Andalucía, Spain’s most southerly region and home to Spain’s most traditional experiences including tapas, bullfighting, flamenco and most notably, the string guitar is a land of colour, wonder and contradiction that has rightfully attracted hoards of holiday makers and property owners  to the region year after year.

Andalucía pulsates with life, bursting with fashionable towns and cities full of hip boutiques, chic restaurants and pumping nightlife whilst still maintaining its historic appeal and impressive heritage of cathedrals, palaces and castles. You will also discover some of the most unspoiled sun drenched beaches in the country, snow-capped mountains, gleaming white house’s nestled in rolling green hills and vast nature reserves rich in flora and fauna with one-fifth of Andalucían terrain being under environmental protection.

It was revealed recently by Oak Power Communication (OPC) which studied the position in international media of Spanish tourism brands amongst 600 journalists around the world that Andalucía, according to the figures, enjoys the best brand image of Spain rated 7.9 (out of 10) by journalists followed by Madrid at 7.3 and Barcelona at 7.1. Moreover, the sleek and sophisticated town of Marbella in Andalucía scored very well, voted the third trendiest and most fashionable city in Spain as well as having the best beaches in the country according to the research. 

With an undeniable appeal and high profile visitors like Michelle Obama, Marbella is in a class of its own, being one of the most exclusive and sought after areas of Spain. Of course, it is well known that Marbella has a high-end property market, confirmed by 24.8% of enquiries made for properties with a price range between €500,000 and €1m from January 2011 to May 2011 according to the latest statistics from Kyero.com, Spain’s largest English language property portal.

Further statistics from Kyero.com show that over half of enquiries made from January to May of this year were for an apartment with 25.6% requiring 2 bedrooms and unsurprisingly, 76.8% requesting a pool.

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

"We aren’t surprised that Marbella has been voted the most fashionable city and beach haven in Spain. With one of the most exclusive and highly anticipated events, Nikki Beach Grand opening White Party back in May, attracting thousands of ‘beautiful people’ from all over Europe and the Marbella Luxury Weekend last week providing the chance for luxury brands to showcase their latest products including a $10m violin, Marbella is definitely the place to be. And although luxury villas and apartments are seeing a great deal more enquiries indicating that there is definitely a new type of international buyer in town, more affordable Marbella property is selling equally as fast as buyers look to grab a great deal in a perfect lifestyle location before it’s too late.”

Catering to the needs highlighted by Kyero.com’s research, Taylor Wimpey de España has two luxurious residential developments in Marbella, Los Robles de Los Arqueros and La Floresta de la Mairena, both oozing quality and class but without the extravagant price tag.

Consisting of two and three bedroom apartments built in the style of a Mediterranean village Los Robles de Los Arqueros has magnificent terraces and gardens orientated towards the reputed golf course Los Arqueros Golf Club and the sea. Priced at only €251,000 the complex also offers a children’s paddling pool and adult swimming pool, communal gardens and underground parking.

La Floresta de la Mairena, costing from as little as €178,000 is set in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO and consists of two bedroom apartments and three bedroom penthouses. The complex has two large communal swimming pools and landscaped gardens and is only a few minutes away from Nikki Beach Club, well known for its celebrity patrons and sandy beaches.

For further information on these stunning developments, please contact Taylor Wimpey de España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Its good news for European tourism as a survey conducted by Eurobarometer highlights that an increasing number of tourists are continuing to enjoy holidays on the continent with 68% of EU citizens travelling last year compared to 65% in 2009.

Further stats from Eurobarometer indicate that while 28% of the 30,000 individuals asked would like to discover emerging destinations, 58% are still attracted to more traditional travel destinations signalling good news for existing and potential property owners in countries such as Spain.

Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President for industry and entrepreneurship comments,
 

"The fact that 58% of EU residents are opting to enjoy their holidays in [traditional destinations within] Europe highlights that, generally, the tourism industry is on its way to recovery and becoming a growth industry once again."

In addition to these latest findings, a survey conducted by The Co-operative Travel that examined 8.9 million holiday bookings discovered that 61% of bookings were shared between the UK, Greece, Spain, Turkey and the USA.

Travis Davis, director of retail distribution at The Co-operative Travel explains,

“People want to be sure that their holiday will be a success and the easiest way to ensure that is to stick to familiar destinations.”

Main reasons for not travelling further afield are thought to be due to cost and convenience with travellers choosing to purchase cheaper accommodation and low cost flights in easy to reach countries such as Spain. The land of sun, sea, sand and sangria continues to reign supreme as the most popular holiday destination with 29.05% of bookings, according to The Co-operative Travel survey with Greece in second place at 9.94%, Turkey at 8% and the USA at 5.99%.

A long favoured holiday destination amongst many European holiday makers, Spain received 9 million international tourists between January and March this year; an increase of 2.9% over the same three month period last year according to research from The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

One Spanish destination that has seen noticeable improvement in visitor numbers is Benidorm on the sun drenched coast line of the Costa Blanca where hotels have reported a recovery in the British holiday market. Based on the last two weeks, bookings are 16% higher than this time last year and the town’s hotels have reserved 2% more beds over the month with a 74.6% occupancy rate.  The British, Benidorm’s most loyal fans, represents 44.6% of visitors followed by 3.1% of Dutch visitors and to an even lesser extent French, German and Eastern Europeans at only 0.2%.

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

“We are delighted that Spain is the most popular holiday destination and that more and more international tourists are deciding to pay us a visit. Since reducing prices in a bid to win back holidaymakers and property investors, Spain is now seen as not only an easily accessible sunshine destination but as a place that offers excellent value for money, now being 36% cheaper than in 2007 with everyday items such as food and beer costing around half those found in other European destinations.”

Meeting the demand from British and indeed European buyers taking advantage of Spain’s tourist magnetism this summer, Taylor Wimpey de España has two stunning developments on offer in Calpe, just 25 minutes from Benidorm on the Costa Blanca.

The brand new Calpesol residential complex consists of large 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes with landscape gardens and a communal swimming pool costing from just €155,000. The properties include terraces, private gardens and outdoor parking all finished to a high standard; perfect for full time living or potential holiday rentals.

The Montesol residential complex, now in its second phase provides 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments with a garden, sun terrace, air conditioning and hydro massage bath costing from just €251,000; a superb investment for potential property buyers looking to take advantage of Spain’s undeniable tourist attraction.

For more information 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.
 

According to the figures, the UK has remained Spain’s biggest fan with 1.8 million visitors in Q1 2011, while 1.47 million German and 1.2 million French visitors travelled to Spain to sample its delights.

It is thought that improved personal finances and a decrease in holiday prices have contributed to the rising tourist numbers, helping to alleviate some of the stresses of the Spanish economy. And of course, with the continued frequency and ease of flights into Spain, particularly the Costa Blanca with its new terminal at Alicante airport opening back in March as well as the new Corvera International airport opening in Murcia later this year, this boost in tourism to Spain will undoubtedly spell good news for property owners, boosting rental occupancy levels.

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

“The Costa Blanca has been through a challenging period but the situation is improving with tourism to the area picking up. Seeing the Government and financiers investing in the infrastructure of the province is also immensely reassuring for both current and prospective property owners”

According to data from Kyero.com, Spain’s largest English language property portal, foreign buyers are increasingly looking for bargain properties with Alicante province in the heart of the Costa Blanca remaining a popular choice. Kyero.com reports that 33.8% of all property enquiries made in the first half of 2010 and 34.8% in the second half were for Alicante property.

Looking to 2011, in Q1 it appeared that there are more bargain hunters searching for property in Alicante at the lower end of the market with 49% of enquires made for homes between €50,000 and €150,000 according to Kyero.com. This data also reveals that 47.1% of enquirers required a villa whilst 38.3% wanted 3 bedrooms as well as a swimming pool at 87%.

One of the most famous coastlines in Spain, the Costa Blanca attracts millions of visitors each year and is traditionally a favourite destination for foreign buyers drawn to the clear blue waters, miles of golden sandy beaches, quaint villages, sophisticated cafes and restaurants and an abundance of historical, cultural and leisure activities.

Sitting on the boarder of the Mediterranean, Calpe, famous for the Peñón de Ifach rock and renowned for being a popular beach town in Costa Blanca, is a haven for potential property buyers with Taylor Wimpey de España offering two new stunning developments.

The Calpesol residential complex is a brand new development consisting of spacious homes with landscaped gardens and a communal swimming pool. The properties have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and costs from €155,000. The properties include terraces, private gardens and outdoor parking all finished to a high standard; ideal for full time living or potential holiday rental opportunities.

Now in its second phase, the Montesol residential complex is situated in one of the best areas of Calpe – Maryvilla and provides 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments with a garden, sun terrace, air conditioning and hydro massage bath. With a price tag from €251,000, this development is a perfect investment, destined to attract buyers.

For more information 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.
 

Within the Spanish property market there are several top ‘hotspots’ which provide some of the best investment opportunities for property in Spain. A major heavyweight within the arena has always been and will always be the Costa del Sol. Boasting some 300 sunshine days each year, a range of leisure and cultural amenities and notable health and educational facilities, it’s no wonder it takes centre stage.

With the real estate market starting to slowly recover in southern Spain, it seems that many British, Russian and Scandinavian potential property buyers are beginning to show a real interest in the Costa del Sol, being drawn there by the reduction in asking prices of up to 30% but still offering the same high quality that’s come to be expected from the sunshine coast.

Ignacio Osle, Sales Director of leading house builders Taylor Wimpey España explains,
 
 

“2011 has started well. In this first quarter enquiries made by foreign buyers at our office in Benahavís on the Costa del Sol have gone up by 43%, certainly an encouraging sign.”

According to a report published by the Ministry of Development, 6,457 transactions were made in the province of Málaga at the end of 2010, of which, 905 transactions, some 14%, were made from buyers outside of Spain.

In addition, 30% of the 905 sales to foreigners in the province in 2010 were for property purchases in the popular coastal town of Marbella and came from German and British buyers. From the statistics, it is hardly surprising that estate agents and property developers are looking towards foreign buyers to play a significant role in Spain’s recovery.

But what is the appeal of the Costa del Sol and why could buying a property here in 2011 be a smart move to make?

The biggest appeal for visitors and property owners is value for money with Spain being 36% cheaper than in 2007. Prices for everyday items such as food, beer and sun cream are around half those found in other European destinations, making it an affordable location for everyday living.

As well as the perfect weather conditions, the Costa del Sol is a place of contrast. Boasting a superb cosmopolitan area, with designer boutiques and Michelin star restaurants as well as spas and beach clubs, residents can also enjoy the traditional values of rural life visiting magnificent nature parks and mountain peaks as well as participating in a range of varied and exciting activities such as rock climbing, canyoning and most surprisingly skiing or snowboarding on the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Offering a perfect place in the sun, Taylor Wimpey de España has launched Los Robles De Los Arqueros, a wonderful development now only €232,000 consisting of two and three bedroom apartments with luxury finishes and large sunny terraces on which to enjoy some of the best sunsets of the Costa del Sol.

This stunning complex affords a children’s paddling pool and adult swimming pool, communal gardens, underground parking and storerooms.

Los Robles de Los Arqueros is located in one of the best golf course areas in Spain, directly situated on the reputed Los Arqueros Golf Club, a mixed course situated less than an hour from the international airports of Málaga and Gibraltar, and only 10 minutes from Marbella as well as having very good connections to plenty of interesting and beautiful historical villages and beaches.

For more information on this property 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.
 

Imagine sitting out on the terrace of your stunning apartment, enjoying a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea accompanied by the cool summer breeze gently passing against your face. Is it any wonder then that this dream like lifestyle is so highly sought after with 51.1% of enquires on Spain’s largest English language property portal, Kyero.com, in Q1 2011 for Mallorca?

Mallorca has the second highest average asking price in Spain at €428,300 according to the latest Kyero.com Spanish House Price Index (Q1 2011) Perhaps the golf courses, infrastructural developments, glorious beaches, year round lively atmosphere, celebrity residents and world recognised events such as the Global Ocean Race 2011-12 and potential F1 Grand Prix racing in 2012 can account for the high asking price compared to other provinces in Spain.

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

"Mallorca seems be receiving a touch of the Monaco effect, attracting the rich and famous to our shores. The island is already noted for being fashionable, desirable and fantastic for boat owners and beach lovers alike.”

Further statistics from Kyero.com in Q1 2011 show 17.1% of all enquires made were for properties priced between €300 and 500,000 with the majority, 33.8%, seeking only 2 bedrooms and surprisingly a staggering 64.4% opting out of having a swimming pool compared to 54.6% for the rest of Spain who felt it was a necessity.

But which areas, you might ask, are proving to be the most popular to buy property on the island?

Well firstly, Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, has recently been voted one of the five leading Spanish towns for travel and tourism in 2010 by Exceltur. A beautiful bay, famous for its incredible sunsets, also has a remarkable historic quarter as well as an array of shops, boutiques, restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

Located on the South Western tip of the island, Andratx has become a popular hotspot where property tends to be for the very top end of the Mallorca property marketplace with stunning villas and luxury apartments nestled near picturesque mountains either side of the port.

Another popular location is Puerto Pollensa which offers all manner of opportunities to explore the dramatic northern extremes of Mallorca – with its sandy coves, hilltop villages and peaceful olive groves a world away from the busier areas of the south.

Catering to the needs highlighted by Kyero.com’s research, Taylor Wimpey de España has launched a luxurious new residential development, Aires de Pollensa, just minutes from Pollensa beach in the north of the island. This sleek and contemporary residence offers a winning combination of peaceful surroundings and beautiful views matched with a wide array of popular facilities around the port such as golf courses, including the famous nine hole Pollensa golf course, cycling routes, kite surfing, sailing and diving schools as well as traditional restaurants. This modern three floor development has two and three bedroom apartments available from €260,000 with spacious terraces and private gardens in a gated community with parking and a dazzling communal pool.

For more information 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.
 

 It appears that Spain’s popularity as a retirement destination for Brits reigns on with Taylor Wimpey de España, one of the country’s leading house builders, reporting that nearly a fifth of all their buyers choose the Iberian nation to live out their retirement in the balmy Mediterranean sunshine joining the 400,000 expats who already live in Spain according to recent research from FindaProperty.com.

Spain has been voted the number one retirement destination on a number of occasions, most recently by Standard Life in a survey compiled at the end of 2010, something that was backed up by Aon Consulting who surveyed 7,500 of its employees on where they would most like to retire to and they emerged with the same conclusion – Spain is the best place in the world for retirement.

But what is it about Spain that attracts this market’? Well it isn’t just those of retirement age who love Spain, it tops the polls for holiday destinations as well, perhaps our familiarity with the country and culture is partly a reason for deciding to emigrate?

Certainly the weather is a major factor in people’s decision making, who wouldn’t want to live out their days basking in glorious sunshine? And it’s the year round weather which helps produce such abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, coupled with the fruits of the Mediterranean Sea, Spain offers a very healthy lifestyle and diet to its residents.

Health is without a doubt of great importance to this age group and Spain has an excellent healthcare system, although many overseas residents choose private healthcare to skip the queues. With an average life expectancy in Spain of over 81 years of age, they must be doing something right!

Of course you can’t retire to Spain without your dream home in which to live out your dotage. Spain like the rest of the world has been hit by the global recession. Over the last 3 years prices have adjusted and in many prime areas these prices are reportedly at rock bottom so the crisis has presented a lucrative opportunity for buyers today to purchase their ideal retirement home in Spain for less.

Ignacio Osle, the Sales & Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, informs us:

“The market in Spain has become quite fragmented where some areas are suffering from over supply of new homes yet in many prime locations there is still high demand and not enough building to satisfy this. Across the board, however, house prices have reduced and so those looking to purchase in the best areas can make the most of the current market and snap up excellent value property before the prices start increasing once again.”

This is something that Val and Mike Reay from Northumberland have capitalised on. They purchased a 3 bedroom townhouse from Taylor Wimpey de España in the Montesol residential complex in the town of Calpe in the Costa Blanca and have never looked back since!

“We love the house, the area and everything about our Spanish home. Our children and grandchildren visit regularly as do other family and friends. We spend 2 months in the UK and 2 months in Montesol alternately. We should have done it years ago!”

If you are considering in following in the footsteps of Val and Mike then get in touch with Taylor Wimpey de España to find your perfect retirement home in Spain. They offer homes in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca. Contact 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.

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 On the market:

Montesol, Calpe, Costa Blanca

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

The properties have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, cloakroom, garden, roof sun terrace and private parking, air conditioning and heat pump system, hydro massage bath, and are constructed to a high quality. Some of the properties have basements.

These properties are ready for possession and available now from €251,000, 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.