01.02.08
Posted in Articles, Canary Islands, For Sale, Gran Canaria, Spain at 5:09 am by admin
Mentioned for the first time by Plato, Atlantis – “the legendary lost continent of antiquity” has haunted men’s minds for countless centuries”.
The Canary Islands, due to their dramatic volcanic structure, beautiful landscapes, idyllic climate and Atlantic Ocean position have been bestowed such grand names as “Atlantis”, “Hesperides Garden” and “the Elysian Fields” over the years.
Set adrift “beyond the pillars of Hercules”, just miles from the Sahara Desert, looking out towards the Caribbean, these Spanish Islands certainly do have a very romantic sounding location.
The Happy Islands
The Canaries are famous for their spectacularly diverse natural landscapes – some of the most impressive in Spain. The archipelago is home to everything from snow-capped mountain peaks and formidable cliffs to massive geological parks, Volcanoes, deserts and rainforests
Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest mountain peak – Mount Teide that stands at a staggering 3.718 metres and has a looming presence everywhere you go on the island.
The archipelago is made up of: La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and El Hierro.
Apart from their volcanic nature, the islands don’t have a lot in common. They’re all vastly different from each other.
Fuerteventura for example, is almost a desert whereas La Gomera is a lush green paradise. Lanzarote has a weird red Martian-like landscape, that’s been the setting for many sci-fi movies including Planet of the Apes.
The scenery changes dramatically in the Canaries. Driving on any individual island you’ll pass by an impressive variety of landscapes, climate, flora and fauna in no time. On Tenerife, you can drive from a desert-like south to a lush green north in just 40 minuetes.
Canarian Climate
Another title bestowed on these paradise islands is the “Islands of Eternal Springtime”. The Canaries have arguably the “best” climate the world – certainly the most pleasant.
Temperatures hover between a cosy 24ºC in summer and a refreshing 18ºC. in winter. It really does feel like perpetual springtime, never too hot or cold – just right.
The archipelago is located 4º north of the Tropic of Cancer and they’re so close to the African mainland that they have a very similar climate subtropical climate.
The Surrounding Atlantic Ocean stays warm throughout the year, so it’s perfect for watersports, sunbathing, and swimming in winter, summer, spring and autumn. The ocean currents help to maintain the luke-warm Ocean at its corresponding latitude.
With a warm and sunny climate all year long, the Canaries are Spain’s only true winter sun destination. They’ve become a haven for sun-starved northern Europeans who come here to escape the cold and bleak winter months.
Canarian History
The first inhabitants of the Canaries were a mysterious race know as the Guanches. They were described by early European visitors as incredibly beautiful – a muscular and tall white race, many of whose members had blonde hair.
Where they came from and how they managed to arrive on the Canaries is still a bit of a mystery but most agree that they came from the same stock as the Berbers from the Atlas Mountains in Northwest Africa.
When they arrived in the Canaries (by whatever means) they already had their animals (goats, sheep, pigs and dogs) with them along with wheat and barley.
Investing in Paradise – Monte Leon (Gran Canaria)
One of the most exclusive residential areas in Gran Canaria (and the Canaries) is Monte Leon.
Located high up in the hills, above the noise and the nightclubs, Monte Leon is a haven of peace and tranquillity set amidst some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the archipelago. The views from here are simply divine.
The villas here are regarded as some of the most exclusive on the island – home to the likes of Leonard Bernstein, the famous composer and former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. Try the following link to see the latest Gran Canaria Villas for sale.
There are purposely less than 30 villas in Monte Leon. It was constructed this way in order to preserve its exclusivity. All properties have been carefully constructed so that they blend in and complement the surround landscape.
Monte Leon offers the best of both worlds – This secluded peaceful oasis up in the hills is just stone’s throw away from civilisation.
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Posted in Articles, Spain, Uncategorized at 4:42 am by admin
A recent survey by Kyero.com found that out of 400 Britons, “26% viewed Spain as the ideal retirement destination due to the warmer climate, sociable atmosphere and reduced taxes”.
“Britons invested £12 billion in Spanish property in 2004/05”…”this is predicted to reach £21 billion by 2009”. The average price was a reported £160,000.
Where in Spain
As with any property investment, location is perhaps the most important factor – the most sought after locations for this group were the provinces of Alicante, Granada and Malaga.
Amenities and access to them within these locations could also be a deciding factor when choosing where to buy. Shops, restaurants, bars, hospitals, pharmacies, public transport, the police station and airport came across as very important while golf local course, schools, nightclubs and churches seemed less important.
Property Types
Studio apartments were the most in demand. Two and three bedroom villas next. 73% were looking for second hand properties.
In sunny and warm Gran Canaria people are mostly looking for one-bedroom apartments with swimming pools whereas in more northerly Alicante, three bedroom apartments are in big demand. In Girona, the Brits are mostly after three bedroom villas. The average UK homebuyer is apparently willing to pay between €150,000 and €200,000 for their own piece of paradise in the sun.
Finding the Right Property
The Internet is undoubtedly one of the fastest, most efficient and cheapest ways to research and find new properties. It’s a fantastic resource. 71% of those surveyed used it. Having said that, it’s very advisable to visit the location beforehand, despite how much research you’ve done.
Click here for more information about overseas investment property
Investing in Spain
Out of the Britons surveyed, ”one in three” want to eventually retire to Spain.
And why not. Spain has everything – sun, snow, beaches, mountains, deserts, nightlife, cuisine, art, culture, tradition… But most of all, a pleasant climate, plenty of English speakers and very easy way of life.
The typical Briton looking to set up home in Spain is male between 40 and 60 years old. It’s not just the British who have fallen in love with Spain. The American, Portuguese, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, Swedish and Dutch all want a piece of sunny Spain.
Brits around the Globe
Like the Irish, the British are everywhere – in Pakistan (47,000), Dubai (55,000), Singapore (45,000), Thailand (41,000) and in China, 36,000 UK nationals.
A staggering “41 nations each have at least 10,000 permanent British residents”, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
Recent figures suggest an exodus of Brits abroad, to other more “hospitable” locations, away from the crime, high prices and endless grey skies. Although France and Spain are still the most popular locations, there’s a growing trend towards the more exotic, far-flung destinations.
And as the world gets smaller and smaller, these destinations are becoming more and more accessible, largely because of the influx of budget airlines.
Developers and agents now have to adapt and continually adapt – keep changing their strategies to meet the demands of the more “globally demanding” investor.
Investors and homebuyers are thirsty for information, more so than ever, particularly for emerging markets. In order to maximize sales opportunities, agents have to provide it.
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Posted in Articles, Canary Islands, New Development, Real Estate Agents, Spain, Tenerife at 4:19 am by admin
Spain’s two vastly different island groups attract thousands of holidaymakers, homebuyers and investors every year.
The Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea are known for their legendary club scenes, pristine beaches, affluent lifestyles, fancy cars and big yachts.
The Canaries, on the other hand, are a nature lover’s paradise, with an amazingly diverse landscape made up of volcanoes, deserts, lush green forests, epic mountains and gigantic cliffs.
Along with the price of property, one of the biggest differences between the two is the climate. The Canaries, known the “Islands of Eternal Springtime” have what’s described by many as the best climate in the world. It’s warm and sunny all year long, even in the depths of winter. The Balearic have a similar climate to mainland Spain.
The Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands comprising Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera are located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Valencia, Eastern Spain.
Mallorca, a very popular holiday destination – particularly with British and German visitors – has a thriving nightlife and large expat community.
Its beaches range from quaint isolated coves to huge stretches of sand that get packed with holiday makers from all over the globe. The north is arguably the most beautiful part of the island, with its unmatched rugged charm.
Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands was recently voted the “best place in Spain to live”.
Ibiza shot to fame during the late nineties when dance music and ecstasy were all the rage. It became the “club capital of Europe” with some of the world’s top DJ’s playing in the island’s mega clubs. Places like Manumission, Café del Mar, Pacha, Es Paradis and Space became household names even outside of the dance community.
Nowadays, Ibiza is a popular festival location with a thriving gay community. During the quieter winter months it can be a deserted paradise – the perfect getaway.
Menorca is a much more relaxed and conservative island – perfect for families with kids. It’s famous for Mayonnaise!, of all things. The island’s capital “Maó” is where it comes from. If you go there, try the gin, bitter lemon. A traditional local drink, it packs quite a punch.
Formentera is where you’ll find the best beaches in the Balearics and some of the finest in Spain. Its pristine white sands and crystal clear waters have been the setting for many advertising commercials. Most of the beaches are nudist and it’s a popular hippy hangout.
The Canary Islands
The Canaries are the only genuine winter sun destination in Europe – a major selling point used by both tour operators and real estate agents.
Average air temperatures stay warm and consistent all year long at between 18ºC and 24º C. Whereas, the mainland and Balearics can get very chilly during the winter months.
They’re a Mecca for watersports fans, windsurfing in particular, with average ocean temperatures of 22ºC in summer and 19º C in winter. You never even have to wear a wetsuit! although if you’re scuba diving, it’s probably a good idea.
The Canary Islands are renowned for their wonderfully diverse landscapes and beautiful natural scenery. Throughout the archipelago, you’ll find massive cliffs, imposing mountain peaks, lush green forests, volcanic craters, volcanoes, deserts and sand dunes. Tenerife is home to Mount Teide – Spain’s highest mountain peak.
Property Prices On The Islands
The two archipelagos are considerably different when it comes property, the Canaries being a lot cheaper.
If you’re looking for an apartment in Menorca, expect to pay at least €200,000 according to timesonline.co.uk (www.timesonline.co.uk). In Ibiza and Mallorca, minimum prices for apartments are around €300,000 and for a villa you’re talking at the very least €400,000.
The Canary Islands are a different story. For a basic apartment, average prices start at just €90,000 and you could get a small detached property for around €240,000.
Tenerife, one of the most popular islands for both investors and homebuyers, offers a great quality of life and some shrewd investment opportunities due to the affordable properties and guaranteed rental yields. Click here for the latest Tenerife New Developments.
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Posted in Articles, Canary Islands, Spain, Tenerife at 3:40 am by admin
Although intended to give you a well earned break from your busy working lives, holidays often end up being more stressful and exhausting than staying at home. Everyone knows the feeling of needing a holiday after THAT holiday.
Recent research from the NatWest Bank points out that, of the growing numbers of Brits investing overseas, a quarter of them are doing so in an attempt to escape the stress and strain of the “annual family holiday”.
“A third of current and potential overseas homeowners believe that owning a holiday home will make family breaks more affordable and a quarter feel it would reduce the sheer stress of arranging holidays” – homesworldwide.co.uk
Holiday Headaches
Mike Freer, Head of Business Development at NatWest, comments that holidays can be “hugely traumatic”. And rightly so, the hassle and expense of organising the whole thing along with the inevitable family squabbling can genuinely be more tiring than if you’d just stayed in the office.
There are a million different things to consider – from location and climate to accommodation, airfares, car rental, packing, taking the kids and (nowadays) airline luggage weight restrictions. If the accommodation is bad, the holiday can instantly be ruined.
Investing in a Holiday Home
Since most people go to the same holiday destination every year, it makes sense to invest there. As well as cutting out a lot of the stress, a holiday home, if researched properly, should literally pay for itself.
Although the upfront cost of buying a second home can be huge, the long-term benefits should make up for it. Firstly there’s the obvious savings in holiday accommodation. By renting the property to tourists while you’re not using it you can earn substantial rental yields. If it’s a good quality property in a popular location, it should accumulate good property appreciation.
So where to invest…
“Spain continues to top the tables as the most popular overseas hotspot”, according to Mike Freer.
Top European Destinations – Spain & The Canaries
Spain’s warm, sunny climate, excellent beaches, friendly locals and relaxed pace of life has attracted more immigrants than any other country in Europe. It has a huge expat community of British people who consider it a “home away from home”.
Every year more and more UK nationals are relocating to Spain. Most fall in love with the place, set up home and never look back.
According to homesworldwide.co.uk, “Foreign residents now comprise almost ten per cent of the total population, adding up to 4.48 million out of a total of 14.12 million people”. There are now more foreign residents living in Spain than Germany or Britain.
Why Spain?
Spain has everything – beaches, nightlife, mountains, snow, culture, art, music, good healthcare and education, cheap property (in some parts), a low cost of living and a high standard of life. The emergence of low-cost flights has made traveling to Spain easier and cheaper than ever before.
Spain has a consistently improving economy and the influx of newcomers has also contributed greatly to this. They now account for 4.5% of the country’s GDP.
Retirees contribute to the economy by employing local builders etc and younger expats often contribute by setting upon their own business, creating competition and employing local staff.
Investing in Spain & the Canaries
Despite the recent property slump, Spain still has excellent long term potential provided you choose the right location and property. While overbuilt areas like the Costa de Sol have been hit the worst, lesser-known coastlines like the Costa de la Luz still offer excellent opportunities.
The Canary Islands, with their year round sunshine and warmth can provide significant rental yields all year long. Tenerife is one of the most popular Canary Islands. Click here for more information on Tenerife Property.
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