That’s because once the underpass is open, traffic flow between Marbella and the towns at the western-most end of the coast will be significantly eased and travel times cut dramatically.

As a consequence, the real estate market in towns such as Estepona, Manilva, La Duquesa and Sotogrande which have to some extent been regarded as being ‘a bit out on a limb’ and inconvenient to get to in terms of location, is expected to benefit considerably.

The western end of the coast currently has some of the most attractive property bargains available anywhere on the Costa del Sol.

The completion of the underpass has been quite a lengthy, not to say controversial saga. The project was due to be finished in 2009, but due to the economic crisis and the consequent trouble in public funding, has dragged on almost five years causing huge frustration on the part of local residents and businesses alike.

The underpass basically takes the form of a 1km long tunnel that now runs underneath the southern-most front of the town and was commissioned to do away with the only sets of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings in almost 1.000km of highway between the town and Barcelona, which perennially caused one of the biggest traffic jam blackspots in Spain.

It is estimated that some 65.000 vehicles will use the underpass every day, turning what was once a nightmare time consuming journey from Marbella to the western Costa del Sol into a veritable pleasure.

The final cost, taking the delays into consideration, is reported to have reached around €85M Euros.

If you’d like more information about the property for sale in Estepona, Manilva, La Duquesa and Sotogrande, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús.

Each year, a select group of Constant Contact customers are honoured with the ‘All Star Award’ for their exemplary marketing results and we’re proud to announce that Inmo Andalucia’s results ranked among the top 10% of Constant Contact’s entire customer base.

We’re really happy to be recognized by Constant Contact for achieving such exemplary marketing results. Their online email marketing tools have certainly helped us no end when it comes to both marketing our client’s properties for sale and attracting buyers.

Constant Contact tell us they looked at the following criteria to select this year’s All Stars:

•    Frequency of campaigns, events and surveys
•    Open, bounce and click-through rates
•    Event registration rates
•    Survey completion rates
•    Use of social features
•    Use of mailing list sign-up tools

Gail Goodman, CEO of Constant Contact told us, “There is nothing we like more than to see our customers finding success. It’s the reason Constant Contact was founded and it’s a thrill to see the fantastic results that Inmo Andalucia are achieving. This company is really leading the charge when it comes to delivering relevant, engaging content that drives real business results. We salute Inmo Andalucia for their success and are honoured to have played a part in their achievements.”

If you’d like more information about how Inmo Andalucia can market your property for sale on Spain’s Costa del Sol, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús

One thing is sure, selling a property these days is not a step you should take without the help of a very good, professional real estate agent.

But exactly how do you go about finding an estate agent you can trust?

Well, as in all professions, there are the good and, shall we say, the ‘less good’ real estate agents. Thankfully, the following is a simple checklist you could use to help distinguish between them:

Appoint an expert, not a friend

Appointing a real estate agent to sell your property either because you know them or someone you know knows them is not the ideal way to go.

Mixing personal contacts with business (which essentially is what selling a property is) may cause conflicts of interest or other problems further on down the line.

The recommended way to go is to appoint an agent that is best qualified for the job at hand.

Appoint a local agent specialising in your kind of property

Ideally, the agent you appoint should be an expert with a proven track record of valuing, buying and selling your type of property in your area, with an office in the area.

They should also have a thorough knowledge of the legal ins and outs of property transactions.

Don’t just appoint the first agent you meet

Meet with various agents, not just the first one you find, and ask each one to explain their credentials and exactly how they can help you so that you can weigh up the pros and cons of each.

Don’t appoint the agent that values your property the highest

All agents know that sellers want to sell their property for the highest price possible but there are also those that, rather than give you a realistic asking price given market conditions, will tell you what you want to hear just to get your property on their books

So ask them for proof of the final buying price of similar properties they have sold in your area.

Avoid the cheapest option

Avoid appointing a real estate agent just because they charge less commission than other agents.

Charging less commission may mean an agent will dedicate less time and effort to the process of selling your property, or they won’t spend money necessary to market your property properly.

Appointing an established real estate franchise doesn’t guarantee anything

Although appointing a large, well-established nationwide or even international real estate franchise may seem like an attractive option, it provides no guarantee that you’ll get a good service.

For example, new franchise holders may not yet have the experience or the professional knowledge necessary to get you a good deal.
Get references

No one will be able to tell you more about how good a real estate agent is at their job than their previous clients, so ask for references if you know someone that has used their services before.

If an agent is a member of a real estate association or advertises in a respectable, well-known property website portal, that’s a good sign.

If you’d like more information about how to go about selling your property, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús

Although overall Spain comes in 4th place after the US, the UK and France, among Latin America’s richest, Spain is the 2nd favourite place in which to invest in a holiday home behind the United States.

The report also highlights 63 most expensive cities in the world in which to buy property in terms of cost per square metre.

Unsurprisingly, Monaco is at the very top of the list at 45,000 Euros/m2, followed by Cap Ferrat (in the south of France at 40,000 Euros/m2), London (37,800 Euros/m2), Hong Kong (36,700 Euros/m2) and Courchevel (in the French Alps at 34,000 Euros/m2).

The 1st Spanish cities in the ranking are the holiday destinations of Mallorca and Marbella.

Marbella ranks 32nd in the world with an average of 9,000 Euros/m2, whilst Mallorca comes is at No.32, with a price of 9,200 Euros/m2.

Other Spanish cities listed in this classification are Madrid (ranked 41, with a price of 7,800 Euros/m2) and Barcelona (ranked 56, with 4,100 Euros/m2).

The millionaires surveyed for the report were also asked what the most important factors are that influence their decision to purchase a second home in a particular country. The majority of them, 67%, stated lifestyle, rather than the possibilities of investment, education or tax incentives were the prime reason to buy.

Puerto Banus (or ‘The Port’ as it’s known locally) is really a uniquely special location in which to live or own a holiday place – and thanks to the current economic climate, apartment for sale in the area have come down in price noticably, meaning there are some real bargains to be had.

Not only is the area home to various designer label boutiques, there are also no less than two large shopping and entertainment malls.

Some of Europe’s most exclusive beach clubs can also be found in and around The Port too and as far as eating out goes, you’re really spoilt for choice. There are so many good restaurants serving everything from traditional Spanish cuisine to gourmet food it’s sometimes tricky to decide where to eat.

But perhaps Puerto Banus is most famous for its nightlife – and again, you’re spolied for choice with the streets around the marina blessed with a number of funky watering holes, music bars and clubs.

For more information about apartments for sale in Puerto Banus, please call me, Jesus Garcia, in English on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71
00 34 676 42 32 20

Alternatively, you can send me an email at Info@Inmo-Andalucia.com.

That’s all for now, people.

Jesús

Click here to read more about the La Hoya private residential estate.

Click here to see full details of a 4-bedroom country villa for sale in La Hoya

Click here to see full details of a 4-bedroom country villa for sale in La Hoya

Click here to see full details of a 10-bedroom country villa/rural hotel for sale in La Hoya

Click here to see full details of a 5-bedroom country villa for sale in La Hoya

Click here to see full details of a 7-bedroom country villa for sale in La Hoya

If you’d like more information about these or any of the other luxury country villas we have for sale in La Hoya, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús

Home to just a privileged few, the estate is one of the most desirable places to live in the whole of southern Spain, especially for those discerning buyers seeking a genuine slice of rural Andalucian living combined with contemporary luxury.

Just a short drive from the lovely village of Gaucin and serviced by a well-maintained dirt access road, the estate is a veritable natural paradise with some of the most stunning flora and fauna the Andalucian region has to offer.

Some say, in terms of the sheer beauty of its natural surroundings, it’s the undisputed number one place to live of anywhere in Andalucia, and who am I to argue?

One thing’s for sure, the estate is certainly very pleasant on the eye.

As you drive deeper into La Hoya from the main gate, you pass some truly exquisite and very typical Andalucian country villas languishing in their own sweeping swathes of Andalucian landscape.

Without exception, they enjoy unbroken views south across the fields and beyond to the twin peaks of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Jebel Musa on the North African coast, both of which stand guard over the Straits of Gibraltar.

These properties offer a great deal of privacy as they tend to be separated from their nearest neighbours by at least half a kilometre and although many of them were only constructed relatively recently by their owners, you’d never know it to look at them, as architecturally they reflect the classic ‘finca’ and ‘cortijo’ designs of the area.

Step inside any one of them though, and you’ll find yourself inside a modern property packed to bursting with high end mod cons.

There really is nothing like La Hoya, no other residential estate in southern Spain that quite offers the same blend of luxury with country living.

Consequently, the asking prices for the property for sale in the estate tend to reflect its uniqueness and exclusivity, although that said, thanks to the economic climate, there are some relatively solid deals to be found.

If you’d like more information about any of the luxury country villas we have for sale in La Hoya, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús

There’s no getting around the fact that horses are simply a way of life in rural Andalucia.

Records show that they’ve played an integral part in day-to-day rural life since before Roman times. Indeed, it is said that a Andalucian man is not complete without his horse, such is the role they play in his work, status and identity.

Never is this more plain to see than at the many colourful village fairs and religious pilgrimages that take place throughout the region, where the men ride proudly attired in their traditional outfits while their  flamenco-costumed girlfriends sit astride behind them.

So it’s little wonder that the area acts as a magnet for those who want to purchase a property with equestrian facilities so they can become a part of this rich cultural tradition.

The good news for those that do is there are a great number of country properties for sale in the region with equestrian installations.

From vast multi-million Euro polo estates with facilities to cater for hundres of horses near Jerez, which is the epicentre of the Spanish equestrian world, to country houses with a more modest price tag and one or two stables in rural areas close to the Costa del Sol, the range of properties for sale is broad.

Click on the links below to take a look at just a few examples of what’s currently on the market:

Country property in need of renovation close to Jerez de la Frontera for sale

Country house with stables for sale in Casares

Country house and land ideal for horses near the Costa del Sol

Large cottage for sale with stables close to Gaucin

New luxury country villa for sale with land ideal for keeping horses

Country estate with equestrian facilities for sale near Medina Sidonia

Country estate for sale near Cordoba with equestrian facilities

Traditional Andalucian ‘finca’ property with equestrian installations near Medina Sidonia

20 hectare country property ideal for horses near Sotogrande

Polo estate for sale just outside Jerez de la Frontera

Luxury hotel and riding centre near Jerez de la Frontera

If you’d like more information about any of the country properties  for sale above or for details of the other equestrian country properties we have for sale, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús

Click here to read more about the Bahia Alcantara development

Click here for full details of a 3-bedroom duplex penthouse for sale in Bahia Alcantara

For more information about this penthouse  or the other properties we have for sale in Bahia Alcantara, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús

Click here to read more about the Bahia Alcantara development

Click here to see full details of a 2-bedroom apartment for sale in Bahia Alcantara

Click here to see full details of a 3-bedroom apartment for sale in Bahia Alcantara

For more information about these properties or the other property we have for sale in Bahia Alcantara, please call me Jesús García on either of the following numbers:

00 34 952 80 18 71                                                
00 34 676 42 32 20                                                

You could also do a free search through our Inmobiliaria Andalucia property database.

That’s all for now,

Jesús