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Spanish Property Prices

This revised article is from the Federation of British Estate Agents. \"Where now for Spain´s beleaguered property market? Much has been made of the impact of the credit crunch, a correction that many thought was coming anyway, the ugly overdevelopment of some coastal areas, the demolition of illegally-built homes in areas such as Andalucia and the collapse of some Spanish property firms. Yet some will wonder if that is the full story. In one sense it definitely is not, for Spain is still selling property to Britons. Figures from the Association of International Property Professionals for last year showed that the market share of British overseas buys had dipped from 31.6 per cent a year earlier to 25.4 per cent, but this still left Spain out in front as the most popular overseas market for UK buyers. A lot of this will not, of course, have been investment buying. Second home buyers and retirees will have had the same reasons to buy as before, with plenty of sun, sand, sea and golf courses available. Speaking recently in general terms about property markets hit by the credit crunch, Amberlamb director Rhiannon Davies said that \"those who buy in very low today and cash in on the financial crisis will reap the dividends over the long term\", as an established market in a trough would, because of its string \"fundamentals\" start to grow again sooner or later. In either case, however, the rationale is the same. Markets like Spain are not dead, just slumbering, meaning that those who buy before the alarm call will stand to pick up bargains that will turn in a healthy long-term profit when the sleeping giant awakes and marches out of the valley.\" The property market in Playa Blanca and Lanzarote echoes the above general statement for Spain. Simply put, for those with cash or who only need a small mortgage, it is a great time to buy as nervous home owners reduce their prices for a quick sale. For the best property deals in Playa Blanca Lanzarote, contact Freedom Properties today.

Date Published: 05-05-2008

Villa Rental market in Lanzarote January 2008

January bookings for our sister company WhiteBeach Holidays increased 15% on January last year, and this trend seemed to continue throughout the market place. Market leader España Breaks commented: \\\"As the biggest month of the year, January is often a good indicator of the year to come. We are delighted to say that (despite the tales of general economic gloom!) this January was very strong with enquiries over 17% higher than 2007. This is a good sign for all owners and we look forward to a good 2008.\\\" For further information on the best value villas and apartments for sale in Playa Blanca, contact us today.

Date Published: 05-02-2008

Spanish Real Estate

The following article from The Federation of British Estate Agents maybe of interest. However, it is always worth remembering that whilst Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands are obviously Spanish, they do have their own micro economy, and the slowdown in the Spanish real estate sector is certainly a lot softer in the Canaries than on the mainland. Certainly we have seen a slowdown in the real estate market in Lanzarote. However, this is perceived by local professionals to be more of a correction of prices then anything more sinister. Certainly, it is a good time to buy, with plenty of choice and competitive prices. "Spain is suffering collateral damage from the collapse of the U.S. market for mortgages to the riskiest borrowers and the swoon in U.S. real estate. Spanish banks have exceeded their European peers in tightening lending standards, prompting a plea from the Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - facing national elections early next year - not to strangle growth. What happens in Spain is also likely to have ripple effects across Europe. The country in the past two years has produced a third of the new jobs in the 13 nations comprising the euro zone, adding 22 percent of the region's new demand, according to calculations by Lombard Street Research in London. "The end of Spain's 'fat' years will hit the whole region," Ralph Solveen, an economist at Commerzbank in Frankfurt, said. Spanish economic growth is outpacing the euro region for the 13th year, in part because of the spending boom spurred by soaring property prices. Consumer debt surged to 130 percent of incomes in June, from about 70 percent in 2000. With home values rising by 176 percent during the same period, construction has accounted for one in every five new jobs. The current-account deficit demands €2 billion, or $2.9 billion, a week to finance. The International Monetary Fund in October cut its growth forecast for Spain to 2.7 percent next year, the slowest pace since 2002, from 3.4 percent. It forecasts an expansion of 3.7 percent this year. The Spanish economy is facing "a prolonged period of weak growth," said Stéphane Déo, chief European economist at UBS in London. "They need to clean up the balance sheet and reduce the size of the construction sector." Others are not as downbeat, saying the immigration will spur demand for new housing while increased corporate investment will boost productivity. The largest Spanish companies will also be shielded from any domestic slowdown by their expansion overseas. The benchmark Ibex-35 stock index hit a record 16,040.40 last month. The index is up 12 percent this year, because of gains from investments in Latin America. That makes it the second-best performer in the 10 largest European markets this year, behind the DAX in Germany. "

Date Published: 14-12-2007

Take A Walk On the Mild Side

Despite the fact that around one third of Lanzarote was famously buried in lava during the worlds longest ever volcanic eruption back in 1730 - which lasted for six years – the island is still a fantastic location for a walking holiday. And growing numbers of tourists are starting to opt for two feet over four wheels. The islands clement climate has much to do with this. As minimum year round temperatures of 21c make walking a pleasure – even in the darkest depths of the Northern European winter. And even more crucially rainfall in Lanzarote is very low – as there is nothing worse for walkers than an excess of H20. This can erode pathways and markers and make terrain slippery and dangerous. But on Lanzarote – where the average is just six rainfall days a year – this problem is rarely encountered. The island is also manageably small – making it easy to undertake walks that effectively cover a lot of ground. And the variety of vistas on offer here are simply breathtaking. As one morning you can be – almost literally – walking on the moon, through the eerie, arid landscapes of the south and the Timanfaya volcano park. And the next find yourself walking through lush, palm-packed valleys in the North of the island. As a result there are now a number of companies offering guided walks in Lanzarote to cater to this growing demand. Amongst these are the team at Lanzarote Guidebook, who have over thirty different routes available in every part of the island. This is walking for pleasure rather then trekking for exercise. With the emphasis very much on beautiful scenery, flora and fauna and unforgettable views and vistas. One of their most popular walks is a circular route around Haria, home of the Valley of 1000 Palms in the North of the island. Here walkers can enjoy a route that takes in some of the most stunning views – both down into the valley and across to the neighbouring island of Graciosa. Other favourites include a walk from the fringes of the Volcano Park in Uga, back towards the resort of Puerto del Carmen. And another from the Balcon at Femes down into the resort of Playa Blanca. These walks are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and little kit, beyond shoes you can walk in, water and sunscreen is required.

Date Published: 15-10-2007

Land For Sale in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Freedom Properties has several exclusive plots of land for sale in Playa Blanca. If you have ever considered designing your own dream home, well now is the time. We have plots of 1050 metres square for sale from just 195,000 euros. Depending on location and urban plans, typically you are able to build 2 properties (semi-detached) on plots of over 1000 metres square. Please contact us for further clarification. We also have some additional plots for sale in the exclusive areas of Los Riscos, which offer breathtaking views of Playa Blanca village, the shimmering Atlantic and Fuerteventura. We can also advise on reputable builders, and your best route through the red tape associated with a house build. For further information contact us today.

Date Published: 01-10-2007