Looking for a property finder? Check the full profile of all the property finders within our network.

6 essential reasons for loving your property finder in Spain

Are you familiar with the legal procedure in Spain? How to check the technical aspects of the property? It’s not about having experience in property purchasing but being familiar with how the process works in Spain. Every country is different.
Overall, even if the process might sound easy, believe it or not, you will have a lot of questions and doubts during your purchase process and you will need assistance.

Spain is different, and most Spanish service companies do not work the same way as what is expected from a service provider in other, specifically Northern European countries and the US. Expectations are simply higher. Having a personal shopper will first help you to get all the purchase process in a professional way.

At HowtobuyinSpain.com, our mission is to help foreigners to understand the Spanish real estate market and to find qualitative partners on the ground. Since our launch, we developed a network of professionals partners with local offices all over Spain and talking the languages of the buyers. We work with many local experts for the property hunting: Pierre, Raf, Wim, Bernard,… but as well many experts in legal and tax advice, Architects… Fill this form in order to be directly in contact with our local specialists.

It´s very hard to make an important judgment or decision. Buying a property is for most people the second biggest expense in their life, after their own house. People need someone they can trust to help them, to answers all their questions, and give them guarantees that things are all right or to stop them when things are not all right. Nobody wants to make a mistake when buying something, and certainly not when it is your dream and possibly the second biggest expense you ever made in your life.

Let’s have a look at the 6 reasons why you should take a personal real estate shopper

1. He knows the market

When you are not familiar with the market trends, prices, neighbourhoods, don´t speak the language and lack the experience in buying a property in Spain, you can lose a lot of time and money or simply end up giving up on your dream. This can stress you out. Your personal real estate shopper is there to assist you.

He knows:

• the market and the prevailing prices and the last deals traded,
• the neighbourhoods,
• the reliable partners,
• which properties are coming to the market before they are visible by others.

2. He will save money for you

Once you found your property, your personal real estate shopper knows if the price is correct or not, he will negotiate the best deal for you. This will save you a lot of money, and for many deals, you will recoup your personal shopper fee by itself!

3. He will save your time

Your personal shopper will search the market for you. He has is own contact in the industry and is doing this 7/7, 10hours per day. He is on the ground and can make many visits in one day… Surfing on the Internet in search of your ideal property, arranging meetings and visiting them will take a long time. It´s complicated. So, that’s really obvious!

4. He will protect your interests

What are the properties that buyers are searching for today? Which one suits your project the most? Which are the best neighbourhoods in the city? Where to start searching? Who to trust? When you don´t know the answers to these questions, property buying can turn into a very stressful process. The property hunter is not working for the seller as the real estate agents are. His goal is to protect your interests: the interests of the buyer.

5. He speaks Spanish and your language

Language could be a barrier which brings additional challenges. The search is mainly in Spanish, as most local real estate agents are only speaking Spanish. And of course, all the legal paperwork in Spain is Spanish. So, it will help the process a lot to have a local intermediary speaking Spanish and at the same time speaking your language or at least English.

6. He will find solutions after your purchase

Once you bought the property, the real work starts: Opening utility meters, get in contact with the property owners, pay taxes,…

Any renovation works? I guess you will need some local partners, no? Buying for investment, I guess you will need a property manager,…

How does a real estate personal Shopper work?

It is a 6 steps process:

1. Interview with the customer

Most of the property hunter will organize a call in order to understand what the customer is ideally looking for. The customer will as well give is budget expectations. The property hunter will clarify if he thinks that he can find the ideal property within budget or not and will explain how the Spanish residential market is in general and how the local market is in particular. The property hunter will help the customer to define the ideal location according to his criteria’s: specific requests, budget, but as well depending on the motivations of the buyer.

Two main motivations

In general, foreigners could have two main motivations for buying a property in Spain:

1. Holidays
2. Investment

And of course, some are looking to buy for both at the same time!

Buying a property in Spain has its own costs. Owning a property as well! So, it’s important to know where you are going from the start!

Read our reports if you want to know more on that subject.

2. Contract

Once the customer knows all about the personal shopper and he is confident that he is the good partner, the real estate personal shopper will send his contract to the customer with the detail of his mission and the financial terms. After signing the contract, usually, the customer will have to pay an initial down payment to cover the initial costs and start the mission. Once the mission is completed and successful, the customer will have to pay the remainder, the “success” fee. That’s another big advantage of working with a property hunter: he will get the big part of his commission, only if his mission is fully completed!

3. Search the market and Visit properties

The real search is starting now. The personal shopper will first establish a list of the different criteria’s of his customer. Then he will get in touch with his contacts at many different real estate agents and he will search the market and the different portals. Once he has found a property, he will organize visits.

4. Feedback and exchanges with the customer

Once the personal shopper has found a property fitting the criteria’s, he will revert to the customer. Depending on the market, if there are a lot of possibilities on the market, he will even come back with many different properties fitting the criteria’s of the purchaser. Depending on the feedback from the customer, the personal shopper will continue is mission or not. In general, the customer will come as well on the ground, surely if his main motivation is a purchase for himself so that he can have a strong view on the different propositions and go ahead with any one of those.

5. Purchase of the property if agreement with the customer

Once there is an agreement on a property, the property hunter will begin to negotiate with the seller and will try to get the best price for his customer. At the same time, it’s the start of the purchase of the property which involves many different steps. Please read our Infographic on those: “The 8 Steps of buying your Spanish property”.

6. Assist the customer with formalities

Assist the customer with all the paperwork, the set up of utilities, the registration of the property with local authorities, with the community of owners…

But as well, help the customer to find local partners for renovation work or interior design. This part is as well important for foreigners as most of the time they don’t know reliable partners and don’t speak Spanish.

The best way to see what a property hunter does for you is as well to look at the real estate city trip to Valencia we organised in April 2018.

Have a look at the profile of our real estate personal shoppers in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Our property hunter in Madrid: Pierre and his team

Last Transaction in Madrid? Written on October 2017

They bought a one bedroom property for €361.115 tax included for investment purpose. This was financed by a mortgage of €161.115. The gross revenue on the property is €35.855 and the net revenue (before mortgage cost) is €22.971, i.e. a 6.4% net yield before tax.

How is the market in Madrid?

With “a growing economy, low financing costs, good potential for rental returns and capital appreciation” the Iberian Peninsula’s largest capital city, Madrid, ranks as the best European city for property investment.

Why is Madrid so attractive for property investors? First, Madrid’s housing market has recovered and is posting new gains. Foreclosures were down by more than 30% in 2016 and housing prices are expected to increase by 4% in 2017. Future increases are forecast to be even greater: 19% from year-end 2016 to 2021. Although prices are recovering, they are still some of the lowest in Europe, averaging 3,353€ per square meter.

Even more enticingly, Madrid has rental yields of 5.2%, the highest rental yields of any European capital city, and some of the highest in the world.

This combination of low real estate costs and rising rental prices in Madrid are big draws for property investors. To learn more reasons why the Madrid property market is so attractive, read our ealier paper: Madrid in the Top 3 European Cities for Property Investment.

Read our full report on the real estate market for the 20 biggest Spanish Cities: All you ever wanted to know about the top 20 Spanish Cities real estate markets – including price evolutions

A quick description of Pierre and his team

Pierre and his team are active on the market since more than 7 years, they served more than 800 clients and managed investments of more than 8.3m€ (nearly $10m).They help busy international professionals to find the perfect property: they provide property search, negotiation and property management services to help people from all around the world to buy in Madrid. They are an international multi-lingual team dedicated to helping international people just like you make their Madrid projects come true and without the stress and uncertainties. The average return that we get for our clients is 10.6% (includes capital appreciation and rental income – all after costs).

They speak in English, French and Spanish.

Check our most recent article of February 2018 on Madrid Property hunting: Madrid property investment: a Case study with the last update on the real estate market in Madrid.

Our property hunter in Barcelona: Raf and his team

Last Transaction in Barcelona? Written on October 2017

Signed on October 26th 2017 (it´s hard to be more hot-of-the-press). Two-bedroom apartment of 84m2 in the heart of the trendy area Gracia, in a beautiful classic building and containing historic elements like mosaic floors and vaulted ceilings that are typical for Barcelona. Who buys and why? A Belgian buyer, as an investment to rent out. We will fully renovate the apartment in order to create a lovely space and achieve attractive rental incomes and created added-value. Located in a traffic-free street, with plenty of sunlight (south-orientated) and with a common rooftop terrace, which is a unique asset in Barcelona. Purchase price: 258.000€. We negotiated a considerable discount for the buyer and more important to note is that the property was sold “pre-market”, we saw it first before hitting the market. This is the second investment property that this buyer purchases this year in Barcelona. Beside the buying process, INSPIRE will manage as well the renovation and renting out. Expected returns on own capital from the investment are 10%, not taking any potential property value increases into account.

During the past few months at Inspire we have closed purchases for a total value of 3M euro and we are currently working with a total investment budget of 10 million euro across our different clients, of which about 75% are international buyers.

How is the market in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a market where we see every year an increase of approximately 15% in international buyers. Also the total number of buying transactions is going up year after year, as well as the prices do. Barcelona´s lifestyle is hard to beat and in terms of properties, the city plays in the global real estate champions league. Barcelona is a city that is a magnet and that´s not only because of it´s attractive property market. People love the city, the lifestyle, the climate, the ease of cheap travel options to come to Barcelona, the good food, … in other words a real cosmopolitan vibrant city at the Mediterranean sea.

A quick description of Raf and his team

We are passion, effort, high performance, an answer to a deep need. We are enthusiasm and focus. We are a Barcelona based company offering innovative buyer-focused Property Finder services. We do not sell houses but help you find and buy your dream place by exclusively defending your interests and guiding your through the process from A-Z, till you have the keys in your hands, including full legal advise, technical and financial help. Buying made easy.

They speak in Dutch, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish and Catalan.

Check our most recent article of May 2018 on Barcelona Property hunting: Barcelona property investment: a Case study with the last update on the real estate market in Barcelona.

Our property hunter in Malaga:

Last Transaction in the Costa del Sol? Written on October 2017

Between Malaga and Marbella, we bought for a couple in their 40s, a very beautiful and spacious 2-bed/2-bath apartment in a well maintained community. The apartment has 90 sp meters and was listed between €200.000 and €250.000. The couple was looking for a mixture of personal use and occasional renting. It’s location is perfect as it is 20 minutes from the airport and is within walking distance to the sea. Ideal!

How is the market in the Costa del Sol?

In spite of fears that uncertainty over Brexit was going to depress the recovering market, we have seen good and consistent demand over the last months from a variety of Northern European countries, in particular Belgium. Stylish new developments are also reappearing in many places along the Costa del Sol. As long as they are in prime locations and of high quality, they should be able to find buyers. We don’t see heavy leveraging (debt financing) or speculative attitudes (buy to sell) among buyers, which is a sign that the market is healthy and will remain so for the coming years.

Read our full report on the real estate market for the 20 biggest Spanish Cities: All you ever wanted to know about the top 20 Spanish Cities real estate markets – including price evolutions

Our property hunter in Valencia: Bernard and his team

Last Transaction in Valencia? Written in October 2017

How is the market in Valencia?

The market is down in the Valencian community, -4% compared to the overall growth of 3% in Spain. The price for Castellon, Valencia and Alicante are on average at 1,386 eur/m² with important variations between the coast and the interior. Sales continue to grow and the interests on those markets is increasing.
The Valencian community has 19,657 real estate companies (INE 2017). That is why it is very important to choose a reliable partner as your real estate agency. Should your motivation be an investment or a holiday home it’s important to benefit from reliable and independent services.

Read our full report on the real estate market for the 20 biggest Spanish Cities: All you ever wanted to know about the top 20 Spanish Cities real estate markets – including price evolutions

A quick description of Bernard and his team

Bernard fell in love with Valencia during his Architect studies in 2000. He is working as an Architect in Valencia and Alicante since 2005. He is working with his team on Architect missions or as a property finder.

They speak in German, English, French and Spanish.

Check the feedback from our real estate citytrip we organised in Valencia in April 2018 with our local property hunter, Bernard.

In conclusion, a real estate personal shopper will make it quicker, easier and cheaper!

Check the list of our partners active as real estate personal shoppers in Spain. We can’t list all our partners in this section so don’t hesitate to ask us directly if you have a request by filling this quick form.

1. Best Professionals 2. Follow up 3. Competitive pricing 4. Partners 5. Qualitative Check

Looking for an expert in Spain? Ask our network of local partners directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post 6 essential reasons for loving your property finder in Spain appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Spain has about 8,000 kilometres of coastline and 3,000 listed beaches, only Italy has a longer coastline in Europe! It’s not a surprise: Spain is one of “the” top tourist destination for European with more than 20% of European travellers. For those in search of sun and sand at any time of year,… yes, you found it!

You will find excellent facilities and sandy beaches in all the Spanish Regions. In 2022, 120.000 properties were bought by foreigners! Have a look at our detailed analysis if you want to read more on that: Who are the foreigners buying properties in Spain?

How could you quickly find a nice beach in Spain?

Of course, you have to ask it to the local residents. But we want to help you if you want to plan before getting there! Don’t hesitate to tell us, should you think we missed one! We helped you with four sources:

1.Our top beaches sorted per Spanish Costas

We have created Infographics for the main Spanish Costas. You will find on those everything you should know on the Spanish Costas: Airports, AVE stations, Cities, Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets, Shopping malls, Unesco sites, kids parks, Natural parks, Golf courses, Universities and of course the top beaches.

All our infographics on the Spanish costas

2.The Blue Flag rating: 579 beaches in Spain

3.The Q rating: 248 beaches in Spain

4.The Top 10 Spanish beaches according to the Tourist Bureau

1. Our ranking of the best beaches in Spain sorted by Costas

We have created a series of “Must see activities” for each Spanish Costas and incorporated those in our newly released infographics. Click on any link and you will find a pdf downloadable version of each of those infographics.

The best beaches in the Spanish Islands

The best beaches in the Balearic Islands

• Balnearion de San Juan
• Playa Illetes (Formentera)
• Cala Comte (Ibiza)
• Playa de Muro Beach (Playa de Muro)
• Cala Pregonda (Minorque)
• Cala d’Hort (Ibiza)
• Cala Macarelleta (Minorque)
• Port de Pollença Beach (Port de Pollença)
• Playa de Alcudia (Port d’Alcudia)
• Playa de Son Bou (Alaior)
• Playa de Llevant (Formentera)
• Cala Turqueta (Ciudadela)
• Cala Mitjana (Cala Galdana)
• Playa Aguas Blancas (Ibiza)
• Playa de Migjorn (Migjorn)
• Cala Saladeta (Sant Antoni de Portmany)
• Cala Millor Beach (Cala Millor)

Find everything on the Balearic Islands: its Airports, stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches.

The best beaches in Canary Islands

• Pozo de la Salud (El Hierro)
• Playa de Cofete (Morro del Jable)
• Playa de las Conchas (Isla de Graciosa)
• El Cotillo Beach & Lagoons (El Cotillo)
• Playa de Benijo (Almaciga)
• Sotavento Beach (Costa Calma)
• Playa de Sotavento (Playa de Jandia)
• Playa del Matorral (Pajara)
• Playa de Las Canteras (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
• Monumento Natural de Ajuy (Fuerteventura)
• Playa Del Duque (Costa Adeje)
• Playa Dorada Beach (Playa Blanca)
• Piscinas Naturales El Caleton (Garachico)
• Playa El Bollullo (Puerto de la Cruz)
• Playa de las Vistas (Los Cristianos)
• Playa de Maspalomas (Maspalomas)

Know everything on the Canary Islands: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Spanish Costas

The best beaches in the Costa de Almería

• Balneario de Sierra Alhamilla (Almería),
• Monsul Beach (San Jose),
• Playa de los Muertos (Carboneras),
• Serena Beach (Roquetas de Mar),
• Playa de los Genoveses (Cabo de Gata),
• Playa de Aguadulce (Aguadulce),
• Cala de Enmedio (Agua Amarga),
• El Playazo (Rodalquilar),
• Garrucha Beach (Garrucha),
• Playas de Vera (Vera),
• Cala del Plomo (Agua Amarga)

Know everything on the Costa Almeria: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa de Azahar

• Playa Almadrava (Benicàssim),
• Playa Benicarló (Benicarló),
• Balneario Villavieja (Castellón),
• Playa Marina D’Or (Castellón),
• Playa Romana(Castellón),
• Playa Moro (Alcocébre),
• Playa Sant Antoni (Cullera),
• Playa Gandia (Gandia),
• Playa Serradal(Alcocébre),
• Playa Xeraco (Xeraco),
• Playa Peñiscola (Peñíscola),
• Playa Alcossebre (Alcocébre),
• Playa Benicàssim (Benicàssim),
• Playa Vinaros (Vinarós)

Know everything on the Costa Azahar: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Barcelona

• Balneario Titus (Arenys de Mar),
• Balneario Hotel Colón (Caldes d’Estrac),
• Santa Susanna,
• Malgrat de mar (Maresme),
• PREMIÀ DE MAR (Maresme),
• San Bartolomé y santa Tecla,
• Vilassar de mar (Barcelona),
• playa principal de Calella (Calella),
• Roca Grossa (Calella), Barceloneta Beach (Barcelona),
• La Playa de Sitges (Sitges),
• Beach Castelldelfels Barcelona (Castelldefels),
• Playa de Castelldefels (Castelldefels),
• Playa Balmins (Sitges),
• Bogatell Beach (Barcelona),
• Platja de Ribes Roges (Vilanova i la Geltru),
• Badalona Beach (Badalona),
• Passeig Marítim (Sitges),
• Nova Mar Bella Beach (Barcelona),
• Playa de Sant Sebastia (Sitges),
• Ocata Beach (El Masnou),
• Delta del Llobregat (El Prat de Llobregat),
• Playa del Hombre Muerto (Sitges),
• Sausalito Beach (Sitges),
• Platja de la Nova Icaria (Barcelone),
• Platja de Gava (Gava)

Know everything on the Costa de Barcelona: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Blanca

• Poniente Beach (Benidorm),
• Playa de la Fossa o Levante (Calpe),
• Arenal Beach (Javea),
• Las Salinas de Torrevieja (Torrevieja),
• Promenade of Calpe (Calpe),
• Guardamar Moncayo Beach (Guardamar del Segura),
• Cala Finestrat Beach (Finestrat),
• Playa del Albir (El Albir), Playa El Carabassi (Elche),
• Cala del Moraig (Benitachell),
• Playa de Guardamar (Alicante),
• Altea Beach (Altea),
• Playa L’Ampolla (Moraira)

Know everything on the Costa Blanca: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Brava

• Cala Senyor Ramon,
• Platja de s’Agaró,
• Cala Futadera,
• Platja del Castell de Palamos,
• Cala Boadella

Know everything on the Costa Brava: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Calida

• Playa de Calblanque (Cartagena),
• Cala del Pino et Plage Entremares (La Manga),
• Playa Portús (Cartagena),
• Playa Barraca Quemada de La Llana (San Pedro del Pinatar),
• Playa Amarilla (Águilas),
• Playa La Carolina (Águilas),
• Playa de Percheles (Mazarrón),
• Playa Baño de las Señoritas (Lorca),
• Cala Cortina (Cartagena),
• Cala Blanca (Lorca)

Know everything on the Costa Calida: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Daurada

• Balneario de Coma-Ruga (Vendrell)
• Llevant Beach (Salou)
• Llarga Beach (Salou)
• Playa de la Pineda (La Pineda)
• Capellans Beach (Salou)
• Cambrils Beach Platja Prat d’En Fores y Regueral (Cambrils)
• Playa El Torn Naturist Beach (L’Hospitalet de l’Infant)
• Playa El Milagro (Tarragona)
• Playa de Arrabassada (Tarragona)
• Playa La Savinosa (Tarragona)
• Platja de la Llosa (Cambrils)
• Playa Cristal (Miami Platja)

Know everything on the Costa Daurada: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa de la Luz

• Playa de Isla de Canela,
• Playa de Punta Umbria,
• Playa de torre de la Higuera,
• Playa de matalascañas,
• Playa cruz del mar,
• Playa del rompidillo,
• Playa la caleta,
• Playa de la Cortadura,
• Cala de Roche,
• Playa de los caños de Meca,
• Playa del Cañuelo,
• Paya de los Lances

Know everything on the Costa de la Luz: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa del Sol

• Playa de la Cala Mijas (La Cala de Mijas)
• Playa La Carihuela (Torremolinos)
• Playa El Bajondillo (Torremolinos)
• Burriana Beach (Nerja)
• Puerto Cabopino Beach and Marina (Marbella)
• Playa de La Malagueta (Malaga)
• Playa Del Cristo (Estepona)
• Playa de la Cala el Cañuelo (Nerja)
• Playa de San Pedro de Alcantara (San Pedro de Alcantara)
• Playa Los Alamos / El Canuelo (Torremolinos)
• Playa Arroyo de La Miel (Benalmadena)
• Carvajal Beach (Benalmadena)

Find everything on the Costa del Sol: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Tropical

• Playa de Calahonda,
• Playa de La Rijana,
• Playa de Castell de Ferro,
• Playa de La Mamola,
• Playa de La Herradura

Know everything on the Costa Tropical: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa de Valencia

• Playa de Malvarrosa,
• Playa de Pinedo,
• Platja de la Malladeta,
• Playa de San Antonio,
• Playa de Jeresa,
• Playa de Daimus,
• Playa de Oliva

Know everything on the Costa de Valencia: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

2. Blue Flag rating: 579 beaches in Spain

In Spain, you can choose from 579 beaches, 100 Marina resorts and five sustainable tourist boats, all distinguished with the prestigious Blue Flag award, thanks to their quality and safety.

As such, Spain is the top nation in terms of site ranked by the Blue Flag system.

What does this mean?

• One out of five beaches in Spain has a Blue Flag!
• One out of six beaches in the World is Spanish!

This award is bestowed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This institution was created in 1987 by Europe but now is a worldwide organisation.

What does this distinction guarantee?

The sites are ranked on 31 different criteria’s: Environment, Water Quality, Safety,… Have a look at the full list of criteria’s here.

Find the map with all the beaches, sorted by Access to the beach for disabled, Nudist, Sandy, Rocky, Inland, Coastal,…

3. Q for Quality distinction rating: 248 beaches in Spain

This rating is awarded by the Spanish Tourism Quality Institute (ICTE). The Tourism Institute ranks not only beaches but as well many different sites for the quality and safeness of their sites: campings, hotels, Golfs, Touristic activities,…

Find all lists of the best beaches for all the Spanish Costas in our papers on all the Spanish Costas and on the infographics: Enjoy all the Spanish Costas: get the best out of it: our top papers of 2017

4. The top 10 beaches according to the Tourist Bureau of Spain

1. Illetes, Formentera, Balearic Islands
2. As Catedrais, Galicia
3. La Concha, San Sebastian
4. Bolonia, Costa de la Luz
5. El Cofete, Las Palmas, Canary Islands
6. Cala Bassa, Ibiza, Balearic Islands
7. Las Canteras, Las Palmas, Canary Islands
8. Rodas, Galicia
9. Platja Gran, Cadaqués, Costa Brava
10. Cué, Llanes, Asturias, Costa Verde

Source: Spain Tourist Bureau

If you want to have some pictures of those beaches, google image is a good start but have a look at the impressive database on the website of Aena (the company managing the Spanish airports).

Are you booking your holidays soon? Read our last paper: Our best ideas for planning your holidays in Spain! Our top 2017 papers!

Here are 8 reasons why you need more holidays to enjoy the best Spanish beaches?

Don’t hesitate to tell us what’s your favourite beach or if you found an even more beautiful one to share with our readers!

Looking for a lawyer, an architect, a property hunter in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post Summer Edition: Where will you find the top Beaches in Spain? appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Get our best ideas for planning your holidays in Spain!

Before starting with all our top ideas, remember why you need holidays:

Here are a few ideas to help you organise your stay in Spain:

• Summer Edition: Our Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain
• Summer Edition: Top Golf Courses in Spain
• Summer Edition: Our selection of the Top parks for children in Spain
• Summer Edition: Where will you find the top Beaches in Spain?
• The best Spanish shopping experience you will find in Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga!

Check our city trip ePostcards we wrote on Alicante, Malaga, Barcelone and Madrid:

Check all our infographics (with pdf downloadable version) on the Spanish Costas with all the top activities for your holidays

Here is one of the Costa del Sol as an example:

Find everything on the Costa del Sol: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

We have created those infographics for all the Spanish costas: Costa Brava, Costa Barcelona, Costa Daurada, Costa de Azahar, Costa de Valencia, Costa Blanca, Costa Calida, Costa de Almería, Costa Tropical, Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands.

A few other papers that could be of interest:

• What are the most favourite tourist destinations in Europe?
• Where are the tourists coming from to visit Spain?
• The most loved Spanish regions for the foreigners’ properties: British, French, German,…
• Who are the foreigners buying properties in Spain? Our detailed analysis
• What are the hottest tourists destinations in Spain – Winter months?
• Who are the foreigners living in Spain?
• Are you buying real estate in Spain?… Join our 36.000 readers … from 169 countries in the world!!!
• The top 10 Spanish cities where foreigners love to buy properties!
• What are the nationalities of the passengers flying to/from Spanish airports ?
• Which are the most active airline companies in Spain?
• What are the biggest airports in Spain?
• Give us your country of origin… we will tell you how much you love Spain!

Finally, if you want to know more about any top Spanish Cities (not only about the real estate market) find all our City papers here:

Everything you ever wanted to know about the top 20 Spanish Cities real estate markets

Of course, check our weather infographics with the monthly statistics of the top 20 cities in Spain.

Monthly Weather Statistics on top Spanish Cities

Looking for an expert in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post Our best ideas for planning your holidays in Spain! appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Our list of Spain’s top 5 golf academies

320 days of sun in Spain = no excuses if you want to play golf!

If you want to check how hot it is in your preferred Spanish City, check our weather infographics with the monthly statistics of the top 20 cities in Spain.

Spain is one of the top destinations for Golf… of course as a foreigner, you have to carry your bag and pay the airline fee… we found the solution for you… check it here.

Golf, although not as popular as football or tennis, is a sport practiced by a large section of the population. In addition, Spain has some of the best golf clubs in Europe.

Here is our selection of the best golf Academies in Spain, to be clear, we don’t pretend to rank the academies between them, we want our readers to know where to look if they want to improve their golf:

Don’t miss our “on the courses” new build constructions at our exclusive rates:

1. La Cala Golf Academy

La Cala Resort hosts La Cala Golf Academy which offers lessons and group classes for both beginners and experienced players, with multilingual professionals on hand to improve your game.

Situated beside the six-hole par-3 course and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it has a grass driving range as well as putting, chipping and bunker facilities.

Our resident Golf Professionals are available to pass on their expertise and teach all levels of golfers through a wide variety of tuition programs.

It offers a lot:

• A 6-hole course to practice short game
• Summer Camps for juniors
• Golf Clinic + Spa
• Get into Golf
• Evolution Package
• Junior Golf Schools
• Golf Lessons: One-on-one, Golf School

And of course: Club rental, Club fitting, practice, driving range, Pro-shop

The “La Cala Golf” has 3 golf courses of 18 holes in addition to the La Cala Golf Academy.

The environment

The La Cala Golf Academy is based on a resort nestled between the arresting beauty of the Sierra de Mijas Natural Park and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, La Cala is a genuine haven of tranquility. Unwind in the sanctuary of our breathtaking mountain-top location; take it at your own pace.

Our idyllic rural retreat is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the busy coast, yet we’re just 10 minutes from the sweeping Mediterranean beaches of the Costa del Sol, 20 minutes from Marbella, and only 30 minutes from Malaga Airport.

It’s the perfect base for exploring Andalusia and Spain’s fascinating cultural cities, and our breathtaking surroundings create the perfect backdrop for holidays, weddings, and corporate events.

Video of La Cala Resort Golf academy

Weather Statistics for the top 20 Spanish Cities, check here for Malaga for instance

Everything you should enjoy in the Costa del Sol

Contact details

• • Situation: Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Mijas, 40 km from Malaga airport.
  • Address: Urbanización Cala Golf, s/n, 29649 Mijas, Málaga, Spain
  • La Cala Resort GPS coordinates: 36.535549, -4.722254
  • Map

• Website: La Cala Golf Academy.
• Phone: +34 952 669 037
• Email: [email protected]

Discover the best new build projects located on a golf resort in the Costa del Sol (some projects are even based in La Cala resort)

2. The Miguel Angel Jimenez Golf Academy

Miguel Ángel Jiménez Rodríguez (born 5 January 1964) is a Spanish professional golfer. He has won 21 times on the European Tour and has been a member of two victorious Ryder Cup teams according to Wikipedia.

This academy offers a lot:

• Golf School
• 9-hole golf course
• Junior Academy
• Masterclasses

And of course: Club rental, practice, driving range, Pro-shop

The environment

Very good location close to the airport.

Video of the Miguel Angel Jimenez Golf Academy

Weather Statistics for the top 20 Spanish Cities, check here for Malaga for instance

Everything you should enjoy in the Costa del Sol

Contact details

• • Situation: Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Torremolinos, Málaga
  • Address: Calle Corelli, 2, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
  • GPS coordinates: 36.761387, -4.513822
  • Map:

• Website: Michael Angel Jimenez Golf Academy.
• Phone: +34 951 909 490
• Email: [email protected]

Discover the best new build projects in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia

3. Las Colinas Golf and Country Club

The Golf Academy at Las Colinas offers one of the finest learning experiences to be found. Our practice facilities include a beautifully manicured natural grass hitting area, a large putting green, a short game area where you can practice a variety of different shots, and your own individual pyramid of complimentary top-quality Callaway practice balls. Trackman 3D ball and club tracking technology are used in combination with high-speed video and the iPad for instant review and analysis of your swing.

The Golf Academy is directed by Head Professional Samuel Curtis. The Golf Academy provides top-quality golf coaching to golfers of all ages and abilities. We are confident that our expansive coaching philosophy, which isn´t solely limited to swing technique, enables us to help all golfers improve their scores and enjoyment of this wonderful game.

All of this, in our pleasant and tranquil surroundings, will surely mean that your best golf can be discovered here at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club.

This academy offers a lot:

• Individual & Group lessons
• Golf course lessons
• Half-day, full-day, two days, three days coaching and retreats
• Fitting of swing with Trackman analysis and video analysis
• Fitting of putting with Focusband

And of course: Club rental, practice, Fitting, driving range, Pro-shop

The environment

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club course has a single target: to offer the best services and amenities so that every single customer enjoys a unique experience.

Designed by the renowned North American landscape architect, Cabell B. Robinson, the designer of internationally recognized golf courses such as La Reserva in Sotogrande, Finca Cortesín on Costa del Sol, Praia d’El Rey in Portugal, and Royal Golf d’Evian in France.

In Cabell’s own words, “my ultimate target as a landscape architect is for the course to form an integral part of the existing landscape… A unique feature of this course is that it runs through a valley between hills high enough to give it privacy and isolate it from its surrounding area.”

Video

Weather Statistics for the top 20 Spanish Cities, check here for Alicante for instance

Everything you should enjoy in the Costa Blanca

Contact details

• • Situation: Costa de Blanca, Alicante
  • Address: Av. de las Colinas, 2, 03189 San Miguel de Salinas, Alicante, Spain
  • GPS coordinates: 37.930110, -0.807471
  • Map:

• Website: Las Colinas Golf & Country Club
• Phone: +34 965 32 40 04
• Email: [email protected]

Discover the best new build projects in the Costa Blanca and Alicante

4. Monnard Widmer Academy

Let’s work on your game, be it putting, short or long game. We love taking our guests for playing lessons on the course, there is so much to learn and improve.

They work with:
-Technology we use: High-speed video analysis, FlightScope Radar Technology, Sam Puttlab, Boditrak Pressure Mat.

This academy offers a lot:

• Golf School
• Intensive instruction beginners
• Advances instruction course
• Specialized Putting Session
• Family Golf Classes

And of course: Club rental, practice, Fitting, driving range, Pro-shop

The environment

We selected the most beautiful golf courses in Majorca. The courses had to fulfill certain criteria like quality of the golf course, green speed, practice facility, hotels in the area, clubhouse, ambiance, and restaurant. Read more about our teaching locations:

Capdepera Golf, Majorca: Capdepera Golf is ideal for learning and teaching. Plenty of space on the range, and difficult and easier nines cater to different playing levels. 4 Golf courses within 15 mins of driving.

Golf Son Gual, Majorca: Since opening in 2007, the course got famous for its quality and design standards. Its holes are all having that little something, making a round of golf a great experience.

Canyamel Golf, Majorca: Canyamel Golf is definitely one of the best clubs quality-wise on the island. Some interesting holes and difficult greens make your day a nice day to remember, but probably not a good score day. The course is a difficult one. But we all do like a little challenge, don’t we?

Santa Ponsa 1, Majorca: Santa Ponsa Golf 1 is a fun course, offering interesting holes with wide fairways and tight Par 4s that require a strategy to get a score home. The practice facilities are spacious and the range has a covered roof.

Weather Statistics for the top 20 Spanish Cities, check here for Mallorca

Everything you should enjoy in the Balearic Islands

Contact details

• • Situation: Balearic Islands, Capdepera
  • Address: Capdepera Golf C. Arta Capdepera, km 3,5, 07570 Artà, Illes Balears
  • GPS coordinates: 39.699575, 3.396556
  • Map:

• Website: Monnard Widmer Golf Academy
• Phone: +34 639 635 634 Michel Monnard, +34 687 578 051 Tobias Widmer
• Email: coming soon

Discover the best new build projects in the Balearic Islands

5. IH Golf Academy – Guadalhorce Club de Golf

High-performance training methodology with IH Coaching System
Inspired by North American teaching methods, consolidated by many years of experience with players of different profiles and after a long journey in youth competitions, IH Coaching System works with an open and evolving methodology that adapts to the characteristics of each player. For this, we have a team of qualified experts in different areas of sport.

They work with:
-Planning and advice on:

• Promotion of the player
• Sports decision making
• Tournament Calendar
• Training

-Analysis and conclusions:

• Techniques
• Statistics

-Coaching game on the field:

• Vision of the game
• Strategy
• Tactics
• Focus

-Continuous attention:

• Physiotherapy
• Sports Psychology
• Physical preparation
• Personalized attention and study of the particular needs of each player

This academy offers a lot:

• Golf School
• Fitting of swing with K-Vest, Trackman, and Flightscope
• Fitting of putting with Focusband

And of course: Club rental, practice, Fitting, driving range, Pro-shop

The environment

Very good location close to the airport.

Weather Statistics for the top 20 Spanish Cities, check here for Malaga for instance

Everything you should enjoy in the Costa del Sol

Contact details

• • Situation: Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Málaga
  • Address: Avenida José Ortega Y Gasset S/N
    Campanillas (Málaga)
  • GPS coordinates: 36.715501, -4.530753
  • Map:

• Website: IH Golf Academy
• Phone: +34 952 17 82 82, +34 692 678 845
• Email: [email protected]

Discover the best new build projects in the Costa del Sol and Andalusia

Do you want to read further?

• The 48 golf courses of the Costa del Sol & The best deals
• Our Top 6 Golf courses in Spain
• Find all the useful information (Spanish only) from the Spanish Federation of Golf Clubs. You can search all the clubs for a specific region and find those back on a google map, find all the regions federations,…very useful.
• The top 100 courses in Spain
• The ranking from the leading golf courses of the top 100 courses in Spain
• The best golf resorts in Spain according to Tripadvisor
• The golf information from the Spanish Tourist office

Are you looking to book holidays in Spain? Read our interesting paper on that: Our best ideas for planning your holidays in Spain!

Looking for a real estate expert in Spain? Architect, Property Hunter, Lawyer? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior Analyst and Strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post Spain’s top 5 golf academies appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten :

Discover the new build properties available from trusted developers in our network and buy them at zero extra cost.

How many new build properties could you find in Spain?

Where are the new build properties in Spain?

The “Ministerio de Fomento”, just released the number of unsold new homes in Spain: it is 457,000 at the end of 2019 vs 460,000 end of 2018. Earlier, it was quite higher: with 477,000 new build in 2017 and 492,000 at the end of 2016.

So the number of new build properties waiting to be sold in 2019 is only slightly lower than in 2018.

In Spain, you have a total of 25 million homes in total, so this means about 1.8% of all the properties existing in Spain are unsold new build properties .

Find this statistic always updated in our “real estate Returns and Mortgages in Spain” table.

As we wrote in one of our earlier paper, buying a new build property has many advantages: What are the advantages of buying a new build property in Spain?

Have a look at the evolution of Unsold New Homes in Spain since 2005

In which Spanish regions will you find the most Unsold New Homes in 2019?

Have a look at our chart: the Valencian Community, Catalonia and Andalusia are the 3 biggest regions and represent 50% of the new build properties!

You will find those two charts with many others always up to date in our “Must see charts about the Spanish real estate market” page.

Discover the best new build projects in Spain available right now

Which cities have the biggest percentage of New build homes for sale in Spain in 2019?

• Madrid 9.5%
• Barcelona 9%
• Alicante 8.2%
• Castellón 5.4%
• Valencia 4.7%
• Murcia 4.5%
• Toledo 4.5%
• Almería 3.8%

Which cities have the most New build homes on the market vs the total number of existing homes?

• Castellón 5.8%
• Toledo 4.9%
• (La) Rioja 4.4%
• Almería 4.3%
• Ciudad Real 3.9%
• Lleida 3.8%
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife 3.2%
• Alicante 2.9%

The two most active regions in Spain in 2019?

1. The Basque Country: -15%
2. The Balearic Islands: -13%

Here is the full overview per region:

As a reminder, here was the situation in 2018

The main difference between 2019 and 2018 is a slight decrease for nearly all the cities and the regions in terms of stock of unsold properties apart for Ceuta and Melilla.

Which cities have the biggest percentage of Newbuild homes for sale in Spain – Situation in 2018?

• Madrid 8.7%
• Alicante 8.6%
• Barcelona 8.3%
• Castellón 5.4%
• Valencia 4.8%
• Murcia 4.6%
• Toledo 4.5%
• Almería 4%

Which cities have the most Newbuild homes on the market vs the total number of existing homes? – Situation in 2018

• Castellón 6%
• Toledo 4.9%
• Almería 4.6%
• Rioja 4.4%
• Ciudad Real 3.9%
• Lleida 3.8%
• Castilla-La Mancha 3.1%
• Alicante 3%
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife 3%
• Teruel 2.8%
• Girona 2.7%
• Murcia 2.7%

Here was the situation in 2017

The main difference between 2018 and 2017 is a slight decrease for nearly all the cities and the regions in terms of stock of unsold properties apart for Ceuta and Melilla.

Which cities have the biggest percentage of Newbuild homes for sale in Spain – Situation in 2017?

• Madrid 8,6%
• Alicante 8,5%
• Barcelona 8,3%
• Castellón 5,4%
• Valencia 4,8%
• Murcia 4,6%
• Toledo 4,4%
• Almería 4%

Which cities have the most Newbuild homes on the market vs the total number of existing homes? – Situation in 2017

• Castellón 6%
• Toledo 5,%
• Almería 4,7%
• Rioja 4,5%
• Ciudad Real 4%
• Lleida 3.9%
• Alicante 3,1%
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2,9%
• Girona 2,8%
• Murcia 2,8%
• Teruel 2,7%

Here was the situation in 2016

The main difference between 2017 and 2016 is a slight decrease for nearly all the cities and the regions in terms of stock of unsold properties.

Which cities have the biggest percentage of Newbuild homes for sale in Spain – Situation in 2016?

• Alicante 8,6%
• Madrid 8,5%
• Barcelona 8,1%
• Castellón 5,3%
• Valencia 4,9%
• Murcia 4,7%
• Toledo 4,5%
• Almería 4%

Which cities have the most Newbuild homes on the market vs the total number of existing homes? – Situation in 2016

• Castellón 6,2%
• Toledo 5,2%
• Almería 4,9%
• Rioja 4,6%
• Ciudad Real 4,2%
• Lleida 4%
• Alicante 3,3%
• Murcia 2,9%
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2,9%
• Girona 2,9%
• Teruel 2,7%

Are you looking for a new build property from a qualitative developer?

Discover the best new build projects in Spain available right now

Another interesting source to find properties could be Spanish bank repossessions: have a look at the paper we wrote on that subject: Spanish bank repossessions: Your ultimate guide to 120.000 properties

Source: Spanish-Ministerio de Fomento.

Looking for an expert in Spain: a lawyer, a property hunter, tax experts, architects,…? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post Where are the new build properties in Spain? appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

The Spanish Housing Market post-Covid-19: Our in-depth analysis.

This article is the fourth one, and the core of our analysis, of our dedicated reports on the Coronavirus, here is our introduction paper: What are the impacts of Coronavirus on the Spanish real estate?

Prices will come down as the economy slows. We should switch from a strong seller’s market, which means a market where sellers have the last word, to a buyer’s market, where the buyers will have the last word.

A lot of changes will take place in the Spanish real estate market in a post-Covid-19 era, here is a quick summary of our insights:

• Fewer transactions for 1.5 years, around -20% in 2020
• The Path to recovery will be economy dependent
• Spaniards will be more “picky” when looking for housing
• New criteria will become more important for house searching: space (inside and outside) and light, two scare attributes in city centres
• Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Santander should remain the strongest markets
• Spanish coasts and tourist areas could suffer more short term due to lower demand and higher supply
• Some foreigners could decide to relocate in Spain

Of course, an important question remains for many of our international readers: when will the travel ban be removed?

In this article, we will review the impacts of the Coronavirus on the Spanish Housing Market and analyse in detail:

• Expectations for the Spanish real estate market in a post-Covid-19 world?
• What are hot properties for Spaniards in a post-Covid-19 world?
• What are the ideal Spanish properties for foreigners in a post-Covid-19 world? Market update on foreigners activity. How can you seize potential real estate opportunities in Spain? Is it easy for a foreigner to buy while being abroad?
• Are distressed sales back in Spain due to Covid-19 as in 2008?
• Mortgage financing conditions update in a post-Covid-19 world

So let’s start.

What are experts’ expectations for the Spanish housing market in 2020 and 2021?

Is the real estate market in Spain back to “business as usual”?

Our understanding is that real estate agents will reopen doors on the 11th of May for general business.

What real estate business changes will be due to Covid-19?

Of course, one of the first impacts was that all house viewings were cancelled as the real estate market was frozen for two months in Spain.
A backlog of pending transactions has to be resorbed as well.

Two big trends will be seen midterm in the real estate industry

1. The digitalisation of the industry will accelerate. We are happy to be part of this as we facilitate the purchase of Spanish properties with our network of local partners. Of course, we are strong believers in this trend of online business facilitating transactions: real estate agents will create 3D showings, electronic signing of documents will become more common, and many other possible changes

2. To keep business running, the industry will have to put sellers and buyers at ease by taking measures to increase safety:
   • Precautions should be taken during any interaction with people: this means, in the office or during viewings: social distancing, wearing masks, and of course regular sanitising…

• • Meetings will be organised on an individual basis to eliminate groups of people coming into contact
  • Viewings should be well prepared: unoccupied homes, masks and hand gel provided, lights already turned on, doors all open (even for closets) so that no touching is needed
  • Signing meetings could place clients and employees in separate rooms and connect them via a video meeting
  • Sellers could have a difficult time with strangers coming into their home if they are still living in it

In short, this means that the industry will have to invest more into IT tools, and people as sales will evolve and be more challenging. The estate agent will need confidence from the sellers and the potential buyers. It will take much more time than before Covid-19, and in the beginning it will require more resources.

To conclude on the real estate business changes due to Covid-19: easy times are done for the industry: it will take more time to get a seller, to get buyers, and to make it happen. While there is a lot of uncertainty in the present world, one thing that is certain is that any step will be much more time consuming now, than before.

Experts’ expectations for Spanish housing market in 2020 and 2021

In 2019, 501.085 residential transactions took place in Spain.

Unsold new homes

A quick look at the supply side of new homes to the market as this was the main issue in the 2008 crisis. The number of unsold new homes in Spain is 460,000 as of the end of 2018. (most recent data available). Read more here: Where are the new build properties available in Spain?

As 25 million homes exist in Spain, it means that about 1.8% of all the properties are unsold newly built properties. Find this statistic always updated in our “real estate Returns and Mortgages in Spain” table.

Experts expect 25% fewer transactions in 2020 and see prices decreasing up to 15% as written by eleconomista.es. Bankinter’s analyst, Juan Moreno, published on the 27th of April an article in which he estimates that the price of housing in Spain will fall by around 6%.

Our insights on the Spanish real estate market

On the demand side

The housing market will not go unscathed, as consumer confidence and a strong labour market are the two essential elements in the decision to purchase a home.

Fewer buyers will come to the market than before:

• Spaniards will be less active to buy homes due to the weak economy
• As prices have risen steadily for the last six years nearly everywhere in Spain, buyers are afraid to pay top prices, we think this fear will vanish quickly IF the economy recovers
• Some Spaniards will want to buy a new home fitting with their new priorities, which means most of the time either buying “higher quality” housing in the city centres (bigger with outside space) or outside the city centres if they can’t afford it (but within acceptable commuting time)
• Wealthy Spaniards will reassess their situation and will look for bigger properties or buy second homes outside the city centres.
• Fewer transactions by foreigners short-term due to the travel ban and midterm due to the slowing economy in their home country: buying a holiday home is not an “essential” economic decision and as such will be postponed
• Some foreigners could decide to relocate to Spain to enjoy a higher quality of life
• Cash-rich investors will take advantage of opportunities (Spaniards and foreigners)

Read our to dedicated papers on that subject:

• What are the ideal Spanish properties for foreigners in a post-Covid-19 world?
• What are the new dream homes for Spaniards in a post-Covid-19 world?

On the supply side

More sellers will come to the market than before:

• Sellers from victims’ family of the Coronavirus
• Forced sellers due to the slowing economy induced by the lockdown and the travel ban
• Some Spaniards will sell their existing home for a “better” home: more light, more inside space, more outside space (terrace, garden,…) which means most of the time sell “low quality” housing in the city centres
• Sellers who are waiting due to the lockdown will be keen to sell as soon as possible
• As seen above, the supply of new homes is more reasonable than in 2008 but remains important

Related: What are the impacts of Coronavirus on the Spanish Economy?

Price evolution

Sellers that have to sell quickly will need to change their mind regarding price, vs before the crisis, and what is going get deals done. Have a look at our next section: Which Spanish real estate markets will thrive in a post-Covid-19 world? for a detailed analysis by region.

Of course, this should give a negative short term bias to official property prices. Midterm, the economy will tell us in which direction the real estate prices will go. We think that the trend should remain negative up until the end of 2021.

Two strong positives to keep in mind:

• Low financing rates should continue to give support to the real estate market, as you can check in our paper: Find the best Spanish mortgages
• Spanish rental yields are interesting. If you want to have a longer-term outlook on Spanish real estate vs other European cities, it could be interesting to read our analysis written in January 2020: What return will you make on your Spanish Property in 2020?

Don’t miss our quarterly update on the Spanish property prices for all the top 20 Spanish cities.

Which Spanish real estate markets will thrive in a post-Covid-19 world?

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Santander real estate markets

Yes, in the short term after the easing lockdown measures some people will be tight on cash or will need to move on and be willing to sell at a discount. For example we expect a maximum discount of 10% in Barcelona and Madrid city centres, and maybe a little more for other cities to get a quick deal done. Please remember that those markets were strong earlier on this year and benefited from a healthy (not crazy) rebound since the bottom of 2014.
There could be a real demand for rural properties outside cities with up to a 1-hour commute. They will benefit from people looking for more space while working in those 5 cities.

Prime residential real estate in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia

We see a very minor impact for premium properties in those cities as supply is low and demand should remain high.

Interest from both wealthy Spaniards and foreigners.

Wealthy people are reassessing their life choices and going for more private spaces: Wealthy Spaniards will want to get more space as residential units are “small” even by their standards due to historic constructions in city centres.

Wealthy foreigners will reassess their life priorities as well and could decide to get more sun and buy a nice property in Spain.

Don’t forget as well, that the current prices remain very competitive in comparison to European international cities. Read our Spanish property analysis for more on that.

The specific case of the fast train “AVE” cities: Valencia, Alicante, Barcelona and Malaga

During our last two visits to these cities, we confirmed fast train accessibility with our local partners. Thanks to the fast Train accessibility, the “AVE”: 1h46 for Valencia, 2h21 for Alicante, 2h45 for Barcelona and 2h38 for Malaga; these three cities are gaining traction from people living in Madrid to buy second homes. This trend could be accelerated due to Covid-19 as wealthy people living in the capital may be looking for more space.

The Spanish Costas real estate market

Many negative cross currents are impacting those areas:

• Those regions heavily rely on tourism. Regarding 2020 we have a lot of uncertainties: will the travel ban be lifted? Will foreigners be allowed to come on holidays to Spain?
• The second one is that some Airbnb owners could be inclined to sell their properties, especially, the ‘mortgage financed ones’ which should bring more supply to the market.
• Last but not least, a lot of new build projects are foreseen in these regions.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see big discounts on resale, higher than 15% for some deals, and some discount for new buildings as more supply is coming to the market.

Read more on that with our newbuild section in two paragraphs.

Find all our best Spanish Costas infographics: Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Barcelona, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands,…

For people who have known us for a while, they will be happy if they followed our advice and invested in cities with “real” economic activity rather than pure “touristic” cities. As we can see today, this was very important advice to follow.

If you understand Spanish and want to read further on the Spanish Costas property prices, here is another article published in the Expansion paper on the 10th of May.

Rest of Spain

We think that second-tier cities will suffer more than Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia and smaller cities will suffer even more. So, we wouldn’t be surprised to see deals with discounts higher than 15% in the rest of Spain as the economic situation is bad.

Newbuild

More supply is coming to the market as the industry rebounded from the 2008 crisis for a few years up to 2019, which was the best year since then in terms of units sold. A few interesting facts:

• The industry is in a much better place than in 2008: less leverage, better financing, less supply and strong players remaining
• 85% of units to be finished in 2020 are sold according to the president of the Spanish promoters’ association, APCEspaña, Antonio Gómez-Pintado, in the article of eleconomista.es
• 50% of units to be finished in 2021 are sold

This concludes our in-depth analysis of the Spanish Housing Market post-Covid-19. To end our analysis, we will cover those topics:

• What are hot properties for Spaniards in a post-Covid-19 world?
• What are the ideal Spanish properties for foreigners in a post-Covid-19 world? Market update on foreigners activity. How can you seize potential real estate opportunities in Spain? Is it easy for a foreigner to buy while being abroad?
• Are distressed sales back in Spain due to Covid-19 as in 2008?
• Financing conditions update in a post-Covid-19 world

Don’t neglect the basic recommendations to keep yourself and others safe:

• maintaining a social distance of 2 m,

• regular hand washing,

• cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze,

• avoid touching your face after touching hard surfaces where the virus can live.

Looking for a mortgage or a local expert in Alicante, Malaga, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona,…? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post The Spanish Housing Market post-Covid-19 appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

The top 10 Spanish cities where foreigners love to buy properties!

Let’s analyse the foreigners real estate activity in Spain.

Where do they buy properties? In which cities, regions and Costas?

Up to end December 2018, according to the Centro de Informacion Estadistica del Notariado, there were 562,189 residential properties sold during the last year in Spain vs 513,814 one year before: i.e. a 9% growth!

103.608 of the properties sold during the last year in Spain were bought by foreigners, that’s about 18.5% of every transaction vs respectively 100,095 the year before. A 4% growth, not bad! Remember, as a foreigner, you need to have a NIE number if you want to buy a property in Spain. Read our article on that subject if needed: Your ultimate guide to your Spanish NIE number.

The real estate transactions in Spain are at the highest level since 2008 in fact!

Spaniards and Foreigners are very active, both are buying the most since 2008, check this chart:

As a reminder, here is the price evolution of the square meter in Spain during the last 20 years.

We wanted to dig deeper and have a more precise view, so we checked it from the “Costas” view, from the “Region” view and from the “City” view.

Don’t miss our foreigners property buyers guides written for any top 10 country active in Spain.

I. Foreigners real estate activity for all the Spanish Costas (& Islands) – last year up to December 2018

The top 5 Costas & Islands for purchases by foreigners are:

1. The Costa Blanca #21.059 transactions (23% of transactions by foreigners)
2. The Costa del Sol #11.017 transactions (18% of transactions by foreigners)
3. The Canary Islands #7.020 transactions (8% of transactions by foreigners)
4. The Costa Barcelona #9.254 transactions (11% of transactions by foreigners)
5. The Balearic Islands #5.933 transactions (6% of transactions by foreigners)

=> It is very interesting to note that only 11% per cent of the purchases made by foreigners are inland! (“Other cities without sea” on our chart)

Discover the best new build projects in Spain available right now

The top 5 Costas & Islands in terms of transactions growth are:

1. The Costa de la Morte 46%
2. The Costa del Azahar with 37%
3. The Costa Almeria with 28%
4. The Costa Valencia with 28%

Two regions suffer negative growth: the Costa Barcelona (-28%) and the Costa Brava (-9%).

If you want to read more on the Spanish Costas, have a look at our articles we wrote on all the Spanish costas

Find all our best Spanish Costas infographics: Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Barcelona, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands,…

II. Foreigners real estate activity for all the Spanish regions – last year up to June 2019

As you can see on this chart:

The top 5 Spanish Regions for purchases by foreigners are:

1. The Comunitat Valenciana with #29,490 transactions (28.9% of transactions by foreigners)
2. Andalusia with #18,363 transactions (18% of transactions by foreigners)
3. Catalonia #15,775 transactions (15.5% of transactions by foreigners)
4. Madrid #8,9958 transactions (8.8% of transactions by foreigners)
5. The Canary Islands #8,180 transactions (8% of transactions by foreigners)

You surely know that Madrid is the third biggest city in Europe and provides good returns

Remember the infographic we did on the subject last year, it remains nearly the same in 2019!

The top 5 Spanish Regions in terms of transactions growth are:

1. Asturias with 35%
2. Castilla y Leon with 29%
3. Cantabria and Cstilla-La Mancha with 21%
4. Navarre with 16%

As you probably saw, all those regions have with a very low transaction volume. Should it mean that: as prices are rising in general, people are more active in peripheral areas? Our view is that the low volume makes it not significant.

As a rule on those three diagrams analyzing the foreigner’s activity, you will see that the lower the number of transactions, the higher the growth in transactions volume and vice versa.

III. Foreigners real estate activity for all the Spanish cities – last year up to June 2018

As you can see on this chart:

The top 5 Spanish Cities for purchases by foreigners are:

1. Alicante with #21.059 transactions (23% of transactions by foreigners)
2. Malaga with #11.017 transactions (12% of transactions by foreigners)
3. Madrid #7.533 transactions (8% of transactions by foreigners)
4. Barcelona #7.020 transactions (8% of transactions by foreigners)
5. The Balears #5.933 transactions (6% of transactions by foreigners)

The region of Madrid represents 8% of the transactions made by foreigners, yes for once, no beaches! You surely know that Madrid is the third biggest city in Europe.

Which are the cheapest places to live in Spain?

Don’t forget to hedge your currency smartly if you are buying from outside the European zone.

Before picking a city for your holiday home, have a look at the monthly weather statistics on the top 20 Spanish Cities here

The top 7 Spanish Cities in terms of transactions growth have a growth rate higher than 40%!!!

Melilla, Cuenca, Huelva, Coruña (A), Cáceres, Albacete, León, Guadalajara (most are not on the chart as we kept only the top 20 cities in terms of transactions)

All on very low transaction volume. Once again, should it mean that: as prices are rising in general, people are more active in peripheric areas? We don’t think so, but yes foreigners are going further for bargains!

Check our last article on the same subject: Who are the foreigners buying real estate in Spain? Where do they buy? What price do they pay?

If you want to search further the real estate market in any Spanish city, read our summary paper here: Everything you ever wanted to know about the top 20 Spanish Cities real estate markets

Finally, remember our infographic on which nationalities are actively purchasing properties in Spain.

If you are searching for your ideal property in Spain, don’t miss our dedicated guide: Where are the best places to buy a property in Spain?

Looking for a real estate expert in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post The top 10 Spanish cities where foreigners love to buy properties! appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Big refunds could be on the way for home sellers over “Wrong tax charge” in Spain

Many people have paid a ‘plusvalía’ levy when selling their property, even if its value has dropped, but this might be declared unconstitutional.

After the scandal over the misleading sale of preferential shares in savings banks and the upcoming big payouts to homeowners for ‘floor clause’ interest rate over payments, the next wave of mass financial lawsuits and possible refunds is already on the horizon.

An increasing number of property owners are taking legal action

An increasing number of property owners are taking legal action against local councils over the forced payment of ‘plusvalía’ (increased value) tax when they sell up. Town halls are continuing to charge the seller this tax even if the property is being sold at less or at the same price than the price they originally paid for it. Also, there are cases involving properties in which the sales price was slightly superior to the purchase price but once all the expenses were deducted, there is no gain actually.

The loophole arises as the value of the home that the council uses for it calculation is its ‘valor cadastral’, (official taxable value). Following the pre-crisis property boom, real market values rose well above this official valuation and councils can still therefore keep collecting the money, which is an important source of revenue, even if the seller is losing money.

Legal actions are taken

An increasing number of people are taking legal action against councils. In December, a case was filed against Fuengirola town hall, after a woman who had bought a flat for 220,000 euros and sold for 70,000 euros less still had to pay 5,000 euros of this increased value tax. Our Law firm won this case.

Campaigners against the charges, who are increasing in number, argue that the charge violates article 31 of the Spanish constitution which covers taxpayers’ rights.

In order to study a possible claim, the following documents are necessary:

• title deed of the purchase
• title deed of the sale
• and the proof of value added tax payment.

Hoping this information will be of your interest, I am available for any other information you may need.

Do you want to check the profile of Caroline and get in touch with her, our legal partner in Andalusia?

Looking for a property lawyer in Spain? Follow the link and get one of our local lawyer.

Looking for another real estate expert in Spain: Mortgage, Insurance, Survey of property, Property hunting, …? Ask us directly one of our 100+ local partner!

Caroline

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What is the short term rental regulation in Andalusia?

Our local partner, Caroline, is working at the biggest law office in Andalusia and gives us an update on short term or tourist rental regulation in Andalusia.

The 2^nd February 2016, the Government Board approved decree 28/2016 which regulates the properties with touristic purposes. It intends to facilitate the coexistence of all the different accommodation types.

Entrance in force

Three months after the Decree publication in the official Bulletin of the Junta of Andalusia.

Object

The object of this decree is to regulate the properties that offer touristic accommodation service in order to establish a set of minimum quality guarantees and security for tourism users.

Application area

It is understood as properties with touristic purposes all the properties located on land for residential use which will offer, for a price, an accommodation service in the area of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, on a regular basis and with touristic purposes.

It is presumed that there is a regular basis and a touristic purpose when the property is marketed or promoted by means of touristic supply channel.

The touristic supply channels are: travel agencies, companies that intervene or organize touristic services and channels that include the possibility of reserving accommodation.

The following are excluded from the application area of the rule:

1. Properties that, for vacation or touristic purposes, are lent without a financial consideration.
2. Properties rented for a longer period than two months used continuously by the same person.
3. Properties located in rural areas.
4. Complexes composed of three or more properties by the same holder or exploiter that are located in the same property or group of properties, adjacent.

Types of properties with touristic purposes

1. Complete, when the property is provided completely
2. By rooms, where the owner lives in the same.

The maximum capacity of these will be limited as provided by the Occupation License. When the property is complete, it cannot be more than 15 positions, and in the case that it is rooms, it cannot be more than 6 positions. In both cases, it cannot exceed four positions per room.

What are the obligations of the owner or person exploiting the property?

1. Registration in the Tourism Registry in Andalusia

At the beginning of the provision of accommodation services of the property with touristic purposes and to market the property, the corresponding declaration responsible before the relevant tourism board will have to be formalized.

Once the property has been registered, the registration code obtained will have to be indicated in all the publicity or promotion carried out by any mean.

The registration is free.

2. Formalization of the contract

All the users at the moment of the reception will be provided with a contract which includes at least the following information:

– The name of the person or the exploiting entity of the property

– The alphanumeric code of the registration in the Tourism Registry in Andalusia.

– The number of people that are going to occupy the property

– The entrance and leaving dates

– The total price of the stay

– A telephone number where they can be attended immediately.

3. House conditioning (Compliance of the touristic property requirements: see the full list at the bottom of this article).

4. Identification of the user of the property with effects of completing the corresponding entrance forms in accordance to the regulation in force.

5. Provision of the proof of payments of the services and down payments, made, if applicable.

6. Penalty System

When an owner has initiated a touristic activity without presenting the declaration, this will be considered as clandestine activity, being categorized the said activity as serious infringement by article 71.1 of Law 13/2011.

According to Law 13/2011, the infringements classified as serious will be punished with a fine from 2001 to 18000 euros. As an accessory fine, they can impose the suspension of the touristic services or the temporary closing of the establishment, if necessary, for less than 6 months.

What are the requirements for the House?

Requirements for properties with touristic purposes

Properties with touristic purposes must comply with the following requirements:

1. Have a First Occupancy Licence and comply at all times with the technical and quality conditions demanded for the properties.
2. The bedrooms will have sufficient direct ventilation to the exterior or to patios and a system of darkening of windows.
3. Being sufficiently furnished and fitted with the equipment and fixtures necessary for the immediate use and in accordance to the number of spaces available.
4. Air conditioning systems in bedrooms and living room for the period between May and September, both included. And for the period between October and April it must have heating.
5. First aid kit
6. Provide tourism information, physical or electronic media, of the area, leisure areas, restaurants and cafes, shops and supermarkets, car parks near the property, existing medical services in the area, urban transport, plan of the area and entertainment guide.
7. All the properties will have a Complain and Claims Form at the disposal of the users, and a sign informing of the same in a visible place within the property.
8. Cleaning of the property and the entry and leaving of new clients.
9. Bed linen, household items in general, depending on the occupation of the property and a replacement set.
10. Provide the users a telephone number to attend and resolve queries immediately, any consultation or incidence related to the property.
11. Have at the disposal of the users, information and instructions of the electric appliances or other devices that require the same for the correct use.
12. Inform users of the internal rules related to the use of the installations, rooms and equipment in the property as well as the admission and existence of pets in the property, restrictions for smoking as well as the restricted areas.

Source: INFORMATION NOTE: DECREE 28/2016, OF THE 2^ND FEBRUARY, CONCERNING PROPERTIES WITH TOURISTIC PURPOSES AND MODIFICATION OF DECREE 194/2010 OF THE 20^TH APRIL, CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TOURISTIC APARTMENTS

Check the full profile of Caroline and her team and get in touch with her, our legal partner in Andalusia?

Caroline

The post An update on the short term rental regulation in Andalusia appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

What are the biggest airports in Spain in 2018?

The Aena, the company managing all the airports in Spain, just released its quarterly report analysing the airport passenger activity to any airport in Spain.

During the first quarter of 2018, 49.9m passengers went through Spanish airports, a 9.7% growth vs the year before.

What are the top 10 airports in Spain – first quarter of 2018?

1. Madrid-Barajas is the biggest airport in Spain with more than 12m passengers transported during the first quarter of 2018
2. Barcelona – El Prat airport had nearly 10m passengers transported
3. Gran Canaria airport 3.5m passengers
4. Malaga airport 3.1m passengers
5. Tenerife South airport 2.9m passengers
6. Palma airport 2.7m passengers
7. Alicante airport 2.4m passengers
8. Lanzarote airport 1.7m passengers
9. Valencia airport 1.5m passengers
10. Fuerteventura airport 1.5m passengers

What are the six Spanish airports with the biggest growth during the first quarter of 2018?

1. Granada-Jaen airport had a 31% growth with 242.038 passengers transported during the first quarter
2. Seville airport had a 30% growth with 1,388,594 passengers transported
3. Santander airport had a 30% growth with 206,924 passengers transported
4. Valencia airport had a 28% growth with 1,533,639 passengers transported
5. Ibiza airport had a 25% growth with 605,275 passengers transported
6. Tenerife North airport had a 21% growth with 1,167,136 passengers transported

We noted that Valencia was very active for real estate investors since mid-2017. It looks like those statistics concur with our analysis.

Remember our paper on what are the top 10 Spanish cities where foreigners buy property?

The top 5 Spanish Cities for purchases by foreigners are

1. Alicante with #18.847 transactions (23% of transactions by foreigners)
2. Malaga with #10.761 transactions (13% of transactions by foreigners)
3. Barcelona #7.332 transactions (9% of transactions by foreigners)
4. Madrid #6.301 transactions (8% of transactions by foreigners)
5. The Balears #5.910 transactions (7% of transactions by foreigners)

Apart from Alicante at the first place, all the other cities are in the top 5 for the airport ranking.

Check our resources before booking your holidays:

Find a lot of useful information, hours of sun per year, Unesco sites in Spain, transport network, and much more on our page “10 reasons why you should want to buy a property in Spain”

Find all our papers and infographics on the Spanish Costas with all the useful activities:

Find everything on the Costa del Sol: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

Our infographics on city trips in Alicante, Malaga, Madrid and Barcelona:

Before picking a city for your holidays, have a look at the monthly weather statistics on the top 20 Spanish Cities here:

Last but not least, read all our “Summer articles for enjoying all the nice places of Spain”

Enjoy your holidays in Spain.

Source: Aena

Looking for a lawyer, fiscal expert, architect, property hunter,… or any expert in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior Analyst and Strategist at HTBIS

Check the full team of HTBIS here

The post What are the biggest airports in Spain? – March 2018 appeared first on How to buy in Spain.