Olive Press Property magazine March 2024 Isse 440

Minions and masterpieces

See page 24.

Don’t rule them out!

BRITS are still the most significant foreign buyers in Spain’s property sector.

Despite Brexit and only being able to visit for three out of six months, they still make up 15.5% of foreign mortgage applications.

Only the Germans come close, making up second place with 14.1% in 2023.

Swiss applicants account for 9% of the market, Americans (8.9%) and the French (7.8%).

Britsshrugoff BrexitandkeeptheGermansinsecondplacewhenbuying inSpain…atleastwhenitcomestotakingoutamortgage

By Walter Finch

The Irish manage to snap up more property (5.5%) than both Belgians (4.5%) and Swedes (2.7%).

The Swiss and Americans, whose average household incomes are €9,527 and €9,097

per month, look for the most expensive homes averaging around €250,000.

The report by web portal

Idealista notes that the Costa Blanca and wider Valencian Community is by far the most popular location for property purchases at 27%.

Remarkably, Catalunya and

Andalucia rank at 16.4% of property purchases each.

The study discovered the average mortgage applicant was 41 years old with a household income of €5,900 per month.

The average purchase is a property of €213,000, notably 20% higher than Spain’s

national average.

The report further highlights the disparity in financial firepower between foreign and local buyers. Foreign applicants boast incomes nearly 85% above the Spanish average, aiming for properties that far exceed the financial reach of their

local counterparts.

Homes bought by foreigners are on average 27% more expensive than those bought by Spaniards. Interestingly, the financial commitment of international buyers is relatively modest. On average, they finance 61% of their purchase and they prefer fixed-rate mortgages, which account for nearly 70% of the transactions in 2023.

DISCOVER: The Spanish design that might give Gru nightmares and other finalists in a prestigious international competition.

Striking it rich

THE Balearic government will have to pay €96 million in compensation over breaching an urban planning deal with a German-owned developer.

The ruling from the Balearic Supreme Court dismisses an appeal by the government over a lower court ruling that ruled that it broke an agreement made in 2013 over the development of the Sa Muleta II urbanisation in Soller.

The Balearic Islands government has two months to pay €63.5 million as a main claim plus another €30 million in interest dating back to the filing of a first lawsuit in 2009.

The vice-president, Antoni Costa, said the award would make ‘a huge hole in its financial coffers’.

He did not rule out appealing to Spain’s Constitutional Court but promised that no ‘essential services’ would be cut.

Costa indicated that the administration would have to pass an ‘extraordinary credit law’ to pay the compensation.

The money goes to Birdie Son Vida owned by businessman Matthias Kuhn and is the largest ever fine imposed in the history of Balearic urban planning legal cases.

It brings to an end a 14 year battle over the German developer’s plans to build 33 luxury villas at Soller.

Record year for foreigners

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

IN a mysterious way Covid-19 turned out to be a real tonic for the Spanish property market, boosting local, and in particular foreign demand to extraordinary highs in the wake of the pandemic.

The two best years ever for property

The appetite of foreign buyers for residential property in Spain was the second-highest on record in 2023, writes Mark Stucklin

sales involving a foreign buyer were 2022 and 2023.

Using Land Registry figures (with the Q4 stats just published) we can calculate that 87,365 homes were sold to a foreign buyer last year.

Only 2022 was higher when 94,481 sales involved a buyer from abroad.

TRENDS: Two extraordinary years

And the year-on-year decline of 8% is pretty small and less than the 10% decline recorded by local Spanish buyers in 2023.

Indeed, mathematicians among you will work out this led to an increase in the market share of foreigners from 14.6% in 2022 to 15% in 2023, the highest level on record. So foreign buyers have never been more important to the Spanish property market than last year. Market comparisons with 2022 say more about that year’s extraordinary boom than the year in hand, so comparisons with 2019, before coronavirus distorted the market, are also helpful for interpretation, as are comparisons with the 10-year average. Compared to 2019, sales to foreign buyers were up by a staggering 39% last year, and were up 41% compared to the 10-year average. In other words, 2023 was a great year when compared to any period other than 2022.

Sales by nationality

As always the biggest foreign market was the UK, with 8,327 residential

property acquisitions in 2023, some 9.5% of the foreign market - a decline of 15% on the previous year - and 5% down compared to 2019.

The UK has been the biggestmarket for property in Spain since records began, though its dominance has declined in the years since Brexit.

British buyers head in the greatest numbers to the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol as you might expect.

The second biggest market was Germany, with a market share of 7.3% and 6,350 sales, down 25% compared to 2023, but up 42% since 2019.

The extraordinary explosion in the number of German buyers after 2020 was probably caused by changing priorities and lifestyles in the wake of the pandemic.

Mallorca is the most popular destination for German buyers.

France was the third biggest market with a 6.7% share of the foreign market, which translated into 5,824 sales, down 6% compared to the previous year but up 18% compared to 2019. French buyers head across the border into Catalunya in the greatest numbers.

Of the other markets for which figures are published by the Registrars, sales declined the most year-on-year among the Swedes, down 40%, and increased the most with Russian buyers, up 60%, while Polish buyers are up by 5% among Poles and Irish.

PROPERTY

Upfor investment

SPAIN has been named the fourth most attractive European country for investment in 2024.

Meanwhile, Madrid has claimed third place in the top ten European cities for investment.

Barcelona was just behind, in seventh place, in the report by the Global Real Estate Service.

Only the UK, Germany and Poland rank higher.

The report also praises Spain and Italy for ‘making progress in environmental, social and governance issues’.

It also estimates that by 2025, market activity is expected to return to rates seen before the global rise in interest rates in 2022.

And only 27% of those surveyed believe geopolitical issues will be a major issue for real estate investors, down from 42% last year.

GETTING A LIFE

A POPULAR TV show is recruiting for participants in Spain’s Andalucia.

Producers of the Channel 4’s

A New Life In The Sun follows Brits as they set up businesses abroad, from microbreweries to glamping sites. After their successful ninth series aired just a couple of weeks ago, they are already on the lookout for new participants in Spain.

Produced by True North, those interested should email anewlifeinthesun@ truenorth.tv

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Rafaservesupabeauty

TENNIS star Rafa Nadal has bought a €4 million luxury Madrid apartment in the city's Colon y Serrano district.

The property is one of 11 luxury homes in the Villa de Paris residential block that he built with businessmen Abel Matutes Prats and Manuel Campos Guallar several years ago.

The trio constructed the building with direct views of the Plaza Villa de Paris, the Supreme Court, and the Church of Santa Barbara.

It was designed by the prestigious architect Rafael Robledo and is regarded as one of the most exclusive residential projects in Madrid.

The homes were sold on the basis of offering a fusion between classicism and modernity in the finishes and design.

One of the purchasers is the president of the fashion giant, Inditex, Marta Ortega. The block has a spa and gym, plus an allocation of two parking spaces per apartment.

Nadal's home in the five-storey building has all kinds of amenities covering 281 m2.

The open plan design features five bathrooms, four bedrooms, a spacious living room and a balcony around five metre long.

The rest of the apartments are far biggercoming in at around 900 m2.

The

March 20th - April 2nd 2024 15

STILL STANDING: But huge amount of work needed

Palatial dreams

AN ambitious American has revealed her plans to transform an ancient palace in Spain.

Monica C purchased historic Quindous Palace online while surfing the web from her home in California.

The medieval property, in Cervantes, Galicia, had

Sweat no more!

A LUCKY Scot has won a villa in Spain worth £3 million as well as £250,000 in cash after entering a lottery while trying to buy a second-hand armchair.

Edinburgh man Graham Dunlop’s prize comes from a charity draw called Omaze, which runs regular lotteries with extravagant prizes such as houses, and then splits its profits with charities. Dunlop, who now lives in Southampton with his wife and two children, entered the draw when he met the woman who was selling a battered old armchair online.

Instead of taking payment she told him to donate to her favourite charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, given that her late husband had suffered dementia. As well as donating, Dunlop spotted the £75 raffle draw which was also supporting the same charity. His lucky ticket left him the new owner of a four-bedroom villa in Mallorca, complete with a swimming pool and stunning views.

AmericanwomanbuysamedievalpalaceinSpainwith bigplanstobringitbacktolife

By Laurence Dollimore

failed to sell over a four-year period.

Good year for Spanish property...

SPAIN’S house prices rose by 4.2% last year proving the resilience of the market.

It comes despite a fall in the final quarter of 2023, according to the National Statistics Institute.

While prices fell around Europe, due to rising interest rates, prices here grew solidly until October.

An upward trend in new build prices appears to be slowing however, with costs rising 11% during the third quarter of 2023 and 7.5% in the final quarter.

Overvalued

Although construction materials costs remain high, prices have stabilised or even gone down slightly over recent months.

According to European Central Bank (ECB) estimates, the Spanish market was overvalued by 11% in the third quarter of 2023.

But a decline in prices during the fourth quarter is expected to lead to a slight drop in overvaluation.

Meanwhile, prices in most other eurozone countries are even more overvalued.

The home mortgage market fell by 17.3% last year due to higher interest rates and high house prices putting off buyers. Analysts expect interest rates to fall this year, which will be good news for the property market.

Monica, originally from Colorado, flew in at the beginning of January to assess the mammoth task ahead of her.

The castle has more than 20 rooms, which she plans

PRIZE:

“This win is fantastic for our family’s future,” he said. “It just opens up so many opportunities. The money really helps give us a bit of peace of mind and gives us some choices about how we choose to spend the rest of our lives.”

The draw not only made Dunlop and his family multi-millionaires, but also raised £3.1 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

to turn into a cookery school that will teach students how to cook Galician food.

Monica, who had never before visited Galicia, also plans to open a restaurant on the site. The small village of Cervantes is home to just 1,200 people. The palace was first built in the

15th century and was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1949.

It sits atop a 9km winding road and offers stunning views of the Os Ancares mountains.

It was first put up for sale for €500,000, which was reduced by half in 2018, before eventually going for €225,000.

It was finally sold to Monica at the end of last year via Country Homes, a real estate firm owned by British expat Mark Adkinson.

...while global pricesare also on theup

GLOBAL house prices have largely recovered after hitting the ‘deepest property downturn’ in a decade.

Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows the property market has ‘hit a turning point’.

Based on data from 37 industrialised countries, house prices grew on average by 2.1% in the third quarter of 2023.

It comes after house prices dropped in many countries in 2022 after interest rates were raised at the ‘fastest pace in decades’ in order to curb inflation.

Overall prices grew by only 0.6% by the end of the year, the lowest rate since 2012.

Experts now predict that central banks will cut borrowing costs to help boost mortgages. A shortage of properties has also helped growth.

Calle General Castals complex is part of a portfolio of real estate assets owned by Nadal - worth €30.3 million.

FANTASTIC

This amazing Mallorca villa

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NOT GAMBLING ON THE FUTURE

Protection status for key building that led to lawyer’s death

IT is known as the Ronda ‘casino’ and where, appropriately, a leading Andalucian intellectual took a gamble on regional self rule. A gamble that would lead to his execution!

Now the key building where Andalu-

By Jon Clarke

cian independence was declared in 1918 is to get protection status.

The Casino and Circulo de Artistas (Artists Society) will become an Asset

of Cultural Interest (BIC) this year.

It was here that the lawyer Blas Infante, from nearby Casares, declared the building Andalucia’s regional assembly.

Choosing a flag and coat of arms, he made his famous declaration on Feb 28 (Andalucia Day) from the balcony of the building on Plaza Socorro in the centre of Ronda.

The left wing politician was later executed by firing squad at the age of 51 in Sevilla, when dictator Franco seized power in 1936.

The three-storey building, built in 1821, has had various guises including a criminal court and later a cultural centre for artists.

The word ‘casino’ in this context was as a meeting point and not as a place to gamble.

A statue of Blas Infante can be found in the square outside.

BAD PUNT: Blas Infante (right and top left) was executed for declaring Andalucian independence

LAS BRISAS, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Ground floor elegance in gated community of Los Granados golf.

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 166m2 Built | 72m2 terrace

REF: 176-02639P | 1.100.000€

Grand apartment with a villa feel in the popular gated urbanization of Los Granados Golf directly front line golf to Royal Las Brisas, Nueva Andalucia. The ample reception room leads you the spacious living and dining room that leads you out onto the very large covered terrace with open garden views. From here you can walk straight out onto the communal gardens and beautiful pool area. There are 3 large bedroom suites that include a very generous master suite leading out onto the terrace.

LA CERQUILLA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Elegant bungalow for sale in an exclusive residential area.

5 Beds | 5 Baths | 2537m2 Built | 653m2 build

REF: 176-02231P | 5.950.000€

Located in the prestigious residential area of La Cerquilla in Nueva Andalucia, this exceptional south facing residence is nestled between world-class golf courses and within close proximity to the finest dining, shops and beaches! The property sits on a generously sized plot and occupies over 600m² of living space with a stunning wrap-around covered terrace which is ideal to spend outside all-year-round and with views overlooking the Los Naranjos golf course.

LOOKING FOR

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March 20th - April 2nd 2024

By Yzabelle Bostyn

ADUTCH couple have snapped up an entire village in the north of the country.

The village, 40 kilometres from Burgos, is in the heart of ‘abandoned Spain’.

Composed of 64 ‘mostly ruined’ houses, Barcena de Bureba has been empty for over 50 years.

Now, the couple hopes to revive the village, making it an ‘eco-town’ with both residential and tourist lodgings. The couple also want to launch sustainable farming initiatives.

La Bureba was put up for sale at €525,000 but eventually sold for €339,000.

The village spreads over six hectares and sits on the popular Camino de Santiago that brings tens of thousands of tourists to Spain each year. They have already applied for planning permission to start their first projects.

The surrounding countryside also has much to offer tourists, as well as the village’s Roman church (far left).

The ancient village of Barcena de Bureba comprises 64 properties

Scan

The real estate sector needs standards

ALOT has been written about the new housing law that was introduced at the beginning of 2023.

But not a lot has been written about national standards for real estate agencies and agents since the law came into effect.

Back in May of 2023, there was some noise about this subject, particularly from frustrated API representatives, a national real estate body providing training and certification for real estate agents across Spain.

But since then, aside from Valencia, there has been almost total silence about the regulation of the industry.

My view is that the industry must be better ordered as it now represents 12% of GDP, or €42 billion. There are between 25,000-30,000 real estate agencies employing probably 90,000 salespeople.

Back to the housing reform law.

The basic story is that early in the process of developing the new housing law; real estate industry representatives met with the government and provided them with briefs about what they wanted to see in any new law.

One of their main points was the need for national standards and regulations.

At that point, the only region in Spain with mandatory real estate agent licensing was Catalunya. Since then, Valencia has also introduced mandatory licensing and a public registry.

At first, the government seemed to be on board with the API. An early draft of the bill contained a clause which called for national registration.

But somewhere between cup and lip, things changed.

Industry reps were basically told that there

REGULATION NEEDED

would be no national standards set because they were ‘anti-competitive’. They were offered a non-mandatory registry.

The industry representatives refused because if the national law mandated a system of voluntary registration, it would contradict the mandatory registration law in Catalunya and the upcoming law in Valencia.

In the end, there was no clause, no regulation, nothing.

Currently, outside of the aforementioned regions, anyone can declare themselves a real estate agent in Spain, set up a web page from their bedroom and seek out clients.

You don’t need training, certification, liability insurance, or money in the bank. And voluntary registration and accreditation aren’t working.

Of course, there are many legitimate real estate agents out there. Many of us make extra efforts to regulate our industry and ensure the highest standards. For instance, my agency, Terra Meridiana, and I have been members of the Leading Property Agents of Spain association for over 15 years.

We group together 47 quality agencies in the Costa del Sol in order to ensure the highest standards. The LPA has also been involved in lobbying the Junta de Andalucía to set regulations and standards for the industry.

The Autonomous Communities tend to be very jealous of their jurisdictions and don’t want the national government stepping on their toes. For this reason, governments at the national level

tend to avoid stoking the fires of this debate.

However, with a little more courage, the government could have worked out a way to set basic but mandatory common standards that the regions could have refined to fit their own circumstances.

I personally would like to see the Catalunya model brought in, but with the requirements of salespeople being made employees of brokerages and not simply autonomous agents.

This helps ensure that an agency’s owners take responsibility for what their salespeople are doing.

It is no secret that the majority of agencies in Spain ‘employ’ autonomous agents on a full-time basis without the significant costs of a full-time employee.

Forcing agencies to bear the cost of employing

their staff would probably cull the number of agents by more than 50%; this would probably be the most effective regulation imaginable. In addition, real estate agencies should have physical offices, websites, a minimum cash amount permanently held in escrow against deposits, and industry-standard deposit contracts.

In the meantime, the LPA will continue to lobby in Andalucia for the government to create mandatory standards. And I’m sure that the API will do the same at the national level.

PROPERTY

MARBELLA, nestled along the stunning Costa del Sol, is one of Europe’s most renowned and luxurious cities.

Its allure stems from its golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, exquisite cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. Marbella seamlessly blends historic charm with modern extravagance, making it a hotspot for travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement.

The city’s pleasant climate makes outdoor living a way of life. This is where incorporating a Cape Reed gazebo to your home becomes not just a practical addition but a delightful enhancement to your everyday living.

A thatched gazebo serves as a stunning focal point in your garden, offering sustainable shade from the sun during the day and a cozy retreat in the evenings. Its architectural presence adds character to your outdoor landscape while providing a functional space for relaxation, entertainment, and al fresco dining.

As the leading contractor for thatched gazebo construction in Spain, Cape Reed is running a special promotion on residential structures for the month of March. When purchasing any of their gazebos during the promotion, you will receive a Hunter outdoor fan, completely FREE OF CHARGE Furthermore, they will also treat your thatched gazebo with Fireshield, a specially formulated fire-retardant coating, at no extra cost!

Enhance your outdoor lifestyle with sustainable Cape Reed shade and allow yourself to fully embrace the beauty and tranquillity of this Mediterranean paradise.

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March 20th - April 2nd 2024

TLaurence Dollimore

HIS is the best house in Spain for 2024, according to a respected design magazine.

Dezeen included the Balearic tiered gem in its five best international homes for sale around the world this year.

The three-bedroom holiday home by Nomo Studio is built on four levels and nestles on a hillside just outside Es Mercadal, in Menorca.

The exterior walls of Shift House are made of striated concrete, which help keep humidity at bay while remaining unfazed by the area’s strong salty winds.

The property offers stunning sea views and is designed to ‘maximise outdoor spaces’, according to Nomo Studio founder Karl Johan Nyqvist.

Meanwhile, a picture-perfect wrap-around terrace hides a tranquil swimming pool for those hot summer days.

And on the top floor, an impressive walk-around terrace offers 360 degree views of the sea.

The four other houses to make the list were in Denmark, Chile, the UK, and Canada.

DOUBLE PENTHOUSE, MONTE PARAÍSO Ref: OP14809

Built: 314 m² | Terraces: 102 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 3,325,000

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, LA CAPELLANÍA Ref: OP14224

Built: 610 m² | Plot: 3,861 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 2,950,000

Ref: OP14735

Built: 212 m² | Terraces: 65 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 1,295,000

BEACHSIDE VILLA, CORTIJO BLANCO

Ref: OP14611

Built: 365 m² | Plot: 1,000 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 3,300,000

DUPLEX PENTHOUSE, BAHÍA ALCÁNTARA Ref: OP14658

Built: 114 m² | Terraces: 146 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 2,200,000

Ref: OP14351

Built: 180 m² | Terraces: 20 m² | Beds: 2 | Price: € 775,000

Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 panorama.es

Offices at Puente Romano and opposite the Marbella Club hotel

LUXURIOUS FLAT, ALBATROSS HILL

GARDEN FLAT, LOMAS DE SIERRA BLANCA

REBIRTH OF THE CONVENT SAINT-FRANÇOIS

Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano, Corsica

Architects: Amelia Tavella Architects France

What the architects say:

“This building, built in 1480, listed as a historical monument, was partially in ruins and dormant. We had to rebuild it without separating from the vestiges of the past. We believe in higher and invisible forces. Housed at height, on its promontory, it was a defensive castle before being a place of prayer, of retreat, chosen by monks aware of the absolute beauty of the site. Faith rallies to the sublime. “

SPAIN has two incredible properties on the shortlist for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award for 2024. Handed out every two years by the European Commission and the Fundacio Mies van der Rohe, it recognises ‘excellence in contemporary design, sustainability, and innovation’.

The seven nominated projects come

The Olive Press brings you the seven finalists for the Mies van der Rohe architecture awards and what they have to say about their projects

from Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland, France and Norway. The winners will be announced on April 25 in Brussels, with awards handed out

at a ceremony on May 14 at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona. Here we take a look at the finalists and what they have to say about their projects…

FROM THE ARCHITECT’S

COLEGIO REGGIO

Madrid

Architects: Andres Jaque/Office for Political Innovation, Madrid

What the architects say:

“The design, construction and use of the Reggio School is intended to exceed the paradigm of sustainability to engage with ecology as an approach where environmental impact, more-than human alliances, material mobilisation, collective governance and pedagogies intersect through architecture.”

ARCHITECT’S MOUTH

STUDY PAVILION, TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF BRAUNSCHWEIG

Braunschweig, Germany

Architects: Gustav Düsing, Berlin, and Max Hacke, Berlin

What the architects say:

“The new build Study-Pavilion on the grounds of the Technical University of Braunschweig is an open space concept designed to accommodate various student activities. The concept follows the principle of a superstructure which allows the user to change and re-configure the layout of the building in order to meet the ever-changing requirements in a fast-developing campus. Through high flexibility in layout, the Pavilion becomes ephemeral and thus responsive, ensuring a long-lasting relevance as a new type of campus building.”

HAGE LUND Sweden

Architects: Brendeland & Kristoffersen, Norway

What the architects say:

“Hage is a public space that should both work as a shortterm space for public discussion, events and workshops, while also, in a long-term perspective, offer a meditative, beautiful urban space and garden at the heart of a new neighbourhood. Open to everyone, it is a response to the question of how to build a new community: start with social space.”

PROPERTY

PLATO CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY

Ostrava, Czech Republic

Architects: KWK Promes, Katowice, Poland

What the architects say:

“By saving a historic building and turning it into an art gallery, we have introduced a solution that makes art more democratic. By rotating the walls in an unusual way, it goes outside the building. We also transformed the space around the gallery, which had previously been contaminated, into a biodiverse park for the benefit of residents.”

ROCK SOLID

Detached Villa for Sale, Mijas – 750K 5

Terrace 120m2

Garden 1240m2

From page 26

THE TWO EMERGING FINALISTS

GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ LIBRARY

Barcelona

Architects: SUMA arquitectura, Madrid

What the architects say:

“The García Marquez is a pioneering and landmark library that culminates a three-decade plan to build these facilities in Barcelona. It sits in a tough working class neighbourhood that has lacked significant investment for years and desperately needed a ‘people's palace’.

310m2

The serious company that is more than simply an estate agency

CASA Costa Property based in central Fuengirola, minutes from the train station and Church Square, has recently opened. It is not ‘just an estate agency’ explains the owner, Stefan Mitchell.

He adds ‘we are a full-service agency, a one-stop shop from start to finish. We guide you through the buying and selling process but we also provide other services including legal advice, tax advice, keyholding, decoration, holiday rental services, maintenance and repairs, cleaning and general inspections’.

Key

SQUARE AND TOURIST OFFICE Piódão, Portugal

Architects: Branco del Rio, Coimbra, Portugal

New to the market, this super family home has exceptional indoor and outdoor living space in an excellent location with breathtaking views in Mijas. The property has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms on the upper level with a guest apartment below.

What the architects say:

This beautifully decorated home boasts a large living and dining room which includes a fully fitted kitchen leading to a delightful terrace on the middle floor. The pool and garden level offers a guest apartment with a bathroom.

“The only flat and open area of hilly Piódão is given back its dignity with this welcoming gathering place. What was previously a parking lot has been redesigned, paved, and partially shaded using traditional materials and techniques.”

The outdoor area has an outdoor kitchen and bar ideal for entertaining and also has the added bonus of a jacuzzi and pergola with covered seating.

Lisa Burgess, Agent at Casa Costa, further clarifies that ‘it is key to know the right trusted professionals on the coast working as a team to make the process as smooth as possible for our valued clientele’. She adds: “Stefan and I have both lived on the Costa Del Sol for a considerable time and we now have an excellent team in place to offer a high level of service.”

The pool area opens out to a flat garden and the plot could be further developed. This villa has much scope and potential.

FOR VIEWINGS PLEASE CALL

Casa Costa Property is, in the main, an English-speaking agency but works with diverse nationalities. Stefan comments that ‘the coast has a myriad of foreigners seeking their ideal place in the sun but our clients can be safe in the knowledge they will be looked after properly and with due diligence.”

Stefan Mitchell +34 666 448 456 or Lisa Burgess +34 634 0909 51 or email info@casacostaproperty.com

Please visit our website www.casacostaproperty.com

Please contact Stefan Mitchell at +34 666 448 456 or Lisa Burgess at +34 634 09 09 51 or email CASA COSTA PROPERTY on info@casacostaproperty.com or visit the website at www.casacostaproperty.com

EVERYONE’S A VIP

We speak to Warner Laurie, the Director of WL Costa properties based in Benalmádena, with 20 years of experience of buying and selling property on the Costa del Sol

QCan you update me on the Real estate market at this present time?

The Real estate market on the Costa del Sol is very good with so many nationalities buying into the lifestyle of over 320 sunshine days per year with the laid-back lifestyle and only a short flight from all European destinations. The Costa del Sol is the California of Europe.

Currently we see a trend of American buyers at a higher rate than previous years.

The Digital Nomads are also here in force, which is amazing to see, this reinforces how the working life and work life balance has changed post Covid-19.

QHow are the prices?

I specialize in the Benalmadena area where we have seen a big increase in the last couple of years, this is due to high demand and the short supply of properties coming on the market. With demand exceeding supply, property prices are being driven up.

When I go to a listing consultation, I have all the relevant sales information of the last properties sold and valuations in the area so that we can price the property competitively to the market and achieve a quick sale.

QWhy choose W & L Costa properties as your Real estate?

I pride myself on the service that I give to all my customers. I have tried to grow my business through a lot of referrals and testimonials from clients that I have helped in buying or selling their properties on the Costa del Sol. I also have my smart office in Benalmadena Costa, as I think it is good for people to see that my door is always open, and they can come and speak to me personally.

In addition, this year I launched the Costa Property Podcast which is all about ensuring people who have a dream of owning a home on the Costa Del Sol have the correct information. My website is a hub of free resources, you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter which delivers the latest news and market trends directly to your inbox each month.

You also have access to my value packed buyers and sellers’ guides which answers all FAQs from the perspective of the buyer and seller.

QDo you specialise in all types of property.

I cover all types. This year I have sold many properties from a €1.2 million villa to an €125,000 studio. I have also helped my clients out with rentals commercials and plots of land to build their dream home.

WL Costa Properties has some amazing stats for example, our current trend is that we sell 37 percent of our exclusive listings in seven days or less!

QYou say you provide everyone with a VIP service, can you explain that?

I get lots of inquiries every day from clients all over the world. I treat everyone the same. They get my undivided attention and can contact me anytime - as long as I am awake, I will answer the queries. I try to build relationships with my clients so that when they do come to buy or sell their property, they come back to me for advice.

You can get in touch with WL Costa Properties on +34 602 428 928 or visit the website www.wlcostaproperties.net

LIVE LIKE BILB

EVER dreamed of living in Hobbiton? Now you could with this adorable estate for sale in Andalucia.

For just €299,000, you could escape the ordinary and own your very own slice of Middle-Earth. Located an hour from Sevilla, the hobbit homes could easily be mistaken for Bilbo Baggin’s cosy dwellings.

Each of the seven properties, designed as holiday lets, will face a tranquil lake where visitors can chill out after a long day of sightseeing or rambling in the Tolkein-worthy countryside.

But there’s no need to take a dip as the estate set over 12 hectares of olive groves, also has its very own swimming pool.

As well as the projected homes, the property’s unique accommodation doesn’t stop there.

It also comes with rooms crea-

Hot and hotter

For sale: Adorable ‘Hobbit village’ project will make the perfect retreat for Lord of The Rings fans

By Yzabelle Bostyn

ted out of converted railway carriages.

Paying homage to the area’s industrial history, they are decorated with vintage pictures and still stand atop train tracks. The property also counts on its own large, two-storey house, which could be used as a social area, bar, restaurant or more accommodation.

is

Quooker, the success story, that is now taking Spain by storm

IT’S the must-have boiling water revolution coming to sophisticated kitchens around Spain.

THE STORY

But the story of the Quooker begins in 1970.

Henri Peteri was in London, at the multinational Unilever’s headquarters, when he had an inspiration that would change his life forever.

It was during a presentation about instant soup. It was shown how to dissolve soup in boiling water in just five seconds.

‘And that includes water that has to be left on the fire for five minutes?’ thought Peteri, ‘What madness!

Why don’t we have boiling water in the house?!”

The rest is history. Peteri went into the basement at home to develop a prototype of the world’s first boiling water tap. He sold it to friends and acquaintances, who were very enthusiastic.

When son Niels completed his studies and joined his father, the idea became a product.

In 1992, the first Quooker (‘quick cooker’) was introduced, the Quooker Basic.

From the moment son Walter joined the company, Quooker slowly but surely began to gain ground on the market.

From 2000 onwards, Quooker was doing well. The boiling water tap caught on in the Netherlands. In 2004, the first batch of Quookers was exported abroad.

NOWADAYS

Now: a popular product in the kitchen Quooker currently produces more than 350.000 Quookers per year and there are more than 10.000 dealers. Quooker now has branches in 16 countries including Spain and is the result of years of development, testing and technical innovation.

The Peteri brothers have always aimed for the most responsible, energy-efficient and high-quality product possible.

They now run an internationally successful company.

But, entirely in the spirit of their father, who died in 2007,

they continue to invent.

As Niels Peteri explains: “The fact that more and more people are embracing the Quooker as an indispensable tool in the modern kitchen is reflected in sales, which are increasing explosively. We are very proud of that. “However, leaning back is not an option. We want to keep innovating. We do this, among other things, by developing our own production resources, which enables us to come up with original solutions.’

In the future: indispensable worldwide

Quooker is about to conquer the rest of the world. Our ambition is to provide as many kitchens as possible with boiling water, in a smart and responsible way.

To this end, Quooker’s head office in the Netherlands works every day on new technical ideas and design solutions to make the products even more economical, even easier to use and even more beautiful.

We also think about new products, but we keep our focus on the tap and the sink.

HOW IT WORKS

The Quooker system consists of a boiling water-tap on the worktop linked to a small tank in the kitchen cabinet. The tank acts like a vacuum flask connected to the water mains.

The water in the Quooker tank is heated to a temperature of 108°C. The air in the insulated wall is so thin that the heat is unable to escape. It therefore takes very little energy (just 10 watts) to keep the water in the tank at 108°C. The water only starts to boil when the tap is turned on and the temperature of the outflowing water drops to 100°C. While the water is flowing out of the tap, fresh water immediately flows into the tank. A special active carbon filter inside the tank further purifies the water. Alongside the boiling water-tank Quooker also developed a system for chilled- and sparkling water: the Quooker CUBE. This is an extra tank that is installed next to the boiling water tank in your kitchen cabinet.

More information about Quooker can be found at www.quooker.es

LORD IT: In this soon-to-be created Hobbit valley in the heart of Andalucia

Feels like home

Hola Quooker!

Quooker has arrived in Spain. You can now benefit from official technical service and local warranty. Visit www.quooker.es to know more or to find a dealer near you! With a Quooker in your kitchen you always have 100 °C boiling water alongside regular hot and cold. Add a CUBE and you will also have filtered chilled and sparkling water – all from the same tap. The tap that does it all.

info@quooker.es

NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE

Fornalutx, Mallorca

Albarracin, Teruel

Often dubbed the ‘most beautiful village in Spain’, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the red sandstone facades of Albarracin are purely aesthetic.

In fact, the stunning building material was sourced from nearby quarries for its waterproof and insulating qualities.

“The organic material also changes colour over time due to the impact of light,” according to Ignacio Vleming, author of urban architecture book, Fisura.

He also described the Medieval and Moorish icon as the ‘summary of much of the popular constructive forms of Spain’.

This tiny village in the north of the Balearic island may have the most unusual roof tiles in Spain.

Set in the Serra de Tramuntana, stone-clad houses in winding streets are adorned with intricately crafted ceramic tiles, some of which date back to the 16th century.

Professor of Art History at Madrid’s UNED, Antonio

Perla, said the the objects are ‘painted with scenes, images, symbols, prayers and dates’. The mostly red tiles reflect the history of Fornalutx, including its loves, fears and even the weather.

WE’VE all read about the purported beauty of Spain’s pueblos blancos. Andalucia in particular is awash with these glistening, white villages, often extolled in publications like Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet. Perched on top of hills and nestled in mountain valleys, they are one of the hallmarks of property and travel wri-

Guadix, Granada

The ‘cave houses’ of this townwhich number about 2,000 - are its most remarkable feature. These underground living spaces have been chosen by Andalucians since the 15th century, although these days, many are fitted out with full kitchens and even WiFi. Architect Roberto Benito described them as: “A natural insulator that causes the temperature inside to range between 18ºC and 20ºC all year. “The silence and tranquility on the insides, which are also whitewashed to replace the lack of natural light in the deepest rooms, mean these types of homes are still being built today.”

Architects think these are the most beautiful villages in Spain

ting, along with Moorish ruins, winding cobbled streets and Game of Thrones castles. But there is so much more to Spanish architecture than picture-postcard villages.

From rooftop hieroglyphs to 500-yearold air conditioning, we round up Spain’s most beautiful villages, from the perspectives of top architects. And yes, there is a whitewashed pueblo or two on the list...

Garganta la Olla, Extremadura

This historical village boasts traditional architecture of stone, adobe and wood and is packed with winding paths.

Architect Javier Pena Ibanez recently described how the timber-supported walls of houses in Garganta la Olla were originally designed to sleep animals on the floor with humans above, so they could harness their heat.

The architect and head of architecture festival Concentrico said the town is the ‘locality of the Extremadura region that best reflects the traditional constructive characteristics of the area’.

The stunning masonry however is not entirely practical, as some buildings in the town are fragile and lean on one another for support.

“These set of homes come complete with towers, ditch systems and water mills, and reflect a traditional lifestyle from the garden of Murcia,” Architect Sanchez Llorens recently said of Medieval town of Alcantarilla. Original Moorish settlers channeled the Segura River, using the water for gardening and thus growing the mulberry in the 16th century so they were able to feed silkworms, adding Murcia to the silk road.

“That new source of wealth is reflected in its wooden structures,” added Sanchez Llorens, “which would have been expensive at the time.”

Alcantarilla, Murcia

PROPERTY

Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz

“Vejer is another white town where the mixture of lime, water and sand applied annually to the walls of its houses is a perfect measure against heat,” explained urban architect Almudena de Benito.

“The walls of this colour reflect solar radiation meaning lower thermal absorption and, consequently, cooler interiors.”

Bougainvillea bushes creeping up walls and around doorways also help fend off the searing temperatures to hit this walled hilltop village.

Outside the battlements sit swathes of orchards and orange groves, while inside, is a myriad of quaint cobbled streets, packed closely together.

Campo de Criptana, Castilla-La Mancha

It wouldn’t be travel writing without invoking a bit of Don Quixote.

The windmills of Campo de Criptana are those which allegedly inspired Miguel de Cervantes to pen his seminal work back in 1605.

Quixote famously loses his mind and fights the cereal mills, the 16th century architecture of which, is still preserved today.

“The route of the windmills can help us to visit landscapes in which, as in the desert, on the coast or other homogeneous environments, certain architectures allow us to have geolocation references and at the same time participate in a collective imagination,” said Sanchez Llorens.

Arcos de la Frontera, Cadiz

What you may not know about this town is that its whitewashed houses are ‘organised around courtyards to regulate temperature’. “It has a clear Arab influence

but at the same time is a reflection of the rich mixing of cultures that made us who we are,” said architect and teacher at Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid, Mara San-

chez Llorens. She also claims that the organisation of gardens and buildings in Arcos de la Frontera even inspired Mexican architect Luis Barragan.

El Gasco, Extremadura

The stonepile homes of Las Hurdes are almost the antithesis to the heat-stopping measures of Andalucia’s pueblos blancos. These stacked slate structures are purpose-built to conserve heat, rather than reflect it, as in southern Spain.

For Sanchez Llorens, the village of El Gasgo, which was the site of a meteorite impact a million years ago, is the most emblematic of this cool architectural style.

“It is interesting to assess how these popular architectures also need a certain technique to be habitable,” she added.

Viniegra de Arriba, La Rioja

Streets don’t get more cobbled than these.

Architect Pena Ibanez said this minute village of just 50 people is among Spain’s most beautiful because of the ‘conservation and maintenance of its popular architecture’. “One of the most unique features is that its streets retain the old cobblestone. This urban event emanates from the whole town, which has stone houses from the 17th century.”

EXPERIENCED AND TRUSTWORTHY

JM Constructions explain why they are the people to see if you want to build your own home

EVER wanted to build the house of your dreams but haven’t a clue about where to start or how to go about it ? Well to begin with you need an experienced and trustworthy company - a company exactly like JM Constructions JM Constructions and Reforms have been operating in Spain for over 30 years serving the community on the Costa del Sol, and know absolutely everything you need to know about the building trade. Which means that they can handle every aspect of any works from the initial conversation, to dealing with licenses and permissions, sourcing materials, and construc-

ting the works right up until completion.

That could mean anything from constructing a new build villa or out building, to doing reforms on kitchens and bathrooms or building retaining walls or a swimming pool. No job is too big or too small, as JM’s proprietor Jaime told the Olive Press: “We can do it all to turn your dream house into a reality, from assisting with land acquisition to hiring an architect to produce your ideal design.

“We handle every single stage personally, which includes dealing with all the documentation pertaining to planning permissions, or whatever your chosen property needs to ensure that the build is constructed to a high and fully legal standard.

“Embarking on a self build can, for most people, be an extremely daunting prospect, but by choosing JM Constructions for your project, you are guaranteed a smooth and stress free process from start to finish.”

JM Constructions are also more than happy for potential clients to visit some of their completed works to inspect the quality of their builds first hand.

They have recently completed a large project in Casares, a villa that is now on the market for €1.1 Million, with the next smaller build being an 80 sqm finca, and another villa of 400 sqm already lined up.

With a strong work ethic and a desire to please clients it’s clear to see why JM Constructions have lasted so long and done so well on the Costa del Sol.

So whether you are looking for stone walls, damp elimination, internal walls, a roof or even a water deposit, just pick up the phone to give Jaime a call, and he’ll find a solution to suit both you and your budget.

Please contact Jaime at +34 630 344 897, email on info@casaresliving.com or visit the website www.casaresliving.com

SUSTAINABILITY DELUXE

An impressive new suite of luxury villas built with environmental harmony and sustainability are coming to Marbella’s most exclusive area

WORK will soon be completed on a collection of jaw-dropping villas that put sustainability front and centre in a new era of environmental hazards that Andalucia faces.

Vista Lago Residences, developed by BRIGHT in the exclusive Real de la Quinta area of Marbella, will boast cutting edge design features with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental preservation.

The project, which is set to open its first villas in 2025, claimed the Best Residential Development in the World award at the International Property Awards in 2022 - so it’s little surprise that 60% have already been reserved.

The villas employ advanced techniques for recycling greywater and rainwater, significantly reducing freshwater consumption.

The development’s irrigation system, equipped with soil moisture sensors, ensures gardens are watered just as much as is needed.

Each villa boasts a photovoltaic installation, providing a substantial portion of the home’s energy needs, supported by an aerothermal heat recovery system for efficient heating and cooling.

The architects have strived to ensure that each villa achieves an A-A energy rating, incorporating increased insulation and reduced thermal bridging to minimise energy loss.

The design of Vista Lago villas maximises the use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and all lighting fixtures are energy-efficient LEDs.

The thoughtful design extends to outdoor and communal lighting, which is carefully planned to avoid disturbing the local wildlife.

Situated in an idyllic setting with stunning views, these villas offer a lifestyle that’s both high-class and in tune with nature’s principles, making Vista Lago the epitome of sustainable luxury living on the Costa del Sol.

For more information, please contact BRIGHT on +34 682 10 50 02; by email to info@by-bright.com or by visiting the website at www.by-bright.com

Best life bar none

By Yzabelle Bostyn

AN intrepid family has moved to a tiny village in Toledo after being offered free accommodation in exchange for running the only bar in town.

The young Spanish family beat out thousands of other hopefuls from around the world to take up the deal in medieval Hortanar, which has just 145 inhabitants. Those interested had to be self-employed, agree to offer a daily budget menu del dia and ideally move to the village with their family.

Diego Moreno has now moved in with his wife, two children and dad, who frequently helps out in the kitchen.

He jumped at the ‘great business opportunity’ in the village, surrounded by natural beauty, including the Parque

Nacional de Cabañeros.

“It’s important to repopulate the village,” he said. “And a real privilege to live here.”

CELEBRATED: Hortanar is known for its ancient prehistory

Detached Villa for Sale, Mijas – 750K

New

The

This beautifully decorated home boasts a large living and dining room which includes a fully fitted kitchen leading to a delightful terrace on the middle floor. The pool and garden level offers a guest apartment with a bathroom.

The outdoor area has an outdoor kitchen and bar ideal for entertaining and also has the added bonus of a jacuzzi and pergola with covered seating.

The pool area opens out to a flat garden and the plot could be further developed. This villa has much scope and potential.

Stefan Mitchell

The council also agreed to pay half of the electricity, water and heating and helped renovate the building.

Everyday, the bar serves around 35-40 local people who are ‘very happy’ to have the bar back. “It was empty for six months and it was a very bad time,” said one resident.

“Nobody socialised because there was nowhere to meet up, but Diego is a professional, we love him,” he added. The menu del dia is a purse friend-

ly €13, but for retired people, it is half price at just €6.50. The bar also has a shop ‘for the forgotten’, selling local products and pantry essentials.

Above the bar, Diego and his family have free accommodation, with beautiful mountain views.

INTREPID: Diego and his family (below)

PROPERTY

Bang bang and you’re out

Kate Middleton’s uncle swaps Ibiza villa for the Big Brother Housevery temporarily

THE Princess of Wales Kate Middleton’s uncle has swapped his luxury Ibiza villa for the Big Brother House as he starred in the celebrity edition.

The ‘black sheep’ of the family, Gary Goldsmith, entered the reality TV show on March 4.

However, the 58-year-old was evicted just four days later.

He can now recover from the indignity at his €7.6 million villa near Cala Jondal beach.

It is nicknamed ‘La Maison de Bang Bang’, after his favourite house music.

The four hectare property, which has played host to Kate and Prince William, rents out for up to €25,000 a week.

The ‘party pad’ is kitted out with a jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor gym, tennis court and even a DJ booth.

Despite the party vibes, the decoration is a ‘rustic’ take on the island's style.

There is also plenty to do for royal grandsons George, Louis and Charlotte, with a

By Yzabelle Bostyn

pool table, table tennis and a Space Invaders machine.

Gary, the younger brother of Kate’s mum, Carole, bought the property in 2006 for €4.2 million without even viewing it. After making the deal, he employed a top interior designer to decorate the villa.

He said at the time: “I just said to the designer: 'Here's 20 things I like, just knock yourself out. I didn't expect him to bring cranes to hoist two massive Buddhas."

Gary made his fortune with the IT recruitment firm Computer Futures.

He has expensive tastes owning a boat and various flashy cars.

Goldsmith has previously brought shame on the royals after he admitted to assaulting his wife during an argument in 2017.

Pets solution

Keep pets at home when you’re on holiday - find FREE checked petsitters through HouseSit Match

LUNA is a young nervous Cockerpoo who doesn’t do so well in kennels. She is better off at home with sitters.

Lucy her owner always chooses pet sitters to care for her in her own living space to minimise separation anxiety and keep her as relaxed as possible in her own home, near her bed and toys to ensure she stays healthy and happy.

When you know the sitters are checked and come from HouseSitMatch you know we have your back.

What is more, they wont charge you a cent! Our house and pet sitting works as an exchange of services. You offer free accommodation and the petsitters housesit for Free! You review each other at the end.

If you’re travelling in 2024 join our network now to find sitters, sooner rather than later. Get organised today! All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care.

Next steps:

1. Register as a Homeowner on www.HouseSitMatch.com

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

HouseSit Match can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. Housesitters see your advert, respond, and you choose the sitter of your choice.

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Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. Housesitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the housesitters get free accommodation!

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Register as either housesitter or homeowner and get a 25% discount - Use coupon code OLIVE25 at www.Housesitmatch.com

VILLA,

BENAHAVÍS – R4407832 – 1,200,000€

This stunning villa is in one of the best plots in village being a short walk to all amenities but benefiting from its quiet position with all-day sun and stunning views of the mountains and gorge from every room. This home is fully refurbished and benefits from being laid out over one level.

As you enter the property, there is a spacious and bright open-plan living room, dining area and kitchen all with breathtaking views of the mountain. Leading off the main living room, there is an enclosed sun room providing an additional living and dining area facing the mountains and pool. The modern fully fitted open-plan kitchen has the benefit of a separate laundry room.

There are 3 bedrooms, the master having a full-size walk-in dressing room and an ensuite with a walk-in shower and bath. An additional bathroom includes a full-size shower.

This property represents great value due to its location, privacy, low maintenance costs and the space for development opportunities which includes an option once the new urbanistic plan is approved. A second home could be built and segregating the plot there will be the option of selling the second property or using it as a rental income.

BED: 3 | BATH: 2 | BUILT SIZE: 170 M2 |

PRIVATE GARAGE | GARDEN/PLOT: 2162 M2 | PRIVATE POOL

Vista Lago is located in the 200-hectare country club estate of Real de La Quinta, surrounded by magnificent countryside, just 15 minutes from Marbella. Each award-winning villa has breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar and the African coastline beyond.