Latest news with #DarrenFletcher
Telegraph
15 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Property buyers warned against luxury European holiday home schemes
Have you invested in a fractional shares scheme? Email: money@ Property buyers are being urged to think twice before investing in schemes that offer shares in luxury holiday homes. The companies offer fractional shares in homes in popular European holiday destinations including the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands in Spain, and ski resorts in the French Alps. The schemes offer buyers ownership between an eighth and half of a property. Those who own one eighth of a property generally enjoy access to it for six to seven weeks each year. But experts said that while the scheme could cut accommodation costs abroad, those using it to invest could be caught out by higher than anticipated fees that erode any potential returns. Others, experts said, could struggle to sell up. This is not a timeshare Shared owners generally benefit from at least two visits during each of the high season, 'mid season' and low season. The cost of a share in a property varies depending on its location and size. One popular estate agency offers an eighth of a four-bedroom chalet in Menorca, Spain, for around £121,000. Another offers a share of the same size in a three-bedroom villa in Mallorca for £386,000. In addition to the initial purchase fee, shared owners generally have to pay monthly or annual maintenance and administration fees of up to 2.5pc of the share cost each year – even in months when they themselves are not using the property. Darren Fletcher, of wealth management firm Chase Buchanan, said: 'Ongoing expenses such as maintenance, management fees and refurbishments can sometimes be higher than anticipated, reducing overall returns and potentially dampening enjoyment.' Fractional ownership schemes differ to timeshare schemes, which allow holidaymakers to buy the right to use properties for a certain amount of time each year, and were particularly popular during the 1980s and 1990s. Jason Hollands, of wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, said: 'Unlike timeshare schemes, which provide a right to use a property for a certain period each year, fractional ownership gives you a stake in it – typically through a limited company – exposing you to the potential for price gains.' But exposure to movement in the property's price could go both ways, and even if a property's price stayed still, fluctuations in foreign currency could quickly wipe out a portion of the investment in terms of pounds sterling. Unregulated schemes Hollands said that there are other potential dangers that come with this type of investment. He said: 'From an investment perspective, there are of course numerous pitfalls. Firstly, these are unregulated schemes – property is an illiquid asset, and you may not be able to easily dispose of your share. There is also the potential for disputes between owners around things like maintenance and upkeep costs.' It comes after Spanish officials earlier this year announced plans to implement a 100pc tax on property purchases by non-EU buyers. Experts said anybody considering fractional ownership of a holiday home should be doing so first and foremost because they plan to use it over a long period of time, rather than as an investment. Fletcher added: 'Unlike traditional property ownership, selling your fractional share can be complex. The secondary market for these shares is often limited, meaning it may take longer to sell, possibly at a discounted price. 'Clients should also be aware of platform risk, meaning the reliability and financial stability of the company managing the fractional ownership arrangement. 'Regarding investment returns, we would encourage clients to manage expectations carefully. Fractional holiday home investments usually don't deliver substantial capital appreciation compared to outright property ownership. Instead, most of the benefit lies in lifestyle enjoyment rather than significant financial gains.' *Please note that by submitting your content to us you are consenting to The Telegraph processing your personal data where required by law. For further details please see our Privacy Notice.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
British holidaymakers given urgent warning by cops after spike in crime at tourist hotspot
COPS have issued an urgent warning for Brits travelling abroad for holidays after recording a spike in crime at a popular tourist hotspot. Brits planning to go on a summer break in Spain have been urged to be more vigilant after a sudden increase in Advertisement 2 Cops have issued an urgent warning for Brits travelling abroad for holidays this summer Credit: Getty 2 Brits planning to go on a summer break in Spain have been urged to be more vigilant after a sudden increase in theft and robberies Credit: Darren Fletcher Spanish authorites have issued a special notice warning holidaymakers about all-inclusive hotels, which typically provide many facilities for their guests like swimming pools and bars. Spanish National Police said thugs usually target tourists in such hotels as they neglect their belongings while enjoying a dip in the waters or having a drink. In a video posted on TikTok, authorities said: "It is essential to remember that travelling to an all-inclusive hotel does not expressly guarantee protection for your personal effects in common areas such as the pool . "Therefore, although it is a period to relax and disconnect, it is advisable to stay in control and take measures to avoid unpleasant situations that can spoil your holiday." Advertisement read more on spain Although all-inclusive hotels provide a wide variety of services but "safety is not usually among them", they added. The video message was posted to raise more awareness among Brits who are planning to travel to Spain this summer. All-inclusive hotels are frequently visited by a large number of tourists, which makes it easier for thieves to commit crimes. Police say holidaymakers leave their bags unattended whilst they swim or enjoy a drink. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking They have urged people to take extra care of their belongings and loved ones - especially kids. And have warned not to solely rely on the presence of staff and private security guards. Spain night crawler fears as £50k Rolex stolen from sleeping influencer Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands are said toi be some of the top holiday hotspots where secuiry measures can get overwhelmed. This is due to the large number of people arriving there for their holidays . Advertisement Spanish cops said: "Pickpockets take advantage of crowds to act quickly and discreetly, so a preventive attitude can make the difference between enjoying the trip or regretting material losses." It comes as Brit have been warned that Once they're sold off into the wrong hands, they could be used to apply for credit cards in your name or even access your bank account. Experts have cautioned Brits against a common phone mistake that could make it all too easy for online thieves operating on the dark web. Advertisement Meanwhile, Plus, the
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
British holidaymakers given urgent warning by cops after spike in crime at tourist hotspot
CRIME SPREE British holidaymakers given urgent warning by cops after spike in crime at tourist hotspot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COPS have issued an urgent warning for Brits travelling abroad for holidays after recording a spike in crime at a popular tourist hotspot. Brits planning to go on a summer break in Spain have been urged to be more vigilant after a sudden increase in theft and robberies. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Cops have issued an urgent warning for Brits travelling abroad for holidays this summer Credit: Getty 2 Brits planning to go on a summer break in Spain have been urged to be more vigilant after a sudden increase in theft and robberies Credit: Darren Fletcher Spanish authorites have issued a special notice warning holidaymakers about all-inclusive hotels, which typically provide many facilities for their guests like swimming pools and bars. Spanish National Police said thugs usually target tourists in such hotels as they neglect their belongings while enjoying a dip in the waters or having a drink. In a video posted on TikTok, authorities said: "It is essential to remember that travelling to an all-inclusive hotel does not expressly guarantee protection for your personal effects in common areas such as the pool. "Therefore, although it is a period to relax and disconnect, it is advisable to stay in control and take measures to avoid unpleasant situations that can spoil your holiday." Although all-inclusive hotels provide a wide variety of services but "safety is not usually among them", they added. The video message was posted to raise more awareness among Brits who are planning to travel to Spain this summer. All-inclusive hotels are frequently visited by a large number of tourists, which makes it easier for thieves to commit crimes. Police say holidaymakers leave their bags unattended whilst they swim or enjoy a drink. They have urged people to take extra care of their belongings and loved ones - especially kids. And have warned not to solely rely on the presence of staff and private security guards. Spain night crawler fears as £50k Rolex stolen from sleeping influencer Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands are said toi be some of the top holiday hotspots where secuiry measures can get overwhelmed. This is due to the large number of people arriving there for their holidays. Spanish cops said: "Pickpockets take advantage of crowds to act quickly and discreetly, so a preventive attitude can make the difference between enjoying the trip or regretting material losses." It comes as Brit have been warned that cyber criminals are selling everything from passport details to boarding passes for as little as £8 on the dark web. Once they're sold off into the wrong hands, they could be used to apply for credit cards in your name or even access your bank account. Experts have cautioned Brits against a common phone mistake that could make it all too easy for online thieves operating on the dark web. Meanwhile, Spain's cheapest beach destinations for this summer have been named - and they include everything from sea pools to hidden caves. Plus, the Spanish island is surprisingly one of the cheapest destinations for last-minute package holidays.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The Spanish party town with 87p shots that's ‘better than Benidorm' & BEGGING Brits to return after anti-tourist demos
IT'S midnight and Boozers Fest Bar is packed to the rafters with a host of 18 to twentysomethings, all jostling to play a wild new drinking game. This Dutch-run party bar charges £17.50 to take part in 'Snappy', where ten shots are placed around a crocodile toy for punters to down if its mouth shuts when they press its teeth. 18 One party bar charges £17.50 to take part in 'Snappy', where ten shots are placed around a crocodile toy for punters to down if its mouth shuts when they press its teeth Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Teens point to a drinks sign showing unbelievably cheap booze outside a bar in Lloret de Mar Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 With its 100-plus bars and clubs, Lloret de Mar was once branded the 'party capital of Spain' Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Four youngsters on a night out in Lloret de Mar Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Pub owners and party organisers here are pleading with high-spending Brits to return Credit: Darren Fletcher As they drink, the crowd whoops and hollers and the room, no doubt, starts to spin. Kim, 21, falls foul of the snap, and tells me: 'It's like being a kid again, but with an extra hit. 'We love it here — fun and alcohol, what more could you want?' So far, so typical of a Spanish holiday for British youngsters, many on their first sunshine break without mum and dad cramping their style. But while this bar is bursting, the same cannot be said for other venues in the Spanish resort town of With 100-plus bars and clubs, it was once branded the country's 'party capital' but now many of the venues sit partially empty or closed — an unwelcome result of the nationwide As a result, the pub owners and party organisers here are pleading with high-spending Brits to return. Currently, the town is besieged by Dutch and German tours of under age teens, who barely spend any money and demand that prices stay low or they won't come. Drinks prices on this section of the Locals are now yearning for its early-Noughties heyday when it was a Club 18-30 destination for Brits. Anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers with water guns & block hotels Local shop owner Mohan, 45, told The Sun: 'Without tourists there would be nothing here in Lloret de Mar. "We love English tourists here because they spend the most. 'Yes, some get a bit drunk and loud, but that's not the end of the world. 'The protests in 'We want tourists to know they are welcome. I've lived in Lloret since 1999 and everyone here wants more Brits — Without tourists there would be nothing here in Lloret de Mar. We love English tourists here because they spend the most Mohan, Local shop owner Last year 18.4million of us headed to Spain, contributing £20billion to the country's economy, according to the Spanish Ministry of Tourism. But over-tourism has been blamed for inflating Lloret is not immune to the housing concerns of places such as Ibiza and Tenerife, but instead of Officials have responded by cracking down on unlicensed accommodation, which last week saw cops raid 23 illegal tourist flats and slap the owners with fines of up to £20,000. Restaurant Pinocchio owner Claudio La Face, 37, explained: 'Unlicensed holiday flats are a problem because people are concerned about renting to locals as if there is a problem, such as not paying rent, there is little they can do. "On top of that, many prefer to rent to tourists because they can make a lot of money, despite the risk of big fines.' 'Better than Benidorm' 18 Young tourists in I Heart Lloret de Mar shirts head for a night out in the party town Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Protesters hold up signs in Barcelona in June claiming tourism is killing the city Credit: Getty 18 British teens Lucy and Gemma, both 18, are loving the nightlife in Lloret Credit: Darren Fletcher Italian Claudio, who has lived in Lloret for 12 years, said he struggles to understand the anti- tourist protests happening in other parts of Spain. 'It has affected our numbers here, especially this year,' he said. 'But we need tourists in Lloret, we love them. Most of Spain needs tourists too, so protesting against them doesn't help anyone. "Tourists should come to Lloret for the good weather, the beautiful beaches, and amazing food options. Plus there are lots of cultural places around here to visit, such as One of the biggest draws to the town is its party district, home to one of the world's best clubs, Tropics. The main strip, Avenue Just Marles Vilarrodona, is full of venues that can hold thousands of revellers, and the winding side streets boast a seemingly unending array of cocktail bars offering outrageous drinking games. Don't Let The Duck Out sees players put on a swim cap and snorkelling goggles to try to grab a bottle of alcohol from a large water bowl. Essentially it's boozy apple bobbing. British teens Lucy and Gemma, both 18, are loving the nightlife in Lloret. Lucy said: 'My sister recommended it, and it's crazy here. We have no regrets booking it. It's fun.' Other Brits out on the lash include Dan Clark and Ollie Bott, both 20, from Stoke, who booked the resort after spotting it on the Jet2 website. For a random find, we've got no regrets. We're on night one, and it's already shaping up to be better than Zante. A lot of bars are giving us drinks for half price because we're British, which is cool Ollie Bott They've flown out with six mates, who they have managed to lose by the time they bump into The Sun. Ollie said: 'For a random find, we've got no regrets. We're on night one, and it's already shaping up to be better than Zante. A lot of bars are giving us drinks for half price because we're British, which is cool.' Newlyweds Rachel, 37, and Phillip, 41, from Leeds, are here for their honeymoon. 'It wasn't quite what we expected for our honeymoon, but we love how lively it is,' courier Phillip said. 'I'd certainly come back here with the lads, or let my sons have their first drinking holiday here as it feels really safe. There's nice food and the booze is cheap. 'Plus everyone here has been really friendly compared to other holidays we've been on.' Couple Paul Willmot and Janette Machin, both 57, from Bridlington, Yorks, reckon it could even start to rival Brit favourite Benidorm. Janette said: 'It's been really great so far. It has potential and reminds me of Beni and Sunny Beach before they got super-popular. We didn't let the 18 Newlyweds Rachel, 37, and Phillip, 41, from Leeds, admitted the resort wasn't quite what they were expecting Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Dan Clark and Ollie Bott, both 20, from Stoke, booked the resort after spotting it on the Jet2 website Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Crowds of youngsters head to the party strip while a bus promotes the popular Tropics nightclub Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 One of the resort's beaches is near empty with locals fear is due to Spanish protests deterring tourists Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Local businessman Igor Peyman is keen to see more British holidaymakers pitch up in Lloret Credit: Darren Fletcher Standing in doorways and draped over pavements are revellers debating which bar to move to next. Some are being shepherded by tour operators. 'A little rowdy' Back on the main street are Disco Londoner and Touch Down Sports bar, both owned by Marcus Faraji. He told The Sun: 'Ninety per cent of the industry here is based around tourism, even if it's not directly. 'More needs to be done to educate locals that their livelihoods and comforts come from tourists being welcome here. This is getting lost because many people are so worried about the housing issues. 'The drinking tourism we get upsets some, and they complain that people don't come here to visit cultural places, but the truth is we don't have the infrastructure for that. "Many of the tourists that come here are in groups organised by tour operators, who take up bulk bookings at hotels. English people are my favourite tourists because they spend so much. They can be a bit difficult, like fighting each other, but they come with a budget to spend and will spend it all Igor Peyman 'It means we have to keep drinks cheap, because if we raise our prices they threaten to not come. 'But some of the people they bring are as young as 16, so we won't serve them anyway, and they don't have a lot of money to spend, which harms the economy. 'English people don't travel in the same way. We would like more of them because they spend a huge amount on both restaurants and on alcohol.' Bars caught serving booze to someone under age risk a fine of £2,600 for each case — and the drinker can be handed a £850 fine. Local businessman Igor Peyman, 54, is also keen to see more British holidaymakers pitch up in Lloret. He said: 'English people are my favourite tourists because they spend so much. 'They can be a bit difficult, like fighting each other, but they come with a budget to spend and will spend it all. There is so much for people to enjoy here so we hope they aren't put off by the protests in other parts of Spain.' 'Spanish Blackpool' But not everyone is a fan of Lloret. Holidaymaker Amanda, from Stratford-upon-Avon, She added: 'You do have to look for the nicer places to go as the centre is very young and aimed at a younger crowd.' Her pal Michele agreed, but added: 'Everyone has been really friendly, and you don't get hassled to go to restaurants or shops. Parts of the town are quite dated and need investment.' We want people who won't pee or poo in the street. We have plenty of public restrooms and bars where people can use the toilets Tattoo shop worker Jose Tattoo shop worker Jose, 30, is keen for Lloret to only welcome tourists who will be respectful. He said: 'We want people who won't pee or poo in the street. We have plenty of public restrooms and bars where people can use the toilets. 'Tourists who want to have fun but appreciate we live here are always welcome, even if they're a little rowdy. 'Lloret is a poor town, and most of us have to earn our living for the year in the space of six weeks. "We love tourists and we always want them to come here.' 18 One less impressed visitor dubbed the town Spain's Blackpool Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Budget boozers sell cocktails and shots for 1 euro Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Josh, 30, and Saffron, 27, from Hull enjoyed the cheap drinks at the bars Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Sun reporter Thea Jacobs takes part in one of the outrageous drinking games Credit: Darren Fletcher 18 Thea samples the local cocktails Credit: Darren Fletcher What is overtourism? Overtourism is where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity. The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues. As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals. Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources. In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism. These include: Safeguarding historical and heritage sites Promoting off-peak travel Tourism caps and regulations Promoting lesser-known destinations
The Irish Sun
21-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Brit tourist, 19, killed in 3rd floor plunge from Ibiza Rocks hotel weeks after UK holidaymaker died in fall at resort
A BRIT teen has died on holiday after plunging from the third floor of a hotel in Ibiza. The unnamed 19-year-old was killed instantly in the fall at the four-star Ibiza Rocks Hotel in party town San Antonio. 3 The Brit teen fell from a third-floor balcony at Ibiza Rocks hotel Credit: Darren Fletcher 3 Two Brits have died in two weeks in falls at the hotel Credit: Darren Fletcher 3 In a separate incident, Evan Thomson, 26, fell to his death at the same hotel Credit: Facebook This is the same hotel where a Scottish tourist died just over a fortnight ago. The lad fell just after midnight, and two ambulances rushed to the scene. Tragically, there was nothing they could do to save him. Local police confirmed this morning he was a British national - but gave no further details on his identity. In a separate incident, Evan Thomson, 26, fell to his death at the same hotel exactly two weeks ago. It's understood he had been celebrating on holiday with pals following his birthday last month. Tragically, he too was pronounced dead at the scene. His mum Lel Kellighan broke the sad news on social media a few days later, saying: 'I'm absolutely heartbroken to write and tell you all, earlier this week my son Evan was in a tragic accident whilst on holiday with his friends in Ibiza and sadly passed away. Most read in The Sun 'We are all absolutely broken. Please allow us some time.' In the days after Evan's death, his loved ones raised questions about safety at Ibiza Rocks, and was critical over the hotel's handling of the situation. Evan's sister Teila said: 'Ibiza is known for its partying and it just stuns me that they don't have higher safety precautions. 'Pray nobody else suffers. And, once it did happen, the hotel's response was just completely heartbreaking; almost as if it never happened. I pray no other family has to go through this." Friend Blair Robertson, 25, who had been with Evan before he died, claimed: 'Security took us away to front desk. Paramedics didn't arrive for about 30 minutes. "Forensic officers didn't speak English. We were just standing there, not knowing what was going on. Reception gave us false hope." And a THIRD young Brit died from a fall in San Antonio last Monday. The 25-year-old died in hospital from injuries sustained when he fell from a supermarket car park in the town the previous day. He was rushed to an intensive care unit at a private island hospital following the incident. The clinic confirmed he died from his injuries, saying last Monday: 'Regrettably and despite all the efforts of medical personnel, the patient who fell yesterday in San Antonio has died due to the severity of his injuries." More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Read more on the Irish Sun is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
