For a period of time during the recession, Spanish banks reduced money lending but now they are rapidly increasing their new mortgage lending, which is good news, because mortgage rates in Spain are at an historic low. This situation makes a Spanish mortgage an attractive proposition right now and in this blog we look at some of the questions residents and non-residents have about obtaining one.

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Marbella Mayor, Angeles Muñoz, has been heard urging the town’s expat population to sign on to the census or padrón in order to boost the official municipal population of Marbella from 145,000 to 150,000 residents.

Signing the padrón or becoming empadronado as it is sometimes termed, is important for both individuals and the town or city in which they live. Residents with a copy of their Certificado de Empadronamiento will find that doors are opened to certain events and venues exclusive to those registered as living in their neighbourhood, which they may not even have heard of otherwise! Continue reading »

Officially called the Svenska Skolan, the Swedish School of Marbella compliments the full range of schooling requirements offered by its equivalent in Fuengirola to provide a much-needed option for the growing Swedish-speaking community in Marbella. Where the longer-established school covers the full range from kindergarten up to university entrance, the Marbella school caters to children between three and twelve.

There had been a small school of this kind at the CFS (Centro Forestal Sueco) for many years, but with the move to the Vasari Centre within the elegant La Alzambra complex the Swedish School has improved not only its facilities but also its scope and range of possibilities. Continue reading »

Marbella looks set to benefit from a new law that aims to attract more foreign capital and investment to Spain. Designed to boost the recovery of the economy, the Law of Entrepreneurs gives non-EU nationals automatic Spanish residency if they spend more than €500,000 on real estate. This is of course welcome news for wealthy Russian and Chinese investors, already the third and eighth biggest foreign homeowners in Spain at the moment. What this means is that those spending over this threshold will now be able to stay in Spain for one year, compared to the 90 days previously allowed. However, the visa can be increased to two years with an ongoing renewal, as long as the homeowners visit Spain during this period. Continue reading »

Nueva Andalucía may be known as the Golf Valley of Marbella, as well as one of its nicest residential areas, but this large area just inland from Puerto Banús is also home to a great selection of restaurants.

When you’ve lived here a long time, as we have, you have your favourite spots. In this blog we share them with you, focusing on the best places for a light lunch, a convivial dinner, a romantic meal, a venue the kids will love or the best spot for a snack after golf. We think you’ll find you don’t even have to leave Nueva Andalucía to satisfy these and many other culinary wish lists. Continue reading »