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March 16, 2018

Tips when choosing a Real Estate Agent in Spain

You have made the decision to sell your property in Spain as the market is in a healthy position and agents are looking for properties for their clients/investors – so how do you choose who to work with? It all may seem very daunting the first steps to selection of an agent, so here are some ideas to help:

On-Line or Office-Based
With the power of the internet, on-line is a great way to sell your property and just pay an upfront fee. An on-line agent will advertise your property, but you will be responsible for the viewings, negotiation of sales price and dealing with the end to end process. For some people who are living in their property, this is certainly an option – but what happens if this is not your primary residence or would like more of a business transaction approach? Office-based real estate agents in Spain offer a no sale, no fee service where they will organise all the viewings, marketing, take care of the whole process for you and work with your lawyer to ensure all runs smoothly – perfect if you are not based in Spain or prefer to hand over the reins to a professional.

Make a Shortlist
Make a short list of agents who have a high-street presence and look at their window display, website, portal usage, referrals or social media. If you find the way they present properties is pleasant and the images reflect a positive image, then add them to your list. You should be able to narrow the list down to 2-3 agents and call or pop in to their offices to have a chat about your property and expectations. Established Agents are certainly going to provide you with the best service so choose agents that specialise in property sales with experience in your area.

Valuation of your Property
An experienced agent will know the marketplace, surrounding area and urbanisations, particularly ones who have a high street presence in the municipality. They will offer examples of recent sales within your area to support their valuations and other analysis/statistics to explain the market historically and at present. A good agent will take the time to explain the cost implications and the full process of selling your property from start to finish. Property is our biggest financial asset and investment so we all want to secure the best price possible but be wary of agents who ask you what you want to sell for. Your expectations may not be possible in the current market or once all the costs for selling have been explained to you.

Ask questions
From your short list, you will already have an idea of how your chosen agents will create campaigns and promotions for property. Professional agents will have a campaign map in place and will happily share this information with you. Ask questions: Do you just focus on property sales? How long have they been in business? Any prospects looking at this style of property at the moment? Do they provide performance statistics and feedback? The last thing you want is to market your property and not hear back from the agent, even if sometimes it is not good news. At the same time, be honest about your circumstances as they will have a better grasp of your objectives and timeframe.

The Agent Fee
Spain is a different marketplace to the UK and the fee varies from 5% up to 9% in some places. For this area of Spain, the industry standard appears to be 5%. Established agents collaborate and offer additional marketing services to ensure maximum coverage for your property to secure you a sale. Make a value judgment on the services and don’t assume that the cheapest is the best – it rarely works out that way.

A Team Effort
You have met with several agents and some you liked and some you didn´t but base your decision on what you have seen and heard. In Spain, sole agency is not common but an established agent will have the best network and coverage to ensure maximum collaborative coverage in and outside of the area to entice viewings. Give the agent the good news you would like them to market your property and if you have decided to be “sole agent” tell them and set your expectations with them. Working as a team you will be successful in selling your property and moving on.

February 6, 2018

Bitesize Property Review with Barrington Homes

2017 has been a good year for the real estate market with interest and confidence growing due in part to an improvement in the European economy. House prices have increased in the second-hand housing marketplace with an average increase of 5.1% over the previous year. This is the largest annual increase since 2006 when it was an increase of 7.7%. The highest increase is in the Balearic Islands with a staggering 15.1% and Catalonia of 10.5% showing even with the recent political climate, it is not putting a damper on investment.

Malaga has had an increase of a very healthy 4.5%. This supports our successful year with sales of property in Manilva, Casares and Estepona. According to Tinsa (leading independent valuation experts with over 30 years’ experience), the average timeframe for selling a property in Spain is 8.6 months and in Malaga 7.2 months. Barrington Homes averaged for 2017 at 5.7 months and we are extremely encouraged by our strong start this year with an impressive January, historically a quieter month.

Manilva, Casares and Estepona are certainly providing the best investment opportunities with new developments both east and west of Estepona offering new contemporary, modern living. Good news for those already invested in this area as prices are moving in the right direction albeit not to the values achieved prior to the economic crisis. According to Tinsa, the residential market maintains moderate price growth but it is still 38.3% below the maximum reached in 2007.

In 2014 and 2015, the average sold price of a property was approx. 15.6% below the marketed price and in 2017 this percentage shrunk to an average of 10.2%, demonstrating demand and quality has improved.

Mortgage applications are highly sought after with all nationalities being approved and processed quickly. Savvy British buyers realise the potential in applying due to the weak pound against the euro and are securing up to 70% mortgages, (this will change to 60% for non-EU residents when Britain leaves the EU) and the average monthly mortgage payment for Malaga province is 555 Euros.

Barrington Homes wanted to provide you with a summary of 2017 and not bombard you with pages of stats and percentages. We hope this blog is helpful for those investing or selling, but please feel free to get in touch with the team if you require further information.

Manilva Municipality Spain

Manilva Municipality Spain

 

May 11, 2016

The beauty of Gibraltar Airport – a short but sweet blog!

I know, you are thinking what is beautiful about Gibraltar Airport. Well, think about it this way.

1-Gibraltar_Airport_panorama
• It is 20 mins from Duquesa
• Taxi costs approx. 50 Euros each way
• It is easy to get around and all the staff are very helpful
• Pleasant cafe environment
• Great Duty Free for Drinks, Cosmetics and Perfumes
• BA flies to Heathrow
• Monarch flies to Manchester, Birmingham, Luton & Gatwick
• Easyjet flies to Manchester, Bristol, Gatwick

Imagine having your own coastal property and just a short 2 -3 hour flight with a small walk across the border to competitive rental car outlets or simply jump in a Taxi and within a short space of time, you are in your coastal home. So tell me, what is not beautiful about that?

Barrington Homes have some excellent properties to offer and in particular, we have 5 great urbanisations literally 10 minutes from Gibraltar Airport in Alcaidesa and here is a link to all 5 to have a look at.  ALCAIDESA URBANISATIONS

I could go on about the amazing Golf Courses, the beaches, the restaurants, but I don’t think I need to as I think you are already booking your flights to come and see what this part of the Costa del Sol has to offer. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

November 4, 2014

Easyjet announce Bristol to Gibraltar flights starting April 2015

Filed under: Duquesa Information,News — Barrington Homes @ 9:34 pm

Great News for tourism, business and residents of both Spain and Gibraltar is that Easyjet announced today that flights from Bristol to Gibraltar will commence in April 2015 with up to 3 flights per week. The low cost carrier already offers a service from London Luton to Gibraltar and due to the success of this route they intend to make the South West and Capital more accessible to Gibraltars growing tourism and finance industries.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Commercial Manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be introducing Bristol’s only direct air link to Gibraltar Airport.

“With a year round service, affordable fares and flight time of just over two and a half hours, we’re confident that it will prove a popular service for both business and leisure travelers. We will have more than 19,000 seats available on the new service next summer alone.”

Shaun Browne, Bristol Airport’s Aviation Director, added: “Bristol Airport is delighted to play its part in extending the air links between the UK and Gibraltar. The city of Plymouth in the South West has a strong connection to Gibraltar through its rich naval and marine industry history, and more recently the financial services sector plays an important role in both our economies. This new flight will provide easy access and improve connections for both business and leisure passengers.

The flights will go on sale at www.easyjet.com this Thursday, 6 November. Puerto de la Duquesas tourism and property business are sure to benefit from the increasing number of flights to Gibraltar. Accessibility and journey times from the South West of England will be dramatically improved making Puerto Duquesa as a holiday destination even more appealing. Barrington Holidays property owners are already enjoying an increase in bookings for 2015. The strong Pound, improvements in the economy and improved accessibility to Puerto Duquesa is sure to make 2015 a great year for tourism. Barrington Homes look forward to welcoming new and existing clients back to Puerto de la Duquesa in 2015.

November 3, 2014

5 reasons why Puerto de la Duquesa is the best place to buy property

Filed under: Duquesa Information,Property — Barrington Homes @ 4:59 pm

Spain seems to be turning a corner with more positive news about the countries economy, tourism and property sector being reported. The figures aren’t record breaking but a glimpse of good news and hints of an improving economy is big news given the crisis situation the country found itself in recent years. So jumping on the good news bandwagon here are five reminders why Spain is THE place for overseas property…

1. Convenience !
The Costa del Sol is arguably the most established destination for tourism and overseas second homes. This history has meant that the area is very convenient in terms of travel, accommodating the expat way of life and also convenient travel through established road and rail links throughout Andalucia allowing tourists to explore the varied attractions and places of natural beauty on offer here in Southern Spain. Most British airports boast direct flights to Malaga. The flight time is very comfortable and the low cost carriers and number of flights make prices very competitive. There are also currently daily flights into Gibraltar from an increasing number of UK airports. Car journeys from Gibraltar to Puerto de la Duquesa are a mere 25 minutes !

2. Spains developed market means there is something for everyone !
Spain and especially the Costa del Sol has a superb selection and range of properties. From 2 bedroom holiday homes, rustic fincas and Andalucian townhouses. There is something for everyone. Puerto de la Duquesa is an excellent up and coming market for any property investor or those looking for a holiday home in Spain. The established road links, proximity to Gibraltar for travel and work, local attractions and places its natural beauty make the Manilva area unbeatable as a place for property investment on the Costa del Sol.
Being a developed market in comparison to other lesser established ones that have gained in popularity over the last decade, Spain has established property laws and purchase procedures. The transparent property purchase procedure and clear set of property laws makes Spain an excellent choice for those looking for an overseas investment.

3. Affordability and stability
The property boom in supposedly up and coming countries turned investors heads with lures of short term gains and fantastic promises of investment and infrastructure. It has since proved to be unsustainable and the promises have not come into fruition. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Dubai and Turkey are no longer the investors choice and the property market is not established or robust enough to cope with the worldwide economic downturn.
Quality and long-term thinking have thankfully remained prominent in the majority of areas in Spain. This planning coupled with the established infrastructure has left the property market, although undoubtedly suffering from the downturn, in a strong position to bounce back once the economy recovers.

4. Established expat communities and strong Spanish culture
The Costa del Sol and surrounding areas throughout Andalucia deliver an ideal balance of traditional Spanish warmth and tradition as well as the cosy familiarity of some aspects of British life. The British and Spanish cultures although naturally greatly different work harmoniously to provide a superb way of life for those Brits looking to move or holiday in Puerto de la Duquesa. The balance of the lifestyle can be tilted to accommodate individual needs. From submerging yourself completely into the Spanish way of life to embracing all Spain has to offer when you choose, whilst maintaining the UK lifestyle, foods and social events catered specifically for expats and exclusively in the English language.

5. The weather
The weather is often the Costa del Sols main selling point and when you are swimming in the pool in October, sunbathing on your terrace in November, enjoying the comparatively light nights in December its clear to see why. It’s not simply the number of degrees but a way of life. The outdoor life, great air quality and blue skies simply boost your feel good factor and allow you to enjoy any activity you want throughout the year and spend longer outside throughout the day. Sounds basic but the difference once you live or holiday here is incredible.
Summer on the Costa del Sol is a long and glorious affair. May the temperatures start to heat up and it feels like summer is on its way. June to August is perfect with days on the beach or by the pool and warm nights spent having a BBQ or dining out in Puerto Duquesa Marina or nearby Spanish restaurants. It’s very typical for families to be out together enjoying the evening into the early hours of the morning.

Register now for IBI reductions at Manilva Townhall !

Filed under: Duquesa Information,Useful Information — Tags: , , — Barrington Homes @ 4:46 pm

The time period is now open to apply for a reduction in IBI payment in the Manilva area for the coming year. Last year property owners enjoyed a 20% reduction in the IBI fees for those who committed to a direct debit payment plan. The Finance Officer at Manilva Townhall reported “We are pleased to have financially helped families in this town who have benefited from this initiative” This percentage reduction along with additional Townhall incentives to pay the IBI by a bank direct debit meant that an example IBI payment was reduced from 300€ in 2014 to just 174€ in 2014 ! To qualify for any discounts property owners must be up to date with all property taxes, set up any future payment by direct debit and be registered at the townhall on the ‘empadronamiento’. Interested parties can register for these IBI reductions from today until the end of December at the Manilva Townhall in Manilva Village. Documents can also be printed from the Manilva Townhall website at www.manilva.es under the documents menu option.

October 29, 2014

New Iceland Store opens in Sotogrande

Filed under: Duquesa Information,Local Businesses — Barrington Homes @ 2:47 pm

Juan Carlos Ruiz Biox, the Mayor of San Roque opened the 10th Iceland store on Spanish mainland in Pueblo Nuevo de Guardiaro on Tuesday 28th October. Hundreds of shoppers attended the opening and sought to buy numerous products generally unavailable in Spanish stores.

Icelands 10th Store Opening

Icelands 10th Store Opening

Iceland stocks a range of Iceland and Waitrose products which appeal to the expats living in the area. Iceland is located in the centre of Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro by the main car park next to the English Butchers. Opening hours are 8.30am to 9pm Monday to Saturday.

 

Iceland Store Grand Opening

Iceland Store Grand Opening

Pictures are courtesy of www.theresident.eu a great source of information and news items covering the Western Costa del Sol.

September 28, 2014

Spain welcomes a record number of tourists in 2014

Filed under: Duquesa Information — Barrington Homes @ 9:55 pm

Spains tourist industry continues to thrive as record numbers of tourists visited Spain during August 2014. Records surpassed the 9 million mark which is a 9% increase on the same period last year.

Spain continues to be the most popular European destination for overseas tourism closely followed by France. Spain welcomes the most tourists from Britain which accounts for over 2 million of overseas visitors. French and German tourists also flocked to Spain making up the 2nd and 3rd largest groups respectively.

Its is expected that 2014 will be a record year for Spanish tourism with the final count likely to exceed 65 million tourists which will be a massive 5 million increase in 2013’s 60.6million visitors.
The recent expansion of Malaga and Gibraltar airports has meant a surge of visitors to the Costa del Sol in recent years due to the increase in flights and superb access to more areas throughout Andalucia. Puerto de la Duquesa has certainly reaped the benefits of its increase in family tourism to the area year on year.

Globally Spain remains the worlds third most visited country due to its superb climate, cities, beaches and family friendly tourist destinations. To book your next holiday in Puerto de la Duquesa visit www.barringtonholidays.com or to enjoy numerous holidays as well as generate a rental income from your Spanish property take a look at the fantastic properties available at www.barringtonhomes.eu

June 27, 2013

Blue Flag awarded to Sabinillas Beach

Filed under: Duquesa Information,Lifestyle — Lucy @ 1:40 pm

Sabinillas Beach in Manilva on the Costa del Sol in Spain has again been awarded the blue flag by the   Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe.

Sabinillas Playa Banda Azul

 

Beaches are awarded the Blue Flag based on compliance with 32 criteria covering the following:

1) Environmental Education and Information

2) Water Quality

3) Environmental Management

4) Safety and Services
All Blue Flags are awarded for one season at a time.

If the criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag may be withdrawn.

 

For more information on the blue flag initiative visit http://www.blueflag.org

February 8, 2013

Manilva Town Hall to pay for repair of collapsed road by Duquesa Golf Club

Filed under: Duquesa Information,Lifestyle,News — Lucy @ 8:10 pm

I went to a meeting at Manilva Town Hall today to find out what was happening with regards to repairing the road which has collapsed at the bottom of the hill by the Spa at La Duquesa Golf and Countryclub.

Firstly I was amazed at what goes on behind the scenes in Manilva.  From the outside Manilva appears to be a sleepy white village with not much going on during the day.  But once you enter the multi storey car park behind the police station you realise there is a hive of activity going on behind the scenes as the car park was packed full of cars and smartly dressed professionals were coming and going.  It took me back to the days when I used to work in England.

Sunny Manilva one Autumn Morning

Present at the meeting were Diego Urieta – Councillor for Town Planning and Foreign Residents,  Mario Jimenez – Councillor for Infrastructure and Building Works,  Valentina Radu – Co-ordinator for Town Planning and Foreign Residents,  Dean Sheldon – Co-ordinator for Urbanizations, Communities and Commerce and some presidents of the communities affected by damaged road.

Manilva Town Hall Meeting

They advised us that they had been working hard to find a solution to getting the road mended.  The difficulty is that the road that collapsed is adjacent to a river which is the responsibility of the regional governments environments department.  And as the road actually collapsed a few days after that department had carried out comprehensive cleaning of the river, it is likely that this department is liable for the cost of the repair.

Manilva Town Hall have tried to get them to pay for the repair works and although the regional government havent refused to pay ,they have said that Manilva would have to wait for the money.  Manilva Town Hall realise that this repair work is very urgent and so have decided to reallocate some funds from elsewhere to pay for it and then will reclaim it back.

Ironically as access to the river is needed to make the repair works, Manilva Town Hall are awaiting written permission from the regional government environment department before they can proceed.   If they didn’t they could be subject to a fine which could be more than the cost of the works!

The good news is that this written permission is all they are waiting for  which they hope to receive next week.  Once received, the works will commence and hopefully be completed within a month.

The other good news for residents of property that are situated around La Duquesa Golf Course is that Manilva Town Hall have agreed to put up a street sign “Calle Cornisa del Sol” to help people who live here give directions to those who dont!

Are there any issues in the Manilva area that you are concerned about and would like answers to?  Please either leave your comments below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

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