Villas in Lanzarote - Is Now the Right Time to Buy?

Despite the 20% devaluation of Sterling against the Euro over the past year, Lanzarote, along with Tenerife and mainland Spain, seems as popular as ever with holidaymakers. More than 2 million Brits took to the air this Easter weekend in search of warmer climates, according to ABTA, with members reporting an upsurge in bookings over the past month, both for Easter and the summer holiday season.

Figures just released suggest that holiday bookings this month from the UK will be 20% up on April 2008 - not bad for a country that is apparently in the grip of the worst recession since the 1930s.

Villas in Lanzarote have been the accommodation of choice for many holidaying on the island for many years now. Holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland seem to value the freedom of self catering in a stylish villa with its own pool, and this has been a driving factor behind the growth of the holiday villa industry on Lanzarote.

Oddly enough, the onset of the recession might even have worked in favour of villa holidays, as families can choose to cook themselves and save money, rather than paying out for restaurant and hotel meals.

In terms of the property market on Lanzarote, the increasing popularity of villa and apartment holidays led to a sharp increase in the prices of property in Lanzarote in the years running up to 2005, as people saw the value and returns that they could achieve from buy to let holiday villas, whilst having access to easy mortgage credit. This also fuelled a big expansion in the building of villas, especially in and around Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.

With the credit crunch, however, mortgage funds are now less available, bank repossessions have increased, and property prices have fallen back - in some cases, quite sharply. As a result, there are now some very good property bargains to be had, compared with a year or two ago. This element, combined with the fact that the holiday rentals market has remained strong, should improve the rental and investment yields of holiday villas.

For those with the cash to invest in villas on Lanzarote, these yields could prove highly attractive compared to the negligible returns on cash deposits, bonds and other alternative forms of investment that are currently available.

Holiday Villas in Lanzarote - 10 Top Tips For Successfully Renting Your Villa

There are now estimated to be well over 3,000 holiday villas in Lanzarote, and the biggest holiday rental sites have over 600 each on their books. With the recession hitting visitor numbers to the island to the extent of them being 20% down in the first 3 months of 2009, this is sombre reading for owners of holiday villas in Lanzarote, who need to rent their properties out for a large proportion of the year. It's very competitive out there!

So what can Lanzarote villa owners do to ensure they successfully let their properties in the current climate? We suggest the following 10-point strategy:

1. Furnish well - the trick is to invest in robust furnishings that look great and photograph well, but will also stand wear and tear. This usually means that buying cheaply is a false economy - remember you are furnishing a holiday home, not student accommodation.

2. Use great photographs and prepare them well. Before taking the picture, spend as long as possible staging the photo, arranging furniture and fittings etc, and make sure the lighting is right. Take exterior shots on a sunny day, and do not feature people in your photos. You could also consider filming a video tour of your villa - this gives an added dimension that photos alone cannot deliver, and may give you an edge. Again, however, make sure your filming is stage managed to emphasise all the best aspects of your villa.

3. If your photography and filming skills are not up to scratch, hire a professional! It will probably pay for itself in the first year.

4. If you are not planning to manage the villa yourself, spend time researching and appointing good Villa Managers. The key things you are looking for are high quality and reliable cleaning services (for the pool and villa), laundry, and being responsive and attentive to customer queries. Remember, these people are the equivalent of the holiday rep if you are not nearby.

5. Be realistic with your pricing. Review some of the villa rental sites that are already advertising, and check out some of your competitors in the same geographical area. If you are planning to charge more for your villa than they are, make sure the reasons are obvious in your advertisement!

6. Focus your selling copy on your real points of difference - with so many villas on Lanzarote, you need to have some unique selling points. These could be property features (for example hot spa, private pool), views (especially a sea view), proximity to other attractions (beaches, golf, nightlife etc). Make these USPs (unique selling points) STAND OUT in your villa advertising copy.

7. Advertise - these days, the internet is where people look for holiday villas, so choose sites that rank well for key search terms on Google. How many sites you choose to advertise on is a matter of affordability, but if you are looking for 20 or more weeks of lettings per year, we would recommend advertising on at least two, and preferably three sites, rather than relying on one advert.

8. Show an Availability Calendar - this is a double edged sword, because if it has lots of gaps, it doesn't look good! However, potential customers will need to know your villa is available when they want it, so we'd recommend it.

9. Respond to enquiries promptly, and always within 24 hours. Most enquirers will have written to a short list of villa owners, including you, so simply replying quickly should help you to convert more enquiries to sales. When replying to initial enquiries (which usually ask for confirmation of price and availability), again emphasise your USPs (the points that are unique about your villa), but do this succinctly and factually, without 'over selling'.

10. Add finishing touches - the Welcome Pack, luxurious towels and good linen will speak volumes when your customers arrive, and will encourage them to book with you again next year.

So there you have it - a suggested 10-point strategic plan for successful villa rentals in Lanzarote. Put this plan into action, and you should see the inquiries arriving sooner rather than later.

Planning Your Budget Lanzarote Villas and Apartment Holidays

If they haven't already now is the time that most people will start to plan their annual vacation and if you are planning to stay in the European region then you have an excellent choice of suitable destinations to choose from for that sun kissed holiday break.

The European mainland can be a bit fickle when it comes to the weather although further south in Spain, Greece and Italy the weather is a little more stable, however one area that has an outstanding weather record throughout the year is of course the Canary Islands and in particular Lanzarote.

Combined with the other six Canary Islands in the chain, Lanzarote enjoys an outstanding semi-tropical environment, delivering clement temperatures whatever the season thanks to its geographical situation close to the tropic of cancer just off the coast of Africa.

The islands location coupled with exceptionally low levels of rainfall, have created a dry and arid landscape that could be considered desert like in areas, and Lanzarote happens to be essentially devoid of trees and vegetation particularly around the southerly part of the Island.

The scenery here is definitely made even more unique and bizarre due to the fact that Lanzarote was rocked by tremendous amounts of volcanic activity some two hundred and fifty years ago. This left large areas of the interior of the island giving the impression of being a scene from a science fiction motion picture, or indeed a ficticious desert planet.

However, away from the volcanic area Lanzarote's beauty could not be more conventional and is in keeping with other holiday islands in the chain with roughly 100 beach locations spread round the coastline coupled with 3 modern and well developed holiday vacation resorts for travelers to enjoy. These also happen to be the best place to find the bulk of the choicest Lanzarote villas and holiday accommodation.

The small Canary Island of Lanzarote offers extremely good value for money for anyone searching for a villa break on a tight budget (which includes many families given the current climate), as it gives you an exceptional choice of privately owned rental accommodation which is quite often available at prices that are a good deal cheaper than on other Spanish holiday islands.

Puerto del Carmen is without doubt the islands main resort being ideally located close to the only airport at Arrecife and blessed with an abundance of golden sandy beaches and combine that with extremely good nightlife and in addition a large collection of cafes and restaurants it's not hard to see why.

Holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen start at approximately ?500 each week and all feature high quality facilities for example private pools and jacuzzis, broadband connections and of course not forgetting the ever popular satellite TV.

Second when it comes to visitor numbers to the main resort of Puerto del Carmen is Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca is the islands fastest expanding vacation destination, and has grown enormously (although carefully) from when the very first hotels and villas were built here during the 1990's. The resort is becoming a byword for good value holiday accommodation offering a selection of well priced apartments, rental accommodation and villas. For instance, the majority of villas in Playa Blanca can generally be rented from as low as ?400 each week - depending on the month or time of year of course.

Other popular resorts include Costa Teguise which is the most northerly resort on the island and is only a pleasant 15 minute taxi or coach ride from the main airport. Another growing favourite is the islands newest luxury resort of Puerto Calero which is unashamedly targeted at the exclusive end of the holiday market with an excellent range of chic boutiques. Also as would be expected from a resort of this stature Puerto Calero is home to an impressive 400 plus berth marina if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel here on your own private motor or sailing yacht.

Lanzarote can be enjoyed as a holiday destination at any time of the year. But some months are better than others with the most unreliable weather usually experienced during the months of February and March although the climate is still mild even then.

Lanzarote - Leading Destination For Quality Holiday Villas and Apartments

More and more holiday makers from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain and elsewhere are discovering the dramatic yet serene beauty that forms a backdrop to the main holiday resorts on Lanzarote. It is now the Canary Island's second most popular island after Tenerife, which of course is much larger.

Most people will choose to stay in villas in Lanzarote, with villas in Playa Blanca particularly popular. This also applies to Costa Teguise, which also has a good range of all inclusive hotels, and is also renowned for water sports. Costa Teguise is located very near to the capital, Arrecife, and the airport.

There are also a lot of apartments in Lanzarote, with the highest availability of these in Puerto del Carmen, also quite near to the airport. Puerto del Carmen is well known for it's 'strip', the Avenida de las Playas, which is 6 kilometres long, and hosts a large number of bars, restuarants and night clubs where you can party until 6 am. Despite this, Puerto del Carmen is also very popular with families and older people - mind you, these days, they are sometimes the age group that party the most!

There are many attractions and places to visit all over Lanzarote, and all can be easily reached from your Lanzarote villas or apartment. The most famous is the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, where the heat of the still-active (but dormant!) volcano is used to cook at the Restaurant that is at the heart of ther visitor centre. You can take an escorted coach ride around the park, and enjoy a fascinating narration about the last eruption of the volcano in the 17th century.

For many it will be the beaches that attract people to Lanzarote. They are truly spectacular, especially around Papagayo and Playa Blanca in the South, and at Caleta de Famara, in the wider North west of the island. The main resort beaches at Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are very safe for bathing.

Lanzarote Villas - Moving from the UK to Live in One

So you´ve made the big decision and decided to leave the UK behind and go and live in a villa in Lanzarote. But how do you go about it and what things do you need to do?

The important thing first of all of course is to buy your villa in Lanzarote and sell your UK home! Once you´ve done that, you´re ready to start your preparations for the big day. You have 2 choices concerning your house furniture, either sell it and buy new in Lanzarote, or ship it over along with your personal belongings. The option you choose will really depend on whether you want to keep your furniture or not. Personally, in most cases I think it´s better to sell off your furniture in the UK and buy new in Lanzarote. Lanzarote villas are not the same as UK houses and I´ve seen people shipping over their furniture which just doesn´t look right in their new Spanish villa. However, if you decide to ship over, use a company like T.C. Freight who will load it into a container and ship it to Lanzarote.

If you decide to sell your furniture, advertise it in the local paper, let your friends know what´s for sale, and for what remains, have a "garage sale" along with any other furniture and belongings you don´t want to take with you. It´s amazing what people will buy and just how much money you can raise from these sales! You will get antique dealers coming along looking for anything which might be of some value, and you might be surprised to find some old tea set in the attic is worth a bit of money. At the end of your sale day, someone will usually come along and buy what´s left, but if not, chuck it in the skip with all the other junk you´ve collected over the years.

You can either take all your personal belongings with you on the plane or send them by airfreight in advance. The latter option is by far the best - you can get them uplifted from your home a few days before you leave and they will be delivered to your new villa in Lanzarote a few days after you arrive. Packed into boxes, it´ll cost less than you think, and almost certainly less than you´ll have to pay for excess luggage.

An important thing you need to do is to inform everyone who needs to know, of your new contact details in Lanzarote or that you no longer require their service. These will include banks, building societies, TV licencing, vehicle licencing if you have a car to sell, share companies, trusts, pension companies etc. etc. Go through all your paperwork and documents and also try to think of all mail which you receive from time to time which is important to you. You may be able to get mail forwarded to you in Lanzarote or perhaps to family or friends in the UK who can send on anything important.

If you have any pets that you are going to take with you to Lanzarote, see your vet well before your moving day. They will be able to advise you on the required documentation and any injections that may be required. If you are flying to Lanzarote, your pet can go with you on the plane. Use a company like http://www.animalairlines.co.uk to do all the work for you. Remember though, it isn´t cheap!

That´s you ready then to start your new life in a Lanzarote villa. Good luck!

Holiday Villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote - An Ideal Family Resort

Playa Blanca, Lanzarote has long been enjoyed as an ideal family holiday resort. Situated at the southern tip of Lanzarote, it enjoys the best weather on the island, which can be enjoyed all year round, this making this jewel of Lanzarote an ideal winter holiday destination as well.

The start of many new flights from the UK since October 2009, thanks to Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Monarch, has caused a reduction in travelling costs to Lanzarote, and this helped to contribute to a 31% increase in passengers in October 2009 compared to the same month in 2008.

Playa Blanca was originally a fishing village, but has grown into a thriving family resort, based around the development of top quality, luxurious holiday villas. There is also a wide choice of restaurants to suit all budgets, as well as a good range of 4 and 5 star hotels.

Playa Blanca offers magnificent views. Out to sea, there is a spectacular view of Lobos and Fuerteventura, the two neighbouring islands. In the other direction, the mountains of Femes and Timanfaya provide a spectacular backdrop to this beautiful resort.

This area also has some of the best beaches on Lanzarote, including several at Costa del Papagayo situated at the northern end of Playa Blanca, Playa Dorada (close to the stylish Marina Rubicon with its designer boats and yachts), the Town Beach, and Playa Flamingo at the southern end. In between, there is also the port of Playa Blanca, where ferries travel to and from Fuerteventura.

Many seasoned visitors believe that the area is best enjoyed at one of the many luxury villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. These range in size from 2 bedroomed, semi-detached properties that are close to the centre, to 4 bedroomed, properties, many of which can be seen as you travel south from the town towards the lighthouse and Faro Park areas at the southernmost tip of the island. Many villas in this area enjoy great sea views of the Bocaina Straits, and the neighboring islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos.

Lanzarote specialist villa agencies will often tend to be more knowledgeable than the more international villa advertising sites that frequently top the Google listings. Look a little further down the lists, and you will see several of the better known Lanzarote specialist sites. They will always be ready to help with advice about locations, the need for a car, local attractions, and so on, as well as also often knowing a lot about the individual properties themselves.

Try booking a villa in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, when you plan your next family holiday. You are unlikely to be disappointed, and your family will probably be highly delighted!

Lanzarote Villas - Ideal Holiday Home Investments

The financial sector has not been giving investors a significant return on there savings for many years now and the prognosis for the foreseeable future does not seem too buoyant either. And even though the rate of inflation remains low with the rises in indirect taxation and other living expenses not tracked in the RPI increasing this is continuing to squeeze the incomes of those relying in whole or part on the interest or dividends from their savings.

Holiday homes abroad are popular form of ongoing investment so let's take a look at Lanzarote in the Canaries. As here investors can enjoy a year round rental calendar thanks to the islands incredibly clement climate as well as a robust tourist industry that is starting to bounce back from the economic crisis of last year, when Lanzarote still managed to welcome close to 1.4 million visitors.

Lanzarote, which is located in the Canarian archipelago, is an ideal location for anyone thinking about buying a holiday rental property. Thanks to the fact that the all year round level of sunshine and little in the way of rainfall. Which translates into a full 12 months worth of rental returns for investors, as the season here never really stops unlike other parts of Spain

Lanzarote villas can not only give you a rental return though, as you will be able use your investment property yourself if you take regular annual breaks. Using your own property can help you save a significant amount of money that would otherwise be used to pay for holiday accommodation elsewhere, a fact that is often overlooked when calculation returns form holiday property investment.

Despite being owned by Spain Lanzarote and the other six Canary Islands are situated much closer to Africa, just off the continent's west coast and close to the Tropic of Cancer. As a result rainfall here is minimal whilst temperatures remain spring like all year round. Conditions which have created a vibrant tourist industry, with the Canaries being the second most visited region in Spain after Catalonia.

Lanzarote was not left unscathed however by the recent downturn - as visitor numbers here dropped just as they did across the rest of Spain. Thanks to the resulting depreciation of sterling against the euro and the general fall in consumer confidence created by the crisis. Resulting in a sharp drop in the number of people booking holidays in Lanzarote during 2009.

Traditionally the Lanzarote property market has been powered by investment from the UK. As foreign buyers have bought up apartments and villas in Lanzarote to rent out to their fellow countrymen. And despite the downturn the island still remains an attractive investment option. Not least as returns from savings and shares in the UK remain low, whilst property prices on the island have fallen considerably over the last year. With some villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote's fastest growing resort, now selling for under €200,000 for the first time.

As well as a reliable tourist industry and great weather Lanzarote also offers holidaymakers plenty of attractions and activities. Factors which have helped to maintain the island's ongoing popularity which is very important for long term rental investments. These include an array of natural wonders, such as the verdant Valley of 1000 Palms in the north of the island. And the number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park - where visitors can gaze in awe at over 300 now dormant peaks.

There are also close to 100 beaches to explore along with some very pretty little villages such as Haria and Yaiza. And with car hire in Lanzarote so cheap this unique little island is easy to tour.

The fairly unique blend of Sun Sea and culture also ensures that the demographic of visitors is also diverse making the Island a popular destination for all age groups as well as retired visitors looking for long term winter rentals.

Lanzarote Villas - What It's Like to Live in One

So you´ve bought your beautiful Lanzarote villa in the sun and are planning to move there to stay. But is living abroad really for you? Is your new life going to be any better than what you´ve been used to in the UK?

As a contributor to internet forums on Lanzarote and UK Expats, the most commonly asked question I receive is "What is it like to live in Lanzarote?" There are many people who move to Lanzarote from the UK to fulfill their dream of living in the sun, but end up going back home after just a few months disillusioned. There are 3 main reasons for this.

The first is that they find out that once the novelty of the sun shining each day has worn off, life in another country isn´t really any better than it was back in the UK. They miss their family, and decide that living abroad isn´t really for them. Of the 3 main reasons for returning home, this is the hardest one to be able to predict and do something about. You often don´t know if you´ll like something until you try it. For this reason, sometimes it may be better to rent a villa for 6 months or so to start with to find out if you like living in Lanzarote before you fully commit to buying your own property. You tend to find that it´s the females who will miss their families most, and as the UK is just 4 hours or less in a plane from Lanzarote, the odd trip home can help in that respect.

Secondly, it´s very easy to choose the wrong place to live. If you don´t speak Spanish and enjoy socializing with other expats, then it wouldn´t be a good idea to live in a Lanzarote village where there are no expats as you will feel very lonely and isolated and very easily homesick. There are many urbanizations which have plenty of expats living there and where it will be very easy to integrate and make friends. On the other hand, if you don´t want to mix with expats but to live with the locals and learn the language quickly, then Lanzarote village life will be for you. You need to know exactly what you want. Bear in mind too that Lanzarote is a year-round tourist resort, and if you want a quiet and peaceful lifestyle don´t choose to live in the centre of Puerto del Carmen, the busiest resort!

Thirdly, and probably the main reason why things don´t work out, is financial. Many people move to Lanzarote with little money and no jobs, and soon find they just can´t make ends meet. It´s very difficult getting a well paid job in Lanzarote unless you speak Spanish fluently and have some in-demand skills to offer. If you don´t, you´ll end up in a low paid job with long unsocial hours, and all too soon the dream turns sour. Try to bring out enough money to last at least your first year and learn the language as soon as possible. There are also opportunities to set up your own business, as Lanzarote is still a developing island with new villas needing managing etc. Despite what a lot of people might think, the cost of living in Lanzarote is not that much different from the UK. Petrol and council tax are lower, and there are minimal if any heating bills, but most other costs are much the same as in the UK. It´s easy to think you can live a different, cheaper lifestyle but when you are used to a certain standard of living, that is not so easy in practice.

So before you come to live in Lanzarote, do your homework, save up some money, and learn the language. If you can get off to a good start, it´s a great place to stay!

Renting Villas in Lanzarote

Renting villas in Lanzarote, or on any of the Canary Islands, is a great way to vacation with friends or family. While there is something to be said for all-inclusive resorts, if you want to save money, getting a villa in Lanzarote is a smart choice.

If you are not familiar with Lanzarote, it is the Eastern-most of the Canary Islands. It is right off the coast of Africa and near Spain. In fact, it is considered part of Spain, so normal European Union rules apply. Because of its proximity to the equator and Africa, Lanzarote enjoys mild weather for most of the year. All the Canaries do. Lanzarote is particularly blessed with little rain and a nice breeze that bring warm air from Africa.

It is not as well known or traveled as some of the other Canary Islands. It is more of an outdoorsey persons vacation spot. Yes there is shopping and great restaurants, but the island is known for its flora, fauna and ecology, not for its nightlife. So renting a villa on this beautiful island is even more special. Be assured that not all holiday villas in Lanzarote are created equal. Some cater to family-style vacations. Some advertise their amenities, like a swimming pool or proximity to the golf courses. Others describe the beautiful, tranquil landscape and on Lanzarote it is still possible to feel a million miles from the rest of the world.

Rural villas are popular. You can feel like a millionaire for about $1,000 a week. Villas that are closer to the towns will cost about the same amount of money. On the island, you really aren't far from anything, no matter where you stay. Most villas are going to include a pool, television, computer access and garden.

When you get ready to start researching villas to rent in Lanzarote there are a couple of good tips to help you save time and money. First and most important, how many people will the villa hold and how many are you allowed to bring. Most rental agencies will charge by the person, to help defray costs on water, electricity and cleaning. While those charges will add to the cost of renting, you will be saving money on food, entertainment and pocket expenses like tips by staying out of the hotel/resort scene. The last tip is the most important: be sure to get an emergency contact from the rental agency. The heat could go out or the water heater could burst and you need a 24/7 phone number to call if that happens.

Luxury villas in Lanzarote generally rent by the week and you can expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000 a week.. By renting a self-described luxury villa you might not save much money, but you will enjoy privacy, quiet and a wider choice of meal options. Having a pool is nice. Having a private spa is so much nicer and for many couples and families, that makes all the difference. If you go in the off season, you may actually find a deal on a villa that is cheaper than what you would pay at a resort for the same quality of accommodations.

Most villas in Lanzarote are going to sleep 8 comfortably. The price will probably increase slightly for the maximum number of guests, but not enough to keep this option from being an amazing way to vacation.

If it's just the two of you and you want to stay in town, you can rent an apartment or duplex in the capital city of Arrecife for about $300 a week. This might be a great alternative to renting a large villa. Many of the apartments offer access to community pools.

Searching for villas for rent in Lanzarote is simple, much simpler than even 10 years ago. You don't need a travel agent. You just need a computer to research the options. Much like our parents did with brochures, you and your spouse can flip through the websites and compare prices, pictures and amenities. In the end, you many decide to still go the resort route. It all depends on your likes and dislikes. For example, for someone who hates to cook, the prospect of having to make meals in a villa could seem like no vacation at all! Whatever your final decision, a stay on Lanzarote will be worth the effort. Before the trip even ends you will be planning your next visit.

Why People Rent Villas in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a favourite all year round holiday destination in Europe. It is the fourth largest, most easterly of the Canary Islands not far from the coast of Africa. Typically Lanzarote is a 12 month a year holiday destination thanks to the warm climate.

Lanzarote itself has three main tourist resorts - Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. Puerto del Carmen is probably the largest and most popular with the tourists, although it isn't for everyone due to its lively night life because some people prefer a more relaxing holiday. Playa Blanca is smaller and more popular with families, couples and older visitors.

There are many Villas in Lanzarote, many of which are booked up all year around. So why are they so popular when there are so many hotels and apartments on the island?

A lot of the time people book villas when they are travelling with a large group. A villa tends to be a fixed cost, no matter how many people are staying in it. This is why they are so popular with families and large groups of friends. A lot of Villas sleep between 8 and 10 people, so image how cheap a holiday could be if you were paying £350 per week for a Villa between 10 people!

A lot of Villas are also built in quiet residential areas, which means they are out of the way of the hussle and noise of the main town areas. This is appealing to many people who visit Lanzarote as they tend to go to the island to relax in the natural surroundings.

Many private Villas in Lanzarote have private pools, which is ideal for those who like to relax away from the hectic atmosphere of pools at hotels and apartment resorts. Many villas also have a private patio or small garden area where you can enjoy a barbeque or simply lie out in the Lanzarote sun.

The whole atmosphere in a Lanzarote Villa is just so laid back. So if you want to save yourself a bit of money and enjoy a quiet, private, relaxing break on a beautiful, unspoilt island then a holiday villa is for you.

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