All the latest Spain Property Investment News from Onyx World http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/category/Spain_Property_Investment 60 2009 Onyx World Ltd http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/logos/onyxworldwhite.jpg http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/category/Spain_Property_Investment en-uk news@onyxworld.co.uk (Onyx World News) People who want to purchase a Spanish investment property have been advised to not be put off by current market conditions.According to Shelter Offshore, the country's property market has been in a "bit of a mess" for more than a year, resulting in prospective buyers being deterred.However, the online portal said consumers should not be put off investing in Spain, as a lot of the ongoing problems could be used to their advantage.For example, Shelter Offshore stated that some property owners and house builders are "desperate" to sell up, which means new buyers could negotiate for a favourable deal.The website noted that foreign nationals could potentially snap up a residence for "well below" its market value.Shelter Offshore added that Spain is still one of the most popular countries among overseas property buyers from the UK.Indeed, a recent study by Conti Financial Services rated it as the "number one" foreign market for British investors.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_%27should_not_be_put_off_Spain%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_%27should_not_be_put_off_Spain%27 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:17 GMT Spain Property Investment An expert has insisted that the long-term outlook for Spain remains favourable, despite the news that the country is now in recession.Dr James Nixon, an economist at Societe General, stated that the European nation is currently undergoing a "very sharp" correction.Speaking to BBC News, he said this is reversing the effects of the sizable growth Spain has experienced over the last decade.However, Dr Nixon added that while this is "very painful" at the moment, the country will bounce back in time."The fact that the adjustment is so brutal is a reason to be optimistic for the longer term," he said.Dr Nixon was speaking after the Spanish central bank revealed that the country's gross domestic product fell by 1.1 per cent in the last quarter of 2008.This means that Spain has seen two consecutive quarters of economic contraction, putting it officially in a state of recession.However, a number of analysts have suggested that foreign nationals could potentially take advantage of the country's current financial troubles.For example, Obelisk International has said Spain could be a good option for overseas property investors to consider, as house prices have dropped significantly in recent months.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Long-term_outlook_for_Spain_remains_favourable http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Long-term_outlook_for_Spain_remains_favourable Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:26:34 GMT Spain Property Investment Foreign nationals have been urged to not be put off purchasing a Spanish investment property.Victor Sague, sales and marketing director for Taylor Woodrow de Espana, stated that the current economic downturn has led to many would-be buyers questioning whether investing in Spain is a prudent move.Indeed, the Bank of Spain has reported that the country is now officially in recession, following a 1.1 per cent decline in GDP in the final quarter of 2008.Mr Sague insisted that despite the current financial climate, demand for property in Spain among foreign nationals is still high."There are still good and safe long term investment opportunities to be had if you do your homework," he insisted.Mr Sague added that this is still the case, despite the fact that the property boom of the last ten years has now come to an end.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_%27should_not_be_put_off_buying_in_Spain%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_%27should_not_be_put_off_buying_in_Spain%27 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:22:48 GMT Spain Property Investment Overseas property buyers who are relocating to sunnier climes have been advised to consider a number of issues when purchasing a residence.Shelter Offshore stated that while a person's budget may be important when buying a new home, other factors are also very important if they are planning to live abroad permanently.For example, the website said that expatriates would need to have good access to public services such as healthcare facilities, especially if they plan to spend their retirement overseas.Older people were advised that even if they are in good health at the moment, it is likely that at some point they may be required to undergo some medical treatment.Shelter Offshore added that expats should also pick an easily accessible location, as they may wish to accommodate visitors from back home or visit family in the UK themselves.The online portal recommended that property buyers consider potential family visits when choosing their home, as they would need extra living space and rooms for their guests.Prospective expats considering a move to Spain have already been urged not to let negative media coverage put them off. Shelter Offshore stated that the press is being highly pessimistic amid the current downturn in the economy, to the point where people could be deterred from making lifestyle changes.   http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Would-be_expats_advised_on_moving_abroad http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Would-be_expats_advised_on_moving_abroad Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:05:43 GMT Spain Property Investment Britons who want to move to Spain have been urged not to let negative media coverage put them off.Shelter Offshore stated that the press is being highly pessimistic amid the current downturn in the economy, to the point where people could be deterred from making lifestyle changes.Therefore, the website has insisted that popular expat destinations such as Spain still have a number of factors going for them, despite potential stumbling blocks including the weak pound."Property prices in Spain are falling and the cost of living can be comparable to the UK if you shop locally and rein in your lifestyle spending habits," it commented.Shelter Offshore said this may only need to be for a limited time, as currency values are always in flux.The online portal added that expats of working age always have the option of finding a job overseas, thereby enabling them to fund a move to another country.According to official government figures, Spain is one of the most popular European destinations among expats from the UK.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Would-be_expats_%27should_not_be_put_off_moving_abroad%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Would-be_expats_%27should_not_be_put_off_moving_abroad%27 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:29:10 GMT Spain Property Investment Visitors to Spain have been advised to look beyond traditional hotspots in favour of Costa de la Luz.According to the Mirror, the region is a much quieter and less spoilt alternative to popular resorts such as the Costa del Sol.The newspaper said this means that prices are often cheaper in Costa de la Luz.For example, it stated that the cost of renting a villa in the region is the same as the price of an apartment in the Costa del Sol.The Mirror went on to highlight a number of other advantages of the area, such as reduced traffic volumes, great beaches and lots of authentic Spanish culture.Prospective visitors were also advised that the region contains many sites of historical interest, such as ruins dating back to Roman times.Spain is already attracting lots of overseas interest from foreign property buyers, despite the current economic downturn.Obelisk International recently highlighted the country as an ideal market for investors, as it is an easily accessible destination, with high living standards and an excellent climate.   http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Costa_de_la_Luz_recommended_to_visitors http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Costa_de_la_Luz_recommended_to_visitors Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:28:43 GMT Spain Property Investment Spain has been identified as the most popular destination among would-be foreign property buyers.Research by Homes Overseas found that the European country attracted the most interest from web-surfing investors.This put it ahead of other traditional hotspots in Europe, such as France, Italy and Portugal.Spain was also found to be more popular than established English-speaking markets, such as Australia and the United States.Commenting on the findings, Homes Overseas said current economic problems do not appear to be denting the demand for foreign property."Despite the gloomy global market conditions, enquiries for homes abroad for sale remain firm," it noted.The website added that this shows the desire among Britons to own a foreign property remains as strong as ever.This follows a poll by Andalucian Dream Homes, which found that three-quarters of British and Irish investors would like to purchase a residence in Spain.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Prospective_investors_drawn_to_Spanish_market http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Prospective_investors_drawn_to_Spanish_market Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:31:23 GMT Spain Property Investment Overseas property buyers who are planning to retire to their new home have been advised to plan their finances carefully.Ashley Clark, director of Needanadviser.com, warned that retiring abroad can be a financial "minefield" for those who are not properly organised.Speaking to the Independent, he insisted that long-term planning is essential, as issues such as pension earnings, tax and moving assets outside of the UK need to be addressed.In addition, Mr Clark said retirees must consider healthcare provision and specific matters relating to their property purchase."The key to effective overseas retirement planning is to decide how long you expect to be away," he commented.Mr Clark added that if people choose to "muddle through" without proper planning, they could potentially lose out.The comments come after the Office for National Statistics highlighted Spain as one of the most popular destinations among British expatriates.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Retired_expats_urged_to_plan_finances http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Retired_expats_urged_to_plan_finances Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:29:33 GMT Spain Property Investment The recent drop in house prices in Spain could lead to the country attracting bargain hunters from overseas, experts have stated.According to Obelisk International, the European country could be a sound property investment opportunity this year due to the relatively low prices on the market. The company stated that many property vendors are also becoming increasingly willing to consider low offers in order to offload their stock. This has prompted James Gonzalez, market analyst at Obelisk, to recommend that prospective investors enter the market sooner rather than later.He commented: "The country offers three factors that mean recovery for property is almost a given." Mr Gonzalez said Spain is an easily accessible destination, with high living standards and an excellent climate.As a result, he is optimistic about the possibility of the market picking up, which would mean people who buy a property now could benefit from capital growth further down the line. This comes after real estate firm Property Abroad suggested that foreign investors look at buying repossessed properties in Spain, as many are top-quality homes available at a knockdown price.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Bargain_prices_%27may_draw_investors_to_Spain%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Bargain_prices_%27may_draw_investors_to_Spain%27 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 7:57:45 GMT Spain Property Investment People who are planning to purchase a Spanish investment property have been urged to research the market thoroughly. Bruce Wilson, tax partner with chartered accountant Campbell Dallas, said it is very important for buyers to find out as much as they can about their chosen destination.Indeed, he stated that Britons need to be aware of how the rules and regulations in Spain differ from those at home. Mr Wilson also recommended that people consider the reasons why they are purchasing a property, such as whether they want a holiday home, permanent residence or an investment. He commented: "Get very good local advice and do your research. "It's a different process over there." Earlier this week, a poll by Andalucian Dream Homes found that three-quarters of respondents in the UK and Ireland are looking to purchase a residence in Spain.This is despite the financial pressures many British and Irish people are experiencing as a result of the credit crunch.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_told_to_research_Spanish_market http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_told_to_research_Spanish_market Fri, 23 Jan 2009 7:54:56 GMT Spain Property Investment People from the UK could avoid some of the long-term consequences of the credit crunch by packing their bags and moving abroad.This is the view of Shelter Offshore, which said the government has created a "tax time bomb" by bailing out the banking sector.As a result, it believes British consumers are set to face a much greater tax burden at some point in the future, which means emigrating could be the best way of avoiding it.Shelter Offshore commented: "Why stick around and wait for tax to rise to 50 or 60 per cent when you can leave today and emigrate to avoid the even worse recession that's undoubtedly imminent?"According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, Spain is currently the most popular destination among expats from the UK.Research from Bupa International recently revealed that one in four foreign nationals who live in the European country are retirees. This could be partly due to the country's favourable lifestyle attractions, as almost a third of expats in Spain highlighted benefits such as the weather as their main reason for moving there.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Emigrating_%27could_allow_Britons_to_escape_recession%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Emigrating_%27could_allow_Britons_to_escape_recession%27 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:56:57 GMT Spain Property Investment Consumers in the UK and Ireland are still keen to purchase a Spanish investment property, according to a new study.A poll by Andalucian Dream Homes found that three-quarters of those polled are still looking to purchase a residence in Spain.This is despite the financial pressures many British and Irish people are experiencing as a result of the credit crunch.Commenting on the findings, the company said the European country is still one of the most popular destinations among prospective property buyers.Adam Godwin, group marketing director, commented: "The desire to find out about Spanish property is as strong as ever."He attributed this to factors including the country's good climate, close proximity to the UK, and the recent reduction in house prices.According to official government figures, property values in December last year were 3.2 per cent lower than they were 12 months earlier.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_continues_to_attract_foreign_buyers http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_continues_to_attract_foreign_buyers Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:56:21 GMT Spain Property Investment Affluent investors are continuing to snap up luxury properties overseas, analysts have revealed.According to Obelisk International, the economic slowdown across the world does not seem to be significantly hurting this segment of the market.Indeed, the organisation that the luxury market is showing great resiliency in the face of negative economic pressures.Countries such as Spain were said to still be attracting wealthy buyers, as this demographic have the necessary finance at a time when lending from banks is limited.Obelisk International commented: "Purchasers in these areas can easily encounter the high standards and infrastructure to which they are accustomed while also encountering other people of like minds and means."Spain was recently recommended to foreign property buyers by UK-based newspaper the Times.According to the publication, many property vendors in the country are so keen to sell their stock that they are offering excellent deals to tempt would-be buyers.   http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Luxury_property_market_holding_up http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Luxury_property_market_holding_up Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:31:22 GMT Spain Property Investment Overseas property buyers have been advised not to overlook potential investment opportunities in Spain.According to the Times, the European country is currently dealing with problems such as declining house prices and an economic recession.However, the newspaper stated that while some may consider this a disaster, others may see it as an opportunity.For example, it said many property vendors in the country are so keen to sell their stock that they are offering excellent deals to tempt would-be buyers.In addition, the Times pointed out that Spain's numerous lifestyle attractions, such as its excellent weather, are still in place.Therefore, it believes investors could still pick up a potentially lucrative investment property at a knock-down price."Get the pricing right and you could be looking at handsome returns in the medium to long term," the Times added.According to official government figures, property values in December last year were 3.2 per cent lower than they were 12 months earlier.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_recommended_to_property_investors http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_recommended_to_property_investors Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:56:01 GMT Spain Property Investment Spain experienced the first year-on-year decline in house prices in more than a decade during 2008.According to official government figures, property values in December last year were 3.2 per cent lower than they were 12 months earlier.The European country has not experienced a year-on-year drop in house prices in over 15 years, indicating the recent impact of the global financial crisis in the wake of its housing boom.However, a housing ministry official believes the reduction in property values can be interpreted positively.Anunciacion Romero told the Associated Press that the housing boom had led to many homes in Spain being significantly overvalued.Therefore, he has described the recent drop as a "desirable moderation" in property values.Earlier this week, real estate firm Property Abroad suggested that foreign investors look at buying repossessed homes in Spain, as many are top-quality homes available at a knockdown price.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Property_values_fall_in_Spain http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Property_values_fall_in_Spain Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:00:53 GMT Spain Property Investment Foreign property buyers who invest in Spain could pick up lucrative returns if they renovate their new home.According to Casa Ganado, market conditions in the European country are gradually getting better.However, the organisation said many tradesmen in Spain are eager to find work and are therefore offering their services at a knock-down price.This, it stated, means that property buyers could potentially pay a relatively small amount of money on improving a house that will eventually appreciate in value.As a result, they could find themselves in line to earn considerable returns on their Spanish investment.Casa Ganado commented: "You can drive a hard bargain, take advantage of the downturn, do some serious renovations and reap the rewards when the market picks up."This comes after real estate firm Property Abroad suggested that foreign investors look at buying repossessed homes in Spain, as many are top-quality homes available at a knockdown price.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Renovating_Spanish_property_%27could_be_lucrative%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Renovating_Spanish_property_%27could_be_lucrative%27 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:59:17 GMT Spain Property Investment Prospective investors in the Spanish market could be able to negotiate a discount on their purchase.According to Mercers, some of the boldest buyers have been tempted to haggle with vendors to snap up a bargain.Since sellers are keen to get a sale during the current economic downturn, some have been very receptive and allowed customers to get more favourable deals.Chris Mercer, director of the company, stated that those who have not been willing to accommodate the buyer's requests have made fewer sales in recent months.He commented: "Vendors yet to achieve a sale are possibly kicking themselves, having seen both prices and the pound fall further."Mr Mercer added that some buyers have been able to make savings of about €100,000 by negotiating with the seller.This comes after real estate firm Property Abroad suggested that foreign investors look at buying repossessed homes in Spain, as many are top-quality homes available at a knockdown price.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_in_Spain_%27haggle_for_discounts%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_in_Spain_%27haggle_for_discounts%27 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:34:22 GMT Spain Property Investment The weakness of the pound is unlikely to dent the appeal of Spain among British holidaymakers, an expert has said.According to travel specialist Simon Calder, the European country is likely to hold onto its status as the main hotspot for people from the UK.This, he insisted, is despite the fact that sterling has been steadily losing value against the single European currency."Spain is going to retain its position as our absolute favourite country," he commented."It doesn't mean we are going to turn our back to it."Mr Calder added that British consumers could potentially get some very good travel deals this summer, as the country still offers "fantastic" value for money.The comments will be welcome news for owners of property in Spain, particularly rental investors who depend on the tourist trade.Spain's rental market received a significant boost from Scottish holidaymakers last year. Data from airport operator BAA revealed that the country was the most-visited destination among those flying out from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in 2008.   http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_%27will_continue_to_attract_Britons%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_%27will_continue_to_attract_Britons%27 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:32:55 GMT Spain Property Investment The Spanish housing market could be set to benefit from the country's bid to host the Fifa World Cup in 2018.Spain is aiming to host the football tournament in conjunction with its Iberian neighbour Portugal.According to property analysts Silverman and Smith, the bid represents a welcome piece of good news for the country, as it is currently coping with an economic downturn.Anne Silverman, spokesperson for the group, told Property Wire: "If Spain is successful this will be a massive boost for the property market."This point of view was echoed by Madrid-based finance analysts James Cowan, who said the bid shows there is more to the country than a "struggling" property market.He added that the fact Spain is bidding to host the event is "good news".Spain has already had a successful year on the football pitch, winning the Euro 2008 competition in Austria and Switzerland.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/World_Cup_%27could_boost_Spanish_property_market%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/World_Cup_%27could_boost_Spanish_property_market%27 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:17:45 GMT Spain Property Investment Investors who are looking for opportunities in the Spanish market have been pointed towards repossession properties.The economic crisis in the European country has led to many people being forced to leave their homes, amid a climate of tumbling property values.As a result, real estate firm Property Abroad believes foreign investors could be well-placed to buy a top-quality home at a knockdown price.Liam Bailey, chief market analyst at the group, commented: "Repossession properties are like the reduced section of a supermarket ten minutes before closing time."He added that if investors and holiday home buyers enter the market while homes are priced well below their market value, they could reap the rewards in future.Indeed, he said that when the market begins to recover, property owners could benefit from significant capital appreciation.According to a recent study by Conti Financial Services, Spain is currently the "number one" destination for property buyers from the UK.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spanish_repossession_properties_recommended_to_investors http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spanish_repossession_properties_recommended_to_investors Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:23:03 GMT Spain Property Investment Spain's rental market received a significant boost from Scottish holidaymakers last year, according to new figures.Data from airport operator BAA revealed that Spain was the most-visited destination among those flying out from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in 2008.The European country attracted over 1.2 million passengers during this period, with areas such as the Costas proving to be especially popular.Donald Morrison, spokesman for BAA Scotland, commented: "It seems that Spain is as popular now with Scots as it has ever been."He added that the top three destinations for Scottish consumers are unchanged from the previous year.This, he said, indicates that they could be becoming "creatures of habit".The figures come after Lee Hayhurst, editor of Travel Trade Gazette, insisted that Spain's tourism industry is holding up in the face of various economic pressures. Speaking to BBC News, he stated that the country is benefitting from its status as an established market, as wary consumers want to spend money in a place they "trust and know".   http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Scottish_holidaymakers_flock_to_Spain http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Scottish_holidaymakers_flock_to_Spain Fri, 9 Jan 2009 11:28:49 GMT Spain Property Investment Foreign property buyers should not be put off the Spanish market by recent house prices reductions.The Spanish Property Owners Guild recently predicted that values are likely to fall by about 15 per cent this year.However, Property Abroad believes that this does not mean investors should avoid looking at the country.Liam Bailey, chief market analyst at the portal, said this is because they could be well-placed to get a good deal in the current climate.He commented: "If you can get a real bargain, and I mean a good property, cheap as chips in an area not over-developed, buy it."Mr Bailey added that Spain's continuing popularity is "undeniable", as it has topped a number of recent overseas buyer surveys.This includes a recent study by Conti Financial Services, which found the country is the "number one" destination for buyers from the UK.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_should_not_be_overlooked%2C_say_property_experts http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_should_not_be_overlooked%2C_say_property_experts Fri, 9 Jan 2009 11:28:05 GMT Spain Property Investment Property vendors who are willing to make compromises with their asking prices could be most likely to sell their stock in Spain.According to Martin Dell of Kyero.com, sellers need to respond to the changed economic circumstances if they wish to offload their portfolio, as the country is now a buyer's market.While Mr Dell admitted that he can understand why some people are reluctant to drop their prices, he warned that they could be creating further problems for themselves by adopting this strategy.He commented: "Leaving asking prices high is simply putting off buyers from even contemplating making an offer."Mr Dell added that anyone who is looking to enter the Spanish market should look for ones that are about 30 per cent over their budget, as they should be able to negotiate a healthy reduction.This echoes recent advice from Shelter Offshore, which said that 2009 could be the "perfect year" for investors to snap up a cut-price residence in Spain.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spanish_property_sellers_advised_to_cut_asking_prices http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spanish_property_sellers_advised_to_cut_asking_prices Thu, 8 Jan 2009 12:27:49 GMT Spain Property Investment Demand for property in Spain is being boosted by a growing influx of British migrants, it has been revealed.According to official figures from the Spanish government, the European country is becoming more and more popular with expats from the UK, reports the Guardian.Indeed, statistics revealed that last year, the number of Britons registering as residents in Spain went up by 12 per cent last year.This tallies with statements from the UK Office for National Statistics, which has consistently named the country as one of the main hotspots for British expats in recent years.However, the Foreign Office believes the Spanish government has actually underestimated the number of Britons who now reside in the country."Around one million Britons now live permanently in Spain," a spokesperson commented.The representative said this suggests that many incoming people from the UK are not registering their details with local authorities.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/British_expats_head_for_Spain http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/British_expats_head_for_Spain Thu, 8 Jan 2009 12:26:34 GMT Spain Property Investment Many leisure travellers from the UK are not letting the current economic situation put them off visiting Spain.The pound recently fell to an all-time low against the single European currency, prompting some Britons to book trips to non-eurozone countries with better exchange rates.However, Lee Hayhurst of Travel Trade Gazette said Spain's tourism industry is holding up in the face of various economic pressures.Speaking to BBC News, he commented: "Despite what's happened with the euro, Spain the traditional favourite isn't as badly valued as you might expect."Mr Hayhurst stated that the country is benefitting from its status as an established market, as wary consumers want to spend money in a place they "trust and know".This could potentially represent a boost to its housing market, as the Spanish Property Owners Guild recently revealed that the nation is continuing to attract foreign lifestyle buyers.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_continues_to_attract_British_visitors http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_continues_to_attract_British_visitors Thu, 8 Jan 2009 12:24:48 GMT Spain Property Investment A real estate company is forecasting a surge in the amount of interest in property in Spain later this year.Spanish Hot Properties believes that demand for a residence in the European country will grow during the second half of 2009.According to the organisation, this is because many foreign buyers will be seeking to take advantage of recent reductions in house prices.Susana Suspenda, marketing and operations manager at Spanish Hot Properties, commented: "It is my view these buyers will enter the market in the second half of the year and before that if they can get the right deal."Indeed, she believes that many prospective investors will try to negotiate a below-value purchase price during this period.Earlier this week, the Times newspaper stated that house prices in Spain have come down by a "significant" amount in the last year.   http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_%27will_attract_more_buyers_in_late-2009%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_%27will_attract_more_buyers_in_late-2009%27 Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:47:29 GMT Spain Property Investment Negative media coverage of the downturn in the Spanish housing market is not putting people off buying property in the country.According to real estate firm Taylor Woodrow de Espana, the European country is still the most popular overseas property market among people from the UK.The company attributed this to a number of factors, such as its affordability, excellent weather and close proximity to Britain.Victor Sague, sales and marketing director, commented: "Despite the negative stories in the press about property price crashes, purchasers are clearly still voting with their feet."He added that Spain is an ideal destination for people who want a beach-side property, as well as those who want to enjoy leisure activities such as golf.This echoes recent comments from the Spanish Property Owners Guild, which said the country's lifestyle attractions are helping it attract buyers throughout the market downturn.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Foreign_property_buyers_continue_to_favour_Spain http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Foreign_property_buyers_continue_to_favour_Spain Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:45:38 GMT Spain Property Investment Overseas property investors have been told they could snap up a bargain in Spain if they act swiftly.UK-based newspaper the Times stated that house prices in the country have come down by a "significant" amount in the last year.This trend was said to have been partly fuelled by a glut of unsold homes in coastal areas, particularly in those places which are popular with Britons.As a result, it has said that buyers from the UK could be well-placed to take advantage of the current market downturn."Choose carefully and now could be the time to grab a bargain," the Times commented.The newspaper went on to cite government figures showing that about one million British people now live in Spain on a permanent basis.This echoes recent advice from Shelter Offshore, which said that 2009 could be the "perfect year" for investors to snap up a cut-price residence in Spain.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_%27offers_bargain_properties%27 http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_%27offers_bargain_properties%27 Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:42:27 GMT Spain Property Investment Many overseas property buyers in the UK are continuing to look towards Spain, according to industry experts.The Spanish Property Owners Guild stated that factors such as the country's "great" climate and friendly people are helping it to maintain its appeal throughout the economic downturn.Paul Bradley, spokesperson for the organisation, added that Spain's close proximity to the UK is also making it highly attractive to Britons.Indeed, he described it "one of their favourite escape routes" as it is very easy to reach.However, Mr Bradley recommended that people who are considering buying a property in Spain should avoid acting rashly.Prospective buyers were encouraged to take a "hard-nosed" investment approach instead of buying "with their hearts".According to the Association of International Property Professionals, more than a quarter of all foreign properties purchased by British buyers in 2007 were in Spain.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_keeps_attracting_British_property_buyers http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Spain_keeps_attracting_British_property_buyers Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:41:21 GMT Spain Property Investment Foreign property buyers who are investing in Spain have been urged to consider the country's various rules and regulations.According to The Move Channel, investors need to be familiar with the laws of their chosen destination before committing to a purchase.For instance, it advised them to be aware of issues such as the type of mortgage products on the market, as well as the different ways in which they can raise finance.The company stated that having a good understanding of the various structures and processes in Spain could help property buyers save money and avoid problems.Dan Johnson, managing director of The Move Channel, commented: "Without these required insights, investors may be exposing themselves to costly mistakes and disputes."This comes after Spanish Hot Properties stated that an investment in Spain could represent "incredible" value for money this year.  http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_urged_to_read_up_on_rules_and_regulations http://www.onyxworld.co.uk/news/article/Investors_urged_to_read_up_on_rules_and_regulations Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:40:02 GMT Spain Property Investment