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Living in the Costa del Sol

14/02/2023
Experience the Best of Spain with Living on the Costa del Sol Discover what it's like to live on the beautiful Costa del Sol. Learn about the lifestyle, culture, and opportunities available in this sunny region of Spain.

Advantages of New Homes Off Plan

09/09/2022
Are you looking to invest in a good property that gives you guarantees at an unbeatable price? Many people think that buying already built properties is the best option to avoid surprises later on. But the truth is that resale properties have the disadvantage that they do not guarantee exactly what may happen to your home in 5 years, as being second hand may need renovations that are not visible to the naked eye, they do not guarantee the quality of the materials and it also depends a lot on the year of construction of the building. Many buyers look for flats that have already been built to have a better idea of what their future home will be like and many prefer to pay more just for this simple fact. But the truth is that the new purchase options make you acquire a much more economical investment if we look at it in the long term. Getting better performance, guarantees and materials. Thus being able to recover the investment and double the benefits by getting a much more modern property for a very competitive price and with many more features. These are some of the advantages of why it is better to buy a property off plan: -Price savings:
By buying a property off plan you can save up to 10% and 20% more than when it is already built, thus giving it value when you already have your property revaluing the prices once it is already built. So it is always better to have a good eye when choosing an off-plan property and see it as an investment that even if you don't make a profit in the short term has many more advantages in the long run. -Payment flexibility:
Normally, off-plan properties tend to take on average about 20 months to build and you only have to pay a reserve of 20-30% and the rest on delivery of the property, so it gives a lot of flexibility when it comes to saiving up. -House choice:
The off-plan purchase allows us to choose the flat we like the most, both the floor plan, the orientation and the possibility of having a parking space and storage room. In any case, this possibility will also be conditioned by the number of properties available at that moment and will depend on each development. It has the advantage that if you are attracted to a development, you will have more options to choose from always getting something more adapted to your needs without having to search among what is already built, thus having a wider range of options. -Possibility of personalising and adapting it to your taste:
The buyer will have facilities to make a series of modifications and adapt it to his taste. In some cases, it is possible to choose certain elements of the house, such as the type of flooring, materials, finishes, distribution of spaces or the type of kitchen. None of this happens when the purchase is conventional, where changes can be made, but the costs will always be borne by the buyer once they have the property. So it is much more versatile to suit you and your needs. So you can have more control over what you need. -A range of warranties:
There are three types of guarantees when you buy a property off plan. During the first year, faults in the finishes are covered, over three years, that protection is extended against damage caused by defects in the construction elements. The guarantee extends up to a decade against any type of problem affecting the floor slabs, beams, foundations, load-bearing walls and any structural element. Giving you the peace of mind that your home is brand new with all the guarantees that can be given on a property. The important thing to know when choosing a property is to know your needs to know what features you may need and to look for what best suits your ideal home within your budget. Many investors already have a good eye for choosing off-plan properties and know which homes are a good investment. If you have any doubts about what is best for you or what development might interest you, we can advise you so that you can find exactly what you are looking for without wasting time and being sure of what you are buying so that you don't get any unexpected surprises.  

How to Buy a House in Spain if you are a Foreigner

11/07/2022
Would you like to have a house in Spain but you live abroad? If you are thinking about moving and coming to the south, I recommend that you read to the end to find out everything you need to know before living here. This process may seem longer and more complicated than it should be, so this article can be of great help to you. Before you start you must decide the area where you would like to live not only in which city but also which part of the city best suits your lifestyle, because it is not the same to look for a central place close to everything than a quiet place away from the center. So you will have to be clear about the area that best suits your needs, for this we advise you to ask local people or ask for advice to instruct you on the area in the local real estate that gives you more confidence. This process depends on you and how clear you are about your ideas, so the estimated time is the one you consider necessary. Once you have chosen the area and the house you were looking for, the process of buying the property will begin, which can take between 2 to 3 months until you receive the keys to your home, but if you have the money there will not be so many obstacles in the process, but if you need a mortgage this can delay the sale process for another week. It is important that you take as much time as you deem necessary to make sure you choose the right steps in the process and do it in advance in case there are any inconveniences during the process.   What are the steps to follow to get a property in Spain? Get NIE
The first and most important step to be able to buy your new home in Spain, since it will serve to identify you in the purchase and sale of the property and to be able to pay the corresponding taxes.
This process can be done from abroad (at the Spanish embassy in your country of origin by presenting the model EX15) or from a police station in Spain.
There are 2 types of NIE for these cases:
- Non-resident NIE: If you are going to buy the property but you are not going to live in Spain, cited as a non-EU citizen. - Resident NIE: if you are going to stay more than 183 days a year regardless of whether you are an EU citizen or not. It is advisable to get advice on obtaining a NIE to investigate your case and see which one best suits your needs, as many of the procedures can be somewhat tedious and various obstacles can arise that can be resolved quickly by an expert. Have a bank account
This step is not mandatory but it is advisable to expedite the sale process.
 Once you obtain the NIE we recommend you to create a bank account to cover all the expenses that may be involved in buying a new property, such as notary fees or associated costs.
Having the money abroad can create delays and some extra hurdles.
Negotiate the price with the seller
Before negotiating with the seller, you must be very clear about the REAL market price in order to have proof that the property is worth the price you have investigated. If you only have an ideal of the price in your personal opinion, it will not serve as proof to convince the seller. Anyway we advise that if you have difficulties to negotiate consult with real estate agents who are the experts and can help you to get the price you want. Reservation contract
If you already have a clear idea of the price, the house, the area...congratulations, you already have one of the most important parts of this process.
Now all that remains is to make your decisions and tie up the loose ends. If you have enlisted the help of real estate agents or the property is managed by a real estate agency, a reservation contract must be drawn up to fix the sale price and confirm that it will be taken off the market. To do this you must leave a reserve of 6.000€ to prove that you are really interested in buying the property. This is not necessary if it is a direct purchase between individuals.
Deposit agreement
This contract is the most important, as it really shows a real interest in buying the property at the agreed price. For this you will have to pay a part and thus confirm that you are really interested. Two things to keep in mind:
- The earnest money is usually 10% of the agreed price from which the 6.000€ of the reservation you made will be deducted (If you finally do not decide to buy it for reasons other than those agreed you will lose the 6.000€ of the initial reservation). -The duration of the contract, we recommend you to establish a term of 90 days if you are looking for a mortgage, this will give you time to choose which mortgage to contract. Keep in mind that if you finally do not decide to buy the property, you have signed and paid the earnest money contract and you will lose the reservation money. And if the seller changes his mind and finally does not want to sell you the house, he will have to pay the amount you gave for the reservation.
Necessary documents
The next step is to gather all the necessary documents to prepare for the day of the signing before the notary, so that no last minute unforeseen events arise. - Nota Simple: It is the document that specifies the characteristics of the property, who were the owners, if it has debts, seizures or mortgages. Although this document shows most of the properties of the house, it is important to make sure if it has any extra trava to avoid unexpected surprises. -The public deed is a certificate of proof that the property is owned by the owner and not by someone else. And it is the one that you will sign before a notary. - It is also advisable to investigate if you have any other debts in the last 3 years because once it is in your name you will be the one to take care of those debts.
It is important to hand in all the documentation before the notary so that he can check that all the documentation is in order and that there are no missing documents and so that you do not lose time before the notary.
Go to the notary to sign the deed
One of the last and most important parts of this agreement. In this part the notary will explain all the conditions of the contract that you are going to sign so that you know what you will sign. All parties involved in this process, both on the seller's side and on the buyer's side, such as lawyers, real estate agents, etc., will be present at the signing of the contract. Once the deed has been signed and all the important points of the contract have been discussed, the keys to your new property are handed over to you.
Register your property
Congratulations, because at this point it is officially your property and as such you must register it in the land registry to prove that you are the new owner of the property, for this you will have to pay the transfer tax and the stamp tax. In theory this property registry notifies public services of the change of ownership, but as it is a process that takes a long time we recommend that you do it yourself, as it can take up to a year to make this change of ownership in electricity, water, gas, etc...   Taxes when buying a home - ITP (transfer tax)
- I.V.A this tax is higher in new properties since it is 10% but if this is going to be your main residence and the property is less than 32 years old this tax is reduced to 5%.
- Property registry costs equal to 1.5%. - Notary fees Advantages of buying a home in Spain if you are a foreigner
If you invest in real estate worth 500.000€ you can obtain residency for 2 years and this residency can be renewed, allowing you to live and work legally in Spain.

The best thing about this permit is that you can come without having to stay for a long period of time, just coming to Spain once a year is enough.
Remember that all this procedure can be done with the help of experts to avoid obstacles in the process and get what you want without surprises. If you live abroad most of the steps can be done without having to travel to Spain, through a good real estate agent or lawyer you trust.  

Properties in Fuengirola

09/02/2022
Fuengirola is the ideal place to live or invest in a property, as it is located in a perfect climate with almost 300 days of sunshine a year to enjoy the good weather. In the summer months Fuengirola becomes a tourist town with a wide variety of leisure options whether you like the sea or nature. It is the ideal place to live all year round, as you can enjoy one of the best climates in Spain.  Why invest in a property in Fuengirola?
As well as being one of the favorite destinations in Spain, this allows you to recover part of the investment and enjoy the good climate of the south, as you can benefit from tourism in summer and recover part of the investment you have made in the property. In fact, more and more foreigners decide to come to live in Fuengirola fleeing the climate of Europe. If you are thinking of investing in property, it is better to do it in a place where you know that you will be able to get profitability in a passive and effortless way. It is also a safe investment because the housing market is always in continuous demand and growth. These are some of the reasons to invest in a property on the Costa del Sol: Second home
Many families and retirees decide to have their 2nd residence in Fuengirola to be able to disconnect from the cold and the crowded city especially in the winter months where the weather in other cities and countries is usually more adverse. They are usually people who live in very cold climates in winter, as here they can enjoy a warm climate even in winter. This place is perfect for people who love the sea and can not enjoy it in their usual homes, as Fuengirola has 8km of beaches that are integrated into the city. It is also ideal to always have a place to spend the summer without having to book or pay extra. If you are looking for the best weather in Espara to spend your vacations, this is the place for you! Investment
Those who are looking for places to make the most of the property for rent, especially in the summer months. It is an area in high demand by both domestic and foreign tourism. Being able to recover the investment in a passive and effortless way. If you are looking for a future investment without having to worry about tenants we can advise you and take care of your home, getting only potential customers in vacation rental. We have a great demand for properties in summer where we make it easy for owners and tenants to have a great vacation in Fuengirola. So if you are thinking of investing we assure you that it is a safe investment where you will notice the benefits in a short time.
If you invest, you win! Regular Home
The demand for property in the area has risen due to the pandemic and the infinity of people looking for a quiet and pleasant place all year round. Making it one of the favorite spots especially for foreigners from Northern Europe, who try to find a warmer and cozier home, fleeing from adverse climates. Although more Spanish people decide to move to a warm climate and coast to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and improve their quality of life. It is perfect for families, as it is an ideal environment for the little ones to grow up and enjoy and play outdoors as much as possible, providing both you and them with better health and wellbeing.
  Invest in quality of life for you and yours!   Property prices in Fuengirola These are very varied and depend on many factors such as... the area, the square meters, the views or the orientation among others. Over the years the demand has been growing and prices have been increasing, as more and more people are interested in this area. But since 2008 when the price was at 1879 €/m2 until today that reaches 2579 €/m2 , this varies greatly and depends on the characteristics of the property. But you can see an increase in price due to the demand for both investment and for permanent housing. It should also be noted that the benefits that can be obtained from these properties have also increased, so it can be a safe bet to create passive income.   According to the studies carried out In 2020 housing in Spain rose to 6.8% two tenths higher than 2019 and up 1.5 points from 5 years ago. According to a study in Fotocasa the province of Malaga closed 2020 with an average below the national 5% (below last year and the same as in 2015). This is due to the rise in rental prices, which has made buying a home and renting it out "highly profitable". It is estimated that last year was 2.5 points more profitable than 10 years ago. So Malaga has increased its property sales making most of its locations more profitable than before, being in Fuengirola of 4.5% profitability.

Cadastral Reference in Spain

25/01/2022
What is the cadastral reference? It is the alphanumeric code of a property that consists of 20 characters, it is mandatory and each one has its exclusive reference. All the properties have this reference to be able to have them in the official registry and it is assigned by the Cadastre. It is basically an "identity card" to identify your property. This reference corresponds to an exact physical address that is used to have no margin of error and to know the characteristics of a property.
There are two terms that you must be very clear when differentiating between them: The cadastral reference is the alphanumeric number of the property and the cadastral value is the administrative value of your property taking into account the value of the land and the work, this may be different from the value at which it is sold.
Any interested party can look at the cadastral reference and know the characteristics of the property or where exactly it is located. For example, if a property belongs to a community of neighbors the cadastral number that is assigned to a property will indicate the exact point of the house, its portal, staircase, floor or letter... Being exclusive the number for each house in the same community. What can you know with the cadastral reference?
It gives you all the characteristics of a property from its exact location, to the m2 or the year of construction. What is the cadastral value of the land? The cadastral reference is based, according to the Sociedad de Tasación, on: -The length and number of facades
-The depth of the plot, the irregularities, if it is a different surface from the minimum required by the urban plan.
-If it is temporarily impossible to build on due to its age or if it is affected by any type of use of the land due to any official protection regime. What is the cadastral surface? The sum of the built-up areas in the private area plus the corresponding part of the common areas and is expressed in square meters built. Ways to obtain the cadastral reference This must be in all the documents of economic or tax expenses that are related to the property.
To obtain this code you can do it through several sites: -From the electronic headquarters of the Cadastre
-Last receipt of IBI
-Certificate of the town hall
-In the public deeds that carry the cadastral reference or through the information in the property registry, if this appears as written.  How to know the cadastral reference of a property through the Electronic Headquarters of the Cadastre? To know the cadastre of a property you must first go to the official web page of the Electronic Headquarters of the Cadastre, once in the main page you must click on the central part of the map to access the property search engine. Once it appears, click on the mapping button to access the information of the properties.
Here you will enter a map that if you approach an area you will see the different plots delimited by purple lines and that each one corresponds to an alphanumeric code, here click on the plot you want information and a window will appear where there will be a list called "information of the properties" that will appear all the properties that are within the selected plot. Keep in mind that if it is a large community of neighbors will appear all of them, if you click on the cadastral reference of a particular property will open a particular file.   How to know the cadastral reference of your property? To find your property you must access the central map of the home page of the electronic headquarters of the cadastre and get into the tab street / number if it is a house or a commercial property, write the complete address, once filled in, click on the data button to confirm. If your property does not appear try to change the block for the staircase or vice versa, sometimes there is confusion in this data. If you have a plot or industrial estate go to the corresponding tab and fill in the necessary information. Or if you are in a place you can find the cadastral reference using your GPS. Once you enter the address of the property you will see a page with the data of your property and in the section "Descriptive data of the property" you will be able to find the cadastral reference. This code is the one that you will be asked for when making the tax return and with it you will be able to access quickly to the information of your property.   Who assesses the value of the cadastral land?
It is carried out by the General Directorate of Cadastre or through collaboration agreements with public administrations. A simultaneous update of the cadastral values of the same class of properties in an area can be made if there is a difference between the cadastral values and the market values due to:
-Modifications of urban planning.
-Modification of the real estate market.
-When 5 years have passed since the entry into force of the cadastral values derived from previous procedures, provided that 10 years have passed since the date. If you have any questions about how to get your cadastral reference or want to know some information about the properties we have, do not hesitate to contact us and we will solve all your doubts. We can make a market study and justify the price of your property so you can get the most out of your property.  

Live in Fuengirola

13/12/2021
Fuengirola is a small coastal town at the foot of the mountains located between Malaga and Marbella that belongs to the Costa del Sol.
It is considered one of the most touristic places, since in summer it is capable of hosting up to 250,000 inhabitants.
The origin of its name seems to come from the toponym of the Castilian, which referred to the existence of some sources that supplied water to the sailors who came. Currently its economy is governed by the tourism sector, especially in the summer months.
It is a place where you can enjoy the sun practically all year round, having about 3000 hours of sunshine a year, as it has a southern climate in both winter and summer. It has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with an average temperature of 18º in winter, leaving generally mild temperatures and hot summers that reach 30º.   Brief history of Fuengirola
It is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, who called Fuengirola Syalis. After the 2nd Punic War, it became a Roman domain like the rest of the settlements in the south of Hispania.
During the Roman settlement it became known as Suel. It was considered a federated city until it was invaded by the Vandals and later by the Byzantines. Making its population fled to the mountains. Fuengirola was abandoned for a long time due to the reappearance of piracy and Visigoth hordes. Several Roman remains have been found such as the fish salters on the banks of the hill of the Sohail Castle or the baths and the villa of the Finca del Secretario. After a long period of abandonment it ended up being conquered by the Arabs coming from North Africa. The name Sohail was given to both the territory and its castle, it was said that because the star of Sohail (the brightest star in the southern hemisphere and guide of the desert nomads) could only be seen from the Sohail Castle. On August 7, 1485 the Christian troops took Sohail Castle. After their attempt to repopulate Fuengirola they ended up failing due to the different threats they suffered at that time, leaving it reduced to a defensive fortress and coastal surveillance. In the modern age Fuengirola depended on Mijas until little by little the threats on the coast began to reduce and soon it began to be populated again. But this time its settlement settled on the other side of the river, where in the early eighteenth century an inn was built near the beach that served as accommodation for fishermen, nomads and passers-by, causing a small village to form next to this inn. During the Spanish War of Independence, the Sohail castle was in the hands of the French, where the battle of Fuengirola took place in which a Polish garrison led by France faced a Spanish-British army. Both sides fled for different reasons, leaving part of the castle destroyed and abandoned.   Battle of Fuengirola, oil painting by Jan Suchodolski. Thus forcing Fuengirola to return to belong to Mijas because most of the inhabitants fled looking for a safer place thus reducing its population after the numerous invasions and expropriating part of its territory because they did not have enough economic strength or population to be an independent municipality. At that time Mijas had about 1000 inhabitants as opposed to 400 in Fuengirola. Therefore, the provincial council of Malaga did not allow the creation of a town hall in Fuengirola until 1841. Fuengirola was affected by the reduced territory it received and tried to expand it at different times. From the 1930s the first hotels began to be built on the first line of the beach. This made its tourist activity grow since 1960 and has not stopped growing since then, making it one of the major points of interest for travelers looking for a good climate.
Today Fuengirola has an extension of 10.37 km with 8 km of coastline divided into 7 beaches and it's divided into different areas.   Different areas to live in Fuengirola  Castillo Sohail
One of the areas with more historical wealth of the city and that takes us our roots, preserving the most important monument of the city, Sohail Castle in which different colonies settled and hosted numerous war stories. Now it is a place of tourist leisure where numerous activities take place especially in the summer months organizing one of the most famous festivals of the city the Marenostrum , in which they set up stages, bars and food places becoming the most successful summer leisure of the city, hosting a multitude of artists from all over getting an unbeatable atmosphere. In the winter months you can enjoy its beautiful and spacious gardens to stroll, sunbathe or do some outdoor activity. Una de las zonas con más riqueza histórica de la ciudad y que nos lleva nuestras raices, conservando el  monumento más importante de la ciudad, El Castillo Sohail en el que se asentaron diferentes colonias y albergaron numerosas historias bélicas. Ahora es un sitio de ocio turístico donde se realizan numerosas actividades sobretodo en los meses de verano organizándose uno de los más famosos festivales de la ciudad el Marenostrum, en el que montan escenarios, bares y sitios de comida llegando a convertirse en el ocio de verano con más exito de la ciudad, acogiendo a multitud de artistas de todas partes consiguiendo un ambiente inmejorable. En los meses de invierno puedes disfrutar de sus hermosos y amplios jardines para pasear, tomar el sol o hacer alguna actividad al aire libre.
It is a central area, well located and close to all needs, preserving a quiet and relaxed atmosphere especially in the off-season months. It is a privileged area to spend the summer, very demanded by the tourism due to its proximity to the beach and its tranquility, it is located in the western part of Fuengirola next to the Alaminos river, along this river you can find the river park and the green areas of its surroundings until you reach the beach. Right next to the river is the Miramar Shopping Center, where you can find numerous establishments. The properties in this area are often used as tourist investments or as second homes for summer vacation. It also has a beach for dogs and specific parks for our canines. Es una zona céntrica, bien ubicada y cerca de todas las necesidades, conservando un ambiente tranquilo y relajado sobretodo en los meses de baja temporada. Es una zona privilegiada para veranear, muy demandado por el turismo debido a su cercanía con la playa y su tranquilidad, se encuentra ubicado en la parte oeste de Fuengirola junto al río Alaminos, a lo largo de este río podrá encontrar el parque fluvial y las zonas verdes de sus alrededores hasta llegar a la playa. Justo al lado del río se encuentra el Centro Comercial Miramar, en el que podrás encontrar numerosos establecimientos. Las propiedades de esta zona suelen usarse como inversión turística o como 2º residencias para veranear. También cuenta con una playa para perros y parques específicos para nuestros caninos.
Ideal for a nice walk by the sea in the morning!


 Fuengirola (Center)
Area connected to everything, busy and connected to everything. Perfect for not having to depend on transportation. It is where the activity of the city is. In the coastal area of the center is the nightlife of the area, where you can find everything from concerts, karaokes to clubs or discos. Fuengirola stands out for its coastline extensions making you can even in the center disconnect on the beach sunbathing or enjoying a water activity in the port. It is usually more affluent in summer, where locals and tourists go out to take advantage of the summer nights to enjoy the sea breeze after a hot day. In this area is located the port of Fuengirola, where the fishing tradition of the town is still preserved and many water activities for leisure. One of the most important beaches in the center is La cepa where the oldest beach bar of our city is located. Here you can taste local fish and typical dishes of the area.
In the center you will also find the train and bus stations that connect Fuengirola with the different areas and with other municipalities. The properties in this area are usually a good investment to benefit regardless of the season, due to the tourist and labor demand, since the inhabitants tend to rent them for work throughout the year and tourists to be able to have ease of travel especially in the summer months. Unwind and enjoy the summer nightlife!
El Boquetillo This part of Fuengirola is the central residential area with more history, quite affluent and close to everything. It is located in the less coastal part of the center, perfect to live and to be able to follow the daily routine. It could be said that it is one of the areas where its cultural richness has been preserved, since it has its own market, emblematic establishments, even its own fair. It is also a place where the most autochthonous citizens of the area live. The properties in this area are ideal for families or couples who want to live near the center of the city.  It is the most local area of our city!    Los Boliches
It is an old fishing village, the name comes from Santa Fe de los Boliches, which refers to the fishing gear that was used on these beaches, where the boats used to catch anchovies. It is currently part of Fuengirola, as it is an extension of the center. It is a central residential area where you can have everything within reach, ideal for families and people who want to live without depending on transportation, while retaining all the amenities you need for someone who lives here all year round. (There are train and bus stops that connect very well with other parts of the city) It is a less affluent area than the city center. Here you can find everything you may need in your day to day life. Libraries, market, bakeries, churches and much more.
Los Boliches has larger and quieter beaches than downtown. Preserving the family and residential atmosphere of the area. In this area you can also find the fairground where different festivals and events of our culture are organized such as the Fair of the villages Fuengirola. Every Tuesday morning there is a flea market where you can find locally grown fruit and vegetables, clothes and other goods. Live as one of our city!    Los Pacos
In the center of the pacos are several establishments, schools and stores where you can cover your basic needs, it is advisable to have a vehicle if you want to move around the city easily. Although it has buses that facilitate the mobility of this area. It is located in the inner part of Fuengirola, so if you want sea you will have to move 1km to the coast. It is one of the favorite areas for the colonies of foreigners who live here. And where you will be able to find different establishments directed to this foreign public that resides in
Fuengirola. One of the most popular colonies in our city is the Finnish colony that has settled and implemented its culture in the area, as they have churches, concert halls, supermarkets and even bookstores adapted to Finns especially in Los Boliches and Los Pacos. It is also very demanded by Swedes, English and Danes. It is one of the favorite destinations for northern countries as a coastal city in the south with good weather but that keeps that quiet residential charm. Disconnect from the city with nature and tranquility!
 Torreblanca
Una zona turística, tranquila para desconectar de la rutina y el estrés de la ciudad. Esta parte une la naturaleza del campo con la costa y sus playas. Creando un ambiente natural y pacífico, es el sitio preferido para los extranjeros jubilados que residen aquí. Ya que se respira tranquilidad en cualquiera de sus zonas. Los locales y establecimientos se encuentran casi todos ubicados junto al paseo marítimo y alrededores. La parte más interna es más una zona residencial con zonas verdes y parques. Si estás pensando en vivir aquí es buena idea tener vehículo propio para poder moverte libremente, ya que aunque es una zona bien comunicada no hay transporte público para todos los puntos de torreblanca y las cuestas puede dificultarlo más. Dispone de parada de tren a Málaga y a Fuengirola, además de autobuses en sus puntos más importantes.
A tourist area, quiet to disconnect from the routine and stress of the city. This part unites the nature of the countryside with the coast and its beaches. Creating a natural and peaceful environment, it is the favorite place for retired foreigners who reside here. It breathes tranquility in any of its areas. The premises and establishments are almost all located along the promenade and surroundings. The inner part is more of a residential area with green areas and parks. If you are thinking of living here it is a good idea to have your own vehicle to move freely, because although it is a well connected area there is no public transport to all parts of Torreblanca and the slopes can make it more difficult. It has a train stop to Malaga and Fuengirola, as well as buses in its most important points. Experience the natural essence of Fuengirola! 
 Carvajal
It is located on the border with Benalmadena and is one of the key points for summer, as it is located in an area less exploited than Fuengirola, it breathes summer and its beautiful walk along the coastal path overlooking Fuengirola and part of Benalmadena will not leave you indifferent. It is a little crowded area on the outskirts and lives mainly from tourism. It is well connected by bus and train to the points of interest, although it is advisable to have a vehicle if you want to live in the area further away from the coast. One of its most important points is the Caliphate beach, where many inhabitants of Fuengirola prefer to go to enjoy its more natural and quiet beaches. It is a special beach for dogs, where families usually come to spend the day and enjoy different activities. It is also perfect for a drink while watching the sunset in summer enjoying good company, as it has several bars on the beach with stunning views.
In the part closer to the mountain is the residential part, a quieter area perfect to disconnect and enjoy stunning views of the coast or the mountains of Mijas. Perfect to enjoy a good mojito with an incredible sunset! Public transport
Fuengirola is very well connected thanks to its public transport network being the star transport the bus. Although it also has a train station that communicates with Malaga center and the different municipalities in the area. Bus
There are two types of buses depending on the type of displacement: -There are buses to go to other municipalities or cities that have to be taken from the Portillo bus station located in the center of the city. -And a network of buses that run through the city according to the type of line, distributed throughout the city to facilitate access to different areas. The bus network has 6 lines covering the 10km2 of Fuengirola distributed in:
L1 and L5 connect Los Pacos with the Miramar shopping center area.
L2 and L3 connect the best known areas of the municipality, the Boquetillo area (less coastal part of the center) with Carvajal.
L4 runs from one end of Fuengirola to the other, connecting Miramar with Carvajal.
And L6 facilitates mobility between Los Pacos and Torreblanca. If you want to know more information about the transport networks consult this graphic or visit this link  Trains
The train line has 18 stops that connects Malaga with Fuengirola and the different municipalities included in this strip. Trains depart every 30 min. and connects with 4 of the areas of Fuengirola (The center, Los Boliches, Torreblanca and Carvajal). It is one of the fastest options if you want to move from one area to another without passing through the middle of the city. To see the train stops click here If you need to know the timetables for your destination point in Renfe click here Fuengirola points of interest
Regarding its beaches, it is important to highlight the most popular ones: the beaches of Castillo, Santa Amalia and Boliches, without forgetting the beaches of Torreblanca, Las Gaviotas or Carvajal. It is also worth mentioning its local gastronomy, with outstanding dishes such as sardine skewers, cold pescaíto, ajoblanco and gazpacho. In addition to its desirable beaches, especially sought after in the summer months, Fuengirola has other places of interest that are worth visiting, starting with the Sohail Castle, which houses one of our greatest historical wealth, continuing with the Torreblanca Thermal Baths or its well-known zoo the Bioparc Fuengirola. Another point of interest is the Obsborne Bull located in Torreblanca and from where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Fuengirola and its coastline.

Malaga becomes the new focus of real estate investment

15/11/2021
New favorite destination for investors  According to data from the Ministry of Development, last year 2020 more than 24,600 properties were managed, 50% more than in the Andalusian capital, Seville. This increase in activity in the city is due to the transactions of new free housing with 52% more compared to 2019. Due to this growing demand, there has been an increase on the part of investors in the real estate sector, placing Malaga as the third focus of real estate investment below Madrid and Barcelona. This study carried out by Vision Malaga 2021 compiles data on this year with respect to 2020 and the forecasts for 2022, on how the market has changed and how it will change from now on. Also noteworthy is the increase in interest from technology companies in Malaga. The bet of Google and Vodafone for the city will have a knock-on effect, as will the bet of the telemarketing sector on the Costa del Sol with the arrival of new international companies. During 2020 better conditions were achieved so that after the return to normality there is a strong reactivation of the real estate market. It is expected that once the vaccination campaign is completed and the flights between the different demanding countries are regularized there will be a significant increase in the real estate market, but especially on the Costa del Sol. That is why it is estimated that in 2022 there will be a considerable increase in the demand for housing.  There will be an increase in the real estate market in 2022 The real estate market in Malaga has remained active thanks to two factors: the activity of the demand and the speed of sale in the capital. There has been a rapid recovery and in turn sales have stopped on the Costa del Sol during the pandemic, due to flight restrictions by the demanding countries, causing a decrease in visits and interested contacts. Savills Aguirre comments that Malaga must be prepared to continue to be in the sights of investors, showing itself as a different option to Madrid or Barcelona, ​​for which it must bet on the development of new buildings, satisfying the growing demand for being a city with an enormous cultural wealth, where you can live and work with one of the best climates in Europe. If you are thinking of investing in Malaga as a lifestyle or to earn money, we recommend that you consult the current market and seek advice to find out what exactly you need. We have professionals who can help you know the current state of the real estate market in all its aspects. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, we love to share our knowledge and experience.    

If you are thinking of buying a second hand house in Spain, this interests you

04/10/2021
  There will be a tax change when buying a home in 2022 Congress accepted a bill that will modify the calculation of the Tax on Patrimonial Transmissions (ITP), the tax paid by those who buy a used home. From now on, the buyer will not pay taxes for what his second-hand house has cost him, if not for its market value (the reference value estimated by the General Directorate of the Land Registry). The Ministry of Finance ensures that this new law will enter into force in January 2022, which will affect all sales that are signed from this date, since it is not retroactive. What does this modification suppose? This tax will be calculated from real estate transaction prices provided by Notaries and Registrars. Therefore, it is not necessary to visit the property, nor will you have to know the state of conservation, materials used, if it is renovated ... This will affect the ITP (Tax on Patrimonial Transmissions) and the Tax on Inheritance and Donations (ISyD). It will no longer be necessary to make a visit or an on-site check of the property sold, inherited or donated to know if the taxpayer has paid the correct value, the taxable base will be the reference value approved by the Cadastre. If the taxpayer does not agree with the reference value, they will have to prove their mistake with evidence, the burden of proof falling on the taxpayer and they will have to demonstrate that the Land Registry reference value does not correspond to the market value.   How does it affect the buyer of a used home? Currently, many times a value check is made, which is when the regional Treasury checks the value of the property purchased because it estimates that the buyer has paid less taxes than he should, where the new reference value based on the cadastre comes into play. Due to the fact that the houses are valued above the notarized price, the autonomous estate ends up demanding from the buyer of a cheap house or the heir of a house a payment higher than that initially paid by the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) or the Inheritance Tax and Donations (ISD). difference between market price and management value   Normally when this happens the regional Treasury opens a claim when it believes that the value of a sale or inheritance is higher than the price that was registered, according to the regional administrations or the reference value (when it comes into force in 2022). This modification of the extra property tax as a "complementary settlement of securities" that is accompanied by interest for late payment. This tells us that there is a big difference between the market price and the value established by the administration. And how are the CCAA going to determine the value of a house? As of January 2022, it will be done with the new reference value approved by the General Directorate of the Land Registry. Therefore, the administration will not be obliged to send an expert to make a visit to the house sold, inherited or donated, so the seller who makes reforms to his house to revalue it before selling it will be punished considering that it is worth the same as a house in the same area without reforms. Although this reference value has not yet been approved, it is envisaged that “When there is no reference value or it cannot be certified by the General Directorate of Cadastre, the taxable base, without prejudice to the administrative verification, will be the highest of the following magnitudes: the value declared by the interested parties or the market value ”.   Therefore, when the Land Registry reference value comes into force, taxpayers must declare in accordance with said value, because it is required by law. How to act until the new Land Registry reference value comes into force? This new rule provides that the taxable base of the properties will be this reference value based on the Cadastre, but until the new value comes into force the legal forecast remains incomplete. For this reason, in 2021, the assessments will have to be made as before. Using any of the means provided in article 57.1 of the General Tax Law, claiming that the methods used are not adequate to obtain the market value of the property. And criticizing, depending on the case, the lack of a visit by the expert to the property, or the use of a means such as mortgage appraisal, reviled by several Superior Courts of Justice. Therefore, this delay in the Land Registry in approving its reference value will give us a slight truce, before the new value checks take effect, once the reference value is applicable.   Be very careful with paying taxes according to the value of reference in case of deed for a higher amount!   With this new tax anti-fraud law, the taxpayer has the obligation to pay taxes for the taxed value if it is higher than the official value of the Autonomous Community. The new wording of article 10 of the Property Transfer Tax Law states that “if the value of the property declared by the interested parties, the agreed price or consideration, or both are higher than its reference value, the taxable base will be the greater of these magnitudes ”. For example: If you buy a property for € 400,000 but the official valuation of the corresponding Autonomous Community is only € 290,000. Many taxpayers considered that, in this case, they are claiming the possibility of paying taxes for the official value of the Community, without exposing themselves to receiving a value check. And that article 46.3 of the Transmission Tax Law was not applicable in these cases. How to challenge the new Land Registry reference value There are two options to contest this reference value for which it is considered not to reflect the purchase value:   ·  Self-liquidate for the official value and immediately afterwards request the rectification of the self-assessment,
     also challenging the reference value.

  ·  Self-liquidate for the value that the taxpayer considers that the home has (usually the deed) and later appeal the verification of values that may come from the regional administration. Both settlement and the reference value will be used. In this case, the Tax Administration will resolve a previous mandatory and binding report from the General Directorate of the Land Registry, which ratifies or corrects the aforementioned value, in view of the documentation provided. That is, it will be the Treasury who will request a report from the Land Registry to ratify or correct the reference value of the home purchased or inherited. Taxes linked to the sale For second-hand homes, the most important tax is the Tax on Patrimonial Transmissions (ITP). In this case, it depends on the percentage that is applied on the notarized price and on the autonomous community in which the house is located, although as a general rule between 6% and 10% is applied. However, for VPO, large families and young people there are usually reduced rates. For example, in Madrid large families who buy a free home will pay a 4% ITP on the notarized price as long as the home purchased is the usual one. These types currently apply: The agency, an optional expense  The agencies are usually the entities that the client can hire to process the tax settlement and manage other paperwork related to the purchase of the property. They are usually contracted when a mortgage is opened to acquire the property, its cost is usually around € 300, depending on the autonomous community and the services provided. However, if you need help to buy your property and need advice on the market, real estate laws or any other management on the property you want to acquire, you can receive free advice or help in legal procedures we can offer you exactly what you need, since we have more of 26 years building homes thanks to our team that has the experience and updating of the real estate market.

Most used apps in Fuengirola

08/06/2021
  Are you planning your vacations on the Costa del Sol? Do you want to organize your plans without unforeseen events? Well, it's time for you to know the applications that we use the most in Fuengirola and surroundings to keep us informed
at all times on the news and information of the present.
You will be able to see which beach is more convenient for you to rest without so many crowds, the state of the beaches or the current weather.
These applications will serve you as if you live here as if you come on vacation, because you can keep abreast
of everything that happens in our city at any time from your smartphone.   MOST USED APPLICATIONS IN FUENGIROLA   1.Social Guardian It allows you to check the capacity of public spaces in the city without having to risk exposure to crowds,
allowing you to anticipate and plan your leisure time. How does it work? 1- Choose where you want to go. 2- Check the capacity of the area.        3- Plan your time to avoid queues and annoying crowds.
                         2.Juntos Fuengirola Avanza Application designed for citizens of Fuengirola who want to warn of any incident
on public roads, streets in poor condition, poorly marked obstacles, lack of cleanliness... This application sends the incidents directly to the Fuengirola Town Hall so that they can do something about it. Once the incident has been fixed
the Town Hall will send you an evaluation of the incident so they know your opinion about the changes made.
A cell phone is required to activate the application via SMS in order to be able to give warnings. Once activated you can use the application.
        3. + Fuengirola Perfect for both, visitors and locals of Fuengirola. This app contains a lot of useful information about Fuengirola and its activities.
In this app you can find from real time bus schedules, concerts and events that exist in the city, so you know what to do and where to go at all times.
If you are lost and do not know where to look to find out the latest news on the Costa del Sol. What are you waiting for to download it!        4. Telpark If you don't want to waste time paying at the parking meter or you want to increase the time of your parking in the green or blue
parking in the green or blue zones of the public streets of Fuengirola this will save you time and effort.
With this app you will be able to know how much time you have left for parking, pay while you are on your way to your work or appointment without taking more time for your
appointment without having to take longer because of the parking meter.
Avoid queues, waiting and looking for a parking meter. Parking in these areas has never been easier,
Plus, if you arrive early, you can cancel your hour limit and get back the unspent portion of your parking time. In short, it is designed to make your life easier without wasting time paying directly at the parking meter.         5.Infomedusas Are you tired of finding jellyfish on the beach and not wanting to swim?
Are you allergic to jellyfish stings? This application is a great invention to avoid finding jellyfish on your favorite beach, from this app you can choose the beach you want to visit and it will show you
the quantity, variety and danger of these jellyfish so you can be informed at all times of the spots where they are found.
and it will indicate you the quantity, variety and danger of jellyfish so that you are informed at all times of the points with more influxes of jellyfish, protecting you
and your family from their annoying stings. With more influxes of jellyfish protecting you and your family from their annoying stings that can ruin your day.            If you want to know more information about these applications click on the title or on the image to be redirected to the download page.
There you can find reviews, compatibility and services offered by the apps.

How to get the FREE energy certificate?

16/04/2021
 
 Are you on the verge of selling your home, but paperwork is holding you back and preventing you
from moving forward with the sale?  This certificate could help you convince potential buyers and prevent this process from taking a long time, giving an incentive to those who are interested in buying
your property or being one step closer to being able to rent it.   Among other things, having the energy certificate can help you verify if a home has many energy costs, so many clients will ask you about this certificate to find out what type of electrical installation your home has and how it performs in terms of electricity consumption and expenses. , but...
What is the energy efficiency certificate? It is an official document drawn up by a competent technician that includes objective information on the energy characteristics of a property.
This energetically qualifies a property by calculating the annual energy consumption necessary to satisfy the energy demand of a building under normal conditions of occupation and operation. (includes hot water production, heating, lighting, cooling and ventilation)
La escala de calificación energética es de siete letras y varía entre las letras A (edificio más eficiente energéticamente) y G (edificio menos eficiente energéticamente). Este certificado resulta obliga torio, salvo excepciones, para el propietari  o de cualquier parte individual de un edificio existente (viviendas, oficinas o locales) objeto deuna operación de compraventa o de alquiler.
The energy rating scale is seven letters long and ranges from A (most energy efficient building) to G (least energy efficient building). This certificate is mandatory, with exceptions,for the owner of any individual part of an existing building (homes, offices or premises) subject to a sale or rental operation.
For whom is this certificate mandatory? This energy certificate is not mandatory for everyone who owns a property, but it is mandatory for those who intend to rent or sell their property or for those who request a grant to rehabilitate their building.
If you belong to one of these three groups, you need this energy rating:  Owner intending to sell their homes. It can be requested by the future buyer or the notary with whom you will arrange the papers to sell your property.
 Owner with interest in renting, must have said certificate in force to be able to rent the property. Parts of isolated buildings with a useful surface of less than 50m2 are excluded from this group and homes that are going to be used for less than 4 months a year and with an energy consumption of less than 25% of what would result if they were used the whole year.completo.

 Community of owners who wish to apply for aid or subsidies to carry out certain maintenance and / or rehabilitation works, need to have the so-called building evaluation report, which is made up of several documents and one of them is the energy certificate.      Why is it important to acquire this energy certificate? Because selling or renting without having an energy certificate is an offense and is sanctioned with fines ranging between € 300 and € 600, it will also be easier for you to convince the potential buyer and you will avoid problems at the time of sale.
  In which buildings is the energy efficiency certificate not necessary? Buildings and monuments officially protected for being part of a declared environment, or because of their particular architectural or historical value. Religious and worship buildings.
Buildings with useful area of less than 50 m2. Workshops or dwellings provided alleres o habitáculos for agricultural work and not for residential use. Buildings that, due to their characteristics, must remain open. Provisional constructions, that are less than two years old from their manufacture.
Buildings or parts of buildings whose use is less than four months per year, or for a limited time per year and that results in an energy consumption of less than 25% of that expected for its use during the entire year, provided that this is established by means of responsible statement from the homeowner.  
                                  How can I obtain an energy efficiency certificate?   Currently there are technicians specialized in this type of certificate, they will value your home and assign a rating. Find an authorized certifying technician in your area, and make an appointment to visit your home. During his visit, the technician will make a sketch, take measurements of the rooms, check the materials of the façade and enclosures, and inspect the heating and air conditioning installations. When he finishes, he will make a plan and enter the data into a computer program that will provide him with the energy rating. With all this valuable information, the technician will generate a dossier for you to keep. It will include recommendations for improvement that would allow you to improve the energy rating.
Register the certificate: once you have the document, you must present it to the competent body of your autonomous community, so that it verifies that everything is correct and they record it. You can do the registration yourself, although most certifying technicians offer to do it for you, making your life easier. Once registered and approved, the official energy label will be issued.    How much does it cost to get the energy rating of your house? Energy certificates have to be carried out by qualified technicians, otherwise they will not have any type of value. These have a cost that varies around several factors: location, type of property, area in square meters, facilities ...
 Su precio aproximado varía dependiendo de la zona, la demanda y el técnico, pero para que te hagas una idea suele rondar en viviendas de menos de 80 metros cuadrados entre 80 y 250 euros. Para viviendas más grandes, el precio va incrementándose progresivamente, situándonos en alrededor de para viviendas de entre 80 y 150 metros cuadrados. Its approximate price varies depending on the area, the demand and the technician, but to give you an idea it usually hovers in homes of less than 80 square meters between 80 and 250 euros. For larger homes, the price is progressively increasing, reaching around 100-300 euros for homes between 80 and 150 square meters.  
How can you get your free energy certificate, at no cost?   If you are thinking of leaving it for the last minute, you could lose a potential buyer for not having done it before, this certificate could be a great incentive for your potential client and it may be the reason they need to take the last step and buy your home. But ... What if we told you that you can get it without having to invest time or money in it?
Now you can benefit from our exclusive offer that we have created for you
Saving you looking for the best price for your certificate and having to go and certify the energy rating record. Because ... Our specialized technicians will take care of everything at no cost, you will only have to make an appointment for them to qualify your home. Once done, they will certify and deliver it to you. Without having to do any kind of paperwork.
   What do you have to do to get the energy certificate for free?
Requirements to obtain the energy certificate
for free with GR ESTATES:                                                                      1- You need to be a homeowner in Fuengirola or nearby.  
                                        2- Work with us.
                                        3- Register to our news channel to benefit from our promotion.
                                        4- Write us an email to info@gr-estates.com with the information and your interest.
  

What does an estate agent do when selling a house?

03/03/2021
  Help you set the value of your home An estate agent will be able to give you an expert view on how much your house is worth, setting it at the right price to market.
They will draw upon their knowledge of the local property market as well sold prices of other local homes like yours. It is important to do your research first so you have a figure in your mind.
To do this, start by getting a free online instant valuation and by checking Land Registry figures                                                  
A good agent will have experience of what features buyers in the local area are looking for, If you are considering using an online estate agent,
you need to know that online agents tend to lack knowledge of the local market and will therefore be heavily reliant on online data to carry out their valuations.   Market your home Your estate agent should arrange for your property to be professionally photographed, get an accurate floor plan drawn up and write a detailed, accurate, attractive description of your home to be used in the brochure, its shop window and on the big property portals. You shouldn’t have to pay any extra for the photography and these other basics as they should all be included in the % fee the estate agent charges for marketing and selling your home. Before you start marketing your home it is a legal requirement to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which tells potential buyers how information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs. Your home will be given an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and the EPC is valid for 10 years. If you don’t have it. Your local estate agent can organise this for you for a fee.   Conduct viewings Your estate agent will arrange viewings of your home and guide potential buyers around the property answering any questions or queries people have.
Your agent should also make sure your property is secure when they leave after a viewing.
Once your property is on the books with an estate agent they may have a list of potential buyers who have expressed an interest in a property like yours that they will call to market your home to.  The advantage of using an estate agent to conduct viewings on your behalf is they are seen as a more neutral party by potential buyers who may ask them questions that they would be embarrassed to ask the owner themselves.   Manage negotiations A key part of an estate agent’s job is to manage negotiations and act as a go-between for any potential buyers and the owner of a property. Offers should be made to the estate agent who will pass them on to the owner and, similarly, relay the seller’s response to any offer submitted.

If you are thinking about making an offer on a property you can ask the estate agent for more information on the position of the owners – have they found their dream home and are they in need of a quick sale, or do they need
someone who is prepared to wait while they hunt for somewhere to live? Buyers can also usually get a feel for what level of offer might be considered acceptable by the vendor via the estate agent.
Many people think an estate agent’s job ends once an offer has been accepted, but this is where a good estate agent will really come into their own by helping make sure that the offer moves forward, unblocking issues up During this period your estate agent can act as your adviser. You can lean on them as much or as little as you want. You should choose a real estate agent who gives you confidence and can give you a subjective and real opinion of your situation in the real estate market.
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