October 22, 2005

So what does the future hold for the property market on the Costa del Sol

Over lunch today I started mapping out how I think the next year few years will go in terms of the property market here in Spain. I wanted to share it with you and see what you thought.

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Posted by bsl1 at 5:20 PM | Comments (0)

October 22, 2005

Buying offplan in the new Med markets

I get asked this question a lot when I talk to people.

If Bulgaria and Turkey will follow a similar path to Spain and are due for huge, accelerated increases surely this means the time to buy is now then?

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Posted by bsl1 at 2:25 PM | Comments (0)

October 22, 2005

Comparing the Spanish holiday home market with other emerging markets on the Med

The Spanish market is not as in the same level of debt as the UK. The spanish residencial market round the major cities IMO is in better shape than the UK residenctial market. The Spanish second home market is potentially facing a correction in 2006 or 2007 and unless you find the right property at the right price now is not the time to invest.

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Posted by bsl1 at 1:57 PM | Comments (0)

October 22, 2005

The Land Grab Scandal

I want to dispel a few Myths!

Firstly The Land Grab Scandal In Valencia Province (under the LRAU Act or compulsory purchase law)

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Posted by bsl1 at 1:53 PM | Comments (0)

October 22, 2005

Spain is still the best country for buying a holiday home

For me Spain hasn't lost it charm or its investment potential: One of the reasons I have started this weblog is to let people know that despite the negative press, the horror stories and the perceived attractiveness of NEW AND UPCOMING AREAS along the med.

Dare I say it, it is still one of the best second home markets in the world with plenty on offer for all. I really enjoy living here and I feel that there is a great long term potential for the property market, especially on the Costa del Sol.

I do want to be clear on certain points. I live here and have a business here so I have seen my stretch of the Costa del Sol change dramatically over the last 7 years. I am extremely realistic about the future.

Do I think the Spanish Costas have become overdeveloped? Answer Yes.

Do I think current market prices for property are too high? Answer Yes.

Do I think there will be a major correction rather than a soft landing? I think there is going to be a correction.

Do I think Spain could fall foul of the cheaper labour markets in Poland, ,etc leading to a manufacturing declining and a further strain on an economy that is already showing signs of overheating? Answer Yes.

Property prices have gone up more than 300% in some areas of the country over the last 12 years, similarly there has also been a significant increase in the cost of living. This has ended Spain´s affinity for cheap low cost package holidays. Tourism figures have been hurt up until recent years and Hotels in particular have been feeling the strain.

The Costa del Sol and Spain led the boom in the development of the EU gold rush for second homes in the sun. What ever happens here will follow in places like Bulgaria and Turkey. I am waiting to see the kinds of horror stories that come from these locations over the coming years, which are not EU member states and will never have the same levels of investment infrastructure (According to the Economist's Special Report: European Union enlargement April 30th 2005).

So for the record: I like thousands of other expats am very happy where I live, I had no problems buying my property (because I used a good lawyer), I got a good deal (because I did my home work and studied the market before rushing in) and I am really happy with my move. So just because Spain is sounding a little jaded at the moment doesn´t mean the magic is gone.

Is there anyone else out there who is happy with their Spanish property or life in Spain, or have we all fallen foul to the British love you one day, hate you the next scenario that constantly plays out between tabloid press and latest celebrities?

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Posted by bsl1 at 1:47 PM | Comments (0)

October 9, 2005

Accurate Survey of Spanish Property Prices, Is It Currently Possible?

I received this article from http://www.ipropertysearch.co.uk/ today
which explains why, in the UK, different marketing groups often come
to different conclusions about housing market trends there.

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Posted by bsl1 at 7:59 PM | Comments (0)

October 4, 2005

Puebla Aida

Community Official Web Site (bit tacky)Community

The vision of Puebla Aida’s creator was of a typical Andalucian village. A Pueblo of houses seemingly added to each other in a random mix, but when the complex is thoroughly planned and constructed the result is an idyllic place that makes living in it not only cosy, but engenders a kind of transfiguration simply by looking at it, which one experiences when gazing at a beautiful painting.

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Posted by bsl1 at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)