Property prices to fall further?

 The distressed nature of the Spanish property market combined with the country’s fragile economy suggests that property prices will fall further, despite the fact that they have tumbled nationwide since the peak of the market in 2007. The Eurozone debt crisis that has already seen three countries, Greece, Ireland and Portugal bailed out is now threatening much bigger economies like Italy and Spain. Furthermore, with unemployment and foreclosure levels in Spain both growing, it is hard to see how further price falls are not inevitable, presenting purchasers with an opportunity to bag an even cheaper priced home in Spain. Fresh research by an association of homeowners facing foreclosure (AFES), reveals that almost 20% of Spanish mortgages signed between the boom years of 2004 and 2008 are or will become delinquent. AFES calculate that over 700,000 families will have had their homes repossessed by 2015, which is a tragedy. But while extremely unfortunate, it does present those in a position to buy property, with an opportunity to secure a home at an even cheaper price, crushing any slim hopes that that market will soon embark on the road to recover. Mark Stucklin of Spanish Property Insight wrote: “Specifically, there were four million home purchases between 2004 and 2008 , the bubble years of the Spanish property boom  of which 170,000 have already been foreclosed, another 170,000 are in process, and another 375,000 are expected to be repossessed by 2015.” “All this at a time when there are more than three million empty homes in Spain,” he added. AFES propose partial or total debt forgiveness by banks, more mortgage lending, and lower property prices to making housing affordable. “The big social drama is that after losing their homes people are saddled with debts they can never afford to pay,” said Carlos Baños, President of AFES. or total debt forgiveness by banks, more mortgage lending, and lower property prices to making housing affordable. “The big social drama is that after losing their homes people are saddled with debts they can never afford to pay,” said Carlos Baños, President of AFES.

Sellers asking less for their homes at the cheaper end of the market

The number of vendors asking less for their homes leapt to 30,646 in May, 7% of all vendors and an increase of 73pc on last year. They reduced asking prices by an average of 8.2pc in a year.

So far this year 134,107 vendors have dropped their asking prices, 69pc more than last year and 31pc of the total.

In total, vendors are now asking 700 million Euros less in a month, 3.2 billion less this year, and 6.4 billion less in the last 12 months. That is potentially a huge transfer of wealth from vendors to buyers.

The biggest number of vendors asking less was at the cheaper end of the market, with 8.3pc of vendors with asking prices below €200,000 dropping their prices, compared to 6.5pc of vendors asking more than €600,000.

In value terms, however, prices at the cheaper end fell by an average of 8.6pc compared to 9.3pc for more expensive homes. This is the time to visit a reputable estate agent and look for that bargain in Tenerife, whether it is a cheaper property or a prime property.

Spain back in top spot for enquiries

Spain and Tenerife  top the enquiry list for holiday properties

Spain and Tenerife top the enquiry list for holiday properties

Holiday lettings companies  advertising Spanish holiday homes benefit from a kick-start to 2010 with a significant increase in enquiries, some fresh accommodation stock and the fantastic news that living costs have fallen making it even more cost effective for self-catering holidaymakers in Tenerife,the Canary Islands and Spain.

Throughout 2009, Spain vied for the top destination spot losing out much of the year to the UK. Now Spain is back with vengeance stealing the top spot back,  the Canary Islands pinch fourth  place in the popularity stakes. However, the Canary Islands continue to draw winter sun seekers on good deals and cheap flights

Spanish holiday home owners are proving savvy to this change in mood with increasing numbers offering special offers for advance bookings. This tactic is particularly good at reaching families who need to plan ahead due to the restriction of school holiday dates.

Homes in the Canaries may have greater competition for business because of the volume of holiday apartments available, but they have a truly year round market, with no seasonal fluctuation and can optimistically look to fill 35 plus weeks a year with paying guests.

Spanish loans on the increase.

Loans increas in Tenerife and Spain as property prices are more affordable

Loans increase in Tenerife and Spain as property prices become more affordable

The number of new Spanish property mortgages approved in May rose by 15per cent to 57,614 compared to the previous month, indicating that demand for property in Spain and Tenerife is rising, according to Spain’s National Institute of Statistics.

However, on an annual basis the volume of mortgages issued in May fell 23per cent, compared to the corresponding month last year.

The average mortgage value in May fell 14per cent to €121,120 (£102,560) year-on-year, but rose 5per cent month-on-month potentially reflecting the fact that cheaper properties in Spain and Tenerife are now available.

Overall new mortgage lending was €7bn, down 33per cent year-on-year, but 20per cent higher than April.

The average interest rate agreed for new mortgages in May was 4.6per cent, 11per cent lower in percentage terms than a year ago, and 2.2per cent lower than the previous month.

The majority – 96per cent – of all Spanish mortgages secured were on a variable rate, with the other 4per cent fixed.