Property Supplement CBN 22 – 28 May 2025 Issue 2081
Housing hustle
Spain’s housing market is on track for another strong year in 2025
ACCORDING to leading real estate firm Solvia, property sales are expected to keep rising, even though prices may grow faster than the number of transactions. The biggest changes are expected in the rental market, but buyers and investors still have reasons to be optimistic, especially in sought-after areas like the Costa Blanca.
In 2024, the market showed solid performance, particularly in the second
half of the year. Lower interest rates, stable job numbers, and continued interest from international buyers all helped boost activity. Although more homes are now being built, supply is still falling short of demand. This shortage is one of the main reasons property prices continue to rise across much of Spain.
Solvia predicts home sales will grow by around 3 per cent to 4 per cent in 2025, a sign of steady, ongoing demand. Con-
tributing factors include lower borrowing costs, a backlog of interest from previous years, and a rising preference for smaller, more affordable homes, the kind that tend to sell faster. By late 2025, mortgage conditions may improve further, making it easier for more people to buy.
Coastal regions like the Costa Blanca remain particularly attractive. Known for its sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle, and strong rental potential, the area conti-
nues to draw both holiday-home seekers and long-term residents, including many from overseas.
With three million more people now living in Spain compared to 2008, and all needing housing, demand is likely to remain high. Whether you’re planning to buy, invest, or relocate, Spain’s property market still offers solid opportunities, with the Costa Blanca standing out as one of the most desirable regions to watch.
For long-lasting well-being and peace of mind
THE Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.
Here at Spas and BBQ Concepts we believe our products help elevate you to achieve these goals. Our worldwide brands are all known for their quality and reliability and with our over 30 years in the industry we believe we have the best collection available for your long lasting well-being and peace of mind.
Sitting in a hot tub raises the body temperature and enhances your ability to fall asleep. Evening soaks promote restful, uninterrupted slumber. Warm, pulsating water increases blood supply to aching joints, which helps to remove inflammatory particles from the area and relieves pain. An absolute must for a feeling of well-being.
Using a sauna may help relieve aches and pains, support relaxation, and improve cardiovascular health, among other benefits. For thousands of years, people of many cultures have been
ADVERTISING FEATURE
using saunas believing in the benefits of heat to purify, cleanse, and heal the body. Tylo saunas captures all of this with the added benefit of durability and a brand name you can trust
When you invest in a Bull grill, you’re choosing a grill made from 304 stainless steel - a material trusted for its durability and resistance to rust. Think of it like the armour for your grill: it can handle years of exposure to heat, grease, rain, and even salty coastal air without losing its shine or strength. This ensures your grill remains a sleek centre piece in your outdoor kitchen while maintaining peak performance.
WET rooms have become a popular bathroom upgrade for those looking to bring a spa-like feel into their homes.
vation. Tiling every surface and ensuring proper waterproofing
Rental returns
THE gross return on buying a home to rent in Spain remained steady at 7.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, matching the rate at the end of winter 2024.
This return is more than double the 3.3 per cent offered by 10-year government bonds, making real estate an appealing investment option. Offices continue to offer the highest yield at 11.5 per cent, followed by retail premises at 10 per cent. Garages, while more affordable, are the least profitable at 6 per cent, down from 7 per cent a year ago.
Among Spanish capitals, Murcia leads with a rental return of 8.2 per cent, followed by Lleida (7.7 per cent), Jaen and Huelva (7.5 per cent), and
Zamora (7.3 per cent). At the lower end, San Sebastian offers just 3.5 per cent, with Palma (4.5 per cent) and Madrid (4.8 per cent) also showing modest returns. In Barcelona, rental yields reach 5.9 per cent. Retail properties provide the best returns in most cities. Murcia and Zaragoza top the list at 12.5 per cent and 11.7 per cent, respectively, with other strong per -
formers including Lleida, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Girona. Barcelona offers 8.4 per cent, while Madrid yields 7.7 per cent. Office investments vary, with Sevilla leading at 13.3 per cent and Leon at the bottom with 6.1 per cent. Garages offer the highest returns in Murcia (10.1 per cent) and Avila (9 per cent), but the lowest in Salamanca (2.6 per cent) and Granada (3 per cent).
Garden legends
and ventilation can be expensive. Without proper work, there’s a risk of leaks, mould, or damage. That’s why it’s essential to hire a builder experienced in wet room
Choosing the right flooring is also key. Since the entire area gets wet, non-slip tiles are a must
Still, wet rooms offer several practical benefits. With fewer doors and partitions, the space feels bigger and easier to move -
pler thanks to the open design, -
In short, wet roomsnal choice if your budget allows and the work is
COULD garden gnomes be making a comeback this summer? Experts think it’s possible as garden trends continue to evolve. Once considered tacky, gnomesmuch like Marmite - have always sparked strong opinions, either you love them or hate them.
Gnomes became popular in the 1960s. Though some see them as outdated, they have deep roots in European folklore, dating back to the 16th century in works by Paracelsus and the Brothers Grimm. The first garden gnome was created in 19th-century Germany by Phillip Griebel, originally as a good luck charm.
Gnomes gained fame in England when Sir Charles Isham introduced them in the mid-1800s. The trend spread globally, though production stopped during the Second World War due to fears they might be used to hide secrets. After the war, gnomes made a strong comeback, with their fun designs appealing to homeowners everywhere.
Today, garden gnomes are seen as nostalgic and fun. Although the Royal Horticultural Society banned brightly coloured gnomes in 2006, they remain a favourite d feature in many gardens.
Could 2025 be the year gnomes fully return? Only time will tell.
Small solutions
REMOTE work has become a regular part of life since the pandemic, but many people still haven’t adjusted their homes to suit this shift.
Not everyone has a spare room to use as a home office, so more people are fitting workspaces into shared areas of their homes. Even with limited space, it’s possible to create a setup that’s both practical and comfortable.
Modern home offices don’t need to be
large. Newer homes are smaller, and many people only work from home part-time, so a compact workspace often makes more sense. Work areas today can be as small as 10 square feet and still offer what’s needed to get things done. The goal is to get more use out of less space.
One simple way to make a small office work is to divide your space. Use rugs or furniture to create clear zones in a
shared room, separating work from relaxation. Shelves or cabinets placed behind a desk can mark the boundary of your work area while offering useful storage. Choose furniture carefully. Go for smaller items that still meet your needs, like a desk with built-in storage. Avoid bulky pieces that make the room feel crowded. Where you place your office matters too, ideally near outlets and natural light, with windows beside or in front of you
Experienced Estate Agents at your service
COASTLINE PROPERTIES is an established, trusted independent estate agent with over 20 years’ experience, based in Denia, covering the northern Costa Blanca.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
free of charge when buying a property with us:
• Location identification
• Property search, viewing and showing
Founder Philip Westerby says: “With our extensive knowledge of the region, combined with our property portfolio (which includes a wide range of villas, townhouses, bungalows and apartments) and our personalised service, we are confident that we will be able to find your dream property.”
With a bit of planning, even the smallest home office can support your work and keep your
We pride ourselves on our high-quality service and professional advice, which is reflected in the comprehensive recommendations of our many satisfied clients. Our expertise will help you at every step of the buying process, and we also offer a complete service for owners looking to sell their property.
The following services are included
• Negotiation of terms, price and contract
• Accompaniment and translation at the notary
• Help with money transfers
• Recommendations to qualified Spanish tax advisors and lawyers
• Help with opening a Spanish bank account
• Assistance with bank mortgages
If you need advice or a free valuation, please contact Philip Westerby. Through our website:www.coastlinepropertiesspain.com WhatsApp: +34 606 798 213 | info@coastlineproperties.es
Image:
Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com
Streamline international property transactions with Redpin - built by Currencies Direct
HOW property professionals can take control with a faster, safer, smarter payments solution
International property transactions often have complications, including tight deadlines, cross-border currency transfers, compliance risks, and last-minute changes. For property professionals, these issues can delay deals, frustrate clients, and increase admin.
That’s where Redpin comes in.
Developed by the experts behind Currencies Direct, Redpin is a powerful payments platform designed specifically for real estate professionals. It provides a secure, fully digital workspace where agents, clients, and legal representatives can collaborate and complete multi-party, multi-currency property transactions with confidence.
A solution for real estate professionals
Take the case of Hugo, a Marbella-based lawyer overseeing a high-value villa purchase for an overseas client. Normally, Hugo would have to juggle
notary deadlines, paper-based bank drafts, and the risks of email fraud - all while keeping his client informed and reassured.
Instead, Hugo used Redpin. With Redpin, he created a dedicated payment workspace for the deal. He invited his client to join, shared key documents, and managed everything from scheduling to fund transfers in one place. When the notary requested a change to the payment timeline, Hugo updated it instantly online - no document
redrafts, no delays.
Crucially, when it came time to complete the transaction, he initiated a wallet-to-wallet payment via Redpin, enabling instant* transfer of funds at the notary’s office without relying on traditional bank processes.
His client enjoyed competitive exchange rates and no transfer fees thanks to Currencies Direct, while Hugo maintained complete oversight and control throughout. The result? A seamless, professional experience that
impressed everyone involved. Redpin offers benefits for everyone:
• Secure digital workspace to manage transactions and invite clients or legal partners.
• Faster completions, thanks to instant* payments and no reliance on paper drafts.
• Peace of mind, with secure communications and protection against fraud.
• Streamlined operations, saving you time and reducing admin. Redpin turns complex international deals into smooth, digital experienceshelping you close faster, improve client satisfaction, and stand out from the competition.
*The transfer of funds between buyer and seller can be instant if both are using Redpin.
Integrated tech Power smart
WHEN it comes to the future of interior design, the word that springs to mind in 2025 is ‘smart’. Technology has had a huge influence on living spaces, and this trend is set to continue.
It is anticipated that technology integration will become even more fluid and seamless as we progress through the year. This means we can look forward to seeing technology blend seamlessly with aesthetics, avoiding the need to compromise between function and style.
One new development that epitomises this is the introduction of smart glass. This is a glass which transitions from being transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch or, perhaps
even more impressively, through voice control. This is a great example of technology offering privacy with the added benefit of increasing energy efficiency. All across Europe, this type of functionality is becoming increasingly popular, aligning practicality with great design. 2025 is also the year that we are seeing technology take window treatments to another level. There has been a rise in motorised blinds and curtains, and ho-
meowners can, with the minimum of effort, control light levels, privacy settings, and energy efficiency settings.
Whether it’s voice-controlled lighting, temperature regulation, or even automated furniture, integrated technology in the home is increasingly becoming the ‘new normal’.
It seems that the future of interior design is not just the aesthetics of a living space, but also how technology enhances our connection to it.
IF you are heading out, even just for a short while, it’s wise to take a quick look around your home and unplug certain items. While some appliances like fridges and TVs are safe to keep plugged in, others could pose a risk if left on standby.
Toasters and air fryers can be fire hazards due to leftover crumbs or oil that collect inside them. Regular cleaning helps, but the safest option is to unplug them after each use. The same goes for heated hair tools like straighteners and curling irons. Even with automatic shut-off features, it’s safer to unplug them and let them cool fully before leaving.
ted might not seem like a big deal, but they can overheat or wear out faster. Over time, this can lead to more frequent replacements and wasted money. Space heaters are another item that should never be left plugged in when not in use. Their main job is to produce heat, which means they carry an obvious risk if left unattended, even when switched off.
Lastly, electric kettles should be unplugged when not needed. Since they heat water quickly, any fault in the appliance can become dangerous, especially when no one is home to catch it.
Phone and device chargers left in sockets with nothing connec-
Unplugging these items doesn’t take long but helps reduce risk and keep your home safer.
Find your Dream Property with Miraflor Homes
MIRAFLOR HOMES is an established estate agency offering a wide variety of properties. Based in Els Poblets, in Denia, Miraflor Homes has become a trusted name in the local property market.
We sell different kinds of properties, including villas, bungalows, detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses, plots, apartments, and new construction. In addition, we offer both short- and long-term rentals, catering to a broad range of client needs.
With a multilingual team of experienced professionals with more than 25 years of experience in the real estate sector, we ensure every client feels understood, supported, and confident throughout the buying or selling process. Communication is key - and we take the time to listen and guide you every step of the way.
We cover the entire Marina Alta region (Alicante) and also the Oliva area (Valencia), and our service is not limited
ADVERTISING FEATURE
to buying or selling a property. We accompany our clients through every stage of the process.
Miraflor Homes is also part of an MLS real estate association with more than 20 members, with whom we collaborate to find the property that best matches our clients’ wishes and needs. All contracts are drawn up in both the client’s native language and Spanish, providing clarity and peace of mind.
We offer a wide range of prices, from very affordable options to luxury properties, with the majority priced between €250,000 and €600,000.
For more information, contact us directly or visit our website: www.miraflor.info • info@casitasmiraflor.com • +34 966 469 405
Address: Avda. Mestre Vicent, 31, 03779 Els Poblets, Denia (Alicante). Open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm. Weekend visits can be arranged by appointment on Saturdays.
Warm wisdom
CHOOSING a heating system for your home can be confusing, especially when faced with terms like sealed and condensing boilers. Both types run on gas, but how they work and how much they cost to run can differ quite a bit.
A sealed boiler has a fully closed combustion chamber, which draws in air from outside and releases waste gases through a special pipe system. This design keeps the combustion process separate from your living space, making it a safe option with little risk of leaks.
Condensing boilers take things a step further. They reuse the heat from the gases produced during combustion to preheat the water in your heating system. This makes them more energy-efficient because they use less fuel
Image: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com
same amount of heat.
Because of this process, condensing boilers usually have an efficiency of 105–110 per cent, while sealed boilers sit between 90–95 per cent. This extra efficiency means lower gas bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
Condensing boilers release less CO2 and other harmful gases, which helps reduce pollution and fight climate change.
When it comes to pri-
ce, condensing boilers do cost more upfront due to their advanced technology. However, the energy savings over time can balance out the initial expense, making them more cost-effective in the long run. Sealed boilers are cheaper to install but won’t offer the same savings over time.
Condensing boilers are the more efficient and eco-friendly choice, though they come with a higher starting cost.
How to make sure your solar generated electricity works after a power outage
DUE to the power outage on the entire Spanish mainland, we have received many questions from (future) customers about their solar power systems.
Many customers who already have a solar power system plus a home battery were still without power. Why this happens
A standard solar power system (inverter + solar panels) needs power from the grid to function. So if the power fails, the system will also stop until it measures the mains voltage again and can restart itself automatically.
Some customers have an inverter + solar panels + a battery; in this case too, the system will not automatically switch to the batteries in the event of a power failure and the house will also be without power.
The option to ensure that there is still power in the house
Solar Panels + Inverter + Batteries + Back up box
Solar NRG | Prevent Power Outage with Inverter + Solar Panels + Batteries + Back up box
With this combination, the backup box will take over in case of power failure and the system and house will continue to function normally/partly.
The photo is an example of one of the types of solar energy installations we supply. If you have a different installation, there may be possibilities for your installation as well.
Dining harmony
CHOOSING the right dining chairs for your table can be exciting, but it often raises the question: should the chair legs match the table legs?
While there’s no strict rule, most interior designers agree that the chairs and table should complement each other, rather than match exactly. Instead of identical legs, use the table’s style as a reference. A shared design theme, like mid-century modern lines or rustic finishes, can tie the space together without making everything look identical. In fact, mixing textures, colours, or materials often creates a more interesting dining area.
A dark wood table can pair beautifully with lighter-toned chairs, and combining metals or woods adds contrast and depth. However, avoid overdoing it, too many variations can make the room feel chaotic. On the other hand, matching chair legs with a traditional table can create a sleek look, especially in formal settings. For those with an eclectic style, mismatched chairs can be a creative choice. You can mix shapes or colours, but keep some consistency, such as matching fabrics or finishes. Practicality matters too, chair height, width, and materials should fit your lifestyle and space.
HOUSE prices in Spain have reached a new record, with the average cost per square metre rising to €2,311.
According to the idealista housing platform, this marks an annual increase of 11.2 per cent and a quarterly rise of 1.7 per cent. Francisco Iñareta, a spokesperson for idealista, explained that rising sales prices have now overtaken rent prices, mainly due to limited housing supply. With few new builds and minimal rental stock becoming available, the high demand for buying continues.
The market is struggling with a serious shortage of homes, and without urgent changes to speed up land development and homebuilding, prices are likely to keep climbing. All Spanish capitals saw annual price rises except Huesca, which dropped by 7.8 per cent. Madrid led the increases with
Contact us
If you are interested in these options and want to know what and if it is possible for your situation, send an email to bart@solarnrg.es and he will get back to you as soon as possible with a proposal.
Market heat
a 22.7 per cent rise, followed by Valencia, Malaga, Palma, and Alicante.
San Sebastian remains the most expensive city at €6,000 per square metre, ahead of Madrid and Barcelona. Meanwhile, Zamora is
the cheapest, at €1,199 per square metre. Across the regions, the Balearic Islands top the list for price, while Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura are the most affordable.
Prices also rose in nearly every province,
except for a few like Badajoz and Ourense, where they fell slightly. Madrid, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Malaga saw the sharpest increases, confirming that demand continues to outpace supply across most of the country.
