Older generation wiser on property matters

Time to search for that property in Tenerife?

Time to search for that property in Tenerife?

Results from the latest Worldwide Property Group confidence tracker survey reveal some interesting differences between the generations. Although the vast majority of people who took the survey are of the opinion that property prices will not fall over the coming year, there are large differences in opinion between the generations with the 45 – 54 age category showing the greatest confidence.

60% of respondents within both the 45-54 and 55-64 age group expect prices to rise in the next 12 months versus just 23% of the 35-44 age group. What’s more a huge 100% of 45-54 year olds believe that right now is a great time to buy  property with 90% of the opinion that the current market  offers excellent opportunity overseas; indeed 80% are currently considering buying an international property. This is in stark contrast to the under 25′s where just 50% feel that today is a good time to buy a property in the UK.

Interestingly, less than half of all respondents are of the opinion that interest rates will increase over the next 12 months with 7% actually expecting a further reduction. On the subject of investments a huge 75% said that property offered the best investment potential of Property prices all major investment options.

Commenting on the figures, Kevin Wilkes, Managing Director of the Worldwide Property Group said: “It is interesting to see how different groups have differing opinions regarding the property market, but actually not that surprising.  may seem very high to the younger generations where many are still looking to buy their first homes. However, affordability has dramatically improved over the last few years and if our survey respondent’s interest rate predictions are correct this will remain the case for quite some time.

Confidence in property as an investment continues to ride high as it offers great stability when compared to other investment categories and can provide much greater returns and safety in the long term. Interestingly shares didn’t receive even one vote.”

New trends in property purchase to aid Tenerife?

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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.

Investors sticking to proven locations like Tenerife following global market downturn.

The index which tracks the level of interest in certain properties and countries from visitors to the site has seen changes.

British buyers stick with traditional locations like Tenerife after the credit crunch.

British buyers stick with traditional locations like Tenerife after the credit crunch.

The United States was knocked off the top spot in August’s Investment Property watch chart

France, a favourite with British investors and holidaymakers,claimed victory in August.

Industry experts are busy predicting that traditional locations will emerge victorious from the global market downturn and that is good news for Tenerife. Mortgage specialist, Conti, found that British investors are sticking to ‘proven’ locations that offer less risk. Spain is a  traditional hotspot. The credit crunch has been particularly hard on Spain, with hoards of unsold apartments lying unfinished as developers fell foul of the credit crunch. Now, huge discounts have led to the bargain hunters circling again, pushing demand for Spanish property back up.

For France and Spain, enquiries have increased considerably with the countries accounting for 53 per cent of all 2009 enquiries so far, compared with 29 per cent in the same period last year. British buyers are sticking to the more traditional overseas locations, especially those with history of providing good rental returns. The smart investor is no longer simply looking to where the best bargains for a swift return can be found, but to where security lies for a longer term investment and Tenerife certainly meets these criteria. perhaps it is time to visit your Tenerife estate agent and see what bargains are available again.