Silver travellers set retirement sights on spain

There are 1.7 million people in the UK over the age of 60 who are living in houses that do not meet the UK Government's Decent Homes Standard. Now, increasing numbers are setting their sights on Spain instead.

With 95 per cent of the UK's housing stock not fully accessible for older people, according to IPPR North, an increasing number of British retirees are turning to Spain to live the dream during their golden years.

The reliably warm weather and low cost of living are already suited to pensioners looking to make their budgets stretch further, while escaping the English rain, whether for a week or a lifetime.

It's a fact that is certainly appreciated by the Spanish Government's Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, which, in collaboration with SEGITTUR, has announced the delivery of the 2014/2015 Europe Senior Tourism Program. The initiative sets out to court travellers aged 55 and above from with the EU, tempting them to choose Spain for their holidays and benefit from the low price tag that the country is able to offer.

The increase in silver travel will include many of those considering settling on Spain as a retirement destination.

Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España is one company ahead of the game when it comes to offering high end properties as holiday homes that can in time become full-time accommodation.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, explains: "Many of our buyers are looking for holiday homes right now but with a view to one day living in them permanently, once they retire. They are seeking high quality homes on developments that provide them with luxuries they don't have in the UK, like swimming pools and balconies on which to enjoy the sun. We bear all of this in mind when we begin a new development, so that our apartments and townhouses appeal to buyers of all ages.
 
"All of our developments are compliant with the latest European building regulations, meaning they include wheelchair-friendly access and lifts. Our Costa Beach development in Mallorca's Port Vell, for example, has two properties in the second phase that have been built with wheelchair users in mind, with wider doors and adapted bathrooms."