Property Magazine - Issue 22

Property

be And s a m t p luc ag ro ia az pe ’s in rty e

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olive press

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July 2018

July 18th - July 31st 2018

17

Right royal battle for former king and dictator SEE PAGE III

Issue 22

As it’s claimed living by the sea lets you live longer, we dig out some beachside gems SEE PAGE XII

Let it grow

SPAIN’S property market is continuing to grow.

The latest figures, for May, show a 7.7% expansion.

There were 51,896 sales in total, including social housing, with resale apartment transactions up 6.7% and single family homes up 16.3%.

Mortgages up, prices up and numbers up.

The market is looking healthy, writes Laurence Dollimore

Bubble

years earlier.

But those talking of a new bubble are off the mark.

“Both sales and house prices are still a long way from the peak of the boom years,” Mark Stucklin from Spanish Property Insight told the Olive Press.

The figures mean the housing market in Spain is entering its fifth consecutive year of growth since it turned a corner at the start of 2014 following the devastating collapse some seven

“Although those years are not a healthy benchmark, the big gap suggests there is still some room for growth on both fronts, assuming the Spanish economy continues to recover.”

The latest encouraging report from the notaries also revealed that average house prices increased by 0.6% to 1,372€/m2, while mortgage lending increased by 9.3%.

It comes after estate agents on the Costa del Sol revealed earlier this month that they had seen a 100% growth in Britons buying homes in the holiday hotspot.

PROPERTIES SELLING FAST AT THE SPANISH ESTATE AGENT! Thinking of Selling?

Get in touch with The Spanish Estate Agent – the fastest growing agency on the Costa del Sol

Phone us now on +34 951 516 905 • Properties urgently needed for eager buyers • Tap into our worldwide, award-winning marketing • Dynamic, motivated and professional sales team Come and discuss your property with our friendly sales consultants at Avenida Espana 250, Estepona 29680.

Or visit our website at www.thespanishestateagent.com Email info@thespanishestateagent.com

It’s your move!

II 18

Property

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Average sale price on the Spanish costas in 2018

July 18th -July July 31st 2018 2018

But are rising prices on the costas a good thing? asks Mark Stucklin

T

Less than 140,000 euros Between 140,000 and 200,000 euros More than 200,000 euros

HE Spanish holiday home market is enjoying its time back in the sun, reports El Pais. Beachside prices are rising again, and building sites with cranes dot the coasts once again.

“Areas with clear signs of recovery in the holiday home market are the Balearics, Canaries, Costa del Sol, North Alicante, and the Maresme,” according to Pedro Soria, Tinsa’s commercial director.

House prices are even rising in double digits on several coasts. “Areas where prices have risen the most include Mallorca, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and certain municipalities of Huelva, Alicante, and Malaga,” he adds.

But some worry that things may be getting out of hand again and although we are still a long way from the madness of the boom years, I’m starting to hear voices like Campbell Ferguson of Survey Spain wondering how sustainable the latest building boom is.

The map (left), prepared by El Pais using data from the property portal pisos.com shows the average asking price, and latest annual increase, for all the main coasts, I assume based on asking prices in the portals data-base (which have to be take with a pinch of salt).

The recovery is driven by foreign demand, which started growing again years before local demand. “The British are still the main buyers but other nationalities like people from Nordic countries and Belgians are gaining ground,” explains Samuel Población, residential and land director at surveying giant CBRE. “All of them have had to focus on resales, but now they are starting to buy

Hurrah for holiday homes

new builds.” of buyers spend between €100,000 End user demand among locals for and €200,000, with Germans, Rusholiday homes has not yet recovered sians, and buyers from Nordic countries because of worries about job security spending the most, according to trade and salaries. Local investors, on the sources. other hand, are buying again, claims Foreign buyers prefer villas and semiBeatriz Toribio, head of research at the detached homes, whilst 75% of Spanish Fotocasa property portal. “34% of sec- buyers prefer apartments with terraces. ond-home buyers plan Some areas like Casto do short term renttellon still have a large als, compared to 7% stock of unsold homes Foreign buyers thinking of residential left over from the last prefer villas and building boom, whilst rents,” she says. The increasing restriction other areas like Ibiza, semi-detached of holiday lettings in South Tenerife, and tourist hotspots could parts of the Costa de homes but cause problems for this la Luz, in Cadiz, new Spanish like flats home inventories are demand.

Despite attention-grabalmost nonexistent. bing annual price inMunicipalities where creases on some coasts, second homes housing stats are highest include Esteare still 46% cheaper on average than pona and Marbella in Andalucia, Torrethey were in 2007, according to Tinsa’s vieja, Orihuela, Elche, Pilar de la Horadata. dada and Benidorm.

Though you can find holiday homes in Torrevieja for €50,000 or less, the bulk www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

Property

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July 18th - July 31st 2018 July 2018

III 19

Monarch laundering

UNDER FIRE: Juan Carlos

SPAIN’S former king has been accused of using his alleged ex-lover’s tax status to buy multiple overseas properties.

King Juan Carlos I, who is estimated to be worth around €2 billion, is accused of putting several properties under the name of his alleged mistress Princess Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein because she had tax residence in Monaco.

The claims came to light after a 2015 recording of a conversation between Corinna and a Spanish police officer in London leaked this month.

In the clip, Corinna can be heard alleging that the king’s lawyers put her name on overseas properties without her permission and complaining that she is being drawn into ‘money laundering’.

The aristocrat said she was living a ‘nightmare’ because the king had put various properties in Morocco into her name.

He then tried to have them transferred to his cousin when the alleged 10-year affair with Corinna ended.

“But if I do it, it is money laundering,” she says in the recording. “They are putting me under tre-

mendous pressure to return these things, but if I do it I am breaking the law and I could go to jail”.

Corinna claimed the properties had been put in her name not ‘because he loves me a lot, but because I reside in Monaco’, where such assets did not have to be publicly declared.

The aristocrat, an adviser to Prince Albert of Monaco, was named in the Spanish press as the king’s lover after she was discovered in his company when he was injured during a secret 2012 elephant hunting trip in Botswana.

Brits ignored THE Junta has been criticised for not dealing with British homeowners.

Senior members of group, AUAN, Urban Abusement Almanzora-NO, have criticised Junta leader, Susana Diaz, for failing to deal with the issue of ‘illegal housing’ across the region.

Members of AUAN and the Association of Residents of Albanchez, ARA, are angry that Diaz failed to meet them when they visited her offices in Sevilla this month.

Precarious

They want to see amendments to the Law of Urban Planning in Andalucia, LOUA, which would create AFOs, Assimilated Out of Ordination agreements, to regulate illegal properties, particularly on rural land.

The groups hope to solve the precarious housing situation in the Almanzora region, which has 13,000 irregular homes, as well as in the Axarquia and in the area of Chiclana, in Cadiz.

The no-show has not sat well with members, who added that Brits in the area mobilised their electorate to support the PSOE in the last regional elections. The amendment has reportedly received support from Ciudadanos and the PP.

PRESSURE: For Diaz

Sell-off

Franco’s last stand

It’s Galicia v the Generalissimo’s heirs over the rights to a des res in La Coruña, writes Elisa Menendez A HERITAGE property enjoyed for decades by General Franco as a summer pad is at the centre of a tug-of-war between his family and the regional government of Galicia.

Pazo de Meiras, a stunning 19th century baronial manor built on the ruins of an old military fort, was seized by the dictator in 1938 and used as a summer retreat until his final days.

Franco’s descendants continued the tradition with monthlong visits every year to the property in his birthplace of Galicia, until two years ago.

The manor - which once belonged to an aristocratic family in the region - has been the

Fair play

HOME: Of Franco family in Galicia subject of controversy for years, with left-wing parties calling for it to be returned to the public.

Built in 1893 to resemble a medieval castle with crenelated towers, it was christened Las Torres de Meiras by aristocrat Emilia Pardo Bazán whose family owned it during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The estate in Sada, La Coruña, boasts 10 hectares of farmland and forests and has its own chapel.

Franco and his wife fell in love

BANCO Santander is selling off billions of euros worth of its property portfolio.

It has already sold many of its holdings to US investment giant Blackstone, but is now looking to shed another €6 billion.

The portfolio, named Apple, will also be sold to Blackstone after the bank reached an agreement with the firm to sell €30 billion worth of real estate following its takeover of Banco Popular last year.

with it and drew up a deal with the Bazan family, allegedly raising funds from public coffers and the pockets of Galician taxpayers.

Investigators Carlos Babio and Manuel Perez, claim Franco also used state resources to reform, expand and maintain it, while his heirs continued to make millions in capital gains.

In 2008 the PSOE in Galicia demanded it be declared a BIC building - a site of cultural interest - meaning it must be open to

the public four days a month.

But Franco’s children still consider it a personal asset and put it on sale for €8 million in February. Sada town hall officials have since attempted to block the sale and return it to the public.

Last year the feud became yet more heated after the Franco Foundation announced it would be hosting guided tours ‘to show the public the grandeur of Francisco Franco’.

UP to 2,000 property lovers are set to descend on the Costa del Sol for one of the biggest exhibitions of its kind.

From October 26 to 28, the Home Fair Marbella will see architects, interior designers, real estate providers and more exhibiting at the Palacio de Congresos.

The home and living expo is perfect for those planning to purchase or refurbish a property or wanting to know the latest living and house trends.

Visit www.homefairmarbella.com for more info.

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Property

IV

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New laws look set to bring new rights for tenants in Spain

El Poleo - Cordoba - TH2750

99.000 €

The fully restored property, just 10 minutes from picturesque Priego de Cordoba, has around 80m2 terrace with wonderful views and a private garage. On entering the house there is a reception hall and a living room. Other features include a fitted kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, utility room, dining room, studio, and a beautiful patio (with access to the street) with a small private garden.

tel: +34 953 587 040 Calle Abad Moya 4, Bajo 23680, Alcalá la Real, Jaén info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com

A NEW series of measures aimed at protecting tenants who rent their homes has been announced in Spain.

Development minister Jose Luis Abalos also said new laws will attempt to calm rising prices in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

It comes as construction is booming in the country, some 10 years after the devastating financial crash of 2007/8.

“We need to make sure the housing stock is mainly allocated to satisfying the right to housing, safeguarding its social function,” Abalos told a parliamentary commission.

July 18th -July July 31st 2018 2018

Rights for tenants

Respect

Under proposed measures, buyers of rented property will have to respect the preexisting terms of the tenants’ contracts.

This is designed to stave off the post-crisis practice of cash-strapped local authorities selling social housing to private equity firms which in turn raised rents.

Abalos also proposed regulatory and fiscal measures to encourage owners of empty

properties to let them.

According to Abalos, over the next four to six years, 20,000 affordable homes for rent will be built,adding to a supply which currently makes up for just 2.5% of

Spanish housing stock, according to the OECD. This compares with 14% in France and 18% in the UK. Curbs will be placed on deposits or other guarantees that landlords can demand

ANDERS@ABCPROPERTYEXPERTS.COM GERRY@ABCPROPERTYEXPERTS.COM WWW.ABCPROPERTYEXPERTS.COM

from tenants, and the government will aim to ease access to credit to help people rent. Abalos said he wanted to ‘balance the rights of landlords and tenants as much as possible’.

MOBILE: (+34) 627 241 313 MOBILE: (+34) 603 150 995 OFFICE: (+34) 952 001 100

Our Client Privilege Promise Will Reduce Costs For Legals, Mortgages, Insurance, Air Con, Wi-Fi and TV €192,000

€185,000 – REDUCED!

€245,000

€349,000

Manilva – Ref: R3161332

La Alcaidesa – Ref: R2953646

Estepona – Ref: R3206080

Duquesa – Ref: R3211168

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 115m2 Terrace: 30m2

This ground floor apartment has a sea views, a lovely private garden where you can have a BBQ and enjoy sun the whole day. The property is 115 m2 build with a terrace on 30m2 plus the garden on 30m2. The urbanisation has a lovely mature garden and good size swimming pool to cool down in the summer months.

Benefits from security cameras for extra safety and security gate.

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 93m2 Terrace: 81m2

Price just reduced for a quick sale. Top floor apartment with stunning views towards Gibraltar. This amazing frontline golf property has beautiful views overlooking golf sea.

Spacious interiors with large sunny terraces comes with a jacuzzi.

La Alcaidesa is very well known for the golf course which is only few steps away.

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 173m2 Terrace: 15m2

Beautiful apartments ground floor apartment. Very peaceful settings, quiet and close to all amenities.Shops, beach, restuarants etc. The communal gardens are impeccably cared for and the pool areas a delight to relax by. The owner of this property was once a most sought after interior designer back in the day.

The pictures do not show the opulence of this designer styled property.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 178m2 Terrace: 45m2

Beautifully located south facing, ground floor apartment in Los Granados, Duquesa.

Direct accses to a beautiful sandy beach, fully air-conditioned with views of the gardens, pool and sea. The complex has a large lagoon style swimming pool set in spacious grounds. The property has underground parking, 24hr security and is a short walk along the beach to the fishing village of Castillo and Duquesa marina.

Property

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July 18th - July 31st 2018 July 2018

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22

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July 18th - July 31st 2018

Property

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July 18th - July 31st 2018 July 2018

V 23

League of its own

SELLER: Scott Marshall

EXCLUSIVE: Football star snaps up hot property in new Costa del Sol development IT’S the first development to be built in Benahavis village for over a decade, and it’s already attracting superstars.

The Olive Press can reveal a current Premier League footballer has invested in the much-anticipated Riverside complex, on the edge of the popular town.

The player, who had a great season with his northern club, has asked to remain anonymous.

Scott Marshall at Propertiespain, which markets the scheme, was also tight-lipped about the star’s identity, but did confirm that he had ‘chosen one of the best apartments in the complex’.

He added that the purchase was a great sign for the proj-

SELLING FAST: The luxury Riverside development in Benahavis ect of 75 luxury apartments, The eco-friendly homes are with construction now under- just a stone’s throw away way. from Benahavis’ buzzing res“We are getting reservations taurant and bar scene. every week,” said Marshall, “These are high-spec apart“and it’s no surprise thanks to ments with open plan kitchthe high qualens, underity construcfloor heating tion by stock in bathrooms The player market-listed and huge Quabit. double-glazed reportedly had “It also has an windows,” enviable locaadds Marshall. a great season tion, which He explained playing for his makes it an that the firm attractive inbuilding the northern club vestment. homes, is one “We have Belof the most gian, Dutch, popular and Swedish, Argentinian and of well-respected in the country. course, British buyers, and The modern dwellings have are nearly 40% sold out.” taken everything into ac-

count, including the environment, as they are run using Aerothermia systems.

Aerothermia collects its energy from warm and atmospheric air and has been recognised as a renewable form of energy by the EU. It means it’s up to 50% cheaper to heat your home as it uses only 25% electricity.

The 75 apartments all come with parking and storage space included in the price and there is a communal pool for residents.

Construction will be completed between the end of 2019 and January 2020.

Anyone interested should call 952 85 54 89 or visit www.propertiespain.com.

?

SCORE: Premier League player snaps up ‘one of the best apartments’

To kick off a new series on the varied interior styles of the Europeans, style writer Lotti Ander takes a wry look at the British versus the Swedes

H

Property

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AVE you recently waded in to buy your dream home in Spain? Are you in a need of help when it comes to decide in what style will be your interior?

As a real estate agent in Estepona, on the Costa del Sol, I have been into hundreds of homes and it is funny how easily I can recognize where the owners come from… but then I was formerly the editor of an interior design magazine in Sweden.

It seems all Europeans have their own unique DNA when it comes to interior styles, like stripes that never go away.

So let’s start with an examination of the British versus the Swedish style, they’re quite distinct!

July 18th -July July 31st 2018 2018

Mixed up

VS

XIV 24

THE BRITS

Cosy, charm and meeeeetres of fabric!

T

he Brits love their aristocratic, colonial style with rooms overloaded with furniture, decorative items, textiles and, um, more textiles.

The fireplace is a must, whatever the weather, and symmetry a religion.

Two bookshelves, two sofas, two table lamps, two armchairs, two dogs, yeah you get it. A balance that can only be upset by quirky items such as a two foot high wooden servant holding a tray or a colorful stuffed parrot on a stick.

Cosyness and charm are the keywords and to create the style you just follow this list; • • • • •

Unlimited curtains, cushions, pillows, wallpapers and upholstery in cotton floral prints - preferably in different prints. The more the merrier!

Chesterfield sofas - yes two of them - and puffy armchairs with curved legs Throw in some arches and pillars to enhance the colonial feel... And don’t forget the portraits of ancestors.

The older the better!

Naked beams are a must to remind you of the cottage heritage not to mention the country-style kitchen with an Aga stove and paneling painted in dove blue The bedroom is often an orgy in fabrics and there is not a spot that can’t be covered! Put your floral printed blindfold on if its too much to handle!

travel more worry less

Wherever you’re heading this summer, be sure to pack your peace of mind. Find a kind and caring sitter with TrustedHousesitters to keep your beloved pets safe and happy at home while you’re away.

“As well as our animals enjoying all the comforts of home, it has saved us a fortune in kennel and cattery fees” Helen – Parcent, Spain

TRADITIONAL: Brits love naked beams and varied prints • • •

All rooms very much have their function, no open space solutions here! After all, who want to see the dishes?

Colours are mostly natural tones in dusty pink, blue and green and to go a bit wild paint the walls in Tartan scarlet or British racing green Don’t forget the carpets! They have to be large, preferably in sisal and wall to wall

Exclusive 50% off membership Use code OLIVEPET at the TrustedHousesitters.com checkout

Property

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July 18th - July 31st 2018 July 2018

Minimalist THE SWEDES White, bright and anxious

U SLEEK: And simple for a Swede

T

he Swedes believe they are very individualistic.

But the truth is most of the homes in Sweden look like they are done with carbon copy paper between them.

That is partly IKEA’s fault, but mostly it’s because Swedes do not want to stand out.

The word lagom, meaning ‘not too much’, is appropriate and means less is more and as long as its white, bright and fresh, it’s safe.

Style is minimalist, clutter free, with ‘exciting’ details being in black and white, patterns in zigzag or just plain stripes.

To make it homely a Swede brings in plants and handicrafts in ceramic and wood, showing off his or her heritage. To design like us Swedes then follow this; •

• •

•

Paint all walls, floors and ceilings white.

Maybe you can be bold with one wall in a grayish or eggshell-ish tone. The brave use some wallpaper with a ‘crazy’ pattern in the guest toilet - wow!

Cool is king, so do not show too much emotion, use natural fabrics in linen or cotn in beige Choose a design sofa which while beautiful and expensive, will probably not be very comfortable to sit on for more than 10 minutes Understatement artefacts are crucial to

•

•

the style. And whether you bought it in an expensive design shop or your kid did it at daycare, it looks intellectual The open plan living room/kitchen gives you space and an overview, but you’ll need a housekeeper 24/7 if you want to live a spotless life without dishes in the sink, fingerprints on the dressers and the smell of fried herring The bedroom is designed in a sacred, minimalistic way. A peaceful, non cluttered space for the soul, a sanctuary away from the world. But beware, do not take this concept to a monastery level if you want to share your Hästens double bed!

Next Property Magazine in September, Lotti takes a look at the Spanish versus the Germans

Lotti works at Nest Bostadsmäklarna, in Estepona. Contact her at 650 202 970 or lotti@nestbostad.com

The one stop shop

P and down the coast furniture and decoration stores have come and gone over the years, but Furniture World Estepona has continued to operate successfully on the Costa del Sol for more than 30 years.

That in itself is some feat, but especially so for an expat enterprise.

The business was founded in 1986 by the family’s patriarch, now happily retired, and is now continuing to prosper under the long time management of his daughter and son-in-law, Corrinne and Richard. Throughout the 3,000m2 showroom you can find a vast selection of indoor and outdoor furniture, decorative pieces, kitchen utensils and electrical good. Also they have a huge selection of rugs, fitted carpets and other flooring to choose from.

The company has decades of experience in the laying of all flooring including carpets, astroturf, wood and vinyl. They have provided flooring for restaurants, boats, shops, football pitches, offices and of course private homes and they have a dedicated in house flooring specialist on hand to answer all your questions.

More recently they have launched their online shop at www.esteponafurniture. com, allowing you to browse their products and purchase from the comfort of your home.

Also, to keep up to date with all the latest news and offers you can like or follow them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/furnitureworldestepona.

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26 XXII

Property

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Papa don’t park As Madonna winds up the Lisbon locals with the parking deal of the century, we look at the celebs who have flocked to the Portuguese capital over the years MADONNA’S new neighbours in Lisbon are in uproar after the town hall alloted her permanent car parking spaces for her fleet of 15 cars for just €720 per month.

It means the Queen of Pop - who is worth almost €500 million - is paying just €1.50 per car per day, while other residents of the Lisbon neighbourhood are forking out €1.20 per HOUR. The area is already lacking in parking spaces and neighbours have blasted the town hall for what they say is preferential treatment.

July 18th July - July 31st 2018 2018

P.S. Madge isn’t the only celeb to buy in Lisbon...

John Malkovich Hollywood legend John Malkovich has had a home in Lisbon since the 1990s.

His arrival has been very welcomed, mainly thanks to his investment, having been the founder of one of the city’s best restaurants before buying its most popular nightclub, Lux.

Scarlett Johansson Lisbon’s most recent resident is A-list actress Scarlett Johansson.

She bought an apartment in Principe Real earlier this year and will be a neighbour to Madonna and is part of a growing trend of US investment into the area.

POPULAR: The Principe Real area of Lisbon is all the rage with celebs

To add insult to injury, the parking space allotted to the Material Girl sits behind the famous Pombal palace owned by the Catholic Church and very close to her new home.

The mother-of-six, who moved into the €7 million 18th century Ramalhete Palace last year so her son David Banda could train at nearby Benfica football club, has yet to comment.

She isn’t the only celeb to have moved into the area, with Scarlett Johansson becoming a neighbour earlier this year.

John Malkovich, meanwhile has proven much more popular with residents, having opened successful restau-

Eric Cantona While other celebs come and go to their Lisbon homes, French footballing legend Eric Cantona lives in the capital full time.

Michael Fassbender Between shooting and filming, Fassbender likes to escape to his apartment in Lisbon, which overlooks the Tagus river.

Harrison Ford VINTAGE: Madonna’s 18th century home

rants and investing into the nightlife scene.

As Lisbon continues to become

a place-to-be, below we have rounded up some famous faces who have bought there.

The Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford is rumoured to be have been looking in Lisbon for some time now, but he has yet to find the property he wants.

Carib Playa, Marbella - €199,500

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M A N I LVA • D U Q U E S A • S A B I N I L L A S S O T O G R A N D E • A L C A I D E S A •

•

July 18th - July 31st 2018

ESTEPONA C A S A R E S

Hamilton Homes REAL ESTATE – INMOBILIARIA

Come View with Me

As a boy, my parents used to bring me here.

Some of my fondest memories are of playing on this beach in Manilva.

I decided to set up a Real Estate Agency and now, 20 years on, I continue to sell the dream.

Today I have selected four very different properties, all special in their own way.

Come view with me (+34) 952 890 444

Andrew Bacarese-Hamilton La Herencia Doña Julia €340,000

Las Brisas, Duquesa €565,000

A penthouse in one of the most elegant urbanisations in Casares – spacious, modern, top specs and great outdoor space. Truly special.

I love the location of this villa. Recently reformed, with sea views, private pool and within walking distance to the Marina de la Duquesa.

Hard to find this kind of property these days.

3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Large Private Terrace Communal Pool and Gym

3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Private Pool and Garage

Majestic Villas, Casares €998,500

Manilva Beach Townhouse €240,000

If I had to choose, this would be my ideal home. Spectacular views, walking distance to the beach and Finca Cortesin, brand new, lots of light, energy efficient, cost-effective to run.

This is a perfect beach house, made for making lovely memories. Walk to the beach, walk to the Marina along the promenade,or enjoy the pools and tennis.

7 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms Private Pool, Garage and Games room

3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Private Garden, Communal Pool, Padel and Tennis

To view a video of the property or urbanisation, scan the QR code

tel: (+34) 952 890 444 olive@hamilton-homes.com Hamilton Homes

tel: (+34) 667 633 830 www.hamilton-homes.com

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XII 28

Property

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€5,000,000

July 18th - July 31st 2018

Living beside the sea can have some excellent health inducing benefits, writes Laurence Dollimore

R

ECENT studies have shown that living next to water can promote wellness and relaxation.

In fact, according to marine biologist Dr Wallace Nichols, just seeing water induces a flood of neurochemicals that increase the flow of blood to the brain and heart.

Meanwhile, the sound of waves

can alter brain patterns, inducing a deeply relaxed state similar to meditation.

Data from Wakefield Research, a data company based in the US, also found that four out of five people reported that being around water relaxes them, while 72% of people feel healthier after they’ve spent time on the water.

Club-house You’ll be slipping into a trance with this villa’s panoramic views of the coastline, mountains and the Guadalmina golf course.

Inside sees lavish furnishings with the staircase and banisters designed by none other than Versace, complimented by marble flooring with mosaic details and silk tapestry on the walls.

Its coolest feature has to be its basement, which includes a fully equipped club with a dance area, chill-out area,DJ booth and bar - not to mention its very own vineyard outback.

Life’s a €3,600,000 €2,280,000

Ibiza pad

REF: 7089 Sotheby’s

www.sothebysrealty.com This brand new 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa will be finished this year and is just metres from Cala Llenya, one of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches.

It guarantees the latest security system in a gated complex along with gorgeous community gardens and a swimming pool - although it’s unlikely you’ll need it with the sea just five to 10 metres away.

Dream pad

REF: 8665 Sotheby’s, Cala Rajada www.sothebysrealty.com

This seafront Mallorca pad is just minutes from Cala Ratjada beach.

The house was built in 1970 and has a lot of potential and can easily be renovated.

More importantly, you will practically have your own private beach with a small property that could be your very own beach club.

It’s a perfect opportunity for those looking for a large house facing the sea with direct access.

Meanwhile, several golf courses, restaurants, supermarkets and all the services are very close, as well as the towns of Artá and Capdepera.

NEW OFF PLAN DEVELOPMENT Launches 26 July 2018 A mix of studios, 1, 2, 3 & 4 beds

Gibraltar

Tel: +350 200 40041 info@chestertons.gi chestertons.gi 20 Ocean Village Promenade

www.theolivepress.es Swimming in salty water helps preserve the brain’s melatonin, tryptamine and serotonin levels, all of which stave off depression.

Exposure to sea water can also boost the immune system, thanks to the antibiotic and antibacterial effects of the vitamins and minerals within the water.

The negative ions of sea air mean-

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XIII 29

€8,900,000

while enables the body to absorb oxygen more readily and balance serotonin levels.

In light of this, we’ve rounded up some of the best beach and waterfront properties in Spain that are sure to induce a deep state of relaxation.

Private

beach

This contemporary mansion is just a few minutes walk from the beach with spacious rooms and high ceilings throughout.

It’s situated in the prestigious Guadalmina Baja urbanisation on a very large plot of land, only 200m from the beach and seafront walkway that leads to Puerto Banús.

This superb and very private property is an excellent choice even for the most discerning buyer and family wishing to live in quiet, secure and harmonious surround-

ings in one of the finest urbanisations on the coast, yet only a few minutes drive to all amenities, international private schools, championship level golf courses and much more.

€3,300,000

Beach life This unique 5-bedroom villa sits just above the beaches of Manilva, boasting panoramic views of Marbella and Gibraltar while being just a few minutes’ drive away from exclusive Sotogrande. It comes complete with a heated infinity pool, solar power, elevator, under floor heating, rooftop/entertaining area, cinema, jacuzzi and sauna, gym and snooker room.

REF: HOS-296 Holmes Sotogrande, Manilva

REF: 176-01470P - Andalucia Development, San Pedro www.andadev.com

Marbella office now open Marbella Centro Plaza Local 1.

Avda.

Manollete 1.

29660 Nueva Andalucia.

MIJAS COSTA

C.CCentro Atalayas

Comercial C/Viento del Sur s/n 29649 Mijas costa

+34 952 930 532 / +34 670 673 472, Mijas@fineandcountry.com, www.fineandcountry.com

Ema

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British buyers back, buoyant prices, new offices… 2018 is shaping up to be a golden year Kristina Szekely tells Jon Clarke

F

EW people would deny Kristina Szekely the nickname the Godmother of Marbella Property.

The international female face of the Golden Mile, she has become as synonymous with the town’s buoyant market as the famous arches on the edge of the town.

But, these days it is not just Marbella, where the celebrated agent is known.

Through her partnership with Sotheby’s she has an office in Sevilla, Sotogrande, Madrid and even Gibraltar… and now she is set to open a new one in the heart of Marbella to compliment her main office in Puerto Banus.

On the main road through town, near the Alameda gardens, the office will be catering to a new growth market of buyers, who want to live near the old town.

“It’s a strategic move to cater for people, who want to return to the charming centre of Marbella,” she tells me over coffee near her main office on front line Banus.

“It’s very easy to live there, as you can walk everywhere to do your chores and do not need a car. Traffic isn’t as easy as it once was and a lot of older clients are downsizing from big six to seven bedroom villas and moving to smaller places in central Marbella,” she explains.

The new office is also catering for a new type of investor looking to capitalise on the healthy annual rents ‘with yields of 5% upwards’ in the town, as well as international investors looking for commercial property, such as offices and hotels.

“Lots of investors are realising that you can get more for your money than just having it parked in Switzerland,” she says. “Yields are good and it’s a strong growth market now.”

This has certainly been the case

Good old days Healthy growth

There have been some big price rises in Marbella over the last three years explains Kristina.

One of her exclusive projects from three years ago Jardines del Principe, for example, sold out all 80 apartments within a year, with a number of them now coming back on the market for well over 50% more.

“The properties sold at €500,000 to €550,000 euros are now going for €850,000 to €900,000. That is a big jump in just three years.” over the last few years with pric- She continues: “Things are very es in Marbella nearly heading much getting back to normal back up to the levels of 2007/8 though and we have seen a big before the recession. “In some upturn this year. places even higher,” she insists. “The British are definitely comThis year in particular has been ing back in and buying again, strong, with more than any many British other race. It is buyers coming I have now sold to so convenient back into the for them with so market, as well three generations many flights to as an influx of Malaga… and of the same Catalans, largeGibraltar too, ly due to the pofamily, both sons which is a lovely litical situation airport to use. and grandsons there.

“I think the “I’m also exkey was the pecting a big exchange rate influx of Arabs this summer, once the Brexit result came although the Chinese I thought out. It meant that British buyers might come are actually buying were suddenly paying 15% more more in the bigger cities.” for properties almost overnight.

For bookings and information, please contact Eddie or Kath McCallion (+34) 956 688 177 | (+34) 615 340 027 casamccallion@yahoo.co.uk | www.casamccallion.com

Fantastic bed and breakfast with three self contained holiday let apartnmts, for sale. The property offers landscaped gardens, swimming pool and double garage. The house is located in EI Cuarton, between Tarifa and Gibraltar and is well connected to many great beaches, Gibraltar and The Alcornocales national park.

House consists of 314.5m' on a plot of 2,100m'. with terracing of 222.5m' (100m' of roof terrace).

“It was a shock and it took a year or so to digest that, before many jumped back in... but the mentality has now changed and people are realising they cannot wait forever, people still want to get on with their lives and the Costa del Sol offers the perfect place for a second home.”

Kristina is as positive as I have ever seen her, bounding around her office talking to her team many who have been with her for over two decades - and even pops out to chat to potential clients in the street outside.

But nobody could ever have described her as a slacker.

Over the nearly 35 years of working in real estate, she has got to know most of the main players in Andalucia and further afield.

As well as appearing on countless TV programmes (the most memorable on a Piers Morgan documentary on Marbella), she is not scared to jump on a plane to promote the coast at international property fairs or events.

“I was in Beijing recently for the launch of the new Sotheby’s China office,” she explains. “It was an interesting trip and I took a week off afterwards to see the country.”

It has certainly been something of a turnaround for the businesswoman, who just five years ago had to take drastic steps to shore up her business during the deep recession in Spain, laying off dozens of staff and temporarily shutting a couple of offices.

Describing it to me as a ‘tsunami’ at the time, and revealing she had gone from 150 to just 40 staff, she has done well to get things back on an even keel.

“We are almost completely out of the woods,” she explains this week. “Things are finally looking up and I am just as enthusiastic about selling property now as I was three decades ago,” she admits, “It’s the challenge I like and I enjoy helping people get what they want,” she says. “Of course, at the end of it you are going to make money, but it is nice to get to know the clients first and I always give the maximum.

“I have now sold to three generations of the same family, not just my client’s sons, but even their grandsons,” she halfboasts, fully aware that it gives a hint to her age, which she carefully guards from me each time we chat.

July 18th -July July 31st 2018 2018

My life to date Kristina Szekely is a cultured lady, who has a good knowledge of food, drink and travel and has been to Morocco, for example, nearly 30 times and loves Marrakech in particular.

Arriving in Marbella in the 1970s with her sister who had fallen in love with a Spaniard from Toledo, she was typical of the early expats to settle on the coast, speaking a number of languages (English, Hungarian, Swedish, German and French) and quickly picking up Spanish.

Born in Hungary during the communist era, she had managed to escape to live with her uncle in Sweden, where she received a ‘solid education’.

But she still remembers some of the tough times her family suffered under the regime.

“We had quite a big house, which the communist party decided needed to be divided in half to provide room for another family. But it was still too big, so they made us do it again so we ended up with a quarter of our original house.”

Despite doing well at school she opted not to attend university and instead took one of the first package holiday flights south from Stockholm to Malaga and fell in love with the coast.

Just out of her teens she first started work as a freelance property agent – or ‘corredor’ - recommending property to friends and taking a small commission when they bought.

Her first actual office was opened in the early 1980s behind the Skol Hotel in central Marbella, before moving to Nueva Andalucia (to the current site of La Sala restaurant), where her head office was for 21 years.

It was around this time that she met her artist and developer husband Antonio Cienfuegos, who was ‘very important’ in her life and who taught her to separate her business from her private life. They were together for 20 years until his death from cancer nearly two decades ago.

Marbella continues to be her home, a place she loves for its climate, geography and diversity, citing a dinner party where there were no less than 16 different nationalities.

“It is a healthy melting pot and in Marbella you don’t have to fit into a mould, you can be creative, you can dress up or down, drive whatever car you like. Here, people are not trying to keep up with the Joneses.

“On top of that it is a sophisticated resort with great shops, sports facilities and restaurants. And the city of Malaga is now nearer than ever.

“It also has fantastic healthcare. Nowhere in Europe have you got so many good hospitals and clinics.”

Top tip ‘I am a big fan of the area between San Pedro and Estepona and given the Golden Mile is almost impossible to find places, this is an area I would focus on.

In the autumn she will be releasing a couple of new projects there, which will be ‘price-wise and size-wise’ excellent value.’

KEEN OP READER: Kristina

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www.theolivepress.es Looking for Design Inspiration?

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Property July 18th - July 31st 2018

XVI

July 2018

by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

MORTGAGE THINK TANK

Forget me not

Spain may be booming, but that’s never a reason to skip on hiring a mortgage broker

C

SPAIN’S property market is the healthiest it’s been for years.

And the facts don’t lie, sales in the first quarter of this year were the highest they have been since the third quarter of 2008, the height of Spain’s property golden era.

A sign of good times ahead is that, according to the Land Register, foreign sales were up 13.2% compared to the first quarter of 2017.

It means the country’s property market is seen as a strong investment from buyers across the world.

More encouraging is that the Brits remain the biggest international group with a foreign market share of 14%.

It seems Brexit has been firmly shrugged off by the British, who have long been fundamental to the success of Spain’s property market.

Here at the Finance Bureau we have been kept extremely busy by Brits looking for a home in sunny Spain, and they made the right decision in seeking out a mortgage broker.

Buying a property overseas can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but if the correct steps aren’t taken, it could end up being the worst, without sounding too dramatic!

With established links to all the major Spanish lenders the Finance Bureau acts as a gobetween for the client and the bank – but it is

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The leading home decoration magazine for homeowners with style…

Tel. (+34) 951 38 38 97 | info@homeandlifestyle.es | www.homeandlifestyle.es

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

THE PERSONAL WAY TO BUY PROPERTY IN ESTEPONA!

NICE HOUSE WITH FABULOUS SEAVIEWS R3099661 € 420 000 Bahia Dorada Estepona Semi-detached villa Semi-d 168 m2 3 beds 3 baths 70 m2 terrace 360 m2 garden

important to remember that the broker is not connected to the bank - and works to find the buyer the best deal available.

It’s important to have someone in your corner to highlight any hidden fees or compulsory add-ons tucked away in the small print and to ensure you get the best possible mortgage rate to suit your needs.

One of the biggest pitfalls can be ‘trap-related products’ that often get hidden in the small print.

These additional products get attached to your mortgage and usually include insurance policies.

It is important to know exactly what is attached to your mortgage. What may seem like a great rate can be soured by expensive – and sometimes unnecessary – insurance packages.

Using a broker will save both time and money as they will be looking out for these hidden add-ons and will always look for ways to lessen their impact.

And while the vast majority of banks specify the fees and commissions they charge, not all of these costs are always declared.

But the best way to ensure a good mortgage that does not hide anything in the fine print is to solicit the help of a mortgage broker.

When it comes to picking a mortgage, you must get it right on the first try as due to the relatively high transaction costs, it is virtually impossible to reverse.

FAMILY VILLA WITH SPACE FOR FRIENDS & RELATIVES!

R3110614 € 630 000 Valle Romano Estepona Detached villa 400 m2 6 beds 7 baths 250 m2 terrace 1 300 m2 garden

Property Property

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July 18th -July July 31st 2018 July2018 2018

The Grapevine How to stage your home for a viewing in three easy steps

A

S you can imagine, we have a lot of experience with property viewings. And, with the help of feedback from our purchasing clients, over the years we’ve found out best ways to show off your property. Here’s the good news: there are things you can do to help!

Below are the top three things you can do to maximize viewings on your property.

by Laura Wood

On stage

De-clutter

The first step on your home staging journey is to de-clutter your home as much as possible. This is obviously more difficult if you are currently living in the house. There are however small things you can do that will take no more than 15 minutes. For example, removing items like fly swats, ashtrays and used mugs from tables,

XV VI 33

clearing the kitchen work surfaces, emptying any exposed bins, tidying up any pool/garden equipment (where applicable) from the outside areas, storing any brooms, mops and other cleaning supplies can all help to make your home more attractive to the client. First impressions are so important on viewings.

Stage Now, this is where you can get creative. We believe that when you purchase a property in our region you are buying so much more than a house, you are buying the lifestyle that that property can give you.

You as a vendor can help a prospective purchaser envision what their life could be like here. Things like laying out a bowl of citrus fruits on the table showing off the local produce, putting out a bottle of wine and couple of glasses out, offering a glass of iced water on arrival all aid a buyer to feel at home. Try to make the viewing experience as memorable as possible.

Some feedback we have never received: “This house is too bright!”

PRESSURE: Just be yourself when showing your home

Make sure your property is as sunny as possible when the clients arrive. This means opening all the blinds/shutters and turning on all light sources.

You You are the biggest selling point of your house. It’s important for clients to see why you fell in love with your property. Where is your favourite spot to spend time? Think about this and purposely sit there during a viewing. If the clients are interesting in your property and have any

specific questions, they will come to you and when they do they’ll be sat in the very best place to admire the view/pool area/spacious living room etc. See what I’m getting at? Give the clients space, let them feel their own way around the property so the viewing is as relaxed and informal as possible.

We believe that by incorporating these three things into your viewing preparations, you will create a greater lasting first impression.

We wish you the very best of luck finding a purchaser for your home and please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance.

Visit us at Calle El Burgo, 5, Guaro or contact us at tel. 952 457 761 / enquiries@grapevine-properties.com

Contact us now on 637 160 738 info@360imagery.es www.360imagery.es Show your property in virtual reality!

Do you have a property for sale or rent?

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Business is immediately visible on google street view

BENEFITS Listing with a interactive virtual tour receives 38% more views 16x more shares Open house 24/7 If a picture paints a thousand words. imagine the benefits of a virtual tour Virtual reality adds convenience and elevates the buying Virtua experience 360 Virtual tours sell homes faster No software needed to view a tour Allows your business to be easily found on google and drive traffic to your website. social media. etc

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July 18th July - July 31st 2018 2018

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Property

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A

newly refurbished property can satisfy clients who aren’t enamoured with contemporary architectural design, yet still desire the modern convenience of a brand new villa. A traditional-style house can be delivered with many of the accoutrements of a new-build property – home automation, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a fitness suite – yet retain the charm of the original home, thus delivering the best of all worlds. Renovating a home can be a costly and timeconsuming proposition, so buying a refurbished home removes this stress.

Buying a house is the largest financial commitment most people will undertake in their lifetime.

When the purchase is of a recently reformed property, risks are raised that undiagnosed technical problems can turn a dream home into a nightmare of spiralling repair costs.

What lies beneath Avoid the horrors of cowboy reforms, writes Adam Neale

Use the services of an expert It therefore pays to contract a third party specialist or technical architect to carry out a detailed inspection of the property in order to ensure the refurbishment has been carried out adequately.

Terra Meridiana. 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona.

Tel: +34 951 318480. Office Mob: +34 678 452109 Email: info@terrameridiana.com. http://www.terrameridiana.com

July 18th - July 31st 2018 July 2018

Chris Warren, of project management company Renson Management, often works on our behalf for clients, undertaking a thorough examination of properties at our request. We recently asked him for some pointers on factors to note when purchasing a refurbished property.

“The most important problem that can occur is water damage, which is one of the areas we inspect in particular detail,” states Chris. “An unnoticed leak can cause untold damage, so we run taps, showers and baths, looking for the slightest hint of water leaks or ingress”.

“During building work it is not uncommon for pipes to become blocked with debris. Underfloor heating must be checked, electric shutters are another common issue – there are so many elements in today’s modern homes that need to receive the correct supervision, so a thorough inspection will bring these and other issues to light.”

As well as inspecting plumbing and electrical facilities, Chris and his team ensure that all services are correctly connected to the home. “We don’t just check services, though,” he notes.

“People today are much more eco-conscious, so running costs are very much an issue. A recent client was delighted when we pointed out that their new 20 x 6 metre heated swimming pool had been installed without a cover to retain heat and reduce costs, for example.”

XVII 35 IX

Check the paperwork is correct Building regulations are also scrutinised, ensuring the work carried out complies with legal requirements. Fundamentally, it’s a service that delivers peace of mind to clients, which is why we recommend Renson Management as a professional company that can be trusted: “Renson Management are proud of the fact that we hold unbroken professional indemnity insurance, which we have had since 1996 without a single claim to date, which we think says something about the service we offer” Renson is also ISO 9001-certified, meaning it is regularly audited to make sure its practices meet independent quality standards and ensures quality assurance.

Our own experience We are based in the old town of Estepona and can bear witness to both some excellent and appalling examples of reform. Unfortunately, the untrained eye of most clients will not see beyond the fresh paint and newly laid tiles, they will rarely look above them to see that the beautiful old roof beams which have just been painted white support a roof that will leak like a sieve in the winter rains.

We would advise anyone buying a recently reformed property to have the property checked by a professional such as Chris from Renson Management.

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BEFORE // AFTER

Since 2008

New builds, architectural renovations, construction, licenses and project management. Commercial and residential interior design. Design studio and construction offices / showroom Marbella centre.

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Skywalking

July 18th - July 31st 2018 July 2018

XXI 37

GUARD: Monkey rail

P

ERCHED high above one of the highest peaks on the Med, this is not an attraction for those suffering from vertigo.

The skywalk, installed at the top of the rock of Gibraltar offers 360 degree views taking in the mountains of north Morocco, as well as inland Cadiz and Malaga.

Conceived by Arc designs, it comprises a 2.5-metre wide glazed walkway plus a balustrade.

From here you can walk up to the famous O’Hara Battery, which is the home to a big troup of the Rock’s famous macaque monkeys.

They are very much part of the whole experience of visiting the new Skywalk, which took six months to build.

If you look down below the only thing you will see is the ground and the sea, like you were floating.

But beware winds up here can easily reach 93mph, or 150km/h. And keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky monkeys, who will stoop at nothing to grab your bag to look for a tasty snack, dispensing with anything else they cannot eat.

It recently happened to a family of UK tourists, who lost not only their money for the day out, but also no less than FIVE passports which are still visible on the steep cliff face to the south.

ON THE EDGE: Monkeying around

HOMESHARE: With Gibraltar’s famous macaques

38

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Having moved to Mallorca designer Matthew Williamson is starting to leave his colourful mark on the area A SPLASH of floral blue and soft pinks have created one of Mallorca’s hippest suites.

Designed by British fashion designer Matthew Williamson, Suite 67, at Deia’s Belmont La Residencia hotel, also includes various retro touches and antique furniture.

STYLISH: Williamson´s suite

Flower power

The poolside suite conversion comes after the Manchester designer moved to the village

Pricy break THE Balearics have the most expensive rentals in Spain.

During the low season the average price is €202 per night, while in high season it is €264, over €60 more than anywhere else in Spain, claims website Holidu.

Pollensa has the highest average of €373 a night, with Ibiza town in second with €371. Bargain basement Lanzarote, in the Canaries, is a mere €141 a night in high season.

having bought and renovated a house there.

The designer, who is popular with stars including Anna Wintour and Sienna Miller, has moved into the interiors market and recently finished renovating the courtyard of London’s hip Blakes Hotel.

But Mallorca has become his permanent home.

“I fell in love with Deià the first moment I arrived. I’d enjoyed a scenic drive up into the mountains and through the pretty town of Valdem-

ossa,” he recently explained.

“Deià is such a hidden gem and I really felt it was a place I wanted to explore more.”

Williamson, who is known for his vibrant patterns and colours, is expected to undertake more work around the island.

“For Suite 67 I’ve taken inspiration from the hotel’s rich history, the local architecture and scenery, and worked with nearby craftspeople and artists,” the designer continued.

Vulture hunt

Chaos still exists in the mortgage law sector in Spain, but the fight back is well underway, writes Maria Luisa Castro, at CostaLuz lawyers

T Pioneers & experts in Spanish off-plan property claims according to banks liabilities – under ley 57/1968 NO WIN NO FEE Contact us now for a free appraisal of your case

SPAIN Calle Regino Martínez 30, 3º, 11201 Algeciras, Cádiz, Spain Tel. +34 956 092 687 | Fax. +34 956 092 697 UNITED KINGDOM Unit 2, Cochran Close, Crownhill Industry, Milton Keynes, MK8 0AJ, United Kingdom Facebook: costaluzlawyers Twitter: costaluzlawyers

web@costaluzlawyers.es www.costaluzlawyers.es

O understand the mess in Spain’s mortgage chaos, we need to go back to 2002 when the Euro was introduced here.

It was a great time to invest here and came at a time when American subprime mortgages were prevalent around the world and there was a distinct lack of regulation, particularly here in Spain.

Much of the investment was in off-plan schemes and the law was not strong enough to regulate this sector.

As lawyers we have been witness to the entire experience through the lives of our clients.

We saw how developers breached the off-plan contracts and refused to take responsibility.

We witnessed first hand hundreds of developers being sentenced to refund our clients but due to a cascade of bankruptcies from 2008 onwards, hardly any money was refunded.

But things started to change more recently, and as the pioneers of the many subsequent successful actions against the banks and insurers of the developers, we understand exactly how the crisis unfolded.

What are we seeing now?

Things are certainly much more positive now for investors who lost out, but the story is anything but over...in fact I would say we are currently in the middle of it.

The battle over the cancellation

of off-plan purchase contracts and related refunds is almost won but the new fight on mortgages is vibrantly alive.

We are also seeing thousands of off-plan victims, both foreigners and Spanish nationals, being refunded by the banks and insurers, and ultimately, nationality has no relevance, when you are the victim of this financial insanity.

We are also seeing the anguish of those who, encouraged by agents, developers and lawyers, took on the developers’ mortgages in a hyper-inflated market, are now facing the threat of losing their hard-earned investments.

Many are trapped in a spiral of negative equity as a result of the bubble created by the crazy years of off-plan property purchases.

The good news however, is that due to Spain’s membership of the European Union, the legal bodies in Brussels are placing some order to the current mortgage situation in Spain.

This is helping to create a balance and professionalism that the financial market of a civilized EU country requires.

Initially the EU ruled on floor clauses, then mortgage opening expenses claims and most recently on illegal interest indexes such as IRPH. In my opinion we now face a deeper battle on two more important abusive mortgage

clauses.

These two clauses are (1) Anticipated maturity of mortgage contracts and (2) Renouncing the right to being informed of passing of mortgage debt to third parties: clauses which were created by the financial monsters and were included for the sole protection and benefit of the financial entities.

Both clauses allowed vulture funds to set up and grow and both are now under examination by the EU. What is Europe revising?

This month, the European Court starts to study a Spanish Supreme Court ruling over whether banks should be allowed to request the full debt of a mortgage from debtors after only a two, three or four month default.

Until this is decided, all mortgage enforcements are currently paralyzed in Spanish Courts.

There is also a current claim before the European Commission on the unfair mechanisms of passing a mortgage debt to vulture funds as the current scenario makes it very difficult for mortgage debtors to avail the benefits that Spanish Law (provision 1535 of the Civil Code) provides for them.

Both are interesting cases that are set to bring a much more balanced consumer-oriented financial system to Spain. www.costaluzlawyers.es

Property

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www.inlandandalucia.com July 18th - July 31st 2018

by our 2017 customer database survey of 13,500. SEE for yourself

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25.995 €

Martos - Jaen

TH3815

145.000 €

Fuente Alamo - Jaen

83.950 €

Fuente de Piedra - Málaga

TH3694

33.000 €

Rute - Córdoba

TH3777

59.000 €

Humilladero – Málaga

TH3523

57.000 €

Los Juncares - Córdoba

CJ439

74.950 €

Mollina – Málaga

TH3761

120.000 €

Mures – Jaen

VL864

This is a 3 to 4 Bedroom Townhouse with on road parking in the town of Martos. From the entrance hall you enter a lounge diner and on into a fitted kitchen with a ground floor shower. The first floor offers two to three bedrooms leading to a roof terrace with views over the town. Internal stairs lead to a good size bedroom.

This townhouse is in the town of Fuente de Piedra. This property contains a lounge diner, ground floor shower room, a well fitted kitchen and opens out onto a rear patio. On the first floor there is a second bathroom and four bedrooms, with a stairwell that gives access to a roof terrace. The property is offered furnished.

This property is close to all the amenities of this bustling town. There is a lounge diner to the left and a large room to the right. The kitchen and bathroom is to the rear and leads to a large garden with a kitchen and a large storage room. Upstairs there are 3 large bedrooms. This property is sold part furnished.

This townhouse sits on the town square of Mollina. The property has a spacious entrance hall that leads to a ground floor bedroom. On the first floor there is a master bedroom with en suite at the front of the property and a second sitting room which opens out onto a roof terrace with room for alfresco dining.

Malaga Office

CJ442

Priced to sell, this stunning Cortijo is situated on the outskirts of the village of Fuente Alamo in Jaen. Boasting a magnificent swimming pool with all the outside space you could wish for. The property has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, two separate kitchens and lounges but with plenty of space to expand your living accommodation.

This Spanish 2 bedroom Townhouse is situated in the town of Rute.

Priced to sell at only 33.000 Euros, with no major work needed. The property has a good size entrance hallway leading to an open lounge area with a dining room. There is a kitchen and utility area and shower room with steps leading to a spacious private terrace.

An opportunity to purchase a large Spanish Country Home with a 3,027m2 plot with views over the Andalucian countryside. All the rooms are a good size. There are 4 bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and utility room plus lots of storage spaces, private patio and courtyard areas and gardens within you large plot of land.

3 double bedroom Villa is 5 minutes from the town of Alacala la Real. The property is ground level and the rooms have high ceilings.

The gated entrance to this property is though your garden with a shaded patio area. A roomy hallway with a good size lounge accompanies a fitted kitchen. The property is being sold part furnished.

Jaen Office

Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Molina, Malaga

Calle Abad Moya 4b, 23680 Alcala la Real, Jaen

info@inlandandalucia.com

contact@inlandandalucia.com

952 74 15 25

953 58 70 40