Thursday, 13 October 2011
Dream Spain Book Now on Kindle
Our new book - "Dream Spain - Hot Tips on Buying your Spanish Property and Moving to Spain" is now available to download from Kindle for just 86 pence. A must have for anyone thinking of buying property in Spain.
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Spanish Property Bargains - That Question Once Again!
I actually cringe if I get a client who says they are looking for a bargain. Not because I do not want to find them a good value property, but mainly because the so called 'bargains' I have seen widely advertised are mainly properties that I would not have purchased when times were good, and certainly would not recommend now. Why? Usually because I do not think the location is particularly good, the build itself anything special or I feel the overall development is lacking.
That is not to say there are not some good value properties to be found. However they are mainly on a case by case basis, the last completed new build on an attractive completed development, or a resale in a fantastic location that a seller is marketing at a realistic price.
Is is far easier to find a client a property they will be pleased with once I know they are sure about location, the type of property they want and the reason they wish to purchase. Then you are on a firm footing to find them something that will match both their budget and their expectations.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Why Buy Property in Murcia?
The local climate is big reason to want to live or visit this region. Murcia has the best climate in Spain and the Costa Calida or “Warm Coast” has warm dry summers and relatively mild winters. In the winter, while other parts of Spain are shivering under a layer of snow this area considers a snow flake once every ten years a headline event. During the summer the Levante winds stop us melting under that hot Spanish sun.
Our gorgeous coastline is another reason. Not only are we blessed with 250km of Mediterranean coastline we are also home to the Mar Menor, the unique salt water lake which has fabulous Blue Flag beaches and very calm, warm waters.
Stunning national parks are a great attraction for anyone interested in nature. The Calblanque National Park sits on the coast and offers a wonderful unspoilt area of coastline for every visitor to enjoy. This is one of our favourite places to walk throughout the year. Go slightly inland and you have the Sierra Espuna, a beautiful forested park where you can find wild boar, eagles and see amazing views back to the sea.
Property owners need never be bored in this region. We have two cities full of life and culture, Cartagena and the region's capital Murcia. Cartagena is one of the oldest ports in Spain and is filled with museums to explore. Murcia has a truly beautiful cathedral that is surrounded by an area filled with interesting boutique shops and cafés. For sporty people over twenty golf courses are on your doorstep, or if golf is not your thing there is a huge range of water activities and top class sporting facilities at La Manga Club.
Getting to Murcia is easy. Murcia has its own airport, San Javier, as well as being just 50 mins from the expanding international airport at Alicante. Even better, Murcia is about to benefit from a second international airport, Corvera, due to be completed shortly. Road links in the area are also of high quality with the Mediterranean motorway (AP7) linking the region with both the north and south Costas.
The future looks bright for Murcia. Not only are we getting a new airport, we are also looking at two potential investment projects which will bring an influx of jobs, visitors and wealth to the area. Paramount studios have agreed to license a leisure park in the Murcia region and the Chinese have announced their proposal to build a huge enterprise area which will include hotels, business and education complexes, a shopping complex, golf course and much more.
Finally Murcia's property market still continues to offer excellent value for money with the average property 40% below the national average. There is a huge choice of quality property available, from apartments to detached villas.
Of course I am already a property owner in the region, therefore you could call me biased. However when I look at what the region has to offer, now and in the future, owning property here makes perfect sense.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Hurrah! Paramount - a decision at last - but what about my property value?
As I've said before it is no surprise, on paper it looks the obvious option. However contracts have not been signed or all deals agreed so it is not set in stone.
We've had a number of clients who own property in the Mar Menor area asking how we think this will impact on their property prices and rental capacity. Well, I do not believe the spin that property prices will suddenly jump by 25% overnight. Firstly this project is in its infancy, investors still have to be identified and signed up, land deals agreed, financing sorted - and that is before a single earthmover moves in. I'm not a theme park constructor so I cannot say for sure how long it will take, but I think its safe to say it will be a few years yet before we see "Visit the magic of Paramount Murcia" adverts on your TV. Is 25% realistic? At this moment in time I cannot say. If, as all hope, the park becomes 'The' theme park to visit in Europe then of course people will see it as an ideal place to invest and this will push up prices, but it is impossible to give a blanket figure.
Certainly as the owner of a rental apartment in Los Alcazares I am confident that when the park does open it will have a positive impact on our bookings. Although it is 45 minutes from the proposed site I believe families will jump at the chance of combining the visit to Paramount with a beach holiday in such a lovely location.
The key to property in Murcia and Paramount is patience. Prices are at an all time low and the existing rental market is healthy (provided you pick a good location and work at your marketing) therefore regardless of the theme park, if you are buying for the longer term now is the time to do it. If you are looking to buy now and sell within a year on the hope of a sudden "Paramount" property price hike I would save your euros.
If you are thinking of buying what type of properties should you be looking for? Well, think about the type of people who holiday in this area already and keep an eye on the future. My bet is on accommodation that will suit families, both those on a budget and those looking for a little more luxury. Two bedroom, two bathroom apartments will be ideal for the smaller family and those on a 'theme park break' while larger villas will appeal to the families looking for a little more exclusivity. In both cases look for good pool facilities and easy access to the motorway system so when the time comes they can nip off to Paramount (happily that rules in most places in this area.)
For an informal chat about the property market here on the Costa Calida, where to buy and what to buy do get in touch.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Excuse Me - Do you have a room available?
You will ask "Surely you miss family and friends?".
"Ah no," is the normal reply "we see far more of them since we moved over here...".
Now depending on how long they lived in Spain this may be accompanied by a full and happy smile, or, if they are more long term ex-pats, possibly a kind of half smile half grimace. Now don't get me wrong, by and large ex-pats love having family and friends over to visit. However having a steady stream of house guests does begin to increase your stress levels, decrease your cash levels and shake even the most unshakable relationships.
Those visiting from the UK may find this rather confusing and even hurtful. Then if they think about it they will realise how few times they have regular visitors turn up and stay for a week or two in their own home. How they are rarely expected to act as a tour guide around their local tourist spots, and part from Christmas and the odd dinner party how they almost never have to conjure up extra meals for anyone other than their closest relatives.
Now most estate agents will quite rightly tell you to expect a steady stream of guests if you move to Spain. However some agents will then suggest that in anticipation of these guests you must buy a property with an extra room or two - after all - they'll be expecting somewhere to stay and where better than in your own home?
Now this advice is not always in the interest of you, the buyer. Think carefully before you dismiss that ideal two bedroom apartment you were considering and rush to buy the more expensive apartment with that extra 'guest' bedroom.
My advice would be to consider one of two options.
If your budget will allow it, then look at a property with guest accommodation that is self contained. That way both you and your guests will have independence from each other and their holiday in Spain will be much more enjoyable for all concerned. You will not be treading on each others toes, nor will you feel obliged to cook, clean and generally offer a B&B service for your guests. They in turn will feel like they can spend time with you, without spending all their holiday in your pocket. And talking of pockets, you will usually find a contribution to bills more forthcoming when someone is staying in this type of accommodation. This may sound tight but with the poor exchange rate, recession and rising utility bills many ex-pats are really feeling a pinch. This property is a great example of a villa with independent accommodation - ideal for this scenario.
Alternatively explore your neighbourhood and find local owners who rent out their properties on a short term basis. You can make all the arrangements, and even pay for the accommodation, but both parties retain that independence. Sourcing accommodation in this way is usually very cost effective and you can get many weeks rentals over the years for the price of that extra 'guest' room.
Of course the choice is yours, and in the end you may decide that you'd prefer to have your guests literally in-house. Just remember that in a few years time you may be buying yourself a sign that says "No Vacancies".
Monday, 25 October 2010
Paramount Theme Park - Agents Jumping the Gun Again
Although, as I've said before it seems highly likely that this location will be given the official green light, various 'interested' parties are already jumping up and down stating that the theme park is going next to the Polaris World Resort - Condado del Alhama.
Of course, anyone who has lived in Murcia a while has learnt not to take anything as set in stone until there is an official announcement, unfortunately both press and gung-ho property agents from all across Spain are conveniently ignoring this small wisdom.
As pointed out by the Murcia info site Simply Networking "IT HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED OFFICIALLY BY ANYBODY THAT ALHAMA HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE LOCATION FOR THE PARAMOUNT THEME PARK."
As stated before, the newspaper La Verdad has indicated that Alhama has been chosen - apparently told by inside sources. Delve deeper however as Simply Networking always do and you will find no concrete official announcement.
Residents, holiday homes owners, property buyers and agents would all like the announcement to be made and the project finalised. If it goes ahead in Alhama it will make the remaining Polaris World properties for sale a very interesting proposition for buyers. However as always I would advise caution and check the facts before you get carried away with the news!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Paramount in Murcia - but where in Murcia?
After months of waiting we finally heard that a Paramount theme park is to be sited in Murcia and now the debate has moved on to where in Murcia it will be located.
There appear to be two front runners, Fuente Alamo and Condado de Alhama. Both locations make sense as they will have easy access to the new Murcia airport and are an easy drive to both beach and city (Murcia and Cartagena).
Personally I've always thought that the Alhama option would be favoured as the banks own land there that was given to them by Polaris World as part of a deal to cancel out Polaris' debts. There is also the bonus of the existing Polaris World resort on the doorstep which already offers accommodation and leisure facilities. When this was constructed roads were built to give easier access from the resort to the coast and the rest of Murcia and their existence does now seem fortuitous.
In the local press this week La Verdad newspaper indicated that this choice has been made, however this is not an official announcement - so cannot be taken as gospel.
If it does go ahead in Alhama anyone who bought on the Polaris World site will be extra pleased - it stands to reason that their property prices will rise above the rest of the region and rental opportunities increase. We've already started to see renewed enquiries about availability of property on the site. I've just taken a look on the Polaris World agents prices list and you can still buy a two bed apartment on there from 85,000 euros. However there is only one villa left (176,000 euros).
Should you buy on there? If you are looking for a villa in a good location with great facilities at a good price then yes. If you are buying just because someone has told you the theme park is going to be built there I personally would wait - there are plenty of good locations in Murcia and lots more things to consider than just this potential theme park.
Should you buy on there? If you are looking for a villa in a good location with great facilities at a good price then yes. If you are buying just because someone has told you the theme park is going to be built there I personally would wait - there are plenty of good locations in Murcia and lots more things to consider than just this potential theme park.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)