Great News for the Spanish Economy; Unemployment Falls by 180,000

Great News for the Spanish Economy; Unemployment Falls by 180,000

Jobs continue to be created 

Over 182,000 jobs were created in Spain during the third quarter of last year between July 1^st and September 30^th, bringing down the percentage of unemployed people to 4.66% and bringing the total number of unemployed people to 3.73 million; the lowest figure since 2008.

The third quarter has always been the strongest time for job creation in the country as it includes the busy summer period where plenty of seasonal jobs are created. However, when viewed over a long period of time the trend becomes very encouraging; the third quarter has been a booster for Spanish employment figures for five years running now, and the performance last year follows a strong second quarter that saw Spanish total unemployment drop below four million for the first time since 2009.

The data comes from the Active Population Survey (EPA) published by the government. The EPA registers not just unemployed people that report to their local employment office, but also the jobless people that aren’t registered for whatever reason. This means that the figures in the EPA are higher than other sources.

Even so, the data shows that the unemployment rate for Spain has fallen to 16.38%, which is about 2.5% lower than last year and continues the positive trend of an increase in job security, growth and financial stability of households and businesses.

Great Prices and Supply Make Spain a Major Real Estate Investment Destination

Costa del Sol has such appeal and continues to be in demand 

Great Prices and Supply Make Spain a Major Real Estate Investment Destination

It’s all too easy to focus on the incredible lifestyle attractions that entice people looking for a second home or an overseas property to Spain.

The incredible climate of the country, not to mention the stunning cities, superb beaches (and beach resorts), and varied terrain make imagining your new life in Spain about as easy as achieving it. With all the cheap flights and property choices, it’s no wonder that thousands of Europeans have turned their dream Spanish homes into a reality.

The wealth of variety and the value-for-money of Spanish property mean the market has become a hotbed for more serious investors; the kind of people that want to put their money in a safe place and get sensible returns.

The UK was the chosen destination for career investors interested in parking their wealth in property investments for quite some. The uncertainty of the Brexit has begun to unravel the reputation the country has for being a stable safe haven however, and the property markets in Spain and Germany are starting to draw attention.

According to a Knight Frank poll of 148 of the leading real estate investors controlling over £300 billion of real estate assets, 20% of the surveyed investors view Spain as their preferred market for investment in 2018, second to Germany. Only 12% of investors said that the UK would be their property investment destination of choice in 2017, down from the 27% for this year.

The investors were mostly concerned about the lack of available stock and the unrealistic prices in the UK.

By contrast, Spain has a rising demand for home, officespace, retail, and leisure facilities that make the residential and commercial markets particularly strong. The prices are also a fair reflection of the market value of properties. Because of the resurgent Spanish economy there is sure to be an increased demand for industrial and office space as time passes, according to the investors.

How Does The World See Spain? As Great Food, Great Tourism, and Great Athletes

Spain is considered to be one of the best countries in the world

How Does The World See Spain? As Great Food, Great Tourism, and Great Athletes

If the stereotypical view of Spain is one of flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and seaside siestas, then the 2017 version will provide an accurate update.

According to the country image barometer of the Elcano Royal Institute; the thing that comes to mind for most people when they think about Spain are the bountiful beaches, the fabulous foods, and the amazing athletes.

The barometer looked at the brand strength of Spain, as viewed from the eyes of over 4,00 people across 11 countries in Europe, Asia, and America.

The latest responses show the image of Spain has improved to a score of 7.1. The country has been able to shake off the negativity of the economic crisis and shed the image of having no opportunities for employment.

Spain is now considered to be a place filled with sunshine, sports, and fine food. This is sure to leave the tourism industry feeling pretty pleased. However, one image Spain has not managed to shed just yet is the image of being a poor place to do business.

The most valued commodity in Spain remains holidaymaking facilities and attractions. German, French, and British respondents in particular valued these traits highly. The barometer showed people in China, Japan, Italy and Turkey still hold true to the traditional images of Spain; flamenco, football, and bullfighting.

63% of people from France and Germany said they consider Spain to be a “poor” country, with half of Brits agreeing with them. The good news is that the perception that Spain is lazy has fallen down to 26% from the 40% of 2014.

When it comes to goods produced, Zara remains the most well-known brand in Spain, receiving the highest grade on the barometer for best-known companies and brands (7.5). Next came Iberia Airlines with 7.2, BBVA with 7, and the car company Seat, which also scored 7.

The French, Italians, and the Brits place a high value on the olive oil, textiles, and wines of Spain; putting a premium on these Spanish products.

The country with the highest score on the image barometer was Japan, with a score of 7.6. Next came Germany and the UK with 7.5. The barometer said that these three country has their own strong national images, with easily identifiable products and traits.

Three Great Ways to Ring in the New Year, Spanish Style

Three Great Ways to Ring in the New Year, Spanish Style

Bringing in the New Year in Marbella is always special

Okay it’s not even Christmas, but with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas sometimes we forget about New Year’s Eve until it’s midnight and you’re by yourself with the TV listening to other people having a lot of fun.

The good news is that if you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Spain then you’re never too far away from the nearest party. This is one of the great things about living in Spain and expat life; you’re surrounded by good friends who are always up for a laugh.

However the waiting will always prove to be the hardest part. It’s all too easy to find yourself thinking that someone else will do something, just as you would in any crowd. This can often leave everyone disappointed. So why not handle things a little differently this year?

Here are three great ways to ring in the new year, Spanish style, to give yourself the best start to 2017 possible.

12 Lucky Grapes

Wine is made using grapes and Spaniards eat grapes at the stroke of midnight for good luck. If you remember that wine is made with grapes you’ve got a good idea where we’re going with this. The tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one at each stroke of midnight. Why not break from tradition just a little and have a little bit of wine each strike instead? 12 sips is about half a glass and you’ll have already had a lot by then so it’s not like a little more can hurt.

On the Right Foot

Some areas of Spain observe the tradition of starting the year off on the right foot literally. So you would need to step forward with the right foot as the clock strikes midnight. Let’s get a little more creative with this. What about if your right foot stepped you into something different, like a pool? Or into a limousine ready to take you out? Or maybe it just takes you to the stereo so you can change the music. It doesn’t matter where it takes you. What matters is that you start the new year in a memorable fashion.

Do it Twice!

Thanks to the strange time-zone that Spain is in the country as an hour ahead of their neighbour Portugal. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and want to keep the party going then why not have to New Year’s Eves by driving and head to Portugal to do it all over again? It can be boring to just wait at the border so instead you should ring in the new year in Spain in the western town Badajoz. From there you grab your designated driver and make the 25-minute drive across the border to Elvas. If you time it right then it’ll be about 11:30 PM and you can regale the locals with tales of the future.

Three Great Reasons Spain Should Welcome September

Three Great Reasons Spain Should Welcome September

If you’re British or Irish then you likely remember the feeling of dread that came with September; schools opened back up and it was the official end of all the fun and games of the sumer.

September in Southern Spain is one of the nicest months

Back in Blighty September means that the sky turns grey, the wind whips up, the thermometer goes down, and millions of people head back to school and work with the memories of summers spent under the sun washed away by the autumn rain that pours down.

As such you aren’t likely to feel much sympathy for those who live along the Costa del Sol who will be happy the summer is ending as it means the tourists are going home, including those taking part in Operación Retorno, and the roads return back to normal.

The tradition of Operación Retorno, when northern Spaniards head back home, doesn’t make a lot of sense when you think about it though. It’s true that they need to head home for school and work but it’s also true that September is one of the best times to see the Costa Del Sol.

Just like a beach with rockpools will only show its true beauty after the tide goes out, the Costa del Sol comes to life during September. The so-called “shoulder months” of the summer, which are May and September, are deeply enjoyed by many locals and it’s not hard to see why.

1.      The Temperature Goes Down

July and August are the hottest months in Spain and it’s not that unusual for temperatures to reach above 40 Celsius during this time. While the temperature doesn’t nosedive in September it still goes down to a more forgiving 30 Celsius which makes all the wonder of the area that much more pleasant.

2.      Queues Shrink

No matter what it is you’re trying to do; from ordering a drink, to shopping, to just validating your parking, everything is more accessible in September. September presents a perfectly balanced atmosphere. While it’s no fun to be with too many people it can be just as bad to have no people around at all. There is still the feeling of summer in the air but moving in and around the area becomes much easier.

3.      Spirits are Lifted

Summer might be a fun and happy time along the Costa del Sol, but you only really get to have fun and relax after you’ve created some space for yourself on the beach on the Costa del Sol or escaped into one of the smaller and quieter resorts of the south. Everyone is a lot more temperamental during the summer months because of a mixture of heat, crowds and confusion. It throws everyone’s moods out of whack. Things slow down after September arrives though and everyone is just that little bit brighter and happier because of it.

Why Spain is a Great Place for Your Kids to Grow Up

Why Spain is a Great Place for Your Kids to Grow Up

Spain and the Costa de Sol will always be a

wonderful place to bring up children due

to the Mediterranean lifestyle and great weather.

If you’ve ever taken a look around the blog then you know that we think Spain is a great place for kids to grow up and we’ve told you plenty of reasons why. In case you missed it here are the main reasons that Spain is the best place for kids to live and grow up.

·        Longer Childhood

No one is quite sure why but that doesn’t change the fact that kids are just kids for longer when they live in Spain. One of the reasons is that peer pressure and social pressure isn’t as big in Spain. Teenagers are allowed to go gaga over babies and toddlers without anyone thinking anything of it. If anything British kids should be allowed to have their childhoods back.

·        Safety

Spain is a country with a relatively low crime rate. There’s no need for parents to be constantly worried about their kids. In Spain you wouldn’t need to think twice if a stranger were to approach your child, talk to them, or even hold your baby. Something that would just never happen in Britain.

·        Healthcare

Spain has a fantastic healthcare system, especially when it comes to kids. Their state hospitals are a great place to give birth. It’s not like in Britain where you could be waiting a long time. They take healthcare seriously and there are practically no waiting times.

·        Language

When an expat child grows up in Spain they will learn at least two languages. They will know their mother tongue and Spanish. They might even learn a third or fourth language depending on where in Spain you are. Learning a new language can only ever be a good thing, especially for a child.

·        The Great Outdoors

Because of the warm weather many people spend more time outdoors than indoors, particularly in the south. There are also plenty of sports facilities everywhere. Playing on the beach and enjoying the countryside is something a child can do every day rather than when they’re on holiday.

·        Family First

Spain has very tight family units. Children in Spain grow up respecting their family members and appreciating what it’s like to be part of a family. They will grow up proud of their family and with respect for their elders. While they might not meet some members of their family as they are in different countries they will enjoy the time they spend together with those relatives more.

·        Food

Staying in a new place means encouraging your children to eat new foods. There are many great dishes kids love in Spain and there isn’t really a “kids menu” in the restaurants. Instead it’s customary for families to just share their plates of food. At home meal time becomes family time. There isn’t even a lot of fast food in Spain. Have you ever seen someone walking eat and eating in Spain?

Expert Predicts Next Five Years Will be Great for Spanish Property

Expert Predicts Next Five Years Will be Great for Spanish Property

According to one professor the outlook for the Spanish property market is great. The real estate expert said that now is the best time to purchase property in Spain. His confidence comes from all the data and trends that suggest the next five years will be truly great for the Spanish property market.

The future is still bright for property in Costa del Sol

The expert in question; the economics professor and director of the real estate programme at the University of Barcelona Gonzalo Bernardos is definitely in a good position to make such a claim about the health of the property market.

No doubt his words are going to be eaten up by the thousands of people who are considering buying property in Spain. His words will definitely be welcomed following the uncertainly of the Spanish property market after the Brexit, which threatened to undo all the good that went into the property market in recent years.

Bernardos believes that 2016 will be the first year in the five-year golden period of expansion; a period in which every property asset will grow in price. Mark Stucklin, a property insight expert, took Bernardos’ words to mean that Spanish property is definitely going to be a one-way bet for the next five years. People looking to invest in property would do well investing in the popular areas of Spain such as Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza and Merbella, along with most of the Costa del Sol.

But just what is behind the confidence Bernardos feels? He also added that the low interest rates of Spain are helping make property there even more attractive and that the recent economic recovery is helping to create a perfect storm.

He says that the residential market in particular is becoming a refuge for investors once more and that a key part of this is the low interest rates. The low interest rates are helping to make monthly mortgage payments far more affordable than the average rental prices. With this expected five years of growth and better job security Bernardos believes that it makes sense for people to begin buying rather than renting.

Bernardos believes that the disastrous decade that was from 2006-2015 will be followed by five fantastic years of an excellent property growth from investors . The interest from investors, coupled with the strong economic growth, will see the end of the hangover and bring the real estate market to providence.

These are definitely decisive words. Bernardos is also confident that if another international economic shock happens it will be mitigated by an increase in spending in Spanish households and company investment with a focus on construction.

Bernardos even had some words for people who were worried that his words sounded as if they came from ten years ago. He assured those people that there will be no room for speculators in this new golden property market.

He added that even if speculative demand does make a reappearance it will be much lower than last time and that banks have learned their lesson and will not give people money to fuel their speculations.

Spanish Hotels Enjoy a Great April With Signs Suggesting It Can Only Get Better

Spanish Hotels Enjoy a Great April With Signs Suggesting It Can Only Get Better

Hotels in Spain saw a bumper number of guests in April when compared to last year and it’s only going to improve.

Hotels in Costa del Sol are all full which is a

positive sign moving forward

Even though Easter was in March this year Spanish hotels received quite the windfall from plenty of tourism during April. Occupancy rate records were actually broken thanks to the influx of British holidaymakers.

Data has been released by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) that shows the number of people staying in the country overnight in April increased by 1.3% over last year to 23.4 million.

Given how it is usually Easter that sees this bump in tourism these figures came as a real swerve. This rise in tourism would seem to confirm what people have been saying for a while now; 2016 will be a record breaking year for the Spanish tourism industry.

When you only take the data for foreign tourists then there is actually an 11.5% rise in tourists from outside the country compared to April of last year as just under four million people stayed overnight in Spain.

Holidaymakers are also staying in Spain for longer in general. The data showed that the average stay increased 1.2% to 3.1 nights per person. This is in spite of the average cost per night rising 3.3% to €73.50.

The UK remained the biggest source of foreign tourists as roughly 692,000 Brits visited for 3.6 million overnight stays. Next were the 595,000 Germans with their 3.26 million overnight stays, the 570,000 French with 1.85 million overnight stays, and 225,000 Italians for 623,000 overnight stays.

This number of German visitors was up 4.8% compared to last year but the British remained the dominant source with an 18.1% rise in British tourists over the year.

As April can stay a little chilly in some areas of Spain it’s not surprising at all to hear that the Canary Islands, which are warm all year round, where the top destination and accounted for just over 31% of the overnight stays. Andalucía and Catalonia competed to be second place with 18% of the visitors, a percentage that will surely rise as the temperature does.

Survey Finds the Expat Life is Great for Wealth, Health, and Happiness

Survey Finds the Expat Life in Spain is Great for Wealth, Health, and Happiness

Living in the Costa del Sol is great for your Health.

A new survey by international real estate company MoveHub has discovered that moving to another country such as Spain due to the climate can really benefit your wallet, your body and your mind. They polled 1,000 people from across the UK, half of whom were expats and half that had never lived abroad. Their polling found that 69% of the people that had lived abroad would describe their health as being good or better. On the other hand only 58% of the people who never lived abroad could say the same.

Around 40%, compared to the 28% of people who were, or had been, expats said that they felt they earned a good salary. All of these benefits spread to happiness too. 63% of expats felt that they were happy or very happy. This was higher than the 53% of non-expats.

The study by MoveHub is just the latest sign that living in another country can lead to a lot of benefits. Other surveys have suggested this too. In fact there are barely any drawbacks at all. Expats are better educated, are more open-minded and willing to embrace another culture, and find themselves part of wide and varied social circles. As long as they do a little research before they move anyway.

Moving to Spain is a great way to experience these benefits and more. Spain has a great climate and a friendly culture, as well as the fantastic Mediterranean diet. Spain has quickly become the ideal choice for British and Irish people who want to try living in another country.

Spain is also currently in the middle of recovering their economy and property market. This means that it’s a great choice for people as they are more likely to find themselves living the good life experienced by expats in Spain.