Olive Press Property Magazine - Issue 31

Property

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www.theolivepress.com

Issue 31

July 2019

Looking for a cool place to stay this summer?

It doesn’t don’t get much hipper than these boutique hotels...

Final hurdle See Simply the rest, page VI

Giant €750m multi-sports and property development enters final furlong EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

A RAFT of international sporting stars are lining up to back an exciting €750 million sports and residential project on the Costa del Sol. Maria Sharapova, Rio Ferdinand and Ian Woosnam have all expressed a keen interest in the huge British-funded project to revolutionise Mijas’ long-neglected hippodrome racecourse site.

The trio are just some of the big names looking to back the Mirage development, which includes a golf course, a multi-sports venue, a trio of hotels and over 1,000 luxury apartments, the Olive Press can exclusively reveal.

“This will be massive for Mijas and will be the largest sports tourism and multisports events venue in Europe,” the businessman behind the project, Anthony Arnold, from the West Midlands, told the Olive Press this week.

Russian tennis ace Sharapova has been involved in the interior design of the project, called ‘Mijas City of Sport,’ while former England captain Ferdinand is set to add the site to his Football Escapes company.

The firm provides premier football coaching courses at some of the most exclusive resorts around the world.

Welsh golfing legend Woosnam, meanwhile, has helped design the signature 18-hole golf course and will be heading up the gold academy.

The proposed project - which sits over 250 hectares - will be divided into three different areas under the brand name Mirage.

Mirage Sport will feature a large sporting events venue, elite training facility and a 400-room hotel alongside a commercial, conference and business centre.

Meanwhile Mirage Golf will also have a hotel and 1,200 luxury apartments, alongside its course.

Finally Mirage Club will be an exclusive sporting club ‘designed as a life-

TRIO OF BACKERS: Sharapova, Woosnam and Ferdinand (below left)

style resort for the professional sports and sports business community’.

It will include a five-star hotel, spa, casino and luxury apartments.

An entertainment venue and university campus are also being considered for the site, according to the detailed 17-page overview of the project, seen by the Olive Press.

Construction is planned to begin by the middle of next year if Mijas town hall which has still not formed a working government following recent local elections - gives it the green light. HCP Arquitects of Malaga will be officially unveiling the masterplan in the next few weeks.

“I’ve been working on this for eight years now and we are so close to getting the backing we need,” continued Arnold. “It will be hugely important for not only MiMIRAGE: Development’s designs include five-star hotel, casino and apartments jas but the whole Costa del Sol.”

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July 2019

U

PROPERTY

Mark Stucklin

Bad model

NLESS the EU puts a stop to it, or unless you have at least €1 million in liquid assets which open up investment strategies to avoid it, the Spanish ‘Worldwide Asset Declaration Form’, known locally as ‘Modelo 720’, is a serious problem for Spanish-resident expats with offshore assets worth €50,000 or more that have to be declared to the Spanish tax authorities in a process that is fraught with risks and ruinous penalties.

Though not a problem for non-residents buying second-homes in Spain, it’s a reason for expats with troduced back in 2012 in the depths less than €1m in liquid assets to of the economic crisis by Treasury think twice before investing in a Minister Cristóbal Montoro from home that the Spanish taxman can the People’s Party, the Modelo 720 embargo in the event of problems was supposed to be, in the words with the Modelo 720. of Montoro, a ‘carrot and stick to With its impractical reporting requi- regulate the submerged economy,. rements, and crippling fines for even But it turned out to be a stick to beat innocent mistakes, the Modelo 720 innocent expats with rather than coleaves you at the mercy of the impe- rrupt Spanish politicians like many rious Spanish tax authorities even if of Montoro’s buddies from the PP. you act in good faith.

The aggressive way it “All on its own meis designed to punish rit, in recent years offshore wealth hits Going soft on the Modelo 720 has expats the hardest, as become the terror of few Spaniards have wealthy tax taxpayers with assets wealth to the tune cheats hiding abroad,” comments of €50,000 or more Spanish lawyer José outside of Spain, whitheir assets María Salcedo, who lst tens of thousands abroad specialises in purof expats do. So the suing appeals against Modelo 720 looks the tax authorities. suspiciously like a cyEven Spanish courts nical trap designed by the Spanish are starting to rule that the Modelo tax authorities to relive expat retirees 720 penalties are out of all propor- of some of the wealth they built up tion. during a lifetime working and saving I suspect that the 720 Form’s one- outside of Spain. That said, I don’t rous reporting requirements, and think it’s a cynical trap, I think it’s extortionate penalties, put many just very badly designed tax law, as foreigners off relocating to Spain, is often the case with Spanish tax releaving the country poorer for it. In- gulations.

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

The Modelo 720 is no longer fit for purpose and is putting prospective expats off moving to Spain, writes Mark Stucklin of Spanish Property Insight

Your Spanish home is the first thing the tax inspector will embargo if you trip over the Modelo 720 At least in theory your Spanish home is the first asset the tax inspector will embargo whilst pursuing you for ruinous fines if you fall foul of the Modelo 720. So even if you decide to move to Spain for the unbeatable quality of life, the Modelo 720 should make you wary of putting wealth into Spanish property, where it is within easy grasp of the high-handed Spanish tax authorities.

At the very least, the Modelo 720 gives you a reason to think twice before investing in Spanish real estate, which you can’t move offshore in the event of trouble with Spain’s 720 Worldwide Asset Declaration obligation. As an expat in Spain, perhaps renting is a better option if you have wealth offshore.

If, on the other hand, you have €1m or more in liquid assets, then investment strategies become viable that allow you to avoid the Modelo 720 problem altogether. As usual it’s the average expat with a bit of wealth back home, rather than the wealthy expat with lots of wealth outside of Spain, who is most at risk from the

Spanish Modelo 720 Worldwide Asset Declaration threat.

‘Modelo 720’ Worldwide Asset Declaration form under pressure from Europe Even though the Modelo 720 gives Spain a bad reputation abroad, and probably reduces tax revenues at home, the current Spanish Government shows no signs of scrapping it, because on the surface that would look like going soft on wealthy tax cheats hiding their assets abroad, or at least that’s the way the hard-left Podemos party the Socialists need to support them would see it.

But at least the EU is showing an interest in putting Spain under pressure to do something about it. The European Commission is taking Spain to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over the Modelo 720 for being disproportionate and discriminatory, and for infringing fundamental li-

berties of the EU. So far Spain has ignored all advice from Europe to reform the Modelo 720, and now it will have to go to the ECJ to defend it. That might lead to improvements in the next few years.

Investment solution that gets round the Modelo 720 problem There is an investment solution that allows expats living in Spain to invest any amount offshore without having to declare those investments in the 720 form. The solution I have found also comes with extra, additional tax breaks that make the solution hard to beat from a fiscal point of view.

However, the setup and running cost of this investment vehicle only make sense for people with €1m or more of liquid assets to invest. Get in touch here if you live in or plan to move to Spain and want to know more. www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

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July 2019

Epic proportions

Milliondollar question

PALMA and Marbella have been ranked among the four most expensive places in the country to buy an apartment.

The Mallorca capital has the third highest number of apartments valued at more than €1 million.

It was followed by Marbella, Valencia and Ibiza.

Madrid and Barcelona claim the top two spots accounting for 94% of the €1m plus valued apartments in Spain.

Bubbling up

It’s an order!

COMING SOON: Epic Marbella on the Golden Mile

PRICEY: Palma de Mallorca

A HUGE €230 million project has been announced along Marbella’s Golden Mile.

Epic Marbella, by Fendi Casa, will consist of 76 homes over 600 square metres, on a plot surrounded by greenery and just minutes from the beach.

The first phase will consist of 18 houses while the second and third will both see 29 homes built.

Half of the first phase have already been sold with prices starting at €1.3 million.

The second phase will be priced between €1.7 million and €3.7 million.

The urbanisation will include a spa, fully equipped gym, indoor and outdoor heated pool of 25 square meters, co-working area, 1,000 square meters of social club and a children’s area.

Former dictator Franco’s mansion to be seized following government ruling THE Spanish government has seized General Franco’s summer palace after telling the dead dictator’s family its sale was ‘fraudulent’.

Pazo de Meiras, in Galicia, valued at €5 million, was allegedly bought for Franco from the forced donations of Spaniards during the Spanish Civil War. But the stunning 19th century property has now been claimed by the Ministry of Justice, which said it has a ‘solid argument, documents

Fit for a king

FIX UP: For iconic Malaga fortress

SEIZED: Franco’s house ?azo de Meiras is to be repossessed

and legal position to defend public ownership’.

Legal action has been

launched against Franco’s relatives over the illegal sale of the property to a

RESTORATION work has finally begun on Malaga’s stunning 10th century Gibralfaro Castle.

Vital repairs to deteriorated parts of the towering fortress, and improved drainage, are among the priorities. A total of 17 different sections are to get a facelift, including bricks at the main entrance, various walls, marble columns and walkways.

Meanwhile, visitor information panels are also to be fitted in the ‘Mudejar room’ as part of the €150,000 project granted by the Ministry of Culture.

pro-Franco organisation in 1938 before being sold on to Franco himself in 1941.

However the move has been blasted by Franco’s grandson Francis Franco, who labelled it part of a ‘strategy of retaliation’

by Spain’s socialist government.

It comes as Pedro Sanchez’s PSOE administration has pushed on with a plan to exhume the remains of the Fascist dictator.

He is currently buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Fallen, a memorial on the outskirts of Madrid to victims from both sides of the Civil War. The Spanish Supreme court blocked his exhumation, just days before it was planned for June 10.

SPAIN’S Mediterranean resorts have seen the highest house price rises.

A total of 45 Med municipalities are experiencing a consistent 10% surge in value each year6, according to the report, Housing in Costa 2019, by appraisal firm Tinsa.

The research, which analysed 159 locations, each with more than 10,000 people, even identified prices in Ibiza, as above those seen during the property bubble leading up to 2008.

The average cost per square metre on the Balearic island now stands at €3,455, compared to the €3,080 seen in the third quarter of 2007.

Wheely good

A NEW skatepark is coming to Rincon de la Victoria thanks to a €100,000 investment from the town hall.

Copesol S.L will build the attraction following years of demand by local parents to ‘give the kids something to do’.

The park will be located in the Huerta Julián area and will be completed within the next four months.

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PROPERTY

Starchitect wars Projects in Malaga and Madrid up for top industry gongs

M

ALAGA and Madrid are battling it out for the best Housing Project and Urban House at this year’s Dezeen Awards.

The New Brick Tectonic apartment complex in Malaga, designed by Munoz Miranda Architects, will go toe-to-toe with the Elcano Housing complex in the capital, designed by the FRPO studio.

Both have made it on to the long list of Dezeen’s prestigious annual awards in the Housing Project category.

Meanwhile, the original XO House in Madrid has been shortlisted in the Urban House category.

Dezeen is one of the most respected and read architecture publications in the world.

It launched its annual awards last year.

CHIC: Madrid apartment block hides a bright yellow interior behind domino-like shutters

SQUARING OFF: Cool Malaga apartment block to battle against Madrid counterpart

WATCH YOUR STEP: Amazing set of perspex stairs in the XO House in Madrid, up for ‘Best Urban House’ award

Beds 4

Built 560 m2

Price: 2.400.000 €

Bath 5

Plot 6.303 m2

Ref: DM 4455

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PROPERTY

simply the rest

MADRID

TOLEDO

We round up some of the best boutique hotels for anyone opting for a road trip through Spain this summer

S

O you’ve decided to take a drive around Spain this summer.

Depending on your route, you will pass some of Spain’s most emblematic cities and towns.

It is a real opportunity to appreciate the myriad influences which have left their mark on the country’s culture and architecture.

In this spirit we have rounded up some of the best boutique hotels at the most popular resting spots along the way, including Barcelona through to Madrid and onto Cordoba, Granada and Malaga or from Barcelona to Valencia and Alicante.

1

MADRID The Only You hotel is a19th-century mansion located in one of the trendiest areas of Madrid, the Salesas neighbourhood, close to Chueca and the Paseo de Recoletos. The hotel’s hallmark is its groundbreaking decor, the work of acclaimed designer Lazaro Rosa-Violan, which has earned several international awards, including Best Boutique Hotel in the World.

2

Continues on Page VIII

TOLEDO

CORDOBA SEVILLA

4

SEVILLA

Situated in the old quarter of Barrio Alfalfa, original 17th century Corral del Rey has been restored into a luxury boutique hotel, offering chic accommodation with a roof top bar. Architectural highlights include the atrium patio, Roman marble columns, Tarifa stone floors and the original wooden carved detailing.

Boutique Hotel Adolfo has just opened in the heart of Toledo, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. It has quickly become one of the most exclusive hotels in the imperial city with gorgoeus Art Deco inspired interiors.

3

CORDOBA

Balcon de Cordoba sits in a historic 17th-century building with panoramic views of the city.The city centre dwelling is just metres from the famous Mezquita. It magically hides three beautiful courtyards complete with greenery and fountains behind its classical entrance, and has an upper terrace where guests can watch the sun go down while drinking in a 360-degree view of Cordoba.

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PROPERTY

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July 2019

Sweet dreams...

1

BARCELONA

BARCELONA

From Page VI

2

VALENCIA

The Palau de la Mar used to be a large stately home in the 19th century.

However, located in one of the most beautiful and centrally located streets in Valencia, it is firmly in the 21st century with an electric car charging station, well-equipped spa and stunning terrace restaurant.

VALENCIA

The Cotton House Hotel stands on the site of the former headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation Fundación Textil Algodonera, an emblematic 19th-century building in the neoclassical style which is a landmark in Barcelona. The refurbishment project, completed in 2015, has taken great care to maintain all the original elements of the building thanks to acclaimed interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violan.

ALICANTE

3

ALICANTE

GRANADA MALAGA

5

MALAGA

The Masia La Mota boutique hotel is located in an old farmhouse which has been lovingly converted to provide chic accommodation and a restaurant. The 10 luxury double rooms and two suites have been restored and decorated with a personal touch and with materials which create perfect harmony between what remained of the original house and the new improvements.

Palacete de Alamos opened in November 2016 and is located in the historical heart of Malaga, just a stone’s throw away from the main tourist attractions like the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba and Thyssen Museum. The building dates back to the end of the 19th century and has been restored respecting the original architectural style.

4

GRANADA

Hotel Casa 1800 is located in a charming luxurious house typical of the 16th century in the neighborhood of Albaicin. It is a protected historic building with an originally preserved facade from the Renaissance period. It is also just a few hundred metres to the Alhambra, Spain’s most visited tourist site.

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PROPERTY MORTGAGE THINK TANK

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July 2019

by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Growing up

S

PAIN’S new Mortgage Law officially came into effect last month after more than three years of delays and controversy.

Also known as the Housing Credit Law, it should greatly diversify what is on offer for homebuyers while providing better protections.

So what’s so good about the new law?

The costs of a mortgage are now shared in a fairer way, with the banks obliged to pay for the tax, notary, land registry and gestoria fees.

There are also caps on what can be charged for repaying the mortgage early.

Meanwhile banks are required to be more transparent and ensure clients know the detail of their loans before signing.

One of the less well thought out stipulations, however, is the requirement for the borrower to go to the notary to take a test 10 days before completion.

This is clearly unworkable for most non-resident clients and, in practice, it is often being left to lawyers to do this on behalf of the client using their power-of-attorney.

This, it is hoped, will reduce the number of lawsuits in the sector which have caused backlogs in the judicial system, most fa-

mously in the ongoing floor clause saga.

Additionally, the new law is making it harder for banks to foreclose on homes.

Lenders can only foreclose if the customer owes 12 months or 3% of the mortgage in the first half of the loan term - before, it was only three months - and is extended to 15 months or 7% of the debt in the second half.

However, it is important to understand that any late payment can have an adverse impact on the individual’s credit score and severely compromise the ability

Spain joins the rest of the EU as its new mortgage law comes into effect

to obtain credit again in the future.

The law is not retroactive so the new norms will not be applied to mortgages agreed before it came into effect. Despite this, those already with mortgages could benefit from the changes in the law when renovating or subrogating their loan.

The new legislation should reopen the mortgage market after months of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, lenders can return to medium and long term strategic planning in their mortgages.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

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July 2019

PROPERTY

Keeping history alive In the second part of a series on the renovation of a protected townhouse in Ronda, Gabriella Chidgey reveals what to preserve and some tips on how to get planning permission and find the best builder

I

t is a privilege to work with historic buildings.

While it scares the hell out of most people, generally they are better constructed than anything built over the last 30 to 40 years.

Most Andalucian properties built over 100 years ago are solid with metre-thick walls and often made of stone.

If their roofs have stayed intact, chances are their interiors, including beams, floors and decorative features, will also be in a decent condition.

We were very lucky at Ronda Romantica Apartments that the former owners of this 19th century townhouse - built by legendary torero Pedro Romero, once painted by Goya - maintained it well and even put on a new roof a few years ago.

Even better, it had been on the market for years and the price had almost halved, we learnt, as a result.

Much of this was due to the sheer scale of the place (around 350m square) and the higgledy-piggledy nature of

its layout, not to mention the long recession that Spain had suffered from 2008.

It was immediately clear that this had once been a grand old property and poking around it we spotted many of its charming hidden features.

It had a trio of wonderful oak doors, plenty of beams, two areas of vaulted ceilings and a charming fireplace.

Doors from an internal courtyard led to a large external courtyard, with chicken and pig sheds, a back kitchen replete with a manger.

Meanwhile, a narrow stairway climbed into a long loft space where the metal roof beams had hooks intended for curing hams and a string of garlic still dangled from one.

In every space, dusty but dry furniture, baskets, pots, pans, tea sets, rush chairs, beds, framed prints of Saints and family photos detailed the lives that had been lived here over the last century, at least. With the exception of the roof the property needed a complete renovation. And my husband and I were inspired to restore beauty to this once happy home.

NOTABLE: Goya’s portrait of Pedro Romero, who also built Ronda’s famous stone bullring, left and above right

THE BUILD During my years here in Spain I have observed that there appears to be two distinct speeds in which things get done; either at a pace so slow that I nearly implode with frustration or at such unparalleled speed and competence that I am left agape.

In Ronda, while the bureaucracy crawled forward millimeter by millimeter, much due to getting planning permission and the mortgage, the build ‘incredibly’ took just four months to finish.

The main goal while renovating Ronda Romantica Apartments was to maintain its historic charm.

So charming was the front of the property, which sits in the casco historico beside the ancient Plaza de San Francisco, it needed nothing more than a lick of paint and the removal of some pebble dash footings on the wall.

We naturally kept Pedro Romero’s crest in the stone portal by the front door, as well as the original metal rejas (wrought iron grills) on each window.

And that was our philosophy with the entire build: Only where the structure was

dangerous, the beams rotten or the plaste cracked, would we strip back to start again One fireplace in the old kitchen was com pletely intact and so atmospheric we me rely removed a line of rather bizarre lime green paint.

Under the vaulted ceilings we discovered solid pillars of Roman style bricks, which we decided to leave uncovered in two places.

It turned out that most of the house had been built with these bricks, and the more typical mixture of rubble and stone was found only in the courtyard for animal shelters.

The number of beams used to construct the ceiling also confirmed that this had once been a house of some note, since this was a very expensive way to build. We found no less than four separate layers of wood between the ground and first floor in the most intriguing pattern, per-

er n. mee

XIII

July 2019

What lies beneath

haps to offer insulation, as well as solidity.

All the ochre painted doors have either remained in place or have been reused for wardrobes. The original earthenware baContinues on Page XIV

Exposing beams and vaulted ceilings can be risky, as if anything goes wrong the entire ceiling can cave in. We got conservation specialist Linda Watson (pictured) an architect in the UK, to double check before picking away and exposing two of the 18th century pillars.

d

HOW TO GET PLANNING PERMISSION From experience, so much of this is about finding the right architect.

You may think you can do this on your own, but having a local professional with the right local knowledge and, most importantly, connections (or as they say here ‘enchufes’) is vital.

Our architect Andres Melgar was not just that, but was also insistent and unrelenting in his zeal to get the job done.

He knew the town hall like the back of his hand and was well versed in the power play Game of Thrones-style politics that exist in most Spanish towns today.

Even more important is to perhaps understand the grading of your property, whether

it is rustic or urban, and whether it affords protection status, or as in some cases, there is almost complete prohibition on touching it.

We were already aware that our building had the highest level of protection in Andalucia, but didn’t realise that permission needed to be sought from the culture department in Malaga city - not in Ronda - just to touch it.

This meant an inevitable delay, which we thought would be months but in many cases, we discovered, can take up to three years to get a building licence.

It was a very nerve-wracking process, and in the end we were lucky having to wait just eight months for ours.

CONTRAST: While the front of the property was perfect, the back was a junkyard

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July 2019

PROPERTY

CONSERVATION PROCESS: As many barro floor tiles were saved as possible, as well as original beams, with end result (right)

Flooring it

HOW TO GET THE BEST BUILDER We had plenty of time to find the best builder.

This process involves having an architect to help create the designs and then a technical architect to price the job and create a point by point costing of the entire build.

Our technical man Vicente Compas made a specific document and then we took it to the various builders we had in mind.

The architect then made

From Page XIII

rro floor tiles were lifted to repair rotten ceiling beams, however enough survived to surface two apartments and all the window sills.

We had planned to remove the terrazzo floors laid in the front apartment, but eventually decided to keep it since terrazzo is made from local, natural materials and is very typical of the Ronda area.

Not to mention that it is also, rather fortuitously, having its moment in the world of interiors.

For other floor areas and showers, we were lucky to be offered old, encaustic cement tiles that were being removed from two local convents.

They looked amazing and couldn’t be distressed this way even if we tried.

NEXT ISSUE I’ll give you a few tips on design, decoration and colours.

Ronda Romantica Apartments comprises of five spacious apart-

a comparative table of the quotes and filled in the gaps that almost all builders leave out, as a typical trick.

We then got a real price of what the job should cost and could choose our favourite builder.

We chose three, but in the end, used a fourth who also happened to be the building firm of the technical architect.

This is not generally the best idea, as he should be independent but in our case we discovered Com-

ments and a swimming pool in the heart of the old town in Ronda.

Each has a kitchen, bathroom, sitting area with television, a sofa

pas’ firm Ari Contratas had a good understanding of local historic buildings and was undertaking work on a local convent as well as a local school.

He had also built a couple of large supermarkets on the coast. It is of course vital to go and visit the previous jobs of any builders you are interested in, and naturally, also get a number of references.

A contract always needs to be drawn up and this can be done via your own lawyer or by the lawyer of the builder and then checked by yours.

bed and double bedroom. Most have private outdoor terraces, and all benefit from a courtyard garden. All flats can sleep four people, while one is designed for

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Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 6

Build: 700m2 Garage: 4 spaces

A beautifully designed villa by a top local architect collaborating closely with the present to produce a unique home making the most of the breathtaking woodland surroundings that it sits in.

Situated between the Valderrama and views from the top bedrooms over the San Roque golf course.

Laid out over three floors with feature hardwood beams and double glazed picture windows.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

Build: 120m2 Garage: 1 space

New apartment complex located only 200 meters from the beach of Punta Paloma in Manilva and just a few minutes drive to La Duquesa Port. The proximity to the beach, to the fine restaurants and the several amenities nearby make this complex an exceptional holiday home and investment. In addition, the resort is located within a short distance to the Valderrama golf course and to Sotogrande, known for its picturesque harbour.

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4

Build: 356m2 Garage: 1 space

Newly finished villas built with top quality materials and finishings. All opposite golf course “La Resina”. Plots from 612m2 to 766m2. Modern design, high standard, several types, sea and golf views. The villas have a semibasement / ground floor / top floor / top terrace. 4 bedrooms / 3-4 bathrooms / 1 toilet / integrated dining-living room (with possibility to be divided) Furnished kitchen and wash room, top brand electrical appliances / air conditioning.

Established in 2006 we specialise in inland property with an extensive portfolio of white village and country homes.

Ronda Properties Estate Agent Inland Andalusia, c/San José, 1 29400, Ronda, Malaga, Spain

Tel: (+34) 952 187 313 Mob: (+34) 608 765 990 Email: info@rondaproperties.com www.rondaproperties.com

Restored White Village House

Country House

Bed & Breakfast/Townhouse

7 min from Ronda super cozy white village house, 108m2, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study/3rd bedroom with 2 enclosed patios, front and rear and located in the sought after village of Arriate.

Country house on one level, 170m2, plot of 7000 m2, with self-contained apartment, pool, views and only 2.5km from Ronda. Renovated c ountry house with a modern touch plus self-contained one bed apartment.

Opportunity to acquire a popular up and running rural tourism business in the heart of old town Ronda. An 18th Century property within easy walking distance from numerous squares, outdoor cafes only 2 minutes from famous Ronda Bridge.

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 108m2

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 4

Build: 165m2

Ref: 87065

€69,000

Ref: 63947

Ref: 90541

€295,000

Build: 170m2 Plot: 7000m2

€285,000

Inmobiliaria - Real Es tate

La Serranía Services

tel: (+34) 952 187 313 movil: (+34) 608 765 990 www.laserraniaservices.com

Welcome to Serrania Services, Ronda Estate Agents, we are inland property specialists in the Serrania de Ronda, Andalusia. We have properties for sale and to rent in Ronda and the famous White Villages, Pueblos Blancos of the Serrania de Ronda.

Country House

Restored Country House

Spectacular Country House

Country House 200m2 with pool and beautiful views, set in a plot of 12.000 m2 planted with olives and fruit trees. The property comprises 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Kitchen and sitting-room diner with feature chimney. Spacious porch area with artesian stone table and enjoying lovely vistas.

Charming Andalucian Finca with pool in the beautiful, protected area of the Genal valley.

The property 243 m2 has been exquisitely restored and is in an immaculate condition, comprising 3 bedrooms, 3 spacious bathrooms, 2 bedrooms en-suite and a family bathroom.

Spectacular country house 455m2 built, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms together with 800000m2 of land with cork production. Located only 20 minutes from the sought after village of Gaucin the house has fabulous panoramic views over the natural park of Los Alcornocales.

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 3

Build: 455m2 Plot: 800,000m2

Ref: 101321

€1,150,000,000

Ref: 101130

Build: 200m2 Plot: 12,000m2

€295,000

Ref: 101363

Build: 243m2 Plot: 320,000m2

€420,000

XVI

July 2019

i n s t a l a c i o n e s

PROPERTY

info@instalacionesemasur.com www.instalacionesemasur.com

Two gorgeous homes in Spain show the beauty of working with stone

Air Conditioning Electricity Solar Panels – Plumbing Automatic Doors Swimming Pools Renewable Energy

C

tel: 952 89 25 15

CENTRE PIECE: Spiral staircase (left), while (right) the opening facade makes this a home for all seasons

C/Espinosa – Edif Manisabi, Local 12 Ctra Sabinillas, 29692, Manilva (Málaga)

20 years of experience

VISTA: Stone house in Menorca offers stunning views across med

FREE QUOTE info@sghaulage.com www.sghaulageltd.co.uk

Set in stone

+44 1522 702 443

UTTING-EDGE building design harks back to the ‘stone age’ in two of the latest projects rocking architectural circles in Spain.

Casa Piedra, in Caceres and the Stone House in Menorca were constructed from materials hewn from their local surroundings, making them part of the natural landscape by default.

Tunon Arquitctos used local quartzite, with windows framed in granite for their Caceres project, which sits on a plot sloping down towards the town, its thick walls providing it’s owners shade and privacy.

The ground floor is a grid formed of nine identical rooms laid out in a three-by-three arrangement while interiors have been kept minimal.

In the central room is a spiral staircase made from white-painted metal curves down to the basement level garage, laundry and a guest room.

An open platform parallel to the house boasts a decking area and swimming pool.

Nomo Studi’s Stone House makes use of the local limestone and smooth plaster for its dramatic cladding.

The stunning home sits on sloping scrubland commanding cinematic views of the sea through a sliding glazed facade which can be opened to the elements in summer or enclosed to form a winter garden in cooler months.

tel: 952 81 01 02 info@kssir.com www.ksmarbella.com MARBELLA

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SOTOGRANDE

·

G I B R A LTA R

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SEVILLA

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L

FABULOUS WALKING ONCE INVILLA A LIFETIME DISTANCE TO THE BEACH FRONTLINE BEACH CONTEMPORARY VILLA AND ALLMILE TYPE OFPUERTO AMENITIES GOLDEN NEXT TO BANUS KSSIR-25192P

KSsir.com · KSsir-25476P

Bedrooms: 5 · Bathrooms: 5 Plot:m2 1.920 m2 1,409 m2 Built: 421,27 · Plot:

Build: 928 m2

2.100.000 euros

Price upon request.

Elegant 5 bedrooms villa located between San Pedro de Alcantara

Magnificent Frontline BeachBuilt contemporary villa located next to Puerto Banus, and Puerto Banus. in one level, the property distribute ason the prestigious Golden Mile only a walk away from all amenities. Situated right on the follow: entrance hall, large lounge with fireplace and dining area, four beach this south facing villa enjoys endless views over the Mediterranean Sea and to suites, large suite bigConstructed bathroom to the bay of including Marbella filled withmaster changing lightwith fromfireplace sunrise toand sunset. with bathtub and separate shower, maids bedroom and bathroom, the finest quality standards using the best technology throughout, it is built on 2 levels spacious fully fitted dining area, laundry room, plus a large basement withkitchen cinemawith room,informal fitness room, sauna, wine cellar and industriallarge kitchen.

The property offers a spacious open garden plan livingwith andswimming dining room,pool. gourmet covered terrace, beautiful mature kitchen television room,material guest cloakroom.

6 bedrooms The with villa breakfast have toparea, quality finishing such asThe A/C, satellite (all en-suite) all have plenty of cupboard space and covered and open terraces.

There are TV, underfloor heating all throughout, alarm system. A beautiful villa separate staff quarters with independent entrance and a garage. Beautiful landscape walking distance to allplenty typeofofout facilities amenities garden, heated swimming pool and door andand indoor entertaining area. A truly unique home in an exceptional and most desirable location.

LUXURY APT IN THE MOST EXCLUSIVE DUPLEX PENTHOUSE IN UNBEATIBLE LOCATION AND PRESTIGIOUS COMPLEX IN BEACHFRONT RESORT NEXT TO MARINA PUERTO MARBELLA GOLDEN APPLE BANUS KSsir.com · KSsir-25329P KSSIR-25114P Build:4 228 m2 Bedrooms: · Bathrooms: 4 Terrace: 377 m2 Built: 287 m2 · Terrace: 40 m2

€ 3,950,000 2.700.000 euros

Situated in a unique position in one of the most prestigious beach front complex with This large apartment is located in Marbella town only in the limit of beautiful landscape gardens, lagoon shape swimming pool, restaurant, social club, Mileand two walking distance the beach and the spathe andGolden indoor pool 24minutes hours security guard, only 200tometres from Marina Puerto Promenade.

Enjoying stunning sea, gardens, and mountain views.

Situated Banus, with its luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The penthouse is situated on the seventh floor with facing to the west itviews offers large veryhas bright rooms, in a corner position mainly southwest to the seaand but also east views comprises; anMountain entrance hallitswith guest cloakroom, large loungeoffers withdirect dining to La Concha from private swimming pool. The apartment from themodern lift. area and direct access to aaccess big terrace, fully fitted kitchen with breakfast area, three main bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

ELEGANT SOUTH FACING VILLA ENJOY SPECTACULAR SEA VIEWS SIERRA BLANCA FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET KSSIR-25255P KSsir.com2··KSsir-25528P Bedrooms: Bathrooms: 2 Built: 134Build: m2 · 253 Terrace: m2 35 m2

1.800.000 euros

€ 1,350,000

It is situated on the floor offering views over the landscaped Exquisite Penthouse withsecond Panoramic Terrace around to enjoy the privileged Infinite gardens, communal a beautiful lake and andisall Views ofthe thehuge Mediterranean Sea.swimming This lovelypool, penthouse enjoys artificial great privacy the the Mediterranean Located in one the best veryway welltolocated, as the buildingSea. has direct access to theofbeach in thecommunities quiet part of around Puerto offering 24 shopping hour gated security, indoor heated Fuengirola.

WalkingBanus distance to shops, center and restaurants and bars. swimming outdoor pool, restaurant and social club, thisclose, represents Paradise forpool, children, with skating rink, zoo and water park, all very as well for golfers.

The property is located a Gated Community and offers 2 parking aas great opportunity to purchase an inideal holiday or permanent residence. spaces and laundry room. 2 bathrooms, master This property enjoys an entrance hall, 2 bedrooms, en-suite, living/dining room, large terrace and fitted kitchen.

THE

MEWS THE DEVELOPMENT

The Mews, Town Range – a rare opportunity Within metres of the Governor’s Residence, The Mews is an enclave of 7 boutique houses and apartments each meticulously designed and built to a flawless standard, drawing on its unique gated location in the heart of the old town.

Four contemporary mews-style houses will be built on the foundations of the 19th-century stables, at the rear of the original, grand Victorian house, which will itself be refurbished to provide 2 thoughtfully designed apartments and a stunning duplex penthouse, commanding spectacular views. Mews houses are, by their nature, located in the very best parts of town. Providing a safe, traffic free environment that is both practical, and hugely charming.

PROPERTY DETAILS MEWS HOUSES Prices start from £750,000 Roof terrace with stunning views & optional jacuzzi hot tub. Master suite comprising Juliet balcony, fully fitted walk-in wardrobe & a luxury en-suite.

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 1 guest toilet Apartments & Duplex Penthouse details & POA

These carefully crafted prestigious homes have been designed to capture and celebrate the unique aesthetic of Gibraltar’s Old Town, melding light, space and structure to provide a traditional, yet contemporary interior design scheme that compliments its unique heritage.

EXCLUSIVE ESTATE AGENT Seekers Property Solutions tel: 200 449 55 email: info@themews.gi www.themews.gi

VOTED BEST and MOST INFORMATIVE WEBSITE by our 2018 customer database survey of 13,500

SEE for yourself...

www.inlandandalucia.com

includes: videos, google street maps, full descriptions, chat box

TH4110

75.000€

Alcaudete, Jaen 4 bed, 2 bath Build: 261m2

TH4111

37.000€

Puerto Lope, Granada 4 bed, 1 bath Build: 86m2

This spacious well presented 261m2 build 4 double bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse is located in the popular town of Alcaudete in the Jaen region of Andalucia and boasts a private swimming pool and terrace with views over the historical castle.

Ready to move in to this 4 double bedroom townhouse with internal titled patio and private roof terrace is situated on a sort after quiet, wide, level street in the village of Puerto Lope in the Granada region of Andalucia.

CH161 185.000€

VL912 195.000€

Alcala la Real, Jaen 3 bed, 1 bath Build: 138m2

Puente Don Manuel, Malaga 2 bed, 2 bath Build: 524m2

Situated near to the large popular historical town of Alcala la Real in the Jaen region of Andalucia this 3 double bedroom chalet style property with a fabulous swimming pool and commanding views over the countryside and mountains sits on a very generous plot size of 13,000m2.

This 2 bedroom villa offers great potential in reforming the large basement area into an apartment with the right planning permission. Puente don Manuel is a very English speak village, with a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, recreational areas, etc.

TH4089

90.000€

VL916 154.000€

Trapiche, Malaga 2 bed, 2 bath Build: 39m2

Villanueva de la Concepcion, Malaga 3 bed, 2 bath Build: 123m2

This home is in the pretty village of Trapiche which is situated a short drive from Velez Malaga.

Velez Malaga is a large town which has plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, banks also a hospital and schools. The property offers a fitted kitchen and dining area, a lounge, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Accessed by a long country track, the property sits on an elevated position that offers amazing views that reach for miles, yet the substantial grounds of the property are relatively flat. The house is only 15 years old and was built in authentic Andalusian country style, with beautiful tiles and wooden features.

TH4112

41.200€

VL915 119.000€

Villanueva de Tapia, Malaga 2 bed, 2 bath Build: 72m2

Marchena, Seville 3 bed, 2 bath Build: 200m2

Fantastic lock up and go in the bustling Andalucian town of Villanueva de Tapia a short 10 minute drive from the beautiful lake iznajar and easy access for Granada or Malaga. The property opens straight into a bright living room and separate dining room with stairwell and a newly fitted kitchen.

This 3 bedroom property sits with a an urbanisation just a short drive from the town of Marchena which offers schools, large supermarkets, shops, bars and restaurants. It has a gated entrance leading into a gravel drive with room for at least 4 vehicles and continues to the garden.

Malaga Office 952 74 15 25

info@inlandandalucia.com

Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Molina, Malaga

Jaen Office 953 58 70 40

Axarquia Office

Calle Abad Moya 4b, 23680 Alcala la Real, Jaen

Cruce Puente D. Manuel 4, Edif. Al Zabel, 29713 Alcaucin

contact@inlandandalucia.com

952 51 97 18

info@inlandandalucia.com

PROPERTY Off plan points to consider XX

July 2019

W

E asked our legal experts for a few pointers for clients considering buying off plan.

Is your money safe?

Promoters are obliged by law to guarantee the return of the amounts paid during construction in the event building works don’t commence or have not been completed on the date agreed.

Thinking of buying off plan? Our property specialist Adam Neale has everything you need to know

Likewise, they are obliged to deposit money in a special bank account, to be used exclusively for costs directly related to the construction.

The bank must be vigilant in maintaining this account and

have a signed insurance contract, or some form of collateral, to guarantee return of payments advanced by the buyers.

However, the ‘guarantee’ only comes into force once the building licence is obtained.

This is very important, as most promoters start signing contracts for purchase reservation agreements before obtaining the licence.

This means that the amounts paid by buyers for ‘reservation’ purposes will not be guaranteed, except for the solvency of the promoter.

Nor is the promoter obliged to deposit said payments in a ‘special account’.

Be careful with any agreed extras.

They also should be guaranteed in the same way as the original purchase price.

Play it safe It is common practice for promoters to provide the guarantee or certification several days after a client signs the purchase agreement and receiving payment

The Property Insider

by Adam Neale

from the buyer.

Our advice is to demand it simultaneously, as required by law (section Three, last paragraph, of the D.A. 1st. of the LOE), because only then will you have full coverage. Promoters are usually reluctant to do things this way, because the bank or insurer demands that this money is first deposited previously with them.

You should also check with a registry that the insurance company guaranteeing the refund is authorised in Spain.

In the previous decade it was very common to work with insurers not authorised to operate in Spain.

In many of these cases, the promoter’s directors were responsible for their negligent behaviour when contracting these companies, knowing that they do not have any authorisation to operate in Spain.

Buyers must also keep payment proof of the amounts delivered to the promoter, because if this

can’t be legally certified, and even if the contract says that they have been paid, the insurer or the bank can refuse to reimburse you.

This is stated in section i) of section 2 of the D.A.1ª of the LOE and is relevant because sometimes, the form of payment is not indicated and over time it can be forgotten or lost.

I also advise buyers to demand the following before signing anything: identification of the insurance company or bank that is going to guarantee the return and a certificate from the bank identifying the ‘special account’ opened by the seller.

It is not advisable to simply trust what the promoter tells you.

The guaranteed amount should cover not only the amount that has been delivered to the account, but also the interest generated from the date of delivery until the promoter’s estimated delivery of the project.

This is usually fine, as it is usually expressly indicated in the endorsement or guarantee certificate.

Finally, as a buyer you should exercise caution regarding any extensions of the home handover; if the developer does not renew the insurance policy or the bank has not guaranteed to extend it to the new planned delivery date, the guarantee or insurance will not cover the amounts paid by the buyer during that time.

Terra Meridiana, 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona • Tel: +34 951 318480 Office Mob: +34 678 452109 • Email: info@terrameridiana.com • Website: www.terrameridiana.com

Tranquilo,

they’re on their way home..

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SPAIN - UK - IRELAND

DEFRA AUTHORISED ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION We are Defra Authorised and you can rely on us to take very good care of your pet. We will make sure that they are comfortable and have regular stops to be made a fuss of and carry out neccessary business. Our professional and friendly service will keep them happy until they are reunited with you..

For a quote and some friendly advice

Just Call Jack on the dog & bone.. (+34) 902 109 560

For a quote or just some friendly advice

info@unionjackremovals.co.uk

www.unionjackremovals.co.uk

WE BUILD YOUR DREAMS!

Nordic assurance throughout the entire process!

Helping our clients create their dream homes on the Costa del Sol since 2004.

With the highest focus on quality and communication we will assist you with everything from minor renovations to new production making sure you are in safe hands throughout the entire construction process.

Please contact us for a free quote! www.casas-reformas.com +34 654 663 814 info@casas-reformas.com

@casasreformas

Fairway L AW Y E R S

PROPERTY

XXII

July 2019

Wonder-ful!

A STUNNING new hotel is set to open in Estepona this week following a €15 million investment.

The Maraville Hotel will be a trendy new addition to the up-and-coming town which continues to be one of the hottest property markets in Spain.

Maravilla features a rooftop swimming pool and bar which wouldn’t look out of place in Madrid and has helped create some 400 jobs.

ARE YOU OWED THOUSANDS FROM YOUR BANK? Did you have an illegal floor clause inserted in your Spanish mortgage?

Millions of homeowners were wrongly charged thousands of euros due to underhand tactics, now outlawed after being exposed by the courts.

Let us take a look at your documents and help you through the complicated process of claiming it back, PLUS damages.

Our bilingual team of Marbella-based lawyers understand the situation well and can move quickly and efficiently.

NO WIN, NO FEE. Get in touch and we will check your mortgage deeds for free and let you know if you have a claim against your bank.

Contact Diego at Fairway Lawyers Tel: 952 77 11 50 diego@fairwaylawyers.com

www.fairwaylawyers.com

C/Nuestra Señora de Gracia 28, 1C 29602, Marbella (Malaga)

STUNNING: New Estepona hotel Maraville

The breakdown In its latest quarterly report, Campbell Ferguson (right) sums up the performance of the country’s property market

I

N our 22nd Quarterly Report, we at Survey Spain have identified a number of wider and national property issues.

Looking at the overall market the optimism of the first quarter of the year has faded, with most agents, developers, lawyers, FX specialist, etc, reporting that things have slowed, but there is still demand. Below are some key takeaways.

‘Please don’t waste this time’

EUROPEAN REMOVALS & STORAGE

Weekly service to Spain, France, Portugal and Gibraltar St Georges European pride ourselves

No Government = Strong Economy?

Politicians in Spain are as guilty of self-serving action and thought, with there not having been an effective central Government in place for many months. The prospect of yet another general election (in which expats cannot vote) in the autumn is a gloomy one. The difference is that the country’s economy appears to be continuing well without them. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt. Certainly, the average voter in many countries is thoroughly fed up with the political establishment, which has led to more support for the extremes of right and left. A deep recession, political extremism and increased nationalism are chilling reminders of 1930’s Europe.

by professionally serving and relocating families, individuals and businesses across Europe for over 10 years.

St GEORGES

With our fully trained experienced team, reliable fleet of purpose built vehicles and leading Insurance cover, we’ll make your moving experience run smooth and hassle free. To help you, we also have a fully secured storage facility in both Spain and South East UK, just in case you need it.

So come and talk to our friendly team at St Georges European.

SPAIN + 34 952 485 984 UK +44 (0)1322 383 233

trade@stgeorgestransport.com www.stgeorgestransport.com

Olive Press - St Georges European Ad 170 x 124 mm.indd 1

The effects of Brexit, which we have been feeling here for many months, are beginning to be felt in the UK. From recent visits, the average ‘man in the street’ appears to be sublimely unaware of the costs in market, currency and reputation that Brexit is causing outside the UK, combined with the political shambles in Westminster. “Please don’t waste this time”, warned the EU in April yet that’s exactly what appears to have happened. Nearly halfway through the extension period, and with the August recess looming, there has been no obvious action or answers to the ‘impossible’ questions. It appears that the arch Brexiteers are just running down the time so that they can invoke a no-deal Brexit on October 31.

16/01/2019 11:40

The Pound is not the only failing currency Interestingly, despite the rise of demand from Scandinavia, over the last quarter the Swedish kroner has seen the same volatility in value versus the Euro as the UK pound at about 0.25%, with the Norwegians suffering even more at 0.28%. Those variations, and the much larger variations over the last few years, must affect buying decisions, and certainly have led to many Brits dependant

on fixed sterling income, deciding that Euroland is just too expensive right now. Also an influence will be the benefit of gaining more sterling for their house sale in euros enabling them to buy better in UK as the market in many places there is stagnating.

Statistics Hide the Truth Overall property in Spain has seen a slight slowdown statistically, with this being most noticeable on the costas. One reason for this, we are certain, is the amount of demand that is being ‘sucked in’ to off-plan, new build developments, with the number of cranes around our HQ office in Estepona, exceeding the levels seen in the mid2000s. The private contracts for these don’t show in the Notaries or Registrar’s records until the First Occupation Licence is granted on completion of the building, and the buyer meets with the developer’s representative to pay over the final instalment, receive the keys and have the sale notarised.

So, we can expect a substantial increase in sales recorded from the second half of this year onwards, when the decisions and legal commitments were made many months or even years before.

Legitimising /Ignoring the Rules Andalucia has already started framing new regulations that will ‘legitimise’ the tens of thousands of illegal properties built in the region over the last 25+ years. Solace for the unfortunate buyers, but a bad example to those who benefitted from the illegal sale and building. Apparently, a similar legal pardon was granted to illegal development 30 odd years ago, and it just appears that the perpetrators only have to wait and know that their ‘sins’ will be forgiven eventually.

Licencing Estate Agents The previous Junta leaders also proposed legislation to licence estate agents, a much needed control of ‘cowboys’ and uninformed, who prey on the naïve, wide-eyed buyer, but nothing more has been heard of that.

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