Russia’s president Vladimir Putin may be the latest high profile buyer to join the glitterati in Southern Spain as the country’s high-end gated communities attract a wealthy high profile set seeking exclusivity. Mr Putin has reputedly bought a grand home near Marbella which comes complete with stunning northern views of the Serrania de Ronda mountain range. This stretch of coastline has long been a favourite for wealthy buyers with an impressive array of gated communities containing every on-site amenity for a lavish lifestyle. Discreet gated villa communities have always been popular says James Vizetelly of Chestertons Affinity, but he warns that new regulations are making it almost impossible to create new ones, so established developments remain the only option.
“Security is always in the top five wish-list for our villa clients,”
he explains,
“along with great views, contemporary design and a practical layout.”
Most agents agree that the market around Marbella is booming with developers facing stiff competition for decent plots. The downturn may have put an end to off-plan sales – buying a home before construction – but the practice is firmly back according to Mr Vizetelly.
“Most buyers want a villa that simply doesn’t exist yet, so buying a plot and effectively designing your own house is an increasingly popular option,
“Along with security and views, buyers at this end also demand extras such as underfloor heating and car parking and the potential to create further living spaces.”
Agents also report that prices are now back at or above peak.
“Most owners within gated villa communities are largely unaffected by market downturns, being typically very wealthy individuals,”
adds Mr Vizetelly. Aylesford International’s Michael Corry- Reid sees buyers coming from across Europe – especially Scandinavia. He believes that recent planning hiccups, the scrapping of the 2010 urban plan, a situation which may not be resolved until 2019, is having a positive effect on adjoining municipalities such as Estepona and Benahavis.
“Buyers are still expecting bargains, but they are becoming less easy to find,”
he explains.
“Most bank repossessions of top end properties have been sold.”
Spain’s economy is finally getting back on track believes Regan Berger of Kristina Szekely Sotheby’s International Realty who also notices increased demand for high-end homes.
“Marbella’s warm climate, excellent communications, gastronomic delights, quality golf courses and beautiful beaches as well as the vibrancy of Spanish culture amalgamate to what makes the destination universally ideal.”
Puerto Banus, Marbella
Located in one of the most picturesque areas of Southern Spain, this spectacular property is only a five-minute walk away from Puerto Banus, a marina known for its super yachts, high fashion shopping and exotic cars. The six-bedroom home provides spacious accommodation and magnificent views over the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the 70s, it has been completely refurbished with sympathetic detail to classic, opulent features such as the marble driveway and swimming pool tiles which were painted by Picasso. The property also includes large gardens, a roof top terrace, Jacuzzi and outdoor barbecue.
£14.15m / €18m / $20.4m
Kristina Szekely Sotheby’s International Realty +34 952814040
El Rosario, Marbella
Built in 2006 and completely renovated in 2014, this six-bedroom, four bathroom villa is south facing with sea views. It has a living room with fireplace, separate sitting area, covered winter terrace, fully equipped kitchen and an upstairs terrace with barbecue. Other features include marble floors, under-floor heating, air conditioning, solar panels, a sauna and alarm system. Outside there is a private swimming pool, splendid garden and two-car garage.
£1.46m / €1.85m / $2.1m
Luxury Estate +34 951 088 717
info@luxuryestate.com
La Zagaleta, Benahavis, Malaga
This stunning new contemporary house has many advanced design and technological features. On a plot of 3,375m², it contains a salon/sitting room, study, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom suite, second master bedroom suite plus two further bedroom suites or gym. There is also a wine cellar and second kitchen as well as a sauna and cinema. Externally there is a firepit, swimming pool with waterfall and heating, Jacuzzi, barbecue and dining area.
£4.64m / €5.9 / $6.69m
Aylesford International +44 (0)20 7351 2383
international@aylesford.com
La Zagaleta, Benahavis, Malaga
This modern, spacious, six-bedroom, six bathroom property plus full apartment is in the most elevated area of the estate, giving the most stunning views. It features an open-plan main living area, with two further reception rooms, all on the ground floor – together with three bedroom suites plus extensive covered terraces. Two master bedroom suites and a study are sited on the upper floor. The lower level has a games room with bar, cinema, gym, spa, bodega, bedroom suite, and apartment. Outside there is a garage for four cars and two golf buggies, a mature garden with heated swimming pool and barbecue area.
£8.65m / €11m / $12.47m
Aylesford International +44 (0)20 7351 2383
international@aylesford.com
