Spain looks to benefit with a bumper 2009 1st September 2008
With faltering economies around the world there are some constants that we seem determined not to give up - our quest to own abroad, and our annual holiday.
We have enjoyed another year (2008) of exceptionally high occupancy with our results showing an increase on the previous year.
Richard Fletcher, Group Resort Director
A recent survey in the UK by Rightmove Overseas confirmed that Spain remains at the top of the list for prospective buyers and holidaymakers, and more so since the cost of oil hit new highs, making longer haul flights less appealing. Now, travel distance looks set to play a part in the decision making process for 2009, with the industry predicting a surge in interest for all European destinations with accommodation shortages the likely result.
Richard Fletcher, Resort Management Director for Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels in southern Spain, says: "We have enjoyed another year (2008) of exceptionally high occupancy with our results showing an increase on the previous year.
With resorts across Europe, in the UK, mainland Spain, Tenerife and Austria, we are well placed to gauge demand for 2009.
Richard Fletcher, Group Resort Director
"With resorts across Europe, in the UK, mainland Spain, Tenerife and Austria, we are well placed to gauge demand for 2009. Indications are that our members have already decided that holidays will continue to be a family priority next year, but some will inevitably be looking to trim their overall costs where possible. Cheaper flight prices for short haul trips, or cutting out flying altogether are obvious considerations."
For UK residents, drive-to and short haul holidays are now very much on the increase, with many opting for several shorter breaks of 3 to 7 nights rather than the traditional two weeks on the beach in July.
Richard Fletcher continues: "We also have a flourishing real estate division offering guaranteed leaseback deals* to buyers of properties that we are currently building. It takes the worry out of owning a property abroad and still allows the owner to use the accommodation for certain weeks of the year. It also means that our timeshare holiday owners benefit from the same high quality accommodation that they have become used to."
Freehold investment with a guaranteed rental income ticks all the boxes for cautious investors and it seems that this is the way forward for those with a desire for safe, secure income growth without the hassle of owning your own property, maintaining it and then having to find tenants to cover your outgoings. And in some cases, like the Club La Costa 'model', you still get to use it yourself.
It seems that the holiday industry and overseas investment look set to buck the trend in 2009, with a healthy prognosis for holidays and continued confidence in medium to long-term property investments that offer rental or income guarantees.
* CLC Estates is currently offering a selection of freehold projects in Spain and Turkey with prices from around £95,000 for a 2-bed apartment and £425,000 for a 2-bed townhouse with plunge pool, Jacuzzi and roof garden. For more information go to www.clcestates.com
Fact File: Club La Costa, founded in 1984, is a holiday ownership organisation with 22 resorts across Europe and with over 50,000 members worldwide. For more information go to www.clublacosta.com
We have enjoyed another year (2008) of exceptionally high occupancy with our results showing an increase on the previous year.
