With Europe and in particular Spain hovering on the edge of an economic avalanche, and with the poor Euro struggling increasingly each day, why are we at Altavista Property seeing an increase in foreign buyers looking again to invest in Spanish property? According to the Bank of Spain, in 2011 foreigners invested over 4,700 Million Euro’s into the Spanish property market, showing a rise of 27% on 2010. There is no reason by 2012 shouldn’t produce the same results despite whatever fate awaits the Euro or the Spanish economy.

Altavista Property Marbella blog

At the time of writing the pound to euro exchange rate is currently fluttering around the 1.2 mark, the highest since Autumn 2010, making Spanish property just that little bit more affordable for the British buyers and bringing them closer to their dream of a home on the Costas. But it’s not just the British who are considering Spain again – there has been a significant increase of interest from the Russian, Chinese and Scandinavian markets. Particularly in the areas in an around Marbella since the announcement of the 400 million euros investment by the Qatari royal family and associated companies into the expansion of the La Bajadilla port (known locally as the Puerto Pesquero or fishing port) which is located on the east side of Marbella town. This is planned for completion in 2015 and is expected bring huge revenue back to Marbella, not only from the new 12,000m2 commercial areas, but also from the cruise ships which will finally have facilities to stop off at Marbella, instead of having to take their passengers from Malaga straight to Gibraltar or beyond.

Marbella and Puerto Banus have received a huge increase in publicity and press coverage due to the influx of the jet-set and celebrity crowd (one of the highlight episodes of the ITV television series TOWIE has just been filmed in Puerto Banus) and this looks likely to continue through the 2012 summer season. Whilst we have to listen to reports of doom and gloom in the rest of Europe, and of course, the terrifying scare mongering stories of a collapsing Spanish economy, Marbella and the surrounding areas will remain very firmly ‘on the map’, making it a more than interesting destination for foreign property buyers.

As in many places along the Spanish Costas as well as inland, there are many great property purchasing opportunities with sellers who are in dire straits after not being able to sell their properties. Perhaps they simply wish to return to their home countries due to ill-health, old age or family commitments and many will accept brutally low offers just to ‘escape’ the continued costs of running their foreign properties. This is where the term distressed sale comes from and if a marketplace constantly has these type of sales around, then they do nothing to help shore up the prices. For many sellers these are worrying times, and clearly the Spanish Banks show no signs of being able to provide any assistance – due of course to their own greed during those ‘boom’ years.

The stability of property prices in Spain is heavily influenced by the number of distressed sales on the market and these define the real sale price of every property, irrespective of the (often optimistic) price placed on them by sellers. If the marketplace constantly has distressed sales then the downward cycle of prices will continue, until no-one is prepared to sell their property at a price below a certain level.

The price of new property in the Costa del Sol has dropped by 12.6 per cent in the last year, and by more than 30 per cent since the economic crisis began. These more reasonable prices have helped to reduce the number of unsold properties in the market – particularly when the Banks financing the developments are still offering up to 100 per cent mortgages at very favourable rates. They need to off-load their surplus stock.

Sourced: Content from PRWeb to comment on or to read the original article click here

Altavista Property

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Considering buying property in the Costa del Sol? make Altavista Property your first call.

Black and White Restaurant Café… Trendy urban-style décor, great – and affordable food, wicked cocktails, friendly and slick staff and a frontline port position overlooking the Banús super yachts.  What is there not to love about funky new Marbella restaurant Black and White!  Report: Louise Cook Edwards.  Photography: Gary Edwards.

If like many Marbella residents, you have a love-hate relationship with Puerto Banús, Black and White, the hot new frontline venue is about to reignite your love affair with the place. With far too many long-established restaurants in the port, blasé staff, tired décor and predictable, overpriced menus are a turn-off for year-round marbellis tend to only venture into the port for cocktail parties, Sunday morning coffees or a bit of designer shopping in the sales.

A Winning Formula

But the monochrome masterpiece that is Black and White is about to change all that. With a prime location in front of the largest yachts moored in the marina, the venue is much more than just another Banús restaurant. With bright and funky décor, characterized by original touches of Formula 1 glamour, state-of-the-art lighting, video screens, sound system, driver simulator with X-Box, and free Wi-Fi, more than just a restaurant, Black and White is all set to give diners a total experience with upbeat music, singers, shows  – even choreographed waiters – as well as great food at decent prices.

With a racing car featured in the entrance, and a glass-fronted shop offering assorted racing merchandise, Black and White is upping the revs and getting ready to overtake other Banús establishments that have rested on their laurels for too long and short-changed the public on the food, service and ambience. Now they will all be racing to catch up to this winner that manages to be trendy café, cocktail bar, restaurant and show venue all in one bright and shiny new package

Monochrome Madness

The high impact monochrome décor would not be out of place in London, Paris or New York – with newspaper print walls and flooring, lots of chrome columns and lighting, original cylindrical aquariums filled with exotic – black and white – tropical varieties… black and white tables and chairs, black and white writing and iconic celebrity photography on the walls, black and white table settings, and friendly young staff dressed in slick black and white, Black and White is the perfect place to head to for a wind-down weekday cocktail after work, an upbeat business lunch, a memorable night out with friends and family or a stunning party.  The interior designer has created an amazing one-off, and the Torre de Banús, the ancient Moorish watchtower is even an integral part of the décor!  With terrace seating looking out over the luxury harbour, a raised VIP area, high tables with bar stools and a host of tables of different sizes for intimate dinners for two, or long celebratory lunch, in a restaurant that can seat up to 250 people, you are sure to find a spot that takes your fancy.

A Menu of Modern & Classic Dishes

Whether you want a girly lunch with sharing plates of yummy Hummus and Baba Ganush, a tasty Tabbuleh or a classic Tricolore Salad, a hearty plate of pasta, a freshly made pizza, or a fish or meat dish, Black and White has a huge menu available to please most palates. All the chefs and kitchen staff have been chosen for their particular fortes and together will be cooking up a storm in the restaurant’s glass fronted kitchens. The pizza is particularly light, crispy and fresh, the pasta, fresh, tasty and abundant, the salads are large, crisp and succulent, and the meat and fish dishes are particularly great value for money.  With a few Asian specialities – such as a tender Yakitori Chicken skewer, risottos, steaks and ribs, and a good choice of indulgent desserts, Black and White’s menu manages to hit the spot.

That’s Entertainment!

Although open just a week before Easter, the switched on team at Black and White are already lining up a host of entertainment to add that extra something to your nights out – so get ready for soul nights and themed parties to get you in a party mood for summer.  And don’t forget Black and White has an amazing cocktail menu to help get the party started!  Their mojitos and Rossinis are already legend.  Join the Facebook page (coming soon) to keep up-to-date with events and special.

Source: www.marbellas.com

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

The Costa del Sol is a region in southern Spain, and it’s the coastal region of the Malaga province and the Mediterranean sector of Gibraltar, in the province of Cadiz that extends along over more than 150 kms.

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Its warm temperatures allow the visitors enjoy its beaches, the local culture, and a wide range of open air activities all year round. Because of this, it’s considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain to organise great trips for this 2012 summer season.

Originally, the region consisted in a series of fishermen settlements. However, towards the end of the 20th century it transformed completely into a well-known tourist destination with an almost continuous urban agglomeration of the high settlements and tourist resorts along the whole length of the coast.

Nowadays it includes the city of Malaga, San Pedro, Velez-Malaga, Nerja, Torrox, Estepona, Sabinillas, Sotogrande, San Roque, La Linea, and the rich cities of Marbella, Mijas, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Puerto Banus.

In the 50’s, with the aim of satisfying the demands of the international tourism, the Costa del Sol was rediscovered and developed. Today, the Costa del Sol is fully urbanised, with a wide band of dense buildings along most of the coast.

The architectonic styles are a blend of low, whitewashed houses and the development of sky-high apartment buildings that concentrated in the touristic centres. Although many of the villas and other individual houses are designed and built in the local Andalusian style, most of the housing blocks built have rather little harmony with the geography of the area.

Cities like Marbella have made the Costa del Sol famous for its reputation of being a playground for the rich and famous. However, Marbella’s old quarter is also well-known for its 16th and 17th century buildings that surround its exquisite main square called Patio de los Naranjos (orange trees). It’s seafront offers 27 kilometres with naturally formed 24 beaches of smooth, golden sand, as well as some of the best golf courses in the world.

In spite of the tourism’s increase, Estepona is one of the few villages that has been able to maintain its ‘village charm’, characterised by steep, stony and narrow streets, but still offers all the tourist facilities like any other main destination, like cultural and leisure activities, restaurants, hotels, cafes and tapas bars that serve a wide variety of small typical Spanish dishes.

And located on the mountainside, at 420 metres above sea level and 7 kilometres away from the coast, we’ll find the typical Andalusian, whitewashed village of Mijas. This village has conserved most of its traditional way of life. Home to many artists and writers, Mijas is well-known for its festive and relaxed lifestyle.

Source: The above article was sourced from Malaga.us to comment or read the original article click here

AltaVista Property

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

“Altavista Property – Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter.”

Once you have stayed in a house for some time, it starts turning into a home. This is indeed the case in and around Marbella. Houses hold a lot of memories and for this reason, you should fight repossession at all cost whenever you are having a problem with your lender/s. House repossession could be as a result of financial hardship, threat of repossession, divorce or separation, a severe health problem, bereavement, unemployment, tax debt, and relocation.

The most important tip if you want to stop house repossession is to talk to the bank immediately you start having financial problems. The financial institution will appreciate this and you are more likely to get refinancing. Once you contact your lender, request for a grace period. This will allow you to get your financial footing back. Once you get refinancing, you have to keep future repayments up to date. If you want to stop house repossession, consider seeking financing from other sources to pay off your debts. You could seek the services of a debt consolidator if you have money but have different debts. You could borrow money from family members, friends, or colleagues with little or no interest.

You could stop house repossession by selling the house before it can be foreclosed. Banks and other lenders repossess and dispose of houses even when you are only remaining with a few repayments. These lenders usually dispose of houses with the sole aim of getting the money they are owed and you will not get the balance. For this reason, you should sell the house before it is repossessed and pay the financial institution what is due to it. You could sell your house fast to stop house repossession by listing the house online, by having a low asking price, by having low minimum deposit and a flexible repayment plan, by allowing for negotiations, and by enlisting the services of a real estate agency. The ISO 9001:2008 accredited Alta Vista Property, run by Michael Liggan lists such houses for sale.

You could enlist the services of a property investor or a repossession expert such as Michael Liggan. You could go to court to stop house repossession, even if you are the one to blame. Once you explain your case, the bank may advice the lender to give you a grace period or to adjust your repayment. You could enlist the services of a Sell House Rent Back Company or a real estate company like Altavista Property to stop house repossession.

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

There are several luxury properties in and around Marbella. You could find these properties through Altavista Property whose CEO is Michael Liggan. Altavista Property has an ISO 9001 accreditation.

Golden Mile is perhaps the most famous area of Marbella, situated along the Mediterranean coast and it extends for 4 km from the ending of Marbella’s center to the beginning of Puerto Banus. In Golden Mile, there are exclusive apartments and villas, and even some mansions and palaces, such as the Royal’s Family Palace of Saudi Arabia or the copy of the White House. The streets are full of abundant natural gardens and a peaceful environment that allows for quiet, relaxed, and unhurried life.

Altavista Property can get you a property in Puerto José Banús, also known as Puerto Banus. This is the most exclusive marina in Spain, and one of the most important in Europe because of the large boats and luxury yachts that dock here every year. It is also one of the most cosmopolitan places of Marbella, because of the large number of tourists and foreign residents causing a cultural, lively, and dynamic atmosphere. During summer, you can enjoy numerous international events such as fashion shows, presentation of luxury cars, concerts, theme parties, etc., and at night a variety of discos and clubs are open until dawn. Another major reason to attract more tourists is a big variety of shops, where you find only the most exclusive international brands: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace. This is also the ideal home for yacht-lovers.

Sierra Blanca is a mountain massif that acts as a barrier against cold winds from the north of Spain, getting Marbella to enjoy an excellent microclimate for almost the entire year. At the foot of Sierra Blanca is one of the most prestigious residential areas of Marbella with stunning views of the entire municipality of Marbella and you can even see the coast of Africa and Gibraltar. In this exclusive urbanization, you will find enormous villas with the greatest luxuries, modern houses with impossible structures, pools on the edge of the mountain, spa areas and golf courses. Sierra Blanca is without doubt the perfect place for those wishing to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the city, and start living in the quiet of the mountain, but always surrounded by luxury, glamor, and exclusivity. It is the preferred area for celebrities who buy a property in Marbella, with the utmost privacy and security.

On the western edge of Marbella, on the border with the municipality of Estepona, Altavista Property has luxurious Guadalmina luxury villas and townhouses. It is mainly characterized by being surrounded by golf courses, making it the perfect place for lovers of this sport. Guadalmina extends to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, offering several luxury homes on the beach frontline.

Altavista Property also has luxurious properties in the surrounding Alhaurin de la Torre, Antequera, Benalmadena, Estepona, Malaga Center, Ronda, and San Pedro de Alcántara.

Altavista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Altavista Property – Finding the best property at the best price for you

When it comes to real estate, whether it’s bargain property at the lower end of the scale or luxury at the higher end, you’re going to want to snatch it up at the best possible price. This applies to first time buyers as well as experienced property investors. Getting the best bang for your buck is important especially in a recession where cash can be tight. However, you can make it easier for yourself by following a simple set of guidelines.

Altavista Property can offer you many different types of property and it’s your choice to see whether they will be a good match for you. Altavista Property Spain is very much focused on being more than just another real estate agent, but rather a company that builds relationships for clients and finds the best property possible at the best price. A great thing about Altavista Property Spain is that a lot of knowledge can be gained from a quick chat as they know the areas around Marbella and Costa Del Sol extremely well.

Altavista Property awards

In 2011 Altavista Property was awarded with Best Overseas Property Agent at the annual Property Investor Show held at London’s Excel Centre. This goes to show that with Altavista Property you’ll be getting a company that has had much experience, but has also been credited awards at the same time. Having these credentials allows the company to negotiate the prime financial deals along the coast. Obviously this puts the clients in a very favourable positions as they get to choose properties which are in the best state, but also ideal financially. With this position many clients choose Altavista Property Spain as their primary real estate agent.

When a company has good values and always looks for the best prices for their clients you know you’ll be getting the best deals possible. Not only are the properties secured for sale, extremely favourable financing is made available for all properties. Up to a maximum of 107% is financed so once the needed documents are provided everything else is handled swiftly. All the other paper work can be handled for you so you can focus on what is important to you when making a new property purchase.

One of the amazing places to find real estate in Marbella that has been scouted thoroughly by Michael Liggan is Meisho Hills, which is one of the most iconic places in southern Spain. Another desirable location which has some amazing real estate is Las Mimosas; this place is not far from the beach and has some of the best properties in Spain. It’s currently the 3^rd most expensive area of real estate in Spain.

Altavista Property Spain can give you many of the best buying options in the area of Marbella with some of the most desirable properties available.

When it comes to bargain properties in Marbella you should be aware that there are now quite a few properties that are undervalued and therefore represent great value for money. Just because you’re looking to purchase a property in Marbella doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money. If you’re from overseas then you’ll find that property in Marbella is extremely well priced, and is actually at the cheapest it has been in years.

The reasons many of the house prices are so low is due to the recession and lack of mortgages being made available for the residents of Spain. This obviously provides many others who do have the funds (whether it means retired couples or investors in property) with great opportunities. These opportunities can be found all across the country but the place where you’ll find the best bargain properties is in Marbella.

Altavista Property Spain

Altavista Property Spain has nurtured many important contacts with developers, mortgage brokers and banks in the years of operating on the Costa del Sol, which means that the property they list will be of the highest quality and can also be financed quickly for prospective buyers. Their negotiations mean you’ll get the lowest possible interest rates and the best conditions possible.

Below are three tips on finding property that is going to be a great investment/ purchase:

1. Know how much you want to spend

Knowing how much you want to spend will put you in the right mind-set before you even purchase any property. Impulse buying on large financial assets is not a strategy that is employed by many, neither is it advised. The only time this is applicable is if a property is an amazing find and needs to be bought straight away but generally this is not the case. If you have a set price range for finding real estate you can start at the lower end of the scale looking for properties that meet your criteria, and then slowly move up until you find one.

2. Find the best places to search

Having a good resource for finding property can do you a world of good. Altavista Property Spain has many different types of property on offer and various requirements can be searched for using the ‘property search’ tool on their website. This will give you a great base to start from and you can start making a shortlist of the types of property you would be interested in.

3. Compare property

As with anything you’re going to want to make sure what you’re getting is the right one for you and all other options have been exhausted. The best way to ensure this is by comparing all of the property that you have shortlisted. As long as you have a set requirement for what the property that you want to buy matches then going through your shortlist should be easy as you narrow it down.

Yet again comparing real estate in Marbella can be made easy through Altavista Property and using the search tool that is made freely available to everyone.

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements.

We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

The reasons for the popularity of the city’s real estate, explains Michael Liggan, include the facts that the city is on the Mediterranean Sea, it has wonderful climate, well-developed touristic infrastructure, and is a cultural hotspot. Marbella is popular because of its attractive architecture, its sporting facilities, and its many museums and other cultural attractions. Marbella, often referred to as the St. Tropez of the south, has long been a playground for the rich and famous, and the likes of Antonio Banderas own property here.

Altavista Property

Altavista Property analysts believe that Marbella property prices have hit the bottom, again adding to the current popularity of this real estate investment market. Banks have been offloading previously repossessed properties ever since September 2011 and according to Michael Liggan of Altavista Property, real estate developers are trying to sell off properties as fast as they can. This means Marbella property prices are very attractive at the moment.

Michael Liggan is quick to point out that you should not, however, rush your decision. Altavista Property offer their clients several tips that will help make an informed decision. When going property shopping, do not restrict yourself to the famous Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus. You can find good properties in other parts of Marbella as well as the surrounding locations such as Sierra Blanca, Puerto Banus, La Zagaleta, Nagueles, Sotogrande, Monte Mayor, and El Madronal.

Compare as many options as possible to increase your chances of landing a great deal, says Michael Liggan of Altavista Property. Your choice should be based on your particular requirements. For example, buyers can choose between houses, large country estates, mansions, villas, chalets, apartments, penthouses, and luxury residences.

Michael Liggan suggests you should consider enlisting the services of a real estate agent such as Altavista Property to help you with your purchase. Real estate agents such as Altavista Property have the experience, training, and contacts necessary to get the best high-end property in Marbella at the best price. Altavista Property know the property values and the market conditions, meaning you will pay the right price for your property. Hiring a real estate agent gives you unparalleled convenience since the agent will handle the actual search, the paperwork, the finances, and other aspects of the purchase. If you are buying the property from outside Spain, hiring an agent like Altavista Property saves you money since you do not need to travel backwards and forwards to Spain. Your anonymity will also be protected when you hire a real estate agent.

Altavista Property always advises clients not to put pen on paper without seeking legal advice. Although there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer before making a purchase, it is certainly a good idea to do so. There are several property conveyancing solicitors in Spain. Altavista Property are able to recommend independent lawyers who have successfully acted on behalf of previous clients.

Altavista Property advises buyers to ensure that the relevant property searches are done and that the deed to the property is good and correct. Go through the fine print of the agreement before buying the property. This will ensure you understand the finer details in the deal.

Altavista Property

And finally, Michael Liggan of Altavista Property, says “Do not shy away from haggling over prices if you want a good deal! Buying a high-end property these days does not have to mean paying high prices”.

Visit the Altavista Property  website www.altavistaspain.com to start browsing our exclusive luxury property listings in and around Marbella and the surrounding Costa del Sol locations.

The Costa del Sol, A golfing Mecca

With Andalucía widely recognized as the ‘golfing capital of Europe’, what is it that attracts so many golfers to the Costa del Sol?

Altavista property – Costa del Sol News

Golf on the Coast has been popular since the late 1980’s. The extensive range of courses continue to attract countless golfers; from amateurs to professionals, residents and holiday makers. These days golf is a game anyone can enjoy, gone are the days when golf was an exclusive sport, restricted to the wealthy.

The British Golfing Experience

A typical golfing trip to the UK means that you head to your chosen course armed with protective clothing: jumper, jacket, a nice pair of thick socks. On arrival you discover that the course has been flooded, therefore it is not possible to play. You nurse your disappointment with a rather bland meal in the on-site restaurant, with superb views of rain and wet grass. Nevertheless, there’s always tomorrow.
Unfortunately this scenario continues for the following 3 days, leaving just 4 days of your trip remaining. You finally manage to get your feet on the fairways, hands on clubs, raring to go, but your fingers are frozen from the cold. After a fierce battle with the first couple of holes, the lack of sensation in your hands is making it increasingly difficult to carry on.
Finally you are defeated, cold and miserable, as you head to the nearest pub to commiserate.

Contrast this with the Costa del Sol, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a desirable destination. With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, golfers rarely have to worry about a game being spoilt by the weather; a round can be arranged without aggravation, at short notice, and enjoyed to its full potential.

A Dream Location

In addition to the year round warm climate, the Costa del Sol also tempts golfers with a wide selection of irresistible courses. Each is set within a beautiful location, providing magnificent backdrops, be it mountain view or sea view.
Thanks to the ever increasing amount of Clubs, there are now greens and fairways almost everywhere you look; with around 30 courses to choose from and more to be built over the next ten years.

Improvements are continually being made with numerous Clubs undergoing total refurbishments. In many cases, a second or even third course has been added to the original facilities. La Cala Resort for example- known as Golf World- has a total of 3 courses and is the largest complex in Spain.

Championship Courses

Not only is Andalucía a golfers paradise, it also plays an important role in professional golf, hosting championships such as the PGA Seniors and the Volvo Masters.
One of the finest clubs on the coast has to be Valderrama, a
championship course with fairways described as the best in Europe.
Golf enthusiasts will be familiar with the prestige
associated to Valderrama, setting of the Ryder Cup- won by Europe in 1997.
Most Clubs on the coast operate a turn up and play system, however some courses have very strict rules such as La Zagaleta Golf Club, open only to residents and members. Many courses are designed for players of all levels: some are more taxing than others like Almenara Golf Club, one of the most challenging on the coast. However, the Costa del Sol caters for beginners through to professionals, so you can be sure to find somewhere to play a round!
Other famous courses located on the coast include; Las Brisas famed for its imaginative design, plus Aloha Golf, Rio Real and Los Naranjos. Another course worth noting is Alcaidesa, the only links course on the Coast is situated near the town of San Roque with great views of Gibraltar.
Many courses are built within residential tourist developments so have frontline golf apartments. A lot of people decide to invest in a holiday home, but there is no shortage of nearby apartments available to rent. A number of Courses have hotels attached, offering a fitting range of amenities and sport facilities on tap.

Discounted Green Fees

A large amount of companies specialise in golfing holidays, for example teetimesanywhere.com. Through online websites you can organize your trip and benefit from discounted green fees.

The average price of a game tends to be around €50, depending on the time of year, although more prominent courses, such as Valderrama, can cost up to €290. Prices adjust according to the season, so it’s best to check green fees and tee times with the golf course itself. Many clubs have their own website; check our Golf Directory for more information and contact details. LINK
When it comes to handicaps, all golf clubs in Spain will anticipate that you have a handicap certificate or letter of competency. You may be asked to show this at any time.

A Celebrity favourite

Many celebrities also enjoy a regular stopover for a spot of golf, particularly for charity events like the popular Bobby Davro Celebrity golf challenge. A fantastic event that takes place in June for the 6th year running, to raise money for the Rhys Daniels Trust. Celebrities and Sport’s World Celebrities battle it out on the fairways to acquire the Rhys & Charly Trophy.

Perfect your Swing?      

If your golf isn’t quite up to scratch don’t be put off. Amidst the development of, and competition between courses, numerous Academy’s are being opened on the Costa del Sol; For example the recently opened Arcos Gardens Golf Academy directed by Ashley Northridge, a PGA class AA professional.
If a basic ‘Golf Aligment Aid’ doesn’t do the trick, there is an assortment of more high-tech equipment available at various courses. The TaylorMade Performance Lab at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in La Cala Resort is bound to help. Its remarkable fitting system measures the components and results of your swing, capturing, quantifying and animating your total body motions in 3D.

The perfect scenery and the vast amount that the Costa del Sol has to offer, keeps a regular stream of golfers from the UK and Ireland arriving throughout the year.

Source: Puerto Banus Guide

Image Source: Puerto Banus Guide

For more information about activities in Puerto Banus check the guide by clicking here

Altavista Property

“We currently have a number of beautiful properties available around some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol” – Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

For our latest brochure click here

Or check out our website where you can find a wide selection of properties in the Costa del Sol www.altavistaspain.com

Altavista Property

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Michael Liggan looks at what motivates people to consider a move to Spain, and finds that there is more than one reason.

Of all the reasons cited by immigrants for their decision to move from Northern Europe to Spain (better weather, more relaxed lifestyle, improved healthcare), few have seriously considered the difference in crime rates. Yet now, with the UK’s serious crime statistics showing a marked annual increase, this aspect is starting to be discussed.

Anna Nicholas, a contributor to the Expat section of The Daily Telegraph’s website, has been the most recent journalist to highlight the situation: “According to recently published crime statistics issued by the European Commission, one is three times more likely to be burgled in the UK or twice in France than in Spain.”

These same figures also indicate that violent crime reached a record one million cases while, during the same period surveyed by the European Commission, France registered 341,942 incidents, Germany 208,446 and Spain 112,926.

In 2009 the situation in the UK had worsened to the extent that some tabloids were positing that it was on a par with South Africa, one of the world’s most crime-ridden nations and things have deteriorated further in the past couple of years.

While Spain tends to have a rather higher rate of domestic violence than Britain – which probably accounts for its higher rate of manslaughter – the type of gang violence and anti-social behaviour that now sadly seems to be part of life in many of the UK’s big cities is far less prevalent in Spain.

Figures on the NationMaster.com website reveal that Britain has suffered 45 per cent more murders by youths, while drug offences are also far worse in the UK with 183.419 people per 100,000 being convicted compared to just 27.9 per 100,000 in Spain.

Anna Nicholas’s article stated that the advice given to Londoners by the police was to ensure that they keep their home cash-free at all times to foil burglars during break-ins. Nicholas also quoted one professional acquaintance who was so terrified of being confronted with an armed burglar at night that she keeps a carrier bag full of valuables by her bed to use as a bargaining tool.

Given these circumstances, the fact that some new arrivals to Spain are now giving the British crime rate as a reason for emigration is not a great surprise.

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property Spain says, “While Spain, like most other countries, does have its fair share of petty crime, it is certainly true that we don’t experience the same high level of violent crime that seems to be the norm in Britain these days. In some of the larger cities many places are virtually no-go areas, especially after dark yet, in Spain, it’s part of the local culture to go out after dark to meet friends and have a drink or a meal. Moving to Spain can offer a massive improvement in lifestyle and peace of mind.”

Michael Liggan is a driving force at Altavista Property, and our chief property bargain hunter.