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roperty
EXCLUSIVE: We run a rule over the u-bends at the Costa del Sol home of the world’s richest plumber
A YEAR TO DREAM
Valencia’s ‘starchitect’ Fran Silvestre brings his award-winning style to Sotogrande
SEE PAGE 12
Just can’t get enough!
THE British are still the most important international buyers in Spain. Despite Brexit they still bought 40% more properties here than the Germans last year.
Only Polish and Dutch buyers increased on a larger scale than the Brits, who bought a staggering 8,728 properties last year.
The Germans bought just 6,230 properties and the French 5,025, which is a worrying drop of 14% in 2023.
Overall though, it was almost a re-
BritishbuyersledstrongresurgenceinSpain’s foreignpropertymarketlastyear
By Walter Finch
cord year for foreign buyers, who bought 92,958 properties, which is a 6% increase on 2023 and only marginally below Spain’s record year of 2022.
According to data from the Spanish Land Registry, Polish buyers are the rising stars in the market with a dra-
matic 36% increase in purchases. Dutch and American buyers also showed strong growth, rising by 18% and 13%, respectively.
Norwegian buyers, however, virtually fell off the map, with a collapse in home purchases of 63%.
The final quarter of 2024 was particularly strong meanwhile, with 24,985 sales involving foreign buyers - a 27% year-on-year increase
and the best Q4 on record.
This suggests that international demand for Spanish property is accelerating as the market heads into 2025.
Despite the slight slowdown in 2023, the 2024 figures indicate that Spain’s appeal to foreign buyers remains robust, with Brits continuing to lead the charge.
With no signs of demand waning, the Spanish property market looks set to maintain its momentum in the year ahead.
But buy-to-let investors have been
spooked by Spain’s new housing legislation, which has included ‘tenant-friendly’ policies such as rent controls in ‘strained’ neighbourhoods.
Nationally, properties sold as investments account for one in four sales.
In Madrid, which has so far weathered the regulatory storm, it’s still a healthy one in three. But in Catalunya, where investors are getting cold feet, it’s dropped from to less than one in four – its lowest level ever.
Mark Stucklin
FOREIGN buyers conti-
nued to drive the Spanish property market in 2024, with purchases involving international investors increasing by 6% compared to the previous year, according to figures just released by the Spanish Land Registry.
This marked the second-highest level of foreign demand on record, highlighting the ongoing strength of international interest in Spanish real estate.
Over the course of 2024, a total of 92,958 property sales involving a foreign buyer were inscribed in the registry. This was not only a 6% increase from 2023 but also represented a 38% jump compared to the average number of foreign-buyer transactions over the past ten years.
The figures confirm that demand from overseas buyers has not faded following the post-pandemic boom, which peaked in 2022.
Rental rut International boom
Foreign buyers boost Spanish property market in 2024
Instead, the market appears to have bounced back after pausing for breath in 2023.
British buyers retained their position as the most active nationality in the Spanish property market, accounting for 8,728 home purchases. They were followed by buyers from Germany and France. Despite retaining their place among the top three, French demand showed signs of weakening, with transactions down by 14% compared to the previous year.
Several other nationalities made notable moves in 2024. Polish buyers increased their acquisitions by an impressive 36%, reflecting growing inte -
rest from Eastern Europe. Dutch buyers also expanded their presence in the market, with purchases rising by 18%, while American buyers increased their acquisitions by 13%. These nationalities have been showing increasing interest in Spain, drawn by its climate, lifestyle, and relative affordability compared to their home markets. However, not all nationalities shared the same enthusiasm. Norwegian buyers sharply reduced their activity, with purchases plummeting by 63%. Russian demand also fell, down 17%, likely reflecting the ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. While French demand also contracted, other Western European buyers, including the British and Dutch, have remained resilient. The final quarter of 2024 was particularly strong for foreign transactions. Between October and December, 24,985 sales involving international buyers were recorded, making it the best fourth quar-
ter on record. This late surge suggests that demand from overseas was gathering pace as the year drew to a close, providing optimism for the start of 2025.
Local estate agents have reported a steady stream of inquiries from foreign buyers, many of whom are seeking holiday homes or investment properties. Coastal areas and popular inland regions continue to attract the lion’s share of interest, with regions such as the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and the Balearic Islands remaining top choices.
Market observers believe that several factors are driving foreign interest in Spanish property. These include Spain’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination, the flexibility of remote working, and the enduring appeal of the Mediterranean lifestyle. With international demand showing few signs of slowing down, foreign buyers look set to remain a key pillar of the Spanish property market in 2025 and beyond.
SPAIN’S property rental crisis is worsening with long-term rentals falling for the 14th consecutive quarter – while tourist apartments surge across major cities.
The latest data from property portal Idealista reveals permanent rental supply dropped another 3% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, with twelve provincial capitals now recording their lowest availability since records began.
The crisis has hit particularly hard in tourist hotspots, with Barcelona seeing 43% of its rental properties now dedicated to holiday lets – the highest proportion in Spain.
San Sebastian follows at 36%, while Madrid has seen tourist rentals climb to 15% of its market.
Teruel suffered the steepest decline in permanent rental availability, plummeting 35% year-on-year, while Barcelona dropped 26% and Pamplona 23%.
The numbers underline Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recently-announced plans to raise the tax levy paid by nonEU residents who buy a second home by 100%.
“Our obligation is to prioritise homes for locals over tourist use,” he stated. “We will make a change so tourist apartments are taxed as a business so they will pay the same as hotels.”
Idealista spokesperson Francisco Iñareta warned the situation has reached ‘absolute emergency’ levels, with even middle-class families – alongside vulnerable groups – now being priced out of the market.
“The situation of exclusion from renting affects an increasing number of families,” he said.
November 29thDecember 12th 2023
Council house winner
A REVOLUTIONARY social housing project in Spain has bagged the RIBA International Prize 2024 - the world’s most coveted award for cutting-edge architecture.
Modulus Matrix: 85 Social Housing, designed by Peris + Toral Arquitectes, is turning heads in Catalunya with its unique, eco-friendly design.
The six-storey, timber-framed block in Cornella, near Barce-
Spanishsocialhousing projectscoopstop architectureprize
By Dilip Kuner
lona, is home to 85 apartments that are nothing like your average council flats.
Inspired by Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu, the building’s layout features modular rooms that all measure the same size (3.6m x 3.6m) and are arranged around a central communal courtyard.
The clever design encourages socialising, with open spaces that can easily adapt to different family structures and needs.
Every flat benefits from cross-ventilation and dual orientation to maximise natural light and airflow. Plus, the building is made from timber, cutting down
on carbon dioxide emissions and slashing con
Inside, there’s no fixed layout: the rooms can be rearranged as residents see fit, and spaces like kitchens are at the heart
of the home, challenging traditional gender roles by making domestic chores visible.
Private balconies and Barcelona shutters offer added privacy, while thoughtful acoustic measures ensure peace and quiet between flats.
The project was completed in 2021 and aligns with the goals of IMPSOL, a public body behind socially innovative housing in the area.
The group has won plaudits after churning out similar projects in the area, each aiming to de-
WE SOLD €50 MILLION OF PROPERTY IN OUR FIRST YEAR!
THE boss of Marbella’s upmarket realtor
The Agency has revealed the results of his first year in the resort… and set a tar get for 2025.
Leif Orthmann told the Olive Press he was ‘pretty happy’ with the results in 2024, which included a €10 million villa sale in the Sierra Blanca area.
And now the giant American agency has hired five new agents it is aiming to sell €120 million of property this year.
“I don’t think it is unreasonable, given how
upmarket this place is and the amazing demand,” added Orthmann, who grew up between Germany and Switzerland.
The bottom line, he explained, has been getting a better website and generating stronger leads.
“Now we have our lead gen under control we are able to get really good agents, who will earn lots of money,” he said.
He explained how high end property prices rose by 3.2% on the Costa del Sol last year, with an average price exceeding €3 million.
The most expensive town is Benahavis where prices are just over €26 million, while the average price per square metre stands at €7,185.
Both Marbella and Estepona are not far behind and are breaking records of their own.
In particular, he revealed that a friend of his had sold a luxury penthouse property in the Puente Romano area for a record of €50,000 per metre square last year.
He declined to give the final fee, but described this as ‘Knightsbridge prices’.
“We are experiencing a golden age in the luxury real estate market. International buyers increasingly recognise Marbella not only as
a secure investment but also as an unparalleled place to live,” con tinued Leif, who divides his time between Marbella and Chelsea, in London.
“Things are really starting to grow here and it is helping that a bit more culture is coming in, a few new art galleries and places like the new jazz club, Claude’s Bar, at Puente Romano hotel.”
Spain and Europe
liver affordable, high-quality housing to more people.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) - which has been celebrating outstanding work for over 180 years - was particularly impressed with its social premise.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki hailed the de sign as
long-term housing solutions. And it seems the locals agree — many residents initially sceptical about the layout have since come to love how the design suits their everyday needs.
Meanwhile, the RIBA Emerging Architect Award 2024 went to ARCity, a firm from Shenzhen, China, for their bold Six Bricolage Houses project, which blends modern design with old-world charm.
He expects 2025 to be as good a year overall as 2024 and it helps with the number of digital nomads looking to live here.
Meanwhile, the Agency is looking for a new bigger office on the Golden Mile to absorb the new employees. It will also employ a new marketing manager.
One of the world’s biggest real estate firms by volume, the Agency became famous from the Buying Beverly Hills Netflix documentary The Californian real estate titans are celebrated for selling iconic properties such as Hugh Heffner’s Playboy Mansion and Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.
The agency was founded in 2011 by Mauricio Umansky, who is well-known from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Visit www.belleside.com for more information.
Dancing on
A NEW €6.9m music and dance academy has been approved for San Pedro Alcantara. The project was first proposed by Marbella Town Hall five years ago but is only just out for tender.
It is thought construction of the 6,423 square metre facility will take at least 20 months and will clude a public square on the roof. It will include a performance hall, a music wing, dance wing and parking spaces for 63 cars and 15 bikes. Work could begin this summer.
EMERGING AWARD: went to ARCity for blending the old with the new in Shenzhen, China
GAME CHANGER: Scheme is a ‘new blueprintforadaptablelongtermhousingsolutions’ around
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February 26thMarch 11th 2025
WHITE Magic
IMPACT: The home is designed with the environment at heart
Fran Silvestre’s latest Sotogrande design is the work of
a magician
HE has done it again. Renowned Valencian ‘starchitect’ Fran Silvestre has unveiled his latest jaw-dropping home, and it is no disappointment.
His firm of architects has become a household name in the past two decades with its iconic houses, which are predominantly white with edgy, clean cut lines - and very expensive.
On his seeming obsession with white, Silvestre explains: “We use white for three reasons.
“There is a strong contrast between blue and white. It is a symbol of culture. The second reason is scientific. When you have a white interior it makes it look more spacious.
“There is also the thermic question. You cannot have a big black box under the Spanish sun. “And lastly, it is the subjec -
tive reasons about the perception of beauty.”
His latest creation overlooking Sotogrande golf course exemplifies Silvestre’s vision of harmony between architecture and its surrounding environment.
dary between indoors and outdoors blurred by a cantilevered roof that brings both elements together.
This generous roof not only provides shelter from the scorching Cadiz sun but also protects against the heavy rains that often fall from the nearby Sierra de Grazalema, known as the
The design centres around what he calls ‘the interplay of shadow and light’ with the bounrainiest place on the Spanish mainland.
Silvestre explains that the house is divided into four zones: the ground plane, the shadow cast by the roof, the transparent glass that facilitates efficient temperature control, and the soft, warm wood interior.
The design also incorporates a layer of water actually on the roof (it could be called a roof-wide paddling pool!), which serves as both thermal and acoustic insulation.
The goal for Silvestre was to create minimal impact on the environment while offering an immersive experience of ‘inhabiting shadow’ in the serene surroundings of Sotogrande. This latest home is a fitting continuation of the stunning designs that Fran Silvestre Arquitectos have become renowned for - and is indeed his latest signature design. No costings have been revealed, but you could think of a number, add a few zeros, and you probably won’t be too far wrong!
WATER-USE: There are pools on the roof to aid with cooling in the heat of summer
INHABITING SHADOW: This is the aim of Fran Silvestre in Sotogrande landscape
29thDecember 12th 2023
INEFFECTIVE
A LEADING Costa del Sol property
group has warned that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's proposed new tax measures targeting non-EU property buyers could damage one of Spain's key economic sectors.
The Leading Property Agents of Spain (LPA) has criticised plans to increase taxes for non-EU buyers, impose new levies on holiday homes, and scrap the 'golden visa' scheme for foreign investors.
In a strongly-worded statement, the association, based in Marbella, pointed to other countries, where similar measures have failed to achieve positive results.
“The proposed measures are not grounded in solid evidence and have failed to deliver results in countries like Canada and New Zealand, where similar strategies were tried,” said a spokesman.
“Instead, they penalise investment and fail to address the structural issues of
The Property Insider
by Adam Neale
WHEN Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a raft of new property proposals last month, not just the country but half the world followed it up.
Proposed to improve a range of housing problems, all they did was lead to panic and controversy, not helped by the headline figure of the introduction of a ‘100%’ tax for non-European buyers. First things first, take a deep breath. None of the 12 measures are currently law and, given the gridlock in the current parliament, most of them won’t make it through in their original form.
Also, many of the measures are not controversial. They are largely cosmetic measures showing the government apparently doing something not politically costly.
For instance, Socimis – corporate real estate investment societies – would lose their tax benefit unless they are investing in affordable housing. This is likely to have little effect on the rental market since there’s not much profit to be had in affordable housing. If they haven’t invested in affordable housing up to now, that’s unlikely to change. But it gives the appearance of taking on speculators.
There will be complaints from the Socimi backers, which will burnish the government’s political credentials with their base. However, the reform just means that they will pay tax at the same rate as other corporate entities. Of course, this is the overall model
CostadelSolagentsslam'ineffectiveand populist'planstotaxnon-EUproperty buyersandoffers‘real’solutionsforSpain’s housingcrisis
By Walter Finch
the housing market.”
They also warned the ‘populist’ proposals could face legal challenges in European courts for discriminating based on nationality.
The LPA argued that foreign investment is ‘fundamental to economic growth and sector stability’ and proposed alternative solutions to Spain's housing challenges.
These include promoting affordable rentals through tax incentives and public guarantees for landlords who charge
reasonable prices. Meanwhile, the existing housing stock could be renovated through government programs, while other land could be freed up for development with a focus on affordable housing for younger generations.
“The government should prioritise responsible policies that benefit citizens and investors alike, rather than fuelling discontent with divisive rhetoric,” the LPA urged.
The controversy comes as the Costa del Sol continues to attract significant foreign investment, with the region remaining a preferred destination for
international buyers – despite political uncertainties.
Sanchez has justified the proposed nonEU ban, which is still in the discussions stage, on the grounds that it would curb speculation driving up prices to unaffordable levels.
Sanchez said: "We are going to propose to ban non-EU foreigners from buying houses in our country, in cases where neither they nor their families reside here and they are just speculating with those homes."
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE IRRESPONSIBLE
The government’s dozen planned housing reforms are a mixed bag of populism and good ideas, writes Olive Press Property Insider Adam Neale
being followed by all political parties in Spain – make noise, do little. They want maximum electoral benefits for minimal effort or risk. Nobody wants to go up against any sector that wields any power.
As a result, there’s a lot of dancing around the edges and big announcements for small beans. Here is my take:
THE BAD
The most controversial and rage-inducing plan was raising the tax on house purchases by non-EU foreigners to 100% of the price of the house.
Given that the official release from the government points to Canada and Denmark as models, this would seem the more realistic interpretation. Canada, for instance, has a speculation tax on foreign purchases of 25%.
Sending up balloons to measure reactions to an increase in tax
Doubling the price of a house to discourage speculative purchases of property is, of course, insane and would never make it through Parliament.
However, the wording in Spanish is a bit ambiguous – and maybe that’s intentional – but it can be read as suggesting a 100% increase in the tax, which would raise it from 6.5% to 13%.
Denmark imposes a 20% tax on luxury properties, though they don’t distinguish in terms of the nationality of the buyer.
Now, that’s not to say that this isn’t the wrong direction. But the problem of high housing costs in Spain remains a problem due to a lack of construction, not of foreign speculators buying up all the property.
Most importantly, it’s almost certainly not going to happen. There’s the gridlock in Parliament mentioned before.
The EU itself also has rules on the kinds of taxes that are permissible. A discriminatory tax based on nationality would be in violation of article 63 of the TFEU.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, land transfer taxes are determined at the regional and not the national level. Most regional governments have been busy pledging to reduce this tax.
That’s not to say that the government doesn’t have levers to pressure regional governments into doing their bidding.
But the idea of going into battle with regional governments over a tax that wouldn’t pass through Parliament, is a non-starter.
This is about sending up trial balloons to measure reactions to the idea of an increase in this tax. Irresponsible given the potential im-
However, with foreign purchases being dominated by nationals from EU member states – namely Germany and the Netherlands – it’s debatable how much impact the measure would have. German buyers dominate many areas, particularly in the Balearics where they account for over 50% of foreign interest in some locations.
Meanwhile, Dutch buyers show strong interest in Alicante province, particularly in Moraira where they make up 27% of searches.
pact? Yes.
An announcement of an actual policy that is coming in the near future? No.
THE GOOD
To be balanced, it is worth noting that there are positive measures in the 12 housing reform proposals that should be considered. For instance, Sanchez proposed a plan to modernize, make more efficient, rapid, and sustainable the construction industry.
This program is called PERTE and would be in Valencia as a contribution to increasing the pace of reconstruction in the city after this winter’s tragic storm.
As always, the devil is in the details as to whether this is a white elephant or a real program that will make a difference.
To facilitate long term rentals, the government proposes giving landlords a 100% tax rebate if they provide it at affordable rates.
This too could provide an impulse to the rental market and is much preferable to the model that penalizes landlords and makes them not want to rent at all.
Even the tax increases on Airbnb’s doesn’t seem unreasonable.
Platforms like Airbnb will face higher taxes, reclassifying tourist apartments as businesses to match hotel taxation levels, it was reported.
There needs to be a recognition of the different service offerings and market niches filled by hotels and Airbnb rentals. But who can deny that both are businesses and should be treated as such. Anything else is an unfair subsidy to one over the other. Likewise, the government is proposing
to reestablish a Ministry of Housing, which was eliminated during the post2008 housing crisis. Given Spain’s percentage of social housing is the lowest on the continent and that there is a housing crisis, having a Ministry of Housing is not a bad idea.
And let’s make sure it does something with the housing sitting empty that it inherited from bad banks. However, it must also be said that these proposals will most certainly not resolve the deficit in housing.
According to a Caixa bank study (far left) at the end of 2024, the gap between new households and home building permits remained at about 30,000.
That is better than it was during the post-Covid explosion of household growth, when the gap was 90,000/ year. But it’s still not good. It remains to be seen if toying around the edges and ‘sending signals’ about cracking down on a number of areas that in themselves make little difference, will be sufficient. It seems unlikely and the question remains whether any political party in Spain has the courage to deal with the problem.
We need to move beyond scapegoating wealth generators or low income tenants as being the source of the problem.
To conclude, we need an evidence-based attitude to dealing with the problem and to avoid panic responses to government proposals.
RESPONSIBLE POLICIES: are needed to stop damage to markets like Marbella
DECLUTTERING FOR BALANCE AND RENEWAL
Time for a Spring clean?
WHEN clutter takes over it starts innocently: a drawer that won’t close, a chair overtaken by things meant to be dealt with ‘later’ or a collection that quickly grows. Clutter becomes a mental weight, adding stress and making a space feel heavier.
Clutter doesn’t just sit in a cornerit seeps into the mind, creating unfinished business or chaos, turning a restorative space into something overwhelming. Even small things impact focus, mood and well-being.
Ever walked into a room that made you feel instantly drained? That’s clutter at work.
Creating a Balanced Home
A balanced home isn’t about perfection or minimalism; it’s about designing a space that supports daily life.
The difference between a space that flows and one that doesn’t lies in what we choose to keep or let go of.
Clearing out the excess (old clothes, forgotten gadgets, or things that no longer serve us) brings a space to life.
Decluttering creates room for what truly matters: peaceful moments, inviting corners, and a home where you can recharge. Your space should nurture, not drain.
The Real Benefits of Decluttering
The Queen of eliminating clutter, Brandi Freeze, explains how her company Airy Spaces can work miracles for you this spring
With only what truly matters in sight, everyday choices (what to wear, what to cook, what to focus on) become simpler and more intentional.
● More time for what matters – No more wasting hours searching for lost items or shuffling piles of ‘stuff’.
A streamlined space frees up time for hobbies, loved ones and moments of bliss.
SIMPLE STEPS: Brandi explains that decluttering creates room for what truly matters
ing a great head start this Spring.
Clearing the Kitchen Counter
Letting go isn’t losing, it’s gaining freedom. The less clutter in your space, the more room there is for the life you actually want to live and build.
“
● Instant stress relief – Clutter is visual noise, keeping the brain in a state of tension. Clearing it out creates an immediate sense of calm and ease
● Sharper focus and mental clarity – A clutter-free space reduces distractions, helps the mind to think more clearly and boosts productivity
● Deeper, more restful sleep – A tidy, peaceful environment signals the brain to unwind, making it easier to fall and stay asleep
● More energy and motivation – Clutter drains mental and physical energy. Letting go creates space for fresh ideas, new habits and a lighter, more inspired way of living
“ Spring invites a fresh start, not just for our homes, but our mindset
Spring Cleaning: Revitalize Your Space: It is a lot More Than Just Tidying Up
Spring invites a fresh start, not just for our homes, but our mindset. Stripping away the old creates space for new possibilities and a vibrant environment. Start with a seasonal wardrobe reset. We hold onto clothes for many reasons - past jobs, occasions, or sizes we hope to fit again.
● Easier decision-making – Less stuff means less overwhelm.
Asking, ‘Does this reflect who I am now?’ helps simplify decisions. Letting go makes getting dressed easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few of my tips for mak-
The kitchen is often the bus iest space. Clutter here adds stress before a meal begins. Clear countertops make meal prep a simple, creative process.
The One-Year Rule for Gen eral Spaces
A helpful guideline: if an item hasn’t been used in the last year, it’s likely not essential. This applies to books, electronics, and sentimental items. Letting go frees up space and mental energy.
Mindful Tech Declutter
Technology is a hidden clutter source. Unused apps, outdated gadgets, and overloaded inboxes
November 29thDecember 12th 2023
INSPIRATION:
Clearing Out Common Areas
Living rooms, entryways, and hallways often accumulate clutter, but they set the tone for how we feel at home. Keeping them clear creates a welcoming atmosphere that promotes relax-
es distractions and streamlines tasks.
Simple acts such as tidying shoes, sorting mail, or clearing away old magazines will have an immediate impact.
Keeping It Simple: Small Habits for Lasting Change
Once decluttered, maintaining balance doesn’t have to be a chore.
A quick tidy-up before bed prevents buildup. Designating key areas (like counters and bedside tables) as ‘no-clutter zones’ creates calm and a welcoming start to the day. Being mindful of what enters the space is just as important. Before adding something new, ask, ‘Does this bring value, or will it just take up space?’
Over time, this keeps things intentional and meaningful. When a home is in harmony, life flows more smoothly. Small shifts create more ease, calm, and a home that supports the life we want to live.
ABOUT AIRY SPACES
Brandi Freeze is the founder of Airy Spaces, which is based in Sevilla.
She is passionate about helping people and creating functional homes and nurturing spaces. Specializing in decluttering and home organization, Airy Spaces offers customized solutions that bring balance and harmony to homes while working towards a simpler, more intentional way of living. For decluttering tips, challenges, and inspiration, please visit www.airyspaces.com or follow @airyspaces on social media. Happy Decluttering!
CLEAR VISION: Decluttering helps to keep the mind focussed and clear spaces aid thinking and planning
The incredible ‘Setas’ buildings near Brandi’s home in Sevilla
Let the train take the strain
LOOKING to buy a home in southern Spain with a great business opportunity in the deal?
A new high-tech freight line between Algeciras and Zaragoza, then heading into Europe is creating a series of decent investments en route.
A total of 21 tunnels are being upgraded to take the new longer electric freight trains, while train stations at Campillos, Gaucin, Bobadilla and Almargen are being specially adapted.
The AF Autopista Ferrovia proj ect has been handed €78 million to prepare the line over the next two years.
This includes further investment into the so-called ‘dry port’, or Puerto Seco, near Antequera.
The high-cost freight corridor between Algeciras and Zaragoza is creating some exciting opportunities for property investors around Ronda and Antequera
Work has already begun in the area between the inland Malaga town and nearby Campillos, with new roundabouts installed and the grid of roads planned.
The inland port will eventually have hundreds of warehouses and businesses and will be where much of the freight from abroad is broken down.
“It will become a top-level logistics hub for storage
and distribution,” explained the Junta de Andalucia’s Development
Minister Rocio Diaz, as she signed agreements with dry port owner Patrice Lafargue this month.
“This new line will really help to boost the Andalucian economy,” she added, having also signed logistics deals with Algeciras and Mal aga ports.
Looking for a great investment, this huge six-bedroom farmhouse (below left) near the dry port is on sale for just €430,000.
As well as having over 1000 metres of actual built property that can be developed, it has a number of hectares of land inside the official dry port area that could be developed.
“In total it has over nine hectares of land and an enormous farmhouse to live in,” explained Thorwald Boden-
siek, the exclusive agent for the property at Serrania Services.
“It’s a brilliant investment opportunity as there are already two warehouses built of over 100 metres squared each that can be used right away
for a business… but you can also build a lot more.
LOCATION: This former equestrian centre is on good flat land by Ronda
“Even better half the land is inside the Puerto Seco area and any businesses set up there will be tax free without business rates for the first few years.
“And the cortijo is huge with six bedrooms and already has its own swimming pool…plus there is a lot of good agricultural land around it where you can grow whatever you want.”
An added bonus is its close proximity to the AVE fast track train station at Santa Ana, which takes you to Madrid in just two and a half hours.
The Ronda-based agent, who has lived in the area for two decades, also has another great development opportunity in Ronda.
The former equestrian centre (above) has a series of warehouses on the edge of the charming inland city, for sale for just €750,000
“It has great flat land and lots of built buildings and a few warehouses, so you could plan any project you like,” explained Bodensiek. “It would also, of course, be perfect for horses.” He continued: “On top of that it’s just five minutes from the main train station and has amazing views.”
For more information contact Thorwald on 608765990 or visit www.serrania-services.com
INVESTMENT: Six-bed farm with warehouses is in tax free ‘dry port area’
DUPLEX PENTHOUSE, LA TRINIDAD Ref: OP15297
GARDEN APARTMENT, MARINA PUENTE ROMANO Ref: OP14482
144 m² | Terraces: 41 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 3,500,000
VILLA WITH STUNNING VIEWS, NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Ref: OP15069
669 m² | Plot: 1,590 m² | Beds: 7 |
UNIQUE FAMILY VILLA, EL HIGUERAL Ref: OP15331
396 m² | Plot: 1,050 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 2,195,000
GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT, MONTE PARAÍSO Ref: OP14674
€ 3,995,000 BEACHSIDE TOWNHOUSE, MARBELLAMAR Ref: OP11731
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We have a wide range of properties to interest our clients, from small village houses to large country fincas or cortijos.
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Flush with
ENTERING through a massive wooden gate, I am greeted by a gleaming purple Rolls Royce Dawn and a navy Bentley - both as flashy as you’d expect. The striking vehicles sit in the driveway of the multi-million Costa del Sol villa owned by celebrity British plumber Charlie Mullins.
Often dubbed the ‘world’s richest plumber’ after selling his Pimlico Plumbing business for around €150 million in 2021, it is exciting to be getting a tour of his stunning new four sto-
Luxury
The Olive Press gets a tour inside the home of the world’s most famous plumber Charlie Mullins
By Tom Ewart Smith
retro signs inviting guests to unwind. He’s drinking champagne, naturally. It sits off his airy open-plan kitchen and living room which carry contrasting light and dark tones. Cream-coloured chairs and sofas rest on a teal ceramic floor, facing a jet-black wall with a sui -
tably massive TV.
In the corner, a glass kitchen island is flanked by multiple drink fridges, making it ideal for entertaining.
Down a corridor to the left, two luxurious guest rooms sit either side of a stairwell. The beds are expansive - easily large enough for three or four people - each room equipped with a large telly.
Curiously, Mullins has even placed baseball bats by the bedside tables, offering an unexpected touch of personal security.
En-suite bathrooms boast illumina-
mirrors,
TENS of thousands of mostly British homeowners in Spain could be owed a cool €50,000 in compensation after crafty banks were exposed for putting a hidden clause in their mortgages.
If you had a mortgage from Sabadell, Unicaja or many other banks, you could be in for a big windfall.
It stems back to the early 2000s when a string of lenders secretly wrote in their clients’ contracts that interest rates could not drop below 3.5% – in what is now known as a ‘floor clause’. However, for a decade, between 2011 and 2021, the interest rates in Spain sat at a record low, between zero and 1%.
What this meant was tens of thousands of homeowners spent years paying hundreds of euros more
Thousands of homeowners in Spain could be owed giant sums, plus compensation over scandalous ‘floor clause’ mortgages – this is how you claim ‘no win, no fee’
per month than they should have done.
One legal firm in southern Spain has been at the forefront of winning back money for affected homeowners – and on a promised ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
Fairway Lawyers boss Diego Echavarria, based in Marbella, told the Olive Press that one of his latest clients, the Coopers, were recently awarded a total of €21,075, plus legal costs.
The British family had bought a home in Riviera del Sol, in Mijas, in 2006, but didn’t sell up until recently. They were totally unaware of the floor clause issue until they read about it in a copy of the Olive Press last year. Now, after six months of legal wrangling, Echavarria, originally from Madrid, has won them the fee, plus compensation.
“It’s always a bit of a game and involves plenty of legal letters being pinged backwards and forwards, but I know what I’m doing having done this for years now,” he explained.
It comes after the golf-loving lawyer, a member of Guadalmina, won another British couple, the Brighouses, €48,359, last summer. The couple had bought an off-plan apartment in Mirador de Costalita, in Estepona, in 2004. They took over the mortgage from the developer, which contained the hidden clause and they ended up paying an extra €250 per month than required. It was the fourth case Fairway Lawyers have won on homes in Mirador de Costalita alone.
“Right now I am handling cases all over the country,” explained the father-of-two.
Warning signs
There are two tell tale characteristics to look out for; Your mortgage was signed off between 2001 and 2010 and your payments were the same amount for a large number of years.
From Marbella to Mollina and Mijas to Manilva Covering the Costa del Sol and inland for 20 years
“What is key is they will not have lowered for years,” continued the lawyer, who also handles many other legal work, in particular conveyancing from his office in Marbella.
He added: “Even if you have sold the property and paid off the mortgage, you can still claim.
Simple process
WHAT BANKS WERE INVOLVED IN FLOOR CLAUSES?
Most Spanish banks, but especially Banco Popular (now merged with Santand- er), Caja Duero, Caja España (merged with Unicaja), La Caixa, Solbank, Sabadell and many other savings banks which have since been taken over by major banks.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR MAKING A CLAIM?
There are thousands of similar cases all around Spain in which expats or former expats had no idea they were victims.
“There is no deadline since the latest ruling from TJUE (Tribunal de Justicia de La Union Europea).
“There are around 100,000 missold mortgages that have yet to be resolved in Spain.”
You need to submit a claim before the bank to try to reach a settlement out of court. Then comes a three- month period in which you await their Unfortunatelyresponse. the Spanish banks do not want to reach any kind of agreement or set- tlement and they always force the clients to go to court to get a positive ruling. They do this because they hope clients will get fed-up with the process and drop the claim – which is why we oper- ate on a no win no fee basis.
If you want to claim for a mis-sold mortgage or feel you may have been affected, contact diego@fairwaylawyers.com or send a message via Whatsapp to +606 307 885
Diego at Fairway Lawyers diego@fairwaylawyers.com Tel: 952 77 11 50 WhatsApp: 606 307 885
ted
black-bottomed bathtubs, spacious showers, and stacks of plush
GUIDED: Olive Press stalwarts Walt and Tom were treated to a full tour of the amazing villa
purple towels.
And yes, I checked - no faults in the Pimlico founder’s tap quality. And one must assume there are u-bends.
As I was taken down to the bottom floor, I was introduced to an assortment of his prize collections and toys.
The ‘games’ room is fitted with a purple-car-
hand, David Bowie records, and, appropriately, Mullins’ own OBE medal.
Mullins’ grand master suite appropriately sits at the top and opens onto a terrace fit for royalty, offering sweeping views of the Med, with Gibraltar and Morocco visible on the horizon.
Another pair of baseball bats rest beside his bed - definitely a theme.
A black, glass ladder leads to the top floor’s outdoor lounge area, furnished with plush seating perfect for sipping sunset drinks with friends and family. I expected to find a helicopter, but perhaps he’d prefer to use those baseball bats if in need of a sharp exit.
LOUNGING: Charlie has a variety of options when he wants to relax and unwind both inside and out
ENTERTAINED: The basement boasts a signed guitar collection, piano, signed football shirts and a pool table
OTHER HALF: Charlie with his partner Malak
peted pool table, a darts board, various signed football shirts (including Lionel Messi’s), a colourful piano, an imprint of Muhammad Ali’s
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Feeling chipper
ONE of the UK’s leading architects has taken over the spearheading of the Costa del Sol’s first skyscraper. And Galicia-based David Chipperfield insists the Torre del Puerto de Malaga will be higher, but also more minimalist.
Originally led by local architect Jose Segui, who resigned at the end of 2024, the project has now taken a totally new direction.
In particular, Chipperfield told bigwigs at Malaga town hall that it will no longer be circular but horizontal.
British architect confirms controversial €120 million Malagaskyscrapercouldbe completedby2028
He also revealed the tower, planned for the Levante Dock, will now rise to 144 metres - up from the originally planned 116 metres. When the project received preliminary approval in 2023, it was set to include 378 rooms. The tower will incorporate lighter materials
inspired by Malaga’s bright light and open skies. Chipperfield has placed strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and aims to reclaim more public spaces for residents in the city. As part of the broader redevelopment plan, the architect proposed revitalizing the Levante area and enhancing the Paseo de la Farola in
the Malagueta district. These plans include the creation of six expansive public spaces featuring landscaped green areas and a convention center with a 2,000-person capacity. The development is being led by Marina San SL, under the oversight of the Qatari investment fund Al Alfia and in partnership with the Hesperia hotel group. The final design will be officially unveiled on March 6. With an investment ‘exceeding €120 million’, developers anticipate completion by 2028.
IT is one of the most complicated building projects of the year. The second phase of Ronda’s ambitious Camino del Desfiladero is already 20% complete.
The walkway that takes visitors down to the bottom of the famous Tajo will open up one of Andalucia’s most unusual geographical features. Work so far includes platforms ascending from the San Miguel en Padre Jesus chapel, connecting with the Puente Viejo section. Some three metres above the river, wooden walkways have been put in place using special machinery. The €1.1m stage will stretch over 500 metres, adding to the 200 metre section already open to the public. Since it opened last April, some 75,000 people have visited the first phase of the project.
NEW MAN: David Chipperfield (above) says the skyscrapper will now be taller
November 29thDecember 12th 2023
THE PERFECT PORTAL
HEN Louise and Martin
WDell moved to Spain in 2003, they came like many expats to get away from the rat race in their lives back home.
Both working in stressful jobs in the city of London, they wanted to recharge their batteries and chance their arms at a career change.
After setting up a diving school, they quickly launched a property business, after countless frustrations and errors in buying homes in Spain. Now, after just two decades of their arrival in Spain, their successful online portal Kyero has been bought by one of the giants of the property sector in Eu
In an exciting tie up, just announced, the British-run real estate portal has been ac quired by Idealista.
In an, as yet, undisclosed deal, the partnership will be finalized this spring,
The exciting journey that has just seen the expat owners of property web giant Kyero join forces with Idealista
with the two companies merging while working independently.
It means the 8000 global estate agent clients of Kyero will benefit from the incredible high-tech platform of Idealista.
Launched from the charming seaside resort of Almunecar, in Andalucia, where the couple long owned a home, it grew from 5 to 33 staff based across six countries.
Headquartered now in Bath, in the UK, the team of professionals oversee a portal that offers over 850,000 properties around Europe, mainly in Spain, Portugal and France. The Dells adventure began when they drove south from London to Spain in 2003 in
a VW Combi van. They fell in love with the country almost immediately and settled in the charming Costa Brava town of Begur. But after buying a rural plot and attempting to launch a diving business,
they hit a few snags. And it was also ‘quite a shock’ to find snow settling on the resort in winter, so they jumped back in their van and headed south, eventually arriving on the Costa Tropical of Granada.
It was there that Martin was able to pursue his love of diving in nearby La Herradura, and the couple had soon set up a watersports business. But the myriad of issues buying a property led to them setting up a property business to help people find the right home for them in Spain.
This included lots of advice about how to avoid the pitfalls in Spain over legal issues and other common problems, and soon grew into one of the country’s most successful online portals.
Kyero is today the leading online platform for UK buyers looking for European overseas property.
“This partnership validates our team’s hard work and opens exciting new opportunities to further enhance the experience for our agents and property buyers,” said Louise.
“Idealista’s success as Southern Europe’s leading real estate marketplace is one we’ve admired for years, and we look forward to collaborating closely.”
Jesus Encinar, idealista’s founder and Chairman, added: “I am delighted to welcome Kyero, Louise, Martin, and their talented team to idealista.”
He continued: “Together, we can drive innovation and deliver even greater value to clients across all our active markets.”
VILLA, MONTE BIARRITZ, ESTEPONA
Elegant villa, recently gone through a total renovation.
5 Beds | 4 Baths | 365m2 Built | 1250m2 plot | 72m2 terrace
REF: 176-02809P | 2.795.000€
As you enter you are greeted by an abundance of light and space where the chosen materials blend perfectly. The generously sized ground floor of the villa has an open plan distribution with both formal and informal dining area, an office and a bedroom suite. The large terrace doors take you to the covered terrace, to the bbq area and out to the garden and heated pool. On the second floor you have the beautiful master suite, a relax area and 2 bedrooms sharing a bathroom.The basement area has been fitted with a home cinema, big laundry area, a family bathroom and the 5th bedroom, there is also direct access to the garage from here. Situated in a well established residential area between Puerto Banus and Estepona only a short drive to Marbella & the Golden Mile with amenities nearby and the beach is only a short distance away. A true gem of a property with a total of 455m2 constructed area.
LOS JARALES, ALOHA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA
Large townhouse in Los Jarales, frontline to Aloha Golf.
3 Beds | 3 Baths | 180m2 Built | 43m2 terrace
REF: 176-02824P | 1.350.000€
As you enter you are greeted with a very generous space consisiting of the large living & dining room with direct access to the covered and uncovered terrace with fantastic golf views and out over the valley. On this floor you also have the kitchen and laundry room fitted with high quality appliances. On the 2nd floor you have 3 large bedroom ensuite with the master suite having a private terrace outside. The property underwent a big renovation a few years back using only top qualities throughout.
AZAHAR DE MARBELLA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA
Sleek and modern apartment located in a popular urbanisation.
2 Beds | 2 Baths | 119m2 Built | 32m2 terrace | 653m2 build
REF: 176-02848P | 825.000€
Situated on the first floor ensures magnificent views over the valley and towards the sea. The spacious apartment is open plan with the kitchen, dining and living room all connecting to the large partly covered terrace in a south orientation. The master bedroom suite also has access to this terrace. The complex was finished in 2008 and features airzone ac system, underfloor heating in bathrooms and shutters on all windows and doors. Easy parking in the garage where you also have a storage room.
