Despite falling property prices in many areas and concerns
over further contraction of the Spanish economy in 2013, it seems the sun is
still shining for some with leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España
enjoying increasing sales volumes in 2012.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor
Wimpey España comments,
"There is no denying that in the current economic
climate Taylor Wimpey España has faced challenging market conditions however I
am pleased to report that our 50 years of market experience and commitment to
building high quality homes, in prime locations, at affordable prices has
ensured that we have not only survived but thrived over the last 12
months.
"We have seen an impressive 30% increase in sales
volume for the first 11 months of this year with a staggering 375% increase in
the first three weeks of December alone compared to the same month in 2011, the
best December sales for years! Indeed hotspots have been the Balearic island of
Mallorca and the perennially popular Costa del Sol where two of our most recent
developments, Los Arqueros Beach and Cala Estancia have sold 60% of units
off-plan - unheard of in today's market."
Indeed, the latest Knight Frank Spain & Portugal Insight
report (Nov 2012) revealed that the first half of 2012 saw enquiries strengthen
in line with a weakening Euro and despite house prices in Marbella falling by
around 30% since the start of the global recession, stability has been seen
over the last 18 months.
International appeal remains a key factor in both the growth
of Spain's tourism industry (which saw 52.05 million international tourists
arrive between January and October 2012, 3.1% more than last year) and second
homes market. According to the Knight Frank report, British, Russian, Benelux
and Scandinavian buyers represent the key purchaser nationalities but interest
from Arab and MENA countries is growing, a trend which has also been seen by
Taylor Wimpey España.
With this in mind, Spain is actively targeting affluent
Middle Eastern states such as Kuwait where it intends to increase tourist
arrivals from 16,000 to 19,000 by the advent of next year according to the
Spanish ambassador.
Looking forward to 2013, Pritchard comments,
"There is no doubt the 1st January VAT increase on new
homes from 4% to 10% will somewhat reduce demand for Spanish property however in
an attempt to offload debts crippling Spanish banks and drive overseas
investment for 2013, the government is taking proactive steps such as offering
residency rights to foreign property buyers who spend more than €160,000 -
highly appealing to non-EU buyers such as Russians, Chinese, Americans and
Australians."
In terms of Taylor Wimpey España's focus, Pritchard explains
that,
"Following the success of 2012, we will continue to
lead the market, not get complaisant but better ourselves and our product
offering which is why I am proud to announce two brand new beachfront
developments in Mallorca and the Costa Blanca due to commence construction in
the new year."
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