Spain, like large parts of the developed world, is currently going through a difficult economic period, yet it is a state of affairs that can present great opportunities to investors wishing to find good value and maximise their returns in the medium term.

Though prices have largely levelled out after dropping 30-50% from 2008 highs, there could still be some downward mobility in certain areas and market segments. The average national drop in prices since the downturn began is 22 per cent, but this amalgamates highly diverse figures and throws them all together, a bit like a statistics blender. Continue reading »

Nordica’s choice of top local restaurants in Nueva Andalucia and Marbella

Nermans Restaurant
Located within the luxurious Los Naranjos Golf Club urbanisation, Nermans restaurant and bistro bar has become a modern cuisine favourite along the coast. Indulge in the wide selection of dishes from the international menu, whilst simultaneously enjoying the stylish interior or a summer night on the outside terrace. Continue reading »

The transaction costs when buying a property in Spain consist of lawyer and notary fees, land registry costs, transfer tax and a mortgage tax. A rate adjustment coming into effect this year sees a number of small but important changes in the make-up of these property purchase costs.

Lawyers’ fees, which are approximately equal to 1% of the purchase price plus VAT, will most likely remain the same, as will Notary fees (dependent upon the price of the property and the length and complexity of the purchase contract), and Land Registry costs, which vary according to the purchase price and what needs to be registered. Continue reading »

Even if you have made the decision to sell your house in order to relocate to Spain, you might feel that selling the trusty family car is one step too far! If, like many before you, you decide to bring your car, it will be necessary to re-register it to use it permanently in Spain.

Non-residents may only register cars on temporary tourist plates, which are valid for only six months in every year and must be renewed annually. On becoming fully resident, the payment of the Impuesto Especial must be made; this charge is equivalent to 12 per cent of the value of the car. Continue reading »

Summer is traditionally a busy time here on the Costa del Sol and this year was no exception – in fact figures released recently by the Junta de Andalucía revealed that it was the region’s best season ever.

Summer also means that our short-term rentals team is stretched to the maximum, as thousands of holidaymakers start to arrive. Many families choose to holiday together, realising that they can save money by renting a property and sharing the cost. However, in September most of our clients return to their homes – which is the time that we were delighted to welcome the crew of A Place in the Sun, the final instalment of the film series based on Liza Marklund’s bestselling novels that feature the fearless crime reporter, Annika Bergstrom. The first Bergstrom movie, Nobel’s Testament, will premiere in February 2012, so it will be some time until A Place in the Sun will be seen. Continue reading »

Another special event in Marbella this September has been the recording of the movie “A Place in the Sun” by Swedish criminal author Liza Marklund.

After several months of preparation, her latest book, which is set in Marbella, has been made into a film with a budget of 15 million SEK. What has been of particular interest to the international press, is that the film is produced by the production company Yellowbird, who are also behind the cinema success “The girl with the dragon tattoo”, part of the world famous Millennium Trilogy by Stig Larson.

Yellowbird has also bought the rights for six of Liza Marklund‘s best sellers that feature the criminal reporter Annika Bengtzon. The first film to be released is “Nobel’s Testament” that will be in cinemas from February 2012 and also shown at the Cannes Film Festival 2012. The Costa del Sol’s “A Place in the Sun” is the final movie of the series of six. Continue reading »

Without sounding so dramatic, there was blood, sweat and tears – blood from the dogs paws, sweat from everyone and tears for the few who were scared of heights! Being a total of 28 people and 5 dogs, it took us 5 hours all together to reach the summit of La Concha, sadly it wasn’t the clearest of days but on a positive note, we were definitely walking in the clouds J  Continue reading »

Naturally, as with all European countries, opening a bank account here in Spain is not a complicated process. What you will have to bear in mind that there are two types of account: the cuenta para residentes (for those with a Spanish permanent residence document) and the cuenta para no residentes (for clients without an NIE or permanent residence permit). Continue reading »

Finding a cause to support nowadays can be quite difficult as unfortunately we have a great deal of choice but luckily enough there are people who care giving you such a wide range of charities to choose from. Having said, that when it comes to a cause that involves someone you know, the choice is easily made. As many of you know who live in Marbella, Russell Soden has a quest to trek up the mountain La Concha 40 times in 40 days for the 40th anniversary in support of the Foundation Study of Infant Death (F.S.I.D.) so us girlies at Nordica have decided to put our walking/climbing shoes on instead of our heels and join Russell Soden in his amazing quest on Saturday the 8th of October, where we will all attempt to make it up to the top of La Concha – I am sure that this will be a sight for sore eyes but at least our hearts will be in it if not our limbs! Continue reading »

The 2011 Marbella Masters tournament – won in 2010 by Sergi Bruguera – was swept up by Morocco’s genial Younes El Aynaoui this year. The only smile to rival El Aynaoui’s at the victory ceremony was Manolo Santana’s, who was on excellent form and seemed delighted to be presenting the trophy to this popular player; also in attendance was Marbella’s tourism councillor, José Luis Hernandez, who was equally pleased with the positive effect that the Masters tournament had on the local economy!

Yet, despite the presence of old favourites like Pat Cash, the crowd’s attention was primarily focused on Swedish tennis legend, Bjorn Borg. Continue reading »