Published January 28, 2012The job is now finished, all painting completed, picon in the flowerbeds and Tony is filling the first swimming pool at 3-2.
Published February 22, 2009Good heating system in warm climate
Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the Canaries, which is an archipelago situated just off the north west coast of Africa. In respect to its close proximity to the continent, Lanzarote experiences warm mild weather throughout the year. Indeed, during the summer months temperatures will often soar above 30 celsius, whilst in the winter months the average is approximately 20-25 celsius. Even winter nights do not typically fall below 10 celsius.
Nevertheless, perhaps a much hotter and more uncomfortable climate would be expected of a destination just 127 kilometres away from the Sahara desert! Lanzarote offers such a pleasant climate predominantly because of the winds and ocean current affecting the area. The north easterly trade winds are typically quite cool, which helps to lower the overall temperature especially in summer, whilst the Canary Current brings in colder waters that serve to temper the heat that would normally be experienced at Lanzarote`s latitude.
Furthermore, Lanzarote does not experience heavy rainfall. In fact, due to its relatively flat landscape, Lanzarote receives only limited rain, most of which occurs in the winter months. As such, it can be said that, although Lanzarote is situated close to extremely hot desert conditions, its climatic conditions make for pleasantly mild to warm weather throughout the year. But what about heating?
Just because Lanzarote is warm does not mean that those residing on the island can forego all forms of heating. Indeed, after a hot summer it is normal to feel a little chilly once the cooler winter air arrives. Nevertheless, temperatures are not often low enough to justify traditional large scale, expensive and environmentally damaging heating appliances. This is why one of the most suitable types of product available on the market for a climate such as Lanzarote`s is that of underfloor heating.
When choosing floor heating for a warm weather climate, it is important to note that efficiency is crucially important – especially where fuel sources are expensive. This is where underfloor heating mats are the ideal solution, as their relatively low power consumption (160–200 Watts), floor temperature sensor and digital thermostat combine to provide just the right heat at affordable costs.
Additionally, floor heating can go over stone floors and act as an underlay for floating floors such as laminate. Underfloor heating mats are cheap, safe, easy to install and produce sufficient heating without excessive power consumption.
Natura Design S.L. Design + Build Home + Pool
Published June 11, 2007NIE now mandatory for non-resident property purchases
Planning to buy or sell property on Lanzarote? Then make sure that you have a NIE number – a Numero Personal de Indentificacion de Extranjero – which is a tax identification number for non-residents.
Until fairly recently non-residents purchasing or selling property could provide their passport as identification. But reports have reached us that Notary Offices on the island are now tightening up their requirements and will refuse to process property transactions in the absence of this form of fiscal identification. A change which has, apparently, caught more than a few island lawyers and estate agents on the hop in recent weeks.
Published June 11, 2007Property Prices up 16.5% in Tias District
Which part of the island has the highest house prices? According to Spanish market commentators Sociedad de Tasacion (one of Spain’s leading mortgage evaluation specialists) the priciest properties on Lanzarote are to be found in the municipality of Tias.
Where the price of a new home has reportedly risen by 16.5% over the last twelve months.
The ST report indicates that new property in Tias has easily outperformed other locations – at a rate that is more than double the island average. As official figures indicate that property prices have risen 8% across Lanzarote during 2006.
The Sociedad de Tasacion estimate that new property in Tias now costs, on average, €1,800 per square metre. Making it more expensive than San Bartolome (€1776 per square metre), Teguise (€1725) or Arrecife (€1650).
This price increase is being attributed to the fact that the district of Tias encompasses the popular resort of Puerto del Carmen – where there is currently a shortage of land available for development.
Published May 9, 2007STERLING Pound-Euro Exchange Rate boosts Spanish property affordability British buyers of overseas property are enjoying the most favourable sterling-euro exchange rates in over a year and a half. So boosting the affordability of property in the Canary Islands as well as elsewhere in the Eurozone. The Euro began its current rise against the pound in late autumn – hitting heights against the pound which have not been recorded since 2005. This movement has been created by a number of factors, such as a drop in the UK retail sales figures in October 2006, on-going inflationary pressures and subsequentl fears of a further interest rate rise by the Bank of England. At the time of going to press the Euro was trading as high as 1.50 against the Pound. Representing a saving of up to 8,000 pounds on a €250,000 property versus this time last year.
Published May 9, 2007MORE MARKET GROWTH Property prices rise by 8% in the Canary Islands The property market in the Canary Islands continues to grow – despite recent rises in interest rates and the cost of Spanish mortgage borrowing. Figures recently released by Spain’s Ministry of Housing indicate that prices across Spain rose by nearly 3% in the second quarter of 2006. With an annual rise of nearly 11% recorded across the country as a whole. Regional variations reveal that the most significant growth was recorded in the northern province of Galicia – where prices have traditionally been much lower than in the rest of Spain. Whilst the Canary Islands have recorded solid price growth of just under 8% year on year over this same period. Most leading authorities and industry observers predict continued positive growth over the coming twelve-month period.