08.02.07
Posted in Articles, Spain at 9:18 am by admin
Every year more and more people are choosing to escape the dismal Northern European winter and head off to the sun for the Christmas Break.
Some of the top winter holiday destinations include; the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, Greece and the Greek Islands, Turkey, the Caribbean, Italy, Portugal, USA and France.
Out of these, the Canary Islands and Spain are by far the traditional favourites amongst English holidaymakers.
Christmas time can be a stressful period, for everyone. Too much turkey; too many relatives; too much bad TV; too much booze; too much rain, cold and darkness. Let’s face it after the age of around 12, Christmas is just hassle.
Traditional Christmas’s spent at home with the extended family sat in front of the TV for days, bloated and unable to move, are becoming a thing of the past.
In the midst of months of darkness, nothing could be better for us than a dose of winter sunshine.
Christmas and the New Year period is now one of the busiest times of the year for UK tour operators. So, where’s the best place to go…
Top Winter Sun Destinations
Canary Islands & Spain
“A ticket to the Canaries is a passport to sunshine”.
The Canary Islands have what’s simply described as a “perfect climate”, all year round. It’s never too hot and never ever cold. Daily temperatures average 22 degrees Celsius (72F). During the winter months sunshine averages around 6 hours per day. For water sports fans, all you’ll ever need, even in January, is a short wetsuit.
The Canary Islands are the only place in Spain where you’ll get guaranteed sunshine as well as guaranteed warmth at Christmas time. It’s no wonder these paradise islands consistently remain the number one winter sun destination.
Southern Spain and the Balearics can get almost as much sunshine in winter, but they’re always a lot colder, especially at night. Temperatures rarely get above 15 degrees Celsius (59F). It’d be kind of like late April or early May in the UK. It rains about one day out of three.
France
Although not as popular as Spain with UK visitors, France is nevertheless a popular choice. The best place for winter sun is along the Cote d’Azur, from Toulon all the way to Nice and the Italian border. This is one of the most beautiful areas in France. It includes part of the French Riviera – the famous vacation resort. The name Cote d’Azur, meaning azure coast, was given to this region because of its spectacular blue sea and sky.
Unfortunately though, it’s still quite cold here in winter, with average temperatures of only around 11 or 12 degrees Celsius (52 to 54F). Sunbathing might be a bit of a challenge and actually going swimming, well…
Florida and the Caribbean
Like the Canaries, Florida and the Caribbean have a perfect winter climate. In December and early January it’s dry with low humidity and warm with average temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius.
With cheaper flights every year, more and more holidaymakers are travelling further a field than Europe for their dose of winter sun.
Some of the islands can be quite wet though, but only for brief periods and normally at the same time each day.
Portugal
Portugal, another popular destination, has a mild year round climate. The country receives a lot of sunshine, especially in the south. Average temperatures in Portugal range from about 70 °F (21 °C) in July to about 50 °F (10 °C) in January. The Algarve coast can be very sunny all year round but often unsettled.
Austria and Italy
Cities like Rome and Vienna are beautiful at every time of the year and never cease to attract visitors. Then there’s the ski slopes and the sunspots of Sardinia and Sicily.
Benefits of sunshine
As well as fresh air and exercise, everyone needs a certain amount of light. Most doctors will agree that a dose of winter sunshine can have a significant impact on our general wellbeing.
With the massive influx cheap airlines and some almost ridiculously cheap airfares, the world has rapidly become a much smaller place. Escaping the grey skies and heading for the sun has never been easier or more affordable, no matter what time of the year it is.
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Posted in Buyer's guide, Real Estate Agents, Spain, Tenerife, Uncategorized at 9:11 am by admin
A recent article by Tony Riley, Managing Director of Tenerife Property Consultancy, points out some of the steps involved in buying your dream home in the sun.
Getting the right solicitor is vital. “The agency or lawyer has the responsibility to gather up-to-date receipts and to see that there are no pending debts on the property”. This will leave you free to concentrate on the many other aspects of the purchase.
At Tenerife property consultancy, they’ll also appoint an independent conveyancer. His role is to investigate the property, obtain all the correct paperwork and confirm that there are no outstanding debts or embargoes on the property.
Opening a Spanish bank account
“The cost of opening a bank account for ‘non-residents’ is around £10 for the administration fee.”
Opening a bank account in Tenerife is very straightforward. All you need is your N.I.E. (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) number, which can be got in less than a day. You’ll need this if you want to open a bank account or have any other fiscal representation in Spain.
Tenerife property Consultants work with all the major banks on the island. If your planning on only spending certain periods of the year on Tenerife, they can help you set up direct debits for all your household bills, so you won’t have to worry about bills not being paid while you’re not there.
Getting a Mortgage in Tenerife
“Mortgage rates in Tenerife tend to be amongst the lowest in Europe, and are currently around 3.75% of the bank valuation of the property”.
Obviously it makes more sense to get a Spanish mortgage but if your uncomfortable with it (for any reason) you can always get one from back in the UK. The banks in Tenerife require minimal financial information. They’ll give you a mortgage whether you’re employed or self-employed. Mortgages are available within as little as 15 working days.
The purchase
Actually buying a property in Tenerife (the whole process) is very simple, especially if you’ve chosen the right agent and lawyer, who’ll do most of the work anyway.
Firstly, once you’ve decided on your dream home you need to pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price upon signing the title deeds (escritura) of the property. This has to be done in front of a “Notaria” or notary in English.
The Notary (Notaria)
A notary is a solicitor appointed by the Spanish government to witness the signing of all legal public documents.
The notary represents both the buyer and the seller of the property. The fees they charge are set by Spanish law on an increasing or decreasing scale based on the value of the property. The notary must be paid during the transfer of the title deeds.
The notary holds onto the original signed document. He/she then applies for a formal change in the land registry – he puts the property into your name.
You’ll get an initial (fully usable) copy of the signed title deed, which is your proof of purchase and ownership and MUST be kept in a very secure place. The official title deed can take a while to be processed.
Other fees
If you’ve bought a property in a complex shared by other people you’ll need to pay community fees. These are regular fees paid for the upkeep of all communal areas like swimming pool and gardens as well as security, lighting etc.
Normally the larger your property, the larger the percentage of the community you have to pay. Depending on the community rules, they can be paid monthly or quarterly etc.
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Posted in Emerging Markets, Spain, Uncategorized at 9:08 am by admin
Martin Gow, of Parador Properties, recently (21 July 2007) pointed out that “what may be great as holiday destinations may be difficult for investment and there are difficulties with some popular areas”.
Emerging markets
These can be defined as low to middle nations (often developing countries), who’s economies are growing rapidly, often faster that those of developed nations.
Any investment requires extensive research. But more so than traditional property markets like say, Spain and the Canary Islands, emerging markets require special attention.
Take Croatia, for example. The country has everything you could possible need – the sunshine, beaches and beautiful landscape. It has relatively cheap property and is only a short flight away from the UK.
It does however, have problems with land titles. You could end up in all kinds of stress and hassle with the locals about who actually owns the land. The country has an inept property registration system, where homes are often bought and sold without registration. In rural areas homes are often inherited by multiple owners but registered solely.
The vast majorities of purchases are safe as long as they’re properly researched and a reputable estate agent and lawyer are used.
Thailand is another area that requires special attention (very special attention). For a non-resident to buy a property here they need to set up a Thai company along with seven Thai nominees, because it’s illegal for a non-resident to own a freehold property in his or her own name.
Bulgaria’s short-lived popularity appears to be waning. Like parts of Spain and Florida, mass overbuilding, caused by hungry developers, has resulted in many of the early buyers trying to get out and reinvest elsewhere.
Traditional markets
Two of the more popular and well-known property investment areas are Florida and Spain and the Canary Islands.
With the current exchange rates, UK buyers have greater spending power than usual in the States. That said, property prices are actually falling in Florida at the moment due to an oversupply of property. This means bad news for “get rich quick” investors, but is it bad news for long-term homebuyers?
Probably not.
Property markets invariably fluctuate and certain areas come in and out of fashion. Homebuyers need to ask themselves what long term fundamental assets or benefits does the area have, like standard of living, climate, education, schooling, work prospects and other social factors. If the area is stable and an enviable place to live, property values normally remain consistent or increase.
Look at Spain. It’s also been affected by overbuilding (along with other factors) and over the years has seen property values go up and down, yet demand for good quality homes remains constant.
Spain has always been regarded as a good long term in vestment area and a “home away from home” for many Northern European buyers, the British in particular.
Firstly, there’s already a huge expat community of English people living there and just about all the estate agents speak English.
Spain itself has everything – fantastic climate, spectacular landscape, excellent nightlife, cheap beer!, great music, beautiful women, beautiful beaches, music, culture, art and architecture…
Having said that you do hear horror stories. As with any property investment, at home or abroad, in either an emerging or a traditional market, extensive research is the only key to a safe, secure and happy investment.
Research
Buying a new home can be an exhilarating, yet often daunting experience. The thought of living every day as it comes in some paradise location, free from the strains of your staid and repetitive 9-5 job.
First time buyers often fail to do the sufficient research and can sometimes get sucked in by unruly or aggressive commissioned-based sales consultants.
Firstly, you need a bilingual lawyer. Preferably one that’s independent of the agent or developer, who can give you impartial guidance and support.
You need to pay particular attention to permission for building work and contracts – an excellent value plot of land is useless if you can’t actually build anything on it.
Fully investigate the legal and financial situation. Discuss your entitlements and requirements with your lawyer. In Spain for example, if you’re looking for a mortgage you’ll be offered 70% of the purchase price of the property, but if you have your “Residencia” (Residence Card) you’ll be offered a loan of 80%.
One of the best ways to start off your research is to use the Internet. It provides a wealth of information about most property investment areas and the buying procedures involved.
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08.01.07
Posted in For Sale, Gran Canaria, Real Estate Agents, Spain at 10:44 am by admin
Monte León is one of the most prestigious areas in Gran Canaria. You’ll find some of the most exquisite luxury properties for sale and rent in this idyllic part of the island. Located 400 metres above sea level, with superb views; it’s an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Cardenas Real Estate
Cardenas Real Estate has been up and running for over 25 years now and has established itself as one of the most reputable estate agents on the island. It was founded by Antonio García de Cárdenas and his wife Rolande Chagrin Chevènement.
Their core philosophy has always been simply to work hard to provide clients with all the honest advice they need when buying and selling in Gran Canaria. They use a strict “no hard sell” approach, which gives the client time to relax and enjoy the experience and ultimately decide for themselves.
Antonio García has now retired, leaving his daughter Carolina to continue the success of Cárdenas Real Estate. Yet, his passion for life and his love of Monte León’s landscape are as strong as ever. In a recent interview he commented:
“Monte León is an island within an island. Here, you can get away from the crowds and the stress of daily life and be more in touch with nature”…
”the natural beauty and wildlife are safeguarded and the area will never be overdeveloped as you see elsewhere on Gran Canaria”.
Properties for sale in Monte Leon
Here’s just a few examples of what Cardenas have to offer…
3 Bed Villa For Sale in Monte Léon
New villas.
3 Beds
1.092,13 m²Plot
667.800 €
Land For Sale in Monte Léon
Plot in high exclusive area
8.040 m² Plot
643.200 €
5 Bed Luxurious Villa For Sale in Monte Léon
With several apartments
5 Beds
12.390 m² Plot
3.000.000 €
Background (Monte Leon, Gran Canaria)
Monte León is located in the south of Gran Canaria. This luxurious residential area of is one of the most exclusive on the island.
These sumptuous villas (of which there are less than thirty) have been designed to blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Close by, there’s also some very attractive villas in the areas of La Atalaya de Monte León and Montaña Alta.
The clean mountain air and spectacular ocean views are all part of Monte León’s charm. Up here you’re completed isolated from the world below. It’s undoubtedly the most peaceful and private residential area in Gran Canaria. The only sounds you’ll hear is the sounds of birds singing. Looking up you often see exotic species of birds from the nearby of Palmitos Park, gliding above.
Many of the world’s rich and famous have bought villas or rent properties in Monte León. They come here to enjoy Gran Canaria’s year-round sunshine, away from the crowds.
Some familiar faces to the area include; Leonard Bernstein and former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.
Amenities
There’s a mini-market in the nearby village of Montaña la Data, just eight minuets walk away.
It’s less than 15 minuets by car to the supermarkets, shops, banks and all other basic services in the towns of El Tablero and San Fernando. The airport is just a 45 minuets drive away.
Maspalomas, One of Gran Canaria’s most famous beaches, is just 15 minuets away. Here you’ll find everything – shopping centres, restaurants, medical facilities, car hire services, golf courses, casinos and much much more…
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07.23.07
Posted in Spain at 7:10 am by admin
Casa Quest is a Tenerife-based website displaying thousands of properties from some of the best estate agents on the archipelago selling Property for sale in the Canary Islands. Its aim is simply to make buying and selling property in the Canary Islands easier. It deals with properties in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
Background-The Canary Islands
Also known as the “Happy Islands”, the Canary Islands are famous for their excellent climate, diverse volcanic landscapes, superb beaches and wild nightlife.
They’re located beneath Spain, about 97 kilometers off the northwest coast of the mainland of Africa. The islands are divided into two provinces – Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas.
How Casa Quest works
By simply clicking on your chosen island, you can search through a vast array of properties with descriptions, locations, photos and prices.
You can then build up your own portfolio of preferred properties, study them, narrow them down and decide which ones you really want to see before contacting the agent representing the property. This saves time for both you and the agent.
The site also provides local information about the Canary Islands, property and investment related articles, links to legal advice and information about mortgages and finance.
The Spanish Market
A recent article from www.tenerifecapitalbusiness.info (3 July 2007), points out that Spanish property market is still in good shape and hints at which of the two archipelagos is the best value for money.
Despite the recent market crash, it appears that the Spanish market is looking a lot healthier than most people had expected.
In Malaga province for example, property prices have not fallen as expected but in fact have risen by over 1.5% from €310,000 to €315,000. Similarly, in Seville prices increased by €20,000 in the last month, from €160,000 in June 07 to €180,000 in July 07.
In Alicante province average property prices have remained stable at around €250,000, the same as they were in May 2007. All in all, national average property prices in Spain remain static at €250,000.
Property Prices in the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Fuerteventura)
According to the latest Kyero.com Spanish House Price Index, property for sale in the Canary Islands is significantly cheaper than Balearic Islands.
On the Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Menorca the average property price is €402,000, whereas on the Canary Islands of Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria the average property price is just €230,333. Add this to year round sunshine and the possibility to rent at “tourist prices” all throughout the year and it seems obvious which one is the investor’s choice.
Here’s a few samples of what you find on the Casa Quest site…(www.casaquest.com)
Studio in Los Cristianos, Tenerife
Nice studio in Los Cristianos. There is a swimming pool on the complex.
Price: €55.000 EUR
1 Bed House in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
This charming 1 bed townhouse is within the popular complex of Costa Golf 133. This particular property is sold unfurnished but does come with a fully fitted kitchen.
Price: €99.750
Information websites
Casa Quest is first and foremost an information site. Although it works extensively with real estate agents, its is simply to provide up to date and reliable information about living and investing either on Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura or Gran Canaria.
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