Property Select - Overseas Property News

First-time buyers look abroad

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of first-time buyers who cannot afford to purchase their own home in Britain are choosing to buy a property abroad

Paul Collins of the BuyAssociation website said that house prices in the UK have risen to the point where many people cannot afford to get on the housing ladder.

However, many other countries have much cheaper property prices and are increasingly being seen as viable alternatives.

Mr Collins said that during the last four to five years, many first-time buyers have been investing in markets that had been seeing considerable growth, such as Spain.

This allows property owners to sell their house on for more than it was originally purchased for and use the returns to purchase a home in the UK.

Mr Collins commented: "They’re finding that it's better off going overseas and building up a little more equity and owning a property."

According to a study by Fair Investment Company, more than half of first-time buyers in the UK have either bought or considered buying a home overseas.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Expats seek reduced living costs

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many Britons are purchasing houses in other countries in order to enjoy a cheaper cost of living, a newspaper has stated.

The Sun said the impact of the credit crunch and rising inflation has made living in the UK a very "bleak experience".

According to the publication, these financial issues have contributed to the growing trend of setting up home overseas.

The newspaper stated that about 5.5 million people from the UK are now residing abroad on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph has also spoken of people's concerns with rising fuel costs, council tax and food prices.

The media outlet said that with this in mind, it is "hardly surprising" that many homeowners in the UK are "seriously thinking" of selling up and moving overseas.

Earlier this week, a poll by NatWest revealed that 90 per cent of British expats consider themselves financially better off than when they lived in the UK.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Airport to trigger growth in Spain

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The expansion of an airport in south-east Spain could be set to boost the property market in the region, a newspaper has suggested.

According to the Telegraph, Corvera Airport in Murcia expected to be reopened in 2010 after a major upgrade and redevelopment.

The publication believes that this could have a positive impact on the local housing market and push up property values in the region.

Murcia was said to have significant "growth potential" that could make it an attractive market for overseas property buyers.

The newspaper added that house prices in the area are already relatively cheap when compared with the rest of Spain, which means that investors who could possibly snap up a bargain before the houses appreciate in value over the next years.

"Property prices in certain 'emerging' parts of Spain compare favourably with newer rivals such as Cape Verde and Bulgaria," the Telegraph added.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, house prices across Spain as a whole went up by three per cent last year.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain still has investment opportunities

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The slowdown in the Spanish market could create new investment opportunities, a newspaper has suggested.

UK-based publication the Independent said that some property buyers are being deterred by issues such as the falling rate of house price inflation in Spain.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the market expanded by just three per cent last year.

However, the Independent has expressed optimism and said this downturn will not last forever.

Furthermore, it stated that many sellers are putting properties on the market at relatively low prices, which means that when the market picks up again, those who snap up bargains now could stand to benefit the most.

The Independent commented: "As prices fall, they must eventually level off and then the worst time to buy suddenly becomes the very best time."

Prospective buyers of Spanish property have therefore been encouraged to carry out research into how much real estate agents in the country are slashing their prices.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Rental buyers urged to consider investment prospects

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Investors in buy-to-let accommodation overseas have been advised to consider the state of the market in their chosen location.

According to the Sun newspaper, property buyers should look at how much competition there is in a certain area.

This, it stated, could affect how much rental income they are likely to generate, which may be an issue if investors want this money to cover their costs.

However, the newspaper also recommended that people take into account how the market is likely to develop in the future.

For example, it said that if it is a growing tourist hotspot with a limited supply of rental accommodation, an investor's property is likely to be highly desirable.

By contrast, an area with a surplus of tourist lodgings is likely to experience less growth and generate smaller returns.

The advice comes shortly after investment buyers were encouraged by BuyAssociation to make sure they have an exit strategy if they wish to sell their property on at a profit.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Mainland Europe opened up to north-west England

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Investors in many European holiday resorts are set to benefit from forthcoming accessibility improvements.

Budget airline easyJet has announced that it is to begin flying from Manchester Airport to the city of Paphos in Cyprus.

Direct services to Malaga in Spain are also to be added to its schedules, with further services being rolled out in the near future.

The flights are being introduced as part of a move to bolster its presence in the north-west of England and open up mainland Europe to local people.

This means that consumers in the north-west will be able to enjoy more affordable flights to destinations such as Cyprus and Spain.

As a result, they may become far more attractive to people who are thinking of buying a holiday home in such a place.

Andrew Cornish, managing director of Manchester Airport, commented: "The arrival of easyJet is great news for Manchester passengers."

This comes after the airline highlighted Malaga as a hotspot for holidaymakers from the UK over the Easter season.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

UK investors 'own property in 50 countries'

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British nationals now own real estate in more than 50 different countries, an expert has revealed.

Amanda Lamb, who presents Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, said that a significant number of Britons own property in these locations.

In addition, she said that people who are planning to invest abroad now have an unprecedented range of choices.

She highlighted Brazil, Bulgaria and Canada as three hotspots for Britons, along with more established markets such as Spain.

However, Ms Lamb stated that different countries are at various stages of development, prospective investors need to research their chosen market in advance.

This, she said, would allow people to find out what facilities they have available and where it may be lacking.

Ms Lamb commented: "For example, properties might be cheap, but is the electricity supply reliable?"

This comes after A Place in the Sun magazine revealed that Spain is currently the most popular foreign market among Britons.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spanish market has regional variations

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property investors have been advised to take regional variations into account when buying a residence in Spain.

Liam Bailey, head of research at Knight Frank, stated that although Spain has been negatively affected by ongoing economic problems across the world, it still offers potentially lucrative investment markets.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Bailey said residential property values went up by almost five per cent last year.

However, he added that in some parts of the country, prices went up by a much larger amount.

He commented: "Madrid saw rates below two per cent, but this contrasts sharply with 8.1 per cent growth in Murcia."

Asturias was highlighted as another fast-growing location, as it saw growth of 7.7 per cent last year.

This comes after Holiday-Rentals revealed that 31 per cent of European properties owned by British investors are located in Spain.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spanish transport network praised by analysts

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Industry analysts have highlighted the impact Spain's transport network has had on its desirability to foreign property buyers.

According to ShelterOffshore.com, the country's internal transport infrastructure is "exceptionally good".

The website stated that the network allowed quick and easy access to other regions, as well as neighbouring countries across the border.

Spain's transport links with the rest of the world were highlighted as another feature that has made it popular with overseas investors.

For example, it said the country has become popular with second home buyers from Britain because Spain is so "easily and cheaply" accessible.

ShelterOffshore.com remarked: "Spain remains one of the most popular countries in the world in which Brits would like to own property."

The website added that its good transport infrastructure has also helped it to develop its tourism sector.

Spain was recently described by the Association of British Travel Agents as the "outright favourite" for Britons who headed abroad over Easter.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Investors advised to look at changes in Spanish market

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property investors have been advised that the process of buying in Spain will soon be much easier.

Earlier this month, the Spanish Socialist Party was elected to serve a second term in office during the country's general election.

One of its manifesto pledges was to simplify Spain's property purchasing regulations in order to make the process more buyer-friendly.

According to Peter Esders, a partner at The International Law Partnership, this could have a positive effect on the market as a whole, Homes Worldwide reports.

Specifically, he said the improved systems would boost confidence in the Spanish market and potentially attract more buyers from overseas.

Mr Esders commented: "The positive aspects of the manifesto should strengthen the decision to buy amongst those who are still in consideration."

He added that Spain's favourable lifestyle, scenery and political stability have helped it become a hotspot for property buyers in places such as the UK.

This comes after Holiday-Rentals revealed that 31 per cent of European properties owned by British investors are located in Spain.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Airports brace for Easter exodus

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Regional airports across the UK are preparing themselves for a busy Bank Holiday weekend.

According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), about two million Britons are set to jet overseas over the next few days.

East Midlands Airport (EMA) believes the number of people passing through its buildings during this period will be about 95,000.

This is seven per cent more than the figure recorded last Easter and reflects the growing popularity of taking short breaks abroad.

EMA said it is expecting Good Friday to be its busiest day, with flights to places such as Spain among the most popular locations.

The country was also highlighted as the main hotspot for Britons by ABTA, which said it is the "outright favourite" for holidaymakers this Easter.

Travellers were told by the organisation that they should be able to enjoy "excellent weather" in Spain this weekend, as temperatures are set to stay in the 20s.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Property exhibition 'a runaway success'

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A recent property exhibition in the UK has been described by its organisers as a "runaway success".

Brooklands Group said the A Place in the Sun Live show in Manchester attracted more than 8,000 people from the city and surrounding areas.

This is the first time the event has been staged in the north-west of England and comes ahead of three further exhibitions in other parts of the country.

Darren Styles, chief executive of Brooklands Group, commented: "Some industry commentators would have it that an overseas property show in Manchester doesn't work - not so."

He added that the strong attendance figures showed that demand for buying property abroad is still very high, even with ongoing economic problems such as the credit crunch.

Readers of A Place in the Sun magazine recently identified Spain, France and Turkey as their three favourite overseas investment markets.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Investors set to look at inland Spain

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Inland Spain is set to become a hotspot of activity among overseas property buyers, according to an expert.

Writing for NuBricks.com, Nicola Christie said the property market has been "crying out" for more of Spain's countryside to be opened up.

This has now happened as a result of a new high-speed rail link between Madrid and Barcelona.

The upcoming creation of further routes will serve to open up new areas and allow easy access to areas that had once been "effectively out of bounds".

Ms Christie believes this will have an effect on property investment in the country, as the improved access to previously overlooked regions could trigger a new housing boom.

She commented: "News of yet more links to come over the next four years should ensure that more and more of the Spanish countryside is opened up."

This comes after Holiday-Rentals revealed that 31 per cent of European properties owned by British investors are located in Spain.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Thousands of Britons living in Spain

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hundreds of thousands of UK nationals are now living in Spain full-time, according to official statistics.

Data from the Spanish government revealed that almost 200,000 Britons now reside in the country on a permanent basis.

The figures, cited by ByeByeBlighty.com, also found that Spain was home to people from various other nationalities as well.

For example, the largest proportion were said to have come from Morocco, with those from the north African country accounting for about 650,000 expats.

In addition, more than 600,000 Romanians were found to be permanently living in Spain, alongside people from Ecuador and Columbia.

Figures also showed that people from EU member states accounted for more than a third of Spain's expat community in 2007.

This comes after Homes Worldwide cited official statistics showing that the number of Britons now residing in Murcia has gone up from 1,041 to 17,180 since the start of the decade.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

More Britons buying foreign property

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Foreign property ownership is becoming more and more popular in the UK, new figures have revealed.

Research by the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) found that last year, the number of people buying property abroad went up by 21 per cent, Country Life reports.

More than a quarter of the 240,000 homes purchased during 2007 were said to be located in Spain, while other European countries such as France and Italy were also highlighted as popular locations.

However, figures indicated that many Britons were also favouring less-established markets, including Dubai, Morocco and Bulgaria.

Despite the increase in the number of purchases, the overall value of these transactions was found to be roughly similar to that a year earlier.

Paul Owen, chief executive of the AIPP, commented: "The average spend, up just one per cent on last year, is being kept at a consistent level probably due to the wealth of many new destinations at low entry prices."

This comes after Holiday-Rentals revealed that 31 per cent of European properties owned by British investors are located in Spain.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Canary island described as property investment hotspot

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People seeking out property in Spain should look beyond the mainland and consider the opportunities available in Tenerife, according to Tenerife Property Shop.

The estate agent told Tenerife News that increasing numbers of foreign buy-to-let investors are buying on the Canary island where high population growth is fuelling demand for rented accommodation.

Attractive tax benefits for those who invest in the local rental market on a long-term basis are also encouraging them to look to the island for new opportunities.

Tenerife is proving so popular among UK investors who are unhappy with returns at home that many are dubbing it a buy-to-let paradise, the Tenerife Property Shop claims.

As well as strong domestic demand there is also a firm need for rental accommodation for those visiting Tenerife on holiday. The island's volcanic beaches and reliably warm climate make it a popular destination for tourists.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Airline announces more routes to Spain

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Holidaymakers and those who own property in Spain could benefit from the launch of two new routes into Madrid and Barcelona by bmibaby.

The new route to Madrid, from Manchester Airport, will begin operating in time for the summer, the company said, while the Barcelona route will be started in September.

One-way flights to both Madrid and Barcelona start at under £25 including taxes and charges.

Managing director Crawford Rix said: "Our new four flights a week to Madrid, a culturally rich destination, will delight many with its cosmopolitan charm."

Manchester Airport's director of aviation development Tim McDermott said: "With bmibaby now offering flights to Barcelona ... this will allow passengers a great range of choice."

In addition, cheap flights airline Ryanair has announced the launch of a new route to Spain's Reus Barcelona airport.

The new routes from both airlines may be of benefit to those with property in Spain, as a potential increase in tourists may lead to more interest in living in the country.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Brits find bargains 'close to home'

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British property investors could pick up relatively affordable homes, villas and apartments on the Spanish island of Tenerife.

An article in the Times suggests that investment property on the island is typically 30 per cent cheaper than that of the popular Costas.

One British property owner, Darren Richards, told the paper he thinks Tenerife is "great" as it has everything he needs.

"And, with just a four-hour flight, I can easily commute back to England when I need to go," Mr Richards, who owns a flat, a villa and two bars on the island, added.

He is one of 30,000 Britons making up the 600,000 Tenerife residents, according to expat portal eTenerife.

The website also highlights that it is easy to travel between Tenerife and the UK, as there are around 200 weekly flights between the island and 30 airports in the UK.

In addition, eTenerife states factors such as the island's year-round sunshine, low cost of living and culture as attractive to foreign property buyers.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Work set to improve Spanish airport access

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Murcia is to be the site of major development as a result of proposed plans to build a new international airport at Corvera.

The airport will be capable of hosting 15,000 aircraft movements each year and is predicted to service around 1.5 million passengers on an annual basis, according to organisers.

And, with the new site just one part of wider plans for new airports across Spain and Portugal, with reports predicting development of new airports in the Huelva province in Spain and in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon – it could be a shot in the arm for the properties in Spain and Portugal.

Speaking to Typically Spanish, Murcia’s regional councillor for public works Jose Ballesta outlined some of the details for the new airport and said the infrastructure surrounding Corvera would see roads capable of servicing almost 18,500 vehicles a day.

With research from estate agents Savills showing that low cost airline access can add up to 37 per cent to price premiums, locations serviced by budget flights are a popular choice for investors.

Spain has long been a hit with Britons seeking a second home and investors, representing the most popular expatriate destination.

Spain - Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Established markets to be promoted to investors

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who are considering investing in a foreign property will soon be encouraged to consider established markets in Europe.

Budget carrier Monarch Airlines mainly focuses on offering cheap flights to popular destinations such as Spain and Portugal.

The company has agreed to participate in this year's A Place in the Sun Live events across the country as an official partner.

This will involve exhibiting at each show and highlighting the appeal of its main destinations, including Portugal and Spain.

Since about three-quarters of the people at the event are likely to be seriously considering buying a foreign property, this suggests that these two countries could be set for a surge in popularity.

The show is a spin-off from the Channel 4 series of the same name.

Amanda Lamb, presenter of the programme, recently told the Manchester Evening News that she has just bought a holiday home in Italy.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Rail link opens up inland Spain

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Different parts of Spain are to be opened up to overseas property buyers, according to experts.

Homes Worldwide recommended that prospective investors consider locations serviced by a new cross-country rail link.

The high-speed service allows passengers to travel from Madrid to Barcelona in just two hours and 38 minutes.

This is a significant improvement to the accessibility of each location, particularly for people living along the route.

As a result, properties in destinations that the train calls at en route could become particularly desirable among overseas investors.

Homes Worldwide commented: "Those looking to invest should consider properties close to proposed stations.

"This could mean new property hotspots emerging."

In addition, the website suggested that more high-speed trains could be introduced during the next ten years.

This comes after Holiday-Rentals revealed that 31 per cent of European properties owned by British investors are located in Spain.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Foreign countries attract skilled Britons

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many skilled graduates from the UK are choosing to take jobs in other countries, according to a new study.

Figures from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) showed that 3.2 million British people live in another country on a permanent basis.

More than 1.1 million of them were said to be university graduates trained in disciplines such as medicine, engineering and teaching.

Commenting on the findings, the OECD stated that they represented the greater number of opportunities to live and work abroad that now exist.

A spokesperson remarked: "It is seen by many British people as part of their personal development to have some experience abroad."

Although the figures mean that the UK has lost more than ten per cent of its skilled residents, the Institute for Public Policy Research has noted that this gap is being filled by migrants arriving to work in Britain.

According to NatWest International, consumers are benefiting from an unprecedented level of access to foreign destinations.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Would-be expats advised to sample life abroad

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Potential expatriates have been encouraged to consider spending a period of time overseas before committing to a move.

Broadcaster Amanda Lamb said it would be a good idea for people to spend about six months in their chosen location in order to see whether the lifestyle suits them.

Ms Lamb, host of Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, added that this would also allow prospective residents to see what the area is like out of season.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, she commented: "Visit the area you like at different times of the year and definitely go in the winter to a tourist town."

She said this would help people ascertain whether the pull factors of a particular location can be enjoyed all year round.

Paul Arthur of The Emigration Group recently told the newspaper that the number of people from the UK moving abroad would continue to rise over the next few years.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spanish market slowdown 'will not dent its appeal'

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Spain will remain popular among British property investors despite the recent market slowdown, according to an expert.

Richard Exton from Barclays stated that the falling rate of house price inflation in Spain was creating new opportunities in other parts of the country.

Speaking to the Sunday Herald, he said investors were increasingly moving away from overdeveloped markets such as the Costa del Sol and looking to tap into other, less-established areas.

Mr Exton highlighted Murcia as an example of one region that was attracted a growing amount of interest, as it still offered room for growth.

He commented: "Discerning buyers are looking for quality and amenities and also looking for a flavour of the local lifestyle."

This comes after Monarch Airlines revealed that it has been "overwhelmed" by the demand for its new service between Manchester Airport and Murcia.

Direct flights to the Spanish region were introduced by the carrier earlier this month.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Flights to Spanish city in strong demand

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rental investors in Spain could be in line to benefit from increased visitor numbers in the Murcia region.

According to Monarch Airlines, its new service between Manchester and Murcia has proved to be especially popular.

The carrier said that ahead of its launch last week, it had already attracted more than 20,000 bookings.

Liz Savage, managing director of Monarch's scheduled services, commented: "We are delighted and overwhelmed by how well it has been received."

This suggests that rental accommodation in Murcia will be in high demand during the next few months, particularly during the summer as the frequency of flights will be increased.

Monarch is currently operating the service five times a week, but it will be changed to a daily route late in time for the peak holiday season.

This follows Ryanair's recent announcement that it will begin flying between Birmingham and Barcelona from the end of next month.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

More Britons moving to Murcia

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The size of the expat community in Spain's Murcia region has grown significantly in the last few years, according to new figures.

Official statistics revealed that the number of Britons now residing in the area has gone up from 1,041 to 17,180 since the start of the decade, reports Homes Worldwide.

This was said to be largely because Murcia has become much more accessible from the UK, as several low-cost airlines provide flights to the region.

Furthermore, the development of new leisure facilities including golf courses was cited as another contributing factor, especially as this had led to new properties being created.

Although coastal towns were found to be hotspots of activity, inland settlements were also identified as popular locations.

Homes Worldwide described this trend as "striking" before attributing it to Britons buying properties for renovation purposes.

This comes after Paul Arthur of The Emigration Group told the Manchester Evening News that the number of people moving abroad would continue to rise over the next few years.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

UK migration set to increase

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More and more Britons are likely to leave the country over the next decade, an expert has predicted.

Paul Arthur of the Emigration Group told the Manchester Evening News that the number of people moving abroad would continue to rise.

Speaking to the newspaper, he stated that living overseas was becoming an increasingly attractive option for those who felt their living costs at home were too high.

He said people wanted their money to go further and were leaving for places where this goal could be achieved.

Mr Arthur added that many of these were middle class consumers from affluent commuter towns in the UK.

He commented: "Middle England is on the move and areas like Stockport are the hotspots for emigration."

This follows research from HiFX which revealed that the overall level of interest in moving to another country went up by almost a quarter in 2007.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Accessibility 'makes it easy to move abroad'

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More and more people are choosing to live abroad because it is now much easier to do so, a financial provider has stated.

According to NatWest International, consumers are benefiting from an unprecedented level of access to foreign destinations.

This means that people can easily opt to live abroad either to enjoy new experiences, boost their lifestyle or develop in their career.

Dave Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking, commented: "It's a great opportunity - you couldn't have done that 50 years ago."

However, he said that while people who relocated for work reasons were mainly interested in the job opportunity, those seeking a better lifestyle mainly chose places that offered pleasant surroundings and modern facilities and infrastructure.

The comments come after a NatWest study found that more than nine out of ten British expatriates were happier abroad than they had been in the UK.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Expat enjoys improved lifestyle in Spain

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A British expatriate has praised the quality of living in Spain and said it is much better than in the UK.

Newcastle-born Ann Eagle told BBC News that her lifestyle had improved since she moved to San Miguel.

For example, she said pensioners often looked "rosy" when they "out and about" in the evening, whereas many elderly people in Britain were likely to be struggling to pay for heating.

Ms Eagle added that since flying to Spain took just as long as driving across the UK, she was able to stay in easy reach of friends and family at home.

Her comments were made after a survey by NatWest found that two-thirds of British expatriates believed they were healthier as a result of living overseas.

As a result of the findings, the financial provider has predicted that a greater number of Britons will move abroad during the next few years in search of a better quality of life.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spanish city recommended to investors

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property buyers are being encouraged to purchase a residence in the Huelva region of Spain.

Homes Worldwide recommended the city following the announcement that a new international airport is to be created nearby.

This should open up Huelva to a large number of foreign visitors and potentially trigger a property boom across the area.

Commenting on the city's potential, Homes Worldwide said: "Buy now while the prices are low and watch your investment grow over the next few years."

Meanwhile, Foreign Property Buyer has also alerted prospective investors to the opportunities the region could present.

The website said the new airport could boost tourism in Huelva "dramatically" and lead to a period of "rapid growth" in the local property market.

Although plans to build an airport in the region have been under consideration for some years, planning permission has only recently been granted by the Spanish ministry of development.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Investors 'should be selective when buying in Spain'

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who are thinking of buying a property in Spain have been advised to pick their location carefully.

Paul Collins, property editor at BuyAssociation, said that property buyers needed to be more intelligent when considering potential investment opportunities overseas.

He stated that instead of buying a random house in Costa del Sol, it could be beneficial to look at other sources of demand for rental accommodation.

Mr Collins commented: "People are also looking at things like university towns and are buying properties that they can rent out to university students."

In addition, he said Murcia was an "up and coming" region following the recent opening of an international airport in the area.

Prospective buyers were urged to take their time when considering a purchase and not to feel rushed into entering a transaction.

According to the Office for National Statistics, 840,000 people from the UK now own a foreign residence, not including expatriates.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Britons consider moving to Spain

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons who are thinking of moving abroad are increasingly considering Spain as a possible destination, according to new figures.

Currency specialist HiFX revealed that almost one in five - 18 per cent - of enquiries it received about emigrating were about Spain in particular.

This is up from 12 per cent in 2006, which indicates Spain's growing popularity among British consumers.

However, HiFX director Mark Bodega added that a number of domestic issues were also leading to more and more people considering a move abroad.

He commented: "A strong pound, rising house prices and good job opportunities abroad tend to be main reasons for Brits to emigrate."

Figures from HiFX showed that overall interest in moving to another country went up by almost a quarter in 2007.

This comes after the Office for National Statistics predicted that the overall number of Britons who own second homes overseas will be more than twice its current level by 2025.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

More bosses want a place in the sun

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Owning an overseas property is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle goal, new research has found.

A poll of small business owners by Abbey Business Banking found that 32 per cent wanted to purchase a foreign residence, ideally in a sunny location.

The results of a similar poll in 2002 found that only one in ten bosses were interested in buying abroad, which means overseas investment has become more popular in recent years.

Research showed that this was a more popular aspiration than purchasing a top of the range motor, a yacht or a second home in the UK.

Ian Wilson, managing director of Abbey Business Banking, commented: "Bosses work very hard for their money and it's clear they wish to enjoy the rewards of their success."

This comes after the Office for National Statistics predicted that the overall number of British second home owners will be more than twice its current level by 2025.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Financial benefits 'tempt Britons overseas'

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British migrants are moving overseas in order to reap the financial rewards of living abroad, a new poll has found.

According to research by Moneycorp, two-thirds of those who are thinking of relocating are attracted by the thought of paying less for a house in another country.

Meanwhile, more than half of respondents said they expected to face less financial pressure if they did not live in the UK.

A large proportion of Britons were also found to be troubled by various financial issues at home, such as fluctuating interest rates and uncertainty in the property market.

Moneycorp said that these concerns were increasingly causing people to consider packing their bags and leaving the UK on a permanent basis.

Nick Bull, head of marketing at Moneycorp, remarked: "It's interesting to see that people consider something as life changing as a move abroad as the answer to their woes, financial and otherwise."

Earlier this month, research by high street bank HSBC found that Britain is the third most expensive country in which to live.

The financial provider said that a typical British salary would go further if people moved overseas, as many places offered comparable living standards at a reduced cost.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

More UK nationals set to invest abroad

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The overall number of British second home owners is likely to grow, according to official estimates.

Research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that 840,000 people from the UK now own a foreign residence, not including expatriates.

The organisation has predicted that this figure, which works out at two per cent of the British population, could more than double in the next 17 years.

ONS estimates suggest that by 2025, the number of UK nationals who own a property in another country could be closer to two million.

This could be particularly good news for the housing markets in the most popular destinations, which currently include Spain, France and Florida.

According to research by Datamonitor, British and Irish property investors owned about 3.81 homes by the end of 2006.

Figures from the organisation showed that these houses were worth a total of £44.4 billion.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spanish tourist accommodation sees growing demand

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property investors in Spain could be in line to benefit from higher rental returns this year.

According to official government figures, the number of visitors to the country in 2007 rose by 1.7 per cent on a year-by-year basis to 59.2 million.

This means that the Spanish tourist market is growing, therefore creating stronger demand for rental accommodation in the most popular holiday resorts.

As a result, the country may be considered an attractive option for rental investors who wish to purchase tourist accommodation.

Spain's suitability as an investment market was further highlighted by figures showing the nationality of the visitors, as they indicated its appeal to people from different countries.

For example, one in four holidaymakers were said to be British, while the number of American tourists went up more than a fifth to 1.1 million.

According to currency specialist HiFX, Spain is still the preferred destination of the majority of Britons who are investing abroad.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Growing tourism to boost Spanish investment prospects

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property investors in Spain could be in line to receive higher rental returns after officials reported that it is attracting a growing number of visitors.

Exceltur, an alliance of different companies operating in the travel industry, revealed that 59.7 million tourists arrived in Spain last year.

Figures showed that this was 2.2 per cent higher than the figure recorded in 2006, prompting the organisation to forecast a further increase over the next 12 months.

This means that rental accommodation in the most popular tourist hotspots will be in considerable demand.

Exceltur executive vice president Jose Luis Zoreda told Reuters: "For 2008, we expect 60.7 million tourists in Spain."

He added that sun and beach holidays increased in popularity by 0.7 per cent and accounted for nearly three-quarters of Spain's annual tourist income.

According to currency specialist HiFX, the country is still the preferred destination of the majority of Britons who are investing abroad.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain 'popular with British investors'

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property investors from the UK are still mainly choosing to purchase houses in Spain, experts have stated.

According to currency specialist HiFX, the country is still the preferred destination of the majority of Britons who are investing abroad.

The organisation said it had consistently been the most popular location in recent years, despite the emergence of cheaper and less established markets in other parts of the world.

Mark Bodega, director of HiFX, commented: "With an abundance of low-cost airline routes, short flight times and the great weather, [Spain] will always be a favourite with British buyers and we expect [it] to remain so in 2008."

He added that the country still had "much to offer" to the more savvy property investors, as long as they avoided those areas where the market had started to cool because of over-supply.

Spain was recently named as the country of choice by 45 per cent of Britons who wanted to invest abroad.

The study by Yorkshire Bank found that it was popular among both prospective investment buyers and those who wanted a property for personal use.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Expatriates 'were not happy in the UK'

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many people are choosing to relocate to countries such as Spain because they are unhappy living in Britain.

Paul Arthur, director of The Emigration Group, told the Southport Visiter that some UK citizens were dissatisfied with the British way of life.

Issues such as taxation and crime were cited as two major concerns, along with the government's current immigration policy.

Mr Arthur commented: "Many of the clients I advise are basically looking for a better life both for themselves and their children and they see emigration as a way of achieving this."

Meanwhile, research by high street bank HSBC has found that Britain is the third most expensive country in which to live.

The financial provider said that a typical British salary would go further if they moved overseas, as many places offered comparable living standards at a reduced cost.

More than 200,000 UK nationals moved abroad during 2006, according to official figures.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Various factors 'driving Britons abroad'

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British property buyers are choosing to move abroad for a variety of reasons, according to an expert.

Paul Beasley, editor of Emigrate magazine, stated that some people from the UK were leaving the country because they wanted to improve their quality of life.

However, he said that financial concerns were driving others abroad, such as frustration with the amount of tax they paid to the government.

Mr Beasley commented: "People just feel that life in Britain is becoming more stressful, more difficult."

Speaking to Homes Worldwide, he added that many believed that living abroad would allow them to enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle.

He said the good weather, beaches and outdoor spaces offered by many foreign countries would provide a welcome alternative to the "crowded streets" of Britain.

According to a recent study by UKForex, almost 80 per cent of expatriates are happy with their decision to set up home abroad.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Investors to benefit from Spanish tourism growth

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property investors may be in line to benefit from rising visitor numbers in Spain.

Official figures cited by Thomson Financial have revealed that between January and November this year, the country attracted 56 million holidaymakers.

This is 2.1 per cent higher than the amount recorded by Spain's tourism ministry a year earlier.

The trend of growth was repeated when visitor numbers for November 2007 were compared with the same month of 2006.

Figures showed that Spain had five per cent more holidaymakers during the latter date than it did in the previous year.

This means that overseas property investors in Spanish tourist spots will be seeing increased demand for accommodation from foreign visitors.

If this trend continues into next year, many could see higher rental yields as a result.

Earlier this month, Property Week cited a study by Knight Frank which showed that Spain was one of the most popular locations among European investors.

The country was the only market to be included in a list of the top ten destinations more than once.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Britons 'taking nostalgic holidays'

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Many Britons are travelling abroad in order to indulge in nostalgia, according to new research.

A study by Expedia.co.uk found that 90 per cent of holidaymakers from the UK were going to countries such as Spain and Italy in order to relive their youth, reports TravelMole.

More than one in four people were said to have gone back to a place where they enjoyed a childhood holiday, while previous honeymoon destinations were also found to be a popular choice.

The significance of these places in people's memories was said to be one of the reasons for established tourist markets remaining popular amid the growing competition from emerging countries.

Caroline Cartellieri, managing director of Expedia, commented: "Although new and exotic places are always popular we have seen a rise in bookings to classic European destinations."

She added that nostalgia was a "big driver" behind the destination choices made by holidaymakers.

This comes after research by Knight Frank found that Spain was still one of the most popular locations among overseas property buyers.

Figures cited by Property Week showed that the country was the only place to enter a list of the ten most highly-rated investment markets more than once.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain faces off rival markets

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The emergence of eastern Europe as an investment hotspot has not dented the appeal of Spain, according to new research.

Property Week cited a study by Knight Frank which showed that Spain was one of the most popular locations among European investors.

The country, located on the south-west corner of the continent, was the only country to be included in a list of the top ten destinations more than once.

Knight Frank's table of popular investment spots was based on a poll of investors from across the continent, as well as issues such as the potential for growth and economic performance.

With these criteria in mind, property buyers placed Madrid in fourth place and Barcelona at tenth.

This is a strong result for the Spanish market, considering the growing popularity of less-established countries in eastern Europe.

Spain was also positively rated in a recent poll of British expatriates who now live there permanently.

The survey by UKForex found that 91 per cent of those who had relocated to the country were happy with their new lives, YourMortage reported.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain and Italy 'popular with Americans'

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of American holidaymakers are choosing to spend their vacations in Spain and Italy, according to new research.

A study by Donald N. Martin & Co revealed that during the last year, the number of US consumers opting to cross the Atlantic has gone up, TravelMole reports.

Many of these people were found to have visited Spain, as the number of American tourists visiting the country went up by 31.6 per cent.

During the same period, there was a 28.5 per cent increase in US tourism in Italy.

The figures will be welcomed by overseas property owners in both countries, as they indicate continued demand for rental accommodation.

Furthermore, their growing tourist markets may serve to entice prospective investors to consider established European markets.

Holiday-Rentals recently revealed that Spain and Italy are two of the most popular countries among property buyers from Britain.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Northern Ireland consumers to benefit from extra flights

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Aer Lingus is expanding its presence in Northern Ireland, allowing local people greater access to cheap flights abroad.

The Irish carrier has already begun flying from Belfast International Airport to Barcelona this week, while more services are to be launched next year.

Consumers in the province will soon benefit from additional flights to places including Rome, Faro and Budapest.

The accessibility improvements should serve to encourage growth in their tourist trades, while Ulster-based property investors may also be more likely to consider purchasing in these markets.

John Doran, managing director of the airport, told the Belfast Telegraph that he welcomed the move from Aer Lingus to increase its presence in Northern Ireland.

He commented: "It's an important milestone in our development because we have been working very hard over the past three to four years to broaden our routes and services."

This comes soon after easyJet announced that it would offer additional flights from Belfast to places such as Alicante and Malaga next summer.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain 'popular with Christmas holidaymakers'

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Spain has been identified as the most popular destination among those who want to spend Christmas abroad.

Research by the Post Office found that 17 per cent of people who were planning to enjoy the festive season overseas wanted to mark the occasion in Spain.

The country was found to be an appealing option because of its warm climate, as it offers a warmer alternative to the British winter.

In addition, the Post Office said that many people were planning to spend their Christmas holidays abroad because foreign travel was now more affordable.

Spokesperson Gary Fitton said: "For many people, going abroad for Christmas is a great way to relax and not have to worry about cooking Christmas dinner. "

The organisation added that a total of 2.4 million people from the UK were set to spend Christmas Day and New Year's Eve overseas.

According to the Association of British Travel Agents, Spain is the most popular festive holiday destination because many Britons own a property in the country.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain 'offers a relaxed lifestyle'

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Status Quo star Rick Parfitt has praised the Spanish climate and lifestyle following his move to the country.

The guitarist, who joined the band in 1967, decided to leave Britain and live in his villa towards the end of 2006.

A year later, he says that he and his wife Lyndsay are now enjoying a much more relaxed and peaceful way of life.

He said much of this was down to the good weather, as many parts of Spain enjoy warm and sunny conditions all year round.

Speaking to the Evening Post, Parfitt said: "It's a lovely contrast to what I do

"It is a nicer climate and very quiet and very laid back."

He added that his home could occasionally be so quiet that he sometimes thought other people could hear the tinnitus-induced ringing in his ears.

Parfitt will not able to enjoy his Spanish villa until Christmas, as he is currently touring Britain with Status Quo.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Expats 'use internet banking'

Tue, 4 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Expatriates from the UK are increasingly choosing to manage their finances online, according to a new study.

Research by Alliance & Leicester found that half of those who had moved abroad went on the internet to conduct their banking at least once a week.

The web was also found to be widely used for other purposes, such as shopping and accessing information on current affairs.

In addition, almost two-thirds of expats were said to go online every day to contact people back home.

Simon Hull, managing director of Alliance & Leicester International, stated that the research had highlighted how much the internet had changed the lives of people living overseas.

He said: "[It] has revolutionised the lives of expats, enabling them to go about their daily lives at the click of a button, any time of the day."

According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 207,000 UK citizens relocated during 2006, with many choosing to live in other European nations such as Spain and France.

Spain and Portugal's tourist numbers 'could increase'

Tue, 4 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property investors in Spain and Portugal could be in line to benefit from increased visitor numbers.

Tourist authorities in both countries have joined forces to develop a new online travel guide designed to promote them as a single destination.

The website will act as an information resource for the whole of the Iberian Peninsula, offering advice and recommendations on good places to visit.

Holidaymakers will be encouraged to cross the border between Spain and Portugal and enjoy the attractions of both countries.

Since the strong tourist trade has already led to many foreign property buyers choosing to purchase a house in the region, any boost to the sector could prove to be highly lucrative.

For example, the demand for holiday accommodation could result in the value of available residences going up, while rental yields will also be likely to grow.

According to Holiday-Rentals, Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular countries with investors from the UK.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Murcia 'very attractive' for investment

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The area of Murcia in Spain is "one of the most up-and-coming areas" to look for potential investment property, an expert has said.

James Dearsley, European sales manager for Atlas International, said one of the draws for overseas property investors is the upcoming San Javier airport, which is set to open in 2010.

"The airport will make it a lot more viable for people [to visit] and as there are a lot of golf courses around that area, from a rental point of view investment becomes a lot more attractive for most buyers," he explained.

With the airport construction plan in mind, investors would be wise to invest now in a one or two-year build plan on a property, Mr Dearsley remarked.

He added that "property investment is a superb opportunity for most people" in Murcia at the moment.

According to the Association of International Property Professionals, Spain and France are the top two overseas markets for UK property investors.

Spain - Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Alicante 'popular with tourists'

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Property investors could consider buying property in Alicante after the region has emerged as a popular choice with Spanish tourists.

Some 153,000 holidaymakers visited the region for a holiday break at the area's Costa Blanca beach last month, according to figures reported by TypicallySpanish.com.

Investors may be able to capitalise on foreign tourists visiting the beach next year after British Airways this week announced plans to offer flights from London Gatwick to Alicante from March 30th.

This summer, some 600,000 Spaniards alone visited Costa Blanca during July and August, with Benidorm the favourite beach for tourists, the article notes.

The region was preferred over traditional hotspots such as the Costa del Sol and Costa Daurada, according to National Statistics Institute figures reportedly revealed by Informacion newspaper.

Costa Blanca also triumphed ahead of the Canaries and the Balearic Islands, the news provider said.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

BA announcement boosts Spanish tourism

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Spanish tourist sector is to be boosted next year by the introduction of new flights from the UK.

British Airways (BA) is extending its services between Heathrow and Malaga Airport in March 2008, which should lead to increased visitor numbers in the popular holiday destination.

Meanwhile, the airline is also adding new flights to Malaga from Gatwick, along with routes to Alicante and Palma.

Robert Boyle, commercial director at BA, said: "We are opening up these Mediterranean hotspots with our new flights and are confident that they will be very popular with customers."

The move is likely to welcomed by owners of tourist accommodation in Malaga, Palma and Alicante, as increased visitor numbers should be reflected in higher rental returns.

BA's announcement comes shortly after low-cost airline Ryanair began providing flights to Alicante from Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

The new service further improves the accessibility of Spain from the Yorkshire region.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

More people 'travelling abroad this year'

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of people are choosing to visit other countries for their holidays, according to experts.

The World Tourism Organisation stated that the overall number of international holidaymakers was set to reach 900 million this year.

AFP reports that this is an increase of 5.7 per cent on 2006 and higher than original projections.

Earlier this year, the WTO had been anticipating that tourist numbers would go up by just four per cent.

The growth in the market is likely to be highly lucrative for the most popular holiday destinations such as Spain, which earned £24.8 billion from the sector last year.

Francesco Frangialli, secretary general of the organisation, commented: "At the end of the 1980s France was well ahead of Spain in tourism earnings but now lags behind."

This comes after Co-operative Travel reported that the number of Britons taking foreign holidays this Christmas would be 11 per cent higher than at the same time last year.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain 'offers high-quality nightlife'

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Holidaymakers in Spain can enjoy the best night spots in the world, new research has found.

A study by FutureBrand found that the country was the highest rated location for clubs among international travellers.

Various parts of Spain were praised by visitors, including Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona.

Ibiza, one of the Balearic islands, was also said to be one of the world's finest nightspots.

Commenting on the research, Enrique Ruiz de Lera of the National Tourist Office said he was "very pleased" with the high regard in which Spain was held internationally.

He added: "It just goes to show the internationally used Spanish word for parties, 'fiesta', is not by chance."

The research comes after the Office for National Statistics revealed that many Britons chose to relocate to Spain permanently last year.

According to the body, more than 200,000 UK citizens moved overseas during 2006.

Spain set for tourism boost

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

New investment opportunities are set to be created in the Costa Blanca region of Spain.

Low-cost airline Ryanair is to begin providing extra transport links to Alicante from Saturday, a move which is set to boost its tourist industry.

The carrier's new service will fly out from Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which means that the accessibility of Spain from the Yorkshire region will be enhanced.

As a result, demand for rental accommodation in Alicante will increase, therefore creating a new range of openings for overseas property investors.

In addition, the improved transport links to the Costa Blanca could make it a more viable option for Yorkshire-based holiday home buyers to consider.

Ashley Casey, spokesperson for Ryanair, said: "[Alicante has] beaches stretching for kilometres, countless sightseeing attractions and a wealth of shops and boutiques with something to suit every shopper."

This comes after Thomas Cook Holidays said it would begin launching additional services from Leeds Bradford Airport to destinations in Spain next year.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

More Britons 'moving abroad'

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of British citizens are choosing to leave the UK and settle abroad, according to new figures.

Research by the Office for National Statistics showed that a record number of people from Britain left the country last year in order to live overseas.

Figures showed that approximately 207,000 UK citizens relocated during this period, with many choosing to live in other European nations such as Spain and France.

This is the highest recorded figure since the current system of measurement was brought in back in 1991 and the first time it has exceeded 200,000.

Speaking after the release of the findings, Mark Bodega of currency specialist HiFX stated that moving abroad could be a "fantastic" lifestyle choice.

However, he recommended that people seek expert advice before committing to a move, as this would help them to avoid potential problems concerning issues such as tax.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

New flights rolled out to Europe

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Established European holiday destinations are set to benefit from the introduction of new flights.

Next year, Thomas Cook Holidays will launch additional services from Leeds Bradford Airport to destinations in Spain, Portugal and Turkey.

The airline will also offer extra flights to Greece and Cyprus at the same time.

This is likely to be good for the tourist sector in each country, as the new services will boost their accessibility from the West Yorkshire region.

Any increase in the number of visitors would also be likely to lead to added interest in these markets from overseas property buyers.

Commenting on the new flights, Thomas Cook's aviation director James Burrows said: "We recognise the potential for growth at Leeds Bradford Airport and by having a based aircraft we can meet the increased demand of the people in the region."

This comes after the World Tourism Organisation predicted that the international tourist trade would keep expanding, following a period of continuous growth in the last four years.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Foreign travel market set to grow

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

More people across the world are set to take foreign holidays in the next few years, experts have predicted.

According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), the international tourist trade is set to keep expanding, following a period of continuous growth in the last four years.

This is likely to prove highly lucrative for the economies of popular holiday destinations such as Spain and Italy, which have both seen travel expenditure increase in the last year.

Figures from the WTO showed that both countries saw the amount spent by foreign visitors between January and August rise by nine per cent on last year.

The findings could indicate that Italy and Spain may be potentially good investment markets, as both are popular holiday destinations where consumers are spending large quantities of money.

Furthermore, MyHoliday.com recently stated that tourist accommodation was in high demand in both countries, as the popularity of self-catering trips abroad was increasing.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Investors 'should consider accessibility of property'

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Prospective buyers of overseas property have been urged to consider the accessibility of their chosen market.

Holiday-Rentals stated that if people were planning to visit their foreign residence at different times of the year, they needed to be sure they could reach it outside of the peak holiday season.

Greg Grant, spokesperson for the firm, said that buyers also needed to find out how many airlines serviced the area.

He commented: "Your chosen location may enjoy year-round sunshine, but are flights still available outside peak season and are local shops and amenities still open?"

The advice came alongside research by Holiday-Rentals which showed that investors from the UK were mainly properties in established European markets such as Spain and France.

Portugal, Italy and Greece were also found to be highly popular destinations among foreign property buyers.

This follows a study by Yorkshire Bank which showed that 43 per cent of Britons are considering investing abroad.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

More Asian tourists 'could benefit investors in Spain'

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Investors in Spain could be in line to benefit from increased tourism in the country, as authorities are working to attract more Asian visitors.

AFP reported that the Chinese market was being targeted in particular, as the country's restrictions on travelling to Europe had recently been relaxed.

The news provider added that extra sums of money were being spent on promoting Spain at events such as travel fairs in China in order to raise its profile and tempt prospective visitors.

Jose Eugenio Salarich, director for Asia at the Spanish foreign ministry, commented: "The number of Chinese tourists we get each year is very low."

According to official data, about 20 to 30,000 people from China visit Spain each year, although authorities want to get this figure closer to 300,000.

The success of the initiative would have a wide-ranging series of effects, such as making the tourism industry more profitable and increasing demand for holiday accommodation.

If this occurs, new opportunities for overseas property investors are likely to be created.

This comes after NatWest said that Spain was a "hotspot" for foreign property buyers from the UK.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Summer holiday homes 'booked up by January'

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Holiday homes in popular tourist destinations are being booked up by tourists months in advance, it has been revealed.

According to MyHoliday.com, consumers are snapping up accommodation for their summer break more than nine months early in order to get the best properties.

This indicates strong demand for rental accommodation in tourist hotspots, especially established European markets such as France, Italy and Spain.

The website added that Turkey was also popular with tourists travelling abroad for a self-catering holiday, along with Portugal and Greece.

In addition, it said that staying in a holiday home had become more common with British travellers during the last few years.

Claus Sorensen, chief executive of MyHoliday.com, remarked: "Despite the large boom in the property market, there is still a great need of more holiday rentals."

This comes after the Association of British Travel Agents said that Spain would receive large amounts of tourists at Christmas, including people choosing to spend the festive season in their own holiday home.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spanish weather attracts winter tourists

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Spain is likely to attract a large number of winter sun-seekers this year, according to experts.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) stated that since the country had much better weather than the UK, many people were likely to travel there for a Christmas holiday.

Frances Tuke, spokesperson for the organisation, said that areas such as the Canary Islands and the Costa del Sol were hugely popular because of they had "guaranteed sunshine".

The weather was cited as one of the main reasons for Spain's popularity among second home buyers, many of whom were tipped to visit during the festive season.

Ms Tuke commented: "Because of the huge numbers of people who have holiday homes in Spain, that is our top destination."

This comes after research by Yorkshire Bank found that this year's wet summer in the UK had prompted 43 per cent of Britons to consider buying property in a sunnier location, such as Spain.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Owning a holiday home abroad 'is becoming the norm'

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of British families are choosing to invest in holiday homes overseas, according to a new study.

NatWest stated that owning a property abroad was increasingly becoming the norm, with more than a quarter of a million Britons having invested in foreign bricks and mortar.

Mike Freer, head of business development at the company, highlighted France and Spain as two of the most popular locations, describing them hotspots for UK buyers.

He commented: "While the upfront purchase cost is a huge financial commitment, the long term benefits of holiday homes can be fantastic."

Mr Freer stated that overseas property buyers could benefit from the "great" investment potential in foreign markets, as well as numerous lifestyle benefits and reduced stress levels when planning future trips abroad.

According to Yorkshire Bank, 45 per cent of prospective buyers want to use their investment as a holiday home, while 31 per cent said they wanted to retire abroad permanently.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Baby boomers look to live overseas

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Exhausted from a hectic and often stress-filled career, a growing number of baby boomers in their fifties are shunning traditional retirement and looking overseas for sun and relaxation, according to new research.

Bradford & Bingley found that 48 per cent of over 55s wished to travel more during their retirement, with 18 per cent wishing that they had worked or lived abroad.

Over 50s now represent more than 35 per cent of all trips abroad, with 55 per cent of all Brits owning foreign property above the age of 55.

Paul Whitlock, head of savings at Bradford & Bingley, said: "It appears many over 55s do have something they regret, but in most cases it is not too late to do something about it.

"Putting money aside and making it work for them means they are one step closer to realising their dreams, whether this be travel to exciting destinations or making a more permanent move abroad."

According to research from Yorkshire Bank, 43 per cent of Brits are dreaming of buying an overseas property in the sun, 45 per cent of whom are considering a holiday home in Spain.

Of those considering retiring abroad, 31 per cent hope to spend their twilight years sipping on sweet sangria under the Spanish sun.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Spain 'good for different types of buyer'

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Spain would be a suitable location for different types of foreign property buyers, an expert has said.

According to travel writer Stephen Morgan, the country has a wide variety of affordable properties, making it a good location in which to invest.

However, he said Spain would also be a viable spot for a holiday home or for permanent relocation, as it had many strong attractions that people could enjoy.

Mr Morgan commented: "Spain offers amazing variety that covers most options for everyone."

In particular, he highlighted the country's natural assets, such as the good weather, beaches and attractive rural spaces.

Mr Morgan also described Spain's cities as some of the most sophisticated in the world, making the country an attractive proposition for those who preferred urban surroundings.

According to Spanishpropertyinsight.com, many overseas property investors looking at inland parts of Spain instead of coastal areas, meaning that foreign buyers are now tapping into hitherto untapped regions.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Affluent investors 'entering Italian market'

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Affluent investors are increasingly choosing to invest in the Italian market, an expert has said.

Linda Travella, founder of Casa Travella, stated that in recent years, a growing number of people were choosing spend more than €1 million on property in the country.

She said that people who wanted to invest larger sums preferred established markets to emerging countries such as Croatia and Bulgaria, as they were seen as more stable and secure investments.

In addition, she stated that established countries "inevitably" had a good infrastructure, as well as leisure amenities such as boutiques and restaurants.

Ms Travella commented: "They are seeking the good things in life and Italy has that in abundance."

She added that Italy was also an attractive option because it was easy to get to from Britain, making it a convenient location for a holiday home.

The attractive scenery and good climate were cited as further benefits of investing in the country.

According to recent research by Saga, Italy is the most popular European holiday location with British tourists.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Italy, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.

Inland Spain 'growing in popularity'

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Experts have noted a growing trend of overseas property investors looking at inland parts of Spain.

Spanishpropertyinsight.com said that many people did not want to invest in some coastal regions, as they had become highly developed and urbanised.

As a result, some have opted to look at inland areas and spend longer choosing their ideal investment location.

Mark Stucklin, spokesperson for the site, commented: "The five to ten year trend has definitely been away from the coast, in to new areas, away from urbanisations of the coast."

He compared the shift to similar movements in France, as Britons were now investing all over the country and not just on the south coast.

Mr Stucklin added that apart from the Spanish themselves, buyers from the UK were the main demographic in the country's property market.

According to a recent report from Halifax, average property values in Spain have risen by 100 per cent since 2002.

Property Select offers a comprehensive selection of overseas property in Spain, news, members club and reviews of the latest property developments.