After an unusually damp end to winter, we are once again blessed with blue skies and rising temperatures. Spring is well and truly upon us, and for many this is one of the best times of year to visit this fortunate part of the world. The glorious Andalusian countryside flourishes into life, with wild flowers and blossom splashing colour in verges and borders; the days become longer and the whole region springs to life. Continue reading »

Here at Nordica Real Estate, we have seen many trends come and go in over 20 years’ experience of selling and renting property in Marbella. The latest to arrive from America – where else? – is called ‘Home Styling‘, also known as Home Doctoring.

The concept arises from the well-known saying that ‘first impressions count’, and recent research points to the first impression being made not in one or two seconds, but the blink of an eye! So how can you ensure that the first impression given by your property is the best it can be?

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Holidaymakers are being advised not to leave it too late to book their summer accommodation after a 27% surge in bookings from the UK alone.

There is a real possibility of missing out on the best rentals in the most sought-after resorts such as Marbella and Nueva Andalucía after many tourists from Northern Europe have decided to avoid troubled Northern African countries and Turkey to stay closer to home. It’s a trend that is adding further to the popularity of the Costa del Sol.

Combined with the fact that UK overseas bookings in general are now up to pre-crisis levels after an initial drop of 15% in 2008-2009, it means Spain and resorts such as Marbella are preparing for their busiest ever tourist season following record years in 2014 and 2015. Continue reading »

Famous for its ‘Golf Valley’ that boasts some of the finest championship courses in Europe, Nueva Andalucía is however right on the doorstep of the trendiest beaches along the Costa del Sol.

Two of these flank the glamorous marina of Puerto Banús, itself effectively the seaside extension of Nueva Andalucía, where you can bask in the sun, pop into the ‘port’ for a spot of lunch or some shopping, and then head back to have cocktails as you see the sun dip down into the Mediterranean.

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Did you know that earlier this year, the Spanish government announced a reduction in capital gains tax (Plusvalia) on second homes or investment properties purchased between May 11th and Dec 31st 2012? The reduction will be applied when the property is sold. Make sure you take advantage of this change in tax policy before the end of the year!

In order to encourage real estate property investments, the Spanish Government has approved a Royal Decree to be effective as from 11th May.

Here is an overview of the new provisions. For details as to how it might affect you please contact your financial advisor.

The main measure is a reduction of 50% in the Capital Gains Tax on sale proceeds for properties bought between 12th May and 31st December 2012. This is regardless the future sale date.

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