Property Point Marbella - High quality 3 bedroom apartment in Benahavis

Bedrooms: 3
Bathroom: 2
Year Built: 2009

Town: Benahavis and Atalaya
This south facing property built in 2009 with a contemporary style has been finished to a very high standard and includes marble flooring throughout, air conditioning with heating, Satellite TV connections and alarm system.
From the terraces you have spectacular golf and sea views overlooking the beautifully kept landscaped gardens and swimming pools.There is also an indoor pool with gymnasium, sauna and a steam room.Gated community with 24hrs security and concierge service.
For more information go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Home Features Air Conditioning Alarm Dishwasher Fully Fitted kitchen Garage Microwave Satellite TV Terrace Washer/Dryer

Community Features Clubhouse Entry Phone System Garage Gym Indoor Heated Pool Lovely Gardens Mountain Views Pool Sea Views Security Spa/Jacuzzi

Property Point Marbella - 2/3 Bedroom Apartments in Golf Valley, Benahavis

Bedrooms: 2-3 Bathroom: 2

Area: Nueva Andalucia

Town: Nueva Andalucia This fantastic complex has two swimming pools in different levels, extensive areas to sunbathe, gardens designed by a landscape architect as well as fountains, ponds and waterfalls, The apartments have been designed to enjoy the privileged views over the golf valley and sea. All of them have extensive covered terraces and open patios and wide large windows as well that allow maximizing the sun light from the Mediterranean. For more information go to www.propertypointmarbella.com Home Features Air Conditioning Fully Fitted kitchen Patio Terrace Under floor Heating Community Features Garage Golf Course Golf Views Lovely Gardens Pool Sea Views Spa/Jacuzzi

Property Point Marbella - Spain's new Penal Code

The new Spanish Penal Code, which introduces new crimes and increased penalties for serious offences such as paedophilia, terrorism and corruption, came into effect last week with the primary aim of being more proportional and consistent, according to Minister of Justice, Francisco Caamaño.

“Its spirit, if we had to condense it into one word, would be proportionality. This is a code that is harder on those crimes that Spanish society believes should be punished,” he said.

The new Penal Code, which was approved in June and comes into force six months after being published in the legislative Official State Bulletin, for the first time regulates corporate criminal liability. Now companies will be fined or dissolved if they commit crimes or tolerate criminal conduct.

It also clamps down on investment scams where documents are falsified to obtain credit, loans, information or resources. Similarly, it punishes the leaking of news or rumours to either alter or maintain the market price of stocks and shares.

In addition, the new code increases the penalties for town planning crimes, public finance fraud, match fixing, bribery, and influence peddling. Furthermore those charged with deleting, damaging or removing computer data or programs in an unauthorised way from private or public firms will also face tougher sentences under the new system.

Motorists

From now on, your car could be impounded on a permanent basis if you are caught on a motorway speeding over 200 kilometres an hour and if caught driving at more than 120 kilometres an hour in an urban area. Your vehicle will also be taken away forever should you be found with more than 1.2 grams of alcohol per litre of blood, or if you refuse to participate in alcohol or drug tests.

The new legislation states that breaking the town centre speed limit of 60 kilometres an hour, or the out of town limit of 80 kilometres an hour, could mean a prison sentence.

“I think anything which deters people from drink driving and speeding must be a step in the right direction,” says Torremolinos resident, Christiaan Pieterson, whose niece’s car was hit in Los Álamos by a speeding driver who was later found to be over the limit. “It was miraculous she was OK! It’s absolutely correct that those who are drunk behind the wheel have their car taken away, as they could be taking someone’s life away as a result of their irresponsible actions.”

Read the whole article on the Sur in English Website 

For the best properties on the Costa del Sol go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella - Spain Sees Progress on Deficit and Unemployment

Spain’s jobless numbers fell for the first time in five months in December, data showed Tuesday, and the prime minister said the government beat its target for reducing its public sector deficit last year as it fights to fend off a debt crisis.

Weighed down by massive unemployment and shrinking tax revenue, Spain has seen premiums demanded by investors to hold its debt soar in the last six months on concerns its control over public finances was slipping.

In a radio interview, Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero said the country would beat last year’s target, which was to reduce the broad public sector deficit, including regional administrations and state agencies, to 9.3 percent of gross domestic product, from from 11.2 percent of G.D.P. in 2009.

Mr. Zapatero added that high unemployment continued to be a main concern for the government.

“In 2011, growth will consolidate and we will create net jobs over the year, but we're a long way from seeing the employment growth that we'd like to see,” Mr. Zapatero said.

Jobless numbers dropped by 0.25 percent in December from a month earlier to 4.1 million, the Labor Ministry said on Tuesday.

To read the whole article go to The New York Times website 

For the best properties to rent or buy go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella - Luxury Apartments in Benahavis

Bedrooms: 2/3/4 Bathroom: 2/3

Area: Benahavis

Town: Benahavis and Atalaya Full Description: This brand new development is located in the new golf valley of Benahavis in breathtaking surroundings and is only 10 km from Puerto Banus. The development sits on an elevated plot with unobstructed 180 degree views of the golf course and out across the Mediterranean to Gibraltar, and from the other side to Marbella and beyond to the mountain La Concha. The development is only 10 minutes to the beach as well as to the typical Andalucian village of Benahavis and is surrounded by three golf courses. There are a further ten golf courses within 10 minutes drive, including the prestigious Marbella courses of El Paraiso, La Alqueria and Atalaya. The location of the construction means that the buildings do not obstruct each other’s views, enjoying the benefits of a tranquil front line golf location, yet close to the beach and numerous other leisure and commercial centres. Built to the highest standards which includes spa facilities, a heated in-door pool, gym, Jacuzzi and sauna. Panoramic golf views, fitted kitchen, marble floors, air conditioning, central heating, double glazing and underground parking.

Home Features Air Conditioning Fully Fitted kitchen Garage Microwave Patio Satellite TV Storage Area Terrace Under floor Heating Washer/Dryer

Community Features Controlled Access Entry Phone System Fitness Center Garage Gated Community Golf Course Golf Views Gym Indoor Heated Pool Lovely Gardens Mountain Views Pool Security Spa/Jacuzzi

Property Point Marbella - Gorgeous villa in Nueva Andalucia

Bedrooms: 4 Bathroom: 2,5 Year Built: 1985

Area: Nueva Andalucia Built size: 190m2

Town: Nueva Andalucia Full Description: A real deal villa in Nueva Andalucia at a very interesting price. An amazing villa very tastefully furnished and decorated. This centrally located villa right next to several golf courses, has an inviting turquoise colored pool with its own wooden bridge. The inside has been done in a timeless style that suits almost everybodys likings.

Home Features Air Conditioning Alarm Dishwasher Fireplace Fully Fitted kitchen Garden Infinity Pool Patio Satellite TV Terrace Washer/Dryer

Community Features Mountain Views Public Transportation

Property Point Marbella - Large 2 bed property beside Puerto Banus

Bedrooms:  Bathroom: 2

Area: Nueva Andalucia Built size: 115

Town: Nueva Andalucia Full Description: This large 2 bedroom apartment has recently become available and offers a wonderful opportunity to purchase within only a few minutes walk to the famous Puerto Banus. Set amidst mature gardens and swimming pools along with on-site paddel tennis courts the development has 24 hour gated security and offers luxury at an affordable price. For more information on this property and many more go to www.propertypointmarbella.com

Property Point Marbella – Is 2011 the year to buy property?

With the property market still weak and house prices expected to fall further in 2011, many commentators are claiming this could be the year to bag a property bargain.

New research from the Building Societies Association (BSA) shows that public opinion about buying property in 2011 is positive. According to the findings, nearly two-thirds of us would buy immediately or within the next year, given sufficient money.

But while low interest rates and competitive property prices may be tempting you to dip a toe back into the market, is this really the right time to buy? 

Should you cash in on current property prices?
Well, a lot depends on your reasons for buying. If you plan to purchase during the next 12 months, you could find yourself buying in a falling market. That said, few property experts are predicting prices will fall sharply.
Nationwide’s chief economist Martin Gahbauer said there was little evidence to suggest house price declines will accelerate in the months ahead and Martin Ellis, Halifax’s housing economist, expects house prices to remain “broadly stable” during 2011.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) also says prices are likely to continue to slip over the coming months but that the lack of supply in the market is likely to prevent significant price declines.

With this outlook for 2011, it may well make sense for those looking to take the first step to buy in the next 12 months to take advantage of lower house prices.

The same applies to those looking to upsize. Even though you will get less for the home you are selling, you will make savings on the property you are buying and this is likely to be the bigger sum.

To read the whole article go to money.uk.msn.com

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

Property Point Marbella - Spanish tourist arrivals post seventh monthly increase in November

     The number of foreign visitors to Spain rose in November for the seventh straight month despite a drop in tourists from its main market Britain, government data shows.

   The country welcomed 2.9 million foreign tourists last month, a 2.7 percent increase over the same time last year, bringing total arrivals in the first 11 months of 2010 to 50.1 million, up 1.3 percent, the tourism ministry said.

"All the main source markets of tourists to Spain posted rises in the number of tourists, with the exception of Britain," it said in a statement.

The number of arrivals from Britain fell 6.1 percent in November over the same month last year to 590,192.

But this was offset by a slight rise in arrivals from Germany, the second most important source of tourists to Spain, and sharp rises in arrivals from France, Italy and Scandinavian countries.

Tourist arrivals from Germany were up 0.1 percent to 445,905 while arrivals from France soared 10.3 percent to 429,794 and arrivals from Italy jumped 30.9 percent to 240,941.

Arrivals from Scandinavia soared 15.1 percent in November to 312,814.

Tourism, which accounts for around 10 percent of Spain's economy, has taken a battering due to the emergence of cheaper sunshine destinations in the eastern Mediterranean such as Turkey and Egypt and the drop in the value of the British pound.

The country got 52.5 million visitors in 2009, down 8.7 percent from 2008 when Spain lost its ranking as the world's second most visited country to the United States.

Earlier this month the UN World Tourism Organisation said China may overcome Spain as the world's third most visited country this year after France and the United States.

In 2008, the number of visitors to Spain fell 2.3 percent, the first reversal in tourist arrivals in more than a decade.

Read the whole article on the Independent website

For the best properties to rent and buy go to the Property Point Marbella website

Paul O’Mahony of Property Point Marbella recommends – Marbella Villa or Barrio?

The doorbell rang.  It was Perla carrying a bucket full of fish.  They were small dorada and they were still wriggling.  When I had met him in the street yesterday he had asked me if we wanted any fresh fish and I had said yes.  This is what he normally does, as he has no phone, and he and his brother go out early every morning in their small 2-man boat from Marbella’s fishing port.  They mostly sell the fish direct to bars and restaurants – and to lucky householders who live in the same ‘barrio’.  Perla is well-known locally for having been a tremendous drinker who kicked the habit and lost twenty kilos in the process.

Property Point Marbella News – Celebrating Christmas in Spain

Paul O'Mahoney of Property Point Marbella reports on the latest news & events.  For more information, please visit Property Point Marbella's website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.

Christmas in Spain differs in many ways from normal celebrations in the UK, the US and other western countries.

For a start, it is nowhere near as blatantly commercialised. The Spanish treat Christmas very much more as a religious event. It is very rare to see Christmas lights, displays and produce in stores much before December.

Paul O’Mahony of Property Point Marbella recommends - Megabowl Sports Bar Marbella

Paul O'Mahoney of Property Point Marbella reports on the latest news & events.  For more information, please visit Property Point Marbella's website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.

Megabowl Sports Bar in Marbella is a fun-filled venue for the whole family to spend few quality hours in their weekend break. Located at La Canada Shopping Centre, Megabowl is very much popular among the residents on the Costa del Sol.

Property Point Marbella News - The new online shopping phenomenon arrives in the Costa del Sol

Paul O’Mahoney of Property Point Marbella reports on the latest news & events.  For more information, please visit Property Point Marbella’s website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.

Highly discounted goods and services from your favorite local businesses on the Costa del Sol has arrived in the form of a brand new online shop simply called Find Me A Discount.

Like most consumers are you fed up with paying top prices for goods and services?

Would you like to be able to purchase items and services from your favorite Costa del Sol businesses at up to 50% of their normal prices?

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

Paul O’Mahoney of Property Point Marbella recommends - Puerto Banus Nightlife

Paul O'Mahoney of Property Point Marbella reports on the latest news & events.  For more information, please visit Property Point Marbella's website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.

Marbella has long been the most exclusive resort in Spain and neighbouring Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol is the hip place to dance the night away.

Property Point Marbella News - Word Lens for iPhone translates Spanish to English - in real time!

Paul O'Mahoney of Property Point Marbella reports on the latest news & events.  For more information, please visit Property Point Marbella's website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.

Remember the Babel Fish? As fans of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" will recall, it lived in your ear and immediately translated whatever language a person was speaking into whatever language you could understand.

Property Point Marbella News - Traffic restrictions introduced in the centre of Sevilla

Paul O'Mahoney of Property Point Marbella reports on the latest news & events.  For more information, please visit Property Point Marbella's website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.

Drivers are not allowed to spend more than 45 minutes in the historic city centre

Traffic levels were reported to have fallen in the historic centre of Sevilla by 17% on the first day of new mobility restrictions in the zone, with the City Hall claiming greater fluidity.

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

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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

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