Off-plan sales back in favour on the Costa del Sol

Off-plan sales were a rarity during the crisis years as buyers lost confidence in the ability of developers to deliver. However, off-plan sales are back in fashion, reports the Spanish property portal Idealista, as demonstrated by Taylor Wimpey’s Botanic development on the Costa del Sol, where 74% of sales were off plan.

The number of British property buyers in the Reserva de Alcuzcuz residential area in Benahavis has gone up considerably. According to data from Taylor Wimpey España, British make up 19% of buyers on the Costa del Sol, followed by Belgians and Swedes.

These buyers apparently prefer to invest in properties that meet certain sustainability and environmental criteria. Botanic by Taylor Wimpey ticks both boxes with its architecture defined by the developer as ‘eco-friendly’ with minimal energy consumption and environmental protection through the use of solar panels and thermal and acoustic insulation.

These credentials have led to a rise of up 82% in the number of British buyers prepared to pay more for a sustainable home. “Most people are looking for a simpler lifestyle that gives them time to connect with the natural world. Botanic offers just that,” says Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España.

Pritchard also highlights that the development, made up of 92 spacious 3-bedroom homes, has prices starting at €365,000 and that 74% of sales have been made off plan.

The same thing has happened in La Floresta Sur residential area in Marbella. The development has been built in a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Properties have two or three bedrooms, cost from €195,000 and the sixth phase will be complete in June 2018.