Spanish Property News

Over the weekend I spent some time with two clients who are getting reading to complete on a property in Murcia. Not an unusual activity for us here at Dream Spain, however these clients did not buy through our company. Unfortunately for them, their agents made and charged for great big promises of fantastic customer care services that have disappeared leaving this lovely couple high and dry on their property purchase.

People who have not bought a Spanish Property often wonder why completing the buying process without an agent is a problem. Indeed some people actively seek to avoid Spanish property agents in the hope of making a saving.

I am the first to agree that not all Spanish property agents are equal, and unfortunately over the last few years there have been a number of big companies with booted and suited sales staff whose sole mission has been to sell and up-sell, not provide an invaluable service. Thankfully the recession has had the positive effect of either sending these companies running or at least making them rethink what they need to offer their clients.

So what does a good agent bring to the client? It should go without saying that they must have a good choice of properties to view, local experience of their property market and provide genuine advice on how to spot the property which suits your needs. They should be able to help you negotiate a great sales price on a resale property or payment terms on a new property.

They should have contacts in finance and currency exchange which help you save time and money on currency transactions and the financing of your property purchase.

Then they should be there to keep you updated throughout the sales process - offer advice on pre-sale tasks you need to complete and find the most economical ways for you to complete those tasks. When you complete on your Spanish property their advice on furnishing and fitting out your property ought to be focused on getting you the best dressed apartment for your budget.

In fact if you are just looking at the financials I know that we have been able to save our clients over 7,000 Euros per sale during the completion process by helping them with one simple task. I'm not even counting any other savings or the hours of work and worry we have saved them by being here on the ground in Murcia with the connections that simplify the buying process.

The couple I was with on Sunday considered pulling out of their property purchase when they found out their agent had disappeared. They were concerned about how they could cope with the process. Now however they are looking forward to their completion and spending time relaxing in the sun.

Wherever you are thinking of buying in Spain, choosing a good agent is an essential part of a successful purchase. Look for one that is well established, locally based, service orientated and of course recommended by people that have successfully purchased their own property in Spain.

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Discounted Spanish Property, Spanish Property Agents

While tourism in Spain as a whole suffered a 6.1% decrease this July compared to the previous July, the region of Murcia saw a 24.3% increase in visitors.

A survey conducted by Frontur for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Commerce reveals that during the month of July the Region received 119,867 foreign tourists compared with 96,462 in 2008.

Certainly having just experienced July and August here in Murcia we can confirm that it was a busy holiday period. It certainly helps that Murcia has a good choice of low cost airlines arriving at Murcia airport, a great climate and a fabulous coastline. Just the right mix for the perfect overseas property location.....and with some great property offers available why not start your search now?

With thanks to The Costa Calida Reporter online newspaper for the Frontur data.

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Buying Property on Costa Calida

My friend here in Murcia mentioned to me yesterday that he is hearing rumours that Disney are buying-up plots on the Costa Calida for the next Disney theme park.

This would be of great interest to anyone owning or thinking of owning a property in Murcia.

However I am fairly sceptical as the only ‘rumours’ I can see on the web suggest plans were once in the pipeline for a theme park further south. Furthermore with the current global economy building a new theme park seems a risky plan for Mickey and crew. (If you seriously KNOW better then post and let us know).

It did get me thinking about all the attractions we have in Murcia and wondering if we are really missing out not having Disney in Murcia.

Disney boasts of fantastic shows, spectacular parades and breathtaking firework displays. Well in Murcia for this you need to look no further than one of the region’s fiestas. The processions and fireworks of Semana Santa (Easter) kept my 4 year old nephew quiet for hours (miracles do happen in Murcia!) and the re-enacted battles of the Cartagineses and Romanos contain enough drama for anyone.

Disney is great for keeping the kids entertained, but then most parents and kids love the safe fun they have on the Mar Menor beaches. It’s a unique salt-water lake connected to the Mediterranean and a fantastic place for families as the water is shallow, warm and without currents.

Of course for the more active kite-surfing, jet-skiing, go-karting and quad biking are all readily available. While it is true that there is a distinct lack of white knuckle rides in Murcia, the water shoots and slides at Murcia’s water park definitely raise the adrenalin levels during the summer months. The tranquil spas at Archena and Fortuna are there for those that need to calm down afterwards.

I have heard people say the Disney franchise has no soul - well Murcia certainly has plenty to share. The city of Caravaca is one of only five holy cities of the world and celebrates one of its holy days with an infamous wine horse race – a real spectacle.

I have barely touched upon the activities available in Murcia, but I am sure that if even if Mickey has decided not to buy a home in Murcia there are many people who don’t need the razzmatazz of Disney to convince them it’s a good place to own property.

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Costa Calida Property

To be sure of a sunny holiday in these uncertain times it appears that more holiday makers are considering the Mediterranean than last year. bmibaby, the low cost airline that flies to both Murcia and Alicante, reports that over 1.3 million people searched for flights to the Mediterreanean this February compared to 87,500 last year.

rawford Rix, managing director of bmibaby says "With the current economic downturn consumers want to make sure their annual summer holiday guarantees them some sunshine".

bmibaby, along with many of the other low cost airlines have increased their summer flights to Murcia and Alicante bringing more people than ever to this tranquil coastline.

Spanish property landlords on the Costa Calida of course will be pleased by this news and holiday home owners will welcome the increased opportunities to visit their property for relaxing summers breaks. The poor exchange rate may have deterred some people from considering Spain, but on the Costa Calida prices for food and drink are still good value for money while the beautiful beaches and bright sunshine are still free!

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Costa Calida Property

Although worldwide it is a difficult time for airlines with rising costs, Murcia (San Javier) airport is going to expand its timetable to allow flights throughout the day from March 2009.

This will help spread out the flight timetable and should help in cases where flights have been pushed to late evening slots due to the current restricted flying hours.

Anyone who has visited Murcia (San Javier) airport will know that it is shared with Military and therefore in the afternoon flying has been restricted to military aircraft. However the military will now have a runway of their own, leaving the existing runway for commercial traffic.

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Murcia airport

Spanish property buyers have been reassured that while the market has slowed down Spain is still the place to buy and Murcia in particular. Speaking recently in UK newspaper, Liam Bailey from the global property consultancy Knight Franks stated that "Spain has been one of the stronger performers in recent months." He pointed out that although house prices in Madrid went up by just 2% last year, property values in Murcia increased by more than 8% during the same period. Visit the Dream Spain website to see properties that our available now in Murica.

A Place in the Sun magazine also confirmed Spain's continuing popularity during a recent survey which showed that Spain is the most popular overseas property market for British buyers.

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Murcia Property, Spanish Property

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Murcia

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Murcia, Property Investors