Three Signs Winter is Well and Truly Over in the Costa del Sol

The temperature is rising and everyone is out and about

Are there really people out there who still don’t understand the great climate that Spain has? It’s not much of a secret that the Spanish weather is delightful, but many people only know what Spain is like during the summer; when the skies are blue, the beaches are packed, and the sun tan lotion is constantly being applied.

What isn’t as well-known is the opinion of Spaniards and expats that the best times to visit Spain are actually the spring and the autumn. There are some obvious reasons for this if you were to think about it. These are the seasons when Spain can truly offer everything on a silver platter, but there’s none of the crowds, heat, or expenses that come with taking a trip in the summer.

It’s because of this that many Spaniards get excited when the winter settles down and spring kicks in. The Costa del Sol had a surprisingly sodden winter, but the time to celebrate the arrival of spring is now. Here are the three signs winter is well and truly over in the Costa del Sol.

The Beaches are Starting to Fill Up

As the temperature during the starts to reach between 16 and 24 Celsius during this part of the year, there’s a strong temptation to hit the beach. While the southwest winds are still bracing and tough to deal with, it’s hard to deny how inviting and warm a sheltered bit of sunshine can be. Not to mention it’s never too early to start working on your tan.

Don’t think about taking that dip in the Mediterranean Sea just yet though. Things are still very cold during the night, with temperatures dropping to below 10 Celsius, making the water colder than you think. You could find the air chased out of your lungs by the time you’re waist-deep. You can also expect those lengthened shadows cast by the setting sun to creep up on you, leaving you with a sudden chill that is a sharp contrast to the warm and inviting sunshine. Make sure you go prepared, but do go to the beach, as it will be pretty much all yours right now!

Everyone is Smiling

Spaniards are generally very happy people. Even expats from Northern Europe eventually become happy and cheery people by living in Spain. Even so, winter makes those on the Costa del Sol lose some of their cheer. At least until the weather warms up a little.

By the time February rolls around everyone is back and smiling as much as possible. The Spanish are smiling again whether they are on the bus, doing their shopping, waiting in traffic, getting served in a restaurant, or just making the rounds. Spaniards aren’t big fans of the cold. While some of them will still be fighting the elements until April, smiles are still fostered through the warmer temperatures, the extra sunlight, and the longer days. Embrace and enjoy that winter is over and that, from now on, you’re in for months of sunshine.

Every Tourism Record Ever Broken in Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol is booming and continues to break all records

Every Tourism Record Ever Broken in Costa del Sol

2016 was certainly a bumper year for tourism in Spain and nowhere was this more evident than in the Costa del Sol. There was so much tourism, in fact, that the president of the Turismo Costa del Sol tourism authority Elías Bendodo announced in a press confidence

that the province saw their highest visitor numbers ever. To put it into actual figures there were 10.2% more visitors to the region in 2016 compared to 2015, which was itself a year record. It boils down to 12,000,000 visitors, 26,000,000 overnight stays, and a grand total of €11.1 billion spent.

The amount of domestic tourists to the Costa del Sol was up3% year-on-year, while foreign tourism increased by the much more impressive figure of 15.7%. As has become tradition, British tourists made up the bulk of Spanish tourism; accounting for 2.6 million arrivals; which is up 16.6% over 2015. Overall visitors came from 19 different countries including Poland, Russia, Sweden, Romania and Hungary.

Bendodo believes that, just as 2016 broke all the records of 2015, 2017 could break all the records of 2016. In order or this to happen things have to be handled just right. The true challenge will be to retain these record breaking numbers for the years to come.

A Quarter of All British Property Enquiries in Spain are for Costa del Sol

A Quarter of All British Property Enquiries in Spain are for Costa del Sol

Properties along the Costa del Sol continue to be extremely popular with the British buyers. Data gathered during the past few years from Conti mortgage specialists has shown that 23% of all the enquiries Brits make about property in Spain has been for property in Costa del Sol.

Costa del Sol continues to be in demand

45% of all the enquiries that Conti have received in 2016 so far have been for Spanish properties. During the past three years the most popular regions have been Marbella, Fuengirola, Puerto Banús, Benalmádena and Sotogrande; also known as the Costa del Sol.

The Costa del Sol did better than the Balearics, which made up 18% of enquiries, while the Canary Islands accounted for 15% of British interest.

Surprisingly it was the Costa Blanca that took the top spot as they pulled in 27% of all enquiries. This is likely because of the fact that the data comes from the past three years; a period of time in which it was hard to find a buyer for the higher end properties in the Costa del Sol. At least for a short time.

The multitude of attractions in the Costa del Sol received praise from Conti for ensuring that buyers were interested in property there all year long. During the summer the beaches would be a smash hit of course. There was still interest during even the winter thanks to the other amenities including golf courses, bars, restaurants, leisure activities, schools, and English-language services.

Director of Conti Clare Nessling said that the Spanish property market is recovering after a tough few years, and that British investors were beginning to fall back in love with the country. While property prices haven’t managed to reach their old peak from before 2008 there are still many signs that the property market is recovering. This is creating confidence among buyers and drawing more interest to the region.

Data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that property prices in the country have risen by an average of 4% over the second quarter of 2016, with the Costa del Sol leading the charge.

Over Two Thirds of the Property Sold to Foreign Investors in Andalucía Are on Costa Del Sol

Over Two Thirds of the Property Sold to Foreign Investors in Andalucía Are on Costa Del Sol

The demand for the Costa del Sol keeps increasing

which good news for the whole region

A recent report from the Spanish Ministry of Development found that 7 out of the 10 Andalucía properties sold to foreign buyers during the first six months of the year were in Málaga.

A report published by the Spanish Ministry of Development showed that between January and July 2016, 70% of the properties in Andalucía sold to foreign buyers were in Málaga, which is the home of the Costa del Sol. This works out at 4,978 transactions, which is a 16.9% increase compared to this same period of time in 2015.

At the regional level there was a total increase in foreign purchasers in Andalucía of 18.9%, up from the 5,973 property transactions across the first six months of 2015 to a total of 7,105 sold in the same period for 2016.

The other Andalusian provinces are falling behind Malaga when it comes to properties sold to foreign buyers. Almería saw 797 real estate transactions registered, which was an increase of 33.7% for the first semester of 2015. Granada had an increase of 13.9% with 409 sales; Cádiz had an increase of 4.6% to 405 transactions; Sevilla had an increase of 47.1% to 262 transactions; Huelva had an increase of 23.5% for 126 transactions; Jaén saw an increase of 49% for 79 transactions; and Córdoba came in last place in terms of transactions with an increase of 16.6% for 49 transactions.

Construction industry in Spain witnesses a boom as Brits are on a buying spree in Costa del Sol

Construction industry in Spain witnesses a boom as Brits are on a buying spree in Costa del Sol

Not only are the Spanish footballers preparing for a hectic summer ahead. Joining them are magnates from the construction industry, as the signs towards the start of 2016 show a bright year ahead for the industry. As per the statistics released by the Ministry of Public Works, the total number of licenses for new Off-plan homes in Spain for Q1 was 16,782.

Off-Plan property sales are on the up and booming once again

There was a significant increase of 57.1% compared to the previous year and this was the best growth recorded ever since 2011. The main reason for this boom in the construction of residential properties can be attributed to the large number of foreign buyers interested in the Spanish real estate. Even now, the demand from foreign investors is only growing and natives of different European countries have continued investing.

Taylor Wimpey Espana, a popular homebuilder in Spain, released statistics of the total YTD sales in April 2016 and it has shown a growth compared to the previous year. The total number of British buyers increased by a whopping 48%. This is mainly because a large number of Brits are keen to buy a property in Spain and Costa del Sol is highly popular, with the majority of them planning to buy a property in the same region.

The Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey Espana, Marc Pritchard, sees a bright future ahead for the housing industry of Costa del Sol. When asked about his opinion, he said:

“Construction within Spain’s residential sector is rising once more, as the demand from overseas buyers continues to strengthen the market. The Costa del Sol has always been a prevalent destination for Spanish holiday homes and is fast becoming the favorite once again amongst British second homeowners. As British buyers choosing Spain’s southern coastline increases, so too does the optimism surrounding the market and we would expect this positive trajectory to continue throughout the rest of the year.”

Taylor Wimpey Espana has recently developed an architectural marvel named La Floresta Sur, in the skyline of Costa del Sol. It is developed in the midst of a UNESCO reserve and it is constructed in the village of Elviria, which is close to the beach and enjoys a proximity to Marbella and Malaga.

The property is developed based on a Mediterranean style and the prices start from just €202,000 +VAT, which has configurations in 2, 3 bedroom apartments along with Italian styled penthouses with silestone worktops, thermal and acoustic insulation and central air conditioning as a part of the deal. Also, when you look out from this property, you will see an amazing view of oak and pine forest in the horizon extending into the sea and it also has two swimming pools, private parking and wonderful landscaping as a part of the project.

The development of Phase 4 is to be completed in the summer and the rest of the units are up for sale with a launch offer. They have enabled houses with fully equipped kitchens, shower area and furnishings as well which will be inclusive with the sale price.

This is one pristine property where you will get to enjoy the beautiful view along with the best possible golf courses in Costa del Sol, such as the La Cala Golf Resort and Santa Maria Golf, along with a direct access to El Soto Golf Club and a stone’s throw away from Nikki Beach Club.

Residential property sales in Costa del Sol and Spain continues to rise for 18 successive months

Residential property sales in Costa del Sol and Spain continues to rise for 18 successive months.

Property is on the up in the Costa del Sol and Spain.

The upward trend in Spain’s residential property sales extends to 18 months in a row as the most up to date data shows a noteworthy increase of 7.3% in residential property sales compared with the same month of 2014.

 The figures shown in the analysis report of the General Council of Notaries illustrate a year and a half of ceaseless growth in the housing market, meaning it is showing signs of a stable recovery.

An analysis of this data shows that the annual apartment sales have has had an increase by 6.2%, more than twofold the growth recorded in October 2015. The convincing rise in apartment sales can be traced back to an 8.3% surge in sales of free price apartments and also to a 12.2% rise in sales of second hand apartments.

The market for buying an individual investment family homes also enjoyed solid uptrend, up 11.4%, recording nine consecutive months of double figure growth. However, the downturn in new housing sales continued as prices dropped for a tenth month in a row, the decline rate in November being 18.6%.

Be that as it may, prices are still fluctuating. The average selling price of per square meter of homes saw a 1.1% year on year fall in prices, as prices dropped to €1,219 per square meter in November. A study suggests that apartment prices declined by 0.6% and the price of single family residences declined by 0.8%.

The data additionally demonstrates that the price per square metre of second hand flats dropped by 0.7% year on year to €1,320 but for new apartments it steeped by 5.9% to €1,666.

 Having experienced an annual increase of 7.3% in November, the total number of new mortgage loans is also on the rise, but when seasonally modified, this figure comes down to an annual increase of 2.4%, the minimum rate of increase in 18 months.

Concluding that buying property in the Costa del Sol and Spain continues its upward trend and recovering from the financial crisis that hit Spain in 2008.

The need to start constructing new off plan housing projects on the Costa del Sol

The need to start constructing new off plan housing projects on the Costa del Sol

Specialists are now saying that construction needs to kick-starting house development projects in specific towns in Malaga province, Marbella area has the least amount and where the new housing stock could do with a boost as it still currently lies at a minimal level compared to second hand homes.

They also warn the urgency to start building properties in places like Malaga city, Benalmadena and Torremolinos as soon as possible, before the housing stocks dry up.

These are only a few of the conclusions drawn in the 2015 Tinsa valuation company’s most recent report on housing in Spanish coastal regions.

Crain's are returning to the Costa del Sol 

The worst years of the crisis has left vast pockets of houses in many coastal regions of Spain and selling them in such a slow market proved to be quite challenging. In the last few areas, however, the circumstances have changed. In Malaga province, for instance, the Tinsa report indicates that Marbella and Benahavís have now been in a recovering process for same time and each of these areas has had an exceptionally blooming real estate recovery.

As for Marbella, the report echoes something that local builders and developers have been saying for quite a while: that there is only a small number of remaining unsold housing stock in the area, and these have been hard to sell, because foreign clients, look for something more stylish, and exclusive and modern, but have found many don’t fit their buying criteria.

During the previous year, Marbella property for sale turned into one of the five major places to buy property with recording the highest amount of property sales, as shown by the data published by the Ministry of Public Works, with a total of 3,997 (28.7% higher than the year before). There was also a whopping 101% rise in new property transactions. Manilva area also relished extra-ordinary levels of growth, with an unbelievable surge of 193%.

A large portion of the properties that were purchased were by foreign investors mostly northern Europeans, who without them would have made the crisis even worse. According to Tinsa’s assessments, 60% of property sales in Marbella and Manilva were bought by investors from the UK, France, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, North Africa or the Persian Gulf.

The insufficient housing stocks that the experts have been warnings about for some time, by some new housing projects where upon the work is just starting and which will be sold off and understood that there will be more new projects planned, in view of the significant amount of land which is being obtained and bought by investors and developers alike. Which is a very positive sign moving forward?

The Tinsa report reveals that this also mirrors the current situation in Mijas, Estepona and Benhavis. A promising forcast indeed but it coincides with the latest controversy triggered by the dissolution of the Urban Plan for Marbella and the Coastal Regulation Plan.The effects these will have on the progress of forthcoming development projects are yet to be determined.

In Malaga province, the Tinsa report recognises three altogether different regions. In La Axarguia its prices are balancing out and demand from Spanish buyers is reigniting. In the surrounding communities, there is a lot of new housing stock, in spite of the fact that it is starting to reduce..

Between Torremolinos to Mijas there has been a rather encouraging scenario in that there is lots of interest among investors in the unfinished developments and lots of the housing stock has been slowly selling due to the price decreases over time, making them more attractive as buying property in the Costa del Sol area will always be in demand.

Also some property developments on the Costa del Sol which had been halted for financial reasons have started back up, and some others that have been completely built have been auctioned off by the banks.

It has been the Spanish and foreign developers who have been reviving the housing development projects in the areas between Marbella and Manilva.

The Tinsa reports does suggest great ‘signs of recovery’ in Marbella and Benahavís and ‘signs of improvement’ in adjoining Casares, Manliva and Estepona where lies a larger stock of housing, compared with that in Marbella which is basically has none left.

One important factor demonstrating the level of confidence portrayed by investors in these areas is the fact that in the most property sales in Marbella and Benhavis, have been paid by cash in 70 per of house purchases.

The conclusion by the report shows that buying property in the Costa del Sol will always be in demand by foreign buyers and the whole area of the coast will continue to be in demand no matter what financial restraints are thrown at it.

new-off-plan-property-Costa-del-Sol

A “Death Map” of Europe Shows Living in Costa del Sol and Spain can Provide a Longer Life.

Life expectancy longer in the Costa del Sol. 

Studies have been proving for a long time the health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet and local cuisine in Spain, but it’s only now that a “Death Map” has been compiled by the British Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. This map shows that the people living a Mediterranean lifestyle really do live longer than other European people especially it seems with the climate of southern Spain that has w an average all year temperature of 20C and have less environmental concerns in Spain than other parts of Europe.

Death Map

It’s a rather morbid thing to look at but it does show the clear divide in Europe, especially between the richer west side of Europe and the poorer Eastern Europe. It also shows a divide between the colder, if not wealthy and high spending Scandinavian countries, and their sunnier, more southern relatives.

The study shows that people who live in the warmer climates of Spain, Italy, Andorra and the southern and western parts of France can expect to have longer and healthier lives than people living in the UK, Scandinavia and the Netherlands.

One of the main causes for this longevity is thought to be the diet of these southern countries. People in Spain, Italy and France eat far more fruit, vegetables, fish and olive oil in the restaurants in Spain. They also eat less processed foods and less red meat.

Combining this diet with warmer climates in Spain and great healthcare systems means that these people enjoy not just longer lives overall, but healthier lives too. The Mediterranean countries have far higher percentages of people aged over 75 and considered healthy than anywhere else. The NHS might be keeping British alive for longer but it’s not keeping them healthier.

The study showed that in the ten years leading up to 2011, the Mediterranean countries saw the largest rise in the number of people aged between 75-84. There was also a rise in the 85-94 age bracket.

A new study shows that buying property in Costa del Sol and Spain is the top location chosen by UK nationals.

A new study shows that buying property in Costa del Sol and Spain is the top location chosen by UK nationals.

Study shows that British do love the Spanish property market, data shows how they represent for one in every 5 property purchases made by foreign nationals last year. They love the assortments of different regions and locations available. Spain again is one of the leading holiday destinations for British nationals.

Costa del Sol, Spain

No shock then that a new International shipping company “Pack Send” have issued a survey and it reveals that one of the most popular locations amongst the people of Great Britain has been named as Spain for removals and shipping their belongings overseas

The low price of living costs in Spain is also a big reason for people to choose this location, it has always been known for its healthy diet, fantastic climate and easier way of life and offers a very high life expectancy, second in the world after Japan.

Southern Spain and the Costa del Sol has always been known to have a fantastic climate in winter months with and average all year temperature of 20C, when most of its northern European countries have very cold winters. It is not difficult to see why lots of people from northern Europe choose this part of southern Spain for health reasons due to the warm climate and Mediterranean lifestyle and 800 kilometres of beautiful coast line and beaches in Spain being very clean and with a flights only being just over 2 hours very accessible. Property prices are expected to slowly grow of the coming years as Spain recovery is now in full swing.

Three hidden advantages to being a Spanish home owner in Costa del Sol.

Three hidden advantages to being a Spanish home owner in the Costa del Sol.

A lovely, profitable property located on the Mediterranean: this is not just the dream of some people but a real possibility for a large number British nationals who purchase in Spain.

Marbella coast line.

There are numerous advantages to such a venture, one being the opportunity to be an owner of a year-round holiday home in the sun, and being able to renting the property out in the Costa del Sol . But what would be considered the unseen benefits of purchasing a Spanish property?

Apart from the already known attractions, purchasing a Spanish property will also mean.

1. You have a whole new access to another world.

Whether you need to take off on Friday evening to arrive in Andalucía at the ski resort of Sierra Nevada in Granada or spend your Saturday morning discovering the stunning city of Seville, or need to pop over to Gibraltar to stock up on some UK products, being a Spanish homeowner does open up a whole new world more than just sun soaked location for you and your family to enjoy.

There is windsurfing and all types of water sports in Spain, golf, trekking, city breaks, a weekend excursion to Morocco, horse riding, a day in Tarifa, even a visit north to take in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, all achieved very easily with the fast link train AVE, or even a weekend outing to Portugal. Whatever you feel like doing this weekend, southern Spain and Andalucía truly is gem waiting to be explored. What's more, the best part is that in the event that you do not want to go exploring or venture too far and wide, then there are enough places and locations to go very close by with top bars and restaurants in Spain that will suit your needs

2. An opportunity to truly act naturally

Living overseas does make people to behave in a more relaxed, open manner compared to the way the lived back at home, yes it might sound strange but living abroad does make people more uninhibited in their behaviour. When you think about it, if people are free of the responsibilities and pressures of UK life, people find that they start to discover a whole new side to themselves.

Also, having a superb home in southern Spain permits you to truly explore who you really are. Maybe you are a great host/hostess; however, you could never understand that in light of the fact that your UK home was too little to entertain in? Maybe your choice of decoration are more Mediterranean than DFS, however maybe before you have never been inspired to try?

3. A new point of view on home

Home is definitely where the heart is, your heart might never genuinely stop being British in spite of owning that property in southern Spain and all the joy that it brings. In any case, having a second property, somewhere else to call your own, and one that offers an alternate point of view, can give you a new outlook on life.

Mainly: exactly what are your needs? Is the rat race of the UK truly where you need to be located? Will your children thank you for giving them this chance to grow up with a chance to experience two different cultures? Can you now see the possibilities of living a British life, while additionally appreciating and enjoying a life in Spain? Yes to all three. Owning a property in southern Spain is an opportunity to truly widen your existence, seek a good investment for your retirement fund and extend your social and topographical circles – It’s a win – win situation with very few negatives.

Number of UK nationals purchasing in Costa del Sol and Spain rises 26% in a year

Number of UK nationals that buy property in Costa del Sol and Spain rises 26% in a year.



Various estate agents working in the Spanish property market have informed that British nationals are purchasing again in Spain, as records at land registries show that this has risen by around 25% since 2014.

Moreover, the real estate market confirms that the recuperation of the Spanish real estate market has started again with a great surge in most Spanish regions especially the resale property Costa del Sol. With Engel & Volker’s and Lucas Fox International affirming that confidence in the Spanish market is high amongst both national and foreign purchasers mainly from Northern Europe.

In fact, as indicated by Lucas Fox, the quantity of properties sold to Spanish nationals has had a big increase with much as 50% last year alone.

The statistics of third quarter 0f 2015 which were distributed by the Spanish Property Registrars demonstrate that more than 80,000 homes were bought and sold between the months of July and September, which was 16% up on the same quarter in 2014.

Over that period, the registrars analysis affirmed, the number of purchasers from the UK was up by 53% – due to a blend of the strong sterling versus the euro, with affordable and bargain properties Costa del Sol and coupled with a strong British economy and the guarantee of rising property prices for Spain in the future.

In 2007 was the last time the pound sterling was above €1.4, and has started to reach those figures again.

Spanish property costs in prime areas are still immensely competitive, particularly if you place them against any other important key European property locations. An enhancing national economy is another main consideration – increasing at 3.4% from July to September, the speediest yearly rate growth since 2008.

Further reassuring news also has originated from Spanish mortgage expert Mortgage Direct, which stated that inexorably competitive rates are bringing more purchasers back to the Spanish property market.

"I honestly think we are in for an extended period of low rates in the Eurozone," Kevin Monger, who is the Mortgage Direct broker reported to the OPP. "The financial climate is still visibly poor in a significant number of other countries that make up the Eurozone."

Information that were distributed last year showed that the British buyers were flying in to the Coast del Sol on viewing trips and were the largest  purchasers and bought one-fifth of all Spanish property sales last year.

Marbella is developing a new luxury beachfront resort Costa del Sol.

East Marbella Beach area

Marbella is developing a new luxury beachfront property resort Costa del Sol.

January this year saw new plans drawn up to construct a new 5 star luxury development. The Platinum Estates Group (a Hong Kong-based investment conglomerate) has purchased 170,000 square meters of prime beachfront land in Las Chapas just to the east of central Marbella. A proposal of a luxury development including and 120 top of the range Luxury villas and property in Costa del Sol and 5 star hotel has been projected.

Headed by Indian businessman Roshni Mohinani, Platinum Estates main market is property marketing and construction and although the majority of its operations are centered mostly in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, this will be their 6th project in Spain, where a considerable property investment portfolio incorporates property located in the main cities of Barcelona and Madrid.

The land purchase in Marbella is said to have come to around the figure of €50 million, with an additional €150 million to be incorporated into the development of the resort which, as indicated by Platinum Estates' Partner, Juan Luis Segalerva, will be promoted as one of the most highly luxurious projects in Spain.

The development will be styled with a Mediterranean element of design starting with the 5 star hotel with a 200 room capacity, not forgetting its independent luxury villas. The project also includes a private beach club, exclusive restaurants and high brand retail outlets.

This is great news for the Costa del Sol and east of Marbella. East Marbella has some of the nicest beaches in Spain in Spain  and the whole project is  welcome addition to the area.

Report on Spanish homes for sale in the Costa del Sol that offer the best value in Europe.

Map of southern Spain

Report on Spanish homes for sale in the Costa del Sol that offer the best value in Europe.

Another system of measuring property valuation conceived by the Organization for Economic Development (OECD) has devised research that Spanish homes show some of the best value for money in Europe.

Taking into account over 10 years of analysis, the OECD has mapped out house costs in a large number of the world's most developed economic nations against the average wage, and studied this data along a long term projection.

Its research uncover that Spanish property is really underestimated when incomes are taken into account– purchasing a home in Spain not only financially viable for the normal Spanish national, as well as remarkably great value for money for British coming over with strong Sterling and a high salary.

The OECD study did set a score of 100 as the 'average'. A score of 110 does imply that property in that location is at present over-priced by 10% against its long term average.

Spain currently has a price income score of only 74, implying that homes in Spain are as of now 74% of price average over long term. It states that homes in Spain are "under the valued price" by 26%. Considering that the current score within the UK is 107, is shows that good value for money is achieved as standard in the Spanish property market.

Another country in Europe, Hungary has a score of 83 – is also close to Spain´s score, with most other countries achieving either the mid-90s or 100´s above.

Spain's real estate sector is vary varied, and properties in the more famous areas for example, the  Property for sale in Marbella Costa del Sol would likely score more like 100, yet the OECD research took into account national predictive trends over a 10 year period.

Also, the property sector has started to take note. Spain's financial improvement in the previous 15 months, fortified by solid economies in northern Europe, have enticed purchasers back to its property market, and 2016 is projected to be an exceptionally solid year for the sector.

Besides, when new tax laws are put into effect in the UK in April, Spanish real estate will have an even bigger appeal. From April 1st, second homes purchased in the UK will be liable to an extra 3% stamp duty on the purchase price, yet this duty applies only to British property, not homes purchased in Spain.

So, if you are a British national and have UK savings, you could be enticed to look to secure your financial future with an astute property investment, there truly is not a more discerning property market in Europe than Spain at this current moment– and the research demonstrates it, concluding that Spain and the Costa del Sol is a great place to buy property.

The need to start constructing new & off plan property projects on the Costa del Sol.

The need to start constructing new & off plan property projects on the Costa del Sol.

                                                         Crain's returning to Costa del Sol                                               Specialists are insisting on kick-starting house development projects in specific towns in Malaga province, with Marbella needing the most, where the stock of new housing currently lies to a minimal level compared to resale property for sale in the Costa del Sol

They also warn that it is urgent to start building properties in places like Malaga city, building property for sale in Benalmadena and Torremolinos as soon as possible, before the stock dries up.

These are only a few of the conclusions drawn in the Tinsa valuation company’s most recent report on housing in Spanish coastal regions.

The grimmest years of the crisis deserted them vast pockets of housing units in many seaside regions of Spain and selling them in such a slow market proved to be quite challenging. In a few areas, however, the circumstances are now altogether different. In Malaga province, for instance, the Tinsa report indicates that Marbella and Benahavís are now in a recovering process and each of them has an exceptionally blooming real estate scenario.

For the situation of Marbella , the report echoes something that local builders and developers have been saying for quite a while: there is a small number of remaining housing stocks in the area, and these will be troublesome to sell because foreign clients, who are looking for something posh and stylish, don’t find them appealing.

During the previous year, property in Marbella for sale turned into one of the five coastal towns with the maximum number of property sales, as shown by the data published by the Ministry of Public Works, with a total of 3,997 (28.7% higher than the year before). There was also a whopping 101% rise in new property transactions. Manilva also relished extra-ordinary levels of growth in this aspect, with an unbelievable surge of 193%.

A large portion of the properties were purchased by foreign investors, who assumed an undeniably essential part amid the crisis. According to Tinsa’s assessments, 60% of property sales in Marbella and Manilva properties for sale were bought by investors from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium, Switzerland, North Africa or the Persian Gulf.   

The insufficiency of housing stocks, about which the experts have been issuing warnings for some time, is compensated – albeit just from early on – by some new housing projects whereupon the work is just starting and which will be sold off-arrangement. It is likewise apparent that all the more new projects are planned, in view of the significant amount of land which is being obtained.

The Tinsa report reveals that this mirrors the current situation in Mijas, Benhavis and property for sale Estepona. A promising imagery indeed but it coincides with the latest controversy triggered by the dissolution of the Urban Plan for Marbella and the Coastal Regulation Plan.  

The effects these will have on the progress of forthcoming development projects are yet to be estimated.

In Malaga province, the Tinsa report recognises three altogether different regions. In La Axarguia its prices are balancing out and demand from Spanish buyers is reigniting. In the surrounding communities, there is a lot of new housing stock, in spite of the fact that it is starting to diminish. No new housing initiatives seem to have undertaken, and the minor market activities noticed there has been in housing projects which were demolished during the financial crisis period.

The circumstances in the area ranging from Torremolinos to Mijas on and the western coast are rather encouraging on the grounds that there is a developing interest among the investors in the unfinished developments there. In this regard, the pocket of accessible property is ‘relevant’ but ‘continually decreasing’, for the most part because of a fall in prices.

Also here, not all the property constructions which were halted for financial limitations have been revived, despite some which had practically been completely built have been auctioned off by the banks.

It was the Spanish and foreign developers who revived the housing development projects in the areas between Marbella and Manilva.

The Tinsa reports distinguishes ‘signs of recovery’ in Marbella and Benahavís and signs of improvement in adjoining Manliva Estepona and property for sale in Casares where lies a larger stock of housing, compared with that in Marbella which is basically extinguished.

One essential figure which perfectly demonstrates the level of confidence portrayed by investors in these areas is the fact that in the most consolidated places such as Marbella and Benhavis, 70 per cent of property acquisitions are paid for in cash.