Latest News
In this section, you will find the latest news related to Newstart Estates and the life on the Costa Blanca. Read our monthly news blogs and be completely informed about all the latest activity on the property market.
In this section, you will find the latest news related to Newstart Estates and the life on the Costa Blanca. Read our monthly news blogs and be completely informed about all the latest activity on the property market.
Benidorm is poised to undergo a major transformation with the approval of its largest urban plan to date. The partial Ensanche Levante plan covers an area of 575,370 square metres, of neglected and degraded land. This will give way to the construction of 20 hotels, more than 2,300 homes and three shopping centres in the Armanello district. As a result, turning this area into a thriving hub of activity. The project, which has been in the works for many years, has finally received the green light from the plenary session, allowing developers to move forward. The plan will see the construction of 780 apartments and also 1,564 residential homes. The new apartment blocks with have a minimum construction height of 20 stories bringing them in line with the area and maximising the land available for construction. There will also be large allocated green areas with public spaces, bicycle and footpaths, with sports and outdoor recreational activities to suit all.
The Spanish property market is still growing from strength to strength. The high demand for Spanish newly built apartments and villas on the Costa Blanca, with many selling off-plan before a show home is even available, indicates a strong market and attractiveness of these properties to potential buyers. The rapid sales suggest confidence in the real estate market in that region, possibly due to factors such as location, amenities, or investment potential. This trend also highlights the importance of acting quickly for buyers interested in purchasing properties in this market.
Travel news has been announced by the Spanish government that as from Monday May 24 all travellers from the UK are welcome to visit Spain without the need to provide a negative PCR (Covid-19) test, or neither required to self-quarantine for any period. Any visitors arriving in Spain will although be required to fill in a health control form as part of the agreement. Despite the UK government still having Spain on their ”Amber List”.
The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez spoke from the FITUR travel show based in Madrid on Friday, May 21st and said in Spanish and also repeated in English for the media too “Spain will be delighted, very delighted to welcome all British Tourists” as well as any countries showing low-level rates of Covid-19, would also be welcome.
Mr Sánchez had also mentioned, “extraordinary news” from the EU are about to introduce a new system of Covid-19 travel certificates schedule to be in place as from June 1st. The system is for all EU citizens giving them free travel through Europe, providing that all travellers can show their full vaccination certificate. They are calling it a ‘digital green certificate’.
Previous travel restrictions meant that any Visitors from the UK to Spain had to be staying or residing in the UK for a period of 14 days before travelling to Spain. This was in place to avoid a self-isolation period or showing a negative PCR (Covid-19) test. As a result of Brexit, all tourists and all visitors from the UK can only stay in Spain for a period no longer than 90 days within 6 months. This period is possible without the need for a visa, however, if you reside in Spain this is not necessary.
Brexit has brought some uncertainty as well as some implications towards brits moving overseas but despite this, there has been strong interest from many foreign buyers looking to relocate to Spain recently reported by real estate agents, property portals and also building contractors alike. Many have said that enquires are even higher than the past year to date, as Spain’s property market is still growing to meet the ever-increasing demand of foreign investors.
As a result of COVID-19 and travel restrictions people have time to sit and think of their futures, the pandemic has opened their minds and made them realise that they could enjoy a second home in the sun. With many people now not being able to go to work, remote working is now emerging as the way forward in selling properties.
Taking this in mind it has opened many people’s eyes as combining work from a second home that may be abroad would also benefit them immensely. For those with a second home in Spain and only using it for a few weeks of the year, remote working could be a great option.
With the possibility of working from a sunnier climate and also staying for a longer extended period of time, working remotely and earning a living, it’s a win-win situation.
As the world is rolling out a vaccine to combat COVID-19 there is some optimism in regards of the Spanish property market, with ever-increasing enquiries for new and resale properties all over Spanish mainland and also the Balearic Islands.
Property portals have reported a 50% rise in buyers enquires over the first five days period of 2021 from the same period the previous year. With British English speaking enquiries topping 20% of them all, this is up 65% from 2020.
Large property developers have also reported a 30% increase in the first two week period with enquiries from Brits looking to buy a new modern or resale properties in Spain, this is compared to the same period in 2020.
Here at Newstart we can find you that perfect property or guide you to build your own bespoke property here on the Costa Blanca. To turn that dream into reality please visit our website www.newstartestates.com or call 0034 965 038 990.
The British government have just announced that all UK residents that have booked holidays to Spain must now self-isolate for a period of 14 days after returning from there holidays in sunny Spain.
In another UTURN from the UK government, they have just announced last Saturday evening July 25th that as a result of a few Spanish regions Aragon, Catalonia and Navarra that are having a second wave of COVID-19. The 'air bridge' has been shut down following a new recorded high of more than 900 new daily COVID-19 infections over the past few days.
With this latest information in hand, they have decided to put a whole blanket band over all of Spain and also its islands, the Billerica’s and Tenerife, even though they have no new cases or infection on the islands.
Arancha Gonzalez Laya, the Spanish Foreign Minister had made it clear that restrictions could be imposed solely for the British Citizen travelling to Spain from the United Kingdom. A 14-day quarantine measure may be introduced as Spain at the moment have not got one in place but as a retaliation to the latest news imposed by the British Government, a huge devastating blow to Spain and its economy.
Spain is the number one holiday destination for Brits has been for a many years with over 7 million visiting the country in August alone, but this decision has seen them removed from the UK’s safety travel 'air bridge' list. After a short window of around 18 days, of travel free quarantine restrictions had resumed between Spain and the UK.
This devastating news has left many thousands of UK travellers up in arms and with many having to cancel their summer holidays break as a result and many losing thousands of pounds in the proses.
TUi the UK largest travel operator has cancelled all flights to Spain, until August 9th, although Ryanair has said they are resuming flights as normal to the popular destination.
Whilst these measures are in place there still talks that the UK could possibly reduce the quarantine period to 10 days instead of the current 14 days. Travellers returning home from Spain are seeking to maybe apply for sickness benefit for the period that they need to self-isolate, as employers are not prepared to pay for their staff to stay home.
Spain welcomes back British visitors without the need for a 14 day quarantine period when the borders are reopened. All travellers within the EU area which includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, will be allowed to return to Spain.
As from Sunday, June 21st the Spanish State Of Alarma will officially end, where the country moves into a new normality. Talks from the government of Madrid did previously agree to set a 14-day quarantine for all UK travellers as a countermeasure to the UK government requiring all international arrivals to self-isolate for 14 days.
A decision was made on Saturday evening June 20th that there will be free movement for the UK. The Spanish foreign minister, Arancha Gonzalez Laya announced to BBC news that British visitors will be allowed into Spain as the same as all EU visitors without the need for any quarantine period.
Talks with the authorities of the UK have been in progress, discussing if they were willing to waiver the self-isolation period. Spain has over 400.000 British citizens that currently have a second home (holiday home) in Spain. They all wish to return to enjoy the time and benefits that the country has to offer, they too would like to visit without restriction.
With more than 250.000 Spaniards that are currently living in the UK, the Spanish foreign minister would like for the UK authorities to show similar easing to a sensitive area and allow them to re-enter without the 14 day self-isolation period.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Sunday, May 31st in a televised event addressed the countries regional governments to try and obtain a sixth and final further two-week extension to the already ongoing “STATE OF ALARMA" up until June 21st. The vote is due this Wednesday June 3rd, but Sánchez said the extension will be much “milder" than any of the previous extension.
Spain was due to move to phase three on June 7th, but on Wednesday May 20th, the Spanish government voted to extend the “STATE OF ALARMA" for the fifth time.
Mr Sánchez was explaining to regional presidents that experts and health authorities of Spain have recommended that movement between provinces should be held back for a further two more weeks.
The Valencia region as from today June 1st has moved to phase two on the easing of the lockdown process. Regional governments will soon have their own powers returned as from June 21st where Spain will be at phase three.
Phase three will be the final stage of Spains battle with the coronavirus. All four stages from zero to three would have been completed and Spain will return to a “new normality". When we reach phase three of the “STATE OF ALARMA" this will represent the end of restrictions and all regional presidents will have their powers returned. They will then have to manage the speed of the de-escalation including movements between regions.
Newstart Estates will be opening again on Monday 11th May.
Please note that visits are by pre-arranged appointments only and all visitors will have to wear masks and gloves. We will be observing social distancing very carefully and we will provide gloves and hand sanitizer for all visitors. Everything to protect you and ourselves.
If you would like to arrange an appointment please call between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm Monday to Friday on one of these numbers 965 038 990 or 665 383 392 WhatsApp.
Alternatively, you could also send us an email to info@newstartestates.com
Thank you and stay safe.
Spain to extend the extension of the country's nationwide lockdown and is following Italy from April 26 to its current new extended date to be May 9. A further two extra weeks have been added to try and slow down the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Spain remains Europe's second worst-affected country after Italy and is fighting hard to try to get a grip of the pandemic.
The death rate surpasses 20,000 all of which are due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) after the health authorities reported another 565 deaths this past Saturday. The latest figures out show a significant fall in the death rate on Sunday to 410, with a reduced amount of 155 cases.
This is the biggest drop in daily deaths since the outbreak began according to the figures supplied by the Spanish Health Ministry. As a result of lockdown, it seems the outbreak is decreasing, but infection cases rose by a further 4,499 to 191,726.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has asked for a further extension on the extension to the lockdown to a new date, of May 9 at least, adding two more weeks on the already prolonged five weeks into the lockdown that was due to expire on April 26.
Mr Sanchez explained in a nationally televised speech “Spain has contained a brutal attack of the coronavirus pandemic but the gains are still not enough yet and are still fragile." He also said, “In the month of May we will hopefully begin to slowly take the first steps towards new normality," mentioning that we should tread with caution and that life would be slow-moving forward, with one step at a time.
SPAIN´S DOWNTURN WITH COVID-19
As a result of LOCKDOWN over the past 3 weeks it looks like Spain is flattening the curve of the virus.
The number of deaths has fallen for a third consecutive day, a sign that the Spain is beating the (COVID-19) pandemic. Last Saturday the count was 749 and on Sunday a total of 694 people lost their battle with coronavirus (COVID-19). This is in comparison to 850 deaths announced on Friday.
Although the total death toll is 12,641 the infection rate has also seen a down turn and is dropping by over 1000 plus just over the past few days. Friday's amount was 7,472 while on Saturday it was 7,026 and with 6,023 cases announced on Sunday.
RELAXING LOCKDOWN IS NOT AN OPTION FOR SPAIN
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday told the nation that Spain has finally got "in a position to bend the curve".
He explained in a press conference that there will be an extension to the lockdown from the original date April 12 (Easter Sunday) has been cancelled. A new date has been added to April 26 - but he warned, Spain is slowly on its way to recovery but not there just yet. He said: "If the climb has been hard, let's not fool ourselves, the descent will also not be smooth, we are all facing the greatest crisis of our lives."
The Spanish total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections stands now at 131,646, the amount that has recovered is 34,219 while 12,641 people have lost their lives so far.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explained in the conference that any consideration of relaxing these tight lockdown measures at this point "would have a worse result than returning to the starting point," So we have no choice but to extended the lockdown for the safety of all our citizens.
Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives.
Lockdown to get tighter, the Spanish government have announced a halt to all non-essential workers.
Spain´s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Saturday has made it clear the country will go into strict total lockdown for a further 14 days, extended the quarantine period until 12th April, which is Easter Sunday. All 47 million Spaniards will need to stay at home, apart from any workers that are needed in essential sectors only. This is a bid to slow down and try to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Pedro Sánchez explained on a televised statement, that he recognized that the measures were “extraordinarily tough." This decision needed to be made for the safety of everyone.
As you will be aware Spain is currently in Shutdown and as a result, we are in a 14 day quarantine period. We have closed our offices in accordance with preventive measures to try and combat the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our staff and clients health is our priority. Our office Newstart Estates in Urb La Marina will remain temporarily closed until further notice. All appointments will be rescheduled to a later date as and when we are able to reopen, under government guidelines.
However, you can still contact us on info@newstartestates.com if you are needing any information.
Thank you for your understanding and stay safe in these difficult times.
La Tomatina Spain´s iconic tomato throwing festival this year celebrates its 73rd Anniversary of this famous event which is held in the town of Buñol, close the city of Valencia in eastern Spain. This street event is where thousands of people gather and throw tomatoes at each other in the world's biggest tomato fight ever. Tons and tons of overripe tomatoes are dumped in the town centre where parties from all over the world gather and pick up as many as they can carry and throw them at complete strangers, at their friends and also family members that have joined in with this crazy mayhem.
The event is held purely for entertainment and pleasure to all that attend, all participants will get very dirty and completely covered in tomatoes, from head to toe for sure. La Tomatina fight usually lasts for an hour or so, as you can imagine the whole town and streets in and around the square are literally covered in red from top to bottom with squashed and crushed tomatoes. Local Bomberos (Firemen) are used to clean up the streets of the town, they hose down the streets and anyone that is caught up in the crossfire to help remove any tomatoes debris from their faces and bodies. Some participants will also jump into the Buñol River to wash off any remaining tomatoes.
The festival first started back in 1945 and it is lead to believe that a group of young men knocked a member of the entertainment off from one of the passing floats during a festival. The man fell to the ground and as he took his revenge on the culprits, he picked up the closest thing to hand which happened to be tomato from a nearby fruit and vegetable stall and then began to throw it at the group of young men, this then sparked the world's largest food fight and so La Tomatina was born.
The event is so popular that only paid ticket holders are allowed to enter the festival, due to overcrowding and in 2015 it was estimated that almost 120 -140 tonnes of ripe tomatoes were thrown. The event has grown massively with the number of participants that it attracts from all over the world year on year due to the excitement that the festival brings with its ever increasing popularity. In 2002, the Spanish Secretary Department of Tourism officially declared La Tomatina Festivity of International Tourist Interest due to the huge amount of success and revenue it attracts.
The Rules of La Tomatina
• La Tomatina will start at 11am with a starting signal and will end at 12.00 noon.
• Glass bottles or hard objects are forbidden as may cause an accident to participants.
• No tearing of your T-shirt neither anyone else's.
• Always keep a safe distance away from the Lorries.
• Make sure you squash the tomatoes before throwing them, to minimise the pain.
• On the sound of the second warning firework, you must stop throwing tomatoes.
• And most important of all, enjoy the party!
RYANAIR the low-cost budget airline is cancelling more than 600 flights to and from Europe to include Spain, Portugal and Belgium due to commence on July 25th, 26th as pilots and cabin crew prepare to strike.
A press release sent out by the company last Wednesday said that they have believed to have contacted over 100,000 passengers as a warning to give them 7days notice that the flight which have been pre-paid for will no longer be available due to these circumstances.
The low-cost carrier released a statement cancelling 16 routes that amount to “300 of 2,400 daily flights" due for Wednesday and Thursday, July 25 and 26 “as too minimise the disruption caused to their customers from unnecessary strikes by cabin crew". It is estimated that around about 50,000 passengers due to fly have all been contacted by text/email, will be affected by these strike actions.
Ryanair has also said that their customers, would be able to claim a full refund for lost flights or be offered alternative flights due to the chaos caused, this is calculated to be approximately 13% of the airline's total flight traffic.
The strikes first started by the Irish pilots, now are three days into the strikes and are followed by a two-day cabin crew strike on which is one of the busiest weeks of the year in air travel as all British schools have broken up for summer break. Many holidaymakers that are due to fly back on these dates are finding themselves rebooking return journeys with other carriers trying to get home.
The UK's most popular destination is still Spain for holidaymakers looking for the sun and beautiful beaches, these will see the most cancellations of all, with approx. 200 flights daily, whilst a further 50 flights will be cancelled to Portugal and also to Belgium.
The cabin crew are looking for better rights to include sick pay and also put an end to over-inflated sales targets that they need to achieve. The crew have said that “the targets are set so high from the airline and are totally unreachable as they don't want us to achieve them, so we can´t relax". Sales are from in-flight trolley services, perfumes, (food and drink), scratch cards, plus duty-free and gift goods.
Inflight sales make up a large part of the low-cost carries revenue of £1.5 billion which calculates to 26% of the airline's total figures, the company have known to say that they are looking to increase the sales to about 30% in the next coming year.
Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary said in a statement: “that the strikes are unnecessary and if they continue they may damage our customer confidence in the airline and will probably affect a few country markets which will lead to us reviewing our winter schedules. This, in turn may lead to reductions to the fleet and inevitably lead to job losses."
The budget airline which flies to 37 countries, has 86 bases around Europe, 2,000 daily flights, over 13,000 employees and so far carries over 130million passengers over the last year. Pilots in Britain and in Italy which are two of the largest markets for the low-cost airline have signed a new agreement.
Ryanair's Kenny Jacobs Chief Marketing Officer said: “Ryanair sincerely apologises to all our customers for any inconvenience and disruption that it may have caused but we have tried our very best to avoid it".
The Spanish 2010 world cup champions had 79% of the possession and dominated the game in both halves with their accurate passing and skills which played more than four times the number of passes than Russia. However, Spain failed to create a clear scoring and the chance to take advantage of the game to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
With over a full period of 90 minutes plus stoppage time and a further 30 minutes of extra time, you still could not separate both teams following a turgid 1-1 draw. The inevitable penalty shootout was looming to decide which team would go through to the World Cup quarter-finals where the winners will face Croatia.
The Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero of the hour after saving two Spanish penalties in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out that seen former Spanish champions extraordinarily crash out of the World Cup and booked Russia´s place in the next round.
Spain scored the first goal in the 12th minute when Sergei Ignashevich clashed with the Spanish captain Sergio Ramos at the far post and had the last touch in a free kick with his heel and Spain led 1-0. It was also the 10th own goal so far of the 2018 tournament, but this didn't stop Sergio Ramos from claiming the goal.
Russia came back after a backward approaching header seen by Spain´s Gerard Piqué who plays centre-back, who after missing the header kept his arm in the air, which resulted in a handball and Russia were awarded a penalty. Aleksandr Golovín's, Russian's midfielder, curled the ball into the back of the net and equalized in the 42nd minute 1-1.
By the second period of extra time, both sides were worse for wear, and had run out of energy with several players having cramp. The Russian´s where reduced to defending desperately, trying not to give any opportunities to Spain to go ahead. Somehow they managed to hold off and the results had to be decided by penalties.
1-0: Spain´s Andrés Iniesta scored
1-1: Russian´s Fyodor Smolov scored
2-1: Spain´s Gerard Piqué scored
2-2: Russian´s Sergei Ignashevich scored
2-2: Spain´s Koke (Akinfeev) saved
2-3: Russian´s Aleksandr Sergeyevich Golovin scored
3-3: Spain´s Sergio Ramos García scored
4-3: Russian´s Denis Dmitriyevich Cheryshev scored
4-3: Spain´s Iago Aspas Juncal (Akinfeev) saved
Igor Akinfeev has become a national hero by saving the two spot-kicks to which sent former Spanish 2010 champions home and led the Russian hosts to win the penalty shootout 4-3! And go through to the next round.
Las Hogueras de San Juan (Fires of Saint John) is the next up and coming popular festival due to commence on the evening of 20th June. Alicante will celebrate with a spectacular display of fireworks and music as thousands of people gather in the capital's streets to experience this important event that pays tribute to fire. It is the city's most important tradition and most popular festival, which celebrates fire and can last up till the 29th June. These celebrations are held around the world to mark this summer solstice event and largely held on the evening of Eve of St. John Day, Masonic feast which falls on 23th June. The celebrations take place in many (former Iberian colonies), with one of the biggest in Brazil and so called (Festa Junina).
Bonfires de San Juan (Bonfires of St. John) is a customary tradition and you will always find the large events held predominantly in the largest cities, such as Alicante, Elche and Valencia in the Valencian Community. The main event is held on 23 - 24th June where you will witness a truly great event Night of Burning, alongside the popular after event of the soaking (Banyà), where the local firefighters (firemen) all called upon to put out the diminishing fires.
This event is welcomed by thousands of people and is believed to be a magical evening. St. John Day is meant to be all about change. The event represented by fire and water and also night and day, the fire purifies and water recuperates, rejuvenates and also refreshes the sole. The burning of the bonfires represent the night, many family come to gather and help to build these magnificent bonfires, fathers, mothers and children alike will spend time together to build these fantastic structures. The myth according to tradition is if you jump over a burning bonfire three times on the night of St. John, your body and spirit will be cleansed and purified and all of your problems will be burned away.
There are many parades held across across neighborhoods, from small towns to large cities that celebrate the feast of St. John (the Baptist), where very large statues are made from wood, cardboard and paper they are extremely well decorated and painted to a very high standard only to be set alight and burnt as a long ongoing tradition. Alongside the bonfires and after the main event of the burning is over on 24th June, you will find a further event taking place with the most spectacular firework displays held as a competition every night from the 25th June up to the final day which marks as St. Peter's Day on the 29th of June to complete the event.
This event is every year and a tradition that you could be part of if you are visiting these areas. It is a great day and evening and a good way to participate in the local Spanish culture.
Poisonous jellyfish found on the beaches of Alicante, Playa San Juan, Benidorm and Ibiza. These dangerous jellyfish were found washed-up on these local beaches and also have been sighted in the waters so the beaches have been temporally closed to the public as a precaution
Swimmers and surfers have been advised not to enter the waters until the jellyfish have left the Spanish coastline and made their way back to the Atlantic Ocean. The tentacles of these poisonous jellyfish can grow to an incredible length of 30 meters if left in the right environment.
The Portuguese man of war (Physalia physalis) jellyfish usually found in the Atlantic Ocean, which is also known as the man-of-war or by another name of floating terror, is a marine hydrozoan and part of the family of Physaliidae most commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Oceans and the Indian Ocean. These jellyfish are highly venomous and poisonous, the tentacles are very long and have a very painful sting if touched. Leaving marks on the skin and even difficult scars to reduce and in some extremely rare occasions, the powerful sting has been known to be fatal to humans.
The Indo-Pacific Portuguese man-of-war or blue bottle is a related species with very similar appearance found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These most characterises this false jellyfish is the way it is, it has two parts to them to the body part (1) a bottle-shaped body, bluely purple translucent in colour that floating above the water line, part (2) while the another remains submerged with the extreme long tentacles under water.
It's not uncommon to see the jellyfish at this time of the year but as it still out of the official swimming seasons, but everyone is confident that they will all shortly disperse from the Spanish Costas.
Semana Santa is the Spanish name for (Holy Week), or Easter it starts from March 25th and ends Sunday, April 1st this Holy Week, dates back to from the 3rd - 4th century from the Catholic Church who decided that they would present the story of Jesus Christ in such a way that everybody to could understand it and the meaning behind the event. So at Easter time all over Spain scenes from the story of the Jesus Christ, the crucifixion and also the resurrection are told through many processions that are organized through the streets of Spain each year and are a must see if you have never been before.
Throughout the many regions of Spain, the time of Semana Santa processions may vary, but most cities across Spain will carry out these traditions. A few cities across the 52 provinces of Spain may offer fewer processions, but may also offer other events to celebrate this festive holiday period where family and friends gather to celebrate together this Christian event.
The Spanish are well known for their Fiestas and parties and the celebrations are due to commence on Thursday evening the day before Good Friday where these Easter processions tend to go on from Thursday night and continuing into the very early hours of Friday morning and even into Friday evening.
Easter Sunday mass is held on the last day of Semana Santa, it is a very important event in the Christian calendar. The processions that are held and with many of participating participants wearing hooded garments traditional in white gowns, but the colours of the hoods will vary and this depends on the brotherhood. The hoods are worn throughout the week which signifies the mourning of the death of Jesus Christ, they are then removed after the event to signify and also celebrate his resurrection.
During the Fiestas you will also see beautiful and extravagant floats that have been designed, especially for these festive events, with some regions celebrating in a more enthusiastic manner. During the Semana Santas procession you may see many men or women carrying a large float, these men are known as Costaleros, and they consider it a great honour to carry the float and to endeavour a feeling of similar pain as Jesus Christ did when he was crucified.
Traditional fiestas like Semana Santa is just one of a few of the major events that are held, throughout the whole of Spain and also contain special events in large and smaller cities throughout the regions with the help of volunteers and also a variety of locals that help to perform in the events and putting on a show for the awaiting public.
Low Budget Irish airline Ryanair has just announced a further 29 new routes from Spain for the 2018 season, this will also increase in the frequency of current existing daily routes, and see a growth of an extra 10% boosting its destinations. The airline will carry approx. 41 million passengers every year and will include more flights to Alicante, with Valencia, and Seville being added in with new routes.
Michael O'Leary, the chief executive of the Ryanair spoke in a press conference in Madrid this week, which he had announced the 29 new routes for 2018 winter calendar for Spain. This will increase the carrier's routes to 500 in total, with more frequent flights and now up to 35 existing routes in total.
At present Ryanair that operates flights to 26 Spanish airports has announced that they will increase their staff levels by at least 500 new employees to meet their ever-growing market demand for budget air travel.
The new routes that have been mentioned will include Alicante in Spain to Newquay, Cornwall, in England, Gdansk in Poland, and Bologna in Italy. A new Spanish internal route has been introduced from Alicante to Seville in southern Spain making the journey from east to south much quicker. Also included from Seville with selected 2 weekly flights path to and from Edinburgh in Scotland and Bristol airport in England. Bristol will also be added to the flight path to the vibrant city of Barcelona northern Spain with a weekly flight schedule.
Included in the list is Southern Tenerife in the Canary Islands which will have a new route to and from Milan, Malpensa airport in Italy and Gran Canaria will also have a route to Treviso airport, Venice again in Italy.
In the speech also mentioned new routes from Weeze airport, Dusseldorf in Germany, also included Mallorca, the Balearic Island of Spain to and from Bergamo airport, Milan again in Italy and lastly Ciampino-G. B. Pastine airport, in Rome Italy.
Michael O'Leary said, “To celebrate the announcement of our 2018 winter program for Spain, we have launched a range of seats from just 19.99€ to travel between March and May. These tickets are now available for your reservation until Friday, February 16, through our website."
During the press conference in Madrid, Mr O'Leary mentioned that Spain was a big part of the Ryanair package with approx. 27% of all its flights and that it,"is very important for us, which is why we want to reach an agreement with SEPLA."
SEPLA, has said that they have been in talks with Ryanair and is planning to take legal action against the airline if necessary to hopefully force the budget carrier into signing full-time Spanish contracts for all their flight pilots that work for the company.
So a new year begins and yet again there is no slowdown in the Spanish property market as it continues to recover year after year and especially in the province of Alicante. The data of records that show the number of sales has been released only this week by the government statistics department regarding property sales of new build and resale in the whole of Spain.
The latest figures show from the beginning of the year of 2017 and just using the month of November as an example the number of sales of residential properties just in the region of the Costa Blanca has risen to a high of over 3,200 sales. This shows a very steady and ever-increasing growth rate of approx. 26% over the same month of the previous year of 2016.
Calculating from the beginning of the year of 2017 up until the month of November the growth rate of sales is now at around approx. 32,000 for an eleven month period, which shows more or less an increase of approx. 15% more than the same month of the past year. Overall residential property sales figures shown from these results are that the region of Alicante has a significant rise of approx. 70% over the past 6 years and also since the market collapsed in 2008.
In regards to Spain and it´s 17 municipal regions, the most signs of growth are in the areas of Andalucía, Aragón and also Castilla-La Mancha, these areas show a rise and results of about approx. 24%. As results show there has been an increase in sales over the last ten years in a row, with significant results to prove the approx. 18% rise in sales with an overall of 40,000 registered sales total. The area of Alicante is having a massive upturn of resale and also new build properties which are outstripping demand all over the region. The data results show over a period of 12 months the sales have increased to approx. 14% with results from 2014 that reached 300.000 and the new figures shown so far have reached 460.000 which alone speaks for itself.
The Spanish housing market is on the move with many potential buyers from overseas especially Europeans looking for a holiday home or a place to call home as many of them feel this is the right time to relocate and make a New Start in Spain. With so much to offer beach's, food, drinks it´s laid back lifestyle and of course the 320 days of glorious sunshine. With flight from all over Europe arriving daily and with just a short flight of between 2 hours to 2.30 hours from the UK, buyers are coming to reap the benefits of living in Spain.
NewStart wish you all a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!
Current news has reached us of increased sales figures for residential properties in Alicante province and the Murcia region. The real estate market for these areas has produced the best sales figures in almost a decade - according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) here in Spain.
The actual figures for Alicante Province show that between January and September this year (2017), over 26,000 properties were sold. This represents almost 15% more sales than in the same period of 2016, with the September figures alone showing a rise of over 6% more when compared to those of a year earlier!
This is now the fifth consecutive year that real estate sales figures have climbed in Alicante Province since reaching an absolute low during the back end of the recession in 2012. The figures have therefore now reached the comparatively higher level they occupied in 2008 - although that was still below the absolute 'boom' time returns which saw 40,000 properties sold every year in this area.
Interestingly, second-hand apartments are accounting for some 83% of the sales in Alicante Province, with the majority of the rest being 'new builds'. The INE says that so far this year (in the same nine months), the Murcia Region has seen a corresponding rise of 11%, accounting for just over 10,000 sales recorded. The September figures alone for the Murcia region are showing an even more dramatic 27% rise over those of September last year.
Figures that have recently been released by the National Statistics Institute show that the sale of houses on the Costa Blanca increased by 17.2 percent in August this year - compared to the same time in 2016. The figures also show a rise of 11.3 percent over July 2016. Over the whole of Spain, purchases and sales of residential properties rose by 16 percent in August - covering a total of 41,282 Sales.
This was the fourth month in succession that such an increase had been recorded. House sales for the whole eight months of 2017 have now risen by a total of 14 percent.
The interesting factor, however, in the current upsurge of house sales - is that it seems to be Senior Citizens who are fuelling Spain's urban property boom!
A study from Century 21 Spain showed that it is generally buyers aged over 60 who are the mainstay of the real estate sales recovery seen in the country's largest residential areas. The comprehensive analysis carried out by Century 21 found that those people aged 60 and over are the biggest beneficiaries, now that the financial crisis has passed.
Incredibly, three out of every four home transactions (including both purchases and sales) carried out in Spain today is by people aged between 60 and 70. This does allow, however, for the fact that the larger number of sales by older people sees them 'downgrade' in size after their children leave home.
Many of the current buyers are expatriates; in this category, it is mainly the British; German; Dutch and Scandinavian buyers aged over 60 who are most active in the marketplace today.
Spanish property data revealed that official valuations set by the Ministry of Fomento show there is a moderate increase in the housing market as new construction and resale properties are in demand. Alicante province house prices show that they are holding steady from 2014 till present, with a slow yet constant growth. The figures that were published last week shows an increase of 1.6% over the past 12 months, which is currently in line with the inflation rate, that also shows a steady rise of 0.3% again during the same second quarter of 2017.
Although the latest figures have been released there are still some large variations between the Spain's 50 provinces that are in the 17 regions that make up the whole of Spain. The Alicante regions latest figures show that property house valuations are currently valued at 1.240€ per meter square, this indicates a continued rise of 1.2% in the current market trend over the last year.
In the other regions of Spain an increase of 3.6% in Madrid, 3.2% in the Canary Islands, 4.2% in Catalunya, the Balearic Islands 3.3%, in Aragon 3%, in Extremadura has 2% and finally the last one Castilla & Leon coming in at 1.7%, a slow increase is a good sign of steady growth.
Overall the Alicante provinces data shows that in the past 3 years properties have kept well balanced with current values between 1.200€ per meter square to 1.240€ per meter square from 2014 records. We can analyse the data that shows a fall of 28% since the boom of 2008 before the crash as figures were at the all-time high of 1.750€ per meter square, hence 27% fall in prices.
Looking at the bigger picture the Spanish housing market is on the up, with the new cost of new development going up in price from one phase to the next, so it looks very promising with a continued slow and steady growth in Spanish property market. Now would be a good time to invest in property so if you are looking for an investment or holiday home, or even if you are thinking of relocating, then feel free to contact NewStart Estates as we have many properties for all budgets.
Let us help you find your NewStart here in Spain, get in touch we would love to hear from you. Tel +34 965 038 990 | Mob +34 665 383 392 | UK +4420 3813 1881 or email: info@newstartestates.com
This is a question that many people from the UK have been asking themselves since the Referendum in June last year. On first considering an answer, it might seem that because the UK is definitely 'Going Independent' in 18 months' time, after having 'triggered' article 51 in March of this year - logically - it should really make the possibility of families from the UK moving permanently to Spain much more difficult.
Surprisingly, that is not the case in the actual world, however! Living in Spain has so many genuine advantages over life in Great Britain. Economically speaking, Spain is moving forwards at a rapid rate, with so many more jobs and opportunities today than existed even two years ago. Many Spanish people are beginning to exhibit a level of wealth that has been previously unknown for generations.
General facilities and vital infrastructures such as schools, medical facilities, hospitals and roads have been vastly improved over the last decade. High-speed railway links are being built and deployed rapidly to improve the options for the travelling public. The cost of living is well below that which is endured in the UK. And the warm Climate? That speaks for itself, with the older generation suffering far less with - for example - arthritis and other similar complaints due to the damp British weather.
A recent survey in the UK has revealed that - against all the odds, and despite 'Brexit' - an amazingly high proportion of British families are today seriously considering the possibility of permanently moving away from the British Isles to other EU member states. Guess what? Spain is very much one of the favourite potential destinations! Not only that, but the Spanish Government is happily welcoming British families who settle here with open arms!
It is a fact that the price of properties in Spain is gradually rising again, which makes them an excellent investment. However, they are still way below the prices that were prevalent prior to the Spanish property price collapse in 2007. The giant cranes are back on the skyline as more affordable properties are currently being built around us here on the Costa Blanca.
Property bargains are very much still to be found throughout Spain. Now is the time to find that ideal Spanish property. Prices will continue to go up, so it makes excellent sense to buy now before you miss the boat!!!
Let us help you find your NewStart here in Spain, get in touch we would love to hear from you. Tel +34 965 038 990 | Mob +34 665 383 392 | UK +4420 3813 1881 or email: info@newstartestates.com
As 'Brexit' is finally beginning to take on a sense of reality, with constant Government meetings and subtle negotiations now actually happening, many British potential buyers of Spanish property are starting to ask themselves whether it is possible that 'Brexit' will prevent them from buying property in Spain.
The answer is that many UK buyers, who committed to purchasing a Spanish property before the referendum of 2016, simply went on to complete their purchase - and the reality of 'Brexit' itself has not stopped potential UK buyers from looking, even with a reduced budget. As far as Spain is concerned, with its great access from British airports; all-year round sun; beautiful beaches; friendly culture; fiestas and tasty cuisine, it remains very much a top destination for British buyers.
Property prices across Spain are rising slowly but still competitive, and a 'buyers' market' situation prevails. Don't be afraid to make an offer on a Spanish property to offset the lower exchange rate. When it comes to the crucial moment in the price negotiation process between sellers and buyers many estate agents advise that in some cases it's possible to successfully negotiate a discount on the initial price, but bear in mind properties in Spain are sold furnished and this may also reflect in the offer that it made.
It is always advised to carefully calculate your budget to take into account the purchase price, taxes and costs. Depending on the region you buy in, property tax varies. In the Costa Blanca region, it is 10% on second-hand properties and does vary up and down Spain.
Basically, 'Brexit' is making little difference to British Buyers. Since the 2016 vote we ourselves have seen a rise in British buyers with many people now relocating on a more permanent basis.
The order of the day is 'Business as Usual'!!
Spanish Authorities are currently extremely pleased to report positive growth in the Residential Spanish Homes Market, and state that 'The market is now back on track to recovery as house prices climb in a slow but steady march upwards'.
In fact, home prices shot up on average by a healthy 3.6% this May compared to the same month last year. Actually - in major cities, and along the Mediterranean coast, the rise was even better, at 4.7%.
May's increase means that average home prices in Spain are now roughly comparable with 2013. If we adjust the prices for inflation, there are also similarities with September 2003, when the market was heading towards to its highest figure.
Research from TINSA showed that Spain's slow but steady march towards prices seen during the boom years is continuing well into 2017.
Prices are on average 40% lower today than they were at the height of the property market's unsustainable success in 2007. It is predicted that it might take another decade for them to once again reach those heights - but property experts are confident that gradual progress will continue.
In many respects, slower is considerably better - thereby allowing the market to evolve naturally, rather than rushing into another period of untenable highs. The current situation, therefore, offers significant opportunities at this time for profitable investment by current buyers as prices continue to march upwards!!
A new record has been achieved; for the highest monthly number of Spanish property sales taking place since February 2011. In fact, 7 out of 10 Spaniards themselves firmly believe that now is the time to buy Spanish property, as confidence in the country's real estate market climbs.
The latest official statistics for March of this year spell out the fact that 40,461 homes were sold, which represents an increase of 26.9 per cent on the February figures. This is also the highest monthly number of property sales since February of 2011 - more than six years ago - when just over 45,000 homes changed hands.
The data, which was supplied by Spain's National Statistics Institute, shows that property sales have now increased constantly for 14 consecutive months! This despite the fact that February's increase was small, at just 1.2% but - with spring fully underway - the figures for March show a healthy 13.6% increase.
The accumulated increase from the first quarter of 2017 now stands at 15%, whilst we eagerly await the sales figures from a reportedly excellent April. Sales figures have proven to be solid across the board. New home sales alone rose to 7,361 in March; which shows an increase of 21.2% year-on-year. Second-hand home sales performed even better, jumping up by 28.3 per cent in the month to reach 33,100 separate transactions.
A figure that high has not been seen for almost 10 years, since September 2007. 'Idealista' expert Fernando Encinar says that surpassing 40,000 sales in March is a 'Milestone' in the normalisation of the Spanish property market. Real estate is now a stable asset, and the recovering market now offers "Real Opportunities" for investment.
NULL
International investors are apparently willing to invest as much as 14,000 million euros in the purchase of real estate assets in Spain over the next twelve months, according to a substantial survey carried out by consultancy firm Knight Frank, amongst 184 international investors.
Spain is on the list of European countries most attractive to investors, and has now risen from sixth place to third, which shows its rapidly increased popularity. In particular, Spain is currently the preferred country to invest in for 11.6% of the investors surveyed, behind only Germany (23.3%) and the United Kingdom (39.4%).
The stabilisation of the Eurozone, 'signs of improvement in the economy' and the property price adjustments accumulated in Spain since 2008 are - according to the firms interviewed - the main factors encouraging them to include the Spanish market in their investment plans.
"Spain is the country that has undertaken the largest correction of prices in the EU, with cuts of up to 65% in property prices", said Humphrey White (Knight Frank's Business Director) in a recent statement. The firm also believes that "the Spanish market is benefitted by the very high prices per square metre quoted in
all major European cities". In this sense, more than half of the investors surveyed by Knight Frank indicated that cities like London or Paris "have lost their interest due to the low profitability currently provided of below 4% in many cases", and are now contemplating operations in other cities such as Madrid or Barcelona to "guarantee the path to higher investment".
We would like to take this Easter opportunity to thank all of our clients, past, present and future for their continued support and trust in us at Newstart Estates as your professional estate agent here in La Marina Urb. On behalf of all the Newstart team, we would like to wish each of you a very happy Easter holiday. Together we can make the difference as you are more than just a number to us and we will endeavour to help you with all your real estate needs.
“There for you EVERY step of the way".
Gonzalo Bernardos - the university professor and real estate expert - has recently been explaining just why Spanish house prices are rising at the moment. As Senor Bernardos pointed out, the Spanish housing market is definitely growing again after years of decline, with prices up over 6% and sales up 14% over 12 months to the end of the second quarter.
Bernardos carefully explained the current factors which are pushing up house prices, whilst giving an assurance that Spain is nowhere near another housing bubble; as all the key market variables like Sales, Prices, Newbuild Starts and housing affordability are still a long way from the levels reached in 2006 and 2007.
Prime property in the best areas could appreciate by as much as 50% by 2020!
In fact, homes are relatively cheap. In real terms (after inflation) the majority of Spanish homes now cost half of what they did in 2007, and are roughly back to what they were worth in 2002, before the boom got going. Bernardos says Spanish property is now representing 'a magnificent opportunity' for a solid profit - as it appreciates in price. He forecasts that Spanish house prices will rise by a further 12% in 2017.
This takes into account the fact that the banks are willing to lend more mortgages, because banks today are 'awash with liquidity' and struggling to earn good margins on lending. They have to make up for thin margins with higher lending volumes. Mortgage loans are less risky than other types of credit, and help 'lock in' clients to cross sell other financial products. That explains why new mortgage lending rose 28.5% in July last year.
Current Breaking News reports that some Spanish Banks - including Spanish lender 'Banco Popular' - are offering a zero-deposit mortgage in a bid to quickly sell new build apartments that have been repossessed by the banks.
'Banco Popular', in particular, is (as well as the zero-deposit mortgage) additionally offering a 'cashback' deal to buyers, which is up to 13% of the property's value. In other words, this gives a mortgage of up to 113% of the actual property price, and properties that qualify for this type of mortgage are available throughout Spain.
One apartment complex, for example, is being sold off piecemeal - including a €68,000 two-bedroom apartment and a €172,000 four-bedroom penthouse. The 113% loan-to-value mortgage therefore reportedly lends an extra €22,360 on the four-bedroom penthouse without asking for a cent in equity! This mortgage tracks European interbank rate "Euribor" plus 0.9% for the first year, rising to 2.39% plus "Euribor" afterwards.
By comparison, most Spanish mortgages tend to require a minimum 30% deposit, with interest rates starting from 2% above "Euribor".
Unlike mainstream mortgages though, these loans only apply to particular homes. Buyers can choose from a handful of Spanish apartments - all of which have been repossessed from bankrupt property developers and are now owned by the banks. However, it can be viewed by some people as "Free Money".
Over the last few years, there have been a lot of British buyers interested in these types of deals - mainly because Sterling was weaker, and interest rates are also low. The reality is that the bank wants to get rid of these properties. It lent aggressively to developers before 2007, but when the credit crunch hit, their developments didn't sell. Consequently, when their valuations dropped sharply, these properties ended up having mortgages higher than their value
There have been a number of concerns amongst potential buyers in the months following the UK's 'Brexit' vote - that the result might possibly adversely affect the property market in Spain (with declining demand for Spanish Property) and the fall in the value of the UK Pound - thus causing problems for UK buyers here.
We are, however, delighted to be able to report that - far from that being the case - the quarterly report, which analyses location searches on the property portal, actually reveals that Spain is currently enjoying a rebound in popularity at the end of 2016.
In fact, Spain is still showing signs of being as popular as ever among lifestyle buyers, with the Costa Blanca being very high up amongst the most searched-for destinations on TheMoveChannel.com in the fourth quarter of 2016.
As well as a continued interest from Brits looking to move to a warmer climate, many buyers from the US and other non EU countries have recognised that Spanish Property is an attractive investment for either buy-to-let or capital growth opportunities.
It has never been such a favourable time to buy apartments in Spain as it is now - nine years after the Spanish property bubble burst. You can buy apartments and villas on the Costa Blanca at some amazing prices. It is really good business to buy a property in Spain for either short breaks; long-stay winter holidays or - indeed - for living a healthy life.
In the last nine or ten years, the Spanish property prices have fallen to almost 50% of the original price, but have now begun to rise again. In the last months of 2016, prices on the Costa Blanca on average by no less than 8%, and there are no obstacles to prevent overseas buyers from buying a Spanish property.
So NOW is exactly the ideal time to seize the opportunity and buy a Spanish property!!
Since the United States Presidential Election - with its surprise result in favour of Donald Trump - there has been an unexpected surge in interest regarding Spanish property from American investors.
The number of searches for property for sale in Spain on the LucasFox.com website from the United States rocketed by a massive 25% in the four weeks following the US elections on November 8th - compared to the previous four weeks.
LucasFox co-founder Alexander Vaughan commented: 'It is still very much early days to see whether this will be a consistent trend. It seems that the US elections have provided a similar spike in interest for Spanish property as the EU Referendum result did for Brits. In the weeks following that result, LucasFox received numerous enquiries from disillusioned British citizens contemplating relocation to Spain for either personal or business reasons'.
In 2017, Americans will also be able to take advantage of cheap flights from the West coast of the US, thanks to four new routes being offered by Norwegian Airlines. They can also currently benefit from the 'Golden Visa' scheme - legislation introduced in 2013 which grants non-EU nationals Spanish residency in exchange for property investment of at least 500,000€. Benefits include free travel within the 26-country Shengen area, and the right to work in Spain.
It is extremely encouraging to see that the volume of the Spanish Housing Market expanded by 10.3% in September, as compared with the same month last year, according to the Association of Spanish Notaries.
The actual number of home sales witnessed by notaries in September was 34,918 (this representing a rise of 10.3% year-on-year), with apartment sales up 10.1% and single-family home sales up by 11.1%.
This shows that although the Spanish Housing Market is still just half the size of its 'bubble' proportions of July 2007, the market has now recovered from a low of just 30% of the 2007 figures at the end of 2012.
The average price of property sold was 1,236€ per m², which was down by 3.5% against the average price during September last year. So, there was yet another month of home sales rising, whilst the national average price of property fell slightly (disguising big local differences). This shows that the Spanish property Market continues its patchy recovery, with sales and prices rising in some areas (mainly where overseas buyers purchase) and falling in others.
Nevertheless, the Housing Index in Spain is expected to be 1,525€ per m² by the end of this quarter - rising to 1,551€ per m² in 12 months' time. In the long-term, however, the Spanish House Prices Index is projected to reach a more realistic 1,832€ per m².
We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our clients for their support and loyalty over the last year enabling us to go from strength to strength. We will be celebrating our first year here in La Marina on the 1st of November and we hope that we can continue to provide our excellent service in the coming year.To all our new clients that we have not yet met, our doors are always open to assist or advise in any way we can regarding property here in Spain. We look forward to meeting you all… from The Newstart Team.
Alison, Giovanni & Family Formosa.
Very many congratulations to you all for a most successful new venture!
Love & Best Wishes for Continued Success.
Nigel & Shirley
To Alison & The Newstart Team
Congratulations on reaching your first year in La Marina,
And may you have many more to follow.
Best Wishes
Dennis & Rose
To all at Newstart
Congratulations & well done on your anniversary and May you have many more to come,
As you deserve it, for all your hard work that you do.
Jacque & Tim
Tourism in Spain will be having another record breaking year in 2016. Around the globe Spain is drawing in many visitors that holiday in European hotspots, and whilst here purchasing their very own Spanish possession. The latest information from a recent poll investment shows the growth strategy between tourist visits and house sales.
The number of tourists now arriving in Spain are being made aware what there is to offer. The poll has predicted that house sales for 2016 will rise this year 11% in comparison to last year. It has been calculated that in August 2016, more than 10 million visitors arrived in Spain, and according to the National Statistics institute a 5.8% increase than the same month last year showing a demand for overseas buyers to purchase. Property registrars are showing at the beginning of 2016 a 17.5% of property bought was by foreign investors. In Q2 a record high was nearly reached by foreign buyers reaching 13.4%, British buyers came out at the largest group of foreign buyers at 20%.
Spain has now become a very popular holiday place to visit, and with visitors falling in love with the country and its attributes, more permanent positions are been obtained. Spain is known as a short haul destination and therefore ideal for a second holiday home with the growing popularity of shorter visits to Spain, the holiday market will grow strength to strength, with the ease of short haul flights, Spanish culture, and sunshine allows buyers to take the greatest advantage all year round. We here at Newstart have definitely seen an increase in foreign visitors, for long weekends as well as a long term holiday. There is a high demand for short break holidays, knowing their second property is waiting here, sunshine and stress free.
If you are considering purchasing in this area of La Marina, why not check out our website www.newstartestates.com and see if you can find your Spanish retreat.
As the summer draws to a close in Spain, it is normal tradition for the property experts to review the year (2016) to date, and to predict the state of the property market in the final three months of the year. A quick look at the market conditions in Spain at the moment definitely suggest that the housing sector in the country is currently looking very rosy, according to BBVA.
The latest Spanish Property Market report by the banking group forecasts that Spanish house prices will continue to rise during the final quarter of the year, even if the recent recovery in the market loses a little of its momentum.
So far, there has been much positive activity this year, with property sales, prices and building activity all increasing, plus improving mortgage conditions set to continue the upward trend.
Foreign buyers continue to snap up Spanish properties, and their purchases account for no less than 14% of all residential property sales, showing British buyers - despite Brexit - remaining in the top spot of all foreign buyers (20%); with the Germans (8%); followed by the French (7%) and Swedish (7%).
Bit by bit, the recovery situation in the Spanish Real Estate Market moves forward, with positive signs being registered by all the sector indicators.
The professional Association of Real Estate Experts (Apei), which involves a healthy network of 1,300 real estate agencies throughout Spain, advises that this is very much a good time to buy a home in Spain because - in their opinion - second hand housing prices will not now drop any further.
The President of Apei - Oscar Martinez - has pointed out that for two years now, the Spanish housing market has been 'moving' forwards, and that the rise in prices over that period. has been widespread. He added that "There isn't very much new construction, and this will raise the prices still further".
The belief is that, after the summer, if unemployment continues to fall, the recovery will continue to surge forwards.
Furthermore, since the 'Boom' years, and the subsequent 'bursting' of the Real Estate 'Bubble', the excess stock of unsold new homes is gradually being absorbed. According to a Spanish Ministry of Public Works' report published recently, as at 31st December 2015, the total number of unsold new homes in Spain was 513,848 units - which is 5.6% less than at the end of 2014, when the total stood at 544,363 units.
According to the latest figures - provided by the “Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction Capital Confidence Barometer" - Spain is now the ninth most popular country in the world that is considered most attractive to investors looking to make any acquisition in the coming months - within the real estate and construction sectors.
To achieve this, Spain has amazingly climbed seven places recently on the ladder to now stand amongst the top ten countries of greatest interest to investors, behind only the United States; the UK; India; China; Canada; the United Arab Emirates; Germany and Sweden.
This highlights Spain's favourable evolution in the rankings, despite all the international uncertainties that are affecting optimism over the world economy, and undermining confidence in the capital markets.
In arriving at this prestigious position, Spain has now overtaken such countries as France; Italy; Cyprus; Egypt; Saudi Arabia; Indonesia; Argentina and Australia.
At the moment, therefore, with Spanish Properties still representing superb value for money (although gradual price rises indicate the current increased demand), there is a superb opportunity for investment in Spanish homes and holiday properties.
Following the 'Brexit' vote, one of the main concerns and fears to arise amongst the British residents and tourists in the Valencian Community on the Costa Blanca is that of how the 'Brexit' decision - taken during the June 23rd Referendum - would affect their continued right to access the Spanish health service.
In an immediate attempt to avoid 'alarmist messages', the President of the Valencian Community - Ximo Puig - sent a personal message to the 100,000+ British residents in the area, telling them to "Rest Easy". He continued: "The healthcare of any citizen living in the region is 'Guaranteed' ". This was his pledge during a visit to meet representatives from the local Tourist Industry in order to discuss 'Brexit's' impact on the sector.
Puig continued: "The Generalitat Valencia will not interrupt any fundamental Public Services. A specifically created Public Committee will deal with the situation". He went on to say that the continuation of free healthcare for British Residents is safe after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
This initial message (on the day after the Referendum result) was reiterated by President Puig on a recent visit to Benidorm, when he assured British residents of continued "Love, affection and Security" within the Valencian Community. In doing so, he again guaranteed that: " the Valencian Government will not initiate any fundamental disruption of health provision" to British residents following 'Brexit'.
Most certainly - it is still possible for Brits to buy a property in Spain The result of the Referendum has not affected the rights of British and other EU citizens yet, and it will take more than two years before the resulting changes in trade and Social Service arrangements can be settled. In fact, it will be quite some years before British property buyers feel the actual impact of the changes.
Regrettably, it is a fact that the most immediate effect of the successful Brexit campaign is a weakened Pound Sterling. This means that in the short term, Spanish property has just become more expensive for British buyers.
Whilst the currency exchange rate is likely to be extremely volatile in the next few months it is possible for British buyers to take sensible steps to insure themselves against currency risk. We strongly recommend a company such as: Moneycorp (trusted foreign exchange since 1979), who have experts on hand to ensure you get the best deal for your sterling.
Looking at the wider picture, however, it is worth considering the current property situation in Spain today. Whilst it is a fact that Spanish House prices have certainly been recovering steadily over the last two years, they still remain 32% cheaper than they were at their peak prices in 2007.
This means that Spanish property remains at excellent value - with prices at extremely low levels.
For decades now, Spain has enjoyed a long history of welcoming house buyers from overseas, and these now account for one in every five house sales. Buyers from non-EU countries are very active in the market today, and do enjoy similar rights to those from EU members.
Leaving the EU is extremely unlikely to cause a problem for British citizens who wish to buy a property in Spain. Overseas investment in Spain is far too important to their economy!!
Spanish Mortgages will most certainly still be available. Currently, Spanish banks typically ask overseas buyers for a deposit of up to 30% of the purchase price. This could - of course - rise, but it is necessary to point out that this rate is already at a level which gives banks excellent protection, and it is not anticipated that this level will change much in the future.
Realistically, the economic climate throughout the whole of Europe is such that interest rates remain low. The cost of borrowing in Spain will continue to represent good value.
It is most unlikely that there will be a 'crash' in the Spanish property market.
British property buyers in Spain continue to be important to the market. It is a fact that they are the largest single overseas nationality to invest in Spanish property (even though the British represent just 4% of the market).
Also valid in judging that 'Brexit' is unlikely to 'set off the line of dominoes' that will cause an overall crash in the market is the fact that foreign buyers of property in Spain are made up of a diverse group that includes: Belgians; French, German, Italian and Swedish citizens (amongst others), who all form a very active part of the growing market in Spanish properties. Even a complete collapse in UK demand (which will never happen anyway) would only be a minor dent in the Spanish housing market.
Furthermore, the Spanish property market has been recovering gradually and steadily since 2014 in all of its aspects. The very worst we might expect from the 'Brexit' decision would be a slight downturn in the market's positive growth pattern.
You can definitely still use your European Health Insurance Card in Spain and other European countries. This card provides reciprocal health cover for travellers in the EEA. It will remain valid for at least two years while Brexit negotiations are taking place.
European countries are keen to ensure that their citizens enjoy healthcare while travelling, so it's entirely possible that an EHIC agreement (or something similar) will remain in place even after 'Brexit' is complete.
For at least the next two years, you will still be able to get full healthcare in Spain. As long as Britain remains in the EU, reciprocal healthcare arrangements will continue as before. Expats who live in Spain and contribute to the social security system already receive full healthcare, and will continue to do so regardless of Brexit.
Nobody yet knows if this arrangement will remain, though many commentators predict British pensioners will require some form of health insurance post-Brexit.
British pension and social security payments will continue to be paid into Spanish banks - as before.
Today's single market rules currently allow for UK citizens living in Spain (and indeed the whole EEA) to have their pensions and social security payments automatically uprated each year in line with local inflation. This system is a mutual EU arrangement and is likely to become a negotiating point in Brexit talks.
In the worst case, British pensioners in Spain could get similar treatment to those in Canada and lose their automatic right to pension increases.
British and all EU citizens currently get very good tax treatment in Spain, including the fact that they only pay the same inheritance tax as locals.
The double-taxation treaties that enable these are NOT made in the EU. Therefore Brexit will have NO effect on the existing tax agreements between the UK and Spain.
In fact - absolutely Nothing is going to happen generally now for the immediate foreseeable future. So Zero change for the time being.
We will only notice minor fluctuations in the exchange rate for the time being until the two-year process of leaving the EU happens - and that cannot start until Article 50 is officially triggered by the British Government and nobody else (expected in October of this year - 2016).
Furthermore, the EU referendum that has just taken place is non-binding , and there will be long back-and-forth processes of talks, disputes, debates and bartering over what pathway to follow, or indeed exactly who will be leading the British Government!
With the leading British 'Brexiteers' already cutting back on their campaign speeches and promises, it is not even yet a foregone conclusion that Britain will completely leave the EU. Doubts are questioning whether 'Brexit' actually means a full withdrawal from the single market (EEA).
For sure, the whole process is likely to be slowed down by all the red tape.
We can conclude that Britons will continue to enjoy the benefits of European Citizenship for some years yet and it is likely that they will enjoy a similar situation even when 'Brexit' is complete.
So it finally happened! Humpty Dumpty definitely fell off the wall with a massive impact as he hit the ground!! This - of course - a result of the extremely unexpected vote of the British people to leave the EU last Thursday 23rd June.
How, we ask ourselves, is this decision going to affect the Property Market in Spain? Whilst it is not the result that the majority of the Ex Pats living in Spain and other Member States wanted, nevertheless I do not think that very much will change in the near future.
Certainly, whilst uncertainty for the future is still raw, whilst the pound remains at its lowest against the euro for several years, British Holidaymakers will find that their spending money does not buy as much as it did a year ago, and the cost of their holiday increases accordingly. That will NOT stop those British Holidaymakers from coming here and - eventually - the pound Sterling will strengthen again, once the furore has died down.
The same applies to those Brits who wish to buy their holiday homes or retirement villas in Spain - which will always remain a desirable destination, owing to its laid-back quality of life; its sunny and temperate climate and comparatively low cost of living.
Property prices - in real terms - here in Spain today are still up to 50% cheaper than they were 10 years ago!! Just think what a wonderful opportunity that provides for a solid investment in bricks and mortar. It is a fact that anyone can buy a two - bedroomed apartment (with access to a communal swimming pool) for LESS than they would have to pay for a garage to park their car in London!!
Data here in Spain shows that between April 2015 and March 2016, a total of 419,396 homes were sold in Spain - an increase of 13.4%, compared to the previous 12 months. It has officially been estimated that 140,000 homes per year will be needed to be built in Spain up until 2025 to meet the need of the Market. By then, it is expected that property prices will have returned (RISEN) to 2007 levels.
In theory, therefore, it is possible for anyone buying a property in Spain today, to have DOUBLED the value of their property by 2025!!
How's that for putting Humpty Dumpty together again!!
As we edge closer to the June 23rd voting date to decide whether or not the UK is to 'Remain In' or 'Brexit from' the EU, there is much eager anticipation here in Spain of a boom in Spanish Property Sales if - and when - the vote (as hoped by the majority of British Ex-Pats living here) confirms the desire of the British Public to remain as a stalwart member of the European Union.
According to the latest opinion polls in the UK, a 'Stay' result is still 'odds-on' favourite, with the 'Remain' camp slightly ahead on 48% to 41% for the 'Brexits', although opinion polls can actually change quite rapidly. This positive feeling that the UK will - in fact - remain after the vote, however, is nevertheless matched by a slight rally and upturn in the currency exchange market, which has today risen to €1.3139 to the £1 sterling, after recently falling to the low and mid €1.20's for the £1 sterling.
The British Bookmakers are renown for usually getting their predictions right, and they are offering odds of 4 to 1 on (a bet of £10 wins £4) for the UK remaining; whilst offering odds of 1.7 against (a bet of £10 wins £17) for the UK to 'Brexit' the EU.
Anticipation of a favourable result of the British vote has already partially affected the Spanish Property Market by helping to produce a massive annual increase of almost 40% in applications for building permits this year, and the fact that Spain definitely remains the favourite holiday home destination for British people because property and the fabulous lifestyle here is still much more affordable than it is in the UK.
Most certainly, a 'Remain' vote on June 23rd will trigger a further surge of interest and confidence sufficiently for even more Brits to pursue their search for a fantastic value holiday home here in Sunny Spain!!
Official figures just published show that the average price of finished housing in Spain (both new and second-hand) is not just stable at the moment, but is registering a steady increase. In March 2016 alone, the average price rose by 0.8% year-on-year, with a total increase in the first three months of this year of no less than 2.2%! This comes on top of an overall increase of 3.2% in the average price of Spanish housing throughout the whole of 2015.
When foreign Billionaires start investing in any particular industry, the 'wise money' follows their trend, thereby making the market even stronger. It is a fact that the likes of George Soros; Bill Gates and Carlos Slim (whilst acting totally independently of each other) have recently been pumping massive investments into Spanish building and housing construction. As the recovery in the Spanish housing market continues, this speaks volumes as to the wisdom of buying houses in Spain whilst prices are still comparatively low.
All of this comes at a time when UK tourists and potential house buyers are returning to Spain in droves! Fear of terrorism attacks in newer tourist destinations such as Turkey and Northern Africa is prompting holiday makers to come back to the more traditional Spanish resorts, as can be seen in the increased passenger numbers passing through the Alicante-Elche Airport. Last month (March 2016) saw over 837 thousand people using the airport, with over 5,900 flights - a massive increase of 25% over the same period in 2015.
A Habitation Certificate which is also known in Spanish as (Cédula de Habitabilidad) is a legal requirement in the whole of Spain. It is a certificate that is issued by the local town hall of the area once the property has been completed by the builder and is ready to be habitual. The certificate is written confirmation that the property has been correctly built and water tight using the planning permission that the builder has received from the local town hall. If you have decided to put your property on the market for sale or If you are thinking of renting your Spanish property you will need this essential document that must be in date and valid.
Once the Habitation Certificate has been issued it is valid for ten years, after this date has expired it will be necessary for the current owner/s of the property to renew the certificate and especially if you are think of selling or renting. In order to re-apply for a new Habitation Certificate, the owner must provide all the necessary documents required from the local town hall. These documents can vary depending on the local town halls procedures.
A property without a valid Habitation Certificate is not legally ready for sale and cannot be sold and as far as any solicitor or buyer is concerned, so it is in the interest of all parties that the seller must have a valid Habitation Certificate in place prior to selling. In leaving this process of obtaining a new or valid Habitation Certificate until a buyer has been found will certainly have some repercussions, as any buyer who is correctly advised and legally represented will need this document before paying a deposit or going to notary to complete on the sale.
Having the correct and up to date documentation, in possession and with a valid Habitation Certificate prior to selling your property, will ensure a much quicker, uncomplicated procedure and smoother completion process with all the legal paperwork in order. Any professional and responsible estate agent should insist on a copy of a valid Habitation Certificate or at least have one in process before marketing your property for sale on the market.
If a buyer is interested in a property without a valid Habitation Certificate then they are interested in a property that is not fully legal in its current state. Without this vital document it is not possible to arrange a mortgage, as any bank will insist on receiving a copy of a valid Habitation Certificate before considering any applicate for a mortgage or bank loan. Utility companies such as water (Hidraqua) & electric (Iberdrola) will also require a valid Habitation Certificate before connecting/ changing of name/s on contacts, or setting up a new contracts for the new owners.
Re-applying for a new Habitation Certificate can take several weeks, for the current owner to obtain a new or valid Habitation Certificate even if everything is order with regard to the plans and condition of the property, but in most cases it is relatively quick and straight forward.
If any amendments (alteration or extensions) have been made to the property without permission, the current owner will need new plans (drawings) of the property by a qualified architect, at the cost of the owner to be resubmitted to the local town hall. If all is well, correct and you have paid your taxes on your (alteration or extensions) then a new Habitation Certificate will be issued.
Here at Newstart Estates we always advise the seller to have all your paperwork in order before placing your property for sale on the market. As is some cases there can be a significant delay to the completion of any sale mainly due to the town hall issuing the certificates in time. We have many clients that are cash buyers and can complete on a property very quickly so without this legal requirement you could jeopardise your potential sale of your property.
To ensure a safe & hassle free experience, for selling a property simply apply this rule “No Valid Habitation Certificate No Sale" is a sure way of having a smooth hassle free property sale for both party's sellers and buyers.
It is important as costs, procedures and also the length of time to obtain a new Habitation Certificate can vary from town hall to town hall, up and down the length of Spain. It is strongly advisable to contact us or your solicitor who will be able to assist you with obtaining a new Habitation Certificate if required. If you have a property and it is located on the Costa Blanca and you wish sell it, then Newstart Estates who are experts in this field, of selling new build and resale properties, will be happy to help, advice and assist you in obtaining a new Habitation Certificate.We work closely with qualified architects, qualified solicitors and qualified lawyers who in turn work closely with local town halls and Notaries prior to marketing your Spanish property for sale.
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a legal requirement for Homeowners, letting agents, estate agents and landlords selling, renting or building a property and must be conducted before the property is put on the market. The EPC will contain information about the property's energy use and consumption costs as well as recommendations of how to save energy and the tenant's money. The EPC is valid for 10 years at a time on each individual property and if an EPC is not conducted you're at risk of being fined.
In order to carry out an EPC an assessor must be accredited.
EPC's are important as they will give the Owner/ Tenant a prospective idea of how the property performs when it comes to the consumption of energy. It will also make the Owner/ Tenant aware of how much the property is likely to cost and how environmentally friendly it is. In order to reduce a high EPC rating of a property, advice will be given in the certification.The energy survey to produce an EPC is performed by an assessor who visits the property, examines key items such as insulation, boilers, radiators, double glazed, air conditioning and so on.The assessor then inputs the information into a software program which performs the Properties energy efficiency rating. The ratings are on a sale which ranges from “ A “ (the most efficient) to “ G “ (the least efficient). The house holder (Owner) will have to pay for the survey.
Government Figures show there is a steady growth now in the number of houses being bought and sold in Spain. The most notable improvement is to be found on the Costas. Overall house sales statistics indicate a definite increase of 10% during 2015 to over 400,000 sales - with International buyers accounting for more than 71,000 of those sales. It is interesting to note that a large number of International buyers are British.
After a serious slump in the market during recent years, figures are showing a definite and constantly growing increase in sales, and the real evidence of this is to be found everywhere. As we look out across the horizon, for instance, it is impossible to miss the imposing number of giant cranes on the skyline - that seem to spring up overnight like mushrooms!!
This indicates the notable increase in the available number of affordable homes that are currently being built in Spain, as well as the steady supply of second-hand and reformed houses, apartments or rural fincas that are today mainly selling at prices below those offered on the Spanish housing market 10 years ago.
With larger loans and lower interest rates being offered by the Spanish banks, this has in turn given the Spanish property market a large boost, mortgages registered on house purchases in January this year where up to 20,900 showing an ever increasing amount of almost 20% in the same month of the past year 2015 this indicates that credit is becoming more freely available with some banks offer mortgages up to 70-80% of the value of the property which is helping to boost the Spanish property market.
The Spanish Registrars Association have revealed new buying figures that have been revealed last week. The results showed that British buyers account for more than a fifth of all the property sales in Spain by non-nationals in the past quarter of the previous year.
Records show that in last 3 months of 2015, 12,000 property sales were made by non-Spanish buyers which in turn represents over 14% of the complete Spanish market which saw over 84,000 property sales in the last quarter of 2015. This is the highest percentage of reported sales since the economic crisis and reveals the extent of the recovery in regions buy oversea investors.
Figures according to registrars from the UK represent 23.95% of sale with an increase that has grown by 3.45% this means that for every 29 sales in the Spanish market one was sold to a British buyer.
Other overseas buyers are as follows the next were the French at 8.18% of total sales, followed by the Germans 7.80% of total sale, the Swedish came in at 6%, then the Belgians at 5.68% and finally the Italians with sale of 4.20%, the other buyer to be included in the top ten of all sales are the Chinese, Norwegians, Russians, and finally the Romanians.
Going back to last year figures foreign buyers made up 13.20% of the Spanish housing market and yes the British were still the biggest buyers showing our true love for the Spanish lifestyle or just looking for that newstart on the Costas. Spanish investors from overseas bought over 46,000 properties in Spain last year which shows the ever increasing market in the recovery of the Spanish property sector. Prices have increased in the Spanish property market by 6.6% according to registry statistics and local real estate agents. The number of home sales have increased by 11.2% compared with 2014 as a total of 354,538 of total transactions.
So if you are thinking of buying here in Spain now is a very good time for that NEWSTART before the prices go up too high, Stop dreaming and start living.
NewStart Estates are located in La Marina Urbanization, under the area of San Fulgencio, ES-03177 and the province of Alicante, Spain. At Av. de Londres Nº.1182, which is the main road and runs straight through the urbanization we are right in the middle 1Km from the north entrance and 1Km from the south entrance, (Opposite Aqua-Car Rental).
NewStart Estates
Av. de Londres, Nº.1182,
ES-03177, La Marina Urb,
San Fulgencio,
Alicante,
Spain.
Using Sat Navigation Google Map GPS coordinates are below:
Latitude 38.134262 - Longitude -0.676154 Go to street view!
Geolocation: Av. de Londres, 1182, 03177, San Fulgencio, Alicante, Spain
From Alicante - Elche Airport take the first exit off the roundabout joining on the N338 and then the first slip-road right posted El Altet, Santa Pola, joining N332 keep left heading for Santa Pola, Guardamar De Segura, through the tunnel follow the road south for about 20km staying on the N332 take the slip-road off sign posted La Marina Urbanizaciones you will come down an incline and meet a roundabout take a right, next you will see a petrol station on your left-hand side follow the road you are now on (Av. San Fulgencio) and take the fourth turning on the left, you will see our sign post NewStart Estates 1Km on the your left corner we are 1Km down on the right-hand side Avenida Londres. (Opposite Aqua-Car Rental).
From Guardamar De Segura go past both petrol station on each side of the N332 and follow the road north, go straight across the first roundabout and to the next, take the second turning on your right of the roundabout, and another small roundabout by LIDL straight across pass ICELAND on your left, you are now on (Camino Del Convenio), take your fourth turning on the right, you will see our sign post on the corner NewStart Estates 1Km you are now on (Calle Fray Luis De Leon) leading to Avenida Londres we are up on the left hand side (Opposite Aqua-Car Rental).
The number of Britons buying abroad plummeted after the financial crisis but the strong pound and relatively buoyant UK economy are making a home in the sun look more and more affordable.
Sky-high UK house prices have given many homeowners enough spare equity to fund an overseas purchase, while mortgage finance is cheap.
The Costa Blanca is the number one destination for Spanish sunseekers, followed by the Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, such as Majorca, and the Canaries.
“The Spanish property market is on the up again after a tough few years and British investors are rediscovering their love for this beautiful country. Prices are starting to recover, up 4.2 per cent in the first quarter but they are still lower than before the financial crisis.
Property prices are expected to rise by three per cent over the year ahead, and then five per cent a year over the next five years, so if you are looking for a great opportunity nows the time for a Newstart.
The urbanization of La Marina has many different commercial zones with shops, restaurants and bars which all offer a great selection of international cuisine. There is a helpful tourist office, many banks, post office, a town hall, a market every Thursday and Saturday morning, and several green areas one of which is the El Oasis Natural Park which has picnic tables, barbecue areas, football pitch and small man made lake.
The old village of La Marina has a long high street with a small selection of shops, bars and cafes. You can relax on the long sandy beach, picnic underneath the pine trees or take a walk through the sand dunes in the El Pinet Natural Park. There is also a beautiful restaurant on the beach front where you can sit and take in the views of the mediterranean sea
To name just a few of our local Restaurants here on the Urbanization there is a small list below:
Ramons
The Chippy
Los Carmelos
Kumars
La Terrazza Italiana
Alternatively, there are many local bars and restaurants that will offer a local tapas menu. Don´t forget the daily menu, (menu del dia) for a light lunch or early evening meal.
For any information on purchasing or selling a property with NewStart Estates, please do not hesitate to contact us, we would love to hear from you.