Spain most popular for currency exchange

February 10, 2012 – 3:26 pm

Whilst Spain remains the most popular destination in terms of volume of currency transactions in 2011, interestingly, the UK takes second place with 18% of transactions according to the latest data compiled by FX specialist, Currency Index.

Almost a quarter of all FX transactions in 2011 (24.99%) were sent to Spain, unsurprising given the country’s appeal as a top holiday and second home destination.Robin Haynes, MD of award-winning Currency Index explains, “18.10% of FX transactions, nearly a fifth, last year were made back to the UK. This is most likely a result of people returning home from overseas or in a few cases sending currency to UK-based Euro/USD accounts for example, which can be overseas properties where a lawyer’s client account is in the UK for example. In addition, part of these transactions will be business clients repatriating income and also individuals earning money abroad. It really is a mixed bag but of note none the less.

“In Q4 2011, there was a 15% increase in people bringing money back to the UK probably due to the Euro crisis which sparked panic and saw people moving money back to locations seen as safe havens.”

Indeed, the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis has caused fear to spread but for those considering buying property abroad, the reduction of the value of the single currency means that now is in fact one of the cheapest times to buy a place in the sun.

Haynes comments, “There is a lot of confusion and scaremongering going on in the Euro at the moment but in spite of this, overseas property buyers should rest assured that the single currency devaluation will mean that they will currently be able get over 8% more for their money than if they were buying Euros in July last year.”

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Spain still a top destination for holidaymakers

September 3, 2011 – 9:12 am
Spain remains one of the top destinations for holidaymakers around the
world, as tourist numbers and property enquiries both increased this
summer.
Figures released by the Frontier Tourist Movement reveal that Spain has
received 7.4 per cent more international tourists this year compared to the
same time in 2010, proving that the country’s beaches and culture are still
attracting visitors.
Around 32.3 million international tourists visited Spain between January
and July of this year, with July alone welcoming 7.5 million tourists. Up
to July 2011, Spanish airports received nearly 36.5 million passengers. The
busiest budget airline was Ryanair, which experienced a 25% increase in air
traffic to Spain.

Unsurprisingly, visitors from the UK led the way with 7.4 million
passengers (35.8 per cent), while Germany and Italy followed with 4.2m (20
per cent) and 2.2m (10.7 per cent).

The biggest rise to Spanish shores came from Swedish visitors (40.8 per
cent), who are purchasing an increasing amount of property in Spain. France
and the Netherlands also saw their number of tourists grow. Estate agent
Spanish Hot Properties comments: “Of all the tourists who chose to holiday
in the Costa del Sol, around 72% said they were attracted mainly by the
prospect of sun and sand which will come as no shock considering the
region’s exceptional climate.”

Spain continued to attract foreign interest in August too, Robin Brayne, Commercial Director of the overseas property portal, comments: “Once again, Spain is head and shoulders above the rest of Europe. People remain attracted by the country’s sunny coast and relaxed lifestyle, and further interest has been fuelled by the glut of repossessed & distressed properties being sold on by Spanish banks, offering homes at
superb value.”

Of course the Canary Islands, perticularly Tenerife remain popular for sales and purchase of propertyand holidays. As Spanish tourism soars this summer, the property market is looking increasingly sunny.

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Spain, confirmed to be the favourite destination of potential property-buyers.

April 4, 2011 – 8:49 am

Tenerife and mainland Spain the destinations of choice for property hunters.

The hoped-for green shoots of the economy in the UK were showing their heads in Birmingham last weekend, when thousands of people turned out for the “A Place in the Sun” exhibition held at the NEC. International property shows in the UK had been in the doldrums over the past months and some of the organsisers had gone into bankruptcy owing to the overall downturn in property sales everywhere, but “A Place in the Sun”, backed by the TV programme of the same name, made a strong come-back at the NEC.

This was especially good news for Spain, confirmed to be the favourite destination of potential property-buyers. No fewer than 60 per cent of visitors indicated an interest in Spain, with France coming in a poor second despite its familiarity and geographical proximity to British buyers.  Spain’s main competitors were the USA and Australia and New Zealand, which were offering immigration packages.

Surveys of the public attending the show indicated that many buyers have been waiting for the right moment, and are now ready to make the move, as prices are unlikely to drop any further. Asked why they were looking at Spain and the Canary Islands, they mentioned, the climate, the friendly people, and enjoyable holidays in this area in the past. Buyers were also aware of the problems now facing investors who had opted in the past for destinations less well served by the airlines. While flights to many of these have been reduced or scrapped altogether during the credit crunch, Malaga and Tenerife airports  continues to be served by numerous airlines with dozens of flights every day to and from the UK.

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Spain and the Canary Isles still the Brits favourite place to buy a home

February 7, 2011 – 12:14 pm

Spain is still tops for Britons buying homes abroad

Spain is the perennial favourite for Britons looking to buy a home abroad, confirms the latest survey by Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun.

The ranking for 2011 goes as follows (2010 in brackets):

1. Spain (1)
2. France (3)                    
3. Portugal (4)
4. Italy (6)
5. Florida (2)
6. Turkey (5)
7. Greece (8)
8. Cyprus (7)
9. Malta (new entry)
10. Egypt (new entry)

Here is what they had to say about Spain, Tenerife and the Canary Islands:

Once again, Spain remains the most popular destination for Brits to buy abroad and therefore tops our chart of the best places to buy abroad in 2011. After all, it has all the right ingredients – excellent access from the UK, sun, sea, culture and infrastructure. With repossessed properties and distressed sales hitting the market, the home of the Costas, Balearic and Canary Islands still has some great deals for the diligent buyer. Huge discounts on holiday homes mean there’s a multitude of destinations and property options on offer.

As we have been saying for a while now, this really is a great time to buy in Tenerife. In fact it is a great time to buy throughout Spain and its islands.  Check out the latest deals with your estate agent, particularly the discounts available  on prime property in Tenerife.

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More people looking to go to the sun in Tenerife after the big freeze.

January 10, 2011 – 3:11 pm

More Brits looking to the sun of Tenerife after the big freeze

As the big freeze grips the country and temperatures continue to drop it comes as no surprise to hear that fewer people are planning a ‘staycation’ in 2011.

Sixty-seven per cent of Britons are preparing for at least one holiday in their own country in 2011 compared with 73 per cent in 2010, a survey has found. Holidaying at home became popular during the credit crunch as families tried to cut costs but now it seems Britons are keen to escape damp summers and freezing winters.

As many as 36 per cent of Britons think they will spend more on their holidays in 2011 than they did this year, with 14 per cent of those questioned intending to splash out more than £8,000.

Two thirds of people are planning at least one long-haul trip abroad, according to the survey by TripAdvisor. Strikes are a concern for travellers – with 31 per cent fearing that union action could upset their plans. 28 per cent said they were ‘concerned’ about the effects of a rise in Air Passenger Duty.

Travel companies going into administration and fears of a return of volcanic ash clouds that led to flights being cancelled also concerned holidaymakers.

TripAdvisor spokesperson Emma O’Boyle said: ‘Overall, 2011 looks more positive for both travellers and the travel industry. ‘Britons intend to travel more often and will spend more money doing so, but will proceed with caution as the industry emerges slowly from a very difficult year.’

Only 10 per cent of Britons intend to go on more ‘green’ holidays next year – compared with 14 per cent this year.

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Big freeze changes opinions on holidays

December 6, 2010 – 9:58 am

Tenerife's sun is welcoming to Britons freezing in sub zero temperatures

As the big freeze grips the country and temperatures continue to drop it comes as no surprise to hear that fewer people are planning a ‘staycation’ in 2011… Sixty-seven per cent of Britons are preparing for at least one holiday in their own country in 2011 compared with 73 per cent in 2010, a survey has found. Holidaying at home became popular during the credit crunch as families tried to cut costs but now it seems Britons are keen to escape damp summers and freezing winters. As many as 36 per cent of Britons think they will spend more on their holidays in 2011 than they did this year, with 14 per cent of those questioned intending to splash out more than £8,000. Two thirds of people are planning at least one long-haul trip abroad, according to the survey by TripAdvisor. But strikes are a concern for travellers – with 31 per cent fearing that union action could upset their plans. 28 per cent said they were ‘concerned’ about the effects of a rise in Air Passenger Duty. Travel companies going into administration and fears of a return of volcanic ash clouds that led to flights being cancelled also concerned holidaymakers. TripAdvisor spokesperson Emma O’Boyle said: ‘Overall, 2011 looks more positive for both travellers and the travel industry. ‘Britons intend to travel more often and will spend more money doing so, but will proceed with caution as the industry emerges slowly from a very difficult year.’ Only 10 per cent of Britons intend to go on more ‘green’ holidays next year – compared with 14 per cent this year. Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

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Spain back in top spot for enquiries

January 25, 2010 – 5:28 pm
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.

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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.

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Spain and the Canary Islands still popular for those seeking investment property

August 21, 2009 – 10:53 pm
Brits still planning to buy in Tenerife

Brits still planning to buy in Tenerife

The USA knocked Spain off the top spot in July’s Investment Property watch chart – which tracks the level of interest in certain properties and countries from visitors to the site . Madeira island is gearing up for an influx of new visitors from all over Europe as Spanish airline BinterCanarias starts new direct flights to bring in travellers from the Canary Islands. However Spain and the Canary Islands remain popular with those looking for holiday properties and second homes in the sun.

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