plan sales.

Despite British developer, Taylor Wimpey Spain, currently having several projects under construction, it has completely sold out of its stock of finished homes. At the moment it reports that off-plan sales account for 100 per cent of its operations.

Statistics from Taylor Wimpey Spain indicate that the Costa del Sol is the area with the highest growth in the country in terms of increased new contacts. So far this year has seen a 68 per cent increase in potential buyers

Which Nationalities Are Buying?

Taylor Wimpey Spain’s customers in Malaga are made up of 89 per cent foreigners compared to 11 per cent of Spanish buyers. They also pointed out that off-plan sales were a feature among Spanish nationals, not just foreign buyers.

Although no comparative figures were made available, the developer did point out that some of the most prominent buyers came from the UK, Belgium, Iran, Russia and Poland.

The areas within the Costa del Sol region that rank the highest in terms of desirability are, San Pedro de Alcantara, Casares Costa, Estepona and Marbella, on the western coast of Malaga.

 

https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/07/19/house-buyers-desperate-to-live-on-costa-del-sol/

Holidaymakers viewing show homes

“Steady stream” of holidaymakers viewing show homes in Spain this summer

For some holidaymakers, a trip to Spain is the start of a more long-term relationship with the country.

Sales and Marketing Director at leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España observes:

“Many of our buyers combine their first viewing of a show home with a holiday in Spain, which means that summer is a particularly busy time of year for second home sales. Families want to holiday here while also enjoying their own space, the flexibility to visit at whatever time of year they choose and the freedom to invite friends and extended family to stay. A second home ticks all of those boxes and more.”

Official figures reflect international buyers’ increasing appetite for property in Spain. The Spanish Association of Registrars (Registradores de España) reported that foreigners were responsible for 14.52% of total sales in Spain during the first quarter of 2023, compared to 13.17% during the same period in 2022. Many of these buyers are purchasing properties of €500,000 or more, which means they are eligible for Spain’s residency-based Golden Visa. In 2022, more than 9,000 international transactions were above this threshold.

Climate and lifestyle are top of many buyers’ priority lists when it comes to purchasing a second home overseas. Spain’s beaches and golf courses provide plenty of scope for an active outdoor lifestyle, while the 300+ days of sunshine in regions such as the Costa del Sol appeal to many buyers in rainier and colder countries. So far this year, Taylor Wimpey España has sold homes to buyers of 42 different nationalities, many of them keen to enjoy the Spanish sunshine.

This outdoor, sun-kissed lifestyle is a core part of the experience of owning a home at resorts such as Taylor Wimpey España’s Sunny Golf in Estepona, Malaga. The bright, spacious homes overlook the gently undulating fairways of Estepona Golf. There are communal gardens and a communal pool for spending time outdoors, while apartments also have large terraces that are perfect for relaxing in the sun. In addition, ground floor homes have private gardens, while penthouses have roomy solariums. Prices start from €245,000 plus VAT.

Attractive property prices (compared to many other European countries) add to Spain’s appeal as a second home destination. However, prices can vary significantly depending on where you buy.

“Prices in southern Spain range from superb value to rather eye-watering, depending on what you buy and where. When making the most of your budget is a priority, the Costa Blanca is an excellent choice. It’s home to both golf and beach properties, so buyers have plenty of choice.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

The apartments at Amara, in Gran Alacant, Alicante, showcase the value for money that the Costa Blanca can provide. The two- and three-bedroom homes surround two large communal pools, garden areas and a children’s playpark, set against the stunning backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Mallorca has a reputation for being pricier than some of Spain’s mainland locations. However, the island also delivers surprising pockets of value for budget-conscious buyers, while also providing all the benefits of coastal living. Apartments at Compass in Cala D’Or on Mallorca’s southeastern coast, for example, are just 45 km from Palma airport and 1 km from the beach. The two-bedroom homes, which come with ample terraces (private gardens on the ground floor) and a communal pool.

Domestic appetite for property in Spain is strong at present, alongside international demand. This has led to prices for new build homes rising by 2.8% during the first six months of 2023. Meanwhile, Tinsa reports that property in Spain is 4.8% more expensive than it was a year ago. In some regions, the increase has been much higher – Malaga, for example, has seen price rises of 10.1% over the past year.

“Demand for property in Spain is certainly lively at the moment. And with the value of properties rising, it’s a good time to make a purchase. As a result, we’re seeing a steady stream of buyers enjoying summer in Spain and visiting our show homes while they are here.”

https://internationalbusinessnews.co.uk/steady-stream-of-holidaymakers-viewing-show-homes-in-spain-this-summer/

Explore Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline

Why you need to explore Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline

From the bustling Alicante and the luxurious villas of Gran Alacant to the stunning beach of Jávea, here’s why you need to experience Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline

From Gandia in the north of the region to Torrevieja in the south, the Costa Blanca is awash with stunning beaches, charming towns and a whole host of leisure activities. If you’re looking for an affordable holiday destination or even somewhere to buy an affordable, sun-kissed second home, it’s time to explore this attractive stretch of Spanish coastline.

 

A region to fall in love with

The Costa Blanca coastline stretches for almost 125 miles along the southeastern edge of Spain. The local climate provides around 325 sunny days per year, with white sandy beaches set against the sparkling blue backdrop of the Mediterranean and the even bluer sky.

“The climate provides around 325 sunny days per year, with white beaches set against the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean”.

“It’s a very easy region to fall in love with,” observes Marc Pritchard of Taylor Wimpey España, the home builder that has been delivering second homes in Spain for the past 65 years. “From the climate and lifestyle to the beauty of the natural environment, the Costa Blanca cannot help but delight. The area offers exceptional value for money, as well—something that is particularly relevant in modern times.”

 

Sunshine minus the price tag

Local property prices certainly reflect the Costa Blanca’s affordability. Two-bedroom apartments at Amara in Gran Alacant, for example, cost from €205,000 (around £176,000) plus VAT—a price tag that would be unimaginable on a resort with communal pool and sea views in the UK.

This affordability extends to many aspects of local life. Eating out in the Costa Blanca means enjoying a wide choice of restaurants celebrating the seafood and other fresh, seasonal flavours associated with the region. Paella, sweet almondy turrón, thinly sliced bluefin tuna (mojama) and the many varieties of arroz a banda are all guaranteed to delight the palate without breaking the bank.

“Eating out in the Costa Blanca means enjoying a wide choice of restaurants celebrating the seafood and other fresh, seasonal flavours”

According to Numbeo’s July 2023 data, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant in Spain costs an average of €12.00 (£10.30), while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range eatery comes in at €45.00 (£38.64). Comparable meals in the UK cost an average of £15 and £60 respectively.

This cost saving is reflected in a wide range of areas of daily life, with the cost-of-living in Spain 21.8 per cent lower than in the UK, according to Numbeo.

A touch of luxury

Touring the Costa Blanca’s towns

Hole in one

Soaking in the spas

Welcome to Spain

https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/places-to-visit/why-you-need-to-explore-spains-costa-blanca-coastline

Showcases A-rated second homes in Spain

A-rated second homes

  • The homebuilder reports increasing demand for sustainable properties
  • Aerothermal energy, water-saving measures and local, natural materials all playing key roles
  • Energy certificate A-rated homes delivered in tune with local settings and contexts

Sustainability and eco-friendliness are top concerns for an increasing number of holiday home buyers, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. With this in mind, the firm is showcasing three different takes on building second homes sustainably, in the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and Costa Blanca. Sales and Marketing Director explains:

“There are concepts which apply as standard when building homes sustainably, such as choosing natural materials and prioritising goods from local sources. It’s also important to understand the context of each site and how best to harness natural energy sources. Using aerothermal energy systems, for example, can extract up to 75% of energy from outside air, which can then be used to heat homes. That can deliver significant energy and cost savings for second home buyers.”

Aerothermal energy systems are used as standard in Taylor Wimpey España’s energy certificate A-rated homes. Given that half of Europe’s energy consumption relates to heating and cooling buildings, the switch to aerothermal heating can make a significant difference.

Other features resulting in energy savings across Taylor Wimpey España’s most sustainable homes include thermal insulation of exterior walls, rooves and windows and the provision of LED lighting, double glazing and low-consumption appliances. Properties also include pre-installation for charging electric vehicles. Other benefits are site-specific. Breeze, in Balcón de Finestrat in Alicante, for example, is well located for accessing the local public transport network, which includes bus, train and tram routes, providing homebuyers with a range of alternatives to using cars.

We often think about energy efficiency and natural materials in terms of reducing properties’ impact on the planet. However, there are other benefits too. More energy efficient properties can save owners money on their gas and electricity bills. Internal air quality can benefit too, which can deliver wellbeing benefits for owners. As more and more buyers focus on sustainable homes, these types of properties are also likely to hold their value more than older, less eco-friendly buildings.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s detached homes at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita in Mallorca showcase all of this in action. Particularly popular with British buyers, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom villas provide spacious accommodation with large terraces and private gardens and pools. The local area provides a variety of restaurants overlooking the sea, a promenade for strolling along the beach at Sa Rapita and bucolic spots to delight in the magical sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea.

Keen cyclists are also well served by the villas, which are priced from €740,000 plus VAT, with Sa Rapita providing an excellent starting point for various exploratory routes across the island. The villas hold an energy certification of A, thanks to their aerothermal heating, double glazing, LED lighting and numerous other sustainability-focused features.

Also A-rated as a result of these features, along with water- and energy-saving measures in communal areas, are the apartments of Almazara Hills, near Istán in the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by ancient olive trees and on the doorstep of the stunning La Concepción Reservoir and Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), the homes provide easy access to nearly a dozen hiking trails and six mountain bike routes. Other activities available in the area include fishing, canoeing, climbing and canyoning, while visitors to the reservoir, where motorboats are banned, have a chance to spot the Costa del Sol’s rare and elusive otters.

https://www.theeconews.co.uk/taylor-wimpey-espana-showcases-a-rated-second-homes-in-spain/

What does half a million pounds buy you in Spain?

What does half a million pounds buy you in Spain?

Summer is a busy time of year for companies that sell holiday homes overseas. As holidaymakers spend time abroad during July and August, many consider purchasing a property in their favourite destination. Of those foreign buyers who go ahead and buy a home in Spain, one in ten spends more than €500,000, according to Colegio Registradores. That compares to just one in twenty buyers back in 2013.

So, what can you pick up with half a million to spend in Spain these days? Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España reveals all…

 

A budget of that size provides you with plenty of choice in Spain. Whether you want sea views, a resort home with a golf course on-site or a mountainside property tucked away from everyday life, you can find what you need here. The Costa del Sol is certainly easily affordable with half a million to spend, meaning that everything from the bright lights of Marbella and Puerto Banús to family-friendly locations such as Mijas are within budget.” Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

Taylor Wimpey España has shared details of two very different properties that would suit buyers with a budget of £500,000. The first is Belaria, located at La Cala Golf Resort in Mijas. The development features 21 frontline golf townhouses with panoramic views of the resort, the sea and Mijas valley. Each spacious three-storey home includes a large solarium and garden. Rated ‘A’ for their energy efficiency, the properties cost from €585,000 plus VAT (€585,000 equates to £501,959 at the time of writing, according to xe.com).

With a communal swimming pool at Belaria, plus three 18-hole golf courses, tennis and padel courts and a spa with a selection of wellness activities at La Cala Golf, the homes are ideal for families looking to enjoy a fitness-focused lifestyle. Mijas is also home to the beautiful Sierra de Mijas Natural Park, providing easy access to nature. Marbella, Fuengirola and Puerto Banús are all just a few minutes away by car, providing plenty of options for shopping, dining and nightlife.

An alternative to Belaria is Almazara Views, a collection of townhouses nestled on a mountainside with spectacular views of the Concepción reservoir and the coast of Marbella. The stunning setting on the slopes of La Concha is ideal for exacting homebuyers looking for a property surrounded by nature, with the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and the surrounding area providing opportunities for fishing, canoeing, climbing and canyoning, as well as a dozen hiking routes and six mountain bike trails.

The properties at Almazara Views are priced from €540,000 plus VAT (xe.com advises that €540,000 equates to £463,379 at the time of writing). The three-bedroom townhouses are light and airy, with private terraces providing unrestricted views towards Marbella Bay and Gibraltar, as well as underground parking and storerooms, communal gardens and a communal pool.

Not only can buyers get more property for their money in Spain, but newly compiled data from Numbeo shows that the cost of living locally is also far lower than it is in the UK. The July 2023 figures show that the cost of living in Spain is, on average, 22.1% lower than it is in the UK, with everything from groceries to meals out costing less in Spain.

https://www.londondaily.news/what-does-half-a-million-pounds-buy-you-in-spain/

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/property/what-500000-can-buy-you-27319524

https://londonlovesproperty.com/what-does-half-a-million-pounds-buy-you-in-spain/

Where to buy your dream Spanish holiday home

Where to buy your dream Spanish holiday home

The British love affair with Spain endures, despite Brexit.

Its sun-drenched coastlines remain our go-to escape for an outdoor lifestyle, whether you seek to slow down a gear or party long into the balmy night.

British buyers bought nearly 10,000 properties during 2022, according to the Registrars (the Spanish land registry), and in the first quarter of 2023 they remained the biggest national group in Spain.

Where are we aspiring to buy? Beaches and popular holiday resorts dominate the list of the 15 most searched-for locations in Spain this month on the portal Rightmove, and amid high inflation and rising interest rates here in the UK, affordable locations feature strongly.

Here, we take a closer look at look at the most desired second Spanish home.

Marbella
Marbella’s old town offers a slower pace than the glitz and glam of the nearby port – Manfred Gottschalk
The Costa del Sol’s glitzy hub is home to around 45,000 foreign residents and the British dominate the recent arrivals, according to the town hall.

From the shaded squares of the charming old town to the shops of Puerto Banus, the beaches or the golf courses, it remains top of many wish lists. Expect to pay around €400,000 (£342,000) for a good two-bedroom apartment, says Sean Cannon, of agent Panorama Properties.

Estepona
Green Golf townhouses Estepona
Homes in Estepona sell at roughly a 40pc discount compared to those in nearby Marbella
Around half an hour west of Marbella on the Costa del Sol, Estepona has been growing in popularity as an affordable alternative. Its smartened-up beach promenade is awash with new bars and restaurants, and there’s the cultural pull of art galleries, museums and theatres.

“Estepona appeals to the UK market as Gibraltar airport is an alternative to Malaga airport, both an hour away,” says Taylor Wimpey España.

Javea
Javea’s old town is full of picturesque streets that play host to a cosmopolitan culture
Sitting between two capes on the northern Costa Blanca, this verdant peninsula of olive groves, secluded coves and crystalline waters is a cosmopolitan town popular with holiday-home ­owners and expats.

Tony Holmes moved from Ashford in Kent two years ago with his wife and two children. He’s extending their four-bedroom villa while his wife teaches at a local school.

“The quality of life here is great. The children are mixing with children from all over the world and we enjoy a very active, sporty life outside,” says Holmes.

“You might pick up a villa with a pool for €450,000 but most are nearer €800,000,”

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/where-to-buy-your-dream-spanish-holiday-home/ar-AA1dAXM0

https://enews.com.ng/2023/07/where-to-buy-your-dream-spanish-holiday-home/

https://emeatribune.com/where-to-buy-your-dream-spanish-holiday-home/

The benefits of buying second homes sustainably

The benefits of buying second homes sustainably on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol welcomed more than 12.4 million visitors in 2022, as tourists flocked to the region to enjoy its beaches, golf courses, rich cultural life and, of course, plentiful sunshine. Many of those who visit regularly purchase holiday homes in the region. Now, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is presenting them with a host of sustainability-focused property choices along the coast.

 

There are multiple benefits to buying a second home with sustainability in mind. The planet benefits, for one, with eco-friendlier second homes delivering superior energy efficiency, using natural materials during construction and cutting down on delivery miles. Buyers also benefit, not just from knowing they are purchasing responsibly but from reduced energy bills.

 

Taylor Wimpey España Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard comments:

 

“As developers increasingly focus on building more sustainably, second home buyers have more choice than ever when it comes to eco-friendly properties. There are multiple benefits to choosing such a property, on top of all the usual advantages that come with owning a holiday home overseas.”

 

The homes at Terra in Marbella, which are available from €625,000 plus VAT, show how this can be achieved. The properties use aerothermal energy, which draws heat from the surrounding outside air for use indoors. This system can deliver notable energy bill savings for owners.

 

In addition to aerothermal energy, other features that support more sustainable second home creation include LED spotlights, double-glazed windows, water-saving and electricity-saving measures in common areas and pre-installation for electric vehicle charging. \

 

Taylor Wimpey España’s homes at Solemar provide all of this and more. Located close to the long sweep of golden sand at Malaga’s Casares Beach, the collection of apartments and penthouses has an A-rated energy certification. The southeast-facing homes are priced from €268,000 plus VAT, which includes use of a generously proportioned communal pool, as well as large, landscaped areas for families to enjoy.

 

Sustainability and nature often go hand-in-hand, meaning that there can be wellbeing benefits associated with buying sustainably as well. At Almazara Hills in Istán in Malaga, for example, buyers have a wealth of nature surrounding them. The unique setting is dominated by outstanding panoramic views of the Concepción reservoir and the coast of Marbella, with buyers at the first phase benefitting from the highest elevation – and thus the most impressive views. There are nearly a dozen hiking routes around the Istán area in Sierra de las Nieves (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) as well as six mountain bike routes. Property prices at Almazara Hills start from €355,000 plus VAT for a two-bedroom apartment.

 

A further bonus with sustainability-focused new homes is their potential to hold their value. As buyers increasingly seek out more eco-friendly properties, and the range of A-rated properties increases, older, less energy efficient homes are likely to become a less attractive purchase option.

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/07/03/the-benefits-of-buying-second-homes-sustainably-on-the-costa-del-sol/

Beach: lifelong mental wellbeing benefits

Beach mental benefits:

  • Time by the sea during childhood = better mental health in adulthood (ECEHH)
  • Lakes, rivers and other blue spaces also contribute to health and wellbeing
  • Taylor Wimpey España buyers benefit from sunshine as well as blue spaces

Every parent wants to do the best for their children, including for their health and wellbeing. According to a recent survey coordinated by the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) at the University of Exeter, that means spending more time by the water.

The survey of 15,000 people across 14 countries found that those who spent more time near blue spaces during their childhood had improved mental health during adulthood. Blue spaces include the sea, inland waterways, lakes and rivers.

“In the context of an increasingly technological and industrialised world, it’s important to understand how childhood nature experiences relate to wellbeing in later life. Our findings suggest that building familiarity and confidence in and around blue spaces during childhood may stimulate an inherent joy of nature and encourage people to seek out recreational nature experiences, with beneficial consequences for adult mental health.”

Valeria Vitale, PhD candidate at Sapienza University of Rome and lead author of the study

Dr Leanne Martin from the University of Exeter also said that the research revealed that, “developing skills such as swimming at an early age can have previously unrecognised life-long benefits.”

The survey’s findings add to the recognised physical health benefits of spending time by the sea, which can support a healthy immune system, help regulate sleep and blood pressure and improve mood, circulation and heart rate.

Those who spend time near blue spaces in Spain can enjoy the added benefit of a climate that supports increased opportunities for exercising outdoors. This can further enhance the benefits already delivered by spending time by the sea, such as stress reduction and greater relaxation, as well as increasing vitamin D levels. According to the ECEHH, it takes just minutes for some of those positive effects to be felt.

“We’ve always known that happy childhood days by the seaside are something to look back on fondly. Now, the latest research shows just how long-lasting the benefits of such days by the water can be. It’s humbling to think that the coastal and lakeside properties we provide are creating not just happy family moments at the time of use, but underpinning mental wellbeing that can last for decades.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has spent the past 65 years building homes in coastal locations. Some of its most popular seaside developments at present include Amara and Iconic in Gran Alacant and Bella Beach in Denia, where apartments are selling fast.

Amara is a collection of 120 apartments laid out around two large communal pools, a children’s playground and pretty communal gardens. Every home comes with generously sized terraces or balconies, with some of the penthouse apartments offering exceptional views across the beach at El Carabassí and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Prices start from just €220,000 plus VAT for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment.

Also located in Gran Alacant, which is just 20 minutes from Alicante, is Iconic, where a new phase of two- and three-bedroom homes has just been launched. Home to 170 apartments, and with impressive views of the Med, the development also provides a communal pool, private underground parking, garden areas, outdoor fitness equipment, bicycle parking and a children’s play area. All just a 15-minute walk from the beach. Apartments cost from €294,000 plus VAT.

The homes at Bella Beach offer even quicker access to the sea, with direct pedestrian access to Dénia’s Almadraba beach. The 62 apartments surround communal pools and gardens. Each home has a balcony or terrace, while penthouse apartments come with private solariums. Prices for the homes start from €275,000 plus VAT. Perfect for maximising family time spent on the beach or by the pool.

https://www.londondaily.news/how-days-on-the-beach-can-deliver-lifelong-mental-wellbeing-benefits/

Is it time to discover Mallorca?

Discover Mallorca:

Mallorca has been in the spotlight recently, with Nicole Kidman posting a series of images on her Instagram, showcasing the island’s beauty. Fellow celebs Michelle Pfeiffer and Reese Witherspoon were quick to comment on how “beautiful” and “amazing” the island looked.

Now, budget travel company Jet2 has opened up Mallorca to those without a Hollywood-sized holiday budget, as part of an extra 11,000 seats to Palma de Mallorca (along with Tenerife) from a range of UK airports.

Additional flights to Mallorca will operate from Birmingham and East Midlands airports in April, and from those two airports plus Glasgow and Leeds Bradford in May. Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy has advised that the increased flights are part of Jet2’s “biggest ever summer programme”. Prices are as low as £91 for a return (Birmingham BHX to Palma PMI, departing 4th May 2023, at the time of writing).

As a family holiday destination, there is certainly much to love about Mallorca. TripAdvisor just ranked the island as the seventh best place for nature on the planet. It was the only location in Europe to make it into the top ten ranking. Stunning beaches are obviously a key part of the attraction, but not the whole story. Mallorca is home to a spectacular mountain range, as well as rolling countryside that delivers greenery and birdsong in abundance.

For families who prefer the bright lights of city life, Palma is a stunning coastal city that combines the best of an urban break with easy access to golden sands and gently lapping waves.

Sports lovers quickly find that Mallorca ticks all the right boxes too. The island provides outstanding terrain for cyclists, a huge range of water-based sports and some superb tennis and golf facilities.

Accommodation-wise, Mallorca is home to a range of hotels, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. Families looking to return regularly also have access to a range of second home options. Prices for homes at Compass, in Cala D’Or on the southeast of the island, start from €313,000 plus VAT for a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with terrace and communal pool. Families looking for something more substantial can find two-storey, semi-detached houses with private pools at The Village, in Es Capdella, available from €790,000 plus VAT (both properties available through Taylor Wimpey España).

Mallorca also has a stellar reputation amongst foodies, thanks to its wealth of local flavours, seasonal produce and fresh seafood. Eateries range from upscale beach clubs and Michelin star restaurants to cosy cafés and humble bistros serving delicious dishes that the locals have dined on for generations.

The vast range of amenities to be found across Mallorca means that families can visit the island with anything from a modest budget to one that allows them to seriously splash out.

Either way, Mallorca’s beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and fabulous local cuisine can contribute to a relaxing break. One that even more families can enjoy thanks to the additional seats from Jet2 over the coming months.

https://www.portfolionorth.co.uk/lifestyle/is-it-time-to-discover-mallorca/

Exploring sustainable homes on the Costa Blanca

Sustainable homes

The issue of sustainability is weighing increasingly on second home buyers’ minds, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. Always ahead of the curve when it comes to anticipating clients’ demands, the company has implemented a range of energy-saving and other eco-friendly measures across the developments it is building.

 

Focusing on energy consumption and keeping rooms at the right temperature are key to producing more sustainable homes. Repsol reports that half of electricity consumption in Europe is used for heating and cooling. This means that implementing new ways to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors can deliver significant benefits for the planet – as well as reducing owners’ energy bill costs.

 

Taylor Wimpey España is tackling this by using aerothermal energy systems as standard in its new homes. Using aerothermal energy involves extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it to indoor spaces. Such systems can extract up to 75% of energy from outside air, and this is one reason why Taylor Wimpey España’s new homes in the Costa Blanca are earning ‘A’ ratings for their energy certifications.

 

Other sustainability features include thermal insulation of exterior walls, roofs and windows and the provision of LED lighting, double glazing and low-consumption appliances in individual homes, along with water- and energy-saving measures in communal areas. Properties also include pre-installation for charging electric vehicles. Taylor Wimpey España also focuses on using natural materials during the construction process and sourcing as much as possible locally. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard comments:

 

“Building more sustainably is about joined up thinking – it’s about committing to deliver homes that perform better in environmental terms, not seeing sustainability as a tick-box exercise. That means every element of the design and construction process is up to be challenged. Even where we’re already performing really well in sustainability terms, it doesn’t mean we’re not striving to do even better.”

 

The Costa Blanca coastline is home to two superb examples of sustainable second homes. The first is Breeze, in Balcón de Finestrat in Alicante. Well located for accessing the local public transport network, which includes bus, train and tram routes, thus giving homebuyers a range of alternatives to using cars, the properties include apartments, terraced houses and detached villas. Sited less than 8 km from Finestrat Cove and the beaches of Benidorm, the homes are not only A-rated as a result of their sustainability credentials, they also deliver everything that owners could wish for, from spacious outdoor terraces to a communal pool and landscaped gardens. Prices start from €242,000 plus VAT.

 

A little further along the coast, at Bella Beach in Dénia, A-rated homes are available from €295,000 plus VAT. The two- and three-bedroom apartments feature aerothermal heating, double glazing, preinstallation for electric vehicles and more, all just metres from Dénia’s Almadraba beach, with direct pedestrian access from the development. Already under construction, the apartments, on-site adults’ and children’s pools and lush gardens are due for completion by June 2024, meaning buyers can start enjoying their sustainable second homes within the year.

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/06/29/exploring-sustainable-homes-on-the-costa-blanca/

Taylor Wimpey: A-rated sustainable homes

Sustainable homes

Sustainability and eco-friendliness are top concerns for an increasing number of holiday home buyers, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. With this in mind, the firm is showcasing three different takes on building second homes sustainably, in the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and Costa Blanca. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard explains:

 

“There are concepts which apply as standard when building homes sustainably, such as choosing natural materials and prioritising goods from local sources. It’s also important to understand the context of each site and how best to harness natural energy sources. Using aerothermal energy systems, for example, can extract up to 75% of energy from outside air, which can then be used to heat homes. That can deliver significant energy and cost savings for second home buyers.”

 

Aerothermal energy systems are used as standard in Taylor Wimpey España’s energy certificate A-rated homes. Given that half of Europe’s energy consumption relates to heating and cooling buildings, the switch to aerothermal heating can make a significant difference.

 

Other features resulting in energy savings across Taylor Wimpey España’s most sustainable homes include thermal insulation of exterior walls, rooves and windows and the provision of LED lighting, double glazing and low-consumption appliances. Properties also include pre-installation for charging electric vehicles. Other benefits are site-specific. Breeze, in Balcón de Finestrat in Alicante, for example, is well located for accessing the local public transport network, which includes bus, train and tram routes, providing homebuyers with a range of alternatives to using cars.

 

We often think about energy efficiency and natural materials in terms of reducing properties’ impact on the planet. However, there are other benefits too. More energy efficient properties can save owners money on their gas and electricity bills. Internal air quality can benefit too, which can deliver wellbeing benefits for owners. As more and more buyers focus on sustainable homes, these types of properties are also likely to hold their value more than older, less eco-friendly buildings.” Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s detached homes at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita in Mallorca showcase all of this in action. Particularly popular with British buyers, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom villas provide spacious accommodation with large terraces and private gardens and pools. The local area provides a variety of restaurants overlooking the sea, a promenade for strolling along the beach at Sa Rapita and bucolic spots to delight in the magical sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Keen cyclists are also well served by the villas, which are priced from €740,000 plus VAT, with Sa Rapita providing an excellent starting point for various exploratory routes across the island. The villas hold an energy certification of A, thanks to their aerothermal heating, double glazing, LED lighting and numerous other sustainability-focused features.

 

Also A-rated as a result of these features, along with water- and energy-saving measures in communal areas, are the apartments of Almazara Hills, near Istán in the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by ancient olive trees and on the doorstep of the stunning La Concepción Reservoir and Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), the homes provide easy access to nearly a dozen hiking trails and six mountain bike routes. Other activities available in the area include fishing, canoeing, climbing and canyoning, while visitors to the reservoir, where motorboats are banned, have a chance to spot the Costa del Sol’s rare and elusive otters.

 

https://www.londondaily.news/taylor-wimpey-espana-showcases-a-rated-second-homes-in-spain/

https://londonlovesproperty.com/taylor-wimpey-espana-showcases-a-rated-second-homes-in-spain/

View a show home while on holiday

View Show Home: How to get the best out of viewing a show home while on holiday.

With many holidaymakers planning to view show homes when they travel overseas this summer, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has shared some top tips on how to get the best out of such viewings.

Viewing a show home while on holiday should be an exciting and enjoyable experience – not a stressful one. As such, we would encourage holidaymakers to be clear on what is involved and what the opportunity presents, so that they can get the most out of the experience.” Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

With a string of newly opened show homes available to visitors for the summer and 65 years of experience selling property in Spain, Taylor Wimpey España has a good basis from which to provide tips to viewers.

 

Five top tips for viewing a show home while on holiday

Tip 1: Immerse yourself in the local area

Viewing a show home is about more than the property alone. It’s important to get a feel for the resort and the local area and to consider it from a practical perspective. That means scoping out local furniture stores, thinking about the distance to the supermarket or post office… things that holidaymakers don’t tend to worry about but that homeowners need to consider.

Tip 2: Be clear on what you want

The clearer you can be with the real estate agent about what you want, the better they can focus on your needs when recommending show homes to visit. If you want a private pool, rather than a communal pool, be explicit about that. If you want a detached villa rather than a townhouse, likewise. Be clear about your budget too, so that you don’t end up viewing properties you can’t afford.

Tip 3: Establish what’s included

Many show homes feature all possible extras and top-end finishes, so have a conversation with the developer so you know what your budget will cover. Ask about appliances, furnishings and finishes, so that you know what you will have to budget for and what you won’t.

Tip 4: Ensure the property fits your use case

Whether you’re seeking a holiday home, somewhere to spend your retirement, a property to use for working holidays or anything else, view the show home with that firmly in mind. Will the property’s layout accommodate an office and is the setting quiet enough for you to work? Are there facilities nearby for keeping fit and active? Is there a beach to spend time with your young children or grandchildren? Being laser-focused on what you need from a property will help you quickly establish whether the show home you’re viewing ticks all the right boxes.

Tip 5: Ask questions – then ask more questions

Visiting a show home provides the opportunity to take advantage of the developer’s expertise. They can provide valuable guidance on a huge range of matters, so ask as many questions as you can think of during the viewing. Making a list of questions beforehand is a great way to ensure you don’t forget anything.

 

“Show homes let you get a feel for a development’s potential. You can see the layout, design and material choices first-hand. A well-presented show home can help you envision whether such a property would be right for you or not, so take your time and be sure to factor these tips into your approach to viewings.” Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Buying Property In Spain, Viewing Show Homes

Buying Property In Spain: Taylor Wimpey España, offering top tips for holidaymakers seeking second homes overseas.

‘With many holidaymakers planning to view show homes when they travel overseas this summer, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has shared some top tips on how to get the best out of such viewings. Viewing a show home while on holiday should be an exciting and enjoyable experience – not a stressful one. As such, we would encourage holidaymakers to be clear on what is involved and what the opportunity presents, so that they can get the most out of the experience.’

‘Immerse yourself in the local area. Viewing a show home is about more than the property alone. It’s important to get a feel for the resort and the local area and to consider it from a practical perspective. That means scoping out local furniture stores, thinking about the distance to the supermarket or post office… things that holidaymakers don’t tend to worry about but that homeowners need to consider.

‘Property example: The apartments of Almazara Hills in Malaga are located in a picturesque setting in the Sierra de las Nieves, on the slopes of La Concha. The homes are in an area of exceptional natural beauty, with hundred-year-old forests and panoramic views of Marbella Bay and the great Istán reservoir. .’

‘Be clear on what you want. The clearer you can be with the real estate agent about what you want, the better they can focus on your needs when recommending show homes to visit. If you want a private pool, rather than a communal pool, be explicit about that. If you want a detached villa rather than a townhouse, likewise. Be clear about your budget too, so that you don’t end up viewing properties you can’t afford.’

‘Property example: The show home at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita in Campos, Mallorca, encapsulates the charm of owning a detached villa with private pool and garden. The open plan kitchen and living spaces flow beautifully to the large terrace and garden, providing plenty of opportunity for blended indoor/outdoor living.

‘Establish what’s included. Many show homes feature all possible extras and top-end finishes, so have a conversation with the developer so you know what your budget will cover. Ask about appliances, furnishings and finishes, so that you know what you will have to budget for and what you won’t.’

‘Property example: The two-storey, semi-detached houses at The Village in Es Capdella, Mallorca, have been designed for maximum comfort. As shown by the newly opened show home, each property comes with a private garden with pool. The homes include designer brands and fixtures and finishes of the highest standard, including Tres taps, Saloni porcelain tiles and Siemens induction hobs and ovens. Optional extras include the provision of fridges, dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers, with various options available to suit a range of needs and budgets.’

‘Ensure the property fits your use case. Whether you’re seeking a holiday home, somewhere to spend your retirement, a property to use for working holidays or anything else, view the show home with that firmly in mind. Will the property’s layout accommodate an office and is the setting quiet enough for you to work? Are there facilities nearby for keeping fit and active? Is there a beach to spend time with your young children or grandchildren? Being laser focused on what you need from a property will help you quickly establish whether the show home you’re viewing ticks all the right boxes.’

‘Property example: Green Golf at Estepona Golf in Malaga has been designed with a wide variety of use cases in mind. The townhouses, which are priced from €348,000 plus VAT, include south-facing terraces for enjoying the sun, space for working from home and leisure use, a communal pool and on-site golf for keeping fit and a serene setting between the fairways, coast and mountains. Visitors are encouraged to take their time when viewing the show home and the resort, to ascertain whether the homes and the local environment are aligned with their needs.’

‘Ask questions – then ask more questions. Visiting a show home provides the opportunity to take advantage of the developer’s expertise. They can provide valuable guidance on a huge range of matters, so ask as many questions as you can think of during the viewing. Making a list of questions beforehand is a great way to ensure you don’t forget anything.’

‘In terms of the property, be sure to ask about features, amenities, customisation options, what time of day the terraces/gardens get the sun… everything you can think of that will support you to buy with confidence. The developer is a hugely valuable resource when it comes to making an informed purchasing decision, so grill them thoroughly!’

‘Show homes let you get a feel for a development’s potential. You can see the layout, design and material choices first-hand. A well-presented show home can help you envision whether such a property would be right for you or not, so take your time and be sure to factor these tips into your approach to viewings.’

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

TWE celebrates selling homes on the Costa del Sol

Taylor Wimpey España celebrates selling more than 2,500 second homes on the Costa del Sol

As Spain’s Costa del Sol prepares to welcome another influx of tourists over the summer season, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has revealed that it has sold more than 2,500 homes in the region since the company was founded in 1958. With properties ranging from frontline golf townhouses to seafront apartments with spectacular views, the company has been delighting customers with its wide range of second homes for the past 65 years.

According to Sales and Marketing Director, while British buyers can be found in every area of Spain, it is the Costa del Sol that has been the most popular area with Brits for decades. He explains:

“The charms of the Costa del Sol certainly strike a chord with British second home buyers. It’s not just about sunshine, sand and world-class golf facilities. There is a plethora of activities here to appeal to holidaymakers of all ages. From families looking for a property to enjoy with their children or grandchildren, to retirees, to investors looking to build their international property portfolio – and everyone in between – the Costa del Sol delivers everything that British buyers need.”

Proximity to beaches is, of course, high on many buyers’ list of second home prerequisites. The Costa del Sol has 39 blue flag beaches in 2023 (up from 36 in 2022) and is one of the most popular areas of Spain for spending time by the water. It’s also famous for its golf courses, which are popular with everyone from amateur players to those competing in prestigious international tournaments.

The 300+ days of sunshine per year in the Costa del Sol mean that an active outdoor lifestyle can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Whether it is keeping fit outdoors or enjoying long, relaxed meals on a terrace looking out over the sparkling sea, the abundant sunshine means it is a pleasure to spend time outside year-round.

While sunshine, beaches and golf are the headline items on many holiday homebuyers’ wish-lists, they are certainly not the extent of the Costa del Sol’s offering. The area is also known for its varied architecture, ranging from Malaga Cathedral, Casa del Rey Moro and Iglesia del Espiritu Santo to more modern offerings such as Estación de Tren Malaga-Maria Zambrano and CAC Malaga. The latter is home to an impressive collection of contemporary works by both international and emerging Spanish artists.

Art is also something that runs deep in the lifeblood of the Costa del Sol. Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, who is celebrated as one of the most famous artists of all time. The Picasso Museum in the city honours his work and life and is a must for all those seeking to soak up the culture and history of the area. Marbella and Benalmadena also have lively art scenes. From galleries to art cafés to painting groups, the region’s cities are packed with ways to appreciate and engage with art.

In addition to its thriving urban areas, the Costa del Sol also offers a range of quieter retreats that are ideally suited to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. One example is Casares Beach, which is nestled in between the imposing Crestellina mountains with their pretty white villages of Casares, Gaucín and Genalguacil, and the beautiful beaches at Playa Chica and Playa Ancha.

For second home buyers looking for serenity and sea, Casares Beach is the ideal spot. It is home to Solemar, a collection of two- and three-bedroom apartments from Taylor Wimpey España, with prices starting from €278,000 plus VAT. With large, landscaped garden areas and a communal pool, plus individual homes with private gardens (ground floor) and generously sized terraces with sea views (first and second floors), Solemar is perfect for unwinding and forgetting the cares of modern life.

World-class golf resorts drive home ownership

Golf resorts and new homes in Spain 

A study by IE University and the Spanish Golf Courses Association has shown that golf tourists have invested €4.2 billion in Spanish property, purchasing more than 280,000 homes. Britons top the list of foreigners taking to the fairways in Spain, while Irish golfers are the ones who spend most per day while holidaying here.

In total, the study found that over a quarter of all of Europe’s 4.2 million registered golfers choose to play in Spain, with Andalusia being both the main area for golf tourism and for associated property ownership.

Andalusia’s stunning golf resorts, beautiful beachscapes and sun-kissed climate all contribute to the area’s popularity with golf tourists. The region is also home to an impressive range of golf properties, meaning that buyers have plenty of choice when it comes to property type, price and location. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España, comments:

“Buyers are seeking a range of golf properties, from light and airy apartments to townhouses with plenty of room for family and/or guests. Many of our buyers these days also want to use their space flexibly – some breaks are purely for leisure but others combine time on the fairways and enjoying the local area with time spent working from home. So properties need to serve a range of needs.”

A total of 102,439 foreign golfers own homes in Andalusia, according to the IE University study. Resort living is a popular choice for those seeking to have everything nearby. Resorts provide not just exceptional golf facilities, but a range of other amenities. La Cala Golf Resort, for example, is home to five restaurants, a large outdoor pool, a hotel and a spa and wellness centre, in addition to its three golf courses and golf academy.

La Cala also provides a range of property types for golfers wanting a second home on-site. Taylor Wimpey España’s Belaria is located there, offering brand new townhouses, with accommodation split across three levels. Each of the three-bedroom homes features a large solarium, garden and a basement with the potential for flexible use. The 21 properties offer panoramic views of the resort, the sea and Mijas valley and come with a communal pool. Built with the environment in mind, they also offer an energy rating of A.

Taylor Wimpey España also offers various styles of apartments at La Cala. At Solana Village South, the south- and southwest-facing frontline golf properties cost from €370,000 plus VAT. The light-filled hilltop apartments have large terraces with glass balcony enclosures for enjoying the spectacular views, while ground-floor apartments have private gardens with views of the communal pool, resort gardens and golf course. Solana Village is located close to the spa, clubhouse and sport area, for maximum convenience. As with homes at Belaria, all owners at Solana Village are entitled to a Privilege Card that provides numerous benefits and discounts at the La Cala Golf Resort in Spain.

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/05/26/world-class-golf-resorts-drive-home-ownership-in-spain/

THE LURE OF THE COSTA DEL SOL

THE LURE OF THE COSTA DEL SOL

Spain is home to huge regional variety. In this recent interview, Marc Pritchard, Director of Sales and Marketing at Taylor Wimpey España, shares his insights into one of the country’s most popular destinations – the Costa del Sol.

Which areas of Spain are particularly attractive to Polish second home buyers?

The Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol are both very popular areas that have attracted an increasing number of Polish buyers in the past couple of years. While the Costa Blanca is the cheaper of the two areas, the Costa del Sol is the better known. It is home to cities such as Malaga and Marbella, world-class golf facilities, a superb local gastronomy and a welcoming community.

Spain’s long, sandy beaches are another reason that the area is so popular with second home buyers. Spain has more Blue Flag beaches than any other country, demonstrating the cleanliness of the beaches, seawater and facilities. The Costa del Sol is home to 56 Blue Flags in 2023, 47 of them located in the Malaga area.

Within the Costa del Sol, we have seen Polish buyers drawn to the Malaga area. We well both golf-front homes and properties by the beach there, so buyers have a choice of locations. All homes are designed to make the most of their locations, of course, with large outdoor areas, such as terraces, private gardens on the ground floor and solariums for townhouses and penthouses. On-site facilities such as lovely communal swimming pools and landscaped grounds complete the appeal.

What range of property types is available in the Costa del Sol?

There is a huge variety of homes available, making the area an ideal choice for buyers with a wide range of needs. From beachfront apartments to frontline golf townhouses, buyers can find the property that suits their budget and their preferences in terms of location, views, layout, number of bedrooms, nearby amenities and more.

Our townhouses at Green Golf in Estepona, for example, provide panoramic views over the course at Estepona Golf. Some of the homes have lovely sea views, as well, as they are just 3 km from the beach. Buyers at Solemar, meanwhile, have the beach practically on their doorstep! The homes all face southeast to make the most of the abundant natural light and plentiful sea views.

What does the Costa del Sol have to offer for eco-conscious buyers?

There are plenty of homes in the Costa del Sol that have been built with sustainability in mind. I mentioned Solemar just now. Those apartments have an A rating energy certificate. They come with double glazed windows, aerothermal technology for heating and cooling, pre-installation for electric vehicles, water-saving and electricity-saving measures in communal areas and more.

As a country, Spain is also very committed to sustainability. It is setting the standard when it comes to embracing renewable energy and is largely viewed as one of Europe’s best eco-friendly tourism destinations.

Are most of your buyers purchasing homes to use for holidays or as an investment?

It tends to be a mix of both. After all, the two are not mutually exclusive: if you purchase a property to use for family holidays, you still enjoy the potential to see it go up in value while you own it, even if making a profit wasn’t your main goal.

On the other hand, we do have buyers who purchased their property with investment firmly in mind. Others still have their eyes set on retirement, with plans either to move to the property fulltime or perhaps just spend their winters in the warmth of the Spanish sun. Second home ownership in Spain meets a range of needs.

Is the Costa del Sol an area in which to enjoy luxury, escapes, or more budget-friendly breaks?

The region is home to such versatility that it provides both. At the more luxurious end of the scale, there are places such as Puerto Banús, which is known around the world for its beautiful beach, superyacht-filled marina and upscale spas and boutiques. It’s a hotspot for the international jet set every summer. And while you obviously get concentrations of luxury amenities in locations such as this, the Costa del Sol generally is home to some outstanding high-end restaurants, prestigious golf clubs, exclusive beach clubs and much more.

That said, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy a very budget-friendly holiday here. The cost of living is much lower in Spain than it is in many other European countries. The latest figures from Numbeo, for example, show that the cost of living in Spain is 21.3% lower than it is in the UK. Long, lazy days out on the beach with a picnic and a swim in the warm sea, meanders around beautiful old cities, hiking in the serenity of the Montes de Malaga Natural Park, lunch in local cafés… it’s easy to enjoy an amazing break on a budget in the Costa del Sol.

Which areas of the Costa del Sol would you particularly recommend to holiday home buyers?

Estepona is great for easy access to both excellent golf facilities and the coast. If you’re looking for somewhere more tucked away then Istán is just beautiful – it’s tucked away in the mountains – the Sierra de las Nieves – so you get incredible views, but it’s also just a 25-minute drive from the bright lights of Puerto Banús, so buyers can enjoy the best of both worlds. There’s definitely something for everyone in the Costa del Sol.

https://luxuryboutiquemagazine.com/2023/05/14/the-lure-of-the-costa-del-sol-adrian-kolodziej-of-luxury-boutique-interviews-marc-pritchard-of-taylor-wimpey-espana/

Going off the beaten track … to residences Istán

Residences Istán: Going off the beaten track … to Istán

Foreigners’ appetite for property in Spain shot back up in 2022, hitting 13.75% of all home purchases in the country, according to the Colegio Registradores. The figure marks an increase of 2.95% over 2021 and breaks a five-year trend of foreigners making up a falling share in Spanish property purchases.

 

Leading the field when it comes to foreign buyers are Britons, who accounted for 11.07% of property sales to foreigners in 2022. They are followed by German, French and Belgian buyers. Overall, British buyers accounted for 1.52% of all property purchases in Spain during the year.

 

In terms of property types, British buyers are seeking a wide range of properties. Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España, comments:

 

“There is elevated appetite from British buyers for a wide range of properties in Spain of late. Beachfront and frontline golf properties remain perennially popular, of course, but we’re also seeing strong demand for everything from urban residences with everything on their doorstep to homes that are off the beaten track.”

 

Almazara Boutique Residences exemplify the kind of homes that those looking for something tucked away are seeking. Nestled in the midst of 100-year-old olive groves and fruit trees, on the site of a dilapidated farmhouse and old oil press – the “almazara” that gives the development its name – the homes overlook the reservoir at La Concepción. With motorboats and jet skis not allowed on the water, the reservoir is a stunningly serene location, popular with walkers, picnickers and those hoping for a glimpse of Marbella’s extremely rare otters.

 

Nearby, the centuries-old village of Istán nestles at the head of the Rio Verde valley, one of the access points to the beautiful Sierra de las Nieves natural park. The narrow streets of the Moorish village were designed for mules and packhorses, meaning that motorists need to leave their vehicles behind and explore on foot. Istán is home to an impressive 15th century Arab tower surrounded by gardens, the 16th century Church of San Miguel and a charming old wash house surrounded by traditional houses covered with climbing roses and bougainvillaea. Just outside the village, visitors stop to catch pure, crystal clear mountain spring water as it cascades down the rocks.

 

Enjoying panoramic views of Marbella Bay and Gibraltar, the homes at Almazara Boutique Residences, in Istán,  feature a sympathetic rustic appearance that feels at one with the natural surroundings. Within the development, the properties are split between apartments at Almazara Hills (priced from €345,000 plus VAT) and townhouses at Almazara Views (costing from €540,000 plus VAT). This mix of property types is again well suited to current buyer demand, as Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard explains:

 

“There’s a lot of variety in terms of property type when it comes to buyer demand. We have a lot of buyers wanting apartments and plenty seeking houses, particularly with space they can use flexibly to mix up leisure time with some periods of working from home. Spain is meeting a wide range of foreign buyers’ needs right now.”

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/05/15/going-off-the-beaten-track-to-istan/

Spain, country with top award-winning beaches

Spain award beaches: the country with the most award-winning beaches in Europe

THE EUROPEAN country with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches has been revealed.

It’s good news for Brits, as it’s one of the closest countries to the UK and one of our favourite holiday destinations.

Spain has kept its title as the world-leading award beaches hotspot – continuing its 30-year winning streak.

It has 627 Blue Flag beaches, which is more than any other country in the world.

Blue Flag beaches have been awarded based on factors like accessibility, biodiversity, safety, and water quality.

If a beach does have the coveted status, you’re likely to find pure water, a clean coastline, access for all, and top-class safety features.

The Valencian Community has 153 Blue Flag beaches – more than any other region in Spain.

In second place is Andalusia, with 148 Blue Flags, followed by Galicia with 125 and Catalonia with 120.

Examples of Blue Flag beaches include Playa de Muro in Majorca and Puerto Banus in Marbella.

As well as beaches, Spain also has 97 Blue Flag marinas and five Blue Flag tourist boats.

The shortest flight to Spain from the UK is London to Oviedo, coming in at 1 hour and 55 minutes in the air.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director from Taylor Wimpey España, said: “Spain’s reputation as a world leader in terms of the quality of its beaches is a major tourism draw.

“Spanish beaches attract holidaymakers from across the globe, as well as second homeowners seeking to live by the sea.”

https://www.the-sun.com/travel/8074391/european-country-spain-most-best-beaches/

https://ustimespost.com/the-country-with-the-most-award-winning-beaches-in-europe-is-under-two-hours-from-the-uk-2/

https://essex-tv.co.uk/spain-celebrates-30-years-as-world-leading-blue-flag-beach-destination/

https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/22295848/european-country-spain-most-best-beaches/

https://centralrecorder.com/under-two-hours-away-from-the-uk-is-the-country-that-has-the-best-beaches-in-europe/

Spain golf holiday destination

Spain stars as Europe’s budget-friendly golf holiday destination

Families seeking a budget-friendly golf holiday destination to enjoy this year are setting their sights on Spain. Tourist arrivals in February were up by 35.9% year-on-year, with 4.32 arrivals during the month, according to the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE). Arrivals from the UK were up by 35.6%, with 784,000 visitors travelling to Spain from there during February.

Golf is an important driver of tourism in Spain, particularly in the country’s southernmost regions, where the sun-kissed fairways attract an international crowd seeking to enjoy some of the best golf in Europe. Research by the IE University from Segovia shows that golf tourism generates an income of nearly €11.2 billion per year for Spain.

In addition to its wealth of stunning golf courses, Spain’s affordability is also a major draw for holidaymakers. According to Numbeo, the cost of living there is 18.3% lower than it is in the UK. Everything from eating out to buying a property is cheaper in Spain. A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, for example, costs €50 in Spain compared to £55 (€62.82 at time of writing) in the UK.

Property provides an even more impressive saving. In Spain, a non-city centre apartment costs an average of €1,979.98 per square meter, while the equivalent property in the UK costs an average of £3,261.29 (€3,724.75) per square meter.

“Spain is the perfect affordable holiday destination. Few places offer such an enticing combination of beaches, golf courses, charming towns, delightful restaurants and more. Property, in particular, provides excellent value compared to the UK, which is why Spain is the second home destination of choice for so many families.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has a string of developments offering golf properties dotted along the Costa del Sol. Some of the best value can be found at Sunny Golf, where prices start from €245,000 plus VAT. The bright, spacious apartments overlook the course at Estepona Golf, with some homes also enjoying sea views. Large terraces provide plenty of room for outdoor living, with communal gardens and pool available for owners’ exclusive use.

Further along the coast, Solana Village South and Solana Village East offer apartments from €370,000 plus VAT and €395,000 plus VAT respectively. Situated at the prestigious La Cala Resort, the first line golf apartments have private gardens on the ground floor and large terraces on the first and second storeys. The residential, gated community is ideal for families, with an adult pool, infant splash pool and communal gardens overlooking the beautiful valley.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

https://internationalbusinessnews.co.uk/spain-stars-as-europes-budget-friendly-golf-holiday-destination/

Golf Property News

Golf property News: Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Resort celebrate joint venture renewal

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Golf Resort are celebrating the renewal of their joint venture, which has already led to the construction of more than 400 homes in Spain’s Costa del Sol region.

La Cala Resort hosted a cocktail reception on March 31 to celebrate the enduring partnership, with the Mayor of Mijas and other local dignitaries in attendance, along with more than 80 agents in the Taylor Wimpey España network.

The joint venture between Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Resort has been running for nearly a decade. During that time Taylor Wimpey España has generated over €150 million in sales revenue at the resort. Under the renewed agreement, plans are in place for more than 600 additional homes at La Cala.

The latest homes under development at the resort are at Solana Village, where 197 two- and three-bedroom homes overlook the picturesque Europa Golf Course.

Located close to the luxurious spa, clubhouse and hotel at La Cala, the gated Solana Village development comes with an adult pool, infant splash pool and communal gardens overlooking the valley. Individual apartments have large terraces, private gardens on the ground floor and light-filled open plan living spaces, perfect for family holidays.

Nestled between the Sierra de Mijas Natural Park in Mijas and the Mediterranean Sea, the homes are just a 10-minute drive from the fabulous beaches of Mijas and Fuengirola and just 20-minutes from Marbella and Puerto Banús.

The reception also marked the pre-launch of another new development – Belaria – consisting of just 21 three-bedroom townhouses. With accommodation split over three levels, Belaria will occupy an exceptional position with both golf and sea views. Built in accordance with the latest building regulations and with a grade A energy certificate, the homes are due for completion in April 2025. Belaria will feature communal gardens and a shared pool, while each townhouse will include a spacious solarium.

In addition to the strength and longevity of its joint venture with La Cala Golf, Taylor Wimpey España is also celebrating its 65-year anniversary of building homes in Spain this year.

 

https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/property/taylor-wimpey-espana-and-la-cala-resort-celebrate-joint-venture-renewal/

Taylor Wimpey and La Cala Resort celebration

Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Resort celebration: joint venture renewal

  • Plans in place for more than 600 additional homes at La Cala
  • Mayor of Mijas to attend a reception to celebrate the renewed partnership
  • Taylor Wimpey España has already generated sales revenue of over €150 million at La Cala

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España and the prestigious La Cala Golf Resort are celebrating the renewal of their joint venture, which has already led to the construction of more than 400 homes in the Costa del Sol. La Cala Resort will host a cocktail reception on 31st March 2023 to celebrate the enduring partnership, with the Mayor of Mijas and other local dignitaries in attendance, along with 80+ agents in the Taylor Wimpey España network.

The joint venture between Taylor Wimpey España and La Cala Resort has been running for nearly a decade. During that time Taylor Wimpey España has generated over €150 million in sales revenue at the resort. Under the renewed agreement, plans are in place for more than 600 additional homes at La Cala.

The latest homes under development at the resort are at Solana Village, where 197 two- and three-bedroom homes overlook the picturesque Europa Golf Course. Prices for the south- and southwest-facing homes at Solana Village South start from €370,000 plus VAT, while the south- and east-facing apartments at Solana Village East. Located close to the luxurious spa, clubhouse and hotel at La Cala, the gated Solana Village development comes with an adult pool, infant splash pool and communal gardens overlooking the valley. Individual apartments have large terraces, private gardens on the ground floor and light-filled open-plan living spaces, perfect for family holidays. Nestled between the Sierra de Mijas Natural Park in Mijas and the Mediterranean Sea, the homes are just a 10-minute drive from the fabulous beaches of Mijas and Fuengirola and just 20 minutes from Marbella and Puerto Banús.

The celebration at La Cala Resort on 31st March will also celebrate the pre-launch of another new development – Belaria – consisting of just 21 three-bedroom townhouses. With accommodation split over three levels, Belaria will occupy an exceptional position with both golf and sea views. Built in accordance with the latest building regulations and with a grade A energy certificate, the homes are due for completion in April 2025. Belaria will feature communal gardens and a shared pool, while each townhouse will include a spacious solarium.

In addition to the strength and longevity of its joint venture with La Cala Golf, Taylor Wimpey España is also celebrating its 65-year anniversary of building homes in Spain this year.

https://www.londondaily.news/taylor-wimpey-espana-and-la-cala-resort-celebrate-joint-venture-renewal/

 

Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol this Summer?

Battle of the Costas… Should You Head to the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol this Summer?

The Spanish Costas deliver sunshine, beaches and relaxation aplenty. But if you’re heading to Spain this summer, should you set your sights on the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol.

The Spanish Costas deliver sunshine, beaches and relaxation aplenty. But if you’re heading to Spain this summer, should you set your sights on the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol?

Both of these sun-kissed regions are easily accessible from the UK, with flights from a wide range of airports. Ryanair has recently confirmed that its new summer 2023 schedule will include a Teesside to Alicante route, while Jet2.com has added a new route from Bristol to Malaga.

According to Jet2.com CEO Steve Heapy, it’s going to be a busy year, as “the forecasts for this summer in Spain are for additional growth of 4% compared to 2022.”

Flying to Alicante opens up the beauty of the Costa Blanca (meaning “white coast”), including the 200 kilometres of white, sandy beaches to which the region owes its name.

From picturesque villages and pretty towns (check out Calpe for one of the most beautiful) to buzzing cities like Alicante and Torrevieja, the Costa Blanca is a versatile, family-focused holiday hotspot.

Walking tours, nature trails, wine tasting and culinary tours, off-road Jeep tours, kayaking, sailing, waterfall tours, mountain biking and a myriad of other activities await those looking for an active break in the Costa Blanca. And if you simply want to sit on a beach? Between Playa de La Mata, Playa del Arenal and Playa La Grandella, you’ll be hard pressed to decide which is the most beautiful spot to sun yourself!

https://www.portfolionorth.co.uk/lifestyle/battle-of-the-costas-should-you-head-to-the-costa-blanca-or-the-costa-del-sol-this-summer/

Spain 2nd most attractive property destination

Spain named 2nd most attractive property destination in world for international investors

  • Knight Frank Wealth Report highlights Spain’s international appeal
  • The report coincides with Taylor Wimpey España’s investment of €35 million in 2 new developments
  • Homes at La Mar and Breeze are due for completion in 2025

The latest Knight Frank Wealth Report has named Spain the second most attractive property destination for international capital in the world for 2023, as wealthy investors seek markets offering not just healthy returns but lifestyle benefits and stable political governance. In terms of its prime residential market, Knight Frank’s analysis confirms Spain as the second most international prime residential marketplace in the world, with buyers from across the globe seeking out investment opportunities in the Spanish property sector.

The release of the report coincides with the announcement from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España that it will be launching two new coastal developments, representing a total investment of €35 million.

Located in the idyllic setting of Cala D’Or, Mallorca, La Mar is a collection of 36 apartments sited around a communal pool and gardens. The avant-garde architecture and energy rating of ‘A’ are ideal for buyers looking to balance visual appeal with consideration for the planet. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with open-plan living space that opens onto a generously sized terrace.

Taylor Wimpey España’s second new development is Breeze, located in Balcón de Finestrat in Alicante. The first phase of the launch will include 30 apartments and 14 terraced houses, less than 8 km from Finestrat Cove and the beaches of Benidorm. With two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses available, the properties will suit a wide range of buyers seeking to enjoy the sunshine, beaches, golf and other amenities close to the development’s quiet residential location. Views include the site’s communal areas, swimming pool and private gardens, with sea views available with select homes. Option to add a private pool for the houses.

The newly launched developments follow a busy year for Taylor Wimpey España. The firm completed 381 homes in 2022 – a 77% increase on 2021 – with an average selling price of €383,000 across the areas in which it operates (the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca and Ibiza). The company now has 65 years’ experience of developing homes along the Spanish coast, with 2023 set to be another busy one; the total order book as at 31st December 2022 stood at 448 homes, up 38% compared to a year earlier.

https://www.londondaily.news/spain-named-2nd-most-attractive-property-destination-in-world-for-international-investors/

https://internationalbusinessnews.co.uk/spain-named-2nd-most-attractive-property-destination-in-world-for-international-investors/

Beach can deliver lifelong mental benefits

How days on the beach can deliver lifelong mental wellbeing benefits

  • Time by the sea during childhood = better mental health in adulthood (ECEHH)
  • Lakes, rivers and other blue spaces also contribute to health and wellbeing
  • Taylor Wimpey España buyers benefit from sunshine as well as blue spaces

Every parent wants to do the best for their children, including for their health and wellbeing. According to a recent survey coordinated by the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) at the University of Exeter, that means spending more time by the water.

The survey of 15,000 people across 14 countries found that those who spent more time near blue spaces during their childhood had improved mental health during adulthood. Blue spaces include the sea, inland waterways, lakes and rivers.

“In the context of an increasingly technological and industrialised world, it’s important to understand how childhood nature experiences relate to wellbeing in later life. Our findings suggest that building familiarity and confidence in and around blue spaces during childhood may stimulate an inherent joy of nature and encourage people to seek out recreational nature experiences, with beneficial consequences for adult mental health.”

Valeria Vitale, PhD candidate at Sapienza University of Rome and lead author of the study

Dr Leanne Martin from the University of Exeter also said that the research revealed that, “developing skills such as swimming at an early age can have previously unrecognised life-long benefits.”

The survey’s findings add to the recognised physical health benefits of spending time by the sea, which can support a healthy immune system, help regulate sleep and blood pressure and improve mood, circulation and heart rate.

Those who spend time near blue spaces in Spain can enjoy the added benefit of a climate that supports increased opportunities for exercising outdoors. This can further enhance the benefits already delivered by spending time by the sea, such as stress reduction and greater relaxation, as well as increasing vitamin D levels. According to the ECEHH, it takes just minutes for some of those positive effects to be felt.

“We’ve always known that happy childhood days by the seaside are something to look back on fondly. Now, the latest research shows just how long-lasting the benefits of such days by the water can be. It’s humbling to think that the coastal and lakeside properties we provide are creating not just happy family moments at the time of use, but underpinning mental wellbeing that can last for decades.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has spent the past 65 years building homes in coastal locations. Some of its most popular seaside developments at present include Amara and Iconic in Gran Alacant and Bella Beach in Denia, where apartments are selling fast.

Amara is a collection of 120 apartments laid out around two large communal pools, a children’s playground and pretty communal gardens. Every home comes with generously sized terraces or balconies, with some of the penthouse apartments offering exceptional views across the beach at El Carabassí and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Also located in Gran Alacant, which is just 20 minutes from Alicante, is Iconic, where a new phase of two- and three-bedroom homes has just been launched. Home to 170 apartments, and with impressive views of the Med, the development also provides a communal pool, private underground parking, garden areas, outdoor fitness equipment, bicycle parking and a children’s play area. All just a 15-minute walk from the beach. A

The homes at Bella Beach offer even quicker access to the sea, with direct pedestrian access to Dénia’s Almadraba beach. The 62 apartments surround communal pools and gardens. Each home has a balcony or terrace, while penthouse apartments come with private solariums. Prices for the homes start from €275,000 plus VAT. Perfect for maximising family time spent on the beach or by the pool.

 

https://www.londondaily.news/how-days-on-the-beach-can-deliver-lifelong-mental-wellbeing-benefits/

Is it time to discover Mallorca?

Is it time to discover Mallorca?

By Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España and decades-long Mallorca resident.

Mallorca has been in the spotlight recently, with Nicole Kidman posting a series of images on her Instagram, showcasing the island’s beauty. Fellow celebs Michelle Pfeiffer and Reese Witherspoon were quick to comment on how “beautiful” and “amazing” the island looked.

Now, budget travel company Jet2 has opened up Mallorca to those without a Hollywood-sized holiday budget, as part of an extra 11,000 seats to Palma de Mallorca (along with Tenerife) from a range of UK airports.

Additional flights to Mallorca will operate from Birmingham and East Midlands airports in April, and from those two airports plus Glasgow and Leeds Bradford in May. Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy has advised that the increased flights are part of Jet2’s “biggest ever summer programme”. Prices are as low as £91 for a return (Birmingham BHX to Palma PMI, departing 4th May 2023, at the time of writing).

As a family holiday destination, there is certainly much to love about Mallorca. TripAdvisor just ranked the island as the seventh best place for nature on the planet. It was the only location in Europe to make it into the top ten ranking. Stunning beaches are obviously a key part of the attraction, but not the whole story. Mallorca is home to a spectacular mountain range, as well as rolling countryside that delivers greenery and birdsong in abundance.

For families who prefer the bright lights of city life, Palma is a stunning coastal city that combines the best of an urban break with easy access to golden sands and gently lapping waves.

Sports lovers quickly find that Mallorca ticks all the right boxes too. The island provides outstanding terrain for cyclists, a huge range of water-based sports and some superb tennis and golf facilities.

Accommodation-wise, Mallorca is home to a range of hotels, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. Families looking to return regularly also have access to a range of second home options. Prices for homes at Compass, in Cala D’Or on the southeast of the island, for a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with terrace and communal pool. Families looking for something more substantial can find two-storey, semi-detached houses with private pools at The Village, in Es Capdella (both properties available through Taylor Wimpey España).

Mallorca also has a stellar reputation amongst foodies, thanks to its wealth of local flavours, seasonal produce and fresh seafood. Eateries range from upscale beach clubs and Michelin star restaurants to cosy cafés and humble bistros serving delicious dishes that the locals have dined on for generations.

The vast range of amenities to be found across Mallorca means that families can visit the island with anything from a modest budget to one that allows them to seriously splash out.

Either way, Mallorca’s beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and fabulous local cuisine can contribute to a relaxing break. One that even more families can enjoy thanks to the additional seats from Jet2 over the coming months.

https://www.portfolionorth.co.uk/lifestyle/is-it-time-to-discover-mallorca/

‘Digital nomads’ can now live in Spain

‘Digital nomads’ can now live in Spain with their families — if they earn enough

Hopping between tapas bars in Madrid, gorging on art and culture in Barcelona or simply soaking up the sun in the Canary Islands.

For most people, those beat awkward conversations by the water cooler in a lonely suburban office park.

Remote workers looking for a change of scenery can now live and work in Spain if they meet the requirements of its new visa program.

The visa is aimed at “international teleworkers,” according to the Spanish government. The so-called “digital nomad” visa is open to a wide variety of remote workers and has already attracted considerable interest.

U.S. Google searches for “digital nomad visa Spain” spiked by 66% in late January, according to digital marketing specialists Semrush.

Who is eligible?

The new visa is for foreigners who carry out remote work or professional activities using computers or other forms of telecommunication, according to Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

Applicants must:

  • be nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area — which includes European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
  • be self-employed or employed by a company operating outside of Spain
  • Have no criminal record in Spain or anywhere else for five years prior to applying
  • Have health insurance with a company that operates in Spain
  • Be qualified to work in their field, as evidenced by a university degree or work experience

Another draw? The money

Prithwiraj Choudhury, an associate professor at Harvard Business School who studies future work trends, said Spain’s new remote worker visa is financially compelling for two reasons:

  • the tax rate for most workers is 15%, and
  • visa holders can earn up to 20% of their income from local Spanish companies.

But countries stand to benefit from remote worker programs too.

Not only do they spend money, remote workers can “act as catalysts for knowledge and resource flows between regions, benefitting themselves, their organizations and their host countries,” he said.

Digital nomads can affect real estate markets too, said the marketing director at real estate developer Taylor Wimpey Espana.

“We have already seen an increase in the number of people buying second homes in Spain and then using them for work,” he said. “Buyers are also staying in their properties for longer than they did pre-pandemic. We anticipate that this will increase as both digital nomads and energy nomads head to Spain to wait out the winter in the warm.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/19/spains-digital-nomad-visa-lets-remote-workers-bring-their-families.html

https://toquoc.vn/du-muc-ky-thuat-so-lua-chon-tay-ban-nha-la-diem-den-dap-ung-tieu-chuan.htm

MALLORCA’S CELEBRITY CONNECTIONS

MALLORCA’S CELEBRITY CONNECTIONS

Nicole Kidman’s Instagram feed was bursting with stunning pictures of Mallorca earlier this month, as the superstar enjoyed a break in the Balearics. Captioning her pics with “Loving Mallorca” and “Beautiful Mallorca,” Kidman was clearly wowed by the island’s charms. And she is far from the first celebrity to fall in love with this particular corner of paradise…

From celebrity who own homes on the island to those who simply visit whenever they can, Mallorca has attracted an impressive list of famous international afficionados. The island’s fans span the worlds of sport, acting, music, politics and more. Stephen Fry, Kate Moss, Noel Gallagher and Jamie Oliver have all frequented the island, as have Michelle Obama, Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, Eva Longoria, Antonio Banderas, Sting, Harrison Ford and more.

As well as its famous international fans, Mallorca is also home to its own celebrity connections. Tennis legend Rafael Nadal was born on Mallorca, as were actor Alex Hernandez and actress Rossy de Palma. In recent years, the island has also produced a new generation of youthful TikTok and YouTube stars, who have between then attracted followers in the tens of millions.

For those looking to enjoy the celebrity lifestyle on Mallorca, these are some of the island’s top attractions.

Mallorca’s capital city of Palma is home to some outstanding restaurants. Marc Fosh, DINS Santi Taura, Zaranda and Adrián Quetglas all boast Michelin stars and are well worth a visit for their exquisite food. Quadrat, La Bodeguilla, Aromata, Stagier Bar and El Txoko de Martín are also must-visit eateries while you’re in the city. Elsewhere on the island, there’s another Michelin star restaurant in Palmanova (Es Fum), while Arrels by Marga Coll (in Ses Illetes), La Fortalez (Cala Blava) and Sa Clastra (Es Capedellà) will all give your tastebuds a treat to remember.

With soft sands, gently lapping waves, outstanding cocktails and superb cuisine, Mallorca’s beach clubs are the ideal way to while away your time on the island. If you’re in Palma, check out Anima Beach Club, just a quick stroll away from the cathedral, or Assaona Beach Club, about five minutes’ walk from the city centre. For a swim and a massage, head to Puro Palma Beach.

Capdepera in northeast Mallorca – home to the beautiful Cala Agulla – is a particularly lovely area of Mallorca and Canyamel is the jewel of Capedpera. In addition to Canyamel Beach, Canyamel Golf and the impressive Artés caves at Cap Vermell, there is the lovely Capdepera town, which is packed with cafés and restaurants. Properties at Canyamel Pins are ideally positioned for making the most of the area, with just one home remaining available for sale, at €650,000 plus VAT.Down on the southwest coast, meanwhile, Es Capdellà is an idyllic village that offers a taste of traditional Mallorca life, close to some of the island’s most prestigious golf clubs and the lively weekend market at Calvià. Spacious three-bedroom homes at The Village in Es Capdellà are available from €790,000 plus VAT. Each property comes with large, southwest- facing terraces and a private garden with a swimming pool.

https://www.billionsluxuryportal.com/post/mallorca-s-celebrity-connections

Marbella looks forward to a bumper 2023

Marbella looks forward to a bumper 2023, with visitors staying longer and spending more

From hoteliers to home builders to tourism professionals, there are plenty of people projecting a bumper summer for Marbella this year. The city, which is a popular destination for luxury breaks, has already recovered its hotel occupancy to 2019 levels. Now, the directors of El Fuerte de Marbella hotels have spoken out about their optimism in light of the demand for stays in 2023, with tourists planning to visit the city for conferences and conventions, as well as for leisure purposes. Looking ahead to the course of the year, the sense is that tourists will be booking fewer visits, but staying longer and spending more on the visits they do arrange.

This change in habits is something that developers in Spain are observing too. According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, holidaymakers are factoring working from home into their plans to facilitate longer stays in Spain.

“We are seeing a sustained blending of working and leisure time, with owners taking longer breaks in their second homes as a result. We anticipate this trend will continue into 2023. In development terms, it means that we’re continuing to provide flexible accommodation spaces that ensure owners have the room and the peace to work from home productively.” Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Marbella is a firm favourite with international visitors. Nestled between the backdrop of the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the stunning sandy coastline of the Costa del Sol, the city provides access to top-notch golf courses, upscale shopping experiences and a wide range of fashionable bars, restaurants and clubs. To the west of the city lies the marina of Puerto Banús, where luxury yachts from around the world bob gently in the water, while upmarket boutiques and eateries line the waterfront.

This wealth of attractions has served Marbella’s second homes market well over the past few years, despite the disruptions to travel and tourism. At Taylor Wimpey España’s Marbella Lake development, 62% of homes have sold over the past 20 months. The last two-bedroom and remaining three-bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes provide the perfect location for enjoying Marbella and the surrounding area. Homes at Marbella Lake come with generously sized terraces for outdoor dining, while the four on-site pools and landscaped gardens provide a lovely setting for relaxing in the sun.

At the Almazara Hills development, properties are also selling well, with 35% of the apartments snapped up in the past eight months. The two- and three-bedroom homes are located on the mountainous slopes of La Concha, close to the Sierra Blanca Country Club resort, with breathtaking views of the huge Istán reservoir and Marbella Bay. The apartments, provide an idyllic escape from modern life, yet the bright lights of Puerto Banús and Marbella are just 20-30 minutes away by car.

Buyers at the two developments highlight the international nature of Marbella’s appeal. 23 nationalities have bought homes there so far, including buyers from the Middle East (19%), Britain (13%), Scandinavia (11%), Spain (11%), Germany (7%), Belgium (6%), France (6%) and numerous other countries.

For second home buyers looking out for a future Marbella base for work and leisure purposes, Taylor Wimpey España has recently begun construction of Almazara Views. Neighbouring Almazara Hills in the beautiful, mountainous Istán, Almazara Views is home to 23 three-bedroom townhouses. Located at the highest part of the development, the properties enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding hundred-year-old forests and the reservoir and sparkling sea beyond. Each property comes with premium brand fixtures and fittings, as well as an underground parking space and a storeroom. Construction is due to complete towards the end of the year, making an extended Christmas break in Marbella a possibility for those who reserve homes now.

https://www.londondaily.news/marbella-looks-forward-to-a-bumper-2023-with-visitors-staying-longer-and-spending-more/

https://www.eubusinessnews.com/marbella-looks-forward-to-a-bumper-2023-with-visitors-staying-longer-and-spending-more/

Costa del Sol: golf destination

Costa del Sol shines as Europe’s winning golf destination

Golfing hotspots don’t come much better than Spain’s Costa del Sol – or the Costa del Golf, as many players refer to it. Players have been flocking to the area’s sun-kissed fairways for nearly a century after the Real Club de Campo opened its doors in 1925.

These days, golfers visit Spain from around the globe, with golf tourism bringing the country an income of nearly €11.2 billion per year, according to research by the IE University from Segovia.

“Golf tourism is hugely important to the Costa del Sol and to Spain as a whole. From the jobs it creates to the non-golf spending by players and their families, it plays a key role in supporting both regional and national economic success.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

There are plenty of good reasons why the Costa del Sol is such a winning golf destination. Firstly, it has the greatest concentration of golf courses in Europe, with over 70 courses. This plethora of facilities means that there are courses for all abilities, from those just getting into golf to professional players. Between its golf academies, friendly local competitions and international championships, the Costa del Sol has something for everyone when it comes to playing golf.

The region is also welcoming to players of all ages, as well as all handicaps. There are over 350,000 registered junior golfers (those under the age of 18) in Europe, according to the European Golf Participation Report 2021. England is home to 45,304 of them (accounting for 7% of all English golfers) and Spain to 33,751 (accounting for 12% of all golfers in Spain). With an emphasis on training and practice facilities as well as courses, the Costa del Sol has plenty to offer younger players.

There is also a huge range of golf properties in the Costa del Sol, with leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España among those offering high-quality homes with outstanding access to some of the region’s most popular courses. Properties range from townhouses to light and airy apartments, many with spectacular views over the fairways and out to sea.

The homes at Green Golf are one such example. The south- and southwest-facing homes are flooded with natural light and look out over the course at Estepona Golf, with panoramic views also encompassing the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The three-bedroom townhouses are split across three floors, with large terraces and a lovely on-site pool and communal gardens. Prices start from €348,000 plus VAT.

For buyers who prefer apartments, Sunny Golf has two-bedroom homes at Estepona Golf available from €245,000 plus VAT. In addition to spectacular views, the private gated community provides communal gardens and pool, surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Despite its reputation as a leading golf destination, the Costa del Sol also has plenty more to offer. The versatile destination is packed with beautiful beaches, bustling cities and shopping hubs, museums, art galleries and other cultural attractions, opportunities for other sports (on both land and water) and some outstanding eateries. It has a great family vibe, with entertainment that can keep family members of all ages happy, as well as the abundant sunshine that gives the area its name.

This versatility is reflected on the property side of things, as well. The apartments at Solemar at Casares Beach, for example, offer the best of both worlds in terms of golf and beach access, being just 0.75 km from the fine sands of Playa Ancha, while the renowned Finca Cortesín golf complex is less than 10 minutes away by car. The Casares, Estepona and La Duquesa golf courses, amongst others, are also within easy reach.

 

https://www.londondaily.news/costa-del-sol-shines-as-europes-winning-golf-destination/

Taylor Wimpey home completions jump 77%

  • Firm completed 381 homes in Spain in 2022 – up 77% from 2021
  • Average selling price for 2022 was €383k
  • Cost of living in Spain is now 17.3% cheaper than in UK (Numbeo)

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España completed 381 homes during 2022, across locations including the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca and Ibiza. The figure represents a jump of 77% from the 215 homes completed during 2021. The average selling price in 2022 stood at €383k.

As well as accelerating the pace of completions, Taylor Wimpey España also grew its total order book during the year, to 448 homes by 31st December 2022 – an increase of 38% compared to the previous year.

“We are delighted to have completed so many properties during 2022, to support buyers of 41 different nationalities to pursue their dreams of owning a second home in Spain. It is also gratifying to be able to report that 92.3% of our buyers would be confident to recommend us to their best friend, in terms of satisfaction with the Taylor Wimpey España service.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

As ever, British buyers favoured the Costa del Sol more than any other region during 2022. While Alicante and the wider Costa Blanca region provide greater value for money, it is the Costa del Sol’s unique blend of sunshine, beaches, golf, cuisine and extensive ex-pat community that tends to win British buyers’ hearts. The fact that the cost of living in Spain is, on average, 17.3% lower than in the UK (according to Numbeo’s 2023 figures) is also not lost on many buyers right now.

Overall, 2022 proved to be a record year for reservations for Taylor Wimpey España. Key themes in terms of buyer requirements included plentiful indoor and outdoor space and an abundance of natural light, along with sustainability and the potential for energy cost savings (something that is pushing many buyers to seek out new builds, rather than older properties).

Looking ahead, the Spanish real estate market is tipped to attract both families buying holiday homes for personal use and those buying as an investment in 2023. Real estate can serve as a solid hedge against inflation and Fitch projects that Spanish home price growth will be between 2% and 4% during 2023, meaning Spain would significantly outperform many other leading European property markets, including the UK, Germany, France, Denmark and the Netherlands.

For buyers in the Costa del Sol looking for an extra special second home (whether for personal use or as an investment), Taylor Wimpey España has a select number of penthouses available for sale. At the stunning Almazara Hills in the Sierra de las Nieves – an area of exceptional natural beauty – penthouse apartments look out over the hundred-year-old forests to panoramic views of Marbella Bay and the great Istán reservoir. The homes are beautifully designed for enjoying the relaxed pace of the local lifestyle, though with international schools, the Manolo Santana Tennis Academy, golf courses, shopping and leisure centres and the beaches of the Golden Mile all just 10-15 minutes away by car.

Penthouses are also available at Marbella Lake in Nueva Andalucia, where the glorious lakeside setting delivers a wonderful sense of serenity, just 5 km down the road from the bright lights and golden sands of Puerto Banús. Spacious and airy, the homes are awash with natural light, with terraces that are perfect for al fresco dining in the sunshine.

“2022 was a strong year for the Spanish property market. With buyers increasingly prioritising health and wellbeing, sustainability, cost of living and a more blended work/life balance, Spain has plenty to offer in 2023 as well.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

https://www.londondaily.news/taylor-wimpey-espana-home-completions-jump-77/

 

New 2023 show homes revealed

Only 2 key-ready Taylor Wimpey España homes available, as new 2023 show homes revealed

  • Taylor Wimpey España follows bumper 2022 with new show homes for 2023
  • All developments will host personal and virtual visits
  • Britons remain top foreign buyers of Spanish property (Colegio Registradores)

Property sales in 2022 were so strong that leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is going into 2023 with only two key-ready homes in stock, meaning that buyers will have to move fast if they want a home they can start using straight away. The two remaining key-ready homes – located at Sunset Ibiza and Pier 2 – are expected to be snapped up quickly in 2023.

Taylor Wimpey España is launching new show homes for 2023. The launches come as figures from Colegio Registradores show that Britons remain the top foreign buyers of Spanish property, accounting for 9.3% of all purchases by foreigners in Q3 2022. Overall, international buyers accounted for 15.9% of property purchases in Spain during the quarter.

Taylor Wimpey España will this year celebrate 65 years of building property along the Mediterranean coast, meaning the firm has plenty of experience when it comes to the value of show homes.

A show home does much to improve the buying experience. It allows prospective buyers to see the dimensions of the property when furnished and to get a feel for its atmosphere and orientation. It allows buyers to visit and experience the property before the development is completed, while those browsing online can see photos and videos of it.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s show homes will be available for both personal and virtual visits during 2023. The firm plans to launch multiple new developments over the coming year, including in Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol.

One of the show homes open to visitors keen on buying homes in the Costa del Sol is at Marbella Lake, a contemporary lakeside development at the heart of Golf Valley, in Nueva Andalucía, just 5 kilometres from Puerto Banús. The show home delivers a flavour of the three-bedroom apartments available for purchase at Marbella Lake, which will also be home to spacious penthouses and duplexes, along with prettily landscaped gardens and four communal pools.

2023 will also see show homes open at Compass and Es Llaut, located respectively at Cala D’Or and Cala Bona in Mallorca. Both developments offer outstanding value for the island. Compass provides two-bedroom apartments , while two-bedroom homes with large terraces (and gardens on the ground floor) at Es Llaut

“2022 was a very busy year for us, with many families buying key-ready homes in which to start creating wonderful holiday memories straight away. We anticipate demand will remain strong during 2023, as we complete a string of developments along with Spanish coast and begin work on nine further launches. Our show homes will play a pivotal role in supporting buyers to find the properties of their dreams over the coming year.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

 

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

https://propertynewsdesk.co.uk/2023/01/12/only-2-key-ready-taylor-wimpey-espana-homes-available-as-new-2023-show-homes-revealed/

https://leicester-tv.co.uk/2023/01/only-2-key-ready-taylor-wimpey-espana-homes-available-as-new-2023-show-homes-revealed/

Only 2 key-ready Taylor Wimpey homes available

Only 2 key-ready Taylor Wimpey España homes available, as new 2023 show homes revealed

  • Taylor Wimpey España follows bumper 2022 with new show homes for 2023
  • All developments will host personal and virtual visits
  • Britons remain top foreign buyers of Spanish property (Colegio Registradores) 

Property sales in 2022 were so strong that leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is going into 2023 with only two key-ready homes in stock, meaning that buyers will have to move fast if they want a home they can start using straight away. The two remaining key-ready homes – located at Sunset Ibiza  and Pier 2  – are expected to be snapped up quickly in 2023.

Taylor Wimpey España is launching new show homes for 2023. The launches come as figures from Colegio Registradores show that Britons remain the top foreign buyers of Spanish property, accounting for 9.3% of all purchases by foreigners in Q3 2022. Overall, international buyers accounted for 15.9% of property purchases in Spain during the quarter.

Taylor Wimpey España will this year celebrate 65 years of building property along the Mediterranean coast, meaning the firm has plenty of experience when it comes to the value of show homes.

“A show home does much to improve the buying experience. It allows prospective buyers to see the dimensions of the property when furnished and to get a feel for its atmosphere and orientation. It allows buyers to visit and experience the property before the development is completed, while those browsing online can see photos and videos of it.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s show homes will be available for both personal and virtual visits during 2023. The firm plans to launch multiple new developments over the coming year, including in Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol.

One of the show homes open to visitors keen on buying homes in the Costa del Sol is at Marbella Lake, a contemporary lakeside development at the heart of Golf Valley, in Nueva Andalucía, just 5 kilometres from Puerto Banús. The show home delivers a flavour of the three-bedroom apartments available for purchase at Marbella Lake, which will also be home to spacious penthouses and duplexes, along with prettily landscaped gardens and four communal pools.

2023 will also see show homes open at Compass and Es Llaut, located respectively at Cala D’Or and Cala Bona in Mallorca. Both developments offer outstanding value for the island. Compass provides two-bedroom apartments , while two-bedroom homes with large terraces (and gardens on the ground floor) at Es Llaut.

“2022 was a very busy year for us, with many families buying key-ready homes in which to start creating wonderful holiday memories straight away. We anticipate demand will remain strong during 2023, as we complete a string of developments along with Spanish coast and begin work on nine further launches. Our show homes will play a pivotal role in supporting buyers to find the properties of their dreams over the coming year.”

https://www.londondaily.news/only-2-key-ready-taylor-wimpey-espana-homes-available-as-new-2023-show-homes-revealed/

Energy nomads start eyeing up the Costa Blanca

As digital nomads wait visa implementation energy nomads start eyeing up the Costa Blanca

Spain’s much-anticipated digital nomad visa, plans for which were first announced in January 2022, is rumoured to be introduced in early 2023.

 

The draft proposal provides non-EU citizens with the chance to live in Spain for up to five years while working freelance or as a contracted employee of a company outside Spain. It is also believed that the visa will offer a tax rate of 15 per cent for digital nomads, instead of the usual 24 per cent.

While digital nomads await confirmation of the visa’s implementation, energy nomads have also started eyeing up the Costa Blanca.

Between the cost of energy in the UK and the potential for supply problems over the winter, escaping to the warmth of the Costa Blanca is even more appealing than usual.

Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Espana, confirmed: “We have already seen an increase in the number of people buying second homes in Spain and then using them for work. Buyers are also staying in their properties for longer than they did pre-pandemic. We anticipate that this will increase as both digital nomads and energy nomads head to Spain to wait out the winter in the warm.”

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories; remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/12/28/as-digital-nomads-wait-visa-implementation-energy-nomads-start-eyeing-up-the-costa-blanca/

Taylor Wimpey launches 14 new developments

New homes: Taylor Wimpey España launches 14 new developments in 2022, with 9 more planned for 2023

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has reported growth in property reservations during 2022, after launching 14 new developments during the year, with a value of over €150 million. As the firm heads into 2023, when it will celebrate its 65th anniversary, having served buyers from around the globe with high quality holiday homes since 1958, it has another nine launches planned. The developments will span the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca.

But what lies behind the headlines? Buyers of 38 different nationalities purchased homes from Taylor Wimpey España during 2022. Many buyers choose to spend Christmas in Spain, immersing themselves in local traditions.

For second home owners with young children, the procession of the Three Kings on 5th January is a not-to-be-missed experience. The Three Kings and their helpers hand out sweets as they travel around town, while children who’ve been good open gifts that the Kings deliver the following day (this is the main gift-giving day in Spain). Children who have been naughty can expect a lump of coal!

One lovely tradition that second home owners can enjoy is the creation of a Belén in their home. This is a nativity scene made up from tiny figures, which can be purchased from Christmas markets and shops across Spain during the festive season. Schools and businesses often have a Belén of their own, with local families delighting in seeing the intricate scenes each year.

To kick off the Christmas season, many Spaniards take part in El Gordo (‘the fat one’) on 22nd December each year. Tickets cost an eye-watering €200 but can be purchased in tenths, meaning a family can take part for a much more reasonable €20, buying with friends and colleagues for a share in the 15,000 or so prizes on offer. The top prize, after which the lottery is named, will be €4,000,000 in 2022.

Visiting Christmas markets and enjoy the Christmas lights in towns and cities is another intrinsic part of the Christmas season. This year, for example, Malaga’s main Christmas shopping street will be home to 16 celestial angels, spread across 32 columns that create a stunning display along the entire length of the street. Malaga will also be hosting a drone display on several nights during December this year, providing a modern take on festive lighting fun.

For buyers looking to enjoy the Christmas lights in Malaga each year, Taylor Wimpey España’s lovely apartments and penthouses at Solemar are the ideal base. Located just 750m from Malaga’s Casares Beach and enjoying spectacular sea views, along with a large communal pool and landscaped gardens.

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España, says:

“Owning your own home in Spain allows you to engage with Christmas far more deeply than you can when staying in a hotel. Having your own kitchen means you can join in Spanish Christmas food traditions, which form such an important part of the holiday season here.”

Christmas feasting in Spain involves a huge variety of delicious foods. Iberian ham and a selection of fabulous local cheeses and wines are all staple items, along with sweet treats such as turrón, mantecados biscuits, sugar-covered polvorones and brightly coloured marzipan sweets. The Christmas table, meanwhile, is laden with dishes such as broths and stews to start, followed by suckling pig, lamb or oven-baked sea bass or bream. Epiphany cake, eaten on 5th or 6th January, is also a must. Tradition has it that the person who finds a small figure in their slice will have good luck.

Chestnuts also feature in the Spanish Christmas season, with street vendors selling them hot in little paper cones. Perfect for a sweet treat while browsing Christmas market stalls. Grapes should also be on the shopping list; it’s tradition to eat one with every chime of the clock at midnight as New Year’s Eve becomes New Year’s Day, for good luck for the year ahead.

 

https://businessinthenews.co.uk/2022/12/14/taylor-wimpey-espana-launches-14-new-developments-in-2022-with-9-more-planned-for-2023/

Second home: Spanish Christmas traditions

Second home ownership lets families enjoy Spanish Christmas traditions

  • Processions, nativity scenes, feasting and lucky grapes all essential during the festive season
  • Magical lighting displays draw visitors to cities across Spain
  • Taylor Wimpey España has sold homes to buyers of 38 nationalities during 2022

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has reported growth in property reservations during 2022, after launching 14 new developments during the year, with a value of over €150 million. As the firm heads into 2023, when it will celebrate its 65th anniversary, having served buyers from around the globe with high-quality holiday homes since 1958, it has another nine launches planned. The developments will span the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca.

But what lies behind the headlines? Buyers of 38 different nationalities purchased homes from Taylor Wimpey España during 2022. Many buyers choose to spend Christmas in Spain, immersing themselves in local traditions.

For second homeowners with young children, the procession of the Three Kings on 5th January is a not-to-be-missed experience. The Three Kings and their helpers hand out sweets as they travel around town, while children who’ve been good open gifts that the Kings deliver the following day (this is the main gift-giving day in Spain). Children who have been naughty can expect a lump of coal!

One lovely tradition that second homeowners can enjoy is the creation of a Belén in their home. This is a nativity scene made up from tiny figures, which can be purchased from Christmas markets and shops across Spain during the festive season. Schools and businesses often have a Belén of their own, with local families delighting in seeing the intricate scenes each year.

To kick off the Christmas season, many Spaniards take part in El Gordo (‘the fat one’) on 22nd December each year. Tickets cost an eye-watering €200 but can be purchased in tenths, meaning a family can take part for a much more reasonable €20, buying with friends and colleagues for a share in the 15,000 or so prizes on offer. The top prize, after which the lottery is named, will be €4,000,000 in 2022.

Visiting Christmas markets and enjoy the Christmas lights in towns and cities is another intrinsic part of the Christmas season. This year, for example, Malaga’s main Christmas shopping street will be home to 16 celestial angels, spread across 32 columns that create a stunning display along the entire length of the street. Malaga will also be hosting a drone display on several nights during December this year, providing a modern take on festive lighting fun.

For buyers looking to enjoy the Christmas lights in Malaga each year, Taylor Wimpey España’s lovely apartments and penthouses at Solemar are the ideal base. Located just 750m from Malaga’s Casares Beach and enjoying spectacular sea views, along with a large communal pool and landscaped gardens

https://www.londondaily.news/second-home-ownership-lets-families-enjoy-spanish-christmas-traditions/

SECOND HOME BUYERS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF ANDALUCIA

Second home buyers Spain:

The southernmost of peninsular Spain’s autonomous communities, Andalusia is a sun-drenched region that encompasses huge stretches of coastline, including the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical. It is a favourite holiday destination with travellers from around the world, many of whom have taken advantage of Spain’s relatively affordable property prices to purchase second homes there.

According to Colegio Registradores, Andalusia accounted for 20.61% of all housing sales in Spain during Q3 2022. That’s more than any other region (the next most popular area was Catalonia, with 16.06% of total sales).

Across Spain, home purchases by foreigners grew by 1.26% to reach 15.92% of all home purchases in Q3 2022. Within Andalusia, there are locations where the proportion of foreign owners is much higher. In Malaga, for example, Kyero reports that foreigners now account for 32.63% of all housing transactions. And demand continues to grow. According to Spain’s land registrars, the number of deeds inscribed in the land registry in Q3 2022 involving foreign buyers was up by 61% compared to 2021 and by 73% compared to 2019 (before the pandemic).

Britons represent the largest group of foreigners buying homes in Spain, according to Colegio Registradores’ Q3 2022 data. They make up 9.3% of all foreigners buying homes in Spain (the next largest group was Germans, at 8.04%, then French buyers, at 6.21%). And Spain is certainly doing all it can to welcome British buyers. At present, it is lobbying the EU to drop the 90-day limit for visitors from the UK, so that they can spend longer periods in the Spanish sunshine.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has certainly noticed a strong appetite for second homes in Andalusia from international buyers. Reservations by foreigners across all of the regions in which the company operates were up by 22% in November (year to date, compared to the same period in 2021). In the Costa del Sol, however, reservations by foreigners were up by 27%.

“The Costa del Sol has long been our most popular area with British second home buyers, who love the lifestyle here in Andalusia. Beaches, golf, spas, luxury shopping, superb cuisine… the area has it all. Plus, Andalusia is extremely well connected, meaning that visitors can travel here with ease at any time of year and from a wide range of locations.”

https://essex-tv.co.uk/second-home-buyers-cant-get-enough-of-andalusia/

https://www.londondaily.news/second-home-buyers-cant-get-enough-of-andalusia/

La Cala unveils plans for new property development

Leading property developer Taylor Wimpey is to invest over €16 million into the first phase of a new 48-home property development at La Cala Resort in Andalusia, Spain.

Located next to the 9th hole of the resort’s America course, the Solana Village development will host a variety of two- and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes.

The first phase of development will feature east-facing apartments, will feature outdoor parking with access to the community pool, while the south-facing properties will include underground parking and storage room, along with first line golf course views and additional extras.

Featuring an elegant and functional design, every apartment at Solana Village is flooded with light, designed with selected high-end materials that incorporates the latest renewable and sustainable energy technologies.

Solana Village offers stylish, modern amenities surrounded by communal gardens and a 600m2 swimming pool designed as a lagoon. Other community facilities include an outdoor gazebo and a children’s playground.

All of the apartments will utilise the latest environmentally-friendly engineering and design practices, including aerothermal heat pumps for the hot water system, while photovoltaic panels will produce cleaner energy from the absorbed sunlight all-year round. All underground garage space comes prepared with a pre-installation facility to charge electric vehicles.

The Solana Village project joins the joint venture development between Taylor Wimpey Spain and FBD Hotels & Resorts, which began seven years ago. The partnership has already resulted in more than 300 completed homes from a total of seven different projects within the resort. The development of these projects is part of a plan to build 1,000 homes at La Cala over the next decade.

Situated in the foothills of the beautiful Mijas Mountains with breath-taking views of the stunning Andalusian countryside, La Cala Resort offers an idyllic rural retreat for potential residents and hotel guests.

https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/property/la-cala-unveils-plans-for-new-property-development/

Energy and digital nomads both set sights on Spain

Energy nomads and digital nomads both set sights on southern Spain

  • High energy costs and looming supply disruption push people towards warmer climes
  • Spain’s digital nomad visa expected to include tax breaks
  • Taylor Wimpey España launches new Solana Village development

Spain’s much-anticipated digital nomad visa, plans for which were first announced in January 2022, is rumoured to be introduced in early 2023. The draft proposal provides non-EU citizens with the chance to live in Spain for up to five years while working freelance or as a contracted employee of a company outside Spain. It is also believed that the visa will deliver a tax rate of 15% for digital nomads, instead of the usual 24%.

While digital nomads await confirmation of the visa’s implementation, energy nomads are also eyeing up Spain. Between the cost of energy in the UK and the potential for supply problems over the winter, escaping to the warmth of southern Spain is even more appealing than usual.

We have already seen an increase in the number of people buying second homes in Spain and then using them for work. Buyers are also staying in their properties for longer than they did pre-pandemic. We anticipate that this will increase as both digital nomads and energy nomads head to Spain to wait out the winter in the warm.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

The Costa del Sol enjoys average temperatures of 12-13°C between December and February, while the abundant sunshine (averaging five hours per day in December and January, before jumping to seven hours per day in February) provides plenty of scope for harnessing solar power.

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has been installing solar thermal panels on its developments along the Costa del Sol for years. They harness the sun’s energy to provide hot water, lowering energy bills for homeowners and reducing reliance on supply from the grid.

Taylor Wimpey España’s latest Costa del Sol resort is Solana Village, at La Cala Golf in Malaga. The first phase of the development will deliver a mix of apartments, penthouses and duplexes with different finishes, within a common architectural concept that slots beautifully into the gently rolling greenery of its surroundings. East-facing homes, which are priced from €295,000 plus VAT, will deliver views of Solana Village’s communal gardens pools (including the largest pool within La Cala Golf), as well as the golf course beyond. South-facing homes, meanwhile, will deliver front-line golf views, with prices starting from €370,000 plus VAT.

Solana Village is ideally located for access to the clubhouse, sports area and spa facilities at La Cala. Sport and spa amenities underpin a rising trend in second homes and wellness, according to Savills, which flags up the Costa del Sol’s top-tier wellness offering as part of the area’s appeal in its recent Global Destinations for Second Homes publication:

“Spain is a key market for second homes for buyers from across Europe. Sotogrande, the wider Costa del Sol, and the Balearics are key destinations for buyers from Germany, other northern European nations, and as far afield as Dubai… These locations have the seaside, sunshine, and year-round outdoor sports amenities missing from many northern locations within a relatively short journey from most of Europe.”

The colder, blustery autumn weather in the UK is certainly playing its part in making the Costa del Sol seem even more attractive than usual at present. While homes at Solana will be ready for occupation in August 2024, Taylor Wimpey España has a few homes still available at La Cala Golf for immediate occupation. Located within Harmony and priced at €495,000 plus VAT, the apartment provides three bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a 78.25m2 terrace that’s perfect for catching some winter sun. The development’s privileged position delivers exceptional views of La Cala’s golf course, as well as the mountains and sea.

Demand for homes at La Cala Golf has been so strong that the three-bedroom townhouses available in another Taylor Wimpey España development there – Natura – are now fully sold out. Details of a new development of townhouses will be revealed early in 2023.

“The lifestyle of the Costa del Sol provides a wealth of opportunities for keeping physically fit, while the warm winter weather and stunning scenery can also do much for mental wellness. Combined with factors such as the increase in remote working and the ongoing energy crisis, we’re anticipating a busy winter here in southern Spain.”

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España.

https://www.londondaily.news/energy-nomads-and-digital-nomads-both-set-sights-on-southern-spain/

https://propertynewsdesk.co.uk/2022/12/05/energy-nomads-and-digital-nomads-both-set-sights-on-southern-spain/

Highlights top 2023 second home trends

Second home trends:

  • Energy efficiency is moving up the agenda for many buyers
  • Larger, flexible spaces will be in hot demand in 2023
  • Home-based workers and retirees all heading for the Spanish sunshine
  • 2023 will mark 65 years of successful property sales in Spain for Taylor Wimpey España

Next year will mark 65 years since leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España first began building holiday properties in Spain. In that time, the company has built up plentiful experience of identifying changing trends and meeting buyers’ needs. As we approach 2023, the team have flagged up a number of key trends that will define the second home trends landscape next year.

First is energy efficiency. Buyers have one eye on the environment and the other on their wallets and energy efficient homes satisfy both needs. Solar panels and aerothermal heating and cooling systems will therefore feature strongly in Taylor Wimpey España’s buildings during 2023, as the company seeks to deliver ‘A’ rated energy efficient properties.

The apartments at Bella Beach include a range of sustainability-focused features and have been given an ‘A’ rating as a result. Located in a quiet residential area just metres from Dénia’s Almadraba beach, with direct pedestrian access from the development, the apartments provide spacious terraces and lovely sea views, with prices starting from €250,000 plus VAT.

The peaceful residential setting that Bella Beach enjoys is another key trend for 2023. Many retirees are opting to spend their golden years in the warmth of the Spanish sunshine. In addition, demand continues to grow for holiday homes that people can work from for part of the year, blending work time with holiday time in new ways for a happier, more balanced lifestyle. Both retirees and home-based workers are seeking out areas that are both quiet and well-connected in terms of amenities.

Bella Beach encapsulates this demand. Its serene position just metres from the beach delivers plenty of peace and quiet, yet within just 5-10 minutes’ drive there are supermarkets, a market, banks, restaurants, cafés, bars a medical centre, a gym, a golf course, a bus station and a tourist information office. This meeting of quiet and convenience will shape the locations in which buyers seek holiday homes into 2023 and beyond, according to Taylor Wimpey España.

“Demand for holiday homes in Spain remains strong, with many families turning to property as a secure investment against inflation, rather than stocks and shares. For financial reasons, as well as the ways in which the property will be used, homes in peaceful but well-connected neighbourhoods will be in hot demand.”

Another 2023 trend will be the continuing push for larger, flexible spaces within the home. Again, home workers are a key driver of this trend, with families seeking spaces that can at times serve as an office and at other times provide additional living or sleeping space. It’s a trend that will impact both the design of holiday homes in 2023 and their interior décor. Show homes will need to demonstrate this flexibility as well. Naturally, buyers will still be seeking communal pools and gardens to enjoy as well.

Finally, in terms of regions, the Taylor Wimpey España team has flagged up the Mediterranean Coast as Spain’s top hotspot for buyers in 2023.

“Few areas can rival the pleasure of spending time on Spain’s Mediterranean Coast. We anticipate a busy year ahead for places such as Andalucía, Levante, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, as second home buyers seek out the outdoor lifestyle, plentiful leisure opportunities and excellent transport connections that these locations offer.” 

https://propertynewsdesk.co.uk/2022/11/17/taylor-wimpey-espana-highlights-top-2023-second-home-trends/

https://www.londondaily.news/taylor-wimpey-espana-highlights-top-2023-second-home-trends/

Supporting COP27 goals by Building Sustainably

Building Sustainably:

COP27 is in full swing, with global leaders seeking the ever more urgent need to effectively tackle the challenge of climate change. Running until 18th November, the event is also serving to focus the minds of businesses around the world on how to operate more sustainably.

In the property sector, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is demonstrating how sustainability and desirability can go hand-in-hand when it comes to second homes. The firm’s properties include a range of features that are combining to deliver ‘A’ ratings for their energy performance. Features include:

  • Insulated walls and roofs
  • Double glazed windows with thermal break
  • LED lighting
  • Solar panels
  • Energy-saving appliances
  • Light-saving systems in communal areas
  • Drip irrigation systems
  • Replanting trees
  • Installations for electric vehicles

At the same time, the properties deliver all the elements that a family could wish for when it comes to purchasing a home in which to make happy holiday memories.

Bella Beach in Denia, Alicante for example, is home to 62 two- and three-bedroom apartments with delightful sea views. Communal areas include pools for adults and children and gardens that provide beautiful surroundings in which to relax. Penthouse apartments have a private solarium terrace, while all homes have spacious terraces that blend into their living rooms thanks to the large windows.

Over in Campos, Mallorca, meanwhile, holiday home buyers  can find A-rated properties at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita. Each contemporary, minimalist style detached villa provides three double bedrooms and three bathrooms, fitted kitchen and laundry room, a living and dining room, large terraces and a pretty garden with private swimming pool. All the properties face south, allowing light to bathe every corner of the home and affording a marvellous sensation of spaciousness.

Finally, for sustainably minded holiday home owners seeking properties on the Costa del Sol, there is Almazara Hills. Located in the stunning natural landscape of Istán, Marbella, the apartments deliver unrestricted views south-east towards Marbella Bay and Gibraltar. The building’s rustic appearance features natural materials that blend perfectly with the local setting. Apartments with two and three bedrooms and penthouses with a solarium come with large terraces, communal pool and gardens with autochthonous plants.

With superb train connections for those who don’t want to fly/drive, the Costa del Sol is an outstanding location for second home buyers looking to holiday more sustainably.

Bella Beach, Denia, Alicante, Costa Blanca https://taylorwimpeyspain.com/property/bella-beach-denia-alicante/

Bella Beach is a development comprising 62 apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms with sea views. Every home has been built and finished with top quality materials. Communal areas which include pools (for adults and for children) and gardens create beautiful surroundings where you can relax and enjoy all the comforts available. Penthouse apartments have a private solarium terrace.

The homes at Bella Beach have 2 bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen, and a living/dining room. The spacious terraces blend into the living room thanks to the large windows. An underground parking space is included for each apartment and storeroom.

The newly built residential area is located just metres from Dénia’s Almadraba beach, with direct pedestrian access from the development. A peaceful residential area with every type of service within 5-10 minutes’ drive: supermarkets and market, banks, restaurants and cafés, medical centre, gym, golf course, bus station and tourist information office.

http://blog.theeconews.co.uk/supporting-cop27-goals-by-building-sustainably/

“A” Energy certificate rating?

Energy certificate rating: “A”

Developers have a huge opportunity to support the sustainable growth of the residential property sector, creating homes with eco-friendly features through thoughtful design and construction processes. But what does it take to achieve an ‘A’ energy certificate rating?

Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España, explains that it’s about thinking holistically:

“Creating ‘A’ rated homes means thinking about the building’s construction, its use and its ongoing maintenance. It’s about big undertaking but one that homebuilders and developers must wholeheartedly embrace.”

At Almazara Hills in Istán (Malaga, Spain), which is Taylor Wimpey España’s latest ‘A’ rated development, the homes have insulated walls and roof, doubled glazed windows with thermal break, LED lighting, solar panels and energy-saving appliances (fridge, oven and so on).

Communal areas have light saving systems and there are installations for electric vehicles, supporting owners to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Taylor Wimpey España is also replanting trees on the plot and installing a drip irrigation system to save water – something that is a particularly precious resource in the local area, where ancient Moorish irrigation channels supply water from the mountains for villages and agriculture.

Almazara Hills is located in a unique setting dominated by the best panoramic views of the Concepción reservoir and the coast of Marbella.

A stunning setting for the most exacting client looking for a quiet location, surrounded by nature, close to all the services in Marbella, beaches and golf courses.

 

ISTÁN

The beauty of the surrounding nature, the Verde River running through, fountains and magical places contribute to Istán being known as the “Spring of the Costa del Sol”.

 

From Istán you can visit the Andalusian villages in the area: Estepona and its emblematic, beautifully preserved old town, Marbella and its beaches, San Pedro de Alcántara, and Benahavís, without forgetting the marvellous Sierra de la Nieves, a contrast to the coastal scenery of the area.

http://blog.theeconews.co.uk/what-does-it-take-to-achieve-an-a-energy-certificate-rating/

Foreign property purchases increase by 52.7% in Spain

Property purchases Spain

  • Foreigners accounted for 20.3% of purchases in H1 2022 (General Council of Notaries)
  • Britons are the leading nationality of foreign buyers
  • Brits are particularly drawn to Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca (Taylor Wimpey España)

A report into the Spanish property market during the first six months of 2022 has revealed a 52.7% jump in the number of foreigners buying homes in Spain, compared to the first half of 2021. The figures from the General Council of Notaries also reveal that foreign buyers accounted for 20.3% of home sales in Spain in H1 2022.

Britons are leading the charge when it comes to an appetite for Spanish property, accounting for 10.7% of all purchases by foreigners. They were followed by German buyers (10.2%) and buyers from France (7.7%).

While overall property purchases by foreigners jumped by 52.7% in H1 2022, some regions experienced even greater increases. Foreigners bought 78.0% more homes in the Costa Blanca than they did during the first half of 2021 and 62.3% more in the Costa del Sol.

The General Council of Notaries’ figures also shows that the average price per square metre of homes purchased by foreigners rose by 10.6% in the first half of 2022 (compared to H1 2021).

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is experiencing the increase in demand first-hand, with a number of developments either recently sold out or with just one or two properties left.

“The data emphasize just how strong demand for Spanish property is from foreign buyers. This is something we’re seeing play out in each of the regions in which we operate, where reservations are above pre-Covid levels and where many of our developments are selling out fast.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

In the Costa del Sol, Taylor Wimpey España’s key-ready Pier 1 development has just one apartment left for sale. The exclusive, gated community consists of four homes with frontline views of Sotogrande Marina. The final available apartment is the ground-floor home, costing €1,829,000 plus VAT, which comes complete with an expansive outdoor terrace with private pool.

Over in Ibiza and also ready to move into is the last home at Sunset Ibiza. Occupying a spectacular waterfront position, with views out to Conillera Island, the property is priced at €700,000 plus VAT, for which buyers get a beautiful two-bedroom apartment with large terraces, a communal pool and direct access to the sea.

Kiruna Hills and Essential, both in Alicante, also only have a few homes left for sale. Kiruna Hills has proven popular with golfers, due to its location at Alenda Golf, as well as the high quality of its townhouses with private gardens, terraces and roof terraces. . At Essential, meanwhile, buyers can purchase apartments in an outstanding location, with beaches, supermarkets, markets, banks, restaurants, cafés, gyms, schools (state and international), bus stations and post offices all within walking distance . Both developments include communal pools and garden areas, with Essential also including a playground.

https://www.londondaily.news/foreign-property-purchases-increase-by-52-7-in-spain/

https://propertynewsdesk.co.uk/2022/10/21/foreign-property-purchases-increase-by-52-7-in-spain/

Where to Stay Warm this Winter: Costa Sol

Pretty properties. Where to Stay Warm this Winter: Check Out the Costa del Sol 

As the weather turns colder, there are plenty of reasons to look overseas in search of somewhere warmer to spend the winter. Spain is a particularly popular destination both for tourists and for those purchasing second homes to use for frequent holidays.

This winter, visitor numbers look set to reach record-breaking levels. Spanish airport operator Aena reports that passenger traffic through Spanish airports was 85.3% higher during the first eight months of 2022 than it was during the same period in 2019. That equated to 159 million passengers between January and August, with Aena projecting a similar uptick over the winter season, compared to the winter of 2019/20.

Spain’s southern coastline, with its beautiful beaches and plentiful sunshine, is a particularly popular visitor hotspot. And when it comes to seeking winter sunshine, destinations don’t get much better than the Costa del Sol – the clue is in the name!

To discover more about the charms of the Costa del Sol and why it makes such a great winter holiday destination, we caught up with the team at Taylor Wimpey España, which has been building properties on the Spanish coast for more than 60 years. They shared their insights into the Costa del Sol’s appeal and pointed out the best places to visit for those looking to keep warm this winter.

Gastronomy 

“The gastronomy of southern Spain is a major part of the appeal,” explains Marc Pritchard, Taylor Wimpey España’s Sales and Marketing Director. “The abundant seafood, the deep, rich flavours and, of course, the outstanding local wines combine to deliver an exciting and diverse gastronomic experience. The range of dining options is impressive. You can try different tapas in different bars and cafes as you explore local towns. There are also some extremely popular Michelin starred restaurants dotted around the Costa del Sol, which are well worth a visit during the quieter winter months.”

Pretty properties

Surrounded by hundred-year-old trees and overlooking the La Concepción reservoir by Istán is Taylor Wimpey España’s Almazara Boutique Residences development. The site covers land that was formerly home to a dilapidated house with an ancient oil mill and fruit trees. Taylor Wimpey España has designed the new homes, which consist of townhouses at Almazara Views and apartments at Almazara Hills, to include as many of these original features as possible.

https://www.yourcoffeebreak.co.uk/travel/26338796137/where-to-stay-warm-this-winter-check-out-the-costa-del-sol/

Spain golf properties boom on the Coast

Spain golf properties

The latest data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute highlights the enduring strength of the golf property market, showing that 22% more mortgage loans were signed in Malaga between January and July 2022, compared to the same period of 2021.

Figures from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, show that reservations of properties so far in 2022 are above pre-Covid levels. And compared to 2021, reservations by British buyers are up 38% year to date.

Both coastal and golf properties are popular in the Costa del Sol. Golf in Spain has undergone a major resurgence recently, with the number of golf licences in the country growing by 13,166 in 2021. All golfers who are resident in Spain must obtain a licence from the Royal Spanish Golf Federation every year.

While golfers visiting from overseas don’t need to obtain a licence, they do need to provide a valid handicap certificate from their home club when playing on a Spanish course. According to a report from IE University, the Spanish Association of Golf Courses and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, Spain attracts 1.2 million golfers from overseas annually, making it the world’s leading destination for international golf tourism. The report also found that 88% of those visiting golfers’ expenditure is spent outside of golf courses, with numerous other sectors benefiting from Spain’s position as a haven for golfers.

This is where golf ties back into the property market in locations such as the Costa del Sol. Many players seek second homes close to their favourite courses. So strong is demand for golf properties that Taylor Wimpey España has just launched a new development – Sunny Golf – at Malaga’s Estepona Golf resort, along with a new phase of its popular Green Golf development at the same location.

Sunny Golf will consist of 69 two-and three-bedroom apartments with panoramic views over the course, costing from €230,000 plus VAT. The new phase of Green Golf, meanwhile, will encompass 48 houses with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, priced from €348,000 plus VAT. Both developments come with communal pools and plandscaped gardens, while individual homes feature large terraces and light-filled, open plan living spaces.

This is where golf ties back into the property market in locations such as the Costa del Sol. Many players seek second homes close to their favourite courses. So strong is demand for golf properties that Taylor Wimpey España has just launched a new development – Sunny Golf – at Malaga’s Estepona Golf resort, along with a new phase of its popular Green Golf development at the same location.

Sunny Golf will consist of 69 two-and three-bedroom apartments with panoramic views over the course, costing from €230,000 plus VAT. The new phase of Green Golf, meanwhile, will encompass 48 houses with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, priced from €348,000 plus VAT. Both developments come with communal pools and plandscaped gardens, while individual homes feature large terraces and light-filled, open plan living spaces.

https://www.planetmarbella.com/golf-properties-boom-on-the-coast/

More golfers take to the fairways in Spain

Golfers Spain: Costa del Sol property market booms as thousands more golfers take to the fairways in Spain

  • Property prices in Malaga province up 8% in last year
  • Taylor Wimpey España reports 38% increase in reservations by Brits
  • Mortgage agreements in Malaga jump 22% in a year
  • Number of golf licences in Spain rose by 13,166 in 2021

Newly released figures from Spanish real estate specialist Tinsa show that the province of Malaga enjoyed an 8.0% rise in house prices over the past year, as the Costa del Sol’s property market booms. Data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) also speak to the strength of the market, showing that 22% more mortgage loans were signed in Malaga between January and July 2022, compared to the same period of 2021.

Figures from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, meanwhile, show that reservations of properties so far in 2022 are above pre-Covid levels. And compared to 2021, reservations by British buyers are up 38% year to date.

Both coastal and golf properties are popular in the Costa del Sol. Golf in Spain has undergone a major resurgence recently, with the number of golf licences in the country growing by 13,166 in 2021. All golfers who are residents in Spain must obtain a licence from the Royal Spanish Golf Federation every year.

While golfers visiting from overseas don’t need to obtain a licence, they do need to provide a valid handicap certificate from their home club when playing on a Spanish course. According to a report from IE University, the Spanish Association of Golf Courses (AECG) and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG), Spain attracts 1.2 million golfers from overseas annually, making it the world’s leading destination for international golf tourism. The report also found that 88% of those visiting golfers’ expenditure is spent outside of golf courses, with numerous other sectors benefiting from Spain’s position as a haven for golfers.

This is where golf ties back into the property market in locations such as the Costa del Sol. Many players seek second homes close to their favourite courses. So strong is the demand for golf properties that Taylor Wimpey España has just launched a new development – Sunny Golf – at Malaga’s Estepona Golf resort, along with a new phase of its popular Green Golf development at the same location.

Sunny Golf will consist of 69 two- and three-bedroom apartments with panoramic views over the course, costing from €230,000 plus VAT. The new phase of Green Golf, meanwhile, will encompass 48 houses with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, priced from €348,000 plus VAT. Both developments come with communal pools and prettily landscaped gardens, while individual homes feature large terraces and light-filled, open-plan living spaces.

Over at La Cala Golf, it is Natura that is attracting keen interest from golf property buyers. Homes there are available from €559,000 plus VAT. The three-bedroom townhouses each come with a solarium of more than 50 m2 and a private garden. They occupy a privileged frontline position at La Cala Golf, as well as benefitting from an on-site communal pool.

https://www.londondaily.news/costa-del-sol-property-market-booms-as-thousands-more-golfers-take-to-the-fairways-in-spain/

Costa del Sol property market booms

Costa del Sol property market booms as thousands more golfers take to the fairways in Spain

  • Property prices in Malaga province up 8% in last year
  • Taylor Wimpey España reports 38% increase in reservations by Brits
  • Mortgage agreements in Malaga jump 22% in a year
  • Number of golf licences in Spain rose by 13,166 in 2021

Newly released figures from Spanish real estate specialist Tinsa show that the province of Malaga enjoyed an 8.0% rise in house prices over the past year, as the Costa del Sol’s property market booms. Data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) also speak to the strength of the market, showing that 22% more mortgage loans were signed in Malaga between January and July 2022, compared to the same period of 2021.

Figures from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, meanwhile, show that reservations of properties so far in 2022 are above pre-Covid levels. And compared to 2021, reservations by British buyers are up 38% year to date.

Both coastal and golf properties are popular in the Costa del Sol. Golf in Spain has undergone a major resurgence recently, with the number of golf licences in the country growing by 13,166 in 2021. All golfers who are resident in Spain must obtain a licence from the Royal Spanish Golf Federation every year.

While golfers visiting from overseas don’t need to obtain a licence, they do need to provide a valid handicap certificate from their home club when playing on a Spanish course. According to a report from IE University, the Spanish Association of Golf Courses (AECG) and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG), Spain attracts 1.2 million golfers from overseas annually, making it the world’s leading destination for international golf tourism. The report also found that 88% of those visiting golfers’ expenditure is spent outside of golf courses, with numerous other sectors benefiting from Spain’s position as a haven for golfers.

This is where golf ties back into the property market in locations such as the Costa del Sol. Many players seek second homes close to their favourite courses. So strong is demand for golf properties that Taylor Wimpey España has just launched a new development – Sunny Golf – at Malaga’s Estepona Golf resort, along with a new phase of its popular Green Golf development at the same location.

Sunny Golf will consist of 69 two- and three-bedroom apartments with panoramic views over the course, costing from €230,000 plus VAT. The new phase of Green Golf, meanwhile, will encompass 48 houses with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, priced from €348,000 plus VAT. Both developments come with communal pools and prettily landscaped gardens, while individual homes feature large terraces and light-filled, open plan living spaces.

Over at La Cala Golf, it is Natura that is attracting keen interest from golf property buyers. Homes there are available from €559,000 plus VAT. The three-bedroom townhouses each come with a solarium of more than 50 m2 and a private garden. They occupy a privileged frontline position at La Cala Golf, as well as benefitting from an on-site communal pool.

 

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/10/04/costa-del-sol-property-market-booms-as-thousands-more-golfers-take-to-the-fairways-in-spain/

https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/10/05/costa-del-sol-enjoys-post-pandemic-golf-property-boom/

Costa del Sol enjoys golf property boom

Costa del Sol enjoys post-pandemic golf property boom

Newly released figures from Spanish real estate specialist Tinsa show that the province of Malaga enjoyed an 8.0% rise in house prices over the past year, as the Costa del Sol’s property market booms.

Data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute also speak to the strength of the market, showing that 22% more mortgage loans were signed in Malaga between January and July 2022, compared to the same period of 2021.

Figures from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, meanwhile, show that reservations of properties so far in 2022 are above pre-Covid levels. And compared to 2021, reservations by British buyers are up 38% year to date.

Both coastal and golf properties are popular in the Costa del Sol. Golf in Spain has undergone a major resurgence recently, with the number of golf licences in the country growing by 13,166 in 2021. All golfers who are resident in Spain must obtain a licence from the Royal Spanish Golf Federation every year.

While golfers visiting from overseas don’t need to obtain a licence, they do need to provide a valid handicap certificate from their home club when playing on a Spanish course. According to a report from IE University, the Spanish Association of Golf Courses and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, Spain attracts 1.2 million golfers from overseas annually, making it the world’s leading destination for international golf tourism. The report also found that 88% of those visiting golfers’ expenditure is spent outside of golf courses, with numerous other sectors benefiting from Spain’s position as a haven for golfers.

This is where golf ties back into the property market in locations such as the Costa del Sol. Many players seek second homes close to their favourite courses. So strong is demand for golf properties that Taylor Wimpey España has just launched a new development – Sunny Golf – at Malaga’s Estepona Golf resort, along with a new phase of its popular Green Golf development at the same location.

Sunny Golf will consist of 69 two- and three-bedroom apartments with panoramic views over the course, costing from €230,000 plus VAT. The new phase of Green Golf, meanwhile, will encompass 48 houses with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, priced from €348,000 plus VAT. Both developments come with communal pools and prettily landscaped gardens, while individual homes feature large terraces and light-filled, open plan living spaces.

Over at La Cala Golf, it is Natura that is attracting keen interest from golf property buyers. Homes there are available from €559,000 plus VAT. The three-bedroom townhouses each come with a solarium of more than 50 m2 and a private garden. They occupy a privileged frontline position at La Cala Golf, as well as benefitting from an on-site communal pool.

https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/property/costa-del-sol-reports-post-pandemic-golf-property-boom/

New Sunny Golf apartments provide frontline fairway views

Apartments with golf views:

  • New Sunny Golf apartments provide frontline fairway views
  • 98.7% of tourists would recommend golfing in the Costa del Sol
  • 79.8% of golfers are employed, rather than retired

Southern Spain and golf go hand in hand, particularly as the searing heat of summer gives way to long, comfortably warm autumn days that are ideal for spending on the fairways. Many golfers return to Spain year after year, enjoying the country’s wealth of magnificent and challenging courses. And, according to Turismo Costa del Sol, 98.7% of those who play in the Costa del Sol would recommend it as a golfing destination.

The report from Turismo Costa del Sol provides detailed insights into golf along the ‘Costa del Golf’, an area spanning Malaga and Sotogrande and so-named due to its plethora of high-quality golf courses and resorts. It asserts that golf tourism is responsible for nearly 17,700 direct and indirect jobs in the area while generating €775 million in direct and indirect income. The cost of the average golf trip is over €1,800, with an average stay of 12.31 days.

The leading source of international golf tourists in the Costa del Sol is the UK, followed by Scandinavia, France and Germany. Interestingly, it is not retirees who are packing the fairways – though many certainly enjoying regular golfing in Spain – but those who class themselves as employed or self-employed. The group makes up 79.8% of those playing in the Costa del Golf. Nearly 40% do so while travelling with friends and over 33% as a couple.

“Little beats golf in the sunshine when it comes to combining physical exercise with the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature. At Estepona Golf, which is home to our brand-new development of 69 frontline golf apartments, players and homeowners alike can enjoy the rolling green countryside, with stunning views out to the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Bermeja Mountain range. It’s a very special kind of serenity.”

Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

The new development from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España at Estepona Golf is aptly named Sunny Golf. The first phase will include 36 bright, spacious apartments and penthouses, with various layouts encompassing two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living space and an integrated kitchen. Every home includes a large southwest- or west-facing terrace (buyers can select their preference), while ground-floor homes also have private gardens and penthouses have solariums. Each property provides spectacular views over the golf course, with some also providing views of the coastline and the mountains.

The gated residential complex comes with its own communal pool and gardens. Each home at Sunny Golf also has a private parking space, with the preinstallation of a charging point for an electric vehicle, along with air conditioning/heating, solar panels, thermal insulation and soundproofing, natural ventilation system, resulting in level B energy certification.

The Costa del Sol is home to more than 70 golf courses, of which Estepona Golf is one of the most popular and picturesque. In addition to its impressive 18-hole course, the resort is home to a two-storey clubhouse with a restaurant, bar, pro shop and terraces with breathtaking views over the golf course, the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Bermeja.

With average temperatures of 23°C and eight hours of sunshine per day in September, and 19°C and seven hours of daily sunshine in October, autumn is a lovely time of year to visit the Costa del Sol. Golfers who can’t wait for Sunny Golf to complete (the first homes are scheduled for delivery in June 2024) can pick up key-ready homes at Harmony  or Natura at La Cala Golf to start enjoying immediately.

 

https://www.londondaily.news/taylor-wimpey-espana-launches-new-golf-properties-as-costa-del-golf-delivers-income-of-e775m/

Taylor Wimpey España launches new golf properties

Taylor Wimpey España launches new golf properties, as ‘Costa del Golf’ delivers income of €775M

  • 7% of tourists would recommend golfing in the Costa del Sol
  • 8% of golfers are employed, rather than retired
  • New Sunny Golf apartments provide frontline fairway views

Southern Spain and golf go hand in hand, particularly as the searing heat of summer gives way to long, comfortably warm autumn days that are ideal for spending on the fairways. Many golfers return to Spain year after year, enjoying the country’s wealth of magnificent and challenging courses. And, according to Turismo Costa del Sol, 98.7% of those who play in the Costa del Sol would recommend it as a golfing destination.

The report from Turismo Costa del Sol provides detailed insights into golf along the ‘Costa del Golf’, an area spanning Malaga and Sotogrande and so-named due to its plethora of high-quality golf courses and resorts. It asserts that golf tourism is responsible for nearly 17,700 direct and indirect jobs in the area, while generating €775 million in direct and indirect income. The cost of the average golf trip is over €1,800, with an average stay of 12.31 days.

The leading source of international golf tourists in the Costa del Sol is the UK, followed by Scandinavia, France and Germany. Interestingly, it is not retirees who are packing the fairways – though many certainly enjoying regular golfing in Spain – but those who class themselves as employed or self-employed. The group makes up 79.8% of those playing in the Costa del Golf. Nearly 40% do so while travelling with friends and over 33% as a couple.

Little beats golf in the sunshine when it comes to combining physical exercise with the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature. At Estepona Golf, which is home to our brand-new development of 69 frontline golf apartments, players and homeowners alike can enjoy the rolling green countryside, with stunning views out to the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Bermeja Mountain range. It’s a very special kind of serenity.”

he new development from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España at Estepona Golf is aptly named Sunny Golf. The first phase will include 36 bright, spacious apartments and penthouses, with various layouts encompassing two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living space and integrated kitchen. Every home includes a large southwest- or west-facing terrace (buyers can select their preference), while ground floor homes also have private gardens and penthouses have solariums. Each property provides spectacular views over the golf course, with some also providing views of the coastline and the mountains.

The gated residential complex comes with its own communal pool and gardens. Each home at Sunny Golf also has a private parking space, with preinstallation of a charging point for an electric vehicle, along with air conditioning/heating, solar panels, thermal insulation and soundproofing, natural ventilation system, resulting in level B energy certification.

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/09/21/taylor-wimpey-espana-launches-new-golf-properties-as-costa-del-golf-delivers-income-of-e775m/

https://businessinthenews.co.uk/2022/09/22/taylor-wimpey-espana-launches-new-golf-properties-as-costa-del-golf-delivers-income-of-e775m/

TWE begins property development at Estepona

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is launching a new range of apartments and penthouses at Estepona Golf in Malaga.

Aptly named Sunny Golf, the first phase of the development, which will be completed in June 2024, will include 36 apartments and penthouses, with various layouts encompassing two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living space and integrated kitchen.

Every home includes a large southwest- or west-facing terrace, while ground floor homes also have private gardens and penthouses have solariums. Each property provides views over the golf course, with some also providing views of the coastline and the mountains.

The gated residential complex comes with its own communal pool and gardens. Each home at Sunny Golf also has a private parking space, with preinstallation of a charging point for an electric vehicle, along with air conditioning/heating, solar panels, thermal insulation and soundproofing, natural ventilation system, resulting in level B energy certification.

The Costa del Sol is home to more than 70 golf courses, of which Estepona Golf is one of the most popular and picturesque. In addition to its impressive 18-hole course, the resort is home to a two-storey clubhouse with restaurant, bar, pro shop and terraces with breath-taking views over the golf course, the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Bermeja.

Golfers who can’t wait for Sunny Golf to be ready can pick up key-ready homes at Harmony or Natura  at La Cala Golf.

For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.

https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/property/taylor-wimpey-espana-begins-property-development-at-estepona/

A view from Mallorca

A view from Mallorca

Taylor Wimpey España are in the property media talking Mallorca. ‘Mallorca’s Palma Airport is gearing up for its busiest ever September. Visitor numbers look set to top those seen in the same month during 2019, which was Mallorca’s busiest September to date, with 3.7 million arrivals.’

‘The island’s property market is also booming, with foreign buyers playing a major role in it. According to Q2 2022 figures from Colegio Registradores, foreign buyers in the Balearic Islands jumped by a staggering 34.66 per cent compared to the same period in 2021 – the highest increase in volume of foreign home buyers of any area in Spain. The Balearic Islands were also the Autonomous Community with the highest average price in Spain during the same quarter, at €3,180/m² – well above the national average of €1,957/m²).’

‘Nationally, Spain’s housing market is incredibly busy. The 163,909 registered sales during Q2 2022 were the second highest number in any quarter since the beginning of 2008. The same is true of the number of sales over the past year – the 626,345 sales are the highest number seen since mid-2008. When it comes to foreigners buying homes in Spain, Britons are leading the field. Foreigners accounted for 14.7 per cent of total home purchases in Spain in Q2 2022 (up 1.49 per cent since Q1 2022). Of those, Britons make up the largest group, accounting for 9.8 per cent of all foreigners buying property in Spain during Q2 (followed by Germans, at 9.1 per cent, and French buyers, at 6.6 per cent).’

‘Mallorca is leading Spain’s intensely busy property market right now, with strong demand from overseas buyers. British and German buyers in particular are snapping up properties in the Balearics. Properties in traditional Mallorquin villages that provide easy access to the coast are in hot demand. It is in the midst of this flourishing market that leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has launched its latest development on the island: Es Balcó.

Located in the pretty village of Ses Salines, on Mallorca’s southern coast, Es Balcó is home to 33 apartments and duplexes. The two- and three-bedroom properties are priced from €315,000 plus VAT.’ Email for an introduction and more details.

View Mallorca. All for now. See you soon.

Taylor Wimpey’s Spanish division reports profit margin

Profit Taylor Wimpey: Spanish division reports profit margin of 26.7%

Taylor Wimpey España, the Spanish division of the High Wycombe construction company, has reported a strong start to 2022.

The firm, which sells second homes in Spain to international buyers, has said that it completed 203 homes between January and June 2022, compared to 84 completions during the same period in 2021. This is an increase of 142 per cent.

This has driven strong financial figures for the first half of 2022, with the firm boasting an operating profit margin of 26.7 per cent. The average selling price of the company’s properties in Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca and Ibiza was €391,000 (~£329,000).

Managing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, said: “We are delighted to report such a positive start to the year. Demand for well-located, high-quality homes in Spain is robust and we are pleased to have been able to launch four new developments so far in 2022 to meet this need, representing a total investment of €58m in the Spanish property market.”

Part of this strength is driven by a resurgence in Spanish tourism, with foreign arrivals reaching 7.46 million in June of 2022 – a year-on-year increase of 236 per cent. The firm’s buyers this year have included 30 different nationalities.

He said: “We have some exciting new developments coming up during the second half of 2022. The first half of the year has been extremely busy and the second half of the year looks like it will be too.”

The Balearic Islands and Andalusia are two of the three most popular destinations in Spain for foreign visitors so far this year (along with Catalonia). Taylor Wimpey España’s developments in the Balearic Islands have certainly proven popular. Three developments – Canyamel Pins at Capdepera on the northeast coast of Mallorca, Sa Galera on Mallorca’s Bay of Palma and Sunset Ibiza, which provides frontline homes at Ibiza’s Cala Gracio – all have just a few apartments still available for sale.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España 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.

https://businessmag.co.uk/property/taylor-wimpeys-spanish-division-reports-profit-margin-of-26-7/

Let’s explore… marvellous Marbella

Explore Marbella

  • Michelin star restaurants rub shoulders with designer boutiques in this glamorous city
  • Marbella provides stunning beaches, world-class golf courses and spectacular local scenery
  • Taylor Wimpey España delivers a versatile range of Marbella second homes

Famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Marbella is known as a playground for the rich and famous. It is also a perennially popular family holiday destination, with a recent report from Tourism and Planning Costa del Sol flagging up Marbella as the most important location in the Costa del Sol for the British market. But what lies behind the headlines?

Getting to know Marbella 

Located on the coast of southern Spain, on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Marbella is a lively city nestled between the Sierra Blanca mountain range and a glorious stretch of golden sand. The city is packed with hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, nightclubs, shops and boutiques. It is also surrounded by some of Spain’s most well-known golf courses, while just along the coast is Puerto Banús, which is home to a marina packed with luxury yachts set against a backdrop of high-end designer stores and upscale restaurants and bars.

Marbella’s best beaches

Spain is awash with stunning beaches and proudly retains the title of the country with the most Blue Flags every year. It currently has 729 Blue Flags, in recognition of the quality, cleanliness and accessibility of its beaches, marinas and tourist boats.

Families spending their holidays in Marbella have a choice of beautiful coastal areas to enjoy. Marbella is home to seven Blue Flag locations – Casablanca, El Cable, El Faro, San Pedro Alcántara-Guadalmina, Venus-Bajadilla, Adelfas-Alicante and Puerto Banús-Levante – with families have mile upon mile of golden sand to choose from.

Eating out in style in Marbella

Dining out is a core part of any trip to Marbella. The Michelin guide recommends 16 restaurants in the city, including the one-starred El Lago, Nintai and Messina and the two-starred Skina. Marbella’s outstanding restaurants cater to a wide range of palates, offering everything from contemporary interpretations of traditional Andalusian cuisine to flavours from Mexico, Japan and Thailand.

Picking up the perfect Marbella property

For those looking for a permanent base in Marbella, one of the lovely aspects of buying a property there is the wealth of choice that is available there.

Taylor Wimpey España offers a wide range of Marbella properties, from apartments at The Crest at La Quinta Golf Resort to lakeside homes at Marbella Lake. Both properties deliver bright, open plan accommodation, with large terraces and communal pools on-site. Golfers can pick up one of the last three apartments at The Crest from €529,000 plus VAT, while the serenity of Marbella Lake is available to those with budgets starting at €430,000 plus VAT.

Buying property in Marbella isn’t just about creating magical holiday memories. It is about that, of course, but it can also be a savvy financial investment. According to data from Tinsa, the average value of housing in Spain’s coastal regions rose by 4.2% during the first quarter of 2022.

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/08/04/lets-explore-marvellous-marbella/

https://www.londondaily.news/lets-explore-marvellous-marbella/

It’s show time! What makes a good show home?

Spain Show homes

  • Taylor Wimpey España opens new show apartments in Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca (Spain).
  • Buyers keen to visit developments in person, after restrictions of past 2.5 years
  • Show home visitors asking about everything from customization to inclusion of furniture

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España has announced the opening of four new show homes at developments in the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca. Having sold homes in Spanish coastal areas for nearly 65 years, the company has plenty of insights to share when it comes to what makes a good show home.

Creating a show home isn’t just about picking furniture that fits. It’s about creating a sense of the development – of representing the essence of the lifestyle that’s on offer. Visitors need to get a feel for the development and how it would suit them. That takes a lot of careful thought.”

Delivering a winning show home is also about creating precisely that – a ‘home’. According to interior design firm Pablo Maestre, that means creating comfortable, quiet and relaxed spaces in which people can feel at home. Knowing who will visit the show home is key to that:

“We keep the show home’s target viewers firmly in mind, taking into account factors such as age and nationality. These are important considerations when dressing a show home, as they can make a fundamental difference to the style and materials used.”

Taylor Wimpey’s new show homes have been developed to express the character of each individual development. Essential in Jávea, Costa Blanca, for example, sits within the heart of the town, with the beaches and marina just a 15-minute stroll away. The interior design of the show home reflects this, with sleek, contemporary furnishings paired with natural materials and muted, elegant colours.

At The Crest in Benahavis on the Costa deal Sol, meanwhile, the stunning natural views have influenced the show apartment’s design, which features a rich variety of natural textures and tones. The greens, browns and creams blend beautifully with the surrounding foliage, the greenery of the Westin La Quinta golf resort and the views of the Sierra Blanca mountains.

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/08/01/its-show-time-what-makes-a-good-show-home/

https://www.londondaily.news/its-show-time-what-makes-a-good-show-home/

Spain property update: booming Balearics and new Costa Blanca launch

Spain property.

  • Balearic Island visitor numbers up 386% in first 5 months of 2022
  • Mediterranean Coast property prices up 6.9%
  • Taylor Wimpey España reveals new Bella Beach launch in Denia, Costa Blanca

Visitors are returning to Spain in their millions, with popular coastal areas and Spanish islands welcoming travellers back with open arms after the past two years of disruption. Figures from the Institute of Statistics of the Balearic Islands (IBESTAT) show that just over 4 million visitors arrived during the first five months of the year, an increase of 386% compared to the same period of 2021. Visitor numbers rose particularly in May, which saw 1.8 million people head to the Balearic Islands during the month.

The Balearic tourism boom saw Germans top the list of foreign visitors, followed by travellers from the UK, with 541,691 and 479,966 respectively. The data show that tourists spent an average of €1,957 per person in May – an increase of nearly 837% compared the same month in 2021. According to economic and social research company Funcas, this reactivation of international tourism will see the Balearic and Canary Islands experience greater economic growth than any other Spanish region during 2022.

The island of Mallorca stands out as the Balearic destination of choice, recording the highest occupancy level during May, at 62.6% based on IBESTAT’s figures. Nor is it just the hotel sector that is booming – leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is enjoying a surge of interest in its properties on the island.

“It is fantastic to see Mallorca alive with activity once again. Tourists are making the most of their time here by dining out, spending days on the beach, shopping, playing golf and simply enjoying their leisure time to the full. Many are also keen to explore the possibility of owning a second home on the island, so are weighing up the merits of the different styles and locations of the homes that are available here.”

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/08/01/spain-property-update-booming-balearics-and-new-costa-blanca-launch/

https://www.londondaily.news/spain-property-update-booming-balearics-and-new-costa-blanca-launch/

Ryanair’s new routes: second home ownership overseas

As well as opening up international destinations for holidays, Ryanair’s new routes also bring with them the possibility of second home ownership overseas

Ryanair has revealed it will be returning to Belfast International Airport. After a painful couple of years for the travel and tourism industry – and in particular for aviation – the carrier will be reopening its Belfast base from Summer 2023.The return of Ryanair will result in an investment of around $200m in Belfast, including supporting more than 60 jobs at the airport and some 750 indirect local jobs. It will include two aircraft based at the airport and will deliver 12 new routes, with more than 115 flights per week.

Ryanair’s new routes will serve domestic customers for business and leisure purposes, with connections to Manchester, East-Midlands, Edinburgh and London-Stansted airports. They will also serve families looking for some sunshine, with international destinations including Milan-Bergamo, Paris-Beauvais, Barcelona-Girona, Malaga, Alicante and Faro, in Portugal’s Algarve.

Keen to give cash-strapped families something to look forward to next year, Ryanair is holding a seat sale for holidays booked between April and June 2023, provided they are booked before the end of July 2022. It means that those booking flights from Belfast International Airport can benefit from fares as low as £19.99.

As well as opening up international destinations for holidays, the new routes also bring with them the possibility of second home ownership overseas. Both Spain and Portugal are popular locations for holiday homes. As well as providing abundant sunshine, fabulous beaches, world-class golf courses and delicious food and wine, both destinations also offer property prices that can feel very attractive to buyers in the UK.

In Spain’s Costa Blanca, for example, a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with terrace at Amara, from Taylor Wimpey España, costs from just €190,000 plus VAT. The development has a communal pool, pretty landscaped gardens and a playground, as well as stunning sea views from many of the homes.

In Portugal, meanwhile, two-bedroom apartments at Amendoeira Golf Resort, which are available through Kronos Homes, cost from €290,000. Buyers enjoy access to two 18-hole golf courses, an illuminated 9-hole course, a golf academy, a driving range and putting green, a grass football field, two five-a-side football pitches, six tennis courts, two padel courts, a fully equipped gym, a one-kilometre jogging track and two outdoor swimming pools, as well as a lovely clubhouse with restaurant and sports bar.

The long-term investment that Ryanair’s Belfast base signifies is excellent news for holidaymakers, second home owners and the local workforce alike. As Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness, observes: “We are delighted to have reached a long-term agreement with Belfast International’s management, which will underpin future Ryanair growth at the Airport over the coming years.”

https://nitravelnews.com/blog/ryanair-returns-to-belfast-in-style/

Property abroad – what are the merits of being the last to buy?

Property abroad: last units It’s very often the case that new developments use all the incentives they can to encourage the first few buyers to sign on the dotted line – sometimes before the project has even started construction – to build up momentum and encourage more buyers to follow.

However, when it comes to acquiring a property abroad, whether as an investment or for personal use, there can be advantages to being the last to buy, rather than the first.

The sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey España, which has been selling coastal homes in Spain for well over 60 years, says purchasing the last units on a development delivers a number of clear benefits.

“First and foremost, there’s a much greater chance of the property being key-ready than if you’re one of the first buyers. That means you can see for yourself how well the property has been built and finished – something that’s simply not possible when buying off-plan,” he said.“Snapping up the last stock also delivers greater insight into monthly communal expenses, so you have a better idea of what your ongoing costs will be.”

He adds that the last unit sold is often the show home, meaning that it might have a few added extras included that standard apartments on the same development may not.

Typically, show homes are penthouses or similarly impressive properties, coming complete with ‘lovely views, larger terraces or other advantages’.

Pritchard argues there’s also the possibility of negotiating to include the show home furniture in the purchase, which is ideal for buyers looking for a fuss-free, fully furnished property.

Taylor Wimpey España witnessed property reservations by British buyers rise by 180% in its May 2022 YTD figures, while data from Rightmove echoes the strong appetite from British buyers, with enquiries for homes in Spain increasing by 36% in April 2022 compared to the same month in 2021.

In fact, so intense is demand that three of Taylor Wimpey España’s developments in the Balearic Islands and two in the Costa Blanca are all now down to their final few units.

https://www.propertyinvestortoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/7/investors–what-are-the-merits-of-being-the-last-to-buy

High demand and sales: new phases in Costa del Sol

High demand and sales push Taylor Wimpey España to release new phases of popular Costa del Sol developments

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is releasing new phases of two popular developments in the Costa del Sol, after a string of reservations by British buyers has seen golf properties in the area snapped up.

While buyers of 25 different nationalities have reserved homes with Taylor Wimpey España so far in 2022, nearly 60% of reservations in the Costa del Sol have been by Brits (YTD May). The majority have been for golf properties, with the result that homes at Sun Valley at La Cala Golf are now sold out, while a new phase has just been released at Green Golf in Estepona, Malaga.

The new homes at Green Golf, which enjoy panoramic views over the fairways and down to the sea, are the developer’s third phase at Estepona Golf. A total of 21 properties will be available – all bright, spacious townhouses split across three levels. The three-bedroom properties feature open-plan living spaces and large, south-facing terraces as part of a private, gated community with communal gardens and pools. Solar panels, thermal insulation, soundproofing and natural ventilation systems are included as standard, with buyers also benefitting from discounted services at Estepona Golf. Prices start from €345,000 plus VAT.

Lakeside living is also proving popular with British buyers – hence the release of a new phase of homes at Marbella Lake. Spread across several three-storey, contemporary Mediterranean-style buildings, the two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and elegant penthouses are set around four communal pools, within landscaped gardens in an idyllic lakeside setting. Serenity, birdsong and stunning scenery are the order of the day.

“Demand from British buyers is strong so far this year and it’s still growing – reservations were up 180% in May YTD compared to last year. That’s why we’re investing a further €15 million in these new phases of two of our popular Costa del Sol developments and accelerating the availability of high-quality second homes to buyers from the UK and other nations.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The appetite for Spanish property is not solely from the UK. Sustained domestic demand and interest from overseas saw property prices rise by 1.1% in May 2022, meaning they now stand some 8.4% higher than a year ago, according to figures from Tinsa.

 

 

https://www.londondaily.news/high-demand-and-sales-push-taylor-wimpey-espana-to-release-new-phases-of-popular-costa-del-sol-developments/

Want to move to Spain?

Want to move to Spain? Here’s how to cut your tax bill and dodge red tape

Expat life is tricky and expensive – particularly for retirees. But there are ways to smooth the way to that dream life.

 

The obstacles of Brexit and then Covid have not stopped the British buying homes in Spain. Affordable property, seemingly endless days of guaranteed sunshine and lower living costs seem more important to buyers than ever.

For three months at the end of last year, Britons lost their long-held position as the most prolific group of foreign buyers – to Germans – but they are now back on top. According to the Spanish land registry, in the first quarter of 2022, British people bought the most number of properties since 2018.

This trend is likely to continue. Rightmove, the property website, reported that the number of buyers enquiring about Spanish properties is up 36pc on the same period last year.

Three areas in Andalusia were the most in demand: Islantilla on the Costa de la Luz, to the west of Gibraltar, Marbella, and the coastal resort of Vera in Almeria.

Developer Taylor Wimpey Espana, said: “We are selling new properties too quickly [to build them], despite having to put up prices due to steep increases in the price of building materials.”

Nearly half of the current home hunters are looking to move to Spain full-time – a process that has required a visa since January 2021. “Golden visas” are available to those spending €500,000 (£433,643) on a property, and these have made up around a tenth of British applications according to My Lawyer in Spain. Most of those buyers have headed to Mallorca.

The rest of their applications are for the Non-Lucrative Visa, which is designed for those not working in Spain – mainly retirees; they mostly move to either the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tax/tax-hacks/want-move-spain-cut-tax-bill-dodge-red-tape/

New phases of popular Costa del Sol developments

Costa del Sol developments: High demand and sales push Taylor Wimpey España to release new phases

  • Reservations by Brits up 180% in May YTD
  • Golf properties being snapped up, while lakeside living is also sought after
  • British demand in Costa del Sol is “strong and growing

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is releasing new phases of two popular developments in the Costa del Sol, after a string of reservations by British buyers has seen golf properties in the area snapped up.

While buyers of 25 different nationalities have reserved homes with Taylor Wimpey España so far in 2022, nearly 60% of reservations in the Costa del Sol have been by Brits (YTD May). The majority have been for golf properties, with the result that homes at Sun Valley at La Cala Golf are now sold out, while a new phase has just been released at Green Golf in Estepona, Malaga.

The new homes at Green Golf, which enjoy panoramic views over the fairways and down to the sea, are the developer’s third phase at Estepona Golf. A total of 21 properties will be available – all bright, spacious townhouses split across three levels. The three-bedroom properties feature open plan living spaces and large, south-facing terraces as part of a private, gated community with communal gardens and pools. Solar panels, thermal insulation, soundproofing and natural ventilation systems are included as standard, with buyers also benefitting from discounted services at Estepona Golf. Prices start from €345,000 plus VAT.

Lakeside living is also proving popular with British buyers – hence the release of a new phase of homes at Marbella Lake. Spread across several three-storey, contemporary Mediterranean style buildings, the two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and elegant penthouses are set around four communal pools, within landscaped gardens in an idyllic lakeside setting. Serenity, birdsong and stunning scenery are the order of the day, with homes available from €430,000 plus VAT.

“Demand from British buyers is strong so far this year and it’s still growing – reservations were up 180% in May YTD compared to last year. That’s why we’re investing a further €15 million in these new phases of two of our popular Costa del Sol developments and accelerating the availability of high-quality second homes to buyers from the UK and other nations.” 

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Appetite for Spanish property is not solely from the UK. Sustained domestic demand and interest from overseas saw property prices rise by 1.1% in May 2022, meaning they now stand some 8.4% higher than a year ago, according to figures from Tinsa.

New Almazara Boutique Residences

Taylor Wimpey España perfectly blends the past with the future at the new Almazara Boutique Residences

  • The new development features an ancient oil mill, surrounded by 100-year-old trees
  • The modernity of Puerto Banús and traditional Istán both 10 minutes away
  • The rustic appearance will blend with the natural surroundings

Spain is a fascinating contrast between ancient tradition and cutting-edge progress. The country’s renewable energy, transportation, healthcare, aerospace and various other industries are at the forefront of innovation. Yet beneath this lie rich cultural traditions, beliefs and gastronomy that date back centuries.

This mix of the old and the new is one of many elements of Spanish life that visitors find so charming, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España.

“In so many areas of Spanish life, the country has such a rich tapestry of the old and the new to offer. We see this with Spanish architecture, with the country’s cuisine, with leisure pursuits… there is a strong desire to showcase the very best of the past while also delivering something outstandingly modern for the future.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s newly launched development, Almazara Boutique Residences, encompasses precisely this combination of the best of the past and the best of the future. The plot the development occupies was home to a dilapidated house with an ancient oil mill, orchard and fruit trees. Rather than levelling the ground and starting again, the Taylor Wimpey España team has designed the new homes, which consist of apartments at Almazara Hills and townhouses at Almazara Views, to include as many of the ancient features as possible.

Surrounded by hundred-year-old trees and overlooking the La Concepción reservoir, as well as providing panoramic views of Marbella Bay and Gibraltar, the homes at Almazara Boutique Residences feature a sympathetic rustic appearance that blends beautifully into the natural surroundings. At the entrance to the development, in pride of place, is the ancient almazara (‘oil mill’), which was used to produce olive oil – one of the many things for which the Andalusia region is so well known around the world.

The site location also straddles the best of the old and the new. Almazara Boutique Residences sits on the slopes of La Concha, between Marbella and Istán. It is just 10 minutes’ drive from the very modern Spanish experience that Marbella and Puerto Banús deliver. International schools, the Manolo Santana Tennis Club, superb golf courses, shopping and leisure centres in Nueva Andalucia and the stunning beaches along Marbella’s Golden Mile are all within easy reach.

 

https://www.londondaily.news/taylor-wimpey-espana-perfectly-blends-the-past-with-the-future-at-the-new-almazara-boutique-residences/

Almazara Residences: blends the past with the future

Taylor Wimpey España perfectly blends the past with the future at the new Almazara Boutique Residences

  • New development features ancient oil mill, surrounded by 100-year-old trees
  • Modernity of Puerto Banús and traditional Istán both 10 minutes away
  • Rustic appearance will blend with natural surroundings

Spain is a fascinating contrast of ancient tradition and cutting-edge progress. The country’s renewable energy, transportation, healthcare, aerospace and various other industries are at the forefront of innovation. Yet beneath this lie rich cultural traditions, beliefs and gastronomy that date back centuries.

This mix of the old and the new is one of many elements of Spanish life that visitors find so charming, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España.

In so many areas of Spanish life, the country has such a rich tapestry of the old and the new to offer. We see this with Spanish architecture, with the country’s cuisine, with leisure pursuits… there is a strong desire to showcase the very best of the past while also delivering something outstandingly modern for the future.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s newly launched development, Almazara Boutique Residences, encompasses precisely this combination of the best of the past and the best of the future. The plot the development occupies was home to a dilapidated house with an ancient oil mill, orchard and fruit trees. Rather than levelling the ground and starting again, the Taylor Wimpey España team has designed the new homes, which consist of apartments at Almazara Hills and townhouses at Almazara Views, to include as many of the ancient features as possible.

Surrounded by hundred-year-old trees and overlooking the La Concepción reservoir, as well as providing panoramic views of Marbella Bay and Gibraltar, the homes at Almazara Boutique Residences feature a sympathetic rustic appearance that blends beautifully into the natural surroundings. At the entrance to the development, in pride of place, is the ancient almazara (‘oil mill’), which was used to produce olive oil – one of the many things for which the Andalusia region is so well known around the world.

The site location also straddles the best of the old and the new. Almazara Boutique Residences sits on the slopes of La Concha, between Marbella and Istán. It is just 10 minutes’ drive from the very modern Spanish experience that Marbella and Puerto Banús deliver. International schools, the Manolo Santana Tennis Club, superb golf courses, shopping and leisure centres in Nueva Andalucia and the stunning beaches along Marbella’s Golden Mile are all within easy reach.

Then there is Istán. One of the access points to the beautiful Sierra de las Nieves natural park, Istán is a centuries-old village at the head of the Rio Verde valley. Its fountains are fed by pure mountain water, which visitors catch in jugs as it cascades down the rocks outside the village. The narrow streets of the Moorish village were designed for mules and packhorses, meaning that motorists need to leave their vehicles behind and explore on foot.

In addition to a couple of restaurants and outstanding tapas bars, Istán is home to a 15th century Arab tower surrounded by gardens, the 16th century Church of San Miguel and an old wash house surrounded by houses covered with climbing bougainvillaea and roses. Down by the reservoir, the absence of motorboats and jet skis means that picnickers can enjoy the sounds of nature as they attempt to spot Marbella’s extremely rare otters. The experience offers a serenity that counterbalances the bright modernity of life in Puerto Banús perfectly.

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/06/08/taylor-wimpey-espana-perfectly-blends-the-past-with-the-future-at-the-new-almazara-boutique-residences/

España properties to suit all tastes in Mallorca

España properties: Find your perfect property pairing in Mallorca as Love Island season 8 kicks off

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is inviting people to find their perfect property pairing in Mallorca, as the new season of Love Island focuses Britons’ attention on the sun-kissed island once more.

Kicking off in early June, Love Island season eight has already got people talking. The 2021 finale attracted 2.8 million viewers (430,000 more than the 2020 finale), many of whom are eagerly awaiting the first episodes of the new season.

The countdown to the new episodes has included the release of pictures of the villa’s sparkling swimming pool. And with average temperatures of 26°C in June rising to 30°C in August, pools are a core concern for holiday home buyers on the island too.

“Summer is on its way here in Mallorca, with the temperature forecast to hit 30°C this weekend. The outstanding climate, with 13 average hours of sunshine per day in July, means that pools are a key focus for holiday home buyers, as well as for Love Island viewers.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

With that in mind, Taylor Wimpey España has asserted its confidence that it can find the perfect property pairing for all those interested in owning a home on the island. Townhouses at Sa Galera, priced from €820,000 plus VAT, deliver space and serenity, with large terraces, private gardens and lovely solariums. The boutique development of just eight homes comes with a pool for residents’ exclusive use.

Senses Cala Anguila, meanwhile, offers apartments with generous gardens or terraces just 200m from the sea. Priced from €410,400, the homes also come with pretty communal gardens and a communal pool.

For those on more of a budget, homes at Compass are available for €300,000 plus VAT. The two-bedroom, bright white apartments come with good-sized terraces for enjoying the climate, while the development also features landscaped gardens and pools.

“We currently have seven developments underway in Mallorca, so there are properties to suit all tastes. Whether buyers are looking for a home by the beach, close to golf courses and other sports facilities, in a secluded area or somewhere more lively, we can pair their desires with the perfect property, ensuring that buyers love their new home as well as the island.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/05/27/find-your-perfect-property-pairing-in-mallorca-as-love-island-season-8-kicks-off/

Beach versus golf property ownership

Beach versus golf property ownership – how to decide which to buy

Homes on golf courses aren’t just for golfers. Nor are beachfront apartments solely about the sea views. If you’re weighing up which type of luxury holiday home suits you best, read on for some insights that should help inform your decision.

Something for everyone: making the case for golf properties  

You might be forgiven for assuming that you need a passion for spending time on the fairways if you own a golf property. However, research by European Tour Destinations found that 66% of people who lived in golf communities didn’t play golf. Yes, the golfing aspect appeals to those who play, but those who don’t benefit from lush, green surroundings and a superbly serene and natural local environment.

Many golf course properties also enjoy access to a range of luxurious on-site facilities. Homes at Natura, for example, come with a Privilege Card providing exclusive benefits and discounts for the facilities at Spain’s renowned La Cala Golf Resort. With a hydrotherapy centre and spa, a leisure and beauty centre, two restaurants, an impressive wine cellar and an impressive range of sporting facilities, including tennis and squash courts, football pitch, gymnasium, fitness activities and an outdoor running circuit, there’s plenty to do for those who have never even picked up a golf club. Golfers, of course, also benefit from the three 18-hole golf courses and on-site golf academy, all surrounded by stunning scenery.

Life’s a beach: the case for seafront homes

Just as golf properties offer more than golf alone, so too do beachfront homes. Sunset Ibiza is a prime example of this. The properties look out over the stunning turquoise waters in an area known for some of the best sunsets on the Iberian island. They also provide easy access to beautiful natural parks, delicious local cuisine and peaceful, traditional villages that provide a stark contrast to the party lifestyle that many associate with Ibiza.

Beachfront homes often make great bases from which to explore the local area. They can also be ideal for those who want to keep active, with many providing easy access to a range of water sports, just ready and waiting to be enjoyed.

Decisions, decisions…

If you’re struggling to decide between a golf property and a beachfront home, it might be best to take a step back and consider your priorities. What is it that you want from the property? How do you plan to use it? There’s likely to be a lot more to the decision than simply ‘golf or beach’?

Of course, if you really can’t decide, you still have options, particularly when it comes to luxury properties in locations like Ibiza, Mallorca and the Spanish Costas. Canyamel Pins in Capdepera, Mallorca, for example, sits just 200 metres from the beach and 600 metres from the picturesque Canyamel Golf Course.

Hybrid beach/golf properties like this are ideal for those who want the best of both worlds. After all, beach and golf properties tick many of the same boxes, with natural beauty and serenity usually chief among them, as well as plentiful opportunities for sport and leisure activities. So if you’re torn between whether to buy a beachfront property or a golf course home, perhaps your inability to decide points to a need to enjoy the benefits of both!

https://www.kizzis.biz/beach-versus-golf-property-ownership-how-to-decide-which-to-buy/

Find your perfect property in Mallorca Love Island

Find your perfect property pairing in Mallorca as Love Island season 8 kicks off

  • Taylor Wimpey España delivering “properties to suit all tastes” in Mallorca
  • New-season of Love Island to focus attention on the island once again
  • Pools take centre stage as summer temperatures soar

Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is inviting people to find their perfect property pairing in Mallorca, as the new season of Love Island focuses Britons’ attention on the sun-kissed island once more.

Kicking off in early June, Love Island season eight has already got people talking. The 2021 finale attracted 2.8 million viewers (430,000 more than the 2020 finale), many of whom are eagerly awaiting the first episodes of the new season.

The countdown to the new episodes has included the release of pictures of the villa’s sparkling swimming pool. And with average temperatures of 26°C in June rising to 30°C in August, pools are a core concern for holiday home buyers on the island too.

“Summer is on its way here in Mallorca, with the temperature forecast to hit 30°C this weekend. The outstanding climate, with 13 average hours of sunshine per day in July, means that pools are a key focus for holiday home buyers, as well as for Love Island viewers.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

With that in mind, Taylor Wimpey España has asserted its confidence that it can find the perfect property pairing for all those interested in owning a home on the island. Townhouses at Sa Galera, priced from €820,000 plus VAT, deliver space and serenity, with large terraces, private gardens and lovely solariums. The boutique development of just eight homes comes with a pool for residents’ exclusive use.

Senses Cala Anguila, meanwhile, offers apartments with generous gardens or terraces just 200m from the sea. Priced from €410,400, the homes also come with pretty communal gardens and a communal pool.

For those on more of a budget, homes at Compass are available for €300,000 plus VAT. The two-bedroom, bright white apartments come with good-sized terraces for enjoying the climate, while the development also features landscaped gardens and pools.

“We currently have seven developments underway in Mallorca, so there are properties to suit all tastes. Whether buyers are looking for a home by the beach, close to golf courses and other sports facilities, in a secluded area or somewhere more lively, we can pair their desires with the perfect property, ensuring that buyers love their new home as well as the island.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España and visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/.

https://www.londondaily.news/find-your-perfect-property-pairing-in-mallorca-as-love-island-season-8-kicks-off/

Taylor Wimpey España delivers homes for beach lovers

Taylor Wimpey España delivers homes for beach lovers, as Spain retains its crown as the Blue Flag capital of the world

  • Spain’s beaches awarded 621 Blue Flags in 2022
  • Valencian Community earns more Blue Flags than any other area, with 139
  • Taylor Wimpey España offering a range of homes by Blue Flag beaches for second home buyers who want the best

Spain has retained its position as having more Blue Flags than any other country in the world. The country now has a total of 621 Blue Flags for its beaches – 6 more than in 2021. Awarded based on cleanliness, services, water quality and a range of other factors, Blue Flags recognise the best beaches around the world, and Spain once again has the best of the best in 2022. Counting marinas and tourist boats as well as beaches, the country has a total of 729 Blue Flags – an increase of 23 since 2021.

“Travellers come from around the world to spend time on Spain’s beaches. The quality and variety on offer are simply superb. With the additional Blue Flags it has earned this year, Spain is now home to 15% of the world’s best beaches and we are delighted to be delivering holiday homes close to a selection of those beaches.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

The Valencian Community, which encompasses Alicante, Torrevieja, Xàbia (Jávea), Denia and several other popular locations, boasts more Blue Flags than any other area, with a total of 139. One of those is for Arenal – a horseshoe-shaped stretch of soft sand that extends for half a mile, with gently lapping waves that are perfect for splashing in. Just a 10-minute stroll away is Essential, from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, where two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments are arranged around a central communal pool. All apartments have private terraces.

While the Valencian Community takes the top spot for the highest number, it is Andalusia that has achieved the greatest increase in Blue Flags during the past year. The region now boasts a total of 122 Blue Flags, covering some 169.6 km of beachfront.

La Cala in Mijas proudly flies one of those flags, in recognition of its clean waters and outstanding facilities, where visitors can laze on sunbeds before taking a stroll along the boardwalk to choose from the many well-regarded beachfront restaurants. Nearby, the rolling greenery of La Cala Golf Resort is home to a range of second home options, including the light-filled apartments at Harmony.

“Owning a second home by a Blue Flag beach means having access to outstanding scenery and top amenities, as well as safe, clean waters. It’s the perfect setting for a family holiday where you can have confidence in the quality of your surroundings.”

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España

https://thepropertygroupsite.com/2022/05/16/taylor-wimpey-espana-delivers-homes-for-beach-lovers-as-spain-retains-its-crown-as-the-blue-flag-capital-of-the-world/