W
WORLD
NEWSPAPER WITH A DIFFERENCE
EEKEND
WORLD
Homes Sponsored by
PERFECT
W
EEKEND
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Read online: www.simplymedia-group.com
PROPERTY FORTNIGHTLY SUPPLEMENT
PROPERTY NEWS Why Buy in Spain? Spain has a great variety of landscapes, from mountains and lakes in the north to sandy beaches, olive groves and vineyards in the south. The drive from Burgos in the north-west to Malaga in the south-east takes you through so many different panoramas; you could be forgiven for thinking you are driving through several different countries. For years the southeastern Mediterranean coast has been one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and is the place of choice for most British second homes. However, in recent years the north-west (Galicia) with its craggy shores on the Atlantic is attracting a large amount of attention amongst buyers looking for more rural retreats away from the tourist hubs of the Costas - at more sensible prices.
Only in the last two or three decades, and since Spain’s entry into the European Union, have things really begun to move ahead and to modernise. For those who live in the countryside however, life remains quite traditional and unchanged, blissfully so to visitors who look back to a more intimate and unspoilt village life that is long past in most countries. People are also attracted by the relaxed and slower way of life in Spain and the culinary delights like paella and tortillas are legendary... and affordable. Overall, there are loads of reasons that Spain is the number one destination for Britons buying abroad.
Legalities Based on news stories about property buyers in Spain having their property demolished, I think it’s safe to say that buyers now realise that it’s not only imperative to get a solicitor, but it’s absolutely necessary to get a good solicitor. Another vital factor is that you need to find a solicitor who is independent from the estate agent, developer or company showing you the properties, so that you know the solicitor is working for you and not the property professional. Some solicitors may draw up a contract of sale which is in favour of the estate agent (or end seller), and the reason behind this is quite disingenuous. By safeguarding the agent the solicitors will be assured of retaining their valuable business. Compare your one transaction to the many the solicitor stands to gain from the agent or developer and you will understand the clear conflict of interest here.
Getting Started Buying a property and living in Spain is straightforward if you are a national from another EEC (European Economic Community) country. If however, your nationality falls outside the Euro zone you may be able to buy a property but there might be time restrictions as to how long you can stay in the country. Furthermore, there are
certain guidelines as to work permits for non EEC nationals. You can find out information pertinent to you by accessing the Spanish Embassy website or through a variety of internet websites. There are also specialist emigration organisations that will often do a free consultation letting you know your options.
Finance In Spain purchase costs could be 10%+ over and above the purchase price and when considering the dramatic changes in currency exchange rates, this percentage could climb much higher. So, if your property price is £100,000 it could cost £110,000 (or more) by the time you complete and take possession of the property. It’s important from the start that you clearly understand how much a property will cost you as this will determine what price range you can look at. While researching the Internet, attending property trade shows and emailing estate agents, start to
investigate what is included in the property price versus what gets added on. In Spain the purchase price includes the estate agency fee (usually 5%, but nowadays maybe 3%). For all property and land, 10% of the purchase price is paid as a transfer tax that goes to the Spanish Treasury. In addition, there are notary fees and a land/ property registration fee, which varies according to the purchase price of the property. Also consider solicitors and mortgage fees. Solicitors usually charge 1% of the purchase price + VAT at 21%.
Make sure that you have done your homework and that you are using a reliable and trustworthy solicitor. This may include asking for personal referrals - and these must not include your developer or agent - or using specialised Spanish websites. If the solicitor does not fully comprehend English or you have any reservations at all - move on and find someone else. Your solicitor will review the sale agreement, verify titles, and carry out other checks to ensure that you’re protected. They, or a notary, may be responsible for paying any taxes and registering the property with the land registry if this is required. Charges vary for legal and notary services but can cost around 1% to 2% of the sale value of the property. In Spain the cost is determined by the government. You need to bear in mind that the legal system in Spain may not work in your favour if trouble strikes, so it is of paramount importance that you hire qualified people who can ensure that you do not have to take legal action. Don’t put yourself in the position of needing legal redress. You may have the law on your side but the legal system abroad can keep you tied up for years and cost a fortune. Make sure you - and your solicitor - get it right from the start and the purchase will move forward easily, most purchases in Spain do, you only hear about those that don’t.
Light Gauge Steel Specialists
M
J Lancley SL are one of Spain’s and Gibraltar’s leading Light Gauge Steel Specialists. We design , manufacture and construct your new property from light gauge steel saving considerable time and money. MJL will complete the rest of the build in tried and tested modern materials to achieve the look you desire whether it is ultra modern or a more traditional design. We have been constructing from Light gauge Steel in Gibraltar for the last 7 years building schools, hotels and apartments. Light Gauge Steel is used widely in the UK as its speed of construction heavily outweighs traditional methods thus saving labour costs. It is a relatively modern system that works well with the latest materials in terms of insulating properties, it has a 100% strength-to-weight ratio, it is non-combustible, it does not burn and will not contribute fuel to the spread of fire, It is Inorganic - it will not rot, warp, split or crack, it will not contract or expand with moisture. MJ Lancley are heavily involved in Spain’s first Light Gauge Steel Villa and we are already in the process of designing and manufacturing 2 homes in the coming months. If you would like a consultation to see how much money and time you could save on your build please get in touch.
00350 20064323 • info@mjlancleyltd.com • www.mjlancleyltd.com
9 TIMELESS VILLAS T H E M O S T LU X U R I O U S P RO J E C T O N I B I Z A
For a full brochure visit: www.globalluxuriousproperties.com / www.capblancibiza.com
GLOBAL LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES team of professional estate consultants
T: +31 (0)-15-2630195 info@globalluxuriousproperties.com www.globalluxuriousproperties.com
d e v e l o p m e n t www.capblancibiza.com
T. +31 (0)20 471 57 83 info@minerva.nl www.minerva.nl
Live Like a Movie Star
AT Abama Luxury Residences
Tenerife Enjoys a Starring Role in the New Bourne Film
T
he island of Tenerife enjoyed a starstudded December when 350 cast and production crew and 600 extras spent almost three weeks filming scenes for the forthcoming Jason Bourne movie. As one of the island’s few 5* residential communities offering glamourous customdesigned homes for sale, Abama Luxury Residences is the perfect spot for those wishing to live the movie-star lifestyle full time. With finale-worthy ocean views, a cicada soundtrack, star-drenched night skies and yearlong sunshine, Abama Resort’s glamour and unrivalled setting are the perfect backdrop for luxury-loving families and individuals alike. The recent filming represented the first city shoot to ever have been carried out in Tenerife and focused on Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Taco and the Tenerife Norte airport where superstars Matt Damon and Julia Stiles were directed by Paul Greengrass. The film, which is set in Athens, is due for release in July and has already contributed to a 20% increase in consumption in local restaurants when the filming was taking place.*
LU X U RY R E S I D E N C E S
The Abama oasis lies just a short drive from where the action was shot and offers an indulgent retreat with an array of luxury facilities on hand. The expertly-designed residences which range from generous apartments to capacious customvillas are terraced into a gentle hillside and around the verdant fairways of the 18 hole golf course meaning all have uninterrupted views and privacy. Beyond covetable homes, owners also gain preferential access to the resort’s 5 star Abama Ritz-Carlton hotel, 10 restaurants including 2 with Michelin stars, spa, beach, tennis courts, golf course, club house and boutiques. More than 45 units were sold last year with Phase 3 of Las Terrazas apartments recently launched to buyers. Brand new residences for 2016 will be announced shortly. Prices: Las Terrazas:
from €390,000
Custom Villa Plots: from €285,000 Bellevue Villas:
from €1,650,000
Custom Villas:
from approximately €2million depending on materials and finish
www.abamahotelresort.com
savills.com www.js-sotogrande.com savills.com
Alcaidesa townhouse 3 en-suite bedrooms 139m2 built 309 m2plot e269,000
Extremely nice and spacious 3 bedroom semi-detached house in La Villa community in Alcaidesa. The unique location within the community means that the house has possibly the largest total garden/terrace space and is elevated so good views with privacy. The house of 134m2 plus 46 m2 of terraces consists of a large living room, kitchen with utility area, dining room/study or further bedroom and guest cloakroom on the ground floor. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms which share a bathroom and master suite. The master suite has a large south facing terrace which gets sun virtually all day. There is a car port and communal pool. Lovely sea views throughout even from garden level.
James Stewart in association with Savills C/ Sierra Bermeja, s/n, Ed. Ayala 1, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro, 11311 - Sotogrande, Cádiz T +34 956 795 300 M +34 617 461 014 info@js-sotogrande.com www.js-sotogrande.com
Country house in Gaucin 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 310m2 built 17000 m2 plot e1,250,000
ARCHITECTURAL ESTATE WITH EXPANSIVE CITY AND OCEAN VIEWS angeles, california Less thanlos 1k from the popular white village of Gaucin yet totally private, the house is reached via a security gate and a concrete driveway.arriving at an entrance courtyard with fountain. Entering the house a very large living room,with dining area, fireplace and terraces. Fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and covered ARCHITECTURAL ESTATE WITH EXPANSIVE CITY AND OCEAN VIEWS terrace off. Two large bedrooms en-suite, dressing room, office and small gymnasium. Ample service quarters and guest toilet. 13,000angeles, sq ft home master bedroom suite with his and hers bathrooms closets on opposite los california Savills International From the main living room stairs lead to the lower level containing two further bedrooms, bathroom and small sitting/ TV room. The lower level opens out to the most
Jelena Cvjetkovic sides and a bar area within one of the closets oversized floating (Baja elevation) infinity pool with attractivefire pool terrace arearoom/studio with a largeunderground L shaped swimming with small kitchen covered and open spaces. jcvjetkovic@savills.com pit and hidden guest motor pool, court BBQ with room for 8 cars plusand 3 car +44 (0)20 7016 Features13,000 of the sq house include wooden beams, central heating, A/C in the two larger bedrooms, double glazing, solar panels, well and mains water plus3754 very high garage indoor and an outdoor movie theatre wine tasting room with cellar and a window that ft home master bedroom suite with his and hers bathrooms closets on opposite Savills International becomes a rear projection screen at the touch of a button quality finish However aspect isfloating the situation. Absolutely spectacular and the countryside to, Jelena Cvjetkovic sidesthroughout. and a bar area within the onemost of theoutstanding closets oversized (Baja elevation) infinity pool withviews to Gaucin on the left, mountains The Agency jcvjetkovic@savills.com on a clear and North Africa. underground motor court with room for 8 cars plus 3 car fireday, pit Gibraltar hidden guest room/studio Santiago Arana +44 (0)20 7016 3754 garage indoor and an outdoor movie theatre wine tasting room with cellar and a window that santiago@theagencyre.com becomes a rearmillion projection screen at the touch of a button Guide US$18 +1 310 926 9808
The Agency Santiago Arana
savills.com www.js-sotogrande.com savills.com
Sotogrande Marina penthouse with pool 3 bedroom 2 bathroom 131m2 built 103m2 terrace e495,000
Very nice 3 bedroom penthouse with large solarium and private plunge pool. The living area consists of living/dining room, large rectangular kitchen, 2 double bedrooms which share a bathroom and a master suite. The terrace off the living room and master suite has been decked and enclosed with retractable glass curtains to create a conservatory in the winter. Upstairs on the solarium there are 2 entertainment areas with private plunge pool. Both floors enjoy very nice marina views. Price includes one underground parking space and a large storeroom within the building.
James Stewart in association with Savills C/ Sierra Bermeja, s/n, Ed. Ayala 1, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro, 11311 - Sotogrande, Cádiz T +34 956 795 300 M +34 617 461 014 info@js-sotogrande.com www.js-sotogrande.com
Sotogrande Valgrande duplex penthouse 4 en-suite bedrooms 299,57 BUILT 157.77 terraces e995,000
ARCHITECTURAL ESTATE WITH EXPANSIVE CITY AND OCEAN VIEWS losappointed angeles, california An excellently and beautifully presented duplex penthouse with private elevator access in Valgrande I. The property has private elevator access from both the underground parking and main portal entrance. These penthouses in Valgrande which are known for their spacious layout and excellent outdoor spaces consist ARCHITECTURAL ESTATE WITH EXPANSIVE CITY AND OCEAN VIEWS on the main floor of living/dining room, spacious kitchen with utility room, guest cloak room and 2 double bedroom suites. There is a semi covered terrace which 13,000 sqofft the home master bedroom suite with hisfrom and which hers bathrooms closets opposite the day. Upstairs there are 2 further los angeles, california Savills International runs to the length apartment offering different areas to enjoy the exterioron throughout bedroom room suites with Jelena Cvjetkovic sides and a bar area within one of the closets oversized floating (Baja elevation) infinity pool with private terrace. There are 2 parking bays, storeroom and golf buggy parking bay in the underground parking level. Valgrande is a gated community with 24h securijcvjetkovic@savills.com fire pit hidden guest room/studio underground motor court with room for 8 cars plus 3 car ty/concierge, exterior pools, indoor spa with pool, putting green and maintenance service. +44 (0)20 7016 3754 garage indoor and an outdoor movie theatre wine tasting room with cellar and a window that 13,000 sq ft home master bedroom suite with his and hers bathrooms closets on opposite Savills International becomes a rear projection screen at the touch of a button Jelena Cvjetkovic sides and a bar area within one of the closets oversized floating (Baja elevation) infinity pool with The Agency jcvjetkovic@savills.com fire pit hidden guest room/studio underground motor court with room for 8 cars plus 3 car Santiago Arana +44 (0)20 7016 3754 garage indoor and an outdoor movie theatre wine tasting room with cellar and a window that santiago@theagencyre.com becomes a rearmillion projection screen at the touch of a button Guide US$18 +1 310 926 9808
The Agency Santiago Arana
Torre Bermeja
Built 208 m2 | Terrace 130 m2 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms Location: Torre Bermeja (Estepona) Price 1,150,000 euros Wonderful duplex penthouse within a gated luxury residential complex with a private swimming pool and a big garden REF: 263-00472P
info@drumelia.com | www.drumelia.com | +34 952 766 950
Las Sirenas
TOTAL LAND AREA: Approx. 20 hectares (194.039m²) including 6 hectares of formal garden.
DEVELOPMENT OF LAND:
The local Town Hall has given outline planning permission for approximately 42.000m² or roof area to be built on the land.
MAIN HOUSE: Approx. 2.300m² including terraces, porches, conservatory, garages, workshops and grotto.
GUEST HOUSE: Approx. 140m² 3 Bedrooms, all en-suite plus lounge and kitchen.
GUARD HOUSE: Approx. 110m² 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge and kitchen.
TOTAL BUILT AREA: Approx 2.550m² including main house, guest house and guard house. +16 BEDROOMS:
6 Bedrooms in Rococo wing, all en-suit and recently refurbished.
This wing is on 4 floors including basement, all reached by internal lift.
2 Bedrooms and 1 bathroom in the secret Moorish suite.
2 Bedroom with en-suite bathroom off kitchen.
3 Bedroom Guest House - 3 Bedrooms, all en-suite plus lounge and kitchen.
4 Bedroom Guest House - 4 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus lounge and kitchen.
Moorish lounge chamber/harem has beds and interconnected sleeping alcove.
OUTDOOR POOL AREA:
Includes large interconnecting pool, kitchen, bathroom, dressing room, gym and playroom.
INDOOR POOL:
Stunning Indoor Pool, Turkish baths/Hammam with interconnected hot room, warm room and cold room.
GARAGES:
6 Car garage by main house and additional garage by guard house.
MANY ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Cinema Room, Tennis Court, 3 fresh water wells.
Price on application
• The Rococo Wing now comprises of 6 refurbished bedrooms, all en-suite, with many neoclassical features • All 4 floors of the Rococo Wing are accessible by lift • The Hammam to the North east of the property have domed roofs •
The haute relief figures, holding the exterior library window surrounds, are just some of the many architectural designs to be found
• Very secluded location • Easy access from Mediterranean/Costa Del Sol Motorway intersection • Discrete 1 kilometre service road to estate gates • Hi-tech security system arms gate • Manned guardhouse
• Mature indigenous stone pine and cypress trees, shield property from sun and wind • Stone Greek sphinxes at gates, surrounding fountains and on front porch • Left of entrance is the Rococo Wing comprising of 6 recently refurbished en-suite bedrooms
• 200 meter cobblestone driveway curving to front entrance
• The bedrooms have French windows and balconies overlooking the sunken garden
• Large square courtyard with impressive lava rock water feature
• 4 floors including basement all access by internal lift
• East facing main entrance
• Classical architectural features
Spain
Las Sirenas
Sotogrande Gibraltar
Morocco Santa Maria Polo Club Valderama Golf Club
Sotogrande Google Earth Map Legend Las Sirenas Boundary Las Sirenas Built Area
Sotogrande Sailing Club Maps © Google.com
For approximate guidance only. Terrain © Google.com
For more information contact: natasha@castlesestateagency.com Tel: (+34) 952 891 221 Fax: (+34) 952 892 486 C/ Isaac Peral 4, 29692 Sabinillas, Manilva, Málaga www.castlesestateagency.com
BLUEPORT ALTEA TIMELESS VILLAS TAILORED TO YOUR WISHES
The prestigious Altea Hills Estate Group launches the most luxurious exclusive residential villa complex on the Costa Blanca.
Apply for a full brochure: www.globalluxuriousproperties.com www.blueportaltea.com Contact Agent: Global Luxurious Properties Team of Professional Real Estate Consultants Phone: 0031-(0)15-2630195 Email: info@globalluxuriousproperties.com Website: www.globalluxuriousproperties.com
Property Prices Show
positive growth T he residential property market across Spain has started 2016 positively with the latest figures showing that the average value of housing increased in January and February. Figures released by TINSA the leading appraisal company show that the average national house prices rose 2.9% compared to December 2015 and are up 1.1% year on year.
It also shows that since the peak of the market in 2007, the average property prices is still down by 41% but there are regional variations. For example, since the peak prices are down 48% on the Mediterranean Coast, -44.2% in large cities and - 43.5% in Metropolitan areas. Tinsa’s analysed seven most important indices in Spain; five out of the seven have now moved into positive territory, further evidence that property prices are starting to stabilise across Spain after 7 years of declines. In Marbella in particular sales have increased across the region, leading to a shortage of good quality properties in prime locations. Turnkey projects are selling so fast that prices’ for new off plan properties are increasing whilst being released to market With banks now willing to offer competitive mortgages, more competitive prices and a favourable exchange rate it seems there is now a renewed confidence amongst buyers
The pleasure of a good night’s sleep
Commercial Centre San Pedro, Nuevo Poligono Industrial San Pedro, Carretera de Ronda, Calle Eslovaquia, 30 - Nave 15, E-29670 San Pedro de Alcantara (Marbella), Spain +34 952 787 916 | +34 675 084 580 info@emporiobeds.com
FREE
duvet or pillows when you purchase
ANY
double bed base & mattress
FEATURED PROPERTY
A PROPERTY FOR SUNSEARCH HOMES I N T E R N A T I O N A L
8 Sunsearch Homes International is a unique company that offers tailor-made services - provide us with your criteria and we will find the right property for you. Our portfolio features some of the most prestigious properties available on the market today. So if you are looking to invest in property, purchase a villa, penthouse, apartment, townhouse or finca along the Costa del Sol, please contact us and we will give you our undivided attention.
INDIVIDUALS Las Brisas, Marbella, Spain Casa Baobab is a contemporary, technological Hi-Tech, fully renovated frontline villa on the golf course at Las Brisas in Nueva Andalucia, southern Spain, one of the most exclusive areas of Marbella just a few minutes from Puerto Banus. The house incorporates colonial elements into a clean, crisp modern style resulting in a contemporary home with lots of character. Inside, matt grey floor tiles, white walls and chrome blend seamlessly
with glass detailing to produce a sophisticated modern ambience. The entrance hall leads past a cloak-room to a spacious open-plan living and dining room that enjoys magnificent views and connects with a modern kitchen with breakfast bar with Siemens and Bosche appliances, there is a further breakfast area, separate laundry room and an impressively lit contemporary glass wine cellar. Also on this level is a spacious bathroom and its own study room.
On the lower level there is a covered patio with shower and changing rooms, a BBQ and full outdoor kitchen with relaxing and dining areas, as well as a beautiful infinity pool. Following the pool terraces towards the lawns is a lower porch that provides terracing for each of the 4 bedroom suites contained on this level, including the spacious master bedroom. From the garden is the direct access to the Las Brisas Golf Course.
For information on this property (ref: V345) contact Sunsearch Homes International on +34 952 880 844
n Built: 622 m2 n Plot: 1.625 m2 n Beds: 5 n Baths: 5-1/2 n Domotics n Wine cellar n Energy Efficient House n 2 car garage n Infinity Pool with pre-installation for heating n Golf and mountain views n Golf buggy garage with direct access to golf course n Price: 2.985.000 Euros
Jamena Construccioness turns your ideas and projects into reality
The quality of our building work, professional ethics, dedication and commitment to the clients and, of course, the enthusiasm that we bring to every new project are the core value of our company. As a result of the latest technologies, innovative architecture allows us to complete every project with functionality and energy-efficiency, giving our clients the maximum comfort. Our team is the most valuable asset of the company, consisting of more than 50 full-time professionals and a consolidated group of subcontractors and suppliers that allows to complete all our projects with the guarantee of the highest standards of execution. Over 30 years of continued business ensure the fulfilment of all the contracts on time and on previously agreed budget.
C/ Guadalmansa, 1. Cancelada. Estepona (Mรกlaga) TEL +34 952 888 445 FAX +34 952 888 446 www.jamena.com
The leader in security not only protects you when you are home: it is also there when you are away. l ALARMS l ACCESS CONTROL l MOBILITY SYSTEMS
Call Andreea Rosca 620 69 08 07 • www.prosegur.es
Home sales fell 2.9% in January
J
This decrease brings an end to a 16 consecutive month streak anuary recorded 32,417 sales a drop of 2.9% compared to that of January 2015 according to data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE). The drop in house purchases has brought an end to a phenomenon streak of 16 consecutive months of annual increases.
The decline is a direct result in a fall of 28.9% in new build property sales with only 6,334 operations registered. In January, the highest number of house sales per 100,000 population occurred in Valencia (113) and the Balearic Islands (108). Andalusia registered the most with 6,216 sales and purchases, followed by Catalonia (5,099), Madrid (4776) and Valencia (4444).
Rob Trade Simply Beautiful Furnishings
Embodying unique style, ROB TRADE offers unique reproduction furniture reflecting the inimitable Old World glamour of Louis XV and Louis XVI design. Thoughtfully restored one-of-a-kind arm chairs, side chairs, settees and tables boast decorative carvings, gilding and authentic finishes with stunningly elegant upholstery. Traditional caning, button tufting and glass beading capture the essence of classic French and European style.
PIECES DIRECT FROM FACTORY SALE TO WHOLESALERS AND INDIVIDUALS AT UNBEATABLE PRICES Tel: 644 525 911 e-mail: robtrademarbella@gmail.com www.robtrade.weebly.com Opening Times: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm & 4pm-7pm Saturday & Sunday 10am-2pm Private viewings available upon request
Our 1000ft showroom is located just off the main road between Marbella Estepona. Take the Hospiten exit, km 161. Then continue along the slip road parallel to the main road, for 400m and you will find us on your right
A GREATER SENSE OF WARMTH Lladró’s Belle de Nuit collection is a new line of ceiling, tabletop and wall lamps made in porcelain and come in various formats and colours in tune with happening trends in interiors and home décor. The concept for this new collection is based on the classic crystal chandelier, updating it not only in terms of the material used, but also changing the expressive language. The sensation Lladró lamps transmit in comparison with those made in other materials is the greater sense of warmth. The most striking feature of the Belle de Nuit collection is the application of the original Lladró palette of colours.
Available at Alexanders’ Collection Spain
www.ac-spain.es
www.bocadolobo.com