Brits struggle with foreign languages when on holiday

November 20, 2009 – 4:34 pm

A new study by online travel service travelsupermarket.com has revealed that more than half of British people going on holiday abroad refuse to make any effort to speak the local language. The reasons behind our laziness to learn the local lingo often include an assumption that ‘everyone speaks English anyway.’

rits struggle with foreign languages when overseas

Brits struggle to use foreign languages when overseas

We Brits are not usually known for being proficient with foreign languages though we love to travel to far-flung destinations, we are often not prepared to embrace the local language alongside the culture.

 

Many feel the problem with languages is having the confidence to try speaking in a language they are unfamiliar with,dreading getting the accent completely wrong and supplementing the word they are looking for with another word that means something else entirely. The assumption that foreigners will always speak English is definitely one most of us are guilty of making. 

The Travelsupermarket.com survey also found that 45 per cent of respondents said locals have acted negatively toward them because they don’t make the effort to communicate in the local language. Despite this, only four per cent of those surveyed said their ideal holiday would be in an English-speaking country. Tenerife clearly is the “best of both world’s” as many people on the island speak English as well as Spainsh and are delighted when ex pats try to speak Spanish to them whilst holidaying or living in the Canary Islands

The under 20s were found to be the best equipped to cope with foreign languages, with more than half saying they can speak a second language.

Travelsupermarket.com travel expert Bob Atkinson said, “Although the survey may appear to show Brits in a disappointing light, there are some encouraging signs that British holidaymakers want to make more of an effort when abroad but simply lack the confidence.” So why not try to speak in Spanish when you are next on holiday or visiting Tenerife?

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

More Brits staying at home for holidays

October 30, 2009 – 1:14 pm

Just 5.23 million passports were issued in the year 2008-9, compare to 6.2 million in 2006-7. The cost of passports and the increasing trend for holidaying closer to home has seen the demand for passports fall by more than 10 per cent over the past two years.

More Britons are holidaying at home at Tenerife's expense

More Britons are holidaying at home at Tenerife's expense

With more and more Brits choosing to holiday at home in these credit crunched times - 12 million stayed close to home this year rather than heading abroad - the demand for passports has fallen dramatically…

 

 

The increase in passport prices is also putting holidaymakers off renewing until the last possible moment before a trip. The cost of an adult passport has increased from £66 in 2006 to £72 in 2007. With another rise earlier this year, the price currently stands at £77.50. Thus, renewing a family of four’s passports could cost in excess of £300.

When compared to other holiday costs, such as cheap flights on budget airlines and bargain hotel rates - all of which have been falling to try and attract cash-strapped holidaymakers - the cost of passports seems ever higher.

The Identity and Passport Service has also cut its staff due to the lack of passport demand.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Choosing the moment to sell in Tenerife might increase your profit

October 20, 2009 – 3:46 pm
choosing the right moment to sell your Tenerife property might increase your profits

Choosing the right moment to sell your Tenerife property might increase your profits

While the fall in the value of sterling against the euro could spell calamity for many UK investors in European property,  Currency Exchangers such as Moneycorp has reported that some Britons are actually choosing the moment to sell up and make a profit.

Investors who sell now can take advantage of the weaker pound. Many British owners of Spanish and Tenerife property can  make a profit selling into today’s market because exchange rates can offset any loss in the value of their property.

For example, the  cost of a property in Tenerife was say £140,000 and with exchange rates having fallen from £1.26 to €1 in September 2008, to £1.10 today, Britons selling a Tenerife property at below its 2008 purchase price still stand to make a profit as they gain 16% when converting euros back to sterling.

There has been a significant annual increase in the number of British clients selling property abroad and transferring their receipts back to the UK.  There is little point in overseas property owners hanging on for an optimum sale price, only to be faced with a poor rate of exchange when converting their euros into sterling.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

New trends in property purchase to aid Tenerife?

October 18, 2009 – 12:42 pm
banksspain

New trends in holidays may mean that property purchase in Tenerife can be a wise investment.

The holiday season may be over, but it appears that trips abroad this summer have inspired many of us to buy our own home overseas.

Conti, the overseas mortgage firm, report that they have just had their busiest month since the beginning of the year, with a 20% month-month surge in mortgage quotes issued during September. The value of mortgage applications submitted by the company to overseas lenders also rose to a year high.

As property prices fall across Europe, the chance of owning a holiday home abroad may never be better, and with rates at an historic low, it’s even more affordable for British buyers.

Clare Nessling, Conti’s Operations Director, says: “The ‘staycation’ trend may have reduced the number of  Britons holidaying abroad this summer, but many of those who did venture overseas have returned home with plans to buy their very own place in the sun.

“As the darker nights return and the all-too-short British summer comes to an end, it’s very easy to dream about sunnier climes. But it can be more than just a dream. Affordable prices, low interest rates, and a healthy appetite by overseas mortgage providers to lend, are all making it easier to buy property abroad. Easy access to the more traditional locations like Spain and the Canary Islands, together with good rental opportunities, are also contributing factors.”

According to Conti’s recent hot spots report, they have had 22% requests on property in Spain.  It seems that buyers are sticking to the locations they know and trust and shunning the more adventurous emerging markets like property in Bulgaria and property in Dubai.

Conti says that there’s a growing feeling of confidence amongst prospective buyers, and that savvy investors are more willing to explore overseas opportunities in their search for better potential returns on investment than they are achieving in the UK.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Pensioners suffering from the global recession

September 29, 2009 – 4:27 pm
Pensioners in Tenerife and overseas are not smiling as much since the recession.

Pensioners in Tenerife and overseas are not smiling as much since the recession.

Almost half of Britons abroad who are sending money back to the UK are aged 65 and over - suggesting that those pensioners who retired to the sun have been hit hardest by the recession and are being forced back to the UK.

Currency specialists such as Moneycorp and  HiFX has seen a 180% increase in the number of euro to sterling transactions and a 111% increase in the number of US dollar to sterling transactions in the past six months, compared to the same period last year.

Not only are more over 65s repatriating money, but they are also sending home larger amounts. This suggests that they are selling up property and returning home. In the last six months almost a third (32%) of the transactions over £70,000 have been made by over 65s. They have  calculated that British pensioners living in Europe have potentially lost out on almost €10billion of their income in the last two years due to the falling strength of sterling. When faced with this drop in their income, it’s no surprise that some pensioners are finding themselves forced to sell up.

Certainly this has been seen in Tenerife and the Canary Islands allowing the fortunate few with cash to obtain great property bargains.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Brits still keen to buy property abroad says survey

August 9, 2009 – 10:41 pm
Brits and Europeans still keen on property in Tenerife and Spain

Brits and Europeans still keen on property in Tenerife and Spain

Results for the 2009 International Survey conducted by primelocation.com show that 70% of visitors to their site are actively looking to buy an overseas property, despite the current economic uncertainty. Of all respondents, 28% said that they are unaffected by the current economic situation, 22% who had delayed their plans because of the economic climate are now back in the market and hope to find a bargain, while 10% said that they are checking out the market but will not proceed just yet

Ann Wright, International Business Development Manager for primelocation.com, says; ‘This is very clear indication that people have not let go of their dreams of owning a property abroad. Indeed, it is encouraging that people are coming back to the market, possibly because of recent press reports of falling property prices across Europe.’

The primelocation.com 2009 International Survey also monitored the countries the portal’s visitors are most interested in buying in; France took top spot with 25%, Spain came second (16%) and was followed by Italy and Portugal which tied in fourth place with 11% each. The United States, Cyprus, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey, Canada and the UAE took the rest of the top 10 spots.

‘It is interesting to note that over a quarter of all respondents currently own/rent a property in France and interest in the country, which has always been the first choice amongst Brits, has remained fairly stable at 25% since 2008. Spain  and Tenerife has increased in popularity since 2008 as people respond to the reports of falling property prices. 

“The percentage of people looking to buy holiday homes overseas remains unchanged from last year’s survey (48%), which reinforces the notion that interest is still there despite the worsening economic conditions, “ continues Wright. “However, the number of people moving abroad permanently has decreased; this is possibly a result of the fluctuations in the value of sterling against the Euro. Also, property prices and the oversupply of rental properties in continental Europe mean fewer people are buying with a view to using the property as an investment or income generator.” Not surprisingly, coastal locations are ranked No.1 by all respondents who are currently looking to own or rent an overseas property, followed by tranquil village settings.

‘Planned spending levels are very similar to 2008, which further strengthens the notion that interest in overseas properties has not been significantly impacted by the economic climate. Also similar to last year’s survey results, most respondents said that they want to buy a property that requires minimal work, buyers want somewhere they can start to use and enjoy straight away,’ concludes Wright.

Primelocation.com 2009 International Survey also found that buyers prefer to use an estate agent in the country in which they are buying. UK based agents are also popular because they give the buyer the reassurance of an English speaking service and expert, reliable advice of the processes of buying abroad.

The survey results also indicate that buyers start their search on property portals, which give them access to a wide range of estate agents both in the UK and abroad. Once they have narrowed down their search they are happy to use the services of estate agents who have properties that fit their requirements.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (3)

Brits ’still buying abroad’

July 16, 2009 – 9:14 am
Brits still planning to buy in Tenerife

Brits still planning to buy in Tenerife

Many Britons are planning to buy abroad within the next year, according to a recent survey by a global property portal.

In a recent online poll, 70 per cent of those browsing the site for overseas property claimed they were preparing to buy within the next year, with more than half of this group expecting to buy within the next six months.

However, while many are getting ready to make that commitment and secure themselves a home overseas, PropertyIndex.com has warned of the potential pitfalls of buying overseas and offers buyers some essential advice to ensure a smooth and stress-free purchase:

Decide on your budget and factor in extra costs
Before you start out on your search it’s important to ensure you can afford it and that you have factored in all the likely extra costs. There are a lot of hidden costs involved in buying a property abroad, from taxes to  agent fees, which can be much higher than in the UK.
 
Do your research and don’t buy on impulse
It’s important to spend time researching an area before you leave home. Go online and visit relevant exhibitions to get a good idea of what’s available, typical prices and what the area has to offer in terms of amenities and access. If possible, try to also visit the area at different times of year - whether you’re planning to live there yourself or rent it out, somewhere that seems an ideal location in the summer might be quite a different place in the middle of winter. Though Tenerife has sun all year round.

Never buy a property you haven’t seen
A number of buyers make this mistake, often finding themselves with something entirely different to what they were expecting when they make the first visit. Never buy a property unless you have seen it and you’ve had  checks on ownership of the property and land. A good estate agent in Tenerife should organise this for you.

Take a wider perspective
Wherever you’re buying, check out how to get there - do flights run regularly all year round, is there a choice of airlines? This is particularly important if you are planning to rent out your property and are relying on budget airlines to provide a quick and inexpensive route to your chosen location. Tenerife is well served by many such airlines.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Things to Do, Uncategorized, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Brits are buying in Tenerife again.

June 30, 2009 – 9:51 am
Brits are back buying prime property and bargains in tenerife

Brits are back buying prime property and bargains in Tenerife

 British demand for property overseas is on the rise once more, as a growing number of Britons seek to take advantage of the fact that sterling is now making gains on the euro.Until recently, more Brits were selling their homes in the eurozone, in order to repatriate proceeds back to the UK, and consequently take advantage of the euro’s strong value against the UK pound.

The currency broker reports that since January 2009, the volume of clients repatriating their funds back to the UK after selling their property abroad ascended by a staggering 60per cent on the previous six months.

This is unsurprising given that at one stage this year, the UK pound hit virtual parity against the euro.

This meant that those British expats who were fortunate enough to sell their eurozone-based home, amid difficult market conditions, were able to do so for less than they had initially paid, and still make a profit, due to the favourable exchange rate.

However, the UK pound’s value against major currencies such as the euro, has now improved, and looks set to strengthen further throughout the course of 2009, which bodes well for Brits currently thinking of buying a home abroad.

Sterling is currently trading at €1.16 against the euro, having dropped slightly from highs of €1.18 earlier this month and so more Brits are again turning their attention to the bargains and prime property in Tenerife and checking out the estate agents on the island for the best deals.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Last chance for tax break

June 17, 2009 – 12:58 pm
Last chance for tax breaks up for grabs for UK property owners in Tenerife

Last chance for tax breaks up for grabs for UK property owners in Tenerife

There are only a few weeks left in which Brits who rent out their furnished holiday homes in Europe  and Tenerife, can claim a retrospective tax rebate - so get onto HM Revenue and Customs before July 31st this year and you could potentially save thousands of pounds.

In a move that will affect around 100,000 people who let out their second homes for part of the year, the tax break, which was originally introduced in the 1980’s as a way of encouraging British tourism, could see owners receiving a windfall of up to five years worth of tax.

Previously the tax rebate was reserved for owners of UK- based holiday lets but those with European homes can also benefit, so long as they get their claim in before July 31st this year.

HM Revenue & Customs will accept late amendments to 2006-7 tax returns and late claims by letter as far back as 2003-4.

Then, as of April 6th 2010, beneficial tax treatment will be scrapped altogether. Holiday properties will no longer be treated as business assets, meaning that landlords will no longer be able to write off trading losses from second homes against their tax bill.

This could result in additional tax bills of £4,000 a year. Capital allowances and capital gains benefits will also be scrapped. 

For those who are considering applying for the rebate before July 31st, the amount of tax they could stand to reclaim could be quite significant.

Not all furnished holiday lets in Europe qualify for this special tax treatment so it is important to check your property meets the necessary criteria before making a claim. Your personal tax accountant will be able to guide you through the maze.

“For example, to be eligible the property must be available for letting as holiday accommodation for at least 140 days during a 12-month period and lets must be shorter than 31 days.

“With the tax incentive removed, these changes may make it easier and more attractive for people to invest in holiday let property abroad instead of just the UK,” added Mr Baker

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Holiday, Inspirational, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Mass exodus from UK?

May 18, 2009 – 12:53 pm
The warmer climes of Tenerife await

The warmer climes of Tenerife await

New research has found that a whopping 11 million Brits are thinking of taking a job overseas within the next two years - a significant dent in the population. Many of those would choose a new life in Tenerife. Britain is experiencing the greatest exodus of its own nationals in recent history while immigration is at unprecedented levels, new figures show.

In 2007, 207,000 British citizens - one every three minutes - left the country. It has been revealed that one in four working Brits are now looking to leave the country for sunnier climes and better job opportunities.

More British live abroad than any other nationality and the levels of emigration are now the same as those seen in the late-1950s when the £10 Poms left for Australia.  An increase in tax levelled at high wage earners coupled with rising UK unemployment is thought to be partly behind the mass exodus.

The research found that men are almost twice as likely as women to opt for a job overseas and moving abroad was most popular with Brits aged between 18 and 30 and also those in the 51 to 60 age bracket, perhaps seeking a better lifestyle for their retirement.

With the number of unemployed in Birmingham higher than in any other major UK city, people living in the Midlands are subsequently the most likely to look for a job overseas - 17 per cent of them compared to just 13 per cent in Wales and the South West.

The majority of people planned to head for a country with a warmer climate, more days of sunshine and those countries that were English-speaking. As people struggle to find jobs, it is no wonder that Brits are considering bailing out of the UK and moving to places such as Tenerife which has a wealth of things to offer.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Health, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (1)