Contemporary architecture is all about clean lines, open-plan living and large windows that allow light to flood in. It also connects indoor life with the outdoors in a way that few would have envisaged some years back, and is a design style that is particularly well suited to the Marbella and the Costa del Sol – which is why so many new builds, both in apartments and villas, follow this architectural philosophy.

And now the contemporary residence is adding ‘smart’ technology (also referred to as domotics) to its basic planning. The ‘smart home’ is fast becoming a buzz word in architecture and real estate offices as clients look for more of the ‘smart’ technology that simplifies some of the more mundane domestic tasks.

There are essentially five elements required to create a smart home, according to Troy Carlson at Modern Smart Home. They are: Continue reading »

Every year brings new realities and opportunities with it. Situations and trends influencing the overall market that property professionals, investors and homebuyers should be aware of. Here are some of the new trends expected to make an impact to the Marbella real estate market in 2017.

After the financial crisis of 2008 and the ensuing years of recession, construction and in particular the real estate market have shown strong resilience in a recovery that started in 2012 and has been gradually but consistently gathering momentum ever since. This is especially true of Marbella, where strong tourist and residential demand for property not only produced a dynamic rental and sales environment, but also led to the construction of new villas and apartments featuring the latest design and luxuries.

Continue reading »

With news of Britain’s vote to leave the EU has come some uncertainty about the property market in Spain, so we thought we would take a closer look at how this may affect Marbella.

In practical terms there is no change—initially at least. Britain is still a member of the EU and will remain so for two years from the date Article 50—which formally starts negotiations for an exit—is announced. This means that British citizens still enjoy the same rights in Spain as they did before the referendum vote. No one is quite sure when Article 50 will be presented, although best estimates are for October. Continue reading »

With Sterling and other currencies like the Norwegian Krone particularly strong against the Euro at the moment and property prices in Marbella still well below their peak, now is a good time to buy your dream home in the area.

Top of the list of things to do once you have decided to take the plunge and buy a property on the Costa del Sol – even before you have found the house or apartment you just must have – is to get your finances in order.

Work out how much you can realistically raise to purchase a home, taking into account the ten to 12 per cent of the property price you will have to spend on fees, taxes and commissions – known collectively as the purchasing costs.

Special property in Marbella
After all, you wouldn’t want to come over to Spain, fall in love with that special property in Marbella, only to find it is not within your budget. Have a maximum amount you can pay in mind before viewing houses. Yes, there may be some room for negotiation, but it’s just not realistic to expect to get a home for half the listed price.  Continue reading »

The Costa del Sol property market – led by increasing demand for high end homes in places like Marbella – is set to grow by ten per cent next year, according to a new report.

A study by the Instituto de Practica Empresarial (IPE) business school, which specialises in property, predicted that the turnaround in the real estate sector already witnessed in Marbella since 2013 will continue in 2016, with seaside areas such as the Costa del Sol forecast to continue to see more properties sold.

Big cities, led by Madrid and Barcelona, are set for a rise in property transactions of between five and seven per cent, while smaller cities in the interior of the country are expected to experience a three per cent increase.

Luxury homes on the Costa del Sol
The IPE’s José Antonio Pérez said that demand for luxury homes on the Costa del Sol has surged largely due to better exchange rates, which have tempted growing numbers of buyers from the UK and other non-Eurozone countries such as Norway. Continue reading »