Property magazine Issue 20

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MOVINGMay IN9th - May 22nd 2018 Denise Van Outen has been spotted hanging out on the Costa del Sol after investing in her first home here

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May 2018

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SEE PAGE III >>

Issue 20

DISNEY INSPIRATION: As Game of Thrones descends on Spain’s magnificent castles once more, we take a look at the country’s most enviable historic fortresses

Foreign affair M Brits make up the biggest foreign market in Spain and Malaga is booming

alaga was one of the most popular regions for foreign buyers last year, new figures have revealed.

More than 460,000 sales were registered in Spain last year, with foreign nationals accounting for 13% of purchases.

The total number of properties bought

last year was the highest number since 2008’s crash. Brits still make up the largest percentage of the foreign market at 15%, with Brexit seemingly doing little to put off investors. The numbers revealed Malaga was the fourth most popular area for foreign buyers in the country, following the Balearic Islands as the num-

ber one investment, and the Canaries and Alicante rounding off the top three.

It comes as figures by Panorama Properties revealed Marbella, Estepona and Benahavis are officially the hottest and ‘most mature’ markets in Spain. Figures from the longest-running estate agent in Marbella showed the three towns

saw sales shoot up by 11.15% in 2017 compared to the year before, exceeding pre-2007 levels by 10.4%. And now, as a result of Spain’s booming market, the International Monetary Fund has raised the country’s economic growth forecast in 2018 to 2.08% - giving Spain the strongest economic growth in the Eurozone.

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II 16

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Things are looking up for the Spanish property market, with an increase in sales, writes Mark Stucklin of Property Spanish Insight

T

he number of Spanish home sales inscribed in the Land Registry was up by 18% in February compared to the same month last year, the biggest February increase since the boom years more than a decade ago.

There were 37,412 Spanish home sales inscribed in the Land Register in February, and 41,480 if you include homes subsidised by the Government, known as VPO, all according to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), based on sales inscribed in the Land Registry.

Home sales have grown by double digits in most months since March 2014, when the Spanish housing market recovery started. That said, sales are still down by 44% compared to the peak year of 2007. Sales in the boom years were exaggerated and unsustainable, so not a normal benchmark, but there still looks like room for more growth.

Bear in mind these figures are based on sales inscribed in the Land Register, not sales completed in the month. As such they lag the market by a few months.

More timely figures from the Association

ON A ROLL: Spain’s property market is seeing sale numbers near pre-crisis levels

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

of Spanish Notaries for home sales that took place in February were up 2.7%.

New home and resale transactions were up 17% and 16% respectively in February, showing that the recover is now firing on both pistons, having relied almost exclusively on resales between the start of the recovery in 2013 and May last year. New home sales have increased

by double digits almost every month for the last year, driven by the recovery in demand for new homes in Spain.

Looking at the evolution of sales by region with a focus on areas that attract foreign buyers in significant numbers, year to date sales have increased strongly almost everywhere except Extremadura (where foreign demand is

not a big part of the picture) and Catalunya, where the constitutional crisis and political uncertainty are discouraging foreign buyers. Sales were up 59% in CastellĂłn province, home to the Costa del Azahar, in what looks like the first signs of recovery in a coastal market that has suffered the crisis longer and harder than most.

The overall picture is one of surging sales in most areas of Spain that attract foreigners in significant numbers, with the exception of the Catalan provinces of Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. But even in those regions sales were positive, despite the political turbulence. www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

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This is the life!

EXCLUSIVE

Denise Van Out-in DENISE Van Outen has bought a property on the Costa del Sol, the Olive Press can reveal.

The British TV presenter invested in a home in Mijas Costa two months ago, after putting her UK home on the market in January this year.

The 43-year-old blonde bombshell announced last month that she was moving in with her long-term boyfriend Eddie Boxshell.

The pair have been spotted taking in the sights of Mijas and eating at expat haunts, including Joffreys.

SPAIN is still the top choice in the EU for Brits looking to start a new life abroad, a new report has found.

More chose to up sticks and move to Spain than any other European nation in 2017.

Spain houses some 293,500 UK expats who make up 37% of the total British population living in Europe, revealed a study by the Office for National Statistics.

France came in at second place, hosting 19% of Brits, followed by Germany with 12%.

Fair bnb?

MALAGA politicians are considering introducing tourist rental bans to cope with rising tourism numbers.

The city council is in favour of adopting restrictions in Malaga following a similar decision in Mallorca last month, which saw Palma become the first Spanish city to ban short-term tourist rentals.

The legislation in the Mallorca capital aims to combat mass tourism on the island which has led to overcrowding and soaring rental costs for locals.

During 2015 and 2017, the number of unregistered short-let apartments on the island grew 50% to reach 20,000.

Diverse

Out of the 20,000 available, only 645 properties were found to have the correct licenses.

“Palma has always been a bold and diverse city,” said Mayor Antoni Noguera. “We believe it will create trends in other cities when they see that finding a balance is key.”

Malaga, meanwhile, is soaring in terms of tourism numbers and is becoming one of the most visited cities in Spain.

The ruling PP party in Malaga has yet to comment either way but PSOE spokesman Daniel Perez said it’s time to put caps on the quantity of tourist flats ‘to avoid bigger problems’.

In Palma, there are roughly 180,000 homes, of which 23,000 are single-family and therefore potentially unaffected by the new law.

“There is a parallel between the evolution of vacation rentals and the rise in rental prices,” said Jose Hila, the former Mayor of Palma.

“This decision is meant to protect residents as tourist accommodation affects the makeup of buildings and neighbourhoods and it also affects social harmony.”

The island’s Ombudsman has seen a steep rise in the number of complaints filed by residents complaining about tourists renting in their buildings. It soared from 42 in 2015 to 192 in 2017.

RENTAL WORRY: Malaga

SOLD: Previous home in Marbella and (inset) the couple’s newest property nearby

Billionaire expat thrown huge bachelor party in Marbella complete with mansions, five-star hotels and private jets

Jon-y Bravo A SWEDISH billionaire expat has given the world an insight into his lavish bachelor celebrations in Marbella.

Jon Olsson, 35, shared a video to his 1.1 million followers on YouTube which showed the party begin with a staged kidnapping from his luxury Marbella pad.

The Swedish professional freeskier and alpine ski racer will soon marry his glamorous partner, lifestyle and fashion blogger Janni Delér.

His billionaire father-in-law Rickard Deler organised the party.

Olsson was dragged to a helicopter hangar blindfolded where he was treated to a lapdance before boarding a helicopter which took the stag do over the Costa del Sol and to Ronda’s famous Ascari racetrack.

“This is probably my favourite place in Spain — they have a lot of toys and a lot of fun things,” Olsson said before choosing a car and tearing up the track.

The group then raced to exclusive property hotspot Sotogrande for a game of polo, before travelling to a nearby airfield, where they boarded an €60 million private jet and flew to Barcelona.

“You guys are crazy in a fantastic way,” Olsson told his friends as they stepped on board the jet, complete with leather furniture, seafood and champagne.

They then checked into a luxury suite at the five-star W Hotel in the Catalan capital, complete with a jacuzzi and rotating bed.

“I feel like I’m in a movie in Vegas,” Olsson said.

It comes after Olsson, who splits his time between Marbella and Monaco, recently put his old Marbella home, Casa Como, on the market for €1.7 million last July.

POWER COUPLE: Jon Olsson with his soon-to-be wife Janni

LIVING THE DREAM: Olsson gets comfortable at W Hotel in Barcelona

JETTING OFF: Olsson on private plane

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Property

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Buyers at the biggest man-made lagoon in Europe will be welcomed to a cinematic experience and plenty more, writes Elisa Menendez

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s the day turns to dusk, grab the kids, hop on a boat and sail across the waters to watch your favourite film on a big floating screen.

Welcome to Alcazaba Lagoon, the first Crystal Lagoon in Europe.

The luxurious €200 million residential development, in the hills of Casares, next to Estepona Golf, opened its amazing Crystal Lagoon last summer, and it is already wowing visitors with its sparkling turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

And this summer is set to get even better as a brand new water-side chiringuito opens along with the giant floating cinema.

“You will be able to sit, have a beer and something to eat while you watch a movie, or even a football match, with the backdrop of the lagoon,” said Pablo Chenevey, General Manager of Osim, which is developing the project.

“We’ll be showing everything from kids films to World Cup games and cult classics,” he explained.

“But there’s so many new things to offer... and some nice, big surprises,” added the Chilean

Life in film

May 9th - MayMay 22nd 2018 2018

SUPS UP: You can kayak or paddleboard on your doorstep

walking distance from their homes, without having to drive to the coast.

“So we said, why don’t we have a private beach for our clients? A space where people could walk to, sunbathe, enjoy kite-surfing or sailing - just like being at the beach.

“And the best thing is you can relax EUROPE FIRST: The game-changing Alcazaba Lagoon knowing that your children are being watched by lifeguards in a protected area.” expat, whose company With a depth up to three metres freely use kayaks, stand up paddles, The lagoon is also environmentally friendly as it uses little water conis behind numerous de- and a surface area of 1.4 hectares, sailing boats and pedalos. velopments along the the private lagoon is a watersport Chenevey said: “We wanted people sumption, little electricity and next Costa del Sol. lover’s paradise, with the option to to feel close to the water, within to no chemicals.

Chenevey added: “You might think that we use a lot of water but the great thing is that once the lagoon is full, you need just half of the water you would use for a lawn.

“We use only 2% of electricity that you would use for a regular swimming pool due to the cleaning system here.”

The grand complex also boasts two pools, a children’s pool and play area complete with a zipwire, beach volleyball nets, wood fire hot tubs and a sauna.

So far 100 properties have alNine Lions is the ready been first Andalucian sold, while another 78 development by are currentglobal investment ly on the market and are set group UK & to be completed from June 2019.

European Prices range from €220,000 for a two bedroom apartThis is a chance to take over the HEY have undertaken a ment, and up to €400,000 running of one of inland Andalucia’s series of high end qualfor a penthouse. Soon there ity investments in Catamost charming rural restaurants. will be the option of an onlunya, Madrid and the site sales and rental office, Award winning Quercus, near Balearic Islands. offering services for those So Marbella town hall was CUTTING THE RIBBON: Councellor Garre and Denton (left) Ronda, has been open for two renting out their apartment rightly happy to be cutting the for a fixed rental guarantee decades and comes with all its Ronda, the well appointed The investment commitments ribbon at the first development apartments are being built by by the group in Spain now total or by splitting rental fees. by the UK & European group in furniture and, most importantly, “We will take care of everya family firm from Ronda and €130 million.

Andalucia. have been kitted out and Whilst the UK-based group is thing - check-in, cleaning, kitchen.

Councillor Cristobal Garre furnished by local com- looking for similar schemes booking, maintenance, etc.

Murcia welcomed the pany Blackshaw Inte- around Europe, Denton insists It will be hassle free for cliBritish group and its rior Design. he is ‘very positive’ about fur- ents as someone will be here director Fraser DenThe rent “We have been looking ther potential investments in in case anything happens,” ton at the launch of the is just 400/ for development sites Spain, particularly Andalucia. added Chenevey.

9 Lions Residences, in across the whole of “Even in times of crisis! Be- And it doesn’t finish there, Nueva Andalucia, and month.

Spain,” explains Den- cause past experiences have with plans underway to build then cut the ribbon for ton, who lives in Barce- proven that the market always a further 222 apartments the development. lona. “But our criteria is comes back strong. Marbella, and a 40-room hotel over the “It’s great to have such strict as we seek only in particular, is consistently ap- next five years, Alcazaba Laan esteemed group prime projects. This pealing,” he added. joining the high-quality means that the de- The developers are part of the goon is set to be one of the end of the market in velopment must com- Lewis Trust Group, a family- most exclusive places to buy Marbella,” he said. bine a privileged location with owned company based out of on the Costa.

In an enviable location with www.alcazabalaunique designs, styled with the London, which owns fashion Visit stunning views across the Med goon.com buyer in mind.” brand River Island.

Call Mari Luisa on 952 180 041 - 625 233 670 and inland to the Serrania de

New territory

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Surprisingly low price for value.

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Property

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Castle kings S As Game of Thrones announces its eighth series is to heavily feature an Andalucian castle, the Olive Press picks out its top ten best built Iberian fortresses

PAIN undoubtedly has one of the largest and most stunning collection of castles in the world.

It’s no surprise that Game of Thrones will be featuring one in its upcoming eighth series.

Announced this month, the Almodovar del Rio castle (top right) near Cordoba will

May 9th - MayMay 22nd 2018 2018

take centre stage in the hit fantasy series’ penultimate season. Previously a Roman fort, the current structure is of Moorish origin, from the year 760. During the Middle Ages, it underwent several renovations and reconstructions.

Below we have rounded up 10 other castles from Spain’s enviable collection.

DANGEROUS GAME: The Throne gang

Castle of La Mota, Valladolid This reconstructed fortress dates back to the 11th century. Many kings of Castile and Aragon fought over it, but it has been a Castilian holding since the 1400s.

The castle dominates the surrounding Valladolid Province. At one time it was a well-known prison, housing inmates like Hernando Pizarro, conqueror of Peru, and Cesare Borgia.

Alcazaba of Almeria

This fortress sits on a hill overlooking the city of Almeria. It was first built by Muslims in the 10th century and was later added to by the Catholics. Moviegoers may find portions of the alcazaba look familiar, especially if they’ve seen Conan the Barbarian or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Continues overleaf

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

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Rute – Córdoba

TH3558

The house has access to two streets, with possibility of doing a garage. There are two floors, on the ground floor it has a great lounge, two bedrooms, a dining room, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, and a nice storage type cave in the courtyard.

134.950 €

Antequera - Malaga

VL678

Beautiful Villa that sits within a plot of 5000m2 of land that consists of patio areas, established gardens, Garage and parking area, Private swimming pool with terrace all surrounded by stunning andalucian countryside. The living space is laid out over one floor with a spacious entrance hall that opens to 4 bedrooms and a full family bathroom.

28.000 €

Jaén

TH3319

The property is located on a quiet street with stunning views over the town and countryside. The ground floor of the property offers a living room, double bedroom, fitted kitchen and patio area. On the first floor you will find a second bedroom which boasts those stunning views.

49.950 €

Castillo de Locubin - Jaén

TH3609

Situated on the outskirts of the lovely Spanish village of Castillo de Locubin and close to the natural springs of the river San Juan this spacious townhouse with views over the countryside and village. 3 beds, 1 bath. Countryside views. 117m2 plot.

49.000 €

Moclin - Granada

TH3695

89.000 €

Iznajar - Cordoba

CJ418

97.500 €

La Mina - Cordoba

VL841

79.995 €

Priego de Cordoba - Cordoba

CJ420

A pretty double fronted semi-detached townhouse with 2 floors and a basement perfect for storage. At the moment there are 3 bedrooms but you could easily make more if needed. There is also a decent sized terrace which boasts views over the village and catches the sun all day long.

This charming detached 4 bedroom character cortijo is nestled amongst olive groves with stunning countryside views. Outside there are several patio areas where you can truly enjoy outside living with a vine covered shaded area for those hot summer afternoons.

This delightful single story property of a central hall way that leads to a bright good size lounge with fireplace and air-conditioning, 3 spacious double bedrooms all with plenty of natural light and a separate dining room, fully fitted kitchen with plenty of storage and a full family bathroom.

This fabulous Cortijo has a plot of 500m2 a great space for growing veggies and even adding a pool, there are also various outbuildings which can be used as storage. You have off road parking, the property comes part furnished and is detached. Perfect location!

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Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Molina, Malaga

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952 74 15 25

953 58 70 40

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advice

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Property

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May 9th - May 22nd 2018

Bellver Castle, Mallorca

This castle is the only circular fortress of its kind in Europe. Not only is the wall around the castle circular, but so are the towers and the castle itself. King James II of Mallorca built the masterpiece in the 14th century. It was later used as a military prison for political prisoners and today houses a museum.

Lorca Castle, Murcia Lorca Castle was designed to be a defensive fortress, and it worked, having never been forcibly taken by invaders since being built in the Medieval era.

It sits on a site of a former Muslim citadel, and is now a heritage center, known as Fortress of the Sun.

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Penafiel Castle, Valladolid Penafiel is noted for its length (150 metres) and its resemblance to a ship.

Standing tall at 30 metres, this fortress was built between the ninth and 15th centuries and still holds an imposing presence, especially when its lit up at night.

Olite Castle, Navarra Also known as the Palacio Real de Olite, the castle was rebuilt on first century Roman ruins. Various monarchs added to it over the years, using a variety of architectural styles, with towers, courtyards and gardens. The castle eventually fell into disrepair, though the Spanish government has been restoring it since 1937.

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Coca Castle, Segovia

With only three sides, Coca Castle is unique among Spain’s cast of castles.

It is built into a hillside that provides a defense from invaders who would have attacked from the rear. Its architecture was influenced by the Moors though it was built by Christians in the mid-15th century. Much of the castle’s interior was destroyed in the last century, but the exterior still retains Moorish features.

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May 9th - MayMay 22nd 2018 2018

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New Castle of Manzanares el Real, Madrid

This 15th century fortress is one of the best preserved castles in the Madrid area. Its other claim to fame is that it featured in a scene in the epic movie, El Cid. Built entirely of granite, The six-floor castle is a shining example of Spanish military architecture.

Today it houses a museum on Spanish castles.

Alhambra, Granada

It’s impossible to talk about Spanish castles without mentioning the stunning Alhambra.

As one of, if not THE most visited tourist sites in the country, there is nothing quite like it. The Alhambra - ‘Red Castle� in Arabic - has intricate architectural details representing the influence of the Moors who inhabited it for several centuries. Because this is such a popular attraction, the number of visitors is restricted; Alhambra officials recommend booking tickets in advance.

Alcazar of Segovia The Alcazar of Segovia is the fairy-tale mold of European castles and is reported to be the inspiration for the Cinderella Castle at Disney World.

The castle sits on a hill and gives visitors the impression it is like a ship sailing toward them. Royalty lived here, including Isabella I who was crowned here in 1474. The castle is a museum today with paintings and an armory.

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Property

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May 9th - MayMarch 22nd 2018 May 2018 2018

PIONEER: King Alfonso XIII was determined to build hotels to rival London and Paris

STATELY: The Ritz is famous for its elaborate interiors

Spritz up the Ritz T

Iconic Spanish hotel receives €99 million makeover

HE Ritz Madrid is the most iconic of all the hotels left behind by King Alfonso XIII - and the already palatial establishment is now getting a €99 million makeover.

The hotel closed at the beginning of March to Alfonso wanted a hotel to rival stately counterreceive the refurb from the Mandarin Oriental parts in the likes of London and Paris, so he comGroup. missioned French architect Charles Mewes to The upgrades include the reindesign a new grand project in the statement of a glass roof in the capital in 1908. centre of the property, a basement The finest of fashions were seAlfonso wanted spa and pool and a royal suite lected: heavy-pile, richly patterned overlooking the Prado, the city’s a hotel to carpets woven in the local Royal eminent museum which houses Tapestry Factory (which have rerival stately numerous pieces by Goya and Vemained in place until today); mirlázquez. The much-loved terrace counterparts in rors from Pereantón; china by Ligarden at the front of the hotel will moges. stay, while the restaurant will move London and Paris Its high standards were unparalback to its original site. leled in the city, and a who’s who King Alfonso began commissioning from the Roaring Twenties to the parador hotels - lodgings in historic buildings - in Noughties have checked in over the years, in1926. cluding Eva Perón and Madonna, Gabriel Garcia He is forever immortalised in the Alfonso XIII in Márquez and Salvador Dalí (after whom a cockSevilla, a Mudejar-style palace full of azulejo tail is named). tiles and minarets, which he had built for the The work is expected to be completed by late 1929 Expo.

2019.

But the Ritz Madrid was his greatest legacy.

STUNNING: The hotel is already one of a kind for its beauty

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Gibraltar property will make its mark at A Place in the Sun Live for the first time

A

GIBRALTAR estate agent will be the first from the Rock to appear at the A Place in the Sun Live expo in London.

EFPG Estate Agents will be giving its expert advice on the advantages of buying in Gibraltar to more than 18,000 visitors at the London Olympia between May 11 to 13.

It comes after the company, based at 15 Irish Town, announced a joint initiative with Raine and Co,

one of southern England’s largest independent estate agents.

‘EFPG Raine’ aims to combine both companies’ strengths to promote property both in Gibraltar and the UK. They will offer selective developments in southern Spain and Portugal in the future.

Rock-ing London

May 9th - MayMay 22nd 2018 2018

LOCAL: Branch in Irish Town

THROBBING: Up to 10,000 visitors are expected at the show from May 11 to 13

“It’s a really exciting time for us,” explains marketing manager Tanya Wilkinson.

“Gibraltar is a great place to live and we are very proud to be representing the Rock in London.”

EFPG raine-international, will be showing a selection of Gibraltar’s new developments, attractive buy to let investment properties and resale properties. EFPG will be available offering their expert ad-

vice.

A Place in the Sun Live is the official exhibition of the hit Channel 4 TV show and one of the largest overseas property exhibitions in Europe.

If you are interested in your property or development being included in EFPG’s portfolio, Email enquiries@efpgestateagents.com or call 00 350 200 65065. www.EFPGestateagents.com.

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“Our works speaks for itself with more than 300 projects completed to date,” explains Swedish site manager Robert.

“We made it through the financial re-

cession thanks not only to our solvency but the quality of our work.”

Casas y Reformas prides itself on quality, commitment and customer service, and offers services in seven languages, including Swedish, English, Finnish, Danish, Russian, French and Spanish.

So if your villa needs a facelift or you need advice on building on a new plot, call 951 245 389 or visit casas-reformas.com. http://casas-reformas.com/en/ contact/

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Property

Stream team

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Sales are flowing fast at Riverside, the first project in Benahavis village for over a decade

C

ONSTRUCTION has begun on the first building project in Benahavis village for more than 10 years and it’s selling fast!

Since going on the market just over a month ago, almost a quarter of the offplan apartments in the Riverside complex have been snapped up.

Marketed by Propertiespain, the eco-

friendly homes are just a stone’s throw away from Benahavis’ buzzing restaurant and bar scene.

“They’re perfect to live in all year round but can also make a great investment as rentals,” explains CEO of Propertiespain Scott Marshall.

“It’s no secret that there is an incredibly high demand in Benahavis right now.”

The homes are constructed by Quabit, a stock exchange listed company and one of Spain’s most trusted developers.

“We have only the best working on Riverside,” adds Brit Marshall (right), who launched Properties Spain 10 years ago.

“These are high-spec apartments with open plan kitchens, underfloor heating in bathrooms and huge doubleglazed windows.”

He added that Dragados, the firm building the homes,

May 9th - MayMay 22nd 2018 2018

GROUND-BREAKING: Construction has begun on the environmentally friendly project is one of the most respected in the country.

The modern dwellings have taken everything into account, 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.

Why Riverside? ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●

You’ll be surrounded by deeply forested mountains with stunning rambling paths.

A golf paradise with six golf courses is just a seven-minutes drive away.

Just 500 metres from Benahavis’ famous gourmet restaurant scene and its authentic laid back feel.

Only 18 km to Marbella and Estepona for something different.

Only 7 km from the beach.

Dream rural escape comes up for sale IT is a genuine secret spot, whose secrets unravel slowly to the untrained mind.

High up in the soaring Sierras of the Alpujarras of Granada, Cortijo Poqueira is the perfect country estate for dreamers and adventurers.

In the heart of the famous Barranco Poqueira, this is the perfect escape for hiking, biking and skiing. Either way, boredom it is not an option.

Now, this amazing country estate with five separate residences, has come up for sale.

Owned by Aurora Susino since 1983 she and her husband have developed the place into the perfect rural retreat.

Each property is different, some

ideal for families, others for couples.

“We also have a lot of writers who need peace to work on their novels, and in recent years many people who work online,” explains Aurora.

This is great communication between the estate and the nearby towns and it is just five minutes by car to Pampaneira and 15 minutes to Orgiva.

While the estate has just come on the market, it has plenty of holiday rentals and longer term clients booked in.

“We are pretty full and we have plenty of new clients every weekend,” she adds. www.aurorasusino.es

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May 9th - MayMarch 22nd2018 2018

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Property

May 9th - May 22nd 2018 May 2018

STUNNING: One of the dozens of photos snapped by Mark Redondo in his award-winning series on Spain’s empty homes

Marchena - Sevilla - VL811

150.000 €

This beautiful Villa sits within a plot of over 2500m2 which has beautifully landscaped and wraps around the property creating patio areas for dining and an amazing private swimming pool with plenty of green space for the family. Its offers 3 spacious double bedrooms, a well fitted kitchen with plenty of storage and a full family bathroom. This really is a lovely property in an amazing getaway location well worth viewing.

tel: +34 952 74 15 25

Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Molina, Malaga info@inlandandalucia.com ANUNCIO OLIVE PRESS ENERO 18 OK.pdf 1 22/1/18 www.inlandandalucia.com

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Bleak beauty

Drone shots of Spain’s abandoned homes scoop photography award

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HIS is the award-winning photography series cataloging Spain's abandoned homes.

Mark Redondo has spent nearly a decade documenting the millions of homes left empty following the 2007/8 global financial crash.

By 2011, Spanish census figures

Looking for Design Inspiration?

put the number of empty houses at 3.4 million, roughly 30% of all of Europe’s empty property.

Around half a million developments were only partially completed.

Redondo revisited some of the original properties he photographed this year, for a second installment called Sand Castles (part II).

The British Journal of Photography’s DJI Drone Photography Awards funded the project.

"I wanted to present the developments like postcards,” said Redondo.

"In the way that the developers and constructors would have imagined them, with nice light, but obviously with the feeling that something is wrong.”

The new perspective also puts the developments in a stark contrast to their surrounding areas.

“I knew the developments were big, but I could not imagine their true extent,” he added.

"The sites are completely deserted and the locations are difficult to reach so, unless you are determined to go there, most people don’t ever see them."

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FROZEN IN TIME: Piles of bricks and an unfinished cul-de-sac are part of the collection

The leading home decoration magazine for homeowners with style…

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

www.theolivepress.es Property

MORTGAGE THINK TANK Make sure you follow these dos and donts when applying for a mortgage, writes Tancrede de Pola

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Top of the tips

HE Finance Bureau in Marbella has helped thousands of prospective expats and locals find the mortgage that’s right for them.

In his decades of experience, director Tancrede de Pola has been asked everything and anything about the often tricky ins and outs of buying abroad.

And while the market is doing great right now, there will always be certain dos and donts when searching for a mortgage. ●●

Better deals are to be had through your broker than the internet, we know what we are doing!

●●

Avoid flashy advertising which is often misleading, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

●●

Quotes can only be compared on the same day due to market changes

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Watch out for incomplete terms and conditions

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Remember that a mortgage product has to be considered as a whole. There is no point having the best interest rate if the term is short and bonus products are over-priced.

●●

Don’t rush: If you are offered a quote without giving over all your details, beware!

●●

Make sure you keep up with all existing mortgage and loan payments.

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Improve your credit score by putting all expenditure on a credit card and paying it off in full each month.

●●

In the twelve weeks before you apply for a loan, run your bank account as if you already have a mortgage.

●●

Make sure you are registered on the Electoral Roll at home.

●●

Ensure you have a good estate agent, a good mortgage broker and a good lawyer.

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 more you take out, the more you get back.

by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Until 25th Jun e 2018

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