Press Releases and Media Information for Kyero.com

Murcia, one of the few autonomous communities of Spain consisting of a single province, is looking ahead to a prosperous 2008 as the latest data reveals that property prices rose nearly 4% in 2007 and tourism increased by 18%.

Figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Commerce show that Murcia has far exceeded the national average increase of visitors to Spain (2.1%) with passenger traffic up by 23% to nearly 2 million at San Javier airport and 20% more cruise liners making Cartagena a port of call. Not only were visitor numbers up but tourist spending also saw a significant increase of 30%.

Murcia, located on the south eastern coast of Spain and home to the Costa Calida, has long been popular with Britons who enjoy an average annual temperature of 18°C, low rainfall and a varied landscape from the mountains inland to the largest salt water lake in Europe, the Mar Menor, all available under 2.5 hours flying time direct from the UK.

According to the Spanish Ministry of Housing (MVIV), Murcia is the third most popular province (after Alicante and Malaga) in which foreigners buy property; 20% of properties sold in Murcia in Q1 2007 were to foreigners.

Data from award winning Spanish property portal Kyero.com, reveals that average property prices in Murcia have continued to rise year on year. Whilst always remaining below the national average, 2005 saw an average price of €197,488, rising 4% to €203,568 in 2006 and 4% again in 2007 to €211,250. The very latest independent figures from Kyero.com show an average asking price of €212,000 (Feb 08), 14% below the national average of €245,000.

Martin Dell, MD of Kyero, comments, “The steady price growth seen over the past 3 years is a positive indicator for Murcia’s future. Compared to other provinces popular with Britons seeking second properties such as Alicante and Malaga, Murcia remains an affordable option with a wide variety of product available.”

These sentiments are echoed by Mike Hamilton, Director of Casas de Lorca, a developer based in the town of Lorca, 1 hour inland from Murcia City, he comments, “Our new build villa prices in Lorca rose by an average of 6% in the last year and the average resale rose by 4%. Murcia is one of the fastest growing regions in Spain and a new international airport opening in 2009 will further drive growth with an estimated 3 million passengers visiting in the first year.”

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Apartments are the most enquired about property type on three of the four main Canary Islands, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, according to award winning Spanish property portal Kyero.com, with commercial premises being the most popular on the island of Lanzarote.

Independent data from the Kyero Enquiry Report (July – Dec 2007) reveals that nationally 3 bedroom villas without a swimming pool and under €150,000 are the most sought after properties in Spain. It appears however that certain regions of Spain attract buyers looking for something a little different.

The Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the north-western coast of Africa, is one such region. Popular, with north Europeans especially, as a summer and winter holiday destination, retirement hotspot and the ideal place to start a new life in the sun, the volcanic archipelago attracts around 8 million visitors annually.

Currently ranked as the 8th most popular region in which to buy property in Spain on Kyero.com, property stock varies from bungalows, apartments and town houses to duplexes, villas and fincas but it is apartments by far which prove the most sought after in the Canaries with 42% of all enquiries. On the island of Tenerife for example 59% of enquiries are for apartments with town houses and villas trailing at 7% and 5% respectively. 64% of enquiries requested properties with swimming pools and 32% requested 2 bedrooms which currently average at €221,000 (Jan 08).

These types of properties are ideal for a wide range of buyers, be they families looking for an affordable holiday home in the sun, retired couples looking to downsize and emigrate or buy-to-let investors seeking low maintenance, high demand rental opportunities.

The Canary Islands certainly do offer something for everyone and the island of Lanzarote is no exception. Data from Kyero.com reveals that commercial premises are the most sought after on Lanzarote, ahead of apartments, with 37% of all enquiries. With over 5000 expats now living on this volcanic island, opportunities to set up and run a business in Spain abound. Commercial premises available range from Indian restaurants to bars, offices, shops, hair salons, bakeries, hotels and even swimming pool bars!

Find Properties for sale in the Canaries at Kyero.com