Spanish Property News

Spain just "sunshine, cheap cigs and wine?"

2009-07-07T09:32:00.005+01:00

A recent article by a BBC reporter caught my eye as it gives an account of a number of British people who are moving back to the UK.

It is an unfortunate fact that Spain, like the rest of the world is in the midst of a sharp recession and has fairly eye-watering unemployment figures. So it is not surprising that during this downturn there are British people who cannot find work, especially if relying solely on employment from among the ex-pat community. However one comment struck me as very disappointing "People talk about living the dream but all it seems to be is sunshine, cheap cigs and wine".

To be honest, if that is all Spain was to this person then maybe a return to the UK is overdue!

Whether living or holidaying in Spain it does not take long to appreciate all Spain has to offer. Of course everyone talks about the sun, but the great weather here is not just about sun tans. The climate here on the Costa Calida has been recognised by the World Health Organisation for the health benefits it brings. I speak to any number of people who find that joint problems and stiffness disappear when they are here. And for people who suffer from depression due to the short, dark days of a UK winter the longer lighter days are incredibly beneficial.

The Spanish culture promotes entertainment and enjoyment as often as possible. Visit one of the towns during a fiesta day (and there are many days to chose from) and you will see what I mean. From carnaval dancers to Roman battles there is a theme to suit everyone. For music lovers here in Murcia we are absolutely spoilt for choice during the summer months. Not only do we have the world renowned San Javier Jazz Festival but also Cartagena hosts "Mar de Musicas", a world music event which often attracts well known names - this year one of those is Marianne Faithfull.

Of course alcohol is cheaper than the UK, but one of the joys of drinking that fine locally produced red wine is the tasty tapas or Spanish dish you eat it with. Pick your time to eat and your choice of restaurant carefully and you can still eat and drink like a king for a great value price.

I could continue and talk about the beautiful beaches, amazing sunsets, beautiful cities, the simple fact that you can be outdoors enjoying clean fresh air for most of the year - all of this is free.

Whether you live permanently in Spain or own a Spanish holiday home this all available for you to explore and enjoy. You need to pick both your property and location carefully of course and remember to leave unrealistic expectations at the boarding gate. Spain is not paradise, but it can be a fantastic place to live, work and holiday.

Primelocation have just announced in their newsletter that UK interest in Spain is once again on the increase due to the excellent property prices now available.

So if you are unsure whether Spain is the right place for you to buy, why not give us a call and find what life is really like here, right now.

Furnishing your new Spanish Property

2009-05-21T13:52:00.002+01:00

Completing on a new property in Spain is an exciting time and there are lots of things to organise. Finances, NIE numbers, signing dates – after waiting for your Spanish property to be built it can suddenly feel like a whirlwind has hit you. Additionally with Sterling now much weaker against the Euro the money you set aside to set up the property may have to stretch that much further. Furnishing your property will be high up on your to-do list but it can seem both a daunting and expensive task.

Actually it doesn’t need to be either. In our experience the best places to choose your furniture are the local furniture shops. These businesses are generally family run and offer good value quality furniture coupled with excellent service. Typically they have a show room where you can see the basic designs available and plenty of catalogues which give you lots of additional options.

We’ve found a huge benefit of buying locally is that the owners often know the size and shape of the properties on new developments in their area. This is really helpful as even armed with detailed plans and photos it can be difficult to assess what will and won’t work, especially when you are furnishing a whole property in one go.

Delivery is a matter of days, not the weeks we are accustomed to in the UK. Extra requests such as the adding a sofa bed mechanism to a sofa or co-ordinating dining chairs and sofas are easily accommodated.

Most places we have seen offer different ‘grades’ of furniture – for instance you will have a basic quality mattress, medium and top of the range. I suggest that unless you are going to be using the property full time the medium quality range of furniture is ideal in terms of both quality and price. Fully furnishing a two bedroom apartment with medium grade furniture should cost you around 4,000 Euros.

We’ve got a number of clients about to complete on their off-plan properties and we have been showing them some of the furniture stores here on the Costa Calida that we recommend they consider. This is all part of the service Dream Spain clients receive.

Spanish Property Offers - up to 28% Discount

2009-05-05T21:30:00.005+01:00

The average property price in Murcia is approx 31% below the national average (see the Kyero price index) so there is still plenty of room for future growth. But even better for you the buyer, the property market has been slow and as a result Dream Spain in collaboration with trusted local builders is delighted to offer you fantastic quality properties in Spain at hugely discounted prices.

Request our new brochure of great Spanish property offers with up to 28% discount - before the offers are released onto our homepage.

Spanish Property Repossessions - bargains or not?

2009-04-06T11:00:00.006+01:00

Spanish property repossession is undoubtedly a buzz phrase at the moment – we are told this is the way to grab a bargain property in Spain. Indeed if you Google ‘bargain Spanish property’ you’ll see the phrase several times on page one. Public access to Spanish repossessions was thrown into the spotlight when CAM bank (Caja de Ahorros de Mediterraneo) launched a website offering their repossessions and properties in danger of repossession to the general public. There are various agencies offering access to the properties, but this is the direct link - www.mediterraneancam.com/. Here you can see the CAM bank properties available and if it has the term “en subasta” next to it, you can go to another website to bid on that property in an auction.

Almost every article on Spanish property at the moment will not fail to say that there is an over-supply of property in Spain. They suggest that hundreds of apartments lie empty and banks are having keys thrown back at them by disgruntled ex-pats. Here in Murcia, the building of resorts by Polaris World are used by some as an example of the apparent over-supply in this region. Therefore as CAM bank have worked with Polaris World on their developments I would expect to see endless lists of incredibly cheap properties, many of those from Polaris, on the CAM repossession website.

However if I go to the website this is not what I find. There are currently only 107 properties on the website for the region of Murcia. Yes, there are a few very cheap inland properties for sale – ideal for those with a big restoration budget - you have always found these on Spanish Property portals. There are also a handful of low priced apartments in Cartagena city. I don’t find that surprising as, like most cities, there will always be parts of the city where cheap property surfaces during difficult times.

However if I look in the areas most popular with second home buyers - the Mar Menor, Los Alcazares, Polaris World resorts - I do not see an endless list of repossessed new build properties or even very low priced resale opportunities. There is the odd property which looks reasonable value- especially when compared to the quoted original price. However I am not convinced by the accuracy of these original valuations – and the “repossession” prices are often no cheaper than some of the properties we have available in the resale or new-build market.

We will keep watching this repossession site with interest to see how much clients can really gain by purchasing one of these properties. We know that our clients want the best value for their money. This is achieved by finding a property that is constructed to a very high quality, in a great location and at a realistic market price. Great value property has always been available on the Costa Calida – but to judge this accurately you need help from someone who really knows the local market conditions regarding prices, location and build quality. That way you can be sure that you really are grabbing your own Costa Calida property bargain.

Disneyland in Murcia?

2009-03-30T11:22:00.005+01:00

My friend here in Murcia mentioned to me yesterday that he is hearing rumours that Disney are buying-up plots on the Costa Calida for the next Disney theme park.

This would be of great interest to anyone owning or thinking of owning a property in Murcia.

However I am fairly sceptical as the only ‘rumours’ I can see on the web suggest plans were once in the pipeline for a theme park further south. Furthermore with the current global economy building a new theme park seems a risky plan for Mickey and crew. (If you seriously KNOW better then post and let us know).

It did get me thinking about all the attractions we have in Murcia and wondering if we are really missing out not having Disney in Murcia.

Disney boasts of fantastic shows, spectacular parades and breathtaking firework displays. Well in Murcia for this you need to look no further than one of the region’s fiestas. The processions and fireworks of Semana Santa (Easter) kept my 4 year old nephew quiet for hours (miracles do happen in Murcia!) and the re-enacted battles of the Cartagineses and Romanos contain enough drama for anyone.

Disney is great for keeping the kids entertained, but then most parents and kids love the safe fun they have on the Mar Menor beaches. It’s a unique salt-water lake connected to the Mediterranean and a fantastic place for families as the water is shallow, warm and without currents.

Of course for the more active kite-surfing, jet-skiing, go-karting and quad biking are all readily available. While it is true that there is a distinct lack of white knuckle rides in Murcia, the water shoots and slides at Murcia’s water park definitely raise the adrenalin levels during the summer months. The tranquil spas at Archena and Fortuna are there for those that need to calm down afterwards.

I have heard people say the Disney franchise has no soul - well Murcia certainly has plenty to share. The city of Caravaca is one of only five holy cities of the world and celebrates one of its holy days with an infamous wine horse race – a real spectacle.

I have barely touched upon the activities available in Murcia, but I am sure that if even if Mickey has decided not to buy a home in Murcia there are many people who don’t need the razzmatazz of Disney to convince them it’s a good place to own property.

One Foot in Each Country?

2009-03-24T16:39:00.006+01:00

Despite or may be because of the doom and gloom filled media many people are wondering if they can still fulfil their dream of moving to Spain. With savings in the bank now bringing a minimum return they are attracted to the opportunities in the Spanish property market and the potential to rejuvenate their lifestyle.

A fear which is preventing people from making the move is the “no going back” syndrome. If you sell your property in the UK it can be difficult to return – especially with the current mortgage situation. What if your Spanish dream doesn’t work out? What if you don’t like living in Spain? What if you need to return to your family in the UK?

Spain does not work out for everyone so it is always sensible to have a Plan B. Rather than selling up in the UK more and more people are looking to rent out their original home whilst they trial a new life in Spain. It has a number of advantages – you retain your asset and the rent covers your mortgage or provides an income. Most importantly you do not have to start all over again should you decide to leave Spain.

However it also brings its own set of challenges, not least being an overseas landlord with an emotional attachment to your rental property. Finding a good UK based letting agency is vital to ensuring you can enjoy your life in Spain without worrying about what is happening to your property in Blighty. Communication is key for overseas landlords and you need a letting agency that acknowledges this and is prepared to keep you informed and take real responsibility for your property.

Director of SurreyLets, Sally Asling, has this advice for potential overseas landlords “Letting your home in the UK whilst you move abroad is a sensible option as if things don’t work out you still have your home to return to.

Once you are overseas and are content it was the right move, you can either sell your home and reinvest in more conventional buy to let properties to maximise your returns on your investments whilst keeping a foothold on the UK property Ladder or sell up.

It is however imperative to work with a Letting Agent that you trust and find out who will be dealing with your home on a daily basis. Too many larger companies pass you over to call centres and the personal touch disappears. Here at SurreyLets we pride ourselves on offering clients a personal and professional service that is tailor made to suit you. The professional staff can advise you on all aspects of letting you home and assist you with every step along the way, ensuring your best interests are put first”

Often people who try this approach find that the knowledge that they still have a ‘haven’ in the UK helps them settle into their new life in Spain, and it is soon a case of “Never going back”.

People looking for Certain Sunshine in the Gloom?

2009-03-16T15:19:00.011+01:00

To be sure of a sunny holiday in these uncertain times it appears that more holiday makers are considering the Mediterranean than last year. bmibaby, the low cost airline that flies to both Murcia and Alicante, reports that over 1.3 million people searched for flights to the Mediterreanean this February compared to 87,500 last year.

rawford Rix, managing director of bmibaby says "With the current economic downturn consumers want to make sure their annual summer holiday guarantees them some sunshine".

bmibaby, along with many of the other low cost airlines have increased their summer flights to Murcia and Alicante bringing more people than ever to this tranquil coastline.

Spanish property landlords on the Costa Calida of course will be pleased by this news and holiday home owners will welcome the increased opportunities to visit their property for relaxing summers breaks. The poor exchange rate may have deterred some people from considering Spain, but on the Costa Calida prices for food and drink are still good value for money while the beautiful beaches and bright sunshine are still free!

Free Calls to Dream Spain

2009-01-21T13:46:00.006+01:00

Great news for all our new and existing clients - CALLS to our UK NUMBER - 0845 86 200 50 are now FREE from a BT Landline at certain times. So why not call us to find out about some of the great property deals available with Dream Spain.

Think that the poor exchange rate means you can't buy a property in Spain? Well talk to us now - some of our properties are available at a fixed sterling price based on an exchange rate starting at 1.45 Euro to the Pound.

Would you like some friendly no-nonsense advice about how to turn your dream of owning a Spanish property into reality? Call 0845 86 200 50.

Buying in Spain for sunshine & lifestyle

2008-11-17T16:00:00.012+01:00

Ninety-two percent of ex-pats living in Spain have said the weather is their top reason for leaving the UK, while eight-five percent appreciate the slower pace of living. The top four reasons for ex-pats to leave the UK are: Better weather, better quality of life, higher standard of living, lower crime rate. These findings have just been released in a survey conducted by Alliance and Leicester.

As I write this in the middle of November, I'm looking out at a clear blue sky and clear blue Mar Menor sea, having enjoyed a day where the temperature reached around 21 degrees....and I whole heartedly agree with the survey results. Despite all the apparent doom and gloom surrounding property in Spain the glorious weather and the excellent quality of life here has not changed. With some excellent value properties now available, if you are in a position to buy, now really is the time to get your foot on the ladder. In Murcia prices have always been much lower than the national average and the landscape and culture here remain unspoilt - come and see for yourself soon.

Survey results at Alliance & Leicester website

Beating the Exchange Rate

2008-11-13T17:22:00.004+01:00

With the pound slipping to an all time low against the Euro you may think it is a bad time to be looking for property for Spain. However here in Murcia, developers have developed a pricing structure which helps clients from the UK beat the low exchange rate.

On certain developments you can purchase your Spanish property at a fixed sterling price. This is clearly a benefit because the price you sign for in sterling is the price you will pay on completion - you do not have to worry about the impact of changes to the exchange rate. In addition, the developers are offering excellent exchange rate terms - far above the current market rate.

For example a property available at a price of 136,000 euros is also available at a fixed sterling price of £90,600 - therefore you are getting an exchange rate of 1,50 euros to the pound. This option is not available on all developments and the rates offered do vary - however it does provide the opportunity to turn back the clock and beat the current currency market conditions.

Spanish Property Crash - What does that mean to you!!!

2008-09-10T09:46:00.005+01:00

Yesterday one of our clients showed us a UK newspaper story with the headline "The Pain in Spain". Articles about recent events in the western economy have put everyone on edge so it is interesting to take a step back and consider what these headlines & phrases really mean.

Debbie Jenkins, author of the best selling books "Going Native in Murcia" and "Buying Property in Murcia" has launched a new website Spanish Property Expert with a view to taking an objective look at what is really happening here in Spain. Her latest article Naming Things Gives Them Wings is definitely worth a read.

Please do visit the site and share your thoughts with her.

More time to fly into Murcia

2008-09-01T18:09:00.004+01:00

Although worldwide it is a difficult time for airlines with rising costs, Murcia (San Javier) airport is going to expand its timetable to allow flights throughout the day from March 2009.

This will help spread out the flight timetable and should help in cases where flights have been pushed to late evening slots due to the current restricted flying hours.

Anyone who has visited Murcia (San Javier) airport will know that it is shared with Military and therefore in the afternoon flying has been restricted to military aircraft. However the military will now have a runway of their own, leaving the existing runway for commercial traffic.

Spain still at the top

2008-06-10T14:48:00.005+01:00

A new study shows that Spain tops the list of the 101 most popular overseas property destinations searched for on the internet - not a surprise to those who know the reality behind the many downbeat newspapers stories currently circulating.

The study looked at which countries UK internet users search for, and Spain came in at number one, with the region of Murcia itself in the top ten.

The research, from Globaledge.co.uk, analyses 200,000 property related searches over the last 100 days and groups them into specific locations.

Ashley Rigg, director of Globaledge.co.uk, said: "An amazing 11 out of the 20 most popular overseas searches in the last 90 days were for Spain or for Spanish towns and regions. Despite the media gloom surrounding the Spanish housing market, there is still considerable demand from Brits for property in Spain and the lifestyle that goes with it."

See the full report at globaledge.co.uk.

Murcia (San Javier) Airport Upgrade

2008-04-22T14:36:00.005+01:00

A further boost to the Murcian economy is the news that 49.3 million euros will be invested in the existing airport in San Javier, Murcia. There are plans to build a new terminal building, expand the car parking areas and provide new roads leading to the airport.

Additionally the second runway will open - which will mean an increase in flight availability to the area.

Murcia remains good option for buyers

2008-04-07T15:16:00.004+01:00

Spanish property buyers have been reassured that while the market has slowed down Spain is still the place to buy and Murcia in particular. Speaking recently in UK newspaper, Liam Bailey from the global property consultancy Knight Franks stated that "Spain has been one of the stronger performers in recent months." He pointed out that although house prices in Madrid went up by just 2% last year, property values in Murcia increased by more than 8% during the same period. Visit the Dream Spain website to see properties that our available now in Murica.

A Place in the Sun magazine also confirmed Spain's continuing popularity during a recent survey which showed that Spain is the most popular overseas property market for British buyers.

Murcian Economy Boost

2008-03-31T11:15:00.000+01:00

The Murcian economy will recieve an injection of 1000 million Euros from the regional government to energise employment and growth. Key investment will be in infrastructure, industry, commerce and hotels, agriculture and water, homes and tourism.

Murcia has enjoyed above national average growth for the past 12 years and this plan has been created to ensure that it will continue to enjoy long term economic stability.

The Costa Calida Report - Issue 91

Murcia's economic growth continues

2008-02-29T11:10:00.000+01:00

The growth of Murcia's economy is forecast to be above that of the Spanish Economy. For 2008 the Spanish Economy is forecast to grow by 2.8% and Murcia's own economy is due to see 3.1% growth.

The study is the latest from Hispalink, a regional economic research network in Spain.

For details of other regions visit the www.hispalink.es/

Don't Buy in Murcia!

2008-02-21T17:03:00.008+01:00

Without Reading the new book "Buying Property in Murcia" by Debbie Jenkins.

This newly released book gives you a detailed guide to towns within the Murcia region and excellent advice on how to find your ideal property.

In its straightforward style it explains the pros and cons of the property market in Murcia and details accurately the buying process.

It has invaluable advice for any buyer - and should definitely be well read by the time you book your viewing visit .

The book is available now here - from Amazon.

See Beautiful Village Apartments

2008-02-11T14:24:00.001+01:00

For buyers looking for spacious apartments of the highest quality in the optimum location, a visit to the show-apartment at El Olivio II is highly recommended. The apartments, which will be ready in April, have been beautifully finished with extremely high quality materials.

The development has its own private swimming pool, available only to development residents. The complex is just 3 levels and there is lift access from the secure underground car park.

The location, in the village of San Cayetano, is ideal for permanent residents and holiday makers alike. A traditional village it contains all the local shops you need and shortly will have a community sports area which will include tennis courts, a swimming pool and a golf driving range. The development will even shortly have a Michelin rated restaurant next door - ideal for those evenings when you really don't want to walk anywhere!

A 5 minute drive takes you to the beautiful beaches of the Mar Menor - renowned for being safe and warm - ideal for families. The Dos Mares shopping centre is also 5 minutes away and contains a supermarket open 365 days of the year! The brand new Mar Menor hospital will be close to the development, the existing one is again a 5 minute drive.

The price for a 2 bedroom apartment (including a large private parking area) is139,000 euros. Three bedroom apartments are available at 189,000 euros and four bedroom at 199,000 euros.

Contact us NOW to arrange to view the show apartment.

16 Million Investment in Murcia Coastline

2008-02-11T14:04:00.000+01:00

Homeowners, businesses and visitors will all benefit from 7 different improvement projects along the Murcian coastline. The 16 million euros budget announced by Ministry of the Environment and the Coastal Administration will be used for a variety of purposes, including improving existing coastal facilities recovering natural open spaces.

Source: The Costa Calida Informer, Issue 119

Murcia Tourism ahead of the rest

2008-01-18T17:56:00.000+01:00

The number of tourists visiting the region has increased by 18%, way ahead of the 2% average for Spain as a whole. Equally important is the 30% increase in the amount of economic input from these tourists as opposed to the national average of 3%.

The figures from the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce are good news for property owners in the region, as they reflect the continued confidence in the area as a holiday destination.

Negotiations are underway with countries across Europe to increase direct connections to Murcia (San Javier) airport ensuring growth from tourism looks set to continue.

Details from The Costa Calida Reporter (No.86)

Murcia Property Price News

2008-01-16T12:01:00.000+01:00

The average property price in Murcia is still 13% below the national average according to the latest Spanish House Price index released by the property portal Kyero.

There has been an increase in overall property price during 2007 with the average price increasing from 212,000 Euros to 216,000 Euros. This is contrary to other parts of Spain which have seen an overall decrease in property value through the year.

(Spanish House Price Index by Kyero.com)

After a customary lull in the market at the end of 2007 buyers are once again visiting the area with several local agents reporting an increase in clients. Dream Spain, established specialists in the Murcia and Costa Calida property market, are offering FREE inspection trips, contact them now for more details.

El Mirador de Sucina - Scale Model Ready

2008-01-12T12:41:00.000+01:00

The scale model of the apartments at El Mirador de Sucina is now ready. This means buyers get the benefit of off plan prices but are able to see exactly how the development will look. New access to the adjacent view point also means you can experience for yourself the fantastic views across the Costa Calida countryside to the Mar Menor.

Contact us now to arrange a viewing visit and see for yourself the potential of this development.

Santiago de La Ribera - New townhouses close to beach

2007-12-06T21:00:00.000+01:00

In early 2008 we will be announcing the release of a brand new development in the much sort after town of Santiago de La Ribera. Just 800m from the beautiful Mar Menor beaches, these 3 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouses will start at just €186,000 euros.

If you would like information on these development on the release date please contact us.

Mar Menor Beach and Golf Resort

2007-10-24T12:55:00.000+01:00

Properties surrounded by two golf courses next to the Mar Menor have now been released at the impressive Novo Carthargo resort. Arguably one of the most ambitious projects in the Costa Calidá area, Novo Carthargo offers exclusive residential areas, two 18-hole golf courses, luxury hotel zones, shopping and entertainment areas – all at the edge of the Mar Menor sea.

Ideally placed for both the existing Murcia airport (San Javier) and the new Murcia airport under construction (Corvera) this is a resort that appeals to both investors and those looking to own their own piece of the paradise that is the Mar Menor coastline.

The first development within the resort is La Isla. A mixture of apartments, villas and townhouses no building will be above three floors ensuring views of the golf courses extending all the way to the Mar Menor. Property prices start at 177,999 Euros.

Contact Your Costa Calida Property Specialists now for more details.