Unique Homes Blog

ON LOCATION

A hop, skip and a jump from the East Coast of Spain, or a two-hour flight from central Europe, Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and reportedly sees approximately 10 million visitors each year.

With an Arabian and Roman history, the island has not lost its Old World feel and to this day, one will find buildings influenced with ancient architecture. The historical feel of the buildings on the tropical oasis of Mallorca is enhanced with a new infrastructure, fabulous dining options, and high-end shopping.

According to Daniel Waschke, Engel & Völkers’ managing director for the Southwest area of Mallorca, this serene Mediterranean Island welcomes affluent tourists year-round and has a booming second-home real estate market.

“Due to the excellent flight connections, Mallorca offers an ideal scenario for second-home buyers,” says Waschke. “With temperatures hardly below 10 degrees Celsius [50 degrees Fahrenheit], you have all kinds of outdoor sports, especially golf (23 courses), tennis and cycling.”

Mallorca’s strict development regulations add to the island’s appeal. Buyers and visitors alike are ensured privacy and a balanced equation of supply and demand. According to Engel & Völkers, 40 percent of the island is devoted to protected territory and currently there is one “front-line” development in the works. Scheduled for completion in 2012, the development on Alcudia Beach will host 15 contemporary-style apartments starting at approximately $1.57 million.

According to Engel & Völkers, the most commonly sold properties at this time are villas averaging roughly 4,300 square feet that yield an approximate price range of $1.67 million to $2.675 million.

Villas with a view will come at a premium, but, according to Waschke, they are the most in-demand because they afford “privacy.” And at the end of the day, no privacy price tag is too high. In fact, Waschke notes that Engel & Völkers currently holds listings on Mallorca that reach $26.75 million, $40.125 million and $66.8 million.

With a combination of easy access, protected land and perfect weather year-round, Mallorca has “no competition at present within a two- to three-hour flight from Europe,” says Waschke.

GOING GLOBAL

Ascot is much more than home to one of the world’s most prestigious horseracing venues, where lords and ladies gather every season. During sporting spectacles such as the Epsom Derby, held every June, the community captures the dignity and spirit of English aristocracy.

“There is something so remarkably British about donning a top hat and tails, mixing with an array of Champagne Charlies and hoping to win a couple of quid in the meantime,” muses James Wyatt of Barton Wyatt, one of the area’s premier real estate firms.

The racing season at Ascot is just one slice of life in Great Britain’s lovely Berkshire County, dubbed “Royal Berkshire” due to the presence of Windsor Castle, just a short Bentley drive from the grandstands. Barton Wyatt regularly represents properties that reflect the grandeur of the Sport of Kings and James’ brother, Rupert Wyatt, is quick to remind buyers of the superb country clubs located in and around Ascot.

Many residents commute to London, just a half-hour train ride away, and Rupert Wyatt reports that Ascot’s exceptional schools are a major draw, along with its tranquil environment and regal sense of history. “Although we’ve been in this dreadful recession, Ascot has fared rather well,” he reports, adding, “Our housing market has been relatively resilient, and the cream of the crop is selling the best.”

—Roger Grody

FABULOUS FINDS

Singapore-based Frasers Property is developing Coast Papamoa Beach, a 60-acre masterplanned oceanfront community outside Tauranga, a rapidly growing city along the scenic Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island. Nestled between rolling hills and endless stretches of golden beach, this area has long been a popular vacation destination, but is now gaining traction for year-round residency. In addition to outdoor recreational opportunities, Tauranga boasts a cosmopolitan vibe reflected in art galleries, theater and fine dining.

Assessing the development’s international appeal, Ian Keightley of Auckland’s Salescoach Ltd. suggests its idyllic climate, New Zealand’s stable government, low taxes, and modern infrastructure make it particularly attractive. “Coast Papamoa Beach is about change of place, change of pace,” he reports.

On Queensland’s Gold Coast, a sleek 77-story tower called Soul is under construction at Surfer’s Paradise, a booming Australian beach community. The centerpiece of a comprehensive shoreline redevelopment program, Soul has already established itself as one of the most coveted residential addresses on the Gold Coast. The four-story penthouse has been pre-sold, reportedly commanding the equivalent of $15 million (US).

Australian-based Juniper Group is the developer of the $600 million project, which is attracting buyers from throughout the Pacific Rim. Amenities will include an outdoor pool overlooking the beach, an indoor lap pool, gym and spa, and ample shopping, dining and nightlife incorporated into the development.

—Roger Grody

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