World Windsurfing Championship Tour

The Canary Islands are one of the windsurfing paradises at global level, both for those who are starting in this sport and for the veterans who travel around the world with their sailboards to the idyllic conditions found in the Canaries.

The 2008 Windsurfing World Championship starts in June in Portugal moving to Las Cucharas in Lanzarote between 21st to 28th June, then between 3rd and 12th July it moves to Pozo Izquierdo in Gran Canaria before moving to the beach of Sotavento in the municipality of Pajara in Fuerteventura from 18th to 28th July. This beach with turquoise water and fine white sand was the first in the Canaries to host the World Championships 23 years ago. Contestants will compete in the Slalom and Free Style which can include leaps of up to four metres from the sea surface and acrobatics including 360 degree turns.

Iballa Ruano the World Champion does not hesitate to say that the Canary Islands have the best conditions in the world for windsurfing certainly the weather and climate the most consistent.

Fuerteventura Offers Olympic Training Facilities.

The fabulous 50m Olympic pool in Las Playitas has eight lanes and a constant water temperature between 25 and 26 degrees throughout the year.The first class facilities include a swim orientated gym, underwater windows for observation, stretch cords for power and sprint training and much more.

The pool is open to all at a cost of €3 per hour or an exclusive use of a lane at €12 per hour and is open daily from 8.00 am till 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm.

Fuerteventura Beach Music Festival The Best In the Canaries

Fuerteventura en Música-La Caja de Canarias 2008 will take place on the 4th and 6th of July on Concha beach in El Cotillo.

It is being funded by La Caja de Canarias, the Cabildo and the Ministry of Culture and organised by VallebroWn, who were responsible for the successful Blues festivals in Corralejo as well as a number of other musical events. The line up is international with offerings from Brazil, Senegal, Oojami from the UK and local bands. Carlinhos Brown will be topping the bill.

SEE CARLINHOS BROWN VIDEO

Ryanair Announce New Routes To Fuerteventura

Residents and holiday makers alike are celebrating the news that Ryanair has announced new routes to the Canary Islands and Fuerteventura in particular direct from the United Kingdom.

Ryanair are introducing a number of new routes from 28th October, including one from Birmingham to Fuerteventura. This will fly three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and East Midlands to Fuerteventura from 28th October.

The route from Liverpool to Fuerteventura is also due to restart in October, so be prepared and get those cheaper seat bookings early.

Fuerteventura Officially Voted the Best Beaches in the Canary Islands

Fuerteventura Canary Islands Spain offers some of the best beaches in the World and that's official. The canary palms are in abundance with golden sands and fabulous turquoise seas of the Atlantic Ocean the perfect place for holidays and real estate purchase as the beaches come free.

Five of Fuerteventura's "best" beaches will be proudly flying the coveted Blue Flag this summer. Gran Tarajal, Costa Calma, Matorral, Butihono
(Pajara) and the beaches of La Oliva have been singled out for the quality of the waters, sand and services as being worthy of the blue flag, a category which is awarded on a annual basis by the European Federation for the Environment. It is used to help tourists unfamilar with the area to find not only the safest, cleanest, most environmentally friendly beaches but also the beaches where nature and progress have reached the perfect balance.
With Golden sands that stretch for 167 kms and some as far as the eye can see Fuerteventura is truly "The Jewel In The Crown" of the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands real Estate market sets itself aside from mainland Spain, canary islands golf courses and all year round sunshine

Canary Islands leading Spanish Real Estate Opportunities

18/06/2008
New research reveals the Canary Islands are becoming increasingly popular with overseas investors. In particular buy to let properties are doing exceedingly well.
According to a study by Globaledge.co.uk the popularity of the Canary Islands amongst property investors has rocketed. In the survey Tenerife appeared in the top ten, followed closely by Fuerteventura. Regions Costs Teguise in Lanzarote, Palm Mar in Tenerife and Caleta de Fuste in Fuerteventura all made the top 70 most sought after locations.
Overseas property specialists David Stanely Redfern were not surprised by the results. They claim the Canary Islands are attracting an increased number of investors due to its year round sunshine and excellent returns on rental holiday homes. Liam Bailey head of international research for David Stanley Redfern explains:
“Though never scorching, the Canary Islands is warm all year round, and Tenerife tourism is on the rise again.”
Investors make rental yields of between 8 and 10% depending on how much they use it themselves,” adds Bailey.
New developments in the region are set to encourage further interest in the Canary Island. Such developments include new five star hotels, marina’s and golf courses.

Hot properties for sale in Fuerteventura.

One bedroom refurbished ground floor apartment in a complex with three communal pools. €85,000


One bedroom semi detached villa with private garage, gardens, communal pool and stunning views. €100,000


One bedroom furnished ground floor apartment with communal pools. €110,000


One bedroom furnished apartment with communal pools and views across Dunes. €112,500


Two bedroom Corralejo apartment fully furnished and ready for use, two fabulous communal swimming pools. €130,000


Two bedroom terraced villa with large roof terrace, fully furnished and fabulous communal swimming pools. €142,895


Two bedroom penthouse apartment fully furnished, garage and private roof terrace with sea views. €145,000


One bedroom furnished apartment close to Dunes and with own private swimming pool. €155,000


Three bedroom new detached villa, garden, roof terrace with stunning views communal swimming pool. €198,950


Three bedroom villa in Corralejo, huge roof terrace, fully furnished with private swimming pool. €330,000

Currency Exchange Rate Worries ??

Buy your Fuerteventura Property in English Pounds!!
RESIDENCIAL LAS AMERICAS II SPECIAL OFFER FOR POUND STERLING

MANY TIMES WHEN BUYING PROPERTY IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY ONE OF THE MOST COMPLICATED ISSUES IS THAT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE. RESIDENCIAL LAS AMERICAS HAVE COME UP WITH THE SOLUTION. PAY THEM IN POUND STERLING!INTRODUCING A SPECIAL OFFER FOR BUYERS WHOSE BASE CURRENCY IS POUND STERLING. TWO BEDROOM HOMES 60 M2 CONSTRUCTED WITH 100 M2 OF GARDEN SPACE FOR ONLY ….£ 109,999

* Payment must be made in pound sterling,

* Offer good till August 31,2008.

Euro Exchange – the real cost to British Buyers in Canary Islands

Following the strong media exposure damping British buyers hopes of buying holiday homes in Spain due to the strong Euro, it is well worth further examination of the real cost the current exchange rates poses to those looking to take advantage of competitively priced properties on offer this year.

With the current exchange in the region of GBP 1 to Euro 1.26 compared to Euro 1.40 a year ago a property of 200,000 Euros now would cost 15,873 GBP more. This is based on paying the full amount using GBP of course, something which rarely ever happens as the majority of buyers in Canary Islands use locally sourced mortgages taken in Euros and take advantage of the Islands extended season for rental. Where the rental is payable in Euros the monthly mortgage repayments are not subject to any exchange costs.

John Goldacre from the Canary Islands property specialist Goldacre Estates points out, ‘in a typical scenario investors take advantage of the lower rates offered by Euro mortgages compared to Sterling equivalents. Where a 70% mortgage is offered locally, our clients only have to exchange 30% from Sterling to Euros, representing a minimal cost of exchange compared to paying 100% from Sterling.’

A 200,000Euro example then would actually only cost 4,762 GBP more than a year ago, not 15,873GBP. This realistic cost when compared to the localised markets of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com should be considered carefully. Currently Fuerteventura offers some of the lowest priced properties as it is still in the early growth stages compared to mature markets like mainland Spain or even Tenerife. Combine this with a long rental season due to year round letting capabilities and the media presented picture becomes less obvious.

John has this to say, ‘Shrewd investors have turned their attentions away from the more familiar markets of continental Europe towards smaller niche sectors offering less volume but higher quality and favoured positions. One such example is the Vista Mar project in Fuerteventura offering frontline sea view apartments of very high quality build and design that include many extras such as air-conditioning, fully fitted kitchens, 42m2 terraces, private garaging, gym facilities as well as a 25m pool for exclusive owner use. Products like this are exceptional in todays market and provide the best cover against recessions especially when there is only a 20% investment required today and then you look at local additions that make up the total investment picture such as additional investment in the airport, new golf facilities close by, a new marina, promenade, blue flag beach and ferry services to other islands close by.’

GoldAcre Estates can be contacted on www.goldacre-estates.com or e-mail info@goldacre-estates.com

Fuerteventura Island Road Improvements

Fuerteventura has a modern road network that is regularly well maintained makes travel to all parts of the island easy and hassle free. In line with this policy and the continuing efforts to upgrade the system, work is to start on the widening the major FV2 road into Antigua. On completion later in the summer work will then begin on the same road into Gran Tarajal. These two projects will cost one and three and a half million euros respectively. This will greatly benefit access to Gran Tarajal and the new facilities such as the golf course at Las Playitas and the marina next to the Vista Mar apartments
http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/pages/new/vista-mar.html

Special Car Hire rates for June in Fuerteventura

Autoventura bring via GoldAcre Estates a special rate to hire your car whilst on holiday in June you can rent a fully Air-conditioned Micra all inclusive for one week from only 158.00 Euros 3 days 82.00 Euros, Ford Focus 7 days 199.00 Euros 3 Days 100.00 Euros, Volkswagen Cabriolet 7 Days 300.00 Euros 3 Days 150.00 Euros for your best priced rental today simply e-mail info@goldacre-estates.com with your dates and put into the subject line GAEAV Special and you will receive a personalized quotation.
Prices include Free Airport Collection and Delivery Service for Clients

Radio QFM

Want to keep in touch and listen to the sounds of Fuerteventura Radio QFM Fuerteventura’s foremost radio station brings you all the local news and music from around Fuerteventura just click here and the sound of sunshine will come pouring through.

New Centre opens to assist UK buyers in Fuerteventura with Tax Returns, Legal Advice and Fiscal Matters

Fresh bright and designed to ensure you have total peace of mind regarding all your Legal and Fiscal matters here in Fuerteventura.Fuerteventura Business Centre is a part of the Ficonges Group of companies offering Fiscal and Legal services to both Private and Business clients.

Ficonges Group have been looking after the Fiscal, Legal and Tax matters of Canarian Businesses and Residents including European Nationals successfully for the past 25 years and they are now pleased to announce the opening of a new office designed to specifically look after the needs of the residents of Fuerteventura.
Their Services include:Banking, Insurance including home, buildings, motor, business, contents, life and investments, Obtaining NIE numbers and Residencia, Buying and Selling Businesses, Company Formation, Taxes and I.G.I.C, Submitting Tax returns,Wealth Tax, Business Licenses, Registration of individuals in the Social Security and National Tax system, Car Transfers, Traffic Documents,Registration of Business Names, Legal services including formalisation of wills and property title and so much more.
Fuerteventura Business Centre protecting You and Your FutureCall us today on 609 560 685 or visit our site www.fuerteventurabusinesscentre.com to see how we can help you.

Fuerteventura grows in stature in many ways.

Although the football season in the UK is done and dusted its really hotting up under the Fuerteventura sun, where our team UD Fuerteventura finished a very creditable third in the Second Division B, especially when you take into account Real Madrid Castilla finished fifth. This put them into the playoffs and although the first leg against Alicante at home remained scoreless the 2500 crowd are expecting the dream to stay alive on 2nd June at the return leg. Promotion would put us one league away from La Liga with Barcelona, Real Madrid etc. and give us entry to La Copa del Rey and potentially put us against one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Ryan Air Guaranteed Low Fares To Fuerte

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline announced eight new routes from Dusseldorf to Fuerteventura, Malaga, Marrakesh, Milan, Seville, Trapani (Sicily), Valencia and Vaxjo (Sweden). The new routes go on sale now and start in September, when Ryanair will base two further Boeing 737-800 aircraft in Dusseldorf, bringing its total investment there to $280m. Ryanair also launched its European price Guarantee. If passengers find a cheaper fare on the same route with any other airline, they will be entitled to double the difference between the two fares.

Announcing this route expansion and Ryanair’s Price Guarantee, Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said: “Ryanair’s Dusseldorf Weeze base starts in just one month’s time and our low fares have been selling so well that we are already announcing 8 new routes. This expansion will deliver 2m passengers p.a. at Dusseldorf by 2008, creating 2,000 jobs and a visitor spend of €200m in the Niederrhein region. “To celebrate, we are launching our biggest ever seat sale with 10 million seats across Europe from just €10. If you find a cheaper fare with any other airline we will give you double the difference. We urge all passengers to log on immediately for the lowest fares in Europe – GUARANTEED”. You can log on to www.buyin-fuerteventura.com for more information.

BuyIN Fuerteventura Out

The 10th edition of BUYIN’ Fuerteventura and the 3th edition of BUYIN’ Gran Canaria is now available in hard copy throughout both Islands. The renowned property portals can also be visited directly on www.buyin-fuerteventura.com and www.buyingrancanaria.com where you can download both editions with their wide coverage of services, properties and useful information.

Fuerteventura Holiday Market Analysis

1. Self Catering Holidays Are Now More Popular Than All-in Packages:

Low air fares to most holiday resorts and a plentiful supply of accommodation to rent, means more people now take their holidays in self catering apartments and villas than package tours.
Renting an apartment or villa gives you more freedom than a hotel. You can have better control of your diet, come and go as you please, watch TV and there’s no fighting for space around the pool. The only disadvantage is you have to clean up when you leave – there are no servants to do that for you!The boom in property prices worldwide has also provided plenty of choice of accommodation, as owners have used equity in their homes to invest in a holiday home. Many owners stay in their holiday home during their vacation, then rent out the property at other times.Is buying a holiday villa a wise investment? First, let’s consider alternative places for your savings. The stock market has being going sideways or down for several years and many experts are talking about a long term downward move. Of course there’s always the bank but the return there is very low. The price of property may go down in the short term but it has always bounced back in the past and buying at a lower price is attractive; and property, unlike some stocks and shares, will never go bust!. Don’t forget you can use a second home for your own holidays, a perk not supplied with a savings account!So, if you decide to buy a holiday villa the next question is where to buy? Some areas attract holidaymakers all year round, and some just during the summer months. The weather is the reason of course. The Canary Islands are the preferred holiday destination for most Europeans as average temperatures vary little all year and holiday accommodation in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Lanzarote should prove a worthwhile investment. As an apartment or villa in the Canary Islands will attract visitors 12 months a year, so the rental income is going to be higher than you would expect from, say, a cottage in Cornwall. Florida to gets visitors ,throughout the year, especially if you buy a villa or apartment within easy reach of Disney World and other theme parks but of course you have much further to travel and can sometimes be subject to severe weather something you do not find in the Canaries .Of course other European destinations and emerging markets do not offer year round opportunities to rent / let your property because of the closed winter season, unless of course you look at places like Crete which has a similar weather pattern to the Canary Islands but it can be 14-15 C in the winter months which is a little cooler than the Canaries. If you decide to buy a holiday home you will of course need to advertise your apartment or Villa to attract holidaymakers. The best way is on the internet. Most holidaymakers now use this to book both their accommodation and flights.
For the Canaries try www.buyin-fuerteventura.com and www.buyingrancanaria.com and for advertising Fuerteventura properties why not talk to www.roomtobreathesl.com.

2. Families Shrug off The Crunch for Summer Holidays

According to a recent article on holiday package sales, holidaymakers are ignoring the economic gloom and spending more than ever on their summer breaks.
The big tour operators say holiday sales are up eight per cent on last year, despite huge hikes in fuel, power and food bills. Some are shying away from Euroland and going to Turkey, Bulgaria and other countries based on price. But many know that for quality Spain is still No1 and also still cheaper than the UK by far and people seem to be spending more to escape the doom and gloom."Holidays tend to be the last to suffer and while costs are up in the traditional holiday hotspots, they still represent good value compared to prices here."Flyglobespan chief Rick Green said flight sales were up from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. He said: "Although we are seeing strong demand for our non-Euro routes, our traditional European summer holiday destinations are still the most popular. There's been an upsurge in demand on key traditional routes as well as exceptional sales to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.”Green added: "We have a loyal customer base who fly with us year after year, often returning to the same Euro destinations. The exchange rate has not affected their decision on where to holiday as they are confident that they will still find good value in these resorts, and know that we will continue to offer low-cost flights and accommodation packages to all our destinations.""The biggest increase of all seems to be in winter sun holidays, with November and December filling up fast - the Canaries being the most popular plus New York for shopping. When you live in our northern climes your prescription for good health is a holiday in the sun."

Fuerteventura Investors Market Analysis

1. Online Enquiries put Spain on Top Established markets in Europe are still highly popular with British property investors a new study has found. According to Global Edge, towns and cities in Spain have attracted more online searches from prospective investors than anywhere else in the world. In addition, many buyers were found to be very interested in buying a house on Spanish islands such as Lanzarote, Tenerife and other Canary Islands such as Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
Global Edge commented: "Five out of the top ten most popular search locations are Spanish and the top 103 locations are dotted with Spanish towns and coastal names." High on the list of searches was Fuerteventura, Corralejo, Calete de Fuste along with Lanzarote and Gran Canaria with places such as Puerto Rico.
Spain was rated as the most popular location overall, despite the strong competition from rival markets such as Turkey and Cyprus.

2. Property Investors Looking Abroad for Better Returns First time buyers (FTBs) from the UK are increasingly considering investing abroad, an expert has revealed.
Nick Fullerton, managing director of FC Exchange, stated that the housing market in Britain is currently in a state of "turmoil". This, he said, has led to people who are looking to get on the housing ladder for the first time looking elsewhere. FTBs do not wish to take a hit in the domestic market and believe that investing abroad offers better growth potential and value for money.He added that other buyers in the UK are concerned about the plummeting house prices in Britain and would prefer to invest in expanding markets overseas. As a result, FC Exchange has seen a surge in the amount of enquiries related to purchasing a house abroad. Mr Fullerton said: "These record figures are encouraging and demonstrate the continuing appetite to invest in overseas property."According to research by A Place in the Sun magazine, France and Spain are currently the two most popular markets with British property buyers.

GoldAcre Estates Expands Into Greece

We are pleased to announce the expansion of our company into the growing market of Greece and the Greek Islands. GoldAcre Estates has just launched a new website www.goldacreestatesgreece.com offering properties throughout Greece.

Our new website offers information on all aspects of Greek life along with Tourism information as well as the important things such as how to buy a property safely in Greece, you will also find much information on the history of Greece as well as the many different islands and beaches and culture that is offered in places, like Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Santorini, Patmos, Samos, Zakynthos, Kos, Naxos, Paros, Spetses and a whole lot more including Skiing and the Greek Ski resorts.
We have appointed an operations Manager for Greece Elena Panagopoulou, whose responsibility will be to develop GoldAcre Estates business throughout Greece.

GoldAcre Estates have been developing this project over the last 12 months to get us into a position where we can offer our full client services wherever you decide to buy in Greece.
For further information contact via email elenap@goldacre-estates.com or visit www.goldacreestatesgreece.com