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 »

The skies are blue; the palm trees are rustling in the breeze; the sun is reflecting on the sea. It can mean only one thing: summer is on its way!

Puerto Banús is the place to be at this time of year. Whether you visit at the weekend or during the week, night or day, there’s plenty to do and see for all the family. Continue reading »

This charming villa located in a well established, leafy part of Nueva Andalucía combines elegance and comfort to great effect. Homely and stylish, it is well proportioned – at 220m2 it offers space and privacy yet is also homely and practical, set within a beautiful garden of 1012m2 at the heart of which is a private swimming pool that borders a spacious, partly covered 62m2 terrace.

Inside are three spacious bedroom suites each with its own bathroom, as well as a guest bathroom in the elegant entrance hall that leads on to an attractive, fully fitted kitchen, a sunny dining areas that overlooks the terrace and garden, and a cosy living room with fireplace and vaulted wood-beamed ceiling. Situated in Las Cascadas del Golf, near the Los Naranjos Golf Club, the property is close to the amenities of Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús and central Marbella. Continue reading »

One of the newer luxurious residential areas of Marbella, Sierra Blanca occupies the furthest reaches at the base of La Concha, the mountain that overlooks Marbella and itself forms part of the Sierra Blanca range. As a result, its grand villas and ultra-luxurious apartment complexes look straight down onto Marbella and its broad bay.

Where
One of the great attractions of Sierra Blanca is the fact that it is so central – right above Marbella and just minutes from its beaches, shops, restaurants, café society and professional services, and just a few minutes more to those of Puerto Banús. You might say that here you are at the heart of it all without having to forsake your own peace and privacy. Continue reading »

It doesn’t take long for even the most casual visitor to realise that the Costa del Sol has an alter-ego; not only is this stretch of Spain’s coast famous for the reliability of its warm temperature, but it is equally proud of its reputation as one of the world’s key destinations for golfing tourists.

The area that extends from Málaga to Gibraltar alone contains quite literally dozens of courses, some of which have hosted some very important tournaments. Most famously, in 1997 Valderrama was chosen as the venue of the Ryder Cup, an event that attracted golf fans from around the world, many of who became repeat visitors. Continue reading »

If you want to be in the midst of the glamour and excitement of Puerto Banús but also seek privacy and personal space, then Playas del Duque is the place to be. In addition to an ideal setting, wonderful views and first-class facilities this is simply one of the best addresses on this side of the Mediterranean. Continue reading »

For those who like to be close to the beach and within walking distance of the excitement and bright lights of Puerto Banús, yet don’t want to be in the midst of it all the time, the beachside urbanisations of Malibu and Laguna de Banús offer a perfect alternative.

Exclusive and peaceful, they offer seaside living combined with space in what is a prime piece of real estate along the Mediterranean. Stretching out along the sandy beaches that follow the gentle curve of the Bay of Marbella, these bordering areas are among the most sought-after addresses on the Costa del Sol, combining villa suburb amenities with direct access to a peaceful beach not far from the restaurants, boutiques and nightspots of Puerto Banús. Continue reading »

Nordica has built up a strong reputation as a rentals specialist, but it is also very much a real estate company involved in sales, and has been so, right from the beginning. Where rentals are very much Anna Lena’s department, sales are headed up by Peter, ensuring that this is a family-run business in the true sense of the word.

A vital role within the sales department is played by Susanne Mairena Eriksson, an experienced real estate professional who has pretty much had a lifelong love affair with Marbella. “I first came here from Sweden when I was just ten months old,” says Susanne, whose parents were to visit Marbella twice a year for years to come before buying a property here. “By the time I was a teenager I knew the area inside out, and when a friend and I came to stay at my parents’ place for an extended holiday that turned into a much longer stay.” 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 »

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 »