Property Point Marbella - El Gordo Christmas Lottery

The Spanish Christmas lottery, El Gordo or 'The Fat One', is the biggest lottery in the world and  one of the oldest, having started in 1812. While the first prize in 2005 was 'only' 3€ million, El Gordo has the biggest prize pool of any lottery in the world, last year totaling over two billion euros!
 
How the El Gordo Spanish Christmas Lottery Works
The Spanish Christmas Lottery works differently to most lotteries in the world. A whole ticket billete is very expensive, costing 200€ in 2005. However, these tickets are split up into ten decimos (tenths) costing 20€ each. When buying your tickets you have the choice of buying a single decimo, a whole ticket, or a fraction of your choice. If you don't buy the whole ticket, someone else will buy the rest of your ticket.

The Draw
El Gordo is drawn every December 22. The process is very long,taking more than three hours, so you will likely see people sat by their radios for much of the day, waiting for the results.
As the wealth is often spread out among a group of people rather than a single person, a win in a small community can have a profound effect on the local economy

So invest in a ticket and you could be having a very merry Christmas!

For information on properties to rent or buy go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella – Part of the second by-pass due to open by end of year

The first few kilometres of the second Malaga bypass will be opened at the end of this month, six months later than originally expected. The partial opening of the new by-pass means that people from the Puerto de la Torre district and from the centre and eastern parts of the city will be able to use it for better access to the Valle de Guadalhorce and to the Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía. It will also ease congestion at the campus of the university at Teatinos, the Ciudad de la Justicia, the Hospital Clínico and the industrial estates, especially at rush hour. The other two sections from the Centro de Transporte de Mercancías to Torremolinos will be completed in 2011

 Article courtesy of Sur in English

For information on the best properties to rent and buy go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella - Andalucia is region with the most property sales

ANDALUCIA, was the Spanish region where the highest number of houses were sold in October, with 5,214, according to the National Statistics Institute. Of these, 3,896 were new properties. The lowest number of sales in Spain were seen in Mellila and Ceuta with 36 and 42 respectively.

With 1,205, Malaga Province had the highest number of properties sold in the region of Andalucia ahead of Sevilla’s 888 and Almeria’s 763. Sales in Andalucia in October dropped by 18.2 per cent against the previous month.

Andalucia was fifth in a national ranking, with 80 house sales per 100,000 inhabitants; well above the national average of 72. Top spots were shared by the Valencia and La Rioja regions with 93.

To read the whole article go to the Euro Weekly News website

For information on the best properties to rent and buy go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

For great articles on the Costa Del Sol why not subscribe to our RSS News Feed.

For information on our latest properties you can subscribe to our RSS Property Feed.

Property Point Marbella – Rural Spanish Properties Gaining in Popularity

House hunters are shunning Provence and Tuscany in favour of the more affordable Spanish countryside.
The British are such romantics when it comes to second homes. Given the choice between a lock-up-and-leave apartment on the coast and a ruined farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, we’ll take the farmhouse every time. This is according to research carried out by Savills, which shows the demand for overseas restoration projects has risen by 15 per cent since last year.
Traditionally, France and Italy have been the sought-after destinations for renovations, but according to Charles Weston Baker, head of Savills’s international department, the focus is turning to rural Spain, where farmhouses (caseríos, cortijos, masias or fincas) can cost three times less than the equivalent in Provence or Tuscany.
Prices start at under £100,000 for a three-bedroom farmhouse in Spain, so it’s easy to see why the market is proving so attractive to British investors.
A decade ago Chris Stewart, the co-founder of Genesis, bought an abandoned farm in the Alpujarras, south of Granada, with blossoming almond trees and ancient olives.
His book Driving Over Lemons bears similarities to A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle’s account of moving to Provence, but the rural Spain he portrays is more rugged. His farmhouse had no access road, electricity or running water and the locals were peasant farmers and shepherds. This might sound bleak, but as southern France and Italy become increasingly “discovered”, Spain’s lost wilderness is appealing to more adventurous buyers.
Inland Andalusia is an obvious choice for British buyers due to its affordable prices, proximity to the coast and several airports (Alicante, Granada, Malaga).
In the most popular areas, particularly the vicinity of Ronda, ruined fincas sell for as much as £500,000, but in more remote parts you can pay less than £80,000.

To read the full article go to http://news.kyero.com/

For More information on both rural and coastal properties go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

For great articles on the Costa Del Sol why not subscribe to our RSS News Feed.

For information on our latest properties you can subscribe to our RSS Property Feed.

Property Point Marbella – Detached Villa in Nagueles

Bed: 7
Bath: 5
Area: 380 m2

This fantastic villa in Nagueles has 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms on a 2000m2 plot. It was recently renovated and everything is brand new. The exterior of the home boasts a private pool, bungalow, barbecue area and 2 car garage. The lawn is in immaculate condition. The interior of the property has marble and wood flooring throughout, air conditioning & central heating, a modern kitchen, alarm system and high quality furniture and appliances.

For more information go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella- High quality 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment

Bed: 2
Bath: 2
Built: 138 m2

This is a very high-quality 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with one of the most prestigious addresses on the Costa del Sol. It was designed with Andalucian architecture in mind and was built to receive as much natural sun light as possible. The urbanization is a gated community with beautifully manicured gardens and a swimming pool. It has panoramic views overlooking the Mediterranean, La Concha and the well maintained communal areas of the urbanization.

For more information go to www.propertypointmarbella.com
 

Property Point Marbella - Andalucia for Christmas

Andalucía, the best gift for Christmas” is the slogan that from this week the junta will be using to promote the region as the perfect winter holiday destination. The campaign will stretch to the U.K, Germany, France; Portugal and Italy as well as other regions of Spain and has a budget of 1.1 million Euros.


The reassurance from the air traffic controllers and the government that there will be no disruptions over the Christmas holidays has come just in time for this campaign aimed at attracting tourists from countries and regions that have excellent air, rail or road connections with Andalucía.

The idea is to turn Christmas into a tourism product so that booking a trip to Andalucía will have the same attraction at this time of year as it does in the spring or summer.
While the ambassador admitted the project was ambitious he stressed the diversity of the region at this time of year. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada, visiting national parks and other areas of natural beauty, cultural breaks in the cities or trips with an emphasis on gastronomy, shopping or leisure are among the proposals the Junta will be making to tempt visitors.
From now until January 5^th new Andalucía Christmas advertisements will be seen on television and radio, in cinemas, newspapers and on the internet, as well as on billboards and in shopping centers and football grounds.

To read the full article go to the Sur in English website.

For information on the best properties available go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Paul O'Mahony of Property Point Marbella recommends – 1/2/3 bed Apartments in Duquesa

www.propertypointmarbella.com listing 518

This development is in an unbeatable location in the heart of the La Duquesa marina area with access onto the beach (direct access) and La Duquesa marina (direct access).

Property Point Marbella - Malaga

Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol which is situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is a port in Andalucía, Southern Spain and it is known as a major holiday resort.

The city is engulfed by the Mountains situated in the Southern base of the Axarquia hills and the two rivers, the Guadalhorce and the Guadalmedina  flow near to Malaga.
An estimated 6 million tourists flock each year to this wonderful sunny cosmopolitan city to explore the beautiful landscapes, remarkable architecture, great nightlife and fantastic seafood restaurants.
The city is not only well known for its sandy beaches but also for its rich history, additionally being the birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso. The Picasso Museum opened in 2003 and has been highly praised by those who appreciate exceptional culture.
The city of Malaga comprises of three main tourist areas – Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitution and Calle de Granada which are well known for shopping, nightlife and cultural entertainment.

Malaga’s Attractions
The main attractions of Malaga include the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro, featuring a fantastic view of the town and bay. The city presents a handful of excellent museums ranging from historic to modern arts that prove to be very popular. The cathedral and the churches, located in the centre of the city also attract many visitors.

Wind-surfing, Para-sailing and riding on Jet skis are the most enjoyable water sports which can be found at almost all of the marinas along the coast. Malaga’s climate also permits hiking, bike riding and tennis activities throughout the year. Furthermore, Malaga is known for its fantastic golf courses, its popular spectator sports and its beautiful park landscapes which are perfect for relaxing afternoons
This modern city merges well with its historical background catering for all types of visitors, for those that wish to appreciate the past and those that want to discover the future.
For more information on Malaga go to www.malaga.com

For Information on the best properties to rent and buy along the Costa del Sol go to www.propertypoinmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella – Shock Economy Measures in a bid to calm markets

Spain's Prime Minister Zapatero announced a series of surprise measures on Wednesday including tax cuts for small and medium sized businesses and the abolition of the obligatory fees they had been paying to the chambers of commerce. Obstacles for setting up new companies will be removed along with some of the costs with the aim of being able to set up a firm in 24 hours. 

The Government will also abolish the monthly subsidy of 426 Euros, which is paid to unemployed people who are not receiving any other benefits. This measure will take effect in February next year. This subsidy, introduced in August 2009 to help those whose entitlement to unemployment benefits has run out, has cost 1.392.8 million euros.

 To help people back into work, the employment agency will take on an extra 1,500 job advisors and rules permitting private agencies will be relaxed.

To read the whole article go to the Sur in English website. 


For information on the best properties to rent or buy along the Costa del Sol go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella - 1/3 Bedroom Apartments Marbella

Bedrooms: 1-3

Area: Marbella

Town: Los Monteros Full Description: Splendid one to three bedroom apartments and penthouses with spectacular views of the sea and the mountains of Africa and Gibraltar. Spacious apartments with top quality fittings, wide terraces, and exclusively designed bathrooms make it a carefully conceived combination of contemporary architecture and style. For people who want to take care of themselves and keep in shape there are two exterior swimming pools, large Jacuzzis, solariums, and a fully equipped gymnasium. Furthermore you can also find two saunas and an indoor heated swimming pool. Only 30 minutes from Malaga’s airport and 45 minutes from Gibraltar´s airport. This is a place where the light, the sea, and the mountains are all in perfect harmony- where you can enjoy the good things in life. For more information on this property and many more go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Home Features Air Conditioning Alarm Fully Fitted kitchen Satellite TV Under floor Heating

Community Features Golf Course Golf Views Gym Indoor Heated Pool Lovely Gardens Pool Sea Views Security Spa/Jacuzzi

Property Point Marbella – The Alhambra de Granada

The Alhambra Palace overlooking the city of Granada is probably the most acclaimed example of Moorish architecture in all of Spain.
The Alhambra (meaning The Red One) is both a palace and a fortress; built in the mid 14th century by Moorish rulers, today it is one of Andalucía’s biggest tourist attractions.
The Alhambra consists of four parts: Charles V’s Palace, Alcazaba, Palacios Naziaries and Generalife.
Of these four parts it is the Palacios Naziaries (an equisit Moorish Palace) is the most renowned. It remains in almost perfect condition and is a work of art in itself. The architecture is breathtakingly beautiful and wandering through its rooms and hallways is like being transported back to the 14th Century itself.
The Alcazaba (the old fort) is the original Alhambra and is the oldest and most ruined; yet taking a walk to the top results in the most breathtaking views of Granada and its surrounding areas that should not be missed.
Charles V’s Palace is without a doubt Spain’s most impressive Renaissance building with its own unique architecture to admire. Inside the Palace are two museums (both free to enter), the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Museo de Alhambra, which shows the Alhambra’s best surviving Moorish art.
The sultan’s vegetable and fruit garden and summer palace, called the Generalife (hen-ne-raw-LEEF-ay), is a short hike uphill. Walk through the sprawling gardens (planted only in the 1930s)which remain the most perfect Arabian gardens in all of Andalucía and admire the sleek, modern amphitheater which has been recently renovated and continues to be an important concert venue for Granada.

If you are planning a trip to the Alhambra (and I recommend you do) then go to www.alhambradegranada.org for more information on the buildings themselves, tickets and the best ways to get there.

For information on the best properties to rent or buy on the Costa del Sol go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella – REDUCED Independent Villa in Bahia de Marbella

Bedrooms: 4 Bathroom: 4 Year Built: 1997

Area: Bahia de Marbella     Built size: 240

Beautiful detached Villa situated in Bahia de Marbella, this is one of the most sought after locations in Marbella. A short walking distance to what many consider to be the best beach in Marbella with a selection of beachside restaurants and a 2 minute drive to either Santa Clara golf or Rio Real. The Villa is on two levels with a covered swimming pool and garage for 2 cars. On the ground floor you have 2 bedrooms one ensuite in addition to a spacious living area and kithchen. You have direct access to the swimming pool via an enclosed terrace at the rear of the property. Upstairs there is a large terrace area and two bedrooms both with on suite bathrooms. The villa benefits from central heating and air conditioning and will make an ideal home for holiday use or as a permanent home.The property is part of a gated community with 24 hour static security

Home Features Air Conditioning Alarm Dishwasher Fireplace Fully Fitted kitchen Garage Garden Hydro Massage Bath Microwave Patio Pool Satellite TV Storage Area Terrace Under floor Heating Washer/Dryer

Community Features Controlled Access Entry Phone System Garage Gated Community Mountain Views Pool Security

Property Point Marbella – Ski Season at Sierra Nevada has officially started!

While it may be raining here on the Coast, that rain has turned to snow up in the sierras and, as reported in many of the local papers, the slopes of the Pradollano Ski Resort in Sierra Nevada opened on Saturday the 27^th of November.

The most talked about event among snow lovers is the opening of the new Sulayr Superpark de Montebajo.The Sierra Nevada resort has been revamped and the opening of this new area is to attract the younger skiers and snowboarders, and with three different areas offering both natural and artificial snow, music, Wi-Fi and a whole new look that is different from the other areas of the resort I am sure it will be a huge success.
This “superpark” has been built in an area of the resort called Loma de Dilar, which was previously used for cross-country skiers. For snowboarders it offers a vast area which includes half-pipes, S-boxes, pyramids, gaps, rails and jumps; it’s the stuff of snowboarder’s dreams. There is also lots of space to practice without the danger of running in to any novice skiers and a team of safety professionals on hand to assist anyone who is injured or in trouble.
Also new to the Sierra Nevada resort are the two new green runs and a brand new carpet lift located in the Family and Beginners area.
So whether you are a novice or an adrenalin loving snowboarder there is something new and exciting offered to you this season at Sierra Nevada, the perfect weekend getaway.

For information on how to get to Sierra Nevada, Ski Rental and other useful information go to  http://www.sierranevada.co.uk/

For information on the best properties for rent and sale along the Costa del Sol go to http://www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella – Luxury Property in Sierra Blanca

Bedrooms: 2/3
Bathroom: 2
Area: Sierra Blanca
Nestled in a typical Mediterranean pueblo this development is located in Sierra Blanca one of the most sought after and prestigious urbanisations in the Costa del Sol with stunning views towards the azure Mediterranean seas. This exclusive residential luxury development comprises of 72 two, three and four bedroom apartments and penthouses set in typical Mediterranean countryside surrounded by immaculate landscape gardens and sparkling pools. The site is designed carefully with exceptional attention to detail assuring quality and luxurious living for its home owners. All apartments feature climate control air conditioning, heating, climalit windows, fully equipped kitchen with high end electrical appliances, cellar, storage, utility room and communal garage all contained within a gated a secure environment

For more information on this listing or any others visit http://www.propertypointmarbella.com 

Home Features Air Conditioning Disposal Fireplace Fully Fitted kitchen Garage Microwave Satellite TV Storage Area Under floor Heating Waterfront

Community Features Courtyard Entry Phone System Fitness Center Gated Community Lovely Gardens Pool Public Transportation Sea Views Security Spa/Jacuzzi Tennis Courts

Property Point Marbella – Great location, low price house between Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara

Bedrooms: 3      Area: Nueva Andalucia

Bathroom: 3      Built size: 150
This is a well located family home situated in an enclosed pueblo between Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara. The property is built over 3 levels including the rooftop solarium and offers well sized rooms suitable for year round living. The development has several swimming pools dotted around the community and is only a few minutes walk to the local beaches of San Pedro and the more exclusive Puerto Banus.
For more information on this listing or other great properties please visit the Property Point Marbella website at http://www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella – Great location, low price house between Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara

Bedrooms: 3      Area: Nueva Andalucia

Bathroom: 3      Built size: 150
This is a well located family home situated in an enclosed pueblo between Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara. The property is built over 3 levels including the rooftop solarium and offers well sized rooms suitable for year round living. The development has several swimming pools dotted around the community and is only a few minutes walk to the local beaches of San Pedro and the more exclusive Puerto Banus.
For more information on this listing or other great properties please visit the Property Point Marbella website at http://www.propertypointmarbella.com

Front line golf 5 bedroom villa in Guadalmina Alta

 For more information on this listing or other great properties please visit the Property Point Marbella website at http://www.propertypointmarbella.com
 

Bedrooms: 5 Bathroom: 6 Year Built: 2006	Area: Guadalmina Alta Built size: 392
Town: Benahavis and Atalaya Full Description: This is a very impressive villa located in Guadalmina Alta with it´s own private pool, garden, 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. It has direct access straight onto the golf course. There is marble flooring throughout with air conditioning and underfloor heating. It has an alarm system as well as 24 hour security, a 2 car garage and extra parking space in the driveway. The property is built on 3 floors and is a total of 392m2. The total plot area is 598m2. The property is in close vicinity to shops, schools and restaurants. It was built in 2006 and is fantastic condition.
Home Features Air Conditioning Alarm Fireplace Fully Fitted kitchen Garage Garden Hydro Massage Bath Microwave Pool Storage Area Terrace Under floor Heating Community Features Entry Phone System Golf Course Golf Views Mountain Views Security

Property Point Marbella – House sales up 13pc in Q3

Article courtesy of Spanish Property Insight, for more information on properties along the Costa Del Sol visit our site at http://www.propertypointmarbella.com

 Registrars (who record all new title deeds in the property register) reveal that residential property transactions rose by an annualised 13pc in Q3 to 124,593 sales, with new build sales up 9pc and resales up 17pc.

  On a rolling 12-month basis, there were 454,283 sales over 12 months to the end of Q3, up an annualised 4pc and a quarterly 3pc. Even if a percentage of these sales were banks swapping debt for property, I think we can see from the chart below the market has found its floor at  around 400,000 transactions per year.

Property Point Marbella – House sales up 13pc in Q3

Article courtesy of Spanish Property Insight, for more information on properties along the Costa Del Sol visit our site at http://www.propertypointmarbella.com

 Registrars (who record all new title deeds in the property register) reveal that residential property transactions rose by an annualised 13pc in Q3 to 124,593 sales, with new build sales up 9pc and resales up 17pc.

  On a rolling 12-month basis, there were 454,283 sales over 12 months to the end of Q3, up an annualised 4pc and a quarterly 3pc. Even if a percentage of these sales were banks swapping debt for property, I think we can see from the chart below the market has found its floor at  around 400,000 transactions per year.