Luxury Property Costa Blanca

02/11/2022

Some of the challenges of buying in Spain!

A lot of Luxury Property Costa Blanca clients get very frustrated with the differences in buying a property here as opposed to say the UK and other European countries.

Nothing is ever clear cut in Spain, as there have been many let's say dubious practices carried out over the years, hence why there were at one point over 200 mayor's and hundreds of town planners, architects and lawyers in prison, when the clamp down started a number of years ago. You only have to look at Benidorm and the monstrosities of buildings there (yep, quite a few went to prison for those).

At a lower level, it can mean that what is written on the escatora (the deeds) does not match up with the reality, it may mean that swimming pools are not licensed or that the size of the living area of a property is not correct as under builds have been illegally used or extensions are not approved by the town hall.

There are numerous other potential irregularities that can exist, wrong types of septic tanks, not connected to mains sewage, property on illegal rustic land and new builds too big for the size of plots. The list can be endless!

However, what we say to our clients is that in most cases this can all be resolved by a local lawyer who knows the situation of the area you are buying in, and they can normally pre-empt the potential issues. The locality of the lawyer is also important as they know/have access to people at the town hall and can get things rectified a lot quicker.

So, in summary, do not be put off by these challenges they are the norm not the exception! When our clients engage Luxury Property Costa Blanca a lot of the issues are highlighted before they even make an offer, as we carry out a buildings survey and basic legal checks (key ones are carried out by your lawyer) which can bring to light a lot of potential issues and works required, which can also help with your negotiations.

For further information on how we can help you with your search please contact [email protected] or telephone: 07966 570421

01/11/2022

Watch the attached video explaining the multiple benefits of using a professional Property Finder. The estate agent or online portal approach does not give you the same security, protection and confidence that our service does. And this unique solution is completely free to you the buyer.

So, if you are looking to purchase on the Costa Blanca or Balearic Islands, then please contact Luxury Property Costa Blanca for further information [email protected]
Tel: +44 7966 570 421.

30/10/2022

THERE ARE NO STRAIGHT LINES IN NATURE!

Minimalist/Ultra-modern Style! Today Luxury Property Costa Blanca takes a look at this up and coming trend in villa design - A current mode that may well be here to stay.

This style of property is becoming more and more popular with those buyers who want to be different and stand out from the crowd. So, if the Ibiza style is to 'square' or not creative or dramatic enough for you, then this form may fit your needs.

They tend to sit at the more expensive end of the market as they require expensive land to maximise their uniqueness i.e. cliff edge's, high orientation, that may have 360 privacy and spectacular views, so unique, and therefore it follows 'expensive'.

On Altea hills just north of Benidorm on the North Costa Blanca,
you can find some great examples of the minimalist style.

At the very high-end of the minimalist market are the spectacular 'Bird Houses' the creations of the famous Spanish designer 'Alberto Rubio' these are predominately on the Island of Mallorca (where Alberto resides), but there is one built in Altea. You will also see a fantastic example of a 'Bird House' as our main page picture above.

These spectacular homes really embrace the use of flow and form

Mark Paddon a building surveyor and architect technico based on the North Costa Blanca describes this look as:

'Le Corbusier's 'form follows function' is now fused with modern design flare, which, if mastered, takes account of site orientation, views, flow and open plan design to provide the optimum living experience'.

Which really sums up the minimalist look!

29/10/2022

Today we talk about the Finca style of property - In Spain, this can refer to land with a tumbledown building or even an apartment block, so people do get a little confused as to what exactly they are going to be looking at!

However, with Luxury Property Costa Blanca's 20 years of experience in this area, we find in around 80% of cases it is commonly and often affectionately the term used for a larger country house or estate. Whether it's for equestrian centre, vineyard or olive plantation use.

A finca might just give you a well deserved lifestyle change, but keep in mind that they normally come with a lot of upkeep required, in terms of land, watering of trees, plants, etc.

So, if you are looking for a relaxed retirement where little work is required, then it may not be the right choice for you, unless of course you wish to hire a gardening company to do all the work for you. In Spain they tend not to be too expensive, and a quick ask around will find the best!

26/10/2022

The latest trend in properties on the Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands are the Ibiza style villas that are being developed everywhere you look!

As the name suggests, this modern day trend originated from Ibiza in the late 1990‘s, however, the style has been around for 200 years and were originally fincas or small country houses on the Island, which were renovated in the style of flat roofs (where they did not already have them) with chill out areas, square walls and windows, whitewashed rendered curved edged walls, and some old reclaimed wood features, mainly comprising of main doors, window frames and ceilings.

Luxury Property Costa Blanca prefer the old houses renovated to this style rather than the new builds, the reason for this is that the older properties have character, normally have largish gardens, are private, and are what we call 'established' buildings.

The new builds tend to be square boxes with not a lot of character and are normally built on small plots (not in all cases), and very close to each other, but of course the benefits of a new build include modern construction and tech, but these of course can be included in any renovations!

It is at the end of the day a matter of taste, and there are pros and cons to all styles of properties in Spain. If you are into the minimalist look then an Ibiza style may be right for you.

New build or refurbished? some of the downsides may be (as stated earlier) properties very close to each other, so a lack of privacy, smaller houses on smaller plots and of course flat roofs can give you leaking issues in the future.

A key thing to remember with new builds is that although you get a 10 year insurance cover (decenal) this covers structural, ground issues which normally does not include damp issues, unless caused by movement.

So, in summary, Luxury Property Costa Blanca would recommend a converted older house or a house that could be transformed into an Ibiza style, which is something we have completed for many of your clients.

See the pictures attached for an idea of what the 'Ibiza' style is all about.

24/10/2022

When choosing a detached property to buy on the Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands you need to decide what is the right style for you.

There are quite a few to choose from, these include; Modern Classic style, Rustic, Finca, Ultra Modern and Ibiza style.

Deciding on which look is right for you is a personal taste, and of course budget has to be taken into consideration.

Over the next few days, Luxury Property Costa Blanca will profile each of these five styles, looking at the benefits of each and some of the potential negatives that you may encounter, for example location and up keep.

In the attached pictures you will see an example of each.

23/10/2022

Mark Paddon the leading building surveyor on the Costa Blanca (and beyond) gives Luxury Property Costa Blanca his take on buying a property here on the CB.

In this video from May 2022 surveyor Mark Paddon updates you on the real estate situation on the Costa Blanca. In the old town of Jávea we follow Mark who po...

21/10/2022

Alicante City does not get the attention it really deserves! as a place to live and invest (if city life is for you).

Luxury Property Costa Blanca could not recommend it more. It has everything, from glorious beaches, its historic old town and castle, fantastic shopping and a great port area. And all of these are within a 10/15 minute walk from each other.

There is a tram service which runs to Benidorm via San Juan beach if you feel the need to have a change of scenery or crave 'fish and chips' and 'real ale'.

The well connected international airport is just a 20 minute drive from the centre, and with the AP7 main road 10 minutes out of town, you can be in Benidorm, Calpe, Altea, Moraira, Javea and Denia from 20 minutes to 50 minutes (Denia being the furthest). Alicante is also very close to the beautiful castle town of Guadalest with its Green lake and arts and craft shops, well worth a visit.

If you have children the city really caters for them, from outdoor play parks (on the main boulevard by the port) to cinemas. A visit to the spectacular castle is also a must for the little ones. So, like most Spanish towns/cities very children friendly.

Property values are still quite reasonable at the moment, but as the city is getting more and more discovered that wont last too long, Luxury Property Costa Blanca have noticed over the last 18 months or so that a lot of the dilapidated properties in the Old Town are being bought up and turned into either exquisite town houses, apartments and/or boutique hotels. There has also been a large growth in the number of new restaurants opening in that quarter, so all the signs of an up and coming city.

The main plaza which is also the entrance to the Old Town is stunning (see picture attached).

If Alicante sounds like the place for you, get in touch with us at [email protected] or call 07966 570421

20/10/2022

Altea is one of the most diverse towns on the North Costa Blanca. It is around 8 miles from Benidorm and 12 from Moraira.

Altea's Old Town, is by far one of the prettiest towns on the CB (see picture attached), in the main square at the top end of the old town sits the famous "Our Lady of Solace" church with its Blue and White domes, it is stunning at night when lit up and worth an interior visit during the day.

There are many really good bars and restaurants to visit in this compact old town, a favourite being 'Oustau de Altea' with its beautiful patio garden which has lots of little hideaways, especially if you want a discreet, romantic dinner.

Altea is NOT an 'Ibiza' night clubs and all night bars type of place, it is more for the 'quite life' discerning tourist or resident, so tends to attract the older age group. having said that some of the restaurants can be quite lively and have live traditional music or bands!

When in the main old town square be sure to go to the view over the beachfront towards Calpe, the viewing platform is just off the square by the castle walls, if you are facing the main doors of the church look to your left...

One thing to consider when visiting Altea Old Town is the parking, basically, you need to park further down towards the main town or the far side of the Old town and walk up/in, so, bear this in mind if you have anybody who has difficulty walking distance or up hill and steps (although a taxi is another option).

There are four main beaches, some are sandy, some pebbles, and some a cross between the two! so depending on your preference check it out before you go by Googling 'Sandy beaches in Altea'.

Luxury Property Costa Blanca has found many properties for our clients all across the Altea area, from villas, fincas and townhouses to penthouse flats, so if this area sounds right for you please contact us and we can start the process of finding your dream property.

[email protected]
TEL: +44 7966 570421

19/10/2022

The North Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands have much to offer, with a selection of stunning coastal towns, each offering something unique depending on your individual needs.

The best areas to invest whether you are looking for a permanent home, holiday home or long-term investment tend to be Denia, Javea, Moraira, Altea and various areas of Mallorca, including the capital itself (Palma De Mallorca).

The current market is booming and prices have risen substantially in 2022, this level of growth hasn’t been seen since the boom of 2008!

However, it is still possible to find value, and that is where Luxury Property Costa Blanca come in we are professional Property Finders, we have been finding dream homes for our clients for over a decade, and our small team have all lived here for 20 years or more, so we know the market very well.

We differ from the normal route of estate agents and online portals, as we initially have ‘NO’ properties to sell, our aim is to gain an in-depth brief from our clients, who normally are spending over €750K, once we have this knowledge, we then search ‘EVERY’ agent in the area/town selected, as well as the properties which are not officially on the market!

From our ‘match the needs’ search, we produce a shortlist of homes that mirror the wants of our customers. The team then visits each property, carry out a structural survey, do a video of the condition of the property, and a list of works required and their estimated costs, we also carry out basic legal checks (key legal checks are handled by your chosen lawyer).

All the above is critically completed ‘BEFORE’ you even make an offer! Luxury Property Costa Blanca are also very successful at negotiating better prices (the power of the survey and our knowledge of values)!

And the cost of all this added value? absolutely nothing!!!

We gain our income by sharing the commission from the eventual property you buy.

So, if the North Costa Blanca or Balearic Islands are for you, one option could be Javea which sits at the other side of the Montgo mountain from Denia, the town has a stunning and very up and coming Old Town, beautiful beaches including the famous Arenal (see photo) and many quality bars and restaurants, and don’t forget the 300 days of sun thrown in!

Contact us for further information, and if you wish to engage us, all we ask is that you do not register with any other agents.

I should also mention again, that this service is completely free to you the buyer.

Finally, why would you take any other route when making such a large investment?

[email protected]
+44 (0)7966 570 421