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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.

Open Garden legends

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

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 around in. Cleaning is also simpler thanks to the open design, as long as moisture is properly

In short, wet rooms can be a stylish, functional choice if your budget allows and

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.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Mid-Spring Momentum:

Why May & June are key months to sell in Spain

AS we move through May and look ahead to June, the Costa Blanca property market is buzzing with activity. These late spring weeks are prime time for sellers and buyers alike, as the countdown to summer begins in earnest. At Vistacasas, we’re seeing strong demand from international buyers who are keen to secure their dream home in Spain before the peak summer season. Why now is the sweet spot

With travel in full swing and the weather heating up, many buyers are planning their relocations or summer escapes now. Wellpresented homes in sought-after areas like Villamartin, Los Dolses, and Playa Flamenca are selling fast, often after just a few viewings. For sellers, this means more interest, better offers, and quicker completions.

The advantage of early summer marketing

Listing your property in late May or early June means you’ll hit the market just as buyer urgency peaks. With school holidays

approaching and summer plans taking shape, many buyers are making swift decisions to avoid missing out. If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time to act to beneﬁt from the current pace of the market. Selling made simple. Wherever you are Whether you’re based in Spain or abroad, our expert team ensures a smooth, stressfree selling experience. With high-quality photography, virtual tours, and digital marketing across multiple platforms, we connect your property with serious buyers quickly and effectively.

Get summer-ready

Don’t wait until July to list! Beat the rush and position your property ahead of the competition. With the right marketing and the right team behind you, your home could be sold and off your mind before summer even begins.

Request your free property valuation today at www. sellwithvistacasas.com

Image: FamVeld / Shutterstock.com

ENERGY

I got to have a natter with NP Solar’s Nick Parr to find out more about his company and their personalised installation process.

“I LIKE the residential side of the solar business because every house has its own story.” The dynamics of each place affects how Nick installs the system: “We do an individual study for every house; we look at electricity patterns for monthly and daily usage. That way we can decide what the optimum number of panels and the best installation options are for each home depending on position, orientation and architecture. Really the higher the better, we fit roof mounted panels to most of the properties where we install systems. We also do an awning made from solar panels.”

Nick and his team work quickly and thoroughly: “For a normal house we would expect installations to take about two days. The first day we spend installing the structure, the panels and the cabling and then the second day would be finishing the cabling, installing and configuring the

inverter and connecting up to the fuse box.” NP Solar Energy take care of everything for the customer from the first meeting and house study through to the installation process and legalisation of the system, so that getting solar installed is a simple job to tick off your list. NP Solar is fully qualified and accredited to certify and legalise installations

They can also help with finding financing for your home’s solar system. Customers should know that there are grants and tax benefits on offer for anyone adding solar to their homes. Nick says town halls also offer a discount on IBI (rates) for solar energy installations. A well dimensioned system should pay for itself in four or five years, and can be less. The good news is that NP Solar are offering a 10 per cent discount on any residential installation until May 31!

NP Solar can handle all your system

needs, Nick mentioned it is “Obligatory to do maintenance at least once every three years, when we do an installation the first three years of maintenance is included in the price.”

NP Solar are able to maintain the system onsite but they also “monitor the system from afar, customers get an app that they can monitor but I have more information, I can see their production and consumption and the performance of the inverter.” The homeowner doesn’t have to lift a finger.

“I’ve always been interested in renewable energy; I’ve done courses on climate change and renewable energies; I donate money for every solar panel sold to a charity who plant trees. Solar energy, has so many benefits, like the CO2 that you’re not producing, reducing your carbon footprint. The good thing as well is it reduces your dependence on the energy mar-

ket. We can install systems that keep working when the Grid fails so that you are guaranteed to have electricity whenever you need it. So, your house would be independent and self-sufficient.”

NP Solar Website: www.npsolar.es

Phone number: 0034 604 485 386

Contact Email: ventas@npsolar.es

Warm wisdom Power smart

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

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.

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 plu gged 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. Re gular 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.

Image: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com

Thinking of selling your property in Spain?

HERE’S why now is the perfect timeand why Costa Blanca Eiendom is the right partner. If you own a property on the Costa Blanca and have been thinking about selling, there’s never been a better time. With strong buyer demand from across Europe - especially from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland - the resale market is active and full of opportunity. We help homeowners sell faster, smarter, and without the stress.

Resale homes are in high demandand for good reason. These properties are move-in ready, with mature infrastructure and no long waiting times for completion.

Why choose Costa Blanca Eiendom to sell your home?

We’re not just another agency. We’re a full-service team with local expertise and international reach. Our licensed agents communicate with clients in 14 languages helping us connect sellers and bu-

yers from all over Europe and beyond.

We currently operate from four ofﬁces along the Costa Blanca, with a ﬁfth opening soon.

What sets us apart:

- Free property valuation with no obligation

- Professional photography and virtual tours

- Listing on leading portals

- Targeted marketing through social media, newsletters, and our buyer database

- Full legal support and representation - we verify all documents and ensure your sale is safe, smooth and fully compliant

- Remote selling support - sell your property from anywhere in the world

Our legal and sales teams work side

Ready to sell? Let’s talk.

by side to ensure that nothing is missed - from energy certiﬁcates to land registry details and notary preparation. You can relax knowing your sale is in expert hands.

Real success story from La Zenia

Our latest success? An apartment in La Zenia sold in just three days for the asking price. The sellers, based abroad, were amazed: “We couldn’t believe how quickly it sold. We needed a fast transaction - and Costa Blanca Eiendom made it happen.”

Our average time from listing to accepted offer is just three to ﬁve weeks, but with the right pricing and presentation, some homes sell even faster.

Why now?

Spring and summer bring a wave of motivated buyers to the Costa Blanca. Many visitors come speciﬁcally looking to buy, and resale properties in great locations are top of their list. If you’re thinking about selling, this is the time to act.

Selling a property in Spain doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want a fast sale, the best price, or a worry-free experiencewe’re here to help. Call us on +34 865 888 888 or visit www.costa-blanca-eiendom.com/contact

Let’s get your property in front of the right buyers - and get it sold.

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.

Want to see Redpin in action? Request your free demo today. [Call] +34 910 786 109 [Email] contact@redpincompany.com

*The transfer of funds between buyer and seller can be instant if both are using Redpin.

A NAME TO REMEMBER!

Natalie and the multilingual team have some exciting news to share. The business has rebranded and is now Wolf Whelan Homes with the company motto ‘Hunting down your dream home in the sun!’ Their services include buying and selling properties, mortgages, currency exchange, NIE and TIE, financial and legal advice.

NATALIE has been in the Costa Blanca for 25 years. She says she got into the business “when I bought my first house here, I made friends with the estate agent and started doing videos for them and then it picked up. I’d basically been training up with other estate agents and seeing how they worked.

“I started my business during Covid selling properties online and sold at least 53 in the first year.” When we were allowed back out again, I set up my own office in Playa Flamenca, more and more customers arrived and that’s how I was able to add people to the office there. We’ve got a great team.”

The estate agency focuses on resale properties. “Most people come from Europe and the UK via our website and social media and when they arrive in Spain, they are handed over to the experienced team.”

Natalie said they sell homes to about 75 per cent of those that come out to Spain. And “people are not just from the UK, but Ireland, Belgium, Norway, Iceland, America, Australia, everywhere, because everyone wants to find a place in the sun.” The key to providing

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

a high-quality service is giving clients: “As much information as possible, we put them in touch with lawyers and offer a personal touch nobody ese does. They’re not just a number to us. We know it’s a scary and exciting leap buying a home abroad, we want to

find people their best fit. We tour with clients, show them areas and ask them to decide where best matches their lifestyle. Taking care of all their wants and needs to specification.” They said “Take a leap of faith with us and let us guide you smoothly through the buying process.” Whether its resales, new builds, bank repossessions or golf and country properties.

Pop along and visit Natalie and the team in person to assist you in making your next dream come true!

Calle Guapilies, Local 3, Playa Flamenca 03189 natalie@wolfwhelanhomes.es www.wolfwhelenhomes.es Contact Natalie for more information on

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.