Olive Press Property Magazine May 2024 issue 445

www.theolivepress.es

The Olive Press visits this year’s EU Mies award winner, p 16

Designer digs

ITALIAN fashion gurus Dolce & Gabbana are pushing ahead with their appropriately named project, Marbella Design Hills.

The stunning Golden Mile project has already reportedly seen advancesales of over €250 million. Images of what the finished development will look like have finally been released.

It is the brand’s first project of its kind in Europe and will count on properties that have between 280 and 900 square metres of space.

Each property has up to five bedrooms, and exclusive furnishings created by the brand.

Surrounded by gardens as well as infinity pools, resi-

DESIGN WINNER

Exclusive first peek at amazing Dolce & Gabbana homes in Marbella

dents will also enjoy padel tennis courts, a gym area, and a covered astroturf five-a-side football pitch, as well as their own spa.

Work has already begun and is expected to be completed by 2026. The pilot home, meanwhile, should be ready by 2025.

“We want homeowners to be certain that their purchase does not end with the delivery of their future home,” said Carlos Rodriguez, the boss of Sierra Blanca Estates, which has partnered exclusively with the fashion brand.

“This is much more. We're talking about experiential access to an iconic fashion brand in a way that no other outsider could ever have achieved before.”

GOOD TIME TO BUY

VERY high demand and low supply. That’s the current situation in Spain’s property market, according to experts, and as such a good time to buy. In coastal regions, particularly in Andalucia, prices continue to soar. And there is no sign of them stopping.

‘If it fits with your plans right now, it’s the time to buy,’ the group concluded in a round table discussion with property portal Idealista.

By Alex Trelinski

Their thinking is that, given the low supply in the market right now, if an opportunity appears, buyers should not let it slip through their fingers.

“We are seeing high levels

of buying activity in the first quarter of this year, and at the same time, the launch of new residential projects on a national level,” Carlos de Almeida, sales director at leading property firm CBRE explained. “All of this means that demand continues to be very high.”

In terms of demand, a key figure at leading UK agency Savills, pointed out exactly how high it remains.

“We are surprised by the strength of demand, it is above what we initially expected,” insisted Pelayo Barroso, national manager at Savills Research. Meanwhile, Lawyer at the

API estate agents, Carles Sala, pointed to prices as well.

“Prices are not growing with the intensity that they have done in recent years,” he said.

“So a fall in prices is not going to happen, meaning that while it is not the best moment, there is nothing to indicate that over the next year prices will be any better,” he added.

As for mortgage interest rates, these are not likely to fall anytime soon.

“Any reduction will likely be gradual,” said Ricardo Sousa, from US giant Century 21 Spain. The forecast is that mortgage rates will hover around 2.5% for some time.

“As such, if a buyer finds a property that meets their requirements and it is within their budget, it would be prudent to buy now rather than wait for the market conditions to improve,” added Sousa.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

THE Spanish housing market returned to growth in the first quarter of the year (Q1) and delivered the second-best level of sales in more than 15 years, according to the latest data from the Spanish notaries’ association.

The numbers show there were 159,324 home sales witnessed by notaries in Q1, a fractional increase of 0.2% on the same period last year, but second only in sales volume to the post-pandemic boom year of 2022, when pent-up demand from lockdown pushed sales to the highest level since 2007.

The return to growth in Q1 comes after five consecutive quarters of annualised declines, with the whole of 2023 in negative territory in annualised terms.

But that was more a function of the extraordinary sales boom in 2022 than a reflection of weak demand in 2023. By the standards of almost any other year, 2023 was an excellent year for the Spanish property market, and 2024

Mark Stucklin

Strong start for Spanish housing market in 2024

has got off to a good start.

So it looks like buyers have stepped up since the pandemic and helped the market find a new equilibrium significantly higher than it was before Covid.

With Q1 sales 13% higher than the same period in 2019, the coronavirus turned out to be a tonic for the Spanish housing market.

ON THE UP

We will have to wait a few months for notary numbers to see how much support came from foreign demand. Last year the number of foreign buyers was the second-highest on record but data from other sources suggest international demand is cooling down this year, though still 30% above the 10-year average.

Looking at the regions of most interest to foreign investors, sales increased by 6% in Murcia and by 1% in the Valencian Community, but declined by 1% in Catalonia and Madrid, 2.5% in Andalucia, 4.5% in the Balearics, and 11%

in the Canaries - the only region where the downward trend accelerated.

Turning to house prices in Q1, the national average of sales according to the notaries was 1,698 €/sqm, an increase of 5% on the same period last year, and 35% up in a decade (in nominal terms). Prices increased more than 12% in Murcia and the Balearics, but declined by 3% in Catalunya. Compared to other European housing markets for which data is available from Eurostat (the EU’s statistics office) Spain has been outperforming the neighbourhood in recent quarters, thou-

STEADY: Second best start to the year for over 15 years

gh data for Q1 is not yet available. Spain had the highest level of quarterly sales growth in Q4 of last year (+15%), compared to a 14% decline in France.

The overall picture presented by the notary figures is one of strong but steady home sales and prices that should reassure investors, especially when compared to the less favourable numbers coming from other European markets. However, you never know what shock might be around the next corner.

Mark Stücklin runs Spanish Property Insight and writes reports on the housing market in Spain.

BRITISH expats have vented their anger after an activist group demanded ‘a list of foreign residents’ who live in the area in an attempt to slow down tourism.

They dubbed the move in Girona, Catalunya, as ‘fascist’ and an example of ‘far right nationalism’.

One told the Olive Press it was ‘populism taking a hold even in traditionally left-leaning liberal areas’.

The demand was made by the ‘Platform for the reduction of tourists in Girona’, which wants less visitors staying in the mediaeval walled city, northeast of Barcelona.

As part of their manifesto, the group are calling on Girona town hall to create a census of foreign residents.

Its spokesperson, Jordi Mateu, described them as ‘alien’ to local culture and the neighbourhoods they live in.

“Tourism erodes resources and territory, exacerbating the climate crisis and destroying local cultures, faced above all with contempt for language,” he said.

The group also demanded an increase in the number of patrols searching for illegal tourist apartments.

Known as the ‘City of the Four Rivers’, Girona is popular among visitors for its historic quarter dominated by mediaeval buildings and Roman, Arab and Hebrew influences.

In 2022, over 8.4 million tourists visited, generating 26.4 million overnight stays.

29thDecember 12th 2023

PAY TO STAY?

ANDALUCIA’S inland cities are at loggerheads with their coastal neighbours over introducing a tourist tax.

The mayors of Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba support the levy to fight ‘overtourism’, while resorts, including Marbella and Estepona, fear it could scare away business.

Meanwhile, dozens of smaller towns have complained they feel sidelined in a debate predominantly focusing on how to increase revenue.

Tourist tax legislation which proposes a levy of between €1 and €5 a night depending on the stars of a hotel has been stalled since December.

Discussions on the proposal continue between the Junta, local business groups and the Andalucian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP).

A Junta spokesman insisted the plan was ‘not about frying people with taxes’, adding it is better to reach a ‘good solution than a quick one.’

Despite previous opposition to the tax, the Junta now sees it as a viable option.

The discussion aims to balance the economic benefits brought by tourism with the strain it puts on local infrastructure and services.

In come the big spenders!

SPAIN’S capital is now among the world’s top hotspots for the super-rich. Madrid has emerged as the fourth most popular destination for high net-worth individuals to purchase a home, according to leading French agency Barnes International.

The agency, which has 1,300 staff worldwide, also puts Barcelona and Malaga in its top 50 locations but well below Madrid.

According to the company’s Global Property Handbook, which breaks down where the rich are seeking to invest, Dubai came top last year.

The country knocked Paris off the number-one spot, with the French capital now in fifth place, while Miami and New York come in second and third.

Barcelona scrapes into the top 20 at 19th, while Malaga comes in at 47.

The report draws on a number of

factors, including climate, safety and infrastructure.

It predicts that Madrid will stay in the top five for the coming years, given a spike in interest among Europeans to invest there Thousands of Latin Americans, who already live and rent in the city, are also looking to buy.

The report also points to the ‘excellent investment opportunities’ in Barcelona and Malaga, as well as their ‘Mediterranean lifestyle’.

It claims the Spanish coastline holds a lot of allure for clients from the US and, in particular, those from California.

JOINING THE CLUB

SHE’S been moseying down to Marbella every summer for years. So it seems appropriate that Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria should finally move into the resort.

She is set to move into a luxury villa after upping sticks and abandoning her Hollywood lifestyle. LA-based Longoria, 49, and her husband, Mexican businessman Jose Baston, 56, are moving in

Inside Eva Longoria’sluxury villa in Marbella

By Ben Pawlowski

with their five-year-old son, Santiago.

The couple revealed they are moving to avoid their child from get-

“Finally, in early 2023, this house came on the market. It needed refurbishing, but it had just the size and location I was after”.

Longoria is well-acquainted with the area, having hosted the glamorous galas of the Global Gift Foundation of which she is an honorary president, for ting ‘sucked into the Hollywood cycle’. The lavish pad, which they bought last year, counts on six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a swimming pool, a cinema, sauna and gym. “I have been looking for a place in Marbella for the past five years,” she told Hello magazine. “I visited a few places but nothing was quite what I wanted.

La Sala expands

IT is easily Marbella’s most famous

years.

“I don’t have a schedule. My days are full of activities - padel tennis, the beach, lunch, drinks, socialising…in fact, they’re full to the brim, but with things I really enjoy”.

In terms of essentials, Eva said she ‘wanted a garden for my son to play in, and a swimming pool because he is always swimming’, ‘lots of bedrooms’ and ‘of course, a big kitchen’.

She added that she also loves her ‘amazing’ dressing room which is home to ‘loads of space’.

The popular and award-winning actress is best known for appear-

La Sala Homes managing director Justin Boland told the Olive Press: “It was a no brainer really, with our database and the location.”

A partner in the new business, he added: “I’m very excited to be involved in the launch and getting to meet so many interesting people.”

The

and next to a brand new Clubhouse sports bar set to open imminently.

Boland, 47, previously worked for years at Engel & Volkers, in Marbella, and has set up property businesses in other parts of Europe, including Bulgaria. He grew up in Spain, the son of well known local celebrity Maurice Boland, who has been working at rival agency Bromley Estates for a decade.

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restaurant.

To foreigners at least.

Now the La Sala restaurant empire has expanded into property after launching its own real estate business.

La Sala Homes launched last month with a who’s who of Marbella pres ent, including the mayor Angeles Muñoz.

office sits below the main restaurant

ing on our screens in Desperate Housewives as Gabrielle Solis, a wealthy Latina living on exclusive Wisteria Lane.

She also has Spanish citizenship and, in 2022, was given the honorary title ‘Dame’ due to her family roots which trace back to Oviedo.

DESPERATE TO ESCAPE: Eva and Jose want their son to avoid ‘getting sucked into Hollywood’

SHOWING OFF: Video Eva posted on social media

VIPS: Maurice Boland and mayor Muñoz

BIG CHEESES: La Sala boss Ian Radford with Justin Boland and Mayor Muñoz

LAUNCH: Over 200 guests enjoyed the bash

29thDecember 12th 2023

GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ LIBRARY

STUDYING and reading are the winning themes in this year’s prestigious architecture awards.

The two main prizes in the EU Mies award (formerly the Mies van der Rohe award) went to a university study facility in Germany and a city library in Spain.

The Study Pavilion at the Technical University of Braunschweig is ‘joyous’ as the Olive Press discovered on a visit this month (see overleaf).

Featuring slender steel beams, wooden ribbed decks and glass facades, it emphasises sustainability and reusability.

The clever use of materials allows for different configurations, which can be changed for various student activities and events.

Designed by Gustav Düsing, 30 and Max Hacke, 28, the judges praised how it ‘promotes social exchange and interdisciplinary knowledge between students and teachers alike’.

The building was chosen from a list of

By Dilip Kuner

40 finalists around Europe with the judges also liking the rigour and precision of the project, which came in under its budget of €5.2 million.

Awarding the €60,000 prize they added the building had ‘a clear architectural idea, scrutinised it and pushed it to the limit’.

The Emerging Architecture Prize (also part of the EU Mies award, the EU’s biennial prize for contemporary architecture) meanwhile, was handed to the Gabriel García Márquez Library in Barcelona.

University campus and Barcelona library are winning designs at Europe’s top architect awards

The library's structure integrates laminated and cross-laminated timber with steel, and the interior spaces are organised around a central triangular courtyard. This design not only provides a welcoming environment for library users but also pays homage to the architectural traditions of Barcelona's Eixample district.

Judges said that both projects reflect the principles of the ‘New European Bauhaus’, emphasising the integration of green transition concepts into everyday living spaces.

The award ceremony took place at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona, which was designed by Geman arichitecture legend Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona.

Originally dismantled after the exposition, it was rebuilt according to the original plans in 1986 and inspired the creation of the biennial awards ceremony two years later.

EMERGING STARS: The Spanish SUMA studio won second prize for its library, praised for its ‘welcoming environment’ and style

OLIVE PRESS VISITS EU MIES WINNER

IT SAYS IT ON THE TIN!

IT’S rare to come across a building that feels so completely right. In terms of functionality and form, the Study House, at Braunschweig’s Technical University, ticked so many boxes for me.

Set alongside the city’s river, it emerges suddenly from a copse of trees, which almost mask its ingenious intentions. Fundamentally a large glass box, as you look closer you realise its two floors are being brilliantly utilised.

The architects and their commissioners couldn’t have dreamed of seeing their building being better used…on both levels and from every available space. It was as if they had paid the 100 or more students to set up their laptops and throw their books, notepads and

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

By Jon Clarke in Braunschweig

own, some in groups, they were clearly finding it of use. A few chatted quietly, while most were deep in thought getting on with their studies, with a quiet hubbub in the back ground. Those that needed total silence climbed out onto the dozen or so balco nies, or at desks on the ground level, outside. The overall feeling was one of peace and sustainability, particularly with nature enveloping the building at every opportunity. I spoke to a few of the students and discovered them extremely happy with the pavilion, which has also won prizes locally in Germany.

space to work and hopefully I’ll do well enough to get in to study here in September,” she explained. Now

The German design double act of Dusing and Hacke, who trained in London, were inspired by toy sets from Everything is bolted or screwed together, rather than welded or glued and the frame is made of 10cm wide hollow steel sections which contain all the wiring, lighting and sockets, as well as rainwater guttering.

Staircases inside and out create drama and interesting lines. “It’s a bit like nesting,” explained Dusing

One girl, just 18, told me she was not even attending the university and had her final school exams coming up in the next few weeks.

“It is a really inspiring

The first floor is designed to be a ‘series of islands’ connected by bridges, creating separate study zones, some open plan overlooking the action below, while others are withdrawn and more intimate.

The desks around the edge feel almost suspended in the trees and are inspirational in the extreme.

The staircases inside and out create drama and interesting lines. “It’s a bit like nesting,” explained Dusing. “Students can come in and find their spot.”

There is no front or back, but nine equal entrances around the 1,000 square metre structure, making it feel like an open hub, accessible from all directions, even from the footpath along the nearby river, from where I entered. It is also more than welcoming to members of the public, too, as long as they are quiet, while some students have adapted the structure in certain ways, with one stringing up a hammock.

“It should feel like an extension of the living room,” explains Hacke, clearly

delighted. “They come here to eat and play cards, as well as work.”

The judges ruled the Study House was ‘more than a building’, a ‘versatile system, merging technological inventions with flexible and reusable principles’. I wouldn’t change a thing if this is how the end users feel about it. A real joy!

JOYOUS: Every available space is being used, while one youngster (above) isn’t even studying at the university yet!

Photos by: Jon Clarke

ON YOUR GUARD

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Rental nightmare

AveragetenantspendsalmostHALF theirsalaryonrent-withHUGE differencescertainprovinces

RENTING is becoming untenable in some parts of Spain as it eats up an increasingly large proportion of average salaries.

Tenants spent an average of 43% of their salary on rent in 2023, the highest percentage in the last five years, but the figures belie huge regional disparities. The most desirable provinces of Spain devour almost two thirds of take-home pay, with Barcelona leading the way at a barely-believable 65%.

This is accord ing to a study looking at av erage salaries on portal Infojobs and the average rental price for an average 80-metre-square home on Fotocasa.

By Walter Finch

hind, handing over 63% and 62% of their salaries respectively.

Punters meanwhile in Malaga wave goodbye to almost half of their earnings (49%) each month for a roof over their head.

Renters in the Balearics and Madrid follow closely be-

Rentals increased by an average of 5.7% to €11.66 per square metre per month last year. Meanwhile, the average salary hardly changed at €26,245 (or €2,187 per month).

The top ten most expensive provinces to rent include Guipúzcoa (60%), Vizcaya (52%), Valencia (50%); Malaga (49%) and Girona (48%).

The cheapest places in comparison to earnings are Ciudad Real (19%); Jaen (21%) and Caceres (21%).

In Malaga, rent is €13.92 per square metre per month, while the gross salary is €27,418 per year (€2,285 per month).

The annual cost of rent, according to Fotocasa, is €13,363.

This is a historical high, claims the website, and well above the 30% target set by rental control bodies.

"It is more than ten points

above ten years ago, so inaccessibility has skyrocketed,” a Fotocasa spokesperson said.

“With the exception of just two communities, rental costs are at harmful levels across Spain.”

InfoJobs, which published 2.5 million vacancies in 2023, has blamed the rebound on inflation - especially in 2022 on ‘reducing purchasing power and it continues to mark the living conditions of workers’.

See Demand and desperation, page 6

STUNNING MANSION, CASCADA DE CAMOJÁN Ref: OP13154

BEACHSIDE VILLA, CORTIJO BLANCO Ref: OP14611 Built: 365 m² | Plot: 1,000 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 3,300,000

GOLDEN

VILLA Ref: OP13650

212 m² | Plot: 1,000 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 2,700,000

LUXURY APARTMENT, MARINA PUENTE ROMANO Ref: OP14482

CASA SHALIMAR, LA CAPELLANÍA Ref: OP14224 Built: 610 m² | Plot: 3,861 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 2,950,000

CORNER APARTMENT, LOMAS DE SIERRA BLANCA Ref: OP14735

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

MARBELLA

MILE

COOL! KEEP

With summer around the corner, the Olive Press picks 10 of Spain’s coolest coastal hotels

Cortijo Boutique Siete Calas, Rodalquilar

Want to mix a stunning hidden, rural getaway with your beach holiday? Look no further.

The name Seven Coves (siete calas) is the clue, with no less than seven great spots to take a dip nearby.

Based in the heart of the Cabo de Gata Natural park, the ancient cortijo farmhouse has seven luxurious rooms with all

the amazing mod cons you expect from a boutique hotel. You are surrounded by Almeria’s breathtaking landscape and look down to Playa del Playazo beach. The hotel offers bikes and paddleboards for the adventurous and you can book homemade meals back at base. www.cortijosietecalas.com

THE Spanish coastline stretches for around 5,000 kilometres and, naturally, has its fair share of places to stay.

So finding somewhere new and stylish is something of a battle.

But tucked away in Valencia, and even Andalucia, are a huge range of hip

spots to track down, places little known to the hordes.

Some are well off the beaten track, while others are simply new, or little written about.

In any case, here we pick out ten ‘cool coastal hotels’ from around the country.

Madreselva serves as a true oasis, right in the heart of buzzing Canos de Meca. Literally oozing laid back charm, the watchwords here are peace and simplicity. While you can literally throw a tennis ball onto one of Andalucia’s nicest beaches, its amazing leafy courtyard and refreshing swimming pool, allow you to easily escape. Breakfasts are superb and the staff couldn’t get more smiley.

www.califavejer.com/en/hotel-madreselva

Hotel Madreselva, Canos de Meca, Cadiz

Punta Sur, Tarifa

Few places have such a privileged position surrounded by unspoilt coastal dunes and soaring protected mountains.

In fact, it is almost unheard of in southern Spain, where overdevelopment has been a continual spectre for decades.

Here you are surrounded by space, a huge pool area, tennis court and a decent restaurant, with an adjoining pool room.

On top of that rooms are stylish, well appointed and the only thing that might wake you up is the occasional screech of a peacock that roams the grounds.

Great for families, best of all, you are well protected from Tarifa’s famous winds thanks to its clever planting.

www.hotelpuntasur.com

Palacio de Luces Lastres, Asturias

Between the soaring Picos de Europa National Park and the Cantabrian sea, if five star luxury is your thing, then few places are better suited than Palacio de Luces.

This well refurbished 16th century palace is surrounded by 13.000 m2 of gardens, yet incredibly close to the charming seaside village of Lastres, often voted one of Spain’s most charming.

It has an indoor swimming pool and spa, plus, best of all, a fabulous restaurant, which is understandably busy in summer.

You can walk from the door along dirt tracks to nearby Lastres, which has its own port and some of the best fish restaurants in Asturias.

www.coolrooms.com/palaciodeluces

Gran Hotel Brillante, San Esteban de Pravia, Asturias

One of the most unusual coastal hotels in Spain, the Gran Hotel Brillante sits in a once important port, now a kind of living museum. Restored to the grandeur of its original opening in 1905, it is a paragon of good taste with art deco features and plenty of space. Nothing fancy, but grand is indeed appropriate as it is a fitting epithet for this charming building that sits in the heart of the old fishing village of San Esteban, beside the river Nalon.

Conveniently close to Asturias airport as well as many of the famous Asturian surf beaches, it also has an excellent restaurant and charming terrace outside perfect at sunset.

www.granhotelbrillante.com

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GREEN BACKDROP: Even in summer, while Palacio de Luces is also just 5 minutes to the beach

Hotel Crisol de las Rias, Miño, Galicia

If simple, unpretentious places are your thing, few get better than Hotel Crisol in Mino.

Sitting right on the edge of this wonderful beach, this two star beachside joint wins no beauty prizes.

But you are here as much for its location and wonderful restaurant terrace, as the general ambience. That said, the rooms are functional, well appointed and, above all, great value from around €70 a night in July.

The food at the restaurant is excellent, with plenty of steaks, crab and famous Galician Scallops (below).

www.www.hotelcrisoldelasrias.com

Akelarre Hotel, San Sebastian

Credited with being Spain’s godfather of modern cuisine, Pedro Subijana began his journey in the kitchen at Akelarre in 1975.

Having held three Michelin stars for nearly two decades it has become a global pilgrimage for foodies and rightfully so.

The only problem being, the restaurant sits out on a limb, a good 10-minute drive from the centre of nearby

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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GODFATHER: Chef Pedro now has a stunning hotel to make his food

San Sebastian, so getting home was tough when the Olive Press visited a decade ago. Problem now solved, when a hotel opened next door to the restaurant in 2017.

Simple, yet stylish the rooms are inspired by the sea and look over the Bay of Biscay.

www.akelarre.net

Hotel Balandret, Valencia

It is usually hard to find a great value, well located city hotel.

The Balandret sits right on Valencia’s wide Playa de la Malva-rosa, famous for its restaurants and links to the region’s best known painter.

It was here that the Master of Light Joaquin Sorolla painted

his famous El Balandrito work, showing a boy playing with a toy boat.

Nothing fancy but achingly hip, the rooms offer sea views and are simple, yet stylish.

Just 15 minutes from Valencia’s amazing old town, it is good value for money and has its own excellent restaurant.

www.balandret.com

EMBLEMATIC: Balandret is named after the Sorolla painting created outside

Continues on page 24

STUNNING VIEWS FROM THIS VILLA IN BENAHAVÍS HILLS – R4446487 – 1,275,000€

This beautiful home is located on a dead-end street in the complex, which makes it very quiet and private, plus because you have no other houses in front, this house offers spectacular views from every level and room.

As you arrive a private two-car parking space welcomes you while looking straight to the mountains in Benahavís and the Mediterranean Sea. On this level, we find the main entrance that leads us to the stairway and a lift, which connects all floors in this property.

One floor lower we have a large living area with a fireplace, connected to a dining area next to the open-plan kitchen. You can enjoy meals at any moment of the day in any of the two terraces on this level and you also have a guest toilet.

Further down we find the three en-suite bedrooms, the master with access to a private terrace and the second and third with balconies, all of these with beautiful views in the same direction. The main bathroom enjoys a lovely walk-in shower and a private sauna.

On the bottom floor, there is a fantastic entertaining area with a full kitchen and access to the garden and pool area with an outdoor shower. This space has been utilized to maximize the storage and living areas. The garden is a very well-used space with a lounge, dining area, and a good-size private pool on the side.

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.

Villa Salvador, Cadaques

great artists like Dali and Pablo Picasso. Set between two coves of crystal clear water, Villa Salvador is a good base for exploring the region including the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park, as well as Dali’s off the wall home in nearby Port Lligat. Equally, you can hang around in the gardens with their salt-water pool and fragrant plants and enjoy lunch and dinner on its terrace restaurant. www.hotelvillasalvador.com

Hotel Aiguablava, Begur

Titanic of the mountains

Historic train station high in Spain’s Pyrenees transformed into five-star luxury hotel

AGRANDIOSE railway station which served both as an escape route for thousands of war time Jews and the key junction for an illicit trade in tonnes of Nazi gold, has been resurrected as a five-star hotel.

Known as the 'Titanic of the Mountains', it has now been named as ‘Spain’s Best Outdoor Escape Hotel 2024’ by National Geographic for its fusion of history and nature.

Set in the heart of the Aragon Pyrenees, the hotel offers guests a carefully designed experience, promising to transport them to rail travel’s golden age.

It is part of an ambitious make-over of the village of Canfranc on the border between Spain and France, which has also seen houses given a bright paint job to greet the arrival of tourists.

The station, which was originally built in the style of a French chateau, was reopened to local travellers in 2020, 50 years after it fell into disrepair and closed.

And now an ambitious restoration pro-

By Dilip Kuner

gramme has transformed the accommodation at the massive station into a hotel designed to symbolise the original spirit which led to its creation: unity between Spain and France.

The station, which is 10 times the size of London's St Pancras station, has a high slate roof crowned by domes and balustrades - a perfect look for the 104-bedroom hotel.

Architects made sure to keep the facade of the station intact to preserve its history and structure, however, they have re-imagined the interiors completely while giving its 104 bedrooms and common areas a nostalgic feel.

The station had stood abandoned for half a century after an incident that saw the brakes fail on a French freight train climbing through the Pyrenees. It careered

KSSIR-27623P

This charming town house is located in a peaceful urbanisation nestled in the beautiful area of Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, Malaga. With its prime location, this property offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Turtle Lake, providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere for its residents. This town house offers ample space for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. Equipped with all the modern amenities, this town house offers air conditioning and central heating.

This modern luxury apartment is located in the prestigious area of Marbella, Puerto Banus, in the beautiful city of Marbella, Malaga. With its prime location, this apartment offers breathtaking views of the marina and the sea.

Upon entering the apartment, you will be greeted by a stylish and contemporary living room, perfect for relaxation and entertaining guests. The apartment is fully furnished and boasts a fully fitted open plan kitchen, equipped with all the necessary appliances.

Charming east facing penthouse situated in the Golf Valley, Nueva Andalucía, within walking distance to Puerto Banus, and 10 mins drive to Marbella. The property is distributed into entrance hall, living -dining room and kitchen in an open-plan area, three bedrooms and two shared bathrooms. The complex enjoys 24 hours security, video surveillance, 2 communal swimming pools, paddel courses, lovely landscaped gardens and restaurant. It is provided with parking space and 2 storages.

This luxurious apartment offers the best panoramic views in the area of Marbella . With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea, beautiful mountains,a peaceful golf course with its lake, even on the clear days, you can see the coast of Africa, and Gibraltar, this property is truly a sight to behold.

Renovated to perfection, this apartment provides a sense of spaciousness and an airy ambiance that is second to none. The abundance of natural light creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere,

WINNER: National Geographic’s best ‘escape hotel’ in Spain for 2024

back down the mountain at about 100km/h and crashed into a bridge, causing it to collapse.

Although nobody was hurt, the accident led to the closure of the Pyrenean rail line between France and Spain.

The idea of a cross-border Pyrenean line was first suggested in 1865, but work did not start until 1928.

Situated in a valley, the original station and adjoining hotel were known originally as the ‘Titantic of the Mountains’ for its sheer size.

During the Second World War, it became a

vital point of escape for Jews fleeing persecution in Nazi Europe.

Jewish refugees would travel to Canfranc and change trains onwards to other parts of Spain or Portugal and eventually freedom in Britain and the United States.

The painters Marc Chagall and Max Ernst and the singer Josephine Baker, whose husband was Jewish, were among those who travelled through the ornate station.

“We know that between 1940 and 1942, about 15,000 Jews managed to travel through Canfranc and made it to safety,” said

Making a real home

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Ramon Campo, a journalist who has written books about the history of Canfranc.

The trade in Nazi gold was uncovered years after the war by chance.

In 2000, Jonathan Díaz, who drove a bus between Canfranc and the French town of Oloron-Saint Maire, was waiting to leave on a grey November morning.

Among broken rail lines, he found a pile of fading war time customs documents.

When he looked at them more closely his eyes lit up when he saw the words ‘Three Tons of Gold Bars’.

“The papers revealed that 86.6 tonnes of plundered Nazi gold was heading from Germany into Spain and Portugal to pay for vital wolfram which Hitler needed to make tanks and other weapons,” explained Campo. Spain and Portugal were officially neutral. However, General Franco, the fascist dictator who ruled Spain after winning a bitterly divisive civil war, and Portugal’s Antonio Oliveira Salazar, had worked illicitly to help the Germans.

Apart from this clandestine trade in gold, Canfranc was a nest for spies.

Albert Le Lay, the head of customs on the French side, has been described as the ‘Schindler of Canfranc’ because of the way he helped people to escape across the border into Spain and passed information to the British consulate in San Sebastian in Spain.

When he believed the Gestapo was about to arrest him, he walked across the border into Spain with his family and eventually made it to Gibraltar.

More information: www.barcelo.com

CASA in Marbella and San Pedro have your home furnishing solutions

summer, and Christmas. We closely follow interior trends, making our range surprising and inspiring. Since 2015, when we opened our store in Marbella at the Oasis Business Center, we have cared for the homes of thousands of our customers. And recently, with the aim of reaching local customers, we have inaugurated our new store in San Pedro at the La Colonia Shopping Center. Our mission is to offer advice to the customer and make buying and ordering simple and offer home delivery and an assembly service if necessary. Our after-sales service is second to none too. For professional customers, we offer personalised treatment and special discounts for large purchases.

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FIRST CLASS: An historic hideout for Nazis and Jews escaping the holocaust is now a luxury hideaway

FAMOUS FACES: Josephine Baker, Marc Chagall (centre) and Max Ernst visited Canfranc

Casa Marbella

UNLOCK your dream

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THE FRIENDLY, MULTILINGUAL TEAM HAS OVER 20 YEARS PROPERTY SALES EXPERIENCE IN THE COSTA DEL SOL AND SCANDINAVIA. CALL THEM ON: +34 650952084 OR EMAIL THEM AT: INFO@ROCESTATES.COM. GO TO WWW. ROCESTATES.COM FOR LISTINGS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Dilemmas and drama

Exclusive: Meet one of the stars of Netflix’s hot new reality TV property show in Spain

A FROTHY reality TV show on the excitement and drama of selling homes to the super rich in Marbella is set to launch this summer.

The Netflix series follows the staff and lives of the team at Scandinavian agency, Homerun

By Yzabelle Bostyn Brokers.

Called Making It In Marbella, the 25 staff work across sales, rentals and developments.

“We’re all really unique, funny characters, we move fast, sometimes we have dilemmas or dramas but I think we have what it takes to make a cool and interesting series,” agent Matias Concha, told the Olive Press.

The 44-year-old partner continued: “What is a TV series without a little bit of drama.

“I’ve seen other real estate programmes and I think ours will be just as good.”

Filming at the Swedish firmwhich launched on the Costa del Sol four years ago - took place in the Autumn for six weeks.

“We got to show nearly every corner of Marbella,” explained

Matias.

Much was filmed at the company HQ at Los Naranjos Golf, as well as on the Golden Mile and in the exclusive enclave of La Zagaleta.

The series follows the professional and personal lives of the team as they sell luxury properties to Marbella’s rich and famous.

It is ‘completely authentic’, insists Matias, adding: “They never told us what to do or say.

“We just went about our day to day jobs but with huge cameras. “It was very different but fun and exciting too.”

Born in Sweden to a Chilean dad, Matias moved to Marbella six years ago, where he began

his career in real estate. He previously played professional football in Sweden, as well as managing teams and working as a TV pundit.

“Real estate always interested me so when the opportunity came up I took it,” he continues.

“I love it. Everyday is a surprise. No day is like any other.”

Despite the glitz and glamour of Marbella, he never expected to reignite his celebrity status.

“The worldwide publicity we will get from the show will be invaluable. Netflix is one of the biggest platforms in the world.

“I was in professional sports for a long time so I’m interested to see if getting known from Netflix will be different.”

The most iconic development situated in a luxurious resort which boasts an artificial lake and beach (canoeing), paddle and tennis courts and a golf

ALDEA BLANCA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Renovated & furnished elevated ground floor apartment.

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 147m2 Built | 72m2 terrace

REF: 176-02709P | 829.000€

We are happy to introduce this fresh recently renovated & furnished three bedroom elevated ground floor unit in the popular development of Aldea Blanca, Nueva Andalucia. The apartment has been fitted with high quality materials throughout creating a beautiful mix between Mediterranean and Scandinavian design. The Danish designed open plan kitchen is the heart of the apartment with access to 2 spacious terraces. There is a large master suite and 2 guest rooms sharing a bathroom. Aldea Blanca has 24-hour security, several pools and beautifully maintained gardens. Aldea Blanca is situated within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and shops. This is a property well worth seeing.

ALDEA BLANCA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

A stunning newly fully refurbished apartment in Aldea Blanca.

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 137m2 Built | 35m2 terrace

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The style is fresh mixture between Scandinavian coolnes and Mediterranean warmth. The open plan kitchen, living & dining room is perfect for relaxing and socializing. The 2 large double doors from the livingroom takes you out onto the spacious terrace with plenty of sun, built in bbq and a nice sea view. Aldea Blanca has 24-hr security, several pools and beautiful gardens, conveniently located within walking distance to restaurants, shops etc. Furniture pack + €30.000.

ALOHA GARDENS, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Completely renovated Scandinavian-style corner poolside unit.

2 Beds | 2 Baths | 98m2 Built | 653m2 build

REF: 176-02745P | 495.000€

The apartment is bright and comprises open-plan modern fully fitted kitchen, dining/ lounge area with access to the covered terrace & private garden area. There are 2 bedrooms, one of which is ensuite with walk-in shower and a further double bedroom and bathroom. The complex itself is gated with 24-hour security, several pools, and immaculate gardens. All the amenities anyone could need are right on the doorstep including restaurants, café’s, supermarkets, sporting facilities and much more.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Caught the EYE

Laguna complex, Estepona

CAUGHT THE EYE

A new era in architecture is setting the scene for inspirational designs, here our Olive Press team of roving photographers bring you some of their favourites…

THE Costa del Sol has seen a huge amount of building in the past decade. Too often the designs have been ‘rinse and repeat’ with almost identical blocks being thrown up without much thought to the aesthetics of the buildings. But more recently the value of imaginative architecture to quality of life has been coming to the fore.

Unusual designs are springing up.

By Dilip Kuner

Here we picture some of the more interesting buildings that have caught our eye on our travels along the Costa and inland…and if you have spotted a design worthy of comment, send your snaps to newsdesk@theolivepress.es

Take a stroll along the Carvajal promenade and 25 metres inland is this striking building, part of the Higueron complex. It emulates the sea, taking inspiration from the rolling waves of the Mediterranean to make an easy-on-theeye addition to the seafront location. The Wave, Fuengirola

The old Laguna Village was burned to the ground four years ago. Now it has risen from the ashes as the Laguna complex, featuring Sublim Beach Club. Gone are the old thatched (and highly flammable) roofs and in their place is an imaginative space-age building with ‘flowing lines’ in a striking seafront location.

San Pedro Sports Centre, San Pedro Alcantara

Too many sports complexes are cheap to build concrete blocks that are a blot on the landscape. This soon to be finished centre takes a different - and far more aesthetically

pleasing - tack. The teardrop design of the building between San Pedro town and the beach is an architectural treat that does not dominate through ugliness.

Mayoral distribution centre Malaga, Malaga Edificio Maria Jose, Malaga seafront

This amazing distribution centre for clothes company Mayoral was originally a giant textile factory. Ordered to be built by Franco in the 1960’s, it was abandoned in the 1990s. Now the building has been brought back to life as a stylish central base with a stunning new look.

This olive oil museum created by French design guru Philippe Starck thrusts out of an olive grove near Ronda like a bull at Pamplona, and gives hikers a real surprise. With a giant copper horn, a beady eye and

a pair of lips that double as a viewing platform, it is likely to become an internet sensation. Built over 26 hectares, LA Organic Experience is part of a €22 million investment which has seen around 10,000 trees planted. LA Organic Experience, Ronda

The architects took inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage, as seen by the neighbouring protected sugar refinery chimney. The use of bricks was enhanced by an unusual exterior design that is very different from other modern blocks in Malaga.

SOLUTIONS NEEDED

AS we approach the summer of 2024, we are facing a new challenge in Andalucia.

The Junta de Andalucia has recently introduced water restrictions affecting both irrigation and the use of swimming pools.

These measures are in response to the extreme heatwaves and drou ghts that the region has experien ced, which have led to increasin gly strained water supplies.

The restrictions mean that residents and tourist establishments have to adapt to new rules on water use, which have included bans on watering gardens and filling up pools. These measures are intended to prioritise agriculture and ensure that basic needs can be met during the summer months.

Recently, the Junta de Andalucía lifted the ban on topthe water in tive from June 1), thanks to the rains that came during March and April. This was welcome news as this particular ban had received a

Water restrictions are a challenge for real estate agents, buyers and holiday makers, writes Start Group’s Christofer Fogelberg

lot of media coverage and has meant that bookings for shortterm rentals this summer have gone down a lot. We have never had so many people asking if the pools will be open before they book, and the problem was that no one could say for sure if pools would be open until very recently. As an estate agent or buyer in Spain, it is now more important than ever to consider the availability of water and the sustainability of water use when making property investment decisions. The water restrictions in Andalucia have a significant impact on the property market. They

can affect everything from property values to the buyer's decision-making process. Here are some examples:

● Property values: Areas with strict water restrictions can experience a drop in property values as potential buyers may be reluctant to invest in areas where water scarcity is an issue.

● Buyer Priorities: Buyers may start to prioritise properties with water-saving features or those located in areas with more stable water supplies.

● Rentability: We have already seen a slump in early bookings for holiday rental this season. Holiday makers from all over Europe have been worried about renting a property with limited use of swimming pools, and opted for hotels in many cases.

● Infrastructure and Development: Areas with better water infrastructure or plans for future development may become more attractive to investors.

SPLASHING FUN: With no water tourists will stay away and have a knock on effect on rentals and property values

● Tourism and Agriculture: Water restrictions can also affect tourism and agriculture, which are important economic drivers in the region. This in turn can affect the demand for property in the affected areas.

It is important for real estate agents and buyers to stay informed about the latest water restrictions and how they may affect the property market. Understanding these factors can help them make informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling property in Andalucia.

On the Costa del Sol, several in-

frastructure projects are already underway, including the expansion of the desalination plant in Marbella, new desalination plants between Fuengirola and Mijas, and in Estepona. So we hope that politicians can now push through these projects to solve the problem of water shortages for tourism in the coming years.

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THE International Monetary Fund has called on Spain to build more homes in order to ease the housing crisis that is ‘affecting the vulnerable.’

Much of Spain, especially in the big cities and along the costas, has seen a frenzy of demand - both from renters as well as buyers - pushing up prices to sky high levels.

The IMF has now urged the government

IMF wades in

to tackle the crisis by increasing the housing stock.

“To improve housing affordability, authorities should prioritise increasing supply rather than distorting support for demand,” ruled IMF spokesperson Kristalina Georgieva.

Such a measure would lead landlords to lower prices in their attempt to find tenants, the report suggests.

The recommendation came a day after the government announced its intentions to boost house building to tackle sky-high prices.

The IMF also criticised the 2023 Housing Law’s price cap measures in congested urban zones, which has so far only been implemented in parts of Catalunya.

“Past experiences suggest that such price

controls can diminish the rental housing supply,” the IMF notes.

Landlords might take their homes off the market if they cannot freely set rental prices, it warned.

The knock on of this could be a one-two effect of a reduction in rental properties and more expensive rents.

“This has happened in other countries when such limits were introduced,” explained Romain Duval, (above)head of the IMF mission in Spain.

BARGAIN BASES

TheseexpathavensinCadiz andMalagaareamongthe mostaffordabletownsinSpain forbuyingandrentinghomes

By Yzabelle Bostyn

A RECENT report has proclaimed two Andalucian towns are some of the most affordable places in Spain

UNIQUE FUENGIROLA PLOT

FOR SALE AT 4.5 MILLION

EUROS

A superb opportunity to purchase a 476 sqm plot with planning for a 7 storey hotel only 100 metres from the beach and the Paseo Maritimo in the heart of Fuengirola. The buildable area is 2,765.67 sqm and could include a rooftop terrace with pool. The plot is a 5 minute walk from Fuengirola train and bus stations and very close to tourist attractions, shops, bars and restaurants. The Malaga airport to Fuengirola train service takes only 35 minutes. With a limited supply of suitable plots available and high demand for hotels this is an ideal investment for a developer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL

Stefan Mitchell

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Please visit our website www.casacostaproperty.com

Casa Costa Property, Calle Federico Ruiz Vertedor, Local 2, Fuengirola 29640, Malaga

for buying and renting homes. While prices have risen in the past few years to unprecedented levels, some towns have stayed reasonably priced.

According to Business Insider

Conil de la Frontera, in Cadiz, is of exceptional value with houses coming in between €150,000-200,000.

The research carried out by Catedra Grupo Tecnocasa-UPF revealed buying in Cadiz could be a great

Dwindling numbers

PROPERTY sales in Spain dropped by almost 20% in March compared to a year earlier. There were 44,878 sales, which is a 19.3% drop on 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). It comes after 5.8% growth in February, which ended a run of 12 consecutive months of year-to-year falls. On a month-to-month basis from February to March, sales fell by 15%, while in the first three months of 2024, the reduction was down 5.6%. There has however been a 3% increase in new properties.

investment. It also highlighted Fuengirola, in Malaga for its reasonable house prices.

“There are only 100 places where the financial burden of buying a flat (the mortgage) is less than renting,” ruled the study.

These are Mogan (Gran Canaria), Barakaldo (Vizcaya), Benidorm (Alicante), Conil (Cadiz), Fuengirola (Malaga), L’Hospitalet (Barcelona) and Yecla (Murcia).”

The study indicates that in the long term, buying instead of renting in these areas could save you between €100,000 to €150,000.

“The sharp drop in March has been surprising for its intensity, although it is consistent with the dwindling supply of properties available,” said Francisco Iñareta, from property portal Idealista.

“The seasonal factor of Easter, which this year was in late March compared to April last year, could have increased the year-on-year drop,” he added.

“It will be very interesting to closely monitor future numbers to see if the extent of this drop is maintained or if it is just a blip.”

By region, Andalucia generally bucked the trend in March with 8,805 sales, followed by the Valencian Community (7,423), Catalunya (6,802) and Madrid (5,944).

The biggest annual falls were led by the Balearic Islands (-39%), Castilla y Leon (-30%), Extremadura (-28.9%) and the Basque Country (-25.9%).

SAVINGS: Buying rather than renting in Conil could save you €150,000

GREAT VALUE: Property in Fuengirola

WARNING: Price caps can worsen rental issues

CALIFORNIAN QUALITY

THE glitzy American luxury real estate agency made famous by the Buying Beverly Hills Netflix documentary series has landed in the Golden Triangle. The Californian real estate titans are celebrated for selling iconic properties such as Hugh Heffner’s Playboy Mansion and Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.

Now, under the leadership of a pair of Teutonic tycoons, Managing Partner Leif Orthmann and Sales Director Benjamin Beza, The Agency is poised to revolutionise the luxury property market on the Costa del Sol.

With the aid of their friendly international team and ‘no assholes’ motto, they make it easy for buyers searching for their dream property to navigate the hurdles.

While The Agency Marbella is a new arrival on the costa, for Leif and Ben

it is not their first rodeo.

Leif, a seasoned property developer, has been shaping the real estate landscape of the Costa del Sol since 2012.

With a keen eye for transforming properties into luxurious homes, Leif’s expertise ensures that every property meets the highest standards of elegance and comfort.

His partner, Benjamin Beza, brings a rich cultural background to the table, having grown up in Germany with Spanish parents.

Benjamin’s diverse experience and his knack for understanding clients’ needs make him vital to The Agency’s operations in Spain.

The Agency was originally founded in 2011 by Mauricio Umansky, who is well-known from Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills even before the Netflix documentary.

Under Mauricio’s guidance The Agency established itself as a leader in the California high-end real estate market.

Their reputation for handling high-profile transactions precedes them, with one high-profile NBA star and president of a country already on Leif and Ben’s client list.

Among The Agency’s exclusive listings are two standout prop -

The Agency arrives on the Costa del Sol: Prestigious Californian real estate maestros bring their trademark quality and excellence to the Golden Triangle

erties: Casa Cenote and Casa Las Palmeras.

Casa Cenote, a luxurious €8.19 million villa nestled in the serene neighbourhood of Nueva Andalucia, offers a unique beach resort ambiance. This Tulum-inspired haven features an expansive pool, a natural cavelike ondoor pool with a cascading waterfall, and sandy areas perfect for relaxation.

The villa accommodates up to 12 guests and is packed with amenities including a built-in jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym and spa with bamboo accents, a wine cellar, a cinema room, a bar, a pool table, and even a meditation room.

The €8.8 million Casa Las Palmeras is a magnificent villa undergoing a comprehensive renovation in the prestigious Las Brisas neighbourhood of Nueva Andalucia, Marbella.

Spanning 900m2 on a 2560m2 plot, this villa ensures absolute privacy amidst a beautifully landscaped garden.

The property features an extensive basement with a 3-metre high ceiling, a spacious garage with a car turning plate, a luxurious spa area, a state-of-the-art indoor gym, and a home cinema with direct garden access. Traditional elements such as a

charming patio and an outdoor master shower with views of the golf course add to its allure.

With their combined expertise and the prestigious backing of their American partners, Leif and Benjamin are set to make The Agency a dominant force in Marbella’s luxury real estate market.

Their focus is on high-end properties but they can also accommodate lower budgets as well.

Mallorca

Carrer Oratori 9A, Portals Nous 07181. Palma de Mallorca

TYCOONS: Leif and Benjamin’s experienced agency sold Michael Jackson’s Neverland

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Sign of the times!

Drasticdropin‘for sale’ boards due to squatterfears

ESTATE agents in Southern Spain have stopped putting for sale signs outside properties in a bid to deter squatters.

Advertising has generally moved to online real estate sites and dedicated property publications to further avoid the scourge.

The Murcia Estate Agents Association spokesperson, Jeronimo Jover says over two thirds of all properties no longer have signs outside.

“Traditional sale boards are down by 70% due to owners fearing that an empty house with a sign will tempt squatters,” said Jover.

He estimates that barely a third of homeowners 'still put the signs up'.

The problem, he admits, is that using a real estate portal makes things harder for potential buyers or tenants as many listings don’t mention the actual location.

"The advantage of the sign is that you could see where the property is,” he explains.

He added that this lack of information leads to more time being wasted for agents, as in many instances a

Tourist crackdown backfires

A PLAN by Sevilla town hall to limit the number of tourist apartments has backfired with landlords and investors rushing to register hundreds of new holiday rentals before the rule comes into force.

From March to May a total of 356 new tourist properties were registered, for a total of 1,961 new beds. During the same period, 20 tourist buildings were also registered, for a total of another 540 new beds.

The rush to register them began on March 21, when Sevilla City Hall voted to approve limits on them ‘for compelling reasons of general interest’, given the negative effect they are having on the local population. The plan is still in the public consultation stage, but the mere announcement of the crackdown led to a jump from 8,905 to 9,261 tourist rentals by the end of May.

Negative

In terms of the number of beds, the figure has risen from 43,590 to 45,541 for the same period.

In its latest annual report, the Bank of Spain warned that the high concentration of tourist accommodation in Sevilla was having a negative effect.

The other cities on the lender’s radar for the same problem were Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.

In terms of coastal areas, the Bank of Spain has also warned about similar issues in Malaga, Marbella, Palma de Mallorca and Elche.

In its April report, the bank stated that the percentage of tourist apartments from the total rental market in Sevilla’s historic quarter was at 14%, while in Marbella the number was as high as 60%.

particular location does not meet the requirements of an interested party.

Jover recommends that sellers at least list the location so that if anybody shows interest, they have some of the details.

"In the old days when you wanted a house in an area, you walked around,

By Alex Trelinski

made a phone call and you knew what was being talked about - now you have to go to the portals or publications," he commented. It comes despite a fall in the number of

The Costa del Sol has seen massive changes

SINCE development began in the 1950s, the Costa del Sol has been defined by spectacular growth in high-end tourism.

This growth vaulted Malaga province into Spain’s top destination for travellers and second-home buyers worldwide, fuelling its economic and cultural renaissance.

That enviable growth continues, largely thanks to the Costa del Sol. However, its character has changed over time. The market has moved into a more mature phase, sparked by population changes and world events.

IMPACT OF GLOBAL EVENTS ON LOCAL DYNAMICS

Consider some of the dramatic geopolitical economic events of the last 15 or 20 years.

The economic crisis of 2008 hit Spain extremely hard, followed by the Arab Spring, Brexit, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This has had an impact on the Russians departing Spain and Ukrainians arriving. In addition, there has been the rise of remote working, accelerated by advances in technology and the Covid pandemic.

Finally, there has been an explosion in the growth of Scandinavian immigration.

It really has been a transformative couple of decades.

TOURISM AS A CATALYST FOR DEVELOPMENT

Tourism has long been the engine of growth in the Costa del Sol. By the 2000s, the area had become Spain’s largest tourist destination.

The economy had matured from its freewheeling early decades but continued to grow at a furious pace. Hotel construction boomed.

Between 1993 and 2007, 252 new hotels were built, most of them four and five-star, adding 35,312 new vacancies.

A whopping 49-plus million people visited the region during this period.

Over the next 15 years, that number doubled again! Current government figures point to more than 14 million tourists in 2023 alone.

Nor has Malaga tourism hit its limit. However, the region may be looking at a different type of tourism in the future.

POPULATION GROWTH AND DIVERSITY

Before returning to that, it’s worth noting that the growth in tourism had another effect: massive population growth. Malaga province numbered 781,690 in 1960; by 2021, the population had exceeded 1.7 million.

It continues to be one of Spain’s fastest – if not the fastest – growing provinces.

In the last decade or so, growth has spread out from its historic centres in Malaga city to the luxury tourist city of Marbella.

It’s now found even in smaller cities like Estepona, Fuengirola, Manilva, and Benalmádena. And one of the interesting things about the growth in mass tourism is its secondary effects.

On the one hand, it has led to the internal migration of Spaniards coming south for jobs and lifestyle changes.

On the other hand, there is the arrival of people who have come from outside of Spain. People come, fall in love with An- dalusia, and then buy a home here. The sun, the pace of life, and the cost of living all encourage a portion of people to transform themselves from tourists into residents.

squatting cases going to court in recent years, which is due to ‘other reasons’.

“Barely 20% of the cases reach court as owners know that squatters will leave if they get out the chequebook.

“Most of the current occupations are simply about trying to extort money from the owner.”

70 percent

Ever growing

Age is a key factor.

Median age continues to increase in Malaga province, especially among those settling on the Costa del Sol. Retirees are the main drivers.

Most of this group comes from Northern Europe. The UK continues to top the list despite the damage caused by Brexit.

Though Brexit did cause some British residents to return home, it also compelled many of those who stayed to become more deeply invested in Spain and the Costa del Sol.

This ageing demographic creates greater demand for long-term properties and leisure services. It also creates a widening demand for general, specialist, or longterm healthcare.

The result has been a growth in world-class infrastructure and services in the region.

The population has diversified as well. For instance, Marbella’s registered non-Spanish residents currently boast over 153 countries of origin, out of a world total of 195.

The nations represented range from Tajikistan to Burundi to Vanuatu.

The most common nationalities, besides Spanish, are British, Moroccan, Ukrainian, Colombian, and, until recently, Russian.

Obviously, Spaniards continue to hold a lot of buying power in the region.

However, at least 90% of all properties over €2 million are sold to foreigners.

In the last quarter of 2023, 33% of all home purchases in Malaga province were by foreigners.

THE RISE OF RESIDENTIAL TOURISM

There is also an intermediate trend between pure tourists, who come for a week during spring break or Christmas, and those who decide to move here permanently: residential tourism.

This is characterized by the movement of relatively well-to-do people from mostly Western countries to tourist destinations for long-term stays, often in second homes.

This phenomenon began in the 1990s, mainly among the British, until the 2008 financial crisis ended. Soon

after, it re-emerged, driven less by those fleeing work and more by those bringing it with them, thanks to smartphones and online remote working. However, it was the Covid-19 pandemic that caused the remote working earthquake. Suddenly, large groups of workers were encouraged –or forced – to work online rather than in offices.

A whole new international community of telecommuting and freelance work has accelerated the growth of a new demographic.

These are people of working age, sometimes with families, who wish to relocate full- or part-time to places like the Costa del Sol.

Spain has recognized this global phenomenon by introducing the digital nomad visa last year.

It has some bureaucratic kinks to work out, but it is a good attempt to meet this demand. Quality of life is typically the motivation for digital nomads.

They also typically bring considerable wealth with them. By 2023, to illustrate, the average budget of a second-home buyer grew to €740,000, three-quarters of whom “are cash buyers”. They are staying longer, too, beyond the usual busy summer season.

This is a real net gain for Spain and Andalusia specifically. A report says that providing housing and services for foreigners generated 105,606 full-time jobs in Spain in 2022, highlighting the importance of the sector.

The tourist boom will not end anytime soon, which means more people are discovering the possibilities of living here long term.

We can expect continued changes with the diversification of the typical tourist who visits. This will result from the shift towards higher-end tourism and the countries that contribute to tourism.

Malaga—and Andalucia—is a place in constant flux. That has been a net gain regarding quality of life, culture, and economics.

The Property Insider by Adam Neale

THE NEW AGE OF RESIDENTIAL TOURISM

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