Daily news from Spain
October 23rd, 2009
Northern Spain is often ignored by visitors to Spain who generally have flocked to the typical tourist destinations of the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca. In this article from 2005, Kyero highlighted many of the benefits of the area that still hold true today.
While sun, sea and sangria are an attractive proposition for many, Asturias in northern Spain also has many positive aspects. Summers are warm with plenty of sunshine and average temperatures in the 20′s – many people heading to the southern coast are often caught out by the extreme heat. I live on the coast of Granada and have many friends and family who will not visit us during the summer months, it is simply too hot during the day and night – remember, northern Spain has a similar climate to southern France, and also a greener, more luscious landscape than the dry and arid south.
Over two hundred sandy beaches adorn the coastline and there are also many quiet coves and natural sea caves. An all year round destination, in the winter the mountainous areas offer excellent skiing opportunities.
Still mostly unspoilt by mass tourism, things really haven’t changed to much over the intervening years. Good transport links are still in place and flights relatively inexpensive. This also still applies to property prices, with prices being lower than the national average. A quick glance on Kyero’s current Asturias property for sale pages, demonstrate a number of well priced properties and some eye catching holiday rentals.
The phrase that sums up Asturias appears in the articles first sentence .. discerning. For those that are looking for more than just sunshine, it is a welcoming and alluring part of the Spanish mainland with intense natural beauty … just don’t let everyone know!
The original article:
Asturias property for sale is finally beginning to catch the eye of the discerning property buyer and with property for sale here at lower prices than in other better-known parts of Spain, it is no wonder. Transport links to the area are improving rapidly and with Ryanair flying to Santander, Easyjet flying to Bilbao and Iberia flying to Oviedo, Asturias property sales are likely to attract even more interest from UK buyers. If you are looking to buy property in a part of Spain that remains hardly touched by mass tourism and if guaranteed sunshine is not your only reason for buying property abroad, then Asturias property is for you. With elegant seaside towns and stunning, natural coastline, Asturias has long been popular with French and Spanish holiday-makers. Whether you are looking for property in one of the delightful little fishing ports or prefer a rustic villa looking out onto rolling meadows, why not search the kyero database for a selection of Asturias property sale.
October 26th, 2009
Spain’s second largest city is home to over 1.5 million residents and, as mentioned in this article from early 2006, is a modern, cosmopolitan city. Like many European cities, Barcelona is a stunning place to live or visit and has both the advantages of sunshine and beaches as well as its history, architecture and art.
It is still one of the more expensive places to buy with current property prices in Barcelona well above the national average. You can find all the latest Barcelona sales information is available at http://www.kyero.com/property_guide/8-barcelona-property-guide
A world away from the package holiday resorts of the Costas, Barcelona is a major economic centre within Europe and has one of the Mediterranean’s major ports. It’s airport is the second largest in Spain, but be careful booking with the well known budget airlines (I’m sure you know the ones) who often use the Girona-Costa Brava Airport or Reus airport, situated about 90 km north and 77 km south respectively.
One of the original articles key points was Barcelona’s strong rental market and so buying a second home here is still just as desirable. The latest rental property can be found here http://www.kyero.com/browse/barcelona-property-long-let-loc8pag1ppp20slt1srt4
From 2006 – Real estate Spain Barcelona is a popular choice for those searching for a city-based, second property. Barcelona and its surrounding towns are considered by many to be the perfect location to own a second home, although many people buying property here are also looking to leave the UK and set up a a new life in Spain. Technology and the internet make it possible nowadays to work almost anywhere in the world and, for many, Barcelona offers an ideal combination of a life in Spain (sun, beach, tapas) as well as the advantages of a modern, cosmopolitan city. Barcelona is a vibrant city, where many Europeans choose to live either full or part time. Real estate here can be more expensive than other parts of Spain, but the rental market is strong, with demand not only from holiday-makers and tourists but also from people looking to work in the city. With thousands of properties listed, Kyero is an excellent resource if you are looking to invest in real estate Spain Barcelona.
October 27th, 2009
In another article back in 2004, Kyero’s spotlight was on Benidorm. And, like my own personal preconceptions, it highlights one of the most common thoughts whenever Benidorm is mentioned … package holiday hell. This reputation stems from the area being one of the main package holiday destinations in the 60′s and 70′s, where sun, sea, sangria , sangria and more sangria appeared to be the primary motive for visiting. In truth, bar changing it’s name, Benidorm has done an incredible amount of work since that time to clean up it’s image and although the high rise buildings do dominate the horizon, these are mostly clean and modern, a far cry from the cheap, concrete blocks of yesteryear’s.
Benidorm is now a modern town with a surprising amount of green zone thanks to stringent construction laws. It has excellent travel connections and public transport facilities, a vibrant nightlife, 27 four star hotels and 4 theme parks … and due to it’s excellent climate (a low of around 16 degrees being the norm in winter) it is a location, not just for holidays but also as permanent home to more than 75,000 residents, with around a third being expatriates.
On a recent visit during late September, my personal experience was a pleasant surprise at the diverse entertainment on offer, the superb sandy beaches and at the overall cleanliness of what I imagined to be a cheap, nasty, tourist trap. The name still conjures up those memories but the experience, I’m glad to say, is far removed.
Kyero has a diverse range of properties for sale and prices are around the national average, follow here for the latest selection of Benidorm properties for sale . With all year demand, rentals both long and short term aren’t cheap but there is a steady flow of availability, we’d recommend visiting the Benidorm guide page regularly to check or even setting up a property alert to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
Benidorm is a still a favourite Mediterranean destination and, despite its reputation as a chips ‘n lager resort, the town has changed considerably over the past few years. Benidorm has received a very bad press since the 60s and 70s when British holiday-makers came over in their droves for cheap package holidays.
The original article – Nowadays, you are just as likely to spend your days shopping in designer arcades, dining in fine restaurants and enjoying the golden, sandy beaches, or enjoying some of the great facilities and activities that Benidorm offers such as golf, theme parks, paragliding and many different water sports, including scuba diving. The night life in Benidorm is not for the faint hearted but there is also a superb choice of family entertainment and just outside of Benidorm, you will find the many delights of the Costa Blanca including safari parks, nature reserves and delightful Spanish villages. Benidorm is quite rightly a thriving, resort year-round and it is no surprise that over half of the visitors to this city return year after year to Benidorm.
October 29th, 2009
For many the dream of moving to Spain also includes opening a business and in many cases that business is a bar. In this article from 2004, Kyero looked at what are still the primary considerations when buying a bar (or any business for that matter).
In the service industry, your key to success are clients … and lots of them. Location is therefore a major consideration, especially in the case of a bar. Passing trade can mean the difference between success and failure, and while it is possible to achieve a steady income with some committed regulars in a side street or quiet suburb, making healthy profits is unlikely and more times than not the dream is short lived. there is a reason why front line bars are more expensive and while the initial outlay is higher you only need to take a look around to see the benefits of regular passing trade. I can give countless examples of a cheap bar coming onto the market in an out of the way spot, only to see them last a year or less and still being tied into a lease agreement.
Another topic touched upon is that most passing trade is seasonal, many Spanish tourist destinations have a very short season of a few months. And, while no-one would accuse the Spanish of being xenophobic, certainly in the area I’m living in, the Spanish tourists are quite traditional and furthermore faithful to the bars that they have visited year after year, meaning new bars can often be overlooked in place of their regular long established premises. while this may not be so much of a consideration in Marbella or Torrevieja, where international tourists dominate, it is worthwhile doing your research into your anticipated client base.
The short season is a real concern, is there going to be enough trade in the high season to cater for the low, or are there enough residents to provide an all year round income. Location and research into the location is vital, with some of the islands for example benefitting from all year round tourism, while many well known summer hotspots can turn into ghost towns in the winter.
The knowledge to take with you when buying a business in Spain can be summed up in the well known phrase … fools rush in where angles fear to tread. Sometimes taking a risk can pay off, but make sure that risk is a considered one by doing your homework and thinking 12 months ahead rather than 12 weeks.
Kyero has hundreds of businesses for sale in Spain and a great number of bars for sale – the latest can be found by searching for ‘commercial property’.
The original article – Bars for sale in Spain can be found by searching Kyero for commercial properties. As with any property purchase, it pays to take your time and do your research before buying and Kyero makes this easy by giving you access to thousands of commercial properties in Spain, all advertised by hundreds of different agents. Of course, location is paramount and whether you are looking for bars for sale in Spain on the coast or would prefer to set yourself up in a small Spanish village or major city inland, you will find a wide choice here on Kyero.
Although location must be very high on your list of considerations, don’t forget that there are many business opportunities available in Spain and thinking beyond running a typical bar or disco could just give you the business edge that you are looking for. Remember that many businesses in Spain can be very seasonal, particularly in the coastal resorts. Whatever you decide, the Kyero database is a great place to start your search and has a wide selection of restaurants and bars for sale in Spain.
October 30th, 2009
One of the very first places I visited when arriving in Spain 6 years ago was Competa. It had all the classic features of a Spanish ‘pueblo’ (village), with it’s numerous whitewashed townhouses, narrow streets and a very warm and friendly welcome from the locals.
This traditional white Spanish ‘pueblo’ is typical of the many pueblos located throughout Spain, the intricate arrangement of properties built up over hundreds of years surround a main plaza and the town church. Townhouses often go under and over, behind and in front of one another providing a charming glimpse of Spanish heritage.
Although, as the article points out, Competa has long been discovered by tourists and some would argue has lost a little bit of it’s appeal through modernisation and renovation, it holds up today as a good mix of old and new. The welcoming atmosphere remains and is highlighted best during the many fiestas taking place throughout the year, Competa still has a lasting effect on all who visit.
Property prices here are relatively low for Malaga, some 20% below the province average but slightly above the national average. Here you can find the latest information on Competa property for sale and rent . With regards to rentals, there aren’t too many in the village itself, most of these are taken by the more than 4000 permanent residents, however you will find villas and country houses for rent in Competa surrounding areas.
It really is worth a visit for the day, and with the town of Velez-Malaga just 15 minutes drive away you will also have access to shopping centres, beaches, waterparks and more … you may well end staying much, much longer!
The original spotlight article – Houses for sale in Competa tend to be traditional, white-washed village houses often with much charm and sometimes
in need of modernisation. The town of Competa is set around the main square, the Plaza Almijara, and the houses spread out over the hill and into the surrounding countryside. Competa itself still has a very Spanish feel, though it has already been ‘discovered’ by the northern Europeans and many houses for sale Competa have already been tastefully renovated and modernised ready to sell on. Situated just 50kms from Malaga airport, Competa is a popular spot for holiday-makers, ensuring a good rental income for those looking to invest in a holiday house in Competa. For a wide range of properties for sale and for rent in the village, from independent agents specialising in the area, why not browse the kyero database to see a wide selection of houses for sale Competa.
November 4th, 2009
The Costa Blanca has been a destination for holiday makers and buyers of second homes since the late 1950′s, in fact it’s name was fabricated by the tourism industry to promote the industries, then new, package holidays to Spain. This included the, at the time, relatively unknown towns of Benidorm (see our article from last week) and Alicante. The area is still heavily reliant on the tourist industry and extends to some 200 kilometres of coastline, providing a traditional sunshine holiday to millions of people each year.
In this article from 2006, Kyero highlighted the area’s strong recent prices rises in the coastal areas, a key aspect was the huge growth in buyers of second homes that had sensibly targeted front line property with sea views. Not only were these properties desirable for themselves but also ideal for renting or letting when unoccupied by their owners. This was obviously not a sales trend specific to the Costa Blanca , Spain’s entire coastline was extremely desirable with all areas benefiting from improved road networks and the abundance of cheap flights to all areas.
It’s quite interesting looking back at historical prices in the area as Kyero was right on the money with their information on prices, as a whole the average property price went from a few percentage under the national average in 2006 to a few percentage over in 2007. Looking closer at the statistics, there was strong growth in larger, more expensive properties which were in much higher demand – as was pointed out, strong regulations in many areas meant that it was villas rather than apartment blocks being built as the government pushed for the more attractive low rise developments (a key point here was the difference in regulations between the northern and southern areas). This marked difference in the market remains today but definitely peaked in the heady days of 2007.
It’s certainly a large area and with such variety there is much to enjoy and explore, it’s not all tourism and some delightful inland locations can be found. As always Kyero stocks a vast number of Costa Blanca property sales and there are also a high number of properties to rent on the Costa Blanca, I’d recommend seeking out one of the many villas to be found here and at very reasonable prices.
The original article from 2006 – Costa Blanca property for sale is no longer available at bargain prices, particularly if you are looking for a property with a sea view. The popularity of the area has meant that prices have risen steadily over the past few years, although it is still possible to find great value depending on whereabouts in the Costa Blanca you are looking.
The area can be divided very neatly into two halves – north and south. In the northern part of the Costa Blanca property for sale is generally more expensive than the south but the spectacular scenery, beautiful climate and wonderful beaches mean that this area has much to offer the property hunter. Development in the area has also been well-regulated particularly in areas such as Javea where development is low-rise and most of the properties available are villas.
South of Alicante and down towards Torrevieja, you will find that prices tend to be lower if you look in this area for Costa Blanca property for sale.
November 5th, 2009
Although I’ve been in Spain for quite a few years now, being based on the southern coast has meant that my full appreciation of the country as a whole is not a extensive as I’d have hoped, especially the more northern areas. Although, when living on the south coast in the UK, I can’t say I had a complete picture of many parts of England either, let alone Wales and Scotland.
Looking back at Kyero’s articles about locations in Spain has already been a lesson in the diversity of the country, and how many places I’ve yet to discover. Today’s spotlight is on the Costa Brava, and a quick bit of research has me eager to visit. Similar to yesterday’s look at the Costa Blanca, this area was made famous in the 1950′s as a package tour destination and substantial developments were made to attract as many visitors as possible. However, these developments were made in just a few areas of the Costa Blanca leaving many parts refreshingly untouched and retaining their natural beauty. Many areas have not succumbed to any kind of developments due to the region’s natural habitats and environmentally protected zones, including Spain’s first maritime nature reserve.
As mentioned, prices here are indeed high, currently some of the highest in Spain. It’s easy to see why, a quick look through the current properties for sale on the Costa Brava – shows a large number of luxury villas for sale. Any thoughts of sun, sea and sangria are a long time gone and in its place are exclusive properties for the rich and famous for their weekend retreats in private mansions. That doesn’t mean bargains can’t be found and apartments can be found from around 100,000€ and villas from 300,000€. As always, location has a direct effect on price and although a villa on a “pine-covered cliff” may be difficult to acquire the area as a whole has immense charm and heritage. For those investigating the area, it is highly advisable to do your research, perhaps renting in a few areas to get your bearings and there are many Costa Brava holiday rentals available .
Another location to add to a growing list of ‘need to visit here soon’!
The initial article: Villas in the Costa Brava tend to be more expensive than villas in many other parts of Spain. However, the property market here is strong and prices continue to rise, so investing in property here is a wise choice, particularly given the increased popularity of the Costa Brava amongst foreign buyers and holiday-makers.
The Costa Brava is also very popular amongst the Spanish, particularly the wealthy Spanish in Barcelona, many of whom own villas Costa Brava which they retire to for the summer and for weekend breaks. Some areas of the Costa Brava are quite exclusive and towns such as Llafranc, Calella and Tamariu attract the rich and famous – Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Humphrey Bogart, to name but a few. Villas in these towns can be difficult to get hold of, particularly the delightful seafront properties, but there are some wonderful villas to buy here, perched on the pine-covered cliffs, over-looking the azure-blue sea. If you are looking for a peaceful property, on a stunning coastline, take a look on Kyero for villas Costa Brava.
November 6th, 2009
Continuing the theme of costas, today I’m spotlighting the Costa Calida …. the warm coast. It’s not too difficult to work out that it gets its name from the very mild climate, while also enjoying a low average rainfall. One of the key features of the area is concentrated on by Kyero in their original article, the Mar Menor.
The Mar Menor, literally meaning ‘little sea’, is a coastal saltwater lagoon and has been called he largest swimming pool in the world. Through it’s entire surface area of 170m2, the water depth never drops below 7 metres and this feature means that is warm, clear and salty. Kyero quite rightly spoke about its exploitation for water sports which are some of the most used and revered in the whole of Europe.
With such a fantastic natural facility, it’s not surprising that the area has been developed where possible, although with stringent building regulations it retains most of it’s natural beauty. The most desirable area is on the land which separates the lagoon from the Mediterranean sea, the strip ranges from just 100 metres to just over a kilometre and is a real paradise. While over on the mainland, La Manga Club is world famous, not only for the top quality facilities but perhaps more so for it’s golf courses. while the Costa del sol may boast more courses, the environment and standard in this area is arguably unsurpassed in Spain as a whole.
Prices of property in Costa Calida - have been consistently lower than the national average and in the last few months has become the cheapest area of coast in the whole of Spain, with prices now some 24 percent below the national average. Kyero has hundreds of properties for sale and some real bargains can be found, while at the other end of the scale the more exclusive areas have some sensational multi-million euro villas on offer, take a look at this stunning property for example – http://www.kyero.com/property/979032-villa-for-sale-la-manga-del-mar-menor . There are also some very cheap Costa Calida holiday rentals, perfect for a quick golfing trip or holiday visit.
The Costa Calida is so diverse it really deserves a closer look, the Mar Menor should be the first stop and it’s a golfer’s dream but I think I’ll take another look at a later date to find some of it’s more undiscovered towns and features.
From 4 years ago – Luxury property Costa Calida is attracting not only the rich and famous, but also those looking to purchase up market property, away from the somewhat overcrowded Costa del Sol. La Manga, a narrow strip of land, approximately 24km long, forms the outer part of the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest salt water lagoon and separates it from the Mediterranean. The water in the lagoon is calm, warm and safe, protected as it is from the Mediterranean. It is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and there numerous sailing schools and scuba diving clubs along the coast. The area is a natural choice for those looking to purchase luxury property Costa Calida, given the proximity of the exclusive La Manga Club, one of Europe’s top tourist complexes, with its three world-class golf courses and one of the finest tennis centres in Europe. The area around the marina is the most sought after part of La Manga and with 2 golf courses being built nearby and the famous La Manga club a short drive away, the discerning buyer will find a good choice of luxury property Costa Calida.
November 9th, 2009
This week I’m taking a look at some of the often overlooked aspects of living in Spain. Some recent personal experience with a very ill member of my family has highlighted a number of issues that have caused unnecessary work and problems. These were mostly due to the correct paperwork not being completed when first arriving in Spain, and when speaking with friends and acquaintances there is a surprising lack of knowledge about your rights and also your responsibilities when living permanently in Spain.
When considering to live in Spain permanently, your ability to receive care from social services is of the utmost importance and there is a key task that everyone should complete to ensure you do not encounter problems further down the line – registering with the local town hall. In fact, anyone living in Spain permanently has a legal obligation to register. The equivalent in the UK, for example, is the electoral role.
In Spanish, this registration is known as ‘Empadronamiento’ (The ‘Padrón’ is essentially a list of all the people who live in a certain town) and although it is not compulsory, it is of great benefit to both the local municipality and to yourself. The municipalities general funding is based on the number of registrants and therefore local services, such as the police and medical facilities, can be funded and staffed sufficiently to cope with the number of permanent residents in the area.
For the registrant, you are then able to take advantage of the social care services, vote, and generally have a much easier time when registering with local healthcare, schools and other administrative tasks related to the local municipality such as buying a property or car. From a property owning perspective, when buying a home in Spain you will be able to claim up to 50% off of property taxes, as well as receive reductions in certain community charges and inheritance tax – this could lead to considerable savings on an ongoing basis, and would in itself make registration something that should not be missed out on.
Registering is very straightforward, requiring primarily that you have a permanent address, regardless of owning or renting. In the local town hall you can request a simple form to complete which is handed in along with some official identification, a recent utility bill and the deeds to your house or a copy of your rental contract – these are photocopied and returned immediately. At this point you are registered and nothing more needs to be done. A copy of the certificate is available after a couple of days but is not required to complete registration, and the certificate can be requested at any time in the future as required. When moving within Spain, you can simply register at the new town hall and the previous municipality will be automatically notified.
One thing to point out is that having a residency card is not the same, having ‘residencia’ does not entitle you or the local municipality to the support you or they deserve. Failing to register with the Padrón literally means that the local municipality misses out on deserved funds, and that if ever the worst happens, such as illness requiring social support or unemployment, the process of receiving help will be much smoother. My recent experiences are testament to this, not having registration has been an unnecessary stress and burden at a time when things are already difficult.
It’s really a win, win situation, Empadronmiento is good for you, good for where you live, financially beneficial and can really help if things take a turn for the worst. If you or your family are coming to live in Spain, make sure it is one of the first things completed and, if you are already here, you really should register as soon as possible.
November 11th, 2009
In Kyero’s news yesterday it was revealed that the one millionth property landmark had been passed, a great accomplishment to the all those who have made Kyero the leading Spanish property portal for the foreign market. I thought it would be good to look back at some of the history of Kyero from when it started back in 2003.
Kyero.com originally began after its owner’s frustration at the difficulty in finding property in Spain for their friends. An opportunity and a need was quickly recognised and a four-month marketing trial was initiated on a very tight budget. With internet use already on the rise, the marketing trial evolved into Kyero.com.
The first recorded property appeared on the 3rd of October 2003 and soon after the first enquiry was made on the 7th October 2003. By November that year, there were over 1000 properties and soon Kyero began to grow exponentially with more than 20,000 properties by May 2004, with more than 50,000 active properties just one year later. Today, Kyero regularly displays more than 100,000 properties from more than 1,500 estate agents throughout Spain.
Kyero has evolved not only in the quantity of its content but also in the quality of its delivery. At the forefront of many technological advances, Kyero is now written purely in Ruby on Rails, one of the most modern programming languages. It is backed up by a fully redundant cluster of high performance servers and is visited by millions of Spanish property hunters every year. Many agents load their properties automatically via an xml feed every day, and the Kyero xml template is considered standard by many other sites and portals throughout Spain. While through user testing and monitoring, Kyero has evolved it’s design constantly to meet the demands of it’s ever increasing user base, to ensure incredibly effective navigation and ease of use.
When the property market was at its peak around 2007, Kyero won acclaim as Best International Property Portal, beating off competition from the high profile and publicly funded companies such as Rightmove, while winning best Spanish portal two years running at the CNBC property awards.
Originally an English language site, Kyero now supports 9 languages and caters for visitors from all corners of the world. As well as the more common European languages, Kyero was one the first sites to translate entirely to Russian and offer its agents the opportunity to reach an ever increasing global marketplace. By focusing on providing accurate statistical analysis of the property market in Spain, the Kyero.com house price index has become a respected and reliable source of independent data. And with its latest venture, the Kyero technology and functionality is planned to be released in more than 50 other countries around the world to serve the foreign buyer wherever they may choose.
It has been an exciting few years and a very successful journey. The landscape of the internet has changed immeasurably in that time and Kyero has proven itself more than capable of keeping up with the demands of today’s modern lifestyle. One million is a magic number and a great tribute to those involved, the owners, the staff, the estate agents and of course the visitors themselves.
One of Kyero’s original tag lines is one that fits well today … “Kyero – Spanish property you’ll love!”
http://www.kyero.com/
