Los Tres Reyes - The Three Kings - are essential to the Spanish festivities

One thing is certain if you spend Christmas in Spain – it is going to be considerably cheaper than it would be in the UK. It’s not that the Spanish do not celebrate the Christmas period but on the whole they haven’t gone mad with the commercialism of the event. For Spaniards, Christmas has retained its religious focus with traditional nativity scenes present in most homes, decorations throughout the towns and villages and a general feeling of peace to all men.

The ‘stars’ of the Christmas period in Spain are The Three Kings, Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar. Father Christmas and Rudolf play much smaller parts and in years gone by were unknown. The Three Kings are the same ones that we know in the UK. They saw the Star in the West and followed it to Bethlehem bearing the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It is representations of these gifts that are exchanged on 6 January in Spain.

British expat Dean Wilkinson has lived in Spain for 12 years. He has often spent Christmas there as opposed to trekking back to the UK for turkey and perhaps a little more commercialism than he wishes to stomach. Dean explains: “Spanish Children don’t expect gifts on 25 December. Some may receive a few but it will be more of a token gesture while they wait for the big event on 6 January but for British and other European expats, 25 December remains the main event.

An alternative place to celebrate 25 December

“Being in the UK is so much more frenetic and stressful at Christmas than in Spain where the pace of life is so much more relaxed and gentle. The thought of trekking round the M25 or queuing in supermarkets in the UK is not something I miss. I am very lucky to have purchased an apartment in the hills on the Costa del Sol. I’ll be enjoying the company of good friends, delicious Spanish food and some ice cold beer on Christmas day this year,” explains Dean.

The festive calendar in Spain follows this format:

• The 21 December marks the shortest day and in many cities this is celebrated with big bonfires where the crowd will be seen jumping through the flames to protect themselves against illness.
• 22 December is a big day in the Spanish diary as this is the date that the annual Christmas Lottery is drawn – the event takes all day and is a much bigger lottery draw than anything that would be seen in the UK. This is known as ‘the fat one’ (El Gordo) and there is great excitement and ceremony over the whole occasion.
• Then 24 December is known as Nochebuena. This is a very important family gathering in the social calendar. Food, cava and festive sweets make this evening stand out and this night is as big in Spain as New Year’s Eve.
• The 28 December is known in Spain as El Dia de Los Santos Inocentes – this translates to Holy Innocents and is our equivalent of April Fools Day. In Spain you can find whole communities engaged in frivolous activities such as making the Mayor sweep the streets.
• New Year’s Eve is a big celebration throughout Spain much as you will see throughout the world.
• Then the Christmas period culminates with the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem. For Spanish children this is the most important day of the year when they wake up to find that Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings) have left gifts for them in their house. Three Kings are their favourites, especially Baltasar who rides a donkey and is the one believed to leave the gifts. During the day of 6th The Three Kings continue their good work and are seen distributing gifts to children in hospitals all over Spain.

This could be your Christmas home in Mallorca!

Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, who lives on the island of Mallorca explains why the festive season in Spain is so special: “I love the deep traditions of a Spanish Christmas. My advice is to come out and experience the tradition for yourself – and sooner the better!

“We have property available from €114,920 at the moment; there has not been a better time to buy in Spain for many years and spending the festive season in the sun with the joy and fun of the Spanish is really something very special.”

For more information contact Taylor Wimpey España via www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Mallorca has been an international star for many years among those seeking homes in the sun

Stephen Dight, Managing Director of Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty, looks back on 2011 and looks forward to 2012.

2011

During 2011 the Mallorca property market has been exceptionally good and has held up surprisingly well. This year has seen a marked improvement over 2010 in terms of sales, a year I would cite as being the absolute bottom, albeit still far off the volumes seen in the peak years of 2007 and 2008.

Correctly priced villas in near-perfect condition in coveted locations will sell comfortably. They not may sell at a huge premium but neither will they sell at a huge discount. From the 2007 peak to the 2010 bottom, prices in this sector only dipped 10 or 15 per cent.

Two key factors have been responsible for Mallorca’s spectacular resilience and they are a lack of product and a vast mixture of nationalities participating in the property market. Especially at the top end of the market, there is simply not the same over-supply as you would find on, for example, the Costa del Sol.

Once we have a buyer’s specific requirements we can pretty much show them every house that fits that criteria in a day or two – there just isn’t an abundance of quality property on the market and therefore any need for huge discounting. I would argue that Mallorca is crying out for top quality apartment communities with on-site facilities such as tennis courts, indoor pools and spas, landscaped gardens, gymnasiums and concierge services – these are few and far between on the island yet in enormous demand.

Hugely motivated

Another factor is the different nationalities participating in real estate here. Over the years Germans have made up the majority of foreign homeowners in Mallorca and their recession is behind them so there is not a huge supply of interested sellers on the island.

Many of them are now hugely motivated to release the capital tied up in their second homes in order to fund their businesses and their interests back in the UK at a time when the British banks have effectively stopped lending. As sterling has depreciated, these vendors are prepared to slash prices in the knowledge that the exchange rate will protect them against huge losses. This scenario has not existed in Mallorca. And, interestingly, more British buyers are participating in Mallorca real estate than perhaps people realize.

At Mallorca Sotheby’s we’re receiving many British buying clients, especially those who converted their assets into cash before the recession hit or those entrepreneurs who have been able to profit from the recession. One notable sale in 2011, although not one Mallorca Sotheby’s can claim responsibility for, was the so-called most expensive property in Spain, the 232 acre estate of La Fortaleza near Pollenca, changing hands from one Brit to another at an alleged sales price of €40 million.

As I said, most buyers believe, as do I, that prices in Mallorca bottomed out in 2010 and will fall no further. If a suitable property becomes available there is no reason not to buy. There is no benefit to be gained from waiting – in fact that property is likely to have sold.

2012

C'an Amengual at Fornalutx, Mallorca

For 2012 we expect a top down recovery, that is to say continual improvement in the top quality end of the market with a trickledown effect spreading to the lower priced property. I also expect the European printed press and television media to bring closure to their antagonistic approach to Spanish property, an approach that has been very scattergun, painting all of Spain in a bad light regardless of quality or region.

The Spanish Government is also taking positive steps to restore confidence in its property market, to stimulate growth whereas before, it at best ignored problems or at worst positively damaged the market with inconsistent and questionable practices. These practices are firmly in the past.

I don’t have a crystal ball, but every recession is cyclical and as it comes to its inevitable end the British will return in numbers, the German buyers will return in droves and confidence in Mallorca will be restored leaving it as strong as ever. Mallorca will always be a loved destination for many people. It’s easily accessible from across Europe with direct low-cost flights, has that indefinable island vibe and is simply beautiful from coast to mountain.

To contact Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty visit www.mallorcasir.com

London

£125,000

Royal Albert Dock Hotel, London

Obviously this sort of money will not buy you a penthouse flat in London, (Lonely Planet’s Top Destination for 2012), but if you are looking for a double digit return from a UK property investment then take a look at the Royal Albert Dock Hotel operated under the Holiday Inn Express brand.

Available at pre-launch prices, 22% below independent RICS valuations, the Royal Albert Dock Hotel capitalizes on the thriving London hotel market which PricewaterhouseCoopers identified as the best in Europe in 2010.

Located at Royal Albert Dock, just minutes from the financial centre of Canary Wharf and the entertainment hubs – the O2 arena and ExCel exhibition centre – the hotel should attract both business travellers and tourists alike and for a limited time is priced at £125,000 for a suite (with VAT paid by the developer). Investors can expect 7.5% NET yield rising to 10.5% by year five and up to 50% non status finance is available.

For more information contact Property Frontiers at www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Spain

Under £192,500

Mallorca

On the Balearic Island of Mallorca in Spain, leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España is marketing Phase III of Cala Magrana. This development has direct access to the sea, close to superb golf courses and is five minutes from the unspoiled fishing village at Porto Cristo.

Just 20 apartments have been released on Cala Magrana and they are likely to sell fast. All apartments are being built as two-bedrooms with air conditioning, designer brand fixtures and fittings and a sea view. All this for a price of just under £192,500 + VAT.

Contact Taylor Wimpey España at www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

France

Just over £144,000

The Village, a new active-living development in France

In the Dordogne, a brand new active-living village is being created. This ‘village’ is for those over 50 who want to live in an environment where every day was made for living.

A log cabin or resort style home will be built to the highest standard. With stunning views over the Dordogne and Vezere valley, owners will be able to enjoy the finest horse riding in France plus walking, cycling, canoeing and golf. And for the more adventurous, activities such as potholing, hot air ballooning and even hang gliding will be available. Or for a quiet day there is excellent fishing in the private lake.

The Village will also offer other entertainment, culture and sporting activities as well as superb on-site amenities such as tennis courts and indoor pools. Prices start from just over £144,000.

For more information contact The Villages Group at www.thevillagesgroup.com

Turkey

As little as £57,750

Istanbul

Turkey continues to be a good investment and the wise money is being spent in Istanbul where there is an acute shortage of rental property. Completed in January 2011 Kensington Residence comprises 1-, and 2-bedroom apartments in seven blocks of seven floors each. The properties have a very modern design and the very best in luxury on-site facilities.

Kensington Residence is located in the western suburb of Beylikduzu which has one of the strongest growth scenarios within Istanbul due to its proximity to the city centre. This is combined with the benefits of living in a well serviced environment away from the over-crowded city centre.

Price indicators show 30% growth on current projects from off-plan to completion in 18 months. A one-bedroom apartment will cost as little as £57,750 and 2-beds for just £95,950.

For more information contact Property Frontiers at www.propertyfrontiers.com.

 Albania

Under £205,000

Lalzit Bay, Albania

For an alternative European investment then you might like to consider Albania. There is a strong likelihood that property bought now will enjoy big returns as this country establishes itself as a global tourist hub.

The Adriatic resort occupies a fantastic position in the centre of the unspoiled natural beauty of Lalzit Bay. The resort is just 30km from the international airport with direct flights across Europe and 30km from the cosmopolitan capital of Albania – Tirana.

The resort will benefit from a beach club, sports and tennis club, indoor hydrotherapy pool as well as more traditional indoor and outdoor infinity pools situated around the resort. Shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and an excellent selection of restaurants are on-site offering a range of different cuisines.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay at www.lalzitbay.com.

The rugged mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana rise to 1,445 metres and its proximity to the coastline ensures an attractive Mediterranean backdrop for properties

During the 35th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris this June, Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana landscape was recognised for its outstanding universal value. The sheer-sided 90km mountain range running from Andratx in the southwest to Pollença in the northwest has now earned a place on the World Heritage List for its continued protection.

Stephen Dight, Managing Director of Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty, comments: “The Serra de Tramuntana is an enormously popular part of the island in which to live and holiday as the scenery is so dramatic. Towns such as Deià which has been home to Mick Jagger, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Richard Branson and poet Robert Graves, Fornalutx which has twice been elected Spain’s most beautiful village and Valldemossa which has hosted Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and French writer George Sand, all occupy this geographical area of Mallorca and each attracts a wealth of expatriates from across the globe keen to soak up the culture, the sea views and the sunshine. Properties in this region often command high price tags and rarely stay on the market for long.”

Characterised by agricultural terraces, dry stone walls and large farming estates often owned by wealthy Mallorcan aristocracy, the Serra de Tramuntana is the most significant limestone area on the island and it has been eroded by centuries of weather and water to create deep torrents and dramatic gullies. Native flora includes holm oaks and pine forest while a variety of fauna from goats to sheep and ospreys to falcons, have all made the Serra de Tramuntana their home.

On the property market in the Serra de Tramuntana:

Deià, West Mallorca

A classic 230m² built townhouse dates back to 1880 and is located in the centre of Deià, one of the most sought-after and picturesque villages on the island. Arranged across four storeys, the ground floor, which used to be a carpentry, comprises two split-level rooms and a recent extension of 30m² that has been converted into a bedroom and washroom – this part of the house would make an ideal separate apartment with its own street and garden access. The main entrance is on the first floor with an open-plan living/dining room, woodstove and kitchen with open fireplace while the second floor accommodates the master suite with 20m² dressing area. Two further bedrooms are found on the third floor with sloping wooden ceiling beams. The lovely 195m² garden with various terraces has breathtaking views of the village and mountain range.

Price 880,000 euros

The views from the historic townhouse at Valldemossa, Mallorca are exceptional

Valldemossa, West Mallorca

Charming 150m² built historic townhouse situated in the centre of the popular mountain village of Valldemossa. The spacious and well-loved accommodation comprises a large open-plan lounge/dining room with terrace and feature central fireplace, separate television room, office, an en-suite master bedroom, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom – all with panoramic views of the village, La Cartuja (15th century former royal residence) and mountains.

Price 380,000 euros

Contemporary semi-detached villa of 190m² set high above Puerto Soller with fantastic views of the marina.

Puerto Soller, West Mallorca

The home has three en-suite bedrooms, a double aspect lounge with patio doors leading out to the barbecue area and terraces, a large kitchen/dining room with patio doors and a guest cloakroom and laundry room. Extras include hot and cold air-conditioning, an internal lift, full alarm system, carport and a stunning infinity swimming pool set on a 980m² plot.

Price 875,000 euros

Contact Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty by visiting: www.mallorcasir.com

Scott's Hotel in Binissalem, Mallorca is one of the most desirable places to stay on the island

George Scott spent his life until the age of fifty doing almost everything except what he really wanted to do: write mystery novels.

He made documentary films, traded in gold and silver, ran a charitable foundation, flew planes and restored historic houses. His life was far from dull.

But during all that time what he really longed to do was lead a relaxed life, meet an abundance of interesting people, have time off for travel and reading and music and sports and the chance to pursue that elusive hobby — penning those murder mysteries.

Regrettably, for a half century he never found anything to do that wasn’t time consuming, long on stress and short on leisure. Everything seemed to be so all or nothing. Or else it was boring.

Love at first glance

Until one day back in the middle eighties, when he and his partner Judy, an architectural designer, were on the island of Mallorca (or Majorca) and ran across a lovely 1783 historic ruin – no electricity, no drains, no water, and with a tree growing through the roof. It was the old cliché of love at first glance.

Comfort and attention to detail are what Scott's provides for its clients

The building was decidedly all wrong for them — a potential money pit that would involve bureaucracy, a sheaf of permissions, and the logistics of working in a language neither of the Scotts spoke, and all this in a medieval wine village with dusty streets of golden stone whose cobbles had rarely been trodden by a foreigner, unless it was someone from the next town up on the map, (three miles away but decidedly foreign territory).

In spite of all the drawbacks, something kept bringing George and Judy back to that town and that historic ruin, and after three years, more money and more work than they ever could have imagined, Scott’s Townhouse Hotel opened its doors to immediate and virtually universal praise: from the press, from travel experts, but most important, from their guests.

And from then on, George was able to begin living that original dream; fascinating people did indeed come to visit, including many famous folk looking for a secret hideaway, a place where they were treated as special, not because of who they were, but because the Scotts treated everyone as special.

The work itself of running the place was soon a routine which could easily be delegated, and finally there was time to be semi-retired, to visit places long on the Scott’s wish list, explore opportunities that came up via the new friends their guests were becoming. Some guests became virtually part of the Scott family.

Along the way, as twenty-some years rolled by, awards came, their reputation grew, and it even turned out that George finally had the time to have a go at those books he’d always wanted to write.

The first one, The Bloody Bokhara, about a murder that takes place inside the hotel; fiction, but based on a real Bokhara rug that’s outside one of the suites, sold well in the UK, but then went on to became a top bestseller in Germany and eventually Book of the Month for Europe’s largest book club.

His second one, The Chewed Caucasian, sold out its first two printings and is even hard to find now on amazon.co.uk. A third one is now in the works.

Scott's Hotel in Galilea has one of the most spectacular views on the island

Looking back, George calls his life over the past two decades: “a programmed dream, all I ever wished for and clutches of lovely experiences I never could have imagined.”

However, all things have an end, and now at 75, with his health – and that of Judy – increasingly fragile, the Scotts are looking for someone to whom they can pass the torch, people who will maintain the standards and the reputation they’ve secured, and who they hope will find the same degree of creative fulfilment they did running a hotel that renowned hotel critic Alistair Sawday named in the Sunday Times as one of his six favourite hideaways in the Mediterranean.

Scott’s Townhouse Hotel: Fact Sheet

• Official Spanish government category: Hotel with 4 gold stars.
• Constructed: 1783. Completely renovated in 1995, well maintained since. Listed on the Spanish register of historical buildings.
• Location: In the central church square of Mallorca’s wine capital, a town of 7,000 just twenty minutes from Palma, the island’s capital, ten minutes from the mountains, and less than half an hour to sandy beaches, sailing, golf and other attractions. There is free parking directly outside the hotel.
• Rooms: 18, licensed capacity 33. Five double suites, one triple suite, six deluxe double rooms, six superior doubles, one of which is small enough effectively to be a single room.
• Size: Approximately 1,500 square metres of constructed space on a plot of 2,000 square metres.
• Amenities: Roman pool with swimjet and massage jets, two sun terraces, bar, breakfast room, private entrance hall, library, two sitting rooms, guest tea service facilities, WiFi, TVs on demand with satellite connection, patio garden.
• Reviews and reputation: Listed by the London Sunday Times as one of the Mediterranean’s six best hideaway hotels. Fine reviews from virtually all of the quality guides and hotel information publications and websites.
• The buyers we’re looking for: Having spent over twenty years building the reputation of Scott’s, we would like to find people who’d like to carry the torch forward, maintaining, even improving, on the loyal customer base we’ve built, and our impeccable reputation. The hotel can be run full time, or for as little as eight months a year, which means it could be an ideal semi-retirement project.

Address: Plaza Iglesia 12, 07350 Binissalem, Mallorca, Spain

Telephone: (34) 626 486644

Websites: www.scottshotel.com and www.scottstownhousehotel.com

IBIS Clubhouse and Pool

Ibis Club, Naples, Florida, USA

Apartments in IBIS Club are available from an unbelievable £35,000 and come with tenants already in place offering you returns of 7% – 9% NET from day one. Ibis Club is an upscale 134 apartment residential development. The community is built over 15 acres and features an attractive two acre lake, which affords lakefront views from a selection of units. Apartments are located on the ground and first floors. Apartments are available as 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom options and are priced from just £35,000.

For more information contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com

Richmond House

Richmond House, Beylikduzu, Turkey

Located in the Istanbul district of Beylikduzu,  Richmond House provides elegant 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments that have been carefully designed to maximise their rental and resale potential.  Richmond House is superbly equipped with a high quality finish for today’s demanding professionals with a Jacuzzi, Fitness Centre, Cinema, Saunas and an underground multi floor car park. The nearby seaside area of Büyükçekmece (five minutes away) is very popular for being a favourite day trip and weekend break. Prices for a 1-bed apartment start from £50.000 and has a rent guarantee of 7.5% for two years £356.25 per month. Prices for a 2-bedroom apartment start from £65.000 and has a rent guarantee of 7.5% for two years £456.25 per month.

For more information please contact Gem Invest on +44 (0) 203 287 7440 or visit www.geminvest.net

Apes Hill Polo Club

Apes Hill Polo Club – Barbados

Luxurious semi-detached club villas have been designed with a modern yet classic plantation theme featuring solid mahogany doors and cream coral stone finishes, plantation shutters, high ceilings, large living and dining areas, and ample outdoor living.   Property owners automatically qualify for membership in the Apes Hill Country Club and can take advantage of becoming a member of the Golf Club. Apes Hill Polo Villas, 3- and 4-beds with plunge pools. From £1,000,000.

For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bw-international.com

El Puerto

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 three 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 now from €177,000 + 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.

Stewart Andersen for www.homesandtravel.co.uk

Aires Pollensa apartments, just minutes from the beach. Thanks to the motorway from the island capital, Palma de Mallorca, the properties are around 30 minutes driving time from the airport

The capital city of Spain, Madrid, may be well known for its searing summer heat but this year’s hottest Spanish destination, in terms of property that is, could well be the Balearic island of Mallorca, according to Taylor Wimpey de España.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, explains: “Over the last 12 months we have seen both visitor numbers and enquiries for property on Mallorca rise steadily. Buyers from the UK and Europe are not only looking at the traditional property hotspots on the mainland but further afield to Spain’s stunning islands such as Mallorca.”

Leading Spanish cities

And it’s not hard to see why this charming Mediterranean island is so popular. Mallorca offers something for everyone from amazing sandy beaches to stunning scenery, idyllic coves to traditional architecture and a wide range of sports and leisure activities.

Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, has also recently been voted one of the five leading Spanish cities for travel and tourism in 2010 by Exceltur.

Over 21 million passengers pass through Son San Joan airport at Palma de Mallorca every year, making it Spain’s third busiest airport and in summer, the busiest. In response to demand from the public, numerous airlines have increased frequency and started new routes to the island making accessibility even easier.

Taylor Wimpey de España are launching two new residential developments, Aires de Pollensa and a new phase at Los Altos del Golf in Andratx

Eastern Airways will be launching new weekly direct flights from London Oxford Airport to Palma this June, easyJet is now operating a new flight from Manchester, tickets are on sale with Jet2.com from Glasgow to Palma and budget airline Ryanair will commence routes from Birmingham to the island this summer as well as a new national route from its base in Alicante.

In addition to passengers coming to the island by air, Mallorca is also seeing significant numbers of visitor arrivals by sea with Palma receiving over 500 cruise ships last year, carrying some 1.3 million passengers. Docking in Palma has become so popular in fact that a designated berth is under construction at a cost of some 28 million euros by the Port Authority in the Poniente docks to accommodate up to five of the larger vessels.

The Balearic property market remains robust with a 145% increase in property sales in 2010 compared to 2009 recorded by the Public Works Ministry and Mallorca itself has the second highest average asking price in Spain at €428,300 according to the latest Kyero.com Spanish House Price Index (Q1 2011).

Interest is already high

Asking prices however have fallen over the last 24 months as the market has realigned and affordable properties are available. Taylor Wimpey de España, for example, are launching two superb new residential developments, Aires de Pollensa, just minutes from Pollensa beach in the north of the island and in respond to client demand, a new phase at Los Altos del Golf in Andratx, in the south west.

Both developments offer a very high standard of build, with spacious 2-bedroom apartments at Aires de Pollensa available from €260,000 and large detached 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom properties in one of Mallorca’s most exclusive areas at Los Altos del Golf available from €505,000.

Just launched to the market, interest in these developments is already high. For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey de España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you live outside the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

The attractive area of Mazarron is popular with both Spanish holidaymakers and foreigners

In an official function on Friday 25 March, the masterplan for the first Paramount Pictures-branded Theme Park in Europe was unveiled. Attended by the Executive Vice President for Licensing at Paramount Pictures Michael Bartok, President of the Region of Murcia Ramón Luis Valcárcel and President for Murcia’s Flagship Projects Jesus Samper, the ceremony revealed 2015 as the expected opening date for the hugely significant project.

Destined for a 158-hectare site on the Mazarron/Alhama de Murcia border some 15 minutes from the beach and marina resort of Puerto de Mazarron, this major investment will be zoned into different thematic areas inspired by the likes of Star Trek, Titanic and Mission Impossible, plus a much larger ‘Lifestyle Centre’ with no less than two five-star hotels, three of four-star status and several more three-star resorts. Also announced were themed shopping malls, restaurants, bars and clubs, a conference centre with the largest meeting room capacity in Murcia – over 3,000 seats – and an open-air auditorium to host 15,000 people.

Chris Mercer, Director of Murcia-based Mercers headquartered in Mazarron, comments: “It’s a huge privilege for the region to be the recipient of a landmark Theme Park in the local area that will rival Disneyland Paris and attract millions of visitors each year. It’s also highly encouraging to follow the progress that has been made on the masterplan in terms of design, investment and timescales. Samper estimated on Friday that the project would directly create 10,000 construction jobs and upon opening, many more.

“Undoubtedly Paramount will have a positive effect locally – not least on the property market and house values. We have been through some hard times but Paramount’s confidence and faith proves that the lure and attraction of Spain will prevail.”

Mercer continued: “During the construction phase, which we now know is four years plus, there will not be any momentous shift in house prices – especially as Spain as a whole continues to undergo a tough correction process. However, I also think it’s fairly safe to say that prices will not fall further in this area and, for those waiting to invest on the sidelines, my advice is simply not to wait any longer.

“Prices will inevitably start to rise as this project gets off the ground and, rather like those fortunate enough to purchase holiday rental property close to Florida’s Disney World, the Camposol Golf development will directly benefit from having a leisure attraction of this stature quite literally on the doorstep – though comfortingly not on-site.”

The Fortuna property comes complete with its own pool

Indeed Executive Vice President Michael Bartok reiterated that Spain was ‘key’ to his company and highlighted Murcia’s 300 sunny days each year as a major bonus. Meanwhile President of the Region of Murcia Ramón Luis Valcárcel stated that he felt that in times of crisis what you cannot do is ‘stand still’ and: “While the road is tough, the outcome is sure.” It is reported that Flagship Projects and Paramount Pictures have signed the license agreement for 30 years – renewable for an unspecified period.

On the market locally are:

Fortuna, Camposol Golf, Mazarron, Murcia

60m² two-bedroom, one-bathroom property on a substantial 350m² plot complete with private seven metre by three metre swimming pool. The home has a considerable underbuild suitable for extra living space or a workshop area that opens on to the garden filled with many varieties of fruit trees. The property itself is fully furnished and has a conservatory, gazebo, private rooftop solarium, grills on all windows and doors, fireplace, ceiling fans and a roller driveway gate.

Price 94,995 euros (approx 83,457 GBP)

Neptuno-style villa is a well-maintained three-bedroom detached property of 86m² set on a plot of 290m² that has been modernised and redecorated

Neptuno, Camposol Golf, Mazarron, Murcia

Well-maintained three-bedroom detached Neptuno-style villa of 86m² set on a plot of 290m² that has been modernised and redecorated by the current owners. The ground floor has two-bedrooms, one en-suite, plus a further shower room, alongside a lounge with fireplace and kitchen fitted with white goods. Upstairs the third-bedroom is also en-suite and has air-conditioning as well as French doors leading to the rooftop solarium with impressive mountain views. The villa is sold with furniture to include a large flatscreen TV connected to satellite channels. The garden is lovingly cared for and has both off-road parking and a swimming pool.

Price 159,000 euros (approx 139,689 GBP)

Contact Mercers Costa Cálida on 00 34 968 199 188, UK Local Rate 0845 017 7805, email sales@spanishproperty.co.uk or visit www.spanishproperty.co.uk.

Like all Polaris World resorts, La Torre Golf has a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course

In keeping with much of the Spanish property market, Polaris World suffered in the depression – but unlike some of its rivals Polaris World is still operating and still building new properties.

The company will have a new town centre operating at the Terrazas de La Torre development with bars, restaurants and a supermarket, a spectacular new restaurant and shopping complex has been completed at Hacienda Riquelme as well as a new bar housed in an ancient water tower.

Perhaps most surprisingly, viewed from the UK at least, Polaris World will construct more than 400 new apartments in 2011. It is the only major Spanish developer with key-ready, new-build apartments coming on-stream throughout the next year.

Jose Luis Hernandez, CEO, explains how Polaris World have come through the downturn and what the company’s plans are for the future.

“Like everyone else, we had a very hard time in 2008 until maybe six months ago when we began to see a small upturn. To survive we had to slash our costs. So we stopped advertising, reduced our work force to exactly what we could afford and no more. We sold off assets to clear our debts. Of course we took heavy losses but we have survived.

“I believe we were the most dynamic player in the Spanish boom years and we intend to be the most dynamic when the market recovers. To do that we have to keep developing our products and our services – and building new apartments.

Invest in Spain

“There are several reasons to be optimistic about the future for property in Murcia. First of all it seems certain now that Paramount will build their new theme park in the area. It is expected to be operational in 2013. This is second only to Disneyland Paris in scale throughout Europe and will eventually mean 20,000 new jobs right here. Secondly the new airport at Covera, just 15 minutes away from all our resorts will open in 2011 meaning we have three international airports within 45 minutes of Polaris World.

Polaris World will construct more than 400 new apartments in 2011

“There have recently been positive signs that the Spanish economy is turning around. The OECD today said Spain should return to growth next year. It forecast that Spain’s economy would grow by 0.9% in 2011 and by 1.8% in 2012.
“It also reiterated its current forecast that the Spanish government’s budget deficit would be 9.2% this year, 6.3% in 2011 and 4.4% in 2012. Finally all the things that made Murcia and Polaris World so popular in the past will still be there in the future! We have the finest collection of Jack Nicklaus courses anywhere in the world. Our properties and town centres are unmatched in their quality. And the sun still shines here 320 days a year!

“Spain is also the top overseas holiday destination from the UK – particularly among golfers who know they can play here all year around. Of course the market has affected prices. They are now at the lowest they can go. Perhaps surprisingly, taking all these factors together now is a very good time to invest in Spanish property!”

All Polaris World golf resorts are situated in Murcia, a province in the south east of Spain, basking in more than 300 days of sunshine every year and enjoying an average temperature of 21 degrees for yea- round sunshine.

Visit www.polarisworld.com for more information

Could you find anywhere better than the Mediterranean? Small wonder so many people want to move there!

What, I was asked the other evening, was it about living in Spain that you loved so much, that made you stay there for so many years. We were at a friend’s for dinner and the man sitting across the table from me clearly regretted he hadn’t done it himself some years before.

The question was just loud enough to cause one of those silences around the table that make you wish you were somewhere else. I knew that I could try and slide out of answering it but that would have led to my being pushed for a real answer. So that’s what I gave them.

The first part of the answer was that I love the Mediterranean and I have never been made to feel so welcome anywhere as I was by the Spanish. Put the two together and you’ll have the short answer. But that wasn’t enough so I went on to explain that it’s a mixture of the lifestyle, the food and drink and the extraordinary climate as well as the people.

The neighbours!

The truth is, there’s absolutely nothing better than waking up with the sunlight making stripes across your bedroom walls. As the day peers through the shutters you can feel its warmth. Then you stroll out onto the terrace and put your toe into your pool to check the temperature. The water is heating up nicely so you have a swim.

Then you get dressed and stroll into your local village to buy fresh, hot bread, have a coffee and a pastry in the café (or a carajillo – a half and half of espresso and cognac – I’ve seen lorry drivers drinking them in a bar near the station in Granada at 4am) and then there’s a slow walk home feeling the heat of the day gathering strength.

It’s a fact that there are thousands of people living exactly that lifestyle right now because they have bought a home in the sun. And there are almost certainly as many thousands who are thinking of little else but the day they can wave goodbye to the removals van as it sets off for the ferry.

How the market has changed

Some thirty years ago, most people dreamed of a home in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and possibly Florida. Since then, however, the market has opened up dramatically and there are expats in countries as far apart as Brazil to Thailand and Canada to Turkey.

Who wants to live anywhere else?

The reality is that people are no longer as worried about the distances separating them from the UK. The brake on many couples moving to a home abroad was the fact that they would rarely see their loved ones.

By now I was being asked questions around the dinner table by other people, but the main one they wanted an answer to was: “Wouldn’t we miss our families?” It was interesting how many were actually thinking of making the move. I pointed out that the Mediterranean countries allow you easy access back to the UK by road, rail and air.

And wherever you move to now, thanks to cheaper and faster flights and the Internet, it’s so much easier to keep in touch. Using a laptop means you can listen to the BBC, watch Sky TV or listen via the internet to Expatsradio.com. With a webcam you can hold unlimited, face-to-face chats with your family back home and probably once a year, you’ll be on a plane flying home for a holiday and to stock up on tea bags and Marmite.

There are thousands of people living exactly this sort of lifestyle because they have bought a home in the sun

I explained that there are some people who make the move to another country and then fret that friends and family won’t bother to come and see them. How wrong they are. The problem won’t be that they’re forgotten; it’ll be that they don’t have enough bedrooms. Doubtless they’ll shut the front door after waving off the latest visitors, sigh and say, “It’s nice to have the place to ourselves again.”

Just before we left that evening, I was asked: “How did you get on with learning the language?” The truth was that I never minded making a fool of myself when I made mistakes. I told them about the time I went into a pharmacy, got myself completely tangled up with what I was trying to say and apologised, saying I was deeply embarrassed for my poor Spanish. The staff and the customers all collapsed into gales of laughter. I asked what I had just said and they explained I had just told them that I was heavily pregnant.

The last question that evening was would I ever do it all again. “Well,” my wife said, “We are going to France three times in the next couple of months…”