International investment in Spanish property appears to be steadily increasing, there is increased confidence in the market and new developments are coming up for sale. The weak euro is also making it a great time to buy for some groups of foreign clients. Perhaps more importantly, according to Lucas Fox co-founders Alex Vaughan and Stijn Teeuwen, there are clear signs that in major cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, national buyers are starting to buy again, this has been helped by the increasing willingness of Spanish banks to give mortgages to qualified buyers.
“I think the market has been slowly recovering since the beginning of 2013,”
says Alex Vaughan,
“and that in many areas prices bottomed out in the last two quarters of 2014. So far 2015 looks set to be the year that the market really turns the corner and that transaction levels start to increase significantly. As we have been saying for the last couple of years the key for investors in Spanish property is to focus on location. The prices of properties in prime areas will recover first and now is a great time to take advantage of low prices and buy in the best prime micro location you can.”
Stijn Teeuwen isn’t sure that the love affair with Spain ever really stopped.
“In the period 2007 to 2014 there was a lot of uncertainty about the market and this made a lot of people put their plans on hold,”
he says.
“The big appeal of Spain is lifestyle and almost all of our clients at Lucas Fox are what we call ‘lifestyle investors’. They want to make a wise property investment but choose Spain because of the quality of life it offers.”
El Madroñal, Benahavís
On an enormous elevated plot of just under 10,000m2, this south facing property has been fully renovated to the highest of standards and features spectacular views over the coast, to the sea and to Gibraltar. The estate includes an elegant courtyard with fountain, while the villa itself has a grand entrance with sweeping staircase and eight bedrooms – all of which are en suite.
£10.1m / €14m / $15.3m
Fine & Country Marbella
+34 952 7640 10
Barcelona
This recently built, contemporary home is within 20 minutes of the airport and the city centre. Featuring state-of-the-art finishes and incredible views over Barcelona, the property measures 1,700m2 and is set on a 2,000m2 plot. It offers eight en suite bedrooms, several entertainment rooms, an infinity pool, terraces on all levels, a cinema room, golf simulator and parking for eight cars.
There is a Bulthaup kitchen on the ground floor with Gaggenau appliances and a secondary kitchen in the entertainment area on the floor below with access to a terrace and Argentinian barbecue. Outside there is a large garden on two levels with an infinity pool and organic vegetable plot.
£11.5m / 16m / $17.5m
Lucas Fox (+34) 933 562 989
Santa Inés, Ibiza
Finca Santa Inés is a superb villa with six en suite bedrooms and fabulous views. It has a built area of 533m2 set within two hectares of land. There is a comfortable living room with a fireplace, dining room, fully equipped kitchen and a utility room. The mix of white walls, wooden doors and ceilings add to the traditional style of the home. There is also a two-bedroom, two bathroom guesthouse. The villa has a swimming pool, terrace and a perfectly maintained garden with a variety of fruit trees.
£3.52m / €4.9m / $5.35m
Abercrombie & Kent International Estates
+44 (0)20 3667 7016
Palacio de Anglona, Madrid
Constructed between 1675 and 1690, this is a typical aristocratic residence, which belonged to the heirs of Álvaro de Benavides. It is characteristic of a traditional Castilian building and was once the residence of members of royalty, such as the Prince of Anglona.
Beautifully renovated, the building was divided into 10 residential apartments, one of which is this duplex apartment. It is arranged across a reception area on the main floor, and includes a lobby, living room, sitting room, kitchen beside the servant’s quarters, two bedrooms plus another bathroom and living room. On the first floor are three main bedrooms all with a private bathroom and dressing room; the master suite features a double dressing room plus a small living room.
£4.5m / €6.3m / $6.9m
John Taylor Madrid +34 91 781 0691
Pollença, Mallorca
Combining the charms of the old town with a very peaceful and private setting, this house features elegant, yet cosy, living areas. These include a dining room with sliding glass doors opening on to one of the many terraces and a well-equipped kitchen. On the upper floor of the main house there are three double bedrooms and two bathrooms and, in the completely independent guesthouse, three more bedrooms and two bathrooms. The original building dates back to the 17th century and has many original features as well as a gym and jacuzzi. Views as far as the sea can be enjoyed from the upper terrace near the large heated pool.
£2.88m / €4m / $4.4m
39˚N 3˚E +34 971 53 15 35
[email protected]
Legorreta House, Sotogrande
This property is a masterpiece from the world-renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. It is the first and only private home he has designed in Continental Europe and has typical features such as geometric forms interacting with intense colours and light, all surrounded by an impressive landscape.
Characteristic of the Mexican influence are several water basins and fountains and three patios including a spectacular patio in the centre of the house measuring 120m2. Living rooms and bedrooms are equipped with contemporary designer furniture, while the wooden floors are made out of walnut and oak of outstanding quality.
The villa enjoys spectacular panoramic views over the green fairways of San Roque Golf Club and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s location, Sotogrande, just 30 minutes south of Marbella, has developed over the years into a high-class urbanisation housing a truly international society. It offers three golf courses including Valderrama, one of Europe’s best, world famous polo fields and a 683 berth marina.
£2.57m / €3.5m / $3.94m
Consuelo Silva Real Estate, S.L. +34 609510257
[email protected]
www.legorretahouse.com
Pollença, Mallorca
Combining the charms of the old town with a very peaceful and private setting, this house features elegant, yet cosy, living areas. These include a dining room with sliding glass doors opening on to one of the many terraces and a well-equipped kitchen. On the upper floor of the main house there are three double bedrooms and two bathrooms and, in the completely independent guesthouse, three more bedrooms and two bathrooms. The original building dates back to the 17th century and has many original features as well as a gym and jacuzzi. Views as far as the sea can be enjoyed from the upper terrace near the large heated pool.
£2.88m / €4m / $4.4m
39˚N 3˚E +34 971 53 15 35
[email protected]
