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Broadening horizons By Sally Underwood HILE the Costa del Sol has long been known and loved for its magnificent coastline, it seems its inland offerings are quickly gaining traction too. According to property experts, the areas in and beyond the hills behind the coast are establishing themselves as a go-to area for both sales and investment properties. While the Costa del Sol itself is a large area, its inland space is even greater, incorporating a large number of typical Andalucian whitewashed villages, including historic sites such as Antequera, which offers settlements from the Bronze Age. These enclaves can make for both spacious and beautiful holiday and family homes, with plenty of land and stunning views, as well as investment properties for those wanting to do up or rent out a home. This smaller market is slightly more niche, but still gaining ground with foreign buyers from Europe and across the world. In particular, areas such as Mijas Pueblo now attract large numbers of investors from Japan and Asia thanks to efforts by local authorities to boost the Costa del Sol’s reach across the world. Frequently, buyers are continuing to come from northern Europe and Scandinavia as well, with large numbers of investors flocking to the Costa del Sol from Belgium, Germany, Sweden and Denmark, attracted by the lifestyle and strengthened Euro. While areas such as Mijas
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MOUNTAIN VILLAGES: Towns such as Mijas Pueblo offer a mountain alternative to life on the coast. Pueblo have always attracted property hunters and holidaymakers, other inland towns and villages, such as Benahavis, Ojen, and Alhaurin el Grande are also becoming increasingly sought-after. Experts say the locations’ proximity to the beaches and
Just in time
NEW Other parts of the Costa del Sol are gaining interest.
glitz of coastal areas Marbella and Mijas Costa, make these towns the ideal spot for those who like the quiet pace of life and open countryside of the mountains. Meanwhile, the abundance of local ferias, artisanal crafts and events, also mean those
WHILE buying a property in Spain to enjoy the Costa del Sol’s sun-filled lifestyle is always a good idea, it seems that 2019 might be a particularly good time for investors too. A number of factors mean the property market is especially attractive at the moment, potentially offering good returns on the right home. The first factor affecting the new build market is changes to construction laws which have
seeking property inland need never worry about missing out on the Costa del Sol’s thriving cultural activities. The presence of Moorish and even Roman sites have also made the inland areas an attraction for history enthusiasts.
brought Spain in line with the rest of the European Union, and meaning new developments are financially secured. Secondly, Spain’s mortgage market has also improved in recent years, with interest rates lower and banks lending more; up by 17 per cent from 2016 to 2017. Finally, property prices continue to rise, at a rate of around 5 per cent a year, making a return on investment more likely.