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The Costa del Sol is changing. Although these changes are due to mainly negative factors, I personally think that the area will ultimately benefit.
First of all, let me point out that there is still demand for property in Marbella, and for property in the Costa del Sol generally. The area is still hugely popular as a holiday destination, with passenger numbers through Malaga airport continuing to rise. But the place ´feels´ different.
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Ever wondered why those Spanish holiday hangovers are worse than the usual ones that you get at home? It´s probably due to the measures that are poured by the bartender.
Everywhere in Spain, from the popular coastal areas such as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca to the more remote inland villages, if you ask for a gin and tonic, the likelihood is that the bartender will start to fill your glass until YOU tell them to stop!
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One of the reasons why I purchased a Spanish property was to be able to sample the relaxed way of life that is so prevalent in Southern Europe.
In the UK, it´s the norm to face a huge list of rules and regulations when you go out socially – from what to wear, where to smoke and what time you have to stop having fun! – it can all start making you feel like you are being treated like cattle. Is it any wonder the streets of British towns and cities are so unruly after closing time of the pubs?
In Spain, things are done very differently.
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Medical treatment in Spain is generally excellent. However the ability to obtain it varies. It very much depends on how stretched the medical services are in your area of Spain.
Generally speaking, if you are part of the Spanish National Insurance system, you are automatically eligible for medical treatment.
If you are not paying into the social security system you can still obtain treatment if you have an EHIC card (E 111) and a passport or NIE number. The medical practice will register you for six months. However, if need be you can renew this. Continue reading »
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For those tourists lucky enough to be on holiday in Spain during Easter week, you are in for a treat. Easter is taken VERY seriously in Spain, and as you would perhaps expect within a predominantly Catholic country, the week sees periods of both celebration and mournful reflection.
For the last 2 years, I have celebrated Semana Santa in the beautiful Spanish city of Murcia, famed for its extravagant Gothic cathedral. For me, the parades and processions of the Thursday evening are among the most poignant, particularly the Silent Procession which sees a moving, slow march (normally in barefoot) through the city streets, often into the early hours.
In the UK when we think of Halloween, it involves the local children and young folk dressing up in gruesome costumes and playing trick or treat. Even if you play by the rules of the game and treat the kids, invariably at the end of the evening your car will end up covered in eggs or flour.
Halloween in Spain is different, it is known as “El Dia de los Muertos”,the Day of the Dead. This is celebrated in many Hispanic countries, most notably in Mexico where it is a macabre fiesta.
In Spain it is a more pensive, reflective affair - it is the time to remember all the family and friends who have died. But this is not a time for brooding and sorrow, this is a happy celebration of all those who have passed away. It lasts for three days and starts on October 31st the Day of the Dead, this is followed by the Spanish holiday of All Saints Day on November 1st and ends on November 2nd which is All Souls Day. Continue reading »
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Without fail, amongst every client´s list of preliminary questions when they first make contact with us is this one:
“What´s happening in the Spanish property market at the moment?”
We wanted to put together a concise overview of our thoughts on the current state of the market, and highlight any areas for concern, together with details of how to take advantage of market conditions if you are thinking of buying in Spain.
In Spain bank holidays fall on all days of the week, but it´s quite common to have a holiday on a Thursday and a Saturday during the same week.
As you can probably imagine, this presents a great opportunity – why go back into work on a Friday, when you can simply take time off and effectively enjoy a nice relaxing 4 day break?
The problem is that EVERYBODY does it – it´s practically customary.
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It´s safe to assume that most prospective holiday-makers search the internet to book one or more of the following – flights, accommodation and car hire. Therefore it makes a lot of sense to advertise your rental property online, in order to appeal to these potential tenants.
The online holiday rental market is highly competitive, and there are plenty of websites that offer paid listings for inclusion on their site, normally for an annual subscription fee. This fee varies, but for inclusion on the larger, popular websites, expect to pay in the region of £120 - £200 per year.
There are several advantages to advertising your rental property online:
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There are many owners of Spanish property who are keen to generate a rental income from their holiday home in the sun.
With the threat of recession, and the shadow of the credit crunch over all of us, even those owners who had never intended to rent out their properties are seeking an income in order to assist with servicing rising mortgage repayments.
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