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Buying Property on the Costa del SolBy far the most popular holiday destination of the whole of Spain, the Costa del Sol has well earned it’s reputation of incredibly alluring climate combined with unsurpassed property valuation increases. Since the formation of the EU, individuals have been flocking to the Costa del Sol to purchase a second home, investment property or to simply move permanently to the wonderful towns in the South of Spain. By definition, the Costa del Sol is the region which comprises the coastal towns and communities in the western part of Málaga province in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalucia. Directly translated, the Costa del Sol means “Coast of the Sun”. Long ago, this region used to be a series of quiet fishing settlements, now, some of these small areas still remain, but many areas have been transformed into a hub of tourist activity and world class property development. The entire region is now totally equipped with the latest and greatest of all the western world amenities, yet the traditional Spanish relaxed lifestyle is still commonplace. The beaches are not the only allure to the cities, towns and pueblos to be found within the Costa del Sol. The past decades have seen an insistent growth of golf courses stretching the entire coast. With now over 70 courses within the Costa del Sol, it is no wonder that this has caught the attention of golfers world-wide. The world famous “Valderrama” is found here as well. These courses also house some of the most awe-inspiring luxury villas that enjoy the ultimate-three of views, golf, sea, AND mountain views. With white sand beaches, traditional Spanish villages dotted throughout the mountains, robust cities and exciting port-side towns that offer all the services that you would expect to find in any large city, the Costa del Sol is the perfect location if you are considering relocating to Spain. One can split the Costa del Sol into three different sections which offer uniquely three totally different lifestyle options, these are the Western Costa del Sol, Eastern Costa del Sol, and inland Costa del Sol. The following will describe more about each region and what it has to offer. Western Costa del Sol The most renowned areas of the Costa del Sol (and Spain) is comprised of the Western Costa del Sol. Stretching from Malaga city itself all the way to the border of Cádiz. Included within this stretch of white sand beaches, countless historical buildings and beautiful mountains are such infamous towns as Fuengirola, Marbella, Puerto Banus (in actual fact, only a small part of Marbella), San Pedro de Alcantara, Mijas, Estepona, Sabinillas, Sotogrande and so many more towns and pueblos dotted in-between. The ranges of property prices within the Western Costa del Sol are some of the highest in Spain, where factors that effect the purchase price are primarily the proximity to the hot spots (such as Marbella) as well as views and accessibility to the main highways. The area is primarily geared to tourism, with all of the worlds top commercial companies having some presence in one or several of the towns along the Western Costa del Sol. Bustling with entertainment and a nightlife that rarely sleeps this area caters to many of Europe’s rich and famous and with good reason. Much development has been undergone within the past decade and much more is planned for the coming decades in way of infrastructure, as the Spanish are keeping up with the incredible demand that rises annually. The Malaga airport is undergoing reforms in order to cater to the flocking tourists to the region, and Disney will be developing a region within Manilva in the coming years. Whether you are in search of a luxury villa in Marbella, or a penthouse apartment in Puerto Banus, there is an endless selection of choice properties for sale in the Western Costa del Sol. Eastern Costa del Sol Starting from the Malaga city and heading East, will take a turn back in time to far more tranquillity and sheer beauty. Some of the most spectacular views of Andalucia’s coast can be seen where the Sierra Almijara mountains join the sea. With breath-taking views of cliffs of up to 200 meters in height, and virtually untouched white sand beaches, compared to the West, the East is sparsely populated, and only a handful of typical Spanish towns line the area. Although in recent years, much more development has begun in this area, and many individuals are opting for the serenity and peacefulness that comes with a traditional Spanish town. Property prices throughout the Eastern Costa del Sol are dramatically lower than those in the west, and in many cases in order to fit in to the community, a basic level of Spanish, and a desire to learn more would be desired. Culturally, the Spanish are inviting and extremely friendly towards all foreigners that move to their beautiful towns. Towns to be found in the Eastern Costa del Sol are Velez Malaga, Torrox and Torrox Costa, Rincon de la Victoria, and many more smaller towns along the way. One town that stands out amongst the rest in the East is that of Nerja. World famous for its primary tourist attraction, the Nerja Caves, Nerja hosts a growing number of tourists each year, and the town is developing at an astonishing rate with new hotels being constructed, and a new motorway being built to connect Nerja more efficiently to Malaga. In general, the Eastern Costa del Sol makes for an ideal up and coming investment opportunity with the demand for property near the ocean growing each year, the Eastern Costa del Sol has enormous potential for housing incredible developments. Inland Costa del Sol An entirely different lifestyle is to be found in the areas within the inland Costa del Sol. Up until recently, the towns and pueblos located 20 km from the coast and more were somewhat uninfluenced by the influx of foreigners to the South of Spain. Many people are now finding that the charm and relaxed lifestyle that comes with living in the mountains or upon a plateau is simply irresistible. Inland properties are in a class of their own, as they are sold at substantially lower costs, and normally are virtually self-sufficient, with many having their own water wells and solar electricity. The rolling Andalucian hills make for stunning views and it is not uncommon for individuals to purchase large quantities of land surrounding their properties to grow olive trees or even a small vineyard. There are countless towns and villages within the Costa del Sol that are now being connected by new roadwork projects and the next decade will see an insurgence of new communities springing up within. Some of these towns are Caseras, Ronda, La Zagaleta, Ardales, Guadalmedina, and Antequera. Most famous of which is Ronda, with an ever-increasing tourism trade primarily focused around the impressive gorge that divides the city in ½ but is connected by an architectural wonder that is a bridge. In summation, with average annual temperatures of 18C and throughout the year an average of over 300 days of sunshine, it is not hard to understand why so many people are choosing to buy property in the Costa del Sol. |
