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Doom and gloom have been the key-words for describing the state of the housing market in Spain as of late. Various factors have caused the market to crash completely, both for foreign investors and Spaniards alike. The adage states, however, that once you hit rock bottom, you have nowhere to go but up.

The weak pound continues to make purchasing difficult for British investors, it’s true. Real Estate brokers are saying that, on the Costa Blanca at least, sales have been slow and the few contracts that had been signed were being retracted because of the value difference between the pound and the euro. It’s not just holiday home investors that are struggling under the weak pound, either. Retirees are seeing their life savings amount to less and less and can’t afford to purchase their own villa in the sun to enjoy their golden years. That’s tough to swallow. HiFX, a group of experts in the field of foreign exchange, the difference in pounds for an average priced home has risen £28,000 over the last year or so. Even if buyers estimate that they can still manage payments on the villa of their dreams, the next obstacle to overcome is the difficulty in obtaining a Spanish mortgage, and at that deposit rates have risen from a ridiculous 30% to an unbelievable 40%.

Still, all is not lost. In fact, it’s a great time to buy. Representative Jaqui Daly, who works for Savills Property Consultants, a UK firm, says that those of her countrymen who purchase homes in Spain typically belong in one of two groups. Investors looking for immediate returns and who don’t plan to enjoy their property for their own use are probably on the downside of things under current conditions. Lifestyle buyers, however, are more interested in using the property for their own vacations and enjoyment. This last type is finding this a great time to buy. These lifestyle buyers can take advantage of low prices without the stress or pressure of making money anytime soon. This style of ownership is often preferred by retirees. As a side note, Spain seems to be a fantastic choice for purchase because of its traditionally lower prices (compared to areas like the UK) and because its citizens, like other Europeans, are more frugal even during times of financial abundance, thus making the properties a more stable long term investment.

Another encouraging factor is the interest rate in the UK which has been slashed a full two percent in as many months. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has indicated that he believes this measure would be beneficial to other nations, as well. Banks have been somewhat less giving than the prime minister, however, and have stated that the lower interest rate will not be passed along to customers. The government force banks to pass along the rate cuts, but they can and will exert considerable influence.

More information and photos can be found at http://www.theleader.info

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The debacle in Spain surrounding thousands of properties that were granted building licenses illegally has become legendary. Many of these properties were sold to international buyers, and most of these were British. Some British investors with properties in the northern regions of the Alicante province, Llíber, the Murcia region and in Valle del Sol have finally met with their embassy adviser – Alexandra Brown and the British Consul – Paul Rodwell.

Numbering over 90, the Valle del Sol investors at the meetings expressed their frustration, explaining that they felt ignored and that the illegality of the properties and their potential losses of investments were not being dealt with in a timely and courteous fashion.

Both Brown and Rodwell assured their countrymen that they were working diligently to raise awareness of the investors’ plight, calling on local authorities to discuss with them how best to serve the interests of everyone involved.

Lee Monks, the president of the local association, felt that the meeting was successful. The British Consul shone especially by taking interest in the residents’ individual stories and making them feel that each was heard.

Rodwell met with Mayor José Juan Reus after speaking with the British citizens of Llíber. Furthering his popularity with the British, he invited all British residents to attend the meeting. Reus claimed that everything possible was already being done to resolve the illegal property situation and encouraged the disgruntled homeowners to submit any details regarding their specific situation to the town hall.

Adrian Hobbs, president of Abusos Urbanisticos Lliber–No (AULN), feels that both the Consul and embassy advisor did well in the region, instilling confidence in their ability to act as an effective liaison between disgruntled property owners and unyielding government officials.

According to their website, the AULN is a group dedicated to “provid[ing] a centralised platform of communications for the residents of Lliber whose homes are deemed to be illegal by the authorities” and “resolv[ing] the issues intelligently and as an association of citizens united in the fight for proper ownership of their homes.”

In his statement, British Consul Rodwell said that he understood the frustration of residents of Valencia and Murcia, calling their problems “serious” and admitting that “distress and anxiety” were rampant. He also encouraged British citizens to understand that the Spanish government has the final say in Spanish affairs, and the housing dispute was a Spanish affair, regardless of the number of British citizens involved. That said, he also stated that he would do everything in his power to see that his countrymen were treated fairly and received the best possible outcome.

Three useful web resources for those in this situation include:

The AULN website at http://www.auln.eu/Default.aspx

The British Embassy website at http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk

The Consulate’s e-mail address Alexandra.Brown@fco.gov.uk

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-          The unbelievable Villa Casa Sofia has many creature comforts

Located the area of El Alcazar Moraira, the Villa Casa Sofia is a large, beautiful, privately owned villa that combines traditional Spanish charm with modern conveniences. With bright and spacious accommodations, this villa is ideal for family holidays. Casa Sofia boasts three large bedrooms, a swimming pool, a sunbathing terrace, an outdoor BBQ area and a garage.

Only 3 km from the beach, it is easy for vacationers at Casa Sofia to enjoy Spain’s sunny weather in addition to the nearby town centre and shopping areas. If guests are interested in further trips that require a vehicle, there is plenty of room for car parking outdoors or in the villa’s garage.

If “staying in” is what the family is interested in, they won’t be missing out on Spain’s beautiful scenery; Casa Sofia is located on a corner lot facing South/South-West and has a fantastic view of local vineyards and the famous sea mountains. There is also a well-located sunbathing terrace and a private swimming pool for outdoor recreation.

From the outside, guests begin their experience on the entrance porch. Traveling down the hallway, they will arrive at a large sitting / dining room complete with fireplace, Satellite TV and DVD player.  The generous kitchen is fully equipped with all of the modern conveniences, including a kettle toaster, cooker, microwave, etc. and opens out onto the terrace for ease of accessibility. Washing machine and tumble dryer provided.

All three of Casa Sofia’s sleeping rooms are comfortably sized and tastefully furnished. The master bedroom is located on the upper floor near the living area. One ground floor bedroom is equipped with two twin beds which can be easily converted to a super king bed for a second couple. The second ground floor bedroom is large enough for three or more, with three single beds and room for a baby crib or a sofa bed. The shower room is also on the ground floor and has a toilet and sink. There is also a half-bathroom for use by the other two bedrooms which has a toilet and sink.

Outside, one must travel down a few stairs to reach the swimming pool and a lovely garden. Sun loungers make a perfect vantage point for enjoying all of the beautiful weather and scenery.

The garage can house a single car, with room for two additional vehicles in off road spaces adjacent to the villa.

More information and photos can be found at http://luxuryvillaspain.co.uk

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-          The lovely Villa Pura Vida features many amenities

This property is perfect for the modern family, with both indoor and outdoor amenities galore. Among its accommodations are a private swimming pool, an outside kitchen, and five comfortable bedrooms.

Surrounded by gorgeously landscaped gardens, the villa is secluded and provides plenty of outdoor privacy for enjoying the swimming pool, pool table, and outdoor kitchen with BBQ area.

While visitors may feel a million miles from city life while staying at Villa Pura Vida, the reality is that anything one may desire is just a short trip away. Just across the street is a clay tennis court (owned by a professional coach) that can be procured for little expense.  La Sella Golf Course is only a 3 minute drive and the lovely towns of Javea and Benidorm are only 5 and 30 minutes away, respectively. One can find beaches, shopping and other exciting activities at the ready. The Alicante & Valencia airports are approximately one hour away. Should the vacationer feel more adventurous or simply desire a brisk walk, a supermarket, bar and restaurants are all within walking distance.

This luxurious property boasts plenty of parking, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, one indoor kitchen, one outdoor kitchen, one downstairs sitting / dining room, and one upstairs sitting room off an adjacent dining room.

The upstairs sitting room is fully furnished with an LCD TV, DVD player, fire place, sound system, Sky TV full package and a fantastic cream leather suite for sitting in comfort. The dining room supports 6 guests with a modern wooden table and chairs. The kitchen boasts many modern conveniences including an electric hob and oven, microwave and dishwasher.

The utility room is equipped with an iron and ironing board.

La piece de resistance, of course, is the master bedroom / master bath which features a large tub and shower, his and hers basins and a toilet. Also upstairs are two twin bedrooms that share a sizeable family bath with both – tub and shower, vanity basin and toilet. There is also a large and lovely eating terrace overlooking the garden.

The dining room has seating for 6 people around a modern wood table and chairs. Fully fitted modern kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, electric hob and oven. Master bedroom with large en-suite bathroom witch has a bath and over shower, his and hers basins and toilet. Two twin bedrooms with large family bathroom with bath and shower, vanity basin and toilet. At the top of the steps is a good size eating terrace which overlooks the garden.

Downstairs is a second updated kitchen with a hob, oven, microwave, and other expected amenities. The sitting room is fairly large with a deep brown leather suite, TV and DVD player. The dining room has a wooden table with four leather chairs.

More information and photos can be found at http://luxuryvillaspain.co.uk

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