News and views from the Costa del Sol!
Every week we will write about living on the Costa del Sol. You'll find new stories, local and national events, comments, recipes and advice.
Topics will range from schooling your kids in Spain to tips on how to travel to the Costa del Sol, from insights on properties for sale to helpful advice on legal issues. But we also want to share events and culture, to show how wonderful life can be in the area around Estepona, Marbella and Malaga.
Scroll down or click through the list (right) to see previous posts full of interesting information and links about this great place.
Sold! By The Spanish Estate Agent!
Luxury frontline beach penthouse, Casares Playa area
4 pools, golf nearby
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to view similar properties!
Malaga homes made legal
UP to 30,000 Andalucian homes will be made legal following a Junta law change.
The reform in the LOUA (urban planning law) will regularise 10,000 homes in Malaga which were previously deemed illegal.
Homes built on rural land not identified in development will finally be added to the Registro Civil.
Many of the homes are in the Axarquia region and were bought ‘in good faith’ by expat owners, unaware that their properties were built on protected land.
Once regularised the homes will also be able to connect to the electricity grid as well as the local water mains.
Philip Smalley, President of Save our Homes Axarquía (SOHA), said he was overjoyed to ‘put an end to the uncertainty that they hundreds of familes have had to endure’.
Feature from The Olive Press
Apartment sold by TSEA!
Beach-side apartment, Estepona area
British buyer, British seller
Colours of the south
If I had to sum up the style of this lovely part of Spain, it would be rich shades of terracotta, cool blues and crisp white; pots of geraniums hanging from the walls and patterned tiles on almost any surface. It’s a look that says summer, all year round.
Read more about the culture, the style and the history of the region in Andalucia by Michael Jacobs
Meet the team: Shirin Sharifi
Shirin combines a multicultural approach with an indepth knowledge of real estate on the Costa del Sol. Following her initial studies in law in the UK, Shirin has travelled Europe and the Middle East working on projects from real estate investment opportunities in the Cape Verde islands to working with a marketing consultancy in Dubai liaising between European agencies and Middle Eastern investors. After several years spent working in the Costa del Sol real estate market, Shirin brings a wealth of experience of locations, properties and investment opportunities to The Spanish Estate Agent.
Speaking fluent English, Farsi and Spanish as well as French and Italian, Shirin can be your point of contact to find the right property to suit your requirements. She has also worked on several renovation projects and can advise on how to make the most of your property on the Costa del Sol.
When she's not working, Shirin and her partner will be out walking their dogs or you'll see Shirin out on one of her long distance runs!
Meet the team: Louie Gray
I moved down to sunny Estepona a year ago from not-so-sunny Liverpool. I cannot describe how much I love living here - the town itself is incredibly well maintained and decorated with flowers, and is very clean. The beaches are gorgeous, I love that I can make the most of them since it's always sunny - this wasn't the case with my hometown!
Aside from doing administrative work for The Spanish Estate Agent, I enjoy building computers in my spare time and am generally interested in IT, computers and the Internet.
I hope you come down to our office by the beach soon, I'm sure you'll love Estepona as much as I do!
What now for the British living in Spain?
Will Spain suffer as a result of the British vote? What will happen to property, healthcare and tourism for the current and future British living in Spain?
The world woke up to a new order on 24th June 2016. The United Kingdom had voted to leave the European Union, which will, no doubt, result in many changes affecting the whole world one way or another. Here in Spain the shock result resulted in the biggest fall in its stock market history, with Spanish companies in the UK receiving the biggest hit.
Read the full feature from Spain Property Guides
Brexit: Spain amongst top destinations for Brits buying abroad!
The Costa del Sol is home to The Spanish Estate Agent and its multi-national team. Many of us are British and we have all been drawn to make our homes in this beautiful area.
The outcome of the referendum won’t change the long-standing appeal of stunning countryside, a slower but sociable lifestyle, realistically priced and affordable property and a warm and welcoming climate.
As the last results of the referendum came in, our first deal of the day was accepted. And so the day went on as we took enquiries about properties and talked to people who want to realise the dream of owning their own home in Spain.
Our friendly, professional team members are happy to share their local knowledge and experiences of living here. We look forward to helping you become the owner of that special property in Spain and offer the very best service from initial viewing to completion and beyond.
Email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a call back at a time to suit you.
La Zagaleta – the most prestigious address in Europe?
Once upon a time a beautiful hillside area above the coast of Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol attracted the attention of forward thinking real¬ estate developers who had a dream of creating luxurious homes. La Zagaleta was born.
Fast forward 25 years and a 10 square kilometre area has become one of the most exclusive branded, luxury resorts in the world. The sports and golfing facilities are second to none.
With restaurant and catering services, lifestyle and entertainment opportunities, it is set amongst some spectacular mountain scenery. With its proximity to the vibrant marina of Puerto Banus, it is no wonder that La Zagaleta has a worldwide reputation as one of the most prestigious addresses in Europe.
How much???
By law property for sale in Spain must be clearly labelled to show the asking price. It should also show what the price indicated includes and excludes by way of fees. Fair enough.
Of course if it is for sale in Spain the price will be in Euros. There may be a financial convertor closeby on the advert showing the equivalent price in another currency. Helpful.
But is that enough?
As a guide, when you are browsing, say, property for sale in Estepona, it probably is. But currency exchange rates can fluctuate wildly, and if you need to buy euros to complete your property purchase, you would be advised to understand a bit about how it all works. You need not become an expert, however a friendly professional can make it a safe experience and save you a lot of money.
The thing is this (and perhaps it is obvious), but whilst the euro price stays the same, what that will eventually cost you in Sterling (or dollars, or whatever) is changing all the time.
With the appropriate advice, you can mitigate this fluctuation.
You wouldn’t buy anything else if you didn’t know the price.
A day trip to Africa
So, perhaps you are ready for a break from the process of buying a home in Spain.
Or you’ve collected the keys to your new villa on a golf course near Estepona and fancy doing something different.
Really - one can take a day trip to the next continent!!
With regard to booking a crossing, there are many offerings and it does pay to shop around.
Here is just one site that lists most if not all options for ferry crossings from southern Spain.
And of course it may be that a day trip feels a bit tight.
Relax - there is a whole world waiting to be discovered on the north African coast.
Before you go check out the Rough guide to Tangiers
Fancy doing it in style? Try Richard Branson's stunning hotel, Kasbah Tamadot, near Marrakech?
Talk to the locals at The Spanish Estate Agent for personal recommendations.
Meet the team: Chloe Williams
Our family have owned property here for 12 years and we have latterly made the move ourselves to a place near the sea within easy reach of Estepona, Sotogrande and Malaga.
Before that we lived and raised our family in France, and the whole time we have been involved in providing a safe, friendly, professional service to people looking for their ideal property overseas and maybe a new life.
I am absolutely committed to respecting just what a big deal buying and selling property is.
I'm a keen sports fan and a bit of a culture vulture.
I speak English, French and Spanish and have some German and Welsh.
I hope to meet you in Spain.
A Viewing Trip to the Costa del Sol
When the owners of The Spanish Estate Agent became aware that a client had flown all the way to Malaga from Manchester to view a particular villa for sale near Malaga, only to find it was already sold, they stepped in to help.
The local team of property consultants and researchers were mobilised to find an alternative, and 24 hours later had agreed all the detail of the purchase of a very cute property in the old town of Estepona.
They took her to the lawyer, the notaire and onwards to the airport. Then they refunded the cost of the flight.
'I know with property hunting you have to take the view that what is meant to be will be, but I do think the other agency could have warned me the property had sold. I am so grateful to The Spanish Estate Agent. They did a lot more than they had to'.
To speak to Tony or Chloe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone +34 512 703 166
Natural wonders of the Costa del Sol
Everyone at The Spanish Estate Agent believes in enjoying life as much as possible. When it's time to take a break from days lounging by the pool or on the beach, or you've had your fill of local cultural events and glitzy parties in Fuengirola or Puerto Banus, here are our 3 insider tips for exploring some of the natural beauty of the Costa del Sol. From pristine river pools to unbeatable views down gorges and valleys, leaving the tourist-track has never been so stunning. And it'll give you a break during a property viewing trip to decide just which villa or apartment you are going to buy!
La Cueva del Tesoro is the only marina-visited cave in Europe, and many treasures have been discovered within its walls, including cave paintings, pottery and objects from thousands of years ago. However, its name derives from the ancient story that recounts the existence of a hidden treasure put there for Ali Ibn Tasufin Almoravid, Emperor in the twelfth century. Can you find this age-old legend?
About an hour and a half north of Malaga sits an enormous man-made lake called the Embalse de Los Bermejales, near some of the most attractive villages in the region. The water is calm, clean and warm. It is perfect for children to swim in, and they can have fun feeding the many - harmless - fish that call this lake their home. If you’re not convinced by the beautiful surroundings and tranquil atmosphere, try out the canoeing and sailing on the lake, or hiking and biking activities nearby.
Parque Natural Sierras de Tejada
This park is characterised by the white rocks whose brightness comes from the abundant marble in this zone. This mountainous area is dotted with pools of clear water and rocky gorges, as well as local fauna such as eagles and mountain goats. You won’t miss the spectacular waterfalls such as the Petrified Trees Falls (Los Arboles Petrificados), where the lime-rich water mineralized old tree trunks.
Pros and cons of Urbanizaciónes
On your search for property in Spain, you will surely have come across many properties that are part of a development - or urbanización - and you may have also wondered what that means for you.
Many of the Spanish villas for sale on the Costa del Sol that are part of a development offer many advantages because you pay community fees that go towards general upkeep, so you can enjoy a gorgeously groomed garden without having to get your hands dirty, as well as decoration and maintenance of buildings, water supply, insurance, and often a full-time concierge (portero).
These developments are often in prime locations with fantastic views across valleys and the Med, and offer many facilities such as golf courses, pools, gyms, bars, restaurants and tennis courts. Developments with golf courses are especially popular, as there is usually a discount on green fees, and the knowledge that no-one is going to build a house in front of yours and ruin your view!
Some more advantages include the chance to live in a community with close neighbours, reduced property taxes in comparison with detached homes, and increased security.
Whether your property search takes you to Calahonda, Marbella or Estepona, make sure that the community fees are not excessively high - ask the current owner if the level of maintenance reflects the cost of the fees. Make sure to ask about the rules and regulations of the development - they may, for instance, allow pets!
For more information on living in developments, visit this page on the Just Landed website.