In order to stimulate sales of new build property currently on the market, the Spanish government has announced that it is halving the Value Added Tax (IVA) on brand new villas, townhouses and apartments until the end of the year.
Formerly set at 8 per cent, this initiative will reduce the rate to 4 per cent and should provide a much-needed kick-start to the new housing market.
Why is it that most of the really good modern homes are still to be found in cities? Perhaps because modern sophistication belongs to the urban environment and reaches its apogee there, but occasionally you come across a property that defies the odds and proves that a modern home of quality and architectural distinction can indeed be created in the more idyllic environs of a lush coastal setting.
Despite, and perhaps thanks to the recession, a growing number of tourists are spending their holidays in Europe. While the initial shock of the financial crisis kept many at home, European tourists have gradually started coming out of their shell again, rediscovering the continent’s sunny spots with renewed vigour. Spurred on by attractive prices, and put off by the cost of long-haul holidays to former favourites such as Thailand and Australia, the number of visitors to European classics such as Spain and Portugal is on the rise again.
An interest group headed by esteemed horseman, Alejandro Barrera, has concluded that the Costa Blanca’s El Verger is the best location for a new equestrian centre that will help to consolidate Spain’s reputation as leading experts in the field.
The venue for the formal presentation was a popular local hotel, where the plans for this ambitious new venture, only eight kilometres from Denia, were unveiled to an audience consisting of members of the local press and other interested parties.
El Verger considered ideal location for Costa Blanca’s new equestrian centre
Property pur
chasers across the board have become increasingly demanding over the years and this phenomenon is even more marked among buyers of luxury homes.
Spain’s respected economic newspaper, Expansión, decided to ask the experts, namely esteemed vendors of high-end properties, consulting Rimontgó’s Cristina Martinez. Confirming that expectations were constantly increasing, she stated: “Executives spend very little time at home. But while they are there they expect all the comfort and five-star features that allow them to relax.”
Rimontgó features in Spain’s influential Expansión newspaper
Rimontgó is thrilled to be able to announce that two of their luxury properties have been featured within the DuPont Registry Homes’ “Top 16” in their 16th Anniversary Issue.
The DuPont Registry creates classified advertising publications specialising in luxury cars, real estate and yachts and is recognised around the World as a “must have” publication for those who love all things luxury, exotic and collectible.
For their 16th Anniversary edition, the duPont Registry Homes team scoured the globe to provide their readers with the top 16 luxurious baths, $16+ million estates, celebrity homes, entertainment rooms, amazing fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, spectacular pools, stunning vistas and views and exquisite wine cellars.
Whoever said America has no history or culture has obviously not been around enough. Admittedly Rhode Island is both one of the most historical and sophisticated parts of the US, but the elegant Belcourt Castle is an estate that would not be out of place among the finer chateaux of France.
Located in one of the most prestigious parts of Newport, within grounds that straddle the water, this 19th century masterpiece is clearly inspired by the styles of la belle France. Constructed under the supervision of Richard Morris Hunt, Belcourt is indeed styled on the original hunting lodge of Louis XIII at Versailles, and the three hundred skilled workmen who laboured on it have left architectural and decorative detailing to rival that of the original palace in France.
BIG