Property Supplement CBS 23 - 29 Jan 2025 Issue 2064 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

Why Buying Property in Spain is an Excellent Investment

SPAIN’S real estate market is gearing up for a promising 2025, making it an excellent time to consider investing in this Mediterranean gem. With prices expected to rise by 5 per cent, the market is showing strong and steady growth, which is great news for both ﬁrst-time buyers and seasoned investors. One of the standout regions in which to buy property is the Costa Blanca. Famous for its beautiful golden bea-

ches, clear blue waters, and sunny weather, this region is a true paradise. It’s also home to lively expat communities and offers a perfect mix of modern conveniences and traditional Spanish culture. Whether you’re looking for a holiday home or a long-term investment, the Costa Blanca is an idyllic destination.

But the appeal of Spain doesn’t stop there. The country’s relaxed lifestyle is

unmatched. Picture yourself enjoying tapas in a busy town square, strolling through charming villages, or simply soaking up the sunshine. Spain’s Mediterranean diet, friendly locals, and rich history add even more reasons to fall in love.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a slice of paradise, now is the time to act. Spain’s property market offers the perfect combination of lifestyle, in-

vestment potential, and lasting value. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading your current home or purchasing a new one, you can beneﬁt from the market’s growth while enjoying a lifestyle many aspire to.

Now is the time to explore the dynamic opportunities in this enchanting country, and discover why Spain remains one of the world’s top property destinations.

Seller’s enhancements

While Spain may face a housing shortage that does not meet market demands, selling a property should be approached with care.

BUYERS are becoming more selective, and first impressions matter significantly. In short, investing in renovations before selling can yield substantial returns.

Experts from the renovation platform Habitissimo recommend several strategies to boost your home’s appeal and speed up the selling process. These upgrades often lead to a noticeable increase in property value that can surpass the initial investment. If your home has a small layout with adjoining rooms, consider removing some partition walls to create an open-plan kitchen and living area. Open spaces are highly desirable, and while this renovation requires some expenditure, it can significantly enhance the visual appeal and brightness of your home.

To keep costs manageable, you don’t need to remove the partition wall entirely. Leaving it at half height and transforming it into a breakfast bar can achieve a similar visual effect.

The kitchen and living area usually attract the most attention during showings, making them essential areas to focus on for renovations. The kitchen is par-

ticularly important in modern homes, and even minor updates can yield impressive results.

There are many budget-friendly options to consider, depending on the condition of your kitchen. For instance, vinyl flooring, a glass splashback, new countertops, or repainting old tiles and cabinets can provide a fresh, updated look.

Similar updates can also enhance your bathroom. Sometimes, simply replacing the mirror and taps, along with improving the lighting, can create a significant impact. If you have two bathrooms, consider swapping one bathtub for a shower, which is often more appealing to buyers.

Floors and walls are crucial in attracting potential buyers, as they typically show wear first. If they are not in pristine condition, refreshing them is essential. If your walls have popcorn ceilings, it’s advisable to remove them. Otherwise, a fresh coat of paint in light, neutral shades is always beneficial. This

choice enhances the sense of space, adds warmth, complements various styles, and helps avoid negative impressions.

For flooring, wood remains a classic choice due to its natural elegance. If you have parquet floors, refinishing them can have a remarkable effect. If not, laminate flooring is an affordable yet attractive alternative that can be installed over the existing floor. When selling, you’ll need to provide the energy certificate and pricing, as energy efficiency is increasingly important to buyers. Upgrades that enhance energy efficiency can make your home more appealing. One common upgrade is replacing an old boiler with a more efficient model. Additionally, consider upgrading your windows; although this can be a larger investment, it significantly boosts buyer interest. These improvements may also qualify for public subsidies, helping to offset costs.

Image: Andrei Porzhezhinskii / Shutterstock.com

The home improvement dilemma

FOR homeowners tackling renovations, the choice between DIY and hiring a professional can feel daunting. Each approach offers unique beneﬁts and challenges that depend on factors like time, cost, safety, and skill level.

DIY Advantages

DIY projects are often cost-effective and provide a sense of accomplishment. They’re ideal for smaller tasks like painting or assembling furniture, where the tools and skills required are accessible to most. However, DIY comes with risks: improper execution can lead to safety hazards or expensive mistakes. Projects like electrical work or plumbing demand expertise to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid potential dangers.

Professional Expertise

Hiring a professional guarantees quality and efﬁciency, particularly for complex projects like structural changes or major renovations. Contractors bring specialised tools, experience, and the assurance of completed work within a set timeline. This option is perfect for those with limited time or when tasks require technical expertise.

Making the Right Choice

Consider your experience, budget, and the scope of the project. While DIY can save money, professional services might be a safer, long-term investment for intricate tasks. Ultimately, aligning your approach with the project’s complexity ensures both satisfaction and success.

Home improvement is a balance - choose wisely for your needs and priorities.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

JENSEN STORE is a well-established store chain that has specialised in selling Jensen beds for over 20 years.

The company has ﬁve stores strategically located along the Spanish and Portuguese sun coasts, making them a leading player in the region for premium beds. Through its long-term involvement in the industry, Jensen Store has built a strong reputation by offering ﬁrst-class service with the customer’s interest in focus.

One of the company’s unique strengths is its multicultural orientation. With customers and staff from different parts of the world, Jensen Store has developed a business that not only caters to the local markets, but also to the international clientele on the sunshine coast. The staff’s multilingual skills and understanding of different cultures contribute to a high level of service that makes every customer feel well taken care of, regardless of where they come from.

The Jensen Store focuses on providing its customers with a holistic experience in terms of sleep comfort, with a range that combines Jensen’s premium mattresses with associated bed frames and bedding. The company also offers tailor-made solutions for both private homes and hotels, and has thus positioned itself as a reliable partner for property owners and decorators on the Spanish coast.

With two decades of experience and ﬁve successful stores, Jensen Store continues to grow and develop, with a clear vision to always deliver world-class quality and service. Visit jensenstore.com today for a tailor made quote on your new Jensen bed.

Store Avenida Cortès Valencianas

Seize the Moment:

Sell your Spanish Property with Vistacasas for the very best price!

2025 is off to a strong start, and the Spanish property market is buzzing with opportunity. At Vistacasas, we’ve already seen a surge of interest from buyers eager to invest in the Orihuela Costa and the surrounding areas. With many clients already booked to view properties in the coming weeks, there’s no better time to list your home with us.

The Spanish property market continues to perform robustly. According to recent data, property values in this region have risen by approximately 5.6 per cent over the last year. Demand is outstripping supply, especially for well-maintained homes in prime locations. This high demand creates the ideal conditions to maximise your return on investment.

But that’s not all. Vistacasas is offering an unbeatable incentive with our exclusive ‘OLD FOR NEW OFFER’. If you’ve been dreaming of upgrading to a modern new build, we’ll sell your current Spanish property for FREE* when you purchase through us. This means you can transition seamlessly into your dream home while saving thousands on selling fees.

Plus, you will also have a choice of fantastic exclusive extras included with your purchase, only available with Vistacasas.

Timing is critical in real estate, and the early months of the year are historically strong for the Spanish market. With spring and summer in mind, international buyers, especially from northern and eastern Europe, are motivated to secure properties ahead of the high season. The combination of rising prices, strong demand, and Vistacasas’ tailored services makes this the perfect moment to sell.

Don’t wait for the market to shift - take advantage of this seller’s market and our exceptional offer today. Contact Vistacasas to list your property and make your move while the opportunity is at its peak.

Request your FREE valuation on www.sellwithvistacasas.com

*T&Cs apply - Consult with us for full details.

Sustainable soaks

AS climate change progresses, managing water efficiently becomes essential for gardeners aiming for sustainability. In spring, plants start needing more water as they grow, but not all plants have the same water requirements.

Drought-tolerant plants can handle dry conditions, while others, especially those in rich soil or pots, need regular watering during dry spells. Water is precious, especially during hot, dry summers. Modern irrigation systems, like those with soil moisture sensors, help conserve water

by stopping when the soil has enough moisture. Collecting rainwater is another eco-friendly way to store water for later use, reducing the need for additional resources.

Choosing the right materials in your garden can help with water retention. Avoid sealed surfaces like concrete, which block water from soaking into the ground. Instead, use gravel or paving stones with gaps, allowing water to reach the soil.

Adding organic mulch, like leaves or grass

clippings, also helps retain moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering. Over time, mulch breaks down, enriching the soil with nutrients.

Green roofs on buildings or sheds can also store rainwater and release it slowly, supporting a balanced water cycle.

As the climate changes, gardens must adapt. More plant species that need less water, like spiraea or drought-resistant trees such as the pagoda tree, are becoming available.

Trees play a vital role by providing shade, cooling the air, and absorbing CO2. Even in small spaces, compact drought-tolerant trees can offer shade and greenery while conserving water, making them a smart choice for eco-friendly gardening.

Understanding Spain’s Property Market in 2025: A guide for English-speaking expats

THE Spanish real estate market has always been a hotspot for international buyers, and 2025 is no exception.

This year’s market trends will present both opportunities and challenges for expats considering a move to Spain. Here, we’ll look at what is set to shape the Spanish property market in 2025 and show how Currencies Direct can simplify your property purchase and help you save money. A moderate rise in prices

Spanish property prices are forecast to rise by 2.8 per cent to 4 per cent in 2025. This steady appreciation is driven by sustained demand, particularly in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona and along the coveted coastal regions. Popular areas such as the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands are seeing robust interest from international buyers, contributing to stronger price growth in these regions.

The ongoing supply-demand imbalance

A shortage of new housing remains

a key challenge in Spain. Bureaucratic hurdles, limited land availability, and rising construction costs have hampered the development of new properties. This imbalance is pushing up prices and making it harder for buyers to ﬁnd suitable homes. Anyone planning to purchase a property should be prepared to compete and budget accordingly.

Rental costs will continue to rise

For those considering renting before buying, it’s important to note that rental prices are climbing, particularly in urban centres like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. A surge in demand for rental accommodation, coupled with limited supply, has made it increasingly expensive to secure housing in prime areas. This trend might prompt more expats to explore purchasing property as a cost-effective long-term solution.

An increase in foreign investment Spain’s appeal to international investors remains strong, thanks to its sunny climate, excellent infrastruc-

ture, and stable economic outlook. High-demand areas such as Marbella, Alicante, and Mallorca continue to attract buyers looking for lucrative investment opportunities or idyllic holiday homes. Any expats seeking a move to Spain this year are likely to ﬁnd themselves in good company.

Simplify your Spanish property purchase with Currencies Direct

Navigating the Spanish property market doesn’t have to be costly or complex. By partnering with Currencies Direct, you can make the most of your currency transfers. Beneﬁt from:

• Excellent exchange rates: Avoid the hefty fees and unfavourable exchange rates offered by traditional banks. With Currencies Direct, you can ensure your money goes further with competitive exchange rates and no transfer fees.

• Expert guidance: Our dedicated team understands the challenges of buying property abroad. From navigating Spanish legal requirements to timing your transfers for maximum

savings, we provide personalised support every step of the way.

• Seamless transactions: Whether you’re transferring a deposit or completing your property purchase, our fast and secure international transfers help make the process hassle-free.

Our PropertyPay service also offers a bespoke property completion solution which can help you save time and money by eliminating the need for banker’s drafts and electronic transfers via your lawyer’s or notary’s bank account.

Ready to save on your Spanish property purchase? Open a free account or get expert guidance by contacting Currencies Direct at propertypay@currenciesdirect.com or calling +34 910 786 109.

5 Interior design trends we’re leaving behind

IN 2025 interior design trends are shifting, leaving behind some styles that have dominated the past few years. Here are ﬁve key trends we’re bidding farewell to:

Fast-furniture

In an age of sustainability, the trend of buying cheap, mass-produced furniture is losing popularity. People are increasingly opting for high-quality, durable pieces that contribute to a more eco-conscious home environment.

Minimalist white interiors

While minimalist design isn’t going anywhere, the all-white, stark interiors are being replaced with warmer tones, textures, and layers. The desire for more inviting, personalised spaces means earthy hues, and soft colours are taking over.

Maximalism

Maximalist interiors, with their bold colours, patterns, and overwhelming layers of decor, are on the decline. The once-popular style that embraced excess is giving way to more balanced and curated environments that focus on simplicity and thoughtful design.

All-beige aesthetic

The all-beige or neutral monotone look is being replaced by more dynamic colour schemes that include rich tones, bold accents, and contrasting textures. People are moving away from sterile, bland spaces to ones that feel more vibrant and lived-in.

Fast, trendy decor

Short-lived decor trends, such as neon signs and overly themed rooms, are fading as individuals seek timeless, enduring styles that reﬂect their unique tastes and promote long-term value.

This year, expect interiors to be warmer, more sustainable, and personalised, shifting toward a deeper connection with our living spaces.