Spain’s dedicated to being a record breaker with 7.64 million foreign visitors last month

Spain

In August this year 7.64 million foreign tourists visited Spain, a 9.4% increase over the same month in 2010, with data from the survey of tourist movements at FRONTUR indicating that this marked an all-time monthly high for the country.

Since the beginning of 2011, 40 million tourists have visited Spain, representing a 7.8% increase over the same period in 2010.

The Ministry of Industry which produces the tourist movement survey suggests that August visitor figures ‘reinforces the good prospects of Spain in 2011’ highlighted by the fourth best year in the history of Spanish tourism, a great achievement considering the economic recovery only began back in the second half of 2010.

Further data indicates that while Brits are one of the most regular and indeed loyal visitors to Spanish shores standing at 9.5 million, there has been impressive increases in numbers of other foreign visitors to Spain between January and August this year, with a 16.7% rise in American tourists in the month of August as well as a 12.3% increase in German and 10.5% rise in Italian visitors.

By destination, Catalonia was the largest recipient of foreign tourists receiving 1.9 million visitors in August whilst the Balearic Islands followed closely behind with 1.8 million tourists in the same month. Meanwhile, 1 million visitors flocked to Andalucía, 821,000 tourists visited the Canary Islands while 737,000 foreigners picked Valencia and 550,000 made Madrid their destination of choice.

Ignacio Osle, Sales & Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Despite difficult economic conditions across mainland Europe, Spain is one of the most resilient holiday destinations, remaining popular with foreigners whatever the market conditions. Recently, the IMF stated that Spain will be the only country that will experience higher levels of growth next year compared to its European counterparts of France, Italy and Greece. Spain has a global appeal as a tourist destination; we have even seen 53,000 tourists arrive from India in the first half of this year, representing a 35% increase.

“Spain is recovering well especially with the help of the country’ss overall tourism drive and low cost airlines like easyJet increasing the number of flights it operates from the  Netherlands to destinations such as Mallorca next year. Indeed, Mallorca is one such destination that has performed better on the property front than its mainland counterparts offering strong rental market potential.”

Following the success of Cala Magrana I and II, Taylor Wimpey España are now launching phase III comprising 20 stunning apartments in Mallorca situated 600m to Cala Anguila beach, a selection of golf courses and the marina of Porto Cristo.

Costing from €220,000 + VAT, this residential development consists of 2 bedroom apartments surrounding a communal garden with a swimming pool. Ground floor apartments have a spacious terrace with a garden for private use while Top floor apartments benefit from a roof terrace also for private use.

For more information on purchasing a piece of Spanish heaven contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Leading Spanish house builder bucks trend and reports positive outlook for Q4 2011 with sales up by 8%

Spain

With the National Statistics Institute in Spain revealing that the number of property sales declined during July, both on a year-on-year and monthly basis, leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España is proud to report an 8% increase in sales to date in 2011.

Reviewing its performance this year so far, Taylor Wimpey España which has been operational in the Spanish market for over 50 years, has seen positive growth in international sales with a 70% increase in customer enquires compared to 2010.

British buyers remain the largest market at 32%, followed by the Spanish at 24%, Germans at 13% and the Russians at 9%. It is reported that clients from all nationalities are primarily seeking holiday and retirement homes as opposed to investment properties in the traditionally popular areas of Mallorca, Marbella and Alicante.

Ignacio Osle, Sales & Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“Spain remains one of the most popular holiday and second home destinations in the world for Northern & Central Europeans. Consistently ranked number one in TheMoveChannel’s Top of the Props monthly report and one of the most searched for destinations in the recent Conti mortgage advisory survey, the demand for property in Spain is clearly evident.

“A combination of property price reductions, decreased supply of property in the prime locations and a steady flow of serious interest has enticed home buyers to make the positive decision this year.”

And indeed these factors combined with the Spanish government’s decision to reduce IVA tax by 50% and Taylor Wimpey España’s pioneering action in covering the remaining 4% due on stock properties until the end of December 2011 has resulted in the house builder being positive about its sales performance in the remaining quarter of the year.

Ignacio Osle continues,

“Due to growing demand and very little stock availability, we have launched several new developments over the past 12 month in key areas across Spain with a total of 132 units under construction now. Despite the off plan market having reportedly gone out of favour, 39% of these properties have been sold off plan and additional new developments such as Cala Magrana III on Mallorca will be released this week to meet ongoing demand.”

For more information about buying a home in Spain then contact the experts Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Global Ocean Race 2011-12 is set to make a splash in the Mallorcan property market

Spain

With only 5 days remaining until the start of the Global Ocean Race, Mallorca the launch pad of the highly anticipated event, is gearing up to see thrilling high speed activity from various nations doing battle on its sunlit watery landscape this weekend.

Having announced the final entries for the 2011-12 sailing extravaganza, the race is set to begin its first leg, from Mallorca to Cape Town on September 25th 2011. The Global Ocean race, a double-handed, round the world race for Class40 yachts saw 19 teams officially entered in early summer this year, however difficulty in securing offshore yacht racing sponsorship in a changeable financial environment has meant that numbers have slowly dwindled to only six confirmed entries for the 2011-12 circumnavigation.

The GOR’s Race Director, Josh Hall, is enormously proud of the racing teams commenting,

“It is so impressive that six teams have made it to the start. Clearly, it is disappointing for the teams and for the GOR Race Organisation that the overall fleet total has been reduced, but it shows the commitment, ingenuity and sheer determination of the skippers that they have made it to Palma.”

In spite of this, the excitement is bubbling enhanced by the official opening of the race village last Friday which houses the sponsors and various organising bodies and will be host to numerous events and presentations over the coming weeks. While the race itself attracts thousands of sports fans from across the globe to the golden island, entry to the village is free to the public with organisers aiming to give visitors an insight into one of the sailing world´s toughest challenges as well as promoting the sport to potential boating enthusiasts.

Indeed, international events of such magnitude help put Mallorca on the global stage and while many sailing devotees are attracted to these sporting events and the extras that go along with them, many more stay for Mallorca’s sun soaked climate, sublime blue flag beaches and high class restaurants.

Meanwhile, despite holiday company Mallorca Tours, listed as the official tour operator for the racing event in Mallorca having organised discounts with hotels in Palma ranging from 5* to 2* hotels all within easy reach of the GOR village, savvy property hunters have their own ideas about how to take advantage of the increased demand for accommodation, in particular rental property seeing homes close to marinas in particular become more desirable. Indeed, for buyers, owning a home on the Balearic Island can provide the opportunity to reap a generous rental income throughout the year.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, explains,

“Mallorca is highly regarded in the world of water sports, hosting an array of premium yacht racing events such as the Copa del Rey, the Palma Velas, the Superyacht Cup and the Global Ocean race as well as being noted as a leisurely holiday stop for the rich and famous which are big attractions in their own right.

“The island evokes a sense of style and sophistication and tourists as well as property buffs want to take ownership of that lifestyle by purchasing a high quality property. The great thing is that world class events, combined with a great social programme and stunning natural beauty helps increase the demand for rental property with good locations and quality builds always selling well whatever the market conditions. International events just add to their year round appeal.”

Leading house builders, Taylor Wimpey España, has plenty to offer in terms of affordable high quality property with properties in Mallorca waiting to be snapped up.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or costing from just €177,000 + NO VAT with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

For more information on making a splash in the Mallorcan property market please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Optimism high with 396,000 Spanish homes sold in the past 12 months

Spain

According to Government figures, a total of 396,000 homes have been sold in Spain in the past 12 months with sales accelerating in Q2 2011.

A total of 90,746 homes were sold between March and June this year, bringing about a 21.9% increase on the first quarter with new housing accounting for 33.7% of the total transactions in the second quarter of 2011 the research discovered.

While the department for housing suggests that non-Spaniards continue to be one of the key drivers in the housing market, sales to foreigners who reside in Spain has increased by 22.9% in the second quarter of this year, totaling 8,514 purchases while by province Alicante received the greatest number of purchases at 2,308. Malaga followed behind with 1,110 sales while Santa Cruz de Tenerife experienced only 599 sales with only 567 transactions made in the Balearic Islands according to the Ministry of Public transactions.

Meanwhile, according to a study of 100,000 properties recently published, Spanish property prices are on the rise in Costa Blanca and Costa Calida areas with Alicante and Murcia noted as being two locations where prices have pushed upwards in Q1 and Q2 of 2011.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,

“Although Spanish property prices are yet to catch up with the highs seen in 2007, the price increase is nevertheless an encouraging sign for investors in the market. Alicante for instance has experienced improvements in its infrastructure seeing a second airport terminal open which always good news when it comes to attracting more visitors.

“In light of rising property sales in Spain, we have made our homes even more attractive to buyers, matching the Spanish Government’s 50% reduction in IVA on a limited stock of new properties to be delivered this year, and we’re hoping to see some very positive results.”

For those looking to enjoy the sunnier side of life, Taylor Wimpey de España has two wonderful properties available in Costa Blanca.

The Montesol residential complex consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cloakroom, garden, roofed sun terrace, private parking, air conditioning, heat pump system, and hydro massage bath from €237,900 situated in one of the best areas of Calpe – Maryvilla.

Located one hour from Valencia and 35 minutes from Alicante, the Calpesol residential complex in affords three bedroom two  bathroom properties, situated in a scenic beach side valley surrounded by mountain landscape, offering various activities such as water sports and golf in this popular town now from €160,000 + NO VAT.

For more information on these not to be missed properties contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Spain’s Golden Glow – Ranked #1 retirement destination by Brits

Spain

Moving to a new location when retirement approaches is something many of us dream of, aspiring to eventually one day free our minds, spread our wings and fly off, maybe to sunnier skies, or to somewhere where we can pursue our hobbies or to a place that is simply closer to family and friends. But what alluring location you might ask has proven most popular with retirees in particular us British folk this year?

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting the masses time and time again, Spain reigns supreme, ranking as the number one foreign destination British people retire to followed by Australia, USA, France and Ireland according to research conducted by pensions and savings experts Standard Life. The news comes as the Worldwide Property Group reports that 65% of people see now as a good time to buy a property abroad.

But what is the attraction of Spain as a picture-perfect retirement location? Well, it could very well be the appeal of Andalusia’s quaint gleaming white villages bathed in history and tradition or Mallorca’s sublime restaurants and beautiful sunsets. Maybe some go to Spain for the array of leisure activities on water or the golf course or maybe it’s the 320 plus days of sun? For others, it could well be Spain’s laid back lifestyle, the tempting midday fiestas, the soulfully penetrating flamenco, or the fascinating Moorish architecture.

Whatever the reason, one of the biggest attractions is likely to be the relatively low cost of living with a three course meal and bottle of wine costing from as little as €10 allowing even those on fixed pensions to dine out on a regular basis rather than just an occasional treat.

Of course, it will come as no surprise that the majority of retirees flock to Spain’s beach hotspots such as the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol where there are big expat communities. However, nowadays the idyllic island of Mallorca is fairing popular with retired individuals searching for a peaceful yet interesting Mediterranean gem swamped in character, class and of course, good weather.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,

“Mallorca to some, is a sleepy, tranquil island and to others, a vivacious and wealthy location where life is in full bloom. Here, you can have the lifestyle you have always dreamed of whether you’re after peace and relaxation in a lesser known traditional village or remain in a city where there is plenty to see and do. There is a general feeling of good health a wellbeing evoked by the island which is enough to encourage anyone looking to retire to make Mallorca their new home.”

One such couple who fell in love with Mallorca, Phil and Pam Redican from Cumbria, UK could certainly vouch for the island as an idyllic retirement location having purchased a house there with the help of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España with Mr Redican commenting,

“I am retired and Pam is due to retire soon so we knew we wanted to buy a home abroad in a place with a warmer climate, within walking distance to shops, the beach and restaurants and somewhere within easy reach of our home in the UK. We decided on Mallorca as we had been there 3 times prior to buying and loved it. The property on the Los Altos des Golf resort shown to us by Taylor Wimpey de España was perfect with the opportunity to live on a golf course being a big attraction – neither of us played golf before but we knew we wanted to learn and now we are both playing.”

With this in mind, Taylor Wimpey de España, who are now offering FREE VAT on their stock properties are providing the perfect opportunity for potential buyers to view the luxurious side of Mallorca with their affordable fully furnished ready to move into properties at their show home event until the 31st December 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning Cala D’Or marina costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

For more information on retiring to Mallorca please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Move over Malia! All eyes are on Mallorca, filming location of hit British comedy The Inbetweeners

Spain

With its opening weekend on the big screen grossing £13.2 million, the biggest of any British-made comedy film, The Inbetweeners movie seems to have taken the UK by storm with holiday experts expecting the film to set the travel trend for 2012.

The movie, an extension of the hit television series, follows four main characters to Malia, Crete where the comically crude lads plan to vacation before going to university. Unsurprisingly, following its release, the UK’s leading youth brand Club 18-30 has seen an increase in searches for clubbing holidays to Malia according to Russell Whitton, the clubs trading manager.

In spite of this, it is becoming publicly known that whilst some parts of the film were shot in Malia the film company decided to shoot most of the movie in Magalluf, Mallorca as well as Soller and Palma where many of the local businesses and workers were used as extras.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, which operates on the island comments,

“Even though Magalluf was not mentioned, it was the unnamed star of the movie and we fully expect Mallorca to feel the new travel trend already taking place in Malia, especially when people find out where the film was actually shot. We are hoping that people will be inspired to visit this beautiful Mediterranean island.

“Magalluf is a cheap and cheerful party haven especially for the younger generation and attracts some of the world’s top DJ’s to the super trendy clubs. It should definitely be experienced at least once. However, Magalluf is not to be confused with the rest of Mallorca which affords regions of complete tranquillity and areas of genuine class and sophistication. It is an island of distinct contrast which offers something for everyone.”

A favourite destination with the King and Queen of Spain who regularly holiday on the island as well as British blue bloods like Prince Harry who was spotted enjoying a meal at the Villa Italia restaurant in Port Andratx last month, Mallorca has also become an exclusive second home location with model Claudia Schiffer owning a £6 million paparazzi-proof lavish hilltop estate in Camp de Mar as well as other glitterati A-listers including Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Boris Becker owning property on the island.

Indeed Mallorca continues to have broad appeal amongst discerning property buyers around the world with properties in good locations continuing to sell quickly. And, whilst the national average price for property in Spain is in the region of €263,000 Mallorcan property is priced well above at €431,700 (June 2011) reflecting the high demand for property on the Balearic island according to statistics from the Spanish House Price Index provided by Kyero.com, Spain’s largest English language property portal.

With this in mind, Taylor Wimpey de España, who are now offering FREE VAT on their stock properties are providing the perfect opportunity for potential buyers to view the luxurious side of Mallorca with their affordable fully furnished ready to move into properties at their show home event until the 15th September 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning celeb hangout of Cala D’Or marina costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

For more information on the Mallorcan property experience please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

 

NO VAT on your home in Spain – Exclusively from top developer, Taylor Wimpey de España

Spain

Making it even easier to buy your dream home in Spain, top developer Taylor Wimpey de España, has announced that it will match the Spanish government’s 4% reduction in IVA (the equivalent of VAT) on new properties meaning that NO VAT will be due on new stock properties delivered before the end of 2011.

In an attempt to reduce the volume of stock property in Spain and stimulate the construction sector once again, the Spanish Government has decreed that IVA will be reduced by 50% until the end of the year, making purchasers of both first (mostly Spanish nationals) and second new homes liable for only 4% of the purchase price, a saving of €8,000 on a €200,000 home.

Commenting on the policy change which comes into immediate effect, Ignacio Osle, Sales& Marketing Manager of leading Spanish homebuilder with over 50 years experience, Taylor Wimpey de España, says:

“Whilst this action will not fully solve the problems of oversupply in some areas of the Spanish property market I believe it will stimulate action both with potential buyers who have been cautious to commit and the Spanish construction industry which is extremely keen to get moving once again.

“The Government has seen that price reductions by developers and agents in some cities of Spain such as Marbella and Alicante where there is oversupply has helped to reduce stock levels and it is hoped that by lowering prices through the halving of IVA will reduce excess stock even further.”

With an 86% customer satisfaction rating already, Taylor Wimpey de España is committed to assisting potential buyers further and is delighted to be able to match the reduction in IVA creating a rare time-limited opportunity for investors to purchase their dream home in Spain VAT free.

Fortuitously for second home buyers, the majority of new homes which meet the policy requirements are located in sought-after coastal destinations such as the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and Costa Blanca. Newly completed homes are now often priced equally to used homes yet owners enjoy the advantages of new electrical appliances, white goods and construction guarantees.

Ignacio Osle remarks that second hand homes in Spain are still liable for an 8% transfer of ownership tax. In addition not all the stock properties in the market, many owned by banks, qualify as new homes and are eligible for this VAT reduction as there could have been a prior transaction between the previous owner and the bank.

Ignacio Osle concludes,

“Now is the perfect time to invest in a new home in Spain. The reduction in IVA combined with the favourable Euro – Pound exchange rate mans that British buyers can make hefty savings without compromising on quality”.

Buy today – VAT free!

El Puerto II, Cala D’Or, Mallorca

Two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

These properties are available fully furnished from €177,000. NO VAT!

Calpesol, Calpe, Costa Blanca

The Calpesol residential complex consists of houses with gardens and communal swimming pools.

The properties have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, cloakroom, garden, roofed sun terrace and private parking and are constructed to a high quality.

These properties are built and available now from €160,000. NO VAT!

La Floresta, Elvira, Costa del Sol

The development also has two large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking.  The 2 bedroom apartments measure 141 square meters and the 3 bedroom penthouses are 239 square meters. The ground floor apartments have a private garden measuring approximately 3 metres.

All units are built to the highest standard with first-class finishes including an Italian designed integrated kitchen with Silestone worktops, thermal and acoustic insulation and air-conditioning. Each block has its own elevator and exterior carpentry finishes in aluminium.

These properties are available now from €199,500. NO VAT!

Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

———————ends———————

Notes to Editors:

–    This is a special promotion for only new properties on stock to be delivered before year end (the public deed has to be signed before 31st of December 2011).
–    The special offer is not for properties under construction to be delivered in 2012.
–    Taylor Wimpey has only a limited number of properties in stock. It is just a special offer for no more than 20 units available in different sites in Mallorca, Alicante and Costa del Sol.
–    Taylor Wimpey de España has been selling well during the last years due to price reductions, excellent after sales service, quality of the construction, modern design and extras packages. It is for these reasons that TWE has practically eliminated their stock last year and has started to build new developments across Spain.

Advantage Spain: Marbella Masters 2011 set to serve an ace for tourism this week

Spain

Following on from last year’s success, the Puente Romano Tennis Club in Marbella will once again play host to this year’s Marbella Masters Tennis Tournament from the 25th-27th August with a grand slam line-up of tennis legends including Bjørn Borg and Yevgeny Kafelnikov battling it out on the famous clay courts.

Joining the 11 time Grand Slam Champion, Bjørn Borg who managed the club after it first opened in 1979 and former World Number 1, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, will be Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash and past top 15 players Younes El-Alanoui, Ronald Agenor and Iranian tennis star and entertainer Mansour Bahrami.

As a member of the ATP, the Puente Romano Tennis Club, situated in the heart of the Golden Mile, a residential district between Marbella and Puerto Banus, about a 35-minute drive from Malaga International Airport has hosted some prestigious matches including the Davis Cup and the WTA with some of the biggest stars of the tennis world gracing its courts over its 31-year history.

Indeed, it is likely that this year’s tournament will surpass last year’s 15,000 spectators, with fans flocking to not only view the entertaining sporting action but to bask in Marbella’s perfect setting, one that provides sunny skies, dazzling scenery and rich culture for such an esteemed event.

Angel Mora, City Councillor of Sports in Marbella has this month been encouraging tourists to visit the city to experience all the area has to offer and to enjoy the admired event that is unique in Spain. Of course, with well know events such as the Marbella Masters 2011 coming to town Marbella, already voted the third trendiest and most fashionable city in Spain as well as having the best beaches in the country, will not be short of visitors this August.

 

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, explains,

"International events of such magnitude help boost Marbella’s and indeed Spain’s global appeal and of course, it doesn’t hurt that world events such as these are located in parts of Spain where the sun always shines, and where visitors can relax on the many blue flag beaches, and enjoy the numerous gastronomic delights available.

“Of course, while Marbella hosts tournaments for past legends, the Spanish island of Mallorca boasts an impressive history of cultivating championship tennis stars including Carlos Moyá and most famously former World Number 1 Rafael Nadal. And for the next generation of budding tennis stars, we have a fully furnished ready to move in property on Mallorca located just 5 minutes from superb tennis courts, ideal for practicing your serve.”

 

The new Cala Anguila residential development is located on the east coast of Mallorca near Porto Cristo and benefits from being one of the last few plots of land for a home next to a beach in Mallorca with tennis courts found within 800m of the resort.

Cala Anguila, costing from €225,000 consists of 25 two-bedroom apartments designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding area all equipped with a private outside parking space.

For more information on finding the perfect Spanish property to practice your skills contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Brits the biggest buyers of Spanish property accounting for 1 in 4 sales

Spain

It seems Britain’s loyalty to Spain, one of the UK’s most favoured holiday and second home spots abroad still remains strong according to figures from the College of Registrars with British property buyers responsible for one in four properties purchases in Spain by foreigners in 2010.

 

Figures show that British expats and property investors were the biggest buyers of Spanish property buying a total of 4,350 properties last year with the French following behind buying 1,627 homes in comparison.

 

Undeniably, the recent credit crisis led to a subduing of the market and a realignment of prices but thankfully it’s beginning to fight back with a 4.4% rise in property sales to foreigners last year.

 

Although Brits are the biggest players in the market, last year also saw a rise in demand from Northern Europeans, with an impressive 102% increase in Swedish demand and a 58% increase in Norwegian demand for Spanish property.

 

Mark Stucklin, MD of  Spanish property information web site Spanish Property Insight comments,

 

“It is undoubtedly good news that international demand for homes in Spain is getting more diversified. The holiday-home market used to be far too dependent upon British buyers, which was a risk that many promoters and the banks’ lending to them failed to understand. With the process of international diversification sales should slowly start to increase.”

 

In spite of this diversification, the Spanish government remains to make every attempt to appeal to their British devotees; persuading British property buyers to purchase a home in the country by providing more information in English to ensure buyers are accurately informed of any legal issues connected with a property. For instance, costing just £29 for a Land Registry certificate in English, it is hoped that efforts such as this will potentially lead to increasing numbers of British buyers looking to make offshore investments in a new Spanish property.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España which has been present in the market for over 20 years and recently attained an overall 86% customer satisfaction rate for 2011 comments,

“We are proud to have a variety of customers from all over the world but plenty are from the UK. Brits are and have always been Spain’s biggest fans attracted to the easy reach location, sunny skies and laid back lifestyle. At Taylor Wimpey de España we focus on all our customers, but we do have a soft spot for our British admirers.

“Indeed, when it comes to location one of our most popular Spanish spots with Brits is the golden island of Mallorca. Even though Mallorcan property prices are on average higher than mainland Spain our developments offer exceptional quality and afford only premium locations.”

With this in mind, Taylor Wimpey de España are providing the perfect opportunity for potential buyers to view their stunning well priced fully furnished ready to move into properties in Mallorca at their show home event until the 15th September 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or and Pollentia Mar in Puerto Pollença open to prospective buyers.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning celeb hangout of Cala D’Or marina costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

 

Pollentia Mar located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença on the north-east coast is within easy reach of the UNESCO listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and is priced from just €265,000. As a single block of apartments Pollentia Mar has a communal area, swimming pool and private parking with an abundance of facilities nearby as well as offerings of peace and quiet and beautiful views.

 

If you would like more information on the amazing property opportunities available in Mallorca please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Summer sensation in Mallorca as a record breaking 160,000 passengers pass through Palma International Airport in a single day

Spain

The Balearic island of Mallorca broke its own record over the weekend by handling 160,000 passengers in a single day according to officials at Palma International Airport.

Charlotte Ashton a visitor from London arrived at Palma airport on Saturday 6th August and commented,

“The airport was heaving with thousands of people from Britain, Germany, France and Holland arriving. The flight from London Stansted was full and the airport at full capacity with every baggage carousel being used and arrivals chock-a-block with visitors ready to enjoy the sights of Mallorca.”

Palma’s Airport is one of the top twenty busiest airports in Europe, ranked 16th in 2010 when over 21.1 million passengers passed through as well as being the third busiest in Spain, after Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat. In 2007, Palma Airport hit record numbers welcoming 23.2 million passengers but numbers had since declined due to the global economic recession.

However, it is expected that until the 14th August 2011 the Balearic tourism industry will see bumper numbers of tourists visit the islands while hotel occupancy rates are predicted to once again hit levels seen before the economic slump.

Helping boost numbers further, the airports of the Aena network which manages 47 airports and 2 heliports in Spain and is the world´s leading airport operator in terms of passenger numbers has made a series of changes for the summer months seeing its airlines offer 7.4% more seats, amounting to 179,810,352 to accommodate increasing air passenger numbers with expectations that Palma Airport alone will see a 12.6% increase in air travelers.

Indeed, the predicted boost in tourist numbers should be easy to attain thanks to the consistent flow of flights coming into Palma with new arrivals for summer 2011 flying in from Brno in the Czech Republic, Hauge-sund in Norway, Oulu in Finland and Sarajevo in Bosnia Herzegovina while the number of private jets arriving at the airport is on the up seeing around 7,000 jets land at Palma airport last year.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,

“We are pleased to see that Palma Airport is making every effort to increase passenger numbers and boost tourism to the island. Of course tourists are already enticed by the blue flag beaches and the UNESCO listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range as well as rich history, culture and glamorous nightlife but combining this with an ever improving airport service and facilities will mean that visitors will find the overall ‘Mallorcan experience’ very hard to resist this summer.”

With this in mind, Taylor Wimpey de España who recently received an 86% customer satisfaction rating for 2011, are providing the perfect opportunity for potential buyers to view their luxurious yet affordable fully furnished ready to move into properties in Mallorca at their show home event until the 15th September 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or and Pollentia Mar in Puerto Pollença open to prospective buyers.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning celeb hangout of Cala D’Or marina costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

Pollentia Mar located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença on the north-east coast, within easy reach of the UNESCO listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is located just 50 meters from the beach and Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade, priced from just €265,000. As a single block of apartments Pollentia Mar has a communal area, swimming pool and private parking with an abundance of facilities nearby as well as offerings of peace and quiet and beautiful views.

For more information on the Mallorcan property experience please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.