Local Costa celebrities

THERE are lots of celebrities who own properties on the Costa del Sol, due to its beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants and bars, golf courses, things to do, and the luxurious lifestyle that can be achieved here. But which celebrities own properties in this wonderful part of south ern Spain?

First up, fa mous Span ish actor Antonio Banderas owns a stunning vil la in Marbel la, which is one of the most exclusive areas on the Costa del Sol. The actor also owns an apartment in the glamorous La Trinidad development in Marbella, which is known for its high-end amenities and security. ly, they have 80 per cent international clients and 20 per cent Spanish clients.

It’s Love, Actually, for British actor Hugh Grant and Spain’s Marbella. Grant, known for his many films including Bridget Jones’ Diary and Four Weddings and a Funeral, owns a stylish apartment in Puerto Banus.

The Costa del Sol is popular with many celebrities, including music man Simon Cowell.

Music mogul and TV personality Simon Cowell owns a luxurious villa in the hills above Marbella, with spectacular views across the Mediterranean.

While Eva Longoria, star of Desperate Housewives and other popular TV programmes and films, owns a stunning villa in Marbella, which she purchased in 2013 for a reported €4 million. Longoria is often seen on the stunning beaches in the area, as well as at the best restaurants, events and venues.

Joan Collins, the wellknown British actress and author, owns a beautiful villa in the hills of Marbella which she has owned for many years. And finally, American actress and producer Melanie Griffith owns a luxurious villa in Marbella, which she has owned since the early 2000s.

Which nationalities are buying on the Costa del Sol?

The Costa del Sol is attractive due to its good climate. There was a time when many British buyers were coming, but now buyers come from Arab countries, Belgium, and Germany. Due to the pandemic, many Scandinavians have also been attracted, and since the past year, many clients have come from Eastern Europe, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Ukraine due to the war.

Effects of the pandemic

It was initially thought that the pandemic would be a disaster for everyone. However, surprisingly, Covid-19 became a great ally for the real estate sector. Since the pandemic, house prices have increased by 40 per cent, and rents have gone up by around 30 per cent.

Most demanded properties in the area

The highest demand is for properties priced between €250,000 and €500,000. Garu Estepona specialises in the sale of properties ranging from €250,000 to €700,000. In recent years, many luxury properties have been sold, with prices exceeding €1 million. This trend also started during the pandemic and with the possibility of remote work. After people were able to move more freely in Spain, many affluent buyers wanted a nearly normal life, which they did not have in countries like Germany. Suddenly, a lot of people with money wanted to come to Spain, mostly Scandinavians and Germans.

How will the market evolve in the future? It is unpredictable. When the pandemic hit, the initial panic soon turned into an opportunity to learn how to work in a different way. The industry started relying more on digital media, utilising videos and working online, and it worked. However, one can never know what may happen in a few months’ time.