European Seniors Tour Returns to Benahavís

September 20th, 2011
la quinta golf

The Benahavís Senior Masters takes place at La Quinta Golf & Country Club 14th - 16th October

Underlining the significance of the Costa del Sol as a golfing centre, the European Tour returns for the third year to Benahavís in October to celebrate the Benahavís Senior Masters at La Quinta Golf & Country Club. To be played between the 14th and 16th the event draws some of the world’s most popular golfing legends – past events have seen Sam Torrance, Costantino Rocca and José María Cañizares as well as La Quinta’s course designer and resident Ryder Cup hero, Manuel Piñero – and with prize money of 180,000 euros up for grabs this year the leaderboard is sure to be filled with familiar names.

Benahavís has become a stronghold for golf with several of the coast’s more prestigious courses within its boundaries. Property developers understand the value that front line golf positions give to their properties, and some of the bigger players have chosen Benahavís as their preferred location. One of the first was La Quinta itself with apartments and villas around the three 9 hole courses, along with Los Arqueros, from British constructors Taylor Woodrow, and the stunning Monte Mayor course which winds around mountain sides further up into the hills. More recently the exclusive courses of La Zagaleta and the Marbella Club have added significantly to the area’s reputation with beautiful rolling green fairways around some of the more spectacular luxury properties to be found anywhere in Europe. Indeed, anyone with a love of country peace, natural beauty, and, of course, great golf, need look no further than Benahavís… another of the Costa del Sol’s lesser known jewels.

Posted in Costa del Sol, Golf in Spain, Golf Property, Property on the Costa del Sol | No Comments »

The Attraction of Property as an Investment

September 13th, 2011
property investment in spain

Property investors take another look at Spain

Over the past few years the traditional investment advice of putting money into bricks and mortar has been questioned as a safe strategy. The volatility in property prices coupled with the global financial crisis has left property investment towards the bottom of many advisers “to do” lists.

But this situation is now turning. Like so many things in the world of finance, the attraction of property investment is cyclical. And the smart investors are always a few steps ahead of the pack. Consider the factors at play. Firstly, property prices have stabilised. Certainly, compared with a couple of years ago prices appear to have not only touched bottom, they now seem to be rising, albeit slowly. Interest rates in the banks are at an all time low, so the value of any money left on deposit is being eroded by inflation.

In respect of property in Spain, and in particular, investment property on the Costa del Sol, the circumstances are further affected by the return of Spain as a premier tourist destination. Whilst the tourist market may have flirted with other, more exotic, destinations, Spain has any number of factors in its favour. Whether visitors are looking for sunshine and beaches, golf or nightlife, the Costa del Sol has it all. And, with so many other destinations presenting security issues, Spain has regained its rightful place in the hearts of visitors.

For the British investor – and indeed any of those from outside the euro-zone – the relative weakness of the euro is another contributing factor. The pound, which was languishing just above parity, has risen and stabilised around 1.16 euros. Whilst this is a long way from the headier days of 1.45 euros, it must be remembered that the reduction in property prices which has been seen over the last couple of years of around 30%, more than compensates for the difference.

With this in mind, there are certain property types that hold their prices well. The top end of the market – luxury property in the 4 – 10million euro bracket – has been remarkably stable. Properties on the golf course, and beachfront properties are generally in demand, as the supply is limited to a degree. And there are popular property developments and apartment complexes which have maintained their prices well.

As a result, many of the smart investors are looking towards property again as not only a safe bet, but one which is most likely to give returns in the medium term. Certainly compared to the stock markets, which have been more than unpredictable, the idea of owning a home in Spain becomes increasingly attractive.

 

Posted in Costa del Sol, Golf Property, Interest Rates, Investment Property in Spain, Investors in Spain, Property in Spain, Property on the Costa del Sol | 2 Comments »

Spain Halves VAT on New Properties

September 5th, 2011
New Development on the Costa del Sol

New Developments in Spain benefit from halving of VAT rates

In a recent move designed to give a boost to the Spanish property market, the  government has announced the halving of VAT on new development property from 8% to 4% until the end of the year. Whilst this only applies to new property, it is hoped that the measure will stimulate activity in what has been a slow year for the sector.

The savings can be substantial. On a property of 1m euros, the 4% difference represents 40,000 euros – which would furnish a new property nicely. So which properties are eligible?

Basically, all properties bought directly from the developer, with the purchaser being the first owner of the property. And, of course, those qualifying properties must be bought before the 31st December 2011 – so the window is fairly narrow.

At present new development property on the Costa del Sol is plentiful. There are developments on golf courses and frontline beach developments that have completed units for sale at very competitive prices. Many developers have reduced their prices over the past year and here at Livingstone Estates we have some exceptionally attractive offers on several new build properties. If, alongside these highly competitive prices, we add the further enticement of a 50% reduction in the VAT to be paid, the proposition becomes yet more appealing.

Visit our main website for details of new development property, or ask our sales team for further information.

Posted in Bargain Property Overseas, Costa del Sol, Investment Property in Spain, New Developments in Spain, New Developments on Costa del Sol, Property in Spain, Property on the Costa del Sol, Reduced Property, Spain Economy | 2 Comments »

Málaga Fair Attracts Thousands of Visitors

August 16th, 2011

Málaga Feria in full swing

Anyone who has ever wondered what a real Spanish “feria” is all about need look no further than Málaga this week. One of Andalucía’s most popular fairs opens its gates to thousands of visitors from all along the coast and beyond.

For many Spaniards, this is the one week of the year where the family budget gets seriously derailed. Wining and dining in style is the order of the day and dancing into the small (and not so small) hours is the order of the night.

Many of the coasts foreign residents visit the feria, and whilst many of the “casetas” or bars are private, many are open to the public. For anyone looking to get closer to Spanish culture and tradition there is no better place. For most tourists the image of the flamenco dancer and the Spanish guitarist has become synonymous with the Spain of a bygone era – but nothing could be further than the truth. Teenagers and children who one might think would be more interested in Lady Gaga and Enrique Iglesias are dressed to the nines in their hand made dresses – and often will have a different dress for every night of the fair. One might wonder whether or not they are at the fair under protest and on the insistence of their parents – as most teenagers around the world might respond to a similar event. But then, at the first few chords of a “sevillana” their drinks are put on the nearest table, their arms fly up in the air and they will dance the traditional dances with a flair and a passion that belies their youth.

The Málaga Feria runs until the 21st August and is well worth a visit. But be prepared for it to be a long night and a late morning!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Malaga, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Spain to go the the Polls in November

August 9th, 2011

In what has been something of a surprise move, Spain’s Premier, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced general elections are to be held in November this year. Most political analysts expected the elections to take place next Spring, but continued pressure on the government from all sides seems to have brought this unexpected reaction.

The Spanish economy, despite having had relatively good results from the recent banking tests, has continually been mentioned in the same breath as Greece and Ireland. Now with Italy showing signs of stress, Spain is being closely watched by international investors.

Whilst no one is making confident predictions about the likely outcome of the elections it is recognised that the victor will be taking up something of a poisoned chalice with a number of significant issues on the agenda.

Investment in Spain has slowed as has the building of new property and employment, but some of the more recent figures are encouraging. If Spain is able to avoid some of the more worrying predictions for its economy, the recovery should come, albeit slowly and not without setbacks along the way. The strong links with South America and the improvements in Spanish tourism are, perhaps, the aces the new premier will find he has up his sleeve come November.

Posted in Interest Rates, Investors in Spain, Spain, Spain Economy, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Golf Leads the Way in Spanish Tourism

August 9th, 2011

Recently published figures from the Andalucian Regional Government show a healthy increase in the number of golfers attracted to the area. The number of visiting golfers in 2010 tipped the 427,000 mark and when non golfing family members are added to this number it rises to above half a million.

Not only is golf a huge draw, but the golfing tourist contributes more to the local economy, spending over 90 euros a day in the are on average.

The popularity of golf is not a new phenomenon. For years Spain has been wowing the sector with beautifully kept championship courses. Perhaps the most significant change over the past couple of decades has been in the way in which property and golf have become so closely related, with many resorts now offering a complete home and golf package.

Living on the golf course has numerous advantages – in addition to having your favourite pastime literally on your doorstep, properties on the golf course have guaranteed views and a self imposed building density which cannot be changed – once your property is next to the fairway, the fairway will always be there.

Golf property on the Costa del Sol has held its price very well. Where other developments have struggled during the slump of the past years, golf property has maintained it’s value far better. And where property ownership includes golfing rights, this seems to be yet more so.

And this trend seems to be continuing. not only are developers looking to offer property and golf, but the resorts now include other facilities also, such as tennis, horse riding and spas. Perhaps being a golfing widow is easier in Spain than it is in other places!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Golf in Spain, Golf Property, Spain, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Marbella Lights Up the”No Vacancy” Signs

July 1st, 2011

If you were thinking of coming to Marbella for the weekend, be sure to check  hotel availability. Because if you were hoping to stay in one of the luxury five star hotels along the Coast you’ll be out of luck.

The most exclusive (and expensive) hotels in Marbella – the Marbella Club, Puente Romano, Villa Padierna. Kempinski and others – have all been fully booked for months. Why? well the favoured niece of King Fahd, Sara Bin Fahd Salam, is hosting her bachelorette party to which more than 400 arab princesses are invited.

In addition to the 1,000 plus hotel nights which have been booked, there are no spare limousines, chauffeurs or make up artists with free calendars. Hairdressers and top restaurants report the same.

There is little doubt that the affection felt by King Fahd for Marbella has been transmitted to the younger generation and the decision to choose Marbella as the venue for this spectacular event is a clear sign that Marbella continues to shine among the world’s best holiday destinations.

So this weekend, unless you own a property on the Costa del Sol, you may find there is simply no room at the inn!

Perhaps next weekend?

Posted in Costa del Sol, Marbella, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Tax Incentives for Home Improvements

June 28th, 2011

The Spanish government has recently announced a new series of tax deductions available to help finance home improvements. A maximum of 1,350€ will be deductible as 20% of any home improvements within a fairly broad range of qualifying areas.

Most of the improvements which qualify for the deduction are related to renewable and new energies – thus the installation of solar panels, improvements to energy efficiency and reduction in water consumption come top of the list, but there are many other improvements which can be applied.

Many property owners on the Spanish coasts are often surprised that more advantage is not taken of the glorious sunshine that is enjoyed over 300 days a year. Indeed many new property developments on the Costa del Sol feature not just solar heating and energy but geothermal heating also.

For those who own property in Spain these tax breaks will represent an incentive to make their homes more environmentally friendly. A beachfront villa will see a good 12 hours of direct sunlight most days, and the value of harnessing this energy can be readily realised as the efficiency of energy capture improves with advancements in the technology.

 

Posted in Costa del Sol, Marbella, Property on the Costa del Sol | 4 Comments »

Málaga Airport expected to hit the 13 million visitor mark in 2011

June 17th, 2011
t3 terminal malaga airport

The new T3 Terminal at Málaga Airport is set to see 13 million visitors in 2011

The relatively new T3 terminal at Málaga Airport is seeing a steady increase in passenger numbers and expects to hit 13 million by the end of the year.

The terminal which dwarfs the Pablo Picasso Terminal is an integral part of the region’s plans for increasing tourism and commerce in the area.

With a second runway due to open later this year, these impressive figures are likely to further rise next year as the airport quickly becomes a third major hub in Spain’s air transport sector alongside Madrid and Barcelona.

For visitors to the Costa del Sol, this is excellent news. As the surrounding infrastructure improves, so too does the ease with which one can visit the area for a short break. For anyone owning a villa or apartment in Marbella or Puerto Banus the option to visit their second home in Spain for a weekend break becomes ever more attractive.

It is perfectly feasible (indeed, there are many who are doing just this) to leave the office on a Friday afternoon, and be dining in Marbella Friday evening. A round of golf on one of the Coast’s splendid golf courses on Saturday followed by a night out, and then a lazy Sunday lunch on the beach before catching the late plane home. What could be better?

And many are taking this a step further. Families from northern Europe are buying property in Spain to be used through the long school holidays. The children love the sun, the sea and the swimming pool. For many, their Costa del Sol apartment or townhouse is where the family live during the summer – Dad comes home for the weekend and flies back to the office early Monday morning.

And thanks to the new T3 at Málaga, it can take less time to get to Marbella from London than it can to get to Manchester!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Golf Property, Marbella, Property in Spain, Property on the Costa del Sol, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Blue Flags Flying over Málaga Beaches

June 7th, 2011

Málaga has regained it’s position as the Spanish Province with the most “blue flag” beaches in Spain.

The blue flags are an internationally recognised seal of approval for the cleanliness and safety of European beaches. This year sees Málaga heading the list with a total of 22 beaches flying the blue flag, one more than 2010.

As a region which depends heavily on the tourism sector, Málaga has improved the standard of its beaches consistently over the years, with regular cleaning and with the building of breakwaters to protect the quality of the sand. But perhaps the most significant changes have been the attention which has been paid to the “paseos maritimos” or promenades, in  the coastal town, as well as the careful planning which has governed the development of beachfront property.

It is now possible to walk along the promenade from Marbella to Puerto Banús, for example, around 7 kilometres, and this is soon to continue to San Pedro Alcántara. With the sea on one side and luxury beachfront apartments, private beachfront villas and five star hotels on the other, the walk captures the essence of Marbella’s Golden Mile perfectly.

For those living in frontline beach property, the quality of the beach itself is, understandably, of huge significance. The value of beachfront property is closely linked with the cleanliness and popularity of the beaches and Málaga’s continued commitment to improvement is a welcome sign to all.

Posted in Costa del Sol, Malaga, Marbella, New Developments in Spain, New Developments on Costa del Sol, Property in Spain, Property on the Costa del Sol, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

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