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 an engaging gem on the Costa del Sol

Perfectly Spanish, down to earth, charming and full of character - the town of Estepona is often overlooked when enquiring eyes search for a great place to visit on the Costa del Sol. Unlike some of its very famous neighbours on this part of the southern Spanish coast, Estepona is relatively unknown which has afforded it various positives as a resort destination or a place to live.

Positioned only half an hours to drive west from Marbella and Puerto Banús it has easy access to the prestigious lifestyle amenities of its glamorous neighbours. However this friendly municipality, that was once a small fishing village, is now large enough to proffer many great restaurants and impressive facilities of its own.

Estepona avoids the often unfair negative connotations associated with some of its contemporaries and has stayed completely true to how a pleasant Spanish coastal town should appear. Development in the region has been kept to a minimum and the community has retained its natural marina and gorgeous historical old town.

But it’s not at all just quaint quiet streets with not much life and little to do. Estepona has numerous shops and cafes, enjoyable nightlife spots and a great array of quality restaurants that any foodie would enjoy exploring. Every water sport imaginable can be found on the glorious beaches and inland lakes in the area, and the surrounding countryside is literally peppered with prestigious golf courses.

With the character of a small Málaga, the charm and ambiance of Benahavis, and the entertaining culture of Torremolinos - Estepona captures the very best of Andalucía and is one of the loveliest destinations on the Costa del Sol.

PropExtra’s favourite bits of Estepona:

The old town

The gorgeous character of Estepona old town is embellished by its cobbled streets and the colourful flowers that adorn almost every house in the district. There are culture and ambiance in almost every side street, and live music events and community chatter ongoing in the Plaza del Reloj and Iglesia de Remedios.

The Marina

Situated at the west end of the seafront promenade Estepona marina is an unpretentious waterfront district that is great for a walk and a coffee in the day and offers entertainment for every demographic at night.

The beach & paseo

The main beach in Estepona is genuinely one of the best for miles around. Long, wide, sandy and devoid of pebbles it is the perfect destination for a day at the beach and boasts some of the best chiringuitos anywhere on the coast. Stop for lunch and order a gambas pil pil - you won’t be disappointed as the seafood along this paseo is always fantastic.

The market

The weekly general outdoor market in Estepona takes place every Wednesday morning starting around 9 am. Stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, clothes, shoes and accessories and many other items. Market location: Calle Carmen Laforet, 4, 29680 Estepona, Málaga.

The best spot!

Playa del Crysto is a beautiful small bay situated just on the very edge of town as you head towards Gibraltar and Cádiz. The soft sands and calm blue waters here are ideal for young children and its communal public barbeques can be utilised for family BBQs - or just make use of the two beach restaurants that offer something more than the normal chiringuito..

Click here to view ProExtras properties in Estepona

Contracting a professional and competent legal advisor who is certified to practice property law in Spain will ensure your purchase of Spanish real estate is processed smoothly. A lawyer practicing in the area where your intended new home, investment or holiday apartment is located is preferable. However, appointing any company that has a sound knowledge of Spanish property law and any anomalies existing in each region of the country will be essential to a successful and less stressful buying procedure.

Your lawyer will, of course, advise you before and during the buying process exactly what paperwork and registration processes that will be undertaken.

Most importantly your property should be registered in your name with the Spanish Land Registry as soon as it is feasibly possible and your administrative notary can actually send a notice in advance once the public deed is signed.

Land Registration issues

You will need to contact the official registration office, the Colegio de Registradores, to gain access to the Land Registry extract (nota simple) pertaining to your property to check certain issues. These matters are important and include those listed below.

To ensure that there are no legal proceedings entered against the property in relation to contravening land planning laws.

The sellers are the registered owners of the property.

The property and land for sale exactly match the details that have been registered for the property and land.

To check that any planning permissions related to the property are correct and that the property has been legally built.

When buying off plan it is vital that you double check planning permissions and the legality of the property with the local town hall.

When buying an off-plan property you will need to confirm that the building has been certified as completed by a registered architect.

Off plan properties must be registered as a new build and the registration document will also show proof of the developer's insurance against structural defects.

Cadastral Value & Tax

Go to your regional government's tax agency website and use the cadastral reference for the property to ascertain its cadastral value.

When you have ascertained the cadastral value of the property you can then calculate how much purchase tax will need to be paid. This tax is based on the council’s valuation of the property and NOT the amount paid for the property to the seller. Debts against property Ensure your lawyer has checked that there are no charges or debts outstanding against the property.

Essential paperwork Land Registry extract (nota simple). A castral certificate detailing boundaries and square meterage of land. The license of first occupancy or habitation certificate which is required to connect utilities on the property - this can be obtained at the local town hall. Document to prove that the previous owner has paid all utility bills up to date on the property. An official energy efficient certificate. Proof of payment of previous owners annual property tax. N.B. If there are any outstanding debts against the property then you as the new owner will be responsible for payment of the debts if they have been accrued within the previous two years.

Related Link

https://sede.registradores.org/contenido/buyingahouse/

The sunshine is heating up on the southern coast of Spain. As the days get longer and the afternoons get hotter holidaymakers have even more activities to choose from than usual, to ensure a fun packed vacation for all the family.

The magnificent region of Andalucia has been blessed with a landscape that presents many perfect natural venues for walking, climbing, cycling, and activities involving water. A myriad of rambling trails, rock formations, and rivers nestle amongst the foothills of the mountain ranges above Marbella and its neighbouring coastal resorts. These rural facilities are utilized by event companies to provide outdoor activities like canyoning and river walking that challenge and thrill the young and old.

Down on the coast, water lovers can swim, snorkel, sail and paddle with or without assistance from a professional company. The mediterranean sea is obviously a treasure and a wonderful asset for the Costa del Sol and provides an endless perfect setting for outdoor fun - even if that is just a glass of wine in a chiringuito!

The availability of twilight golf across the district is a godsend for anyone who wants to avoid the midday or afternoon heat whilst enjoying a four ball. The area around Marbella, along with the coast, and down to Gibraltar boasts some of the best golf courses in Europe and players can enjoy the magic of twilight golf at some very reasonable prices.

So the next time you visit Andalucia remember to pack some sports apparel and an adventurous spirit!  

Walking on water with stand up paddle

PaddleSurf Marbella is a stand up paddle school and club based in Marbella that promises to have you walking on water in no time. Unlike some paddleboard companies, PaddleSurf Marbella doesn’t just hire out boards but focuses on individuals so that they reach a competent level in the shortest time. Before you know it you will be paddling across lakes, down rivers and even catch a wave or two!

http://www.paddlesurfmarbella.com

Golf at twilight

Both golf aficionados and newcomers to the game will enjoy tackling El Higueral Golf a picturesque nine hole course that lies on the land at the foothills of the village of Benahavis. This golf course has been designed with special features and blessed with beautiful vistas that will surprise and delight at every tee and green. The golf club offers extremely reasonable rates for twilight golf both in low and high season and promises all comers a magical golfing experience at the end of each summer day.

http://www.elhigueralgolf.com/

Why not combine a few adventures?

There are some fantastic companies in Andalucia that can provide a package of activities for thrill seekers and sporting enthusiasts that will test nerves and open up new horizons. One of the best is Nalusur who promise adventure, culture, and escapism in droves by combining sporting activities, unique cultural pursuits, and breathtaking landscapes. You can choose from a comprehensive list of activities and tours that include canyoning, yoga on paddle boards and bike tours that focus on Spanish cuisine.

http://nalusur.com

€ 1,595,000 

This is a real family home, designed to be lived and enjoyed in every corner by all the family members. Every room is bright, spacious and very welcoming.

Listed by Vistamar Homes 

€ 199,000  

Excellent large first floor two bedrooms two bathroom apartment with spectacular panoramic views.

Listed by El Soto De Marbella Property 

€ 254,950 

The beautiful and comfortable apartment made especially for you. This apartment has 125 square meters and has 2 bedrooms and 2 bright bathrooms. 

Listed by Newbery Real Estate 

€ 279,000 

** STUNNING PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM 150M FROM THE BEACH ** 

Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment with fantastic sea views less than 150m from the beachfront. This modern property is in excellent condition and is located in one of the Costa del Sol's most prestigious beachside areas. 

Listed by Metta Estates 

So many people want more than just sand when heading for the beach these days. Some might only want a good sunbed and parasol, whereas families with young children often wish for additional distractions to a bucket and spade. If it’s a trendy chiringuito with banging music you are looking for, or just some simple peace and tranquility, then the Costa del Sol will have the perfect beach for you.

The old cliches about the Costa del Sol maybe often overused but they happily remain true. They are the reasons why so many people in Europe head for this part of southern Spain throughout each year; and the reasons why so many British and Irish people head here so often to set up a new life. The sun shines practically the whole year round so time can be spent and life can be lived outside on this beautiful part of southern Spain.

This outdoor living has ensured that the beaches along the Costa del Sol cater brilliantly for the public and each sandy cove or stately promenade in the area offers something slightly different. And, remarkably, at practically every single point along this coastline, you will appreciate a breathtaking view of majestic Gibraltar and over the sea to the continent of Africa.

So here PropExtra highlights a few of the beach highlights and some of our fun favourites along this beautiful coastal region.

Snorkeling and waterfalls in natural Nerja

Maro beach - Nerja

Looking for something idyllic? As close to ‘the beach’ from the famous Thai based novel as you can find in this part of Spain? We would point you in the direction of Maro beach which is a cove set on the borders of Los Acantilados de Maro - Cerro Gordo, a protected area of natural beauty. As no fishing has been allowed in the surrounding waters for many years the sea around Maro beach is full of life ensuring the snorkeling in this area is magical. There are hidden waterfalls and underwater caverns to be explored and the beach has a chiringuito, kayaking, and toilets.

A hidden gem in a city!

Playa de la Malagueta - Malaga City

Ok, the sand might not be shimmering and white - but this is probably the only negative you will encounter at this interesting city beach that offers happy vibes and lots of attractions. Along with the endlessly fascinating view of Malaga port with boats and visitors coming and going, the beach itself has much to offer. There are several open-air gyms and many interesting stalls selling various kind of food and drink produce, clothes, trinkets, and gifts. Playa de la Malagueta is often alive with joggers, cyclists, and street artists and is particularly recommended in the cooler months of the year.

A long and wonderful walk along the beach!

Marbella to San Pedro promenade - Marbella to San Pedro de Alcantara

If you have restless legs or really don’t fancy basting in the sun on a lounger all afternoon then this beach walk is just for you. Now nearly 12 km long this lovely pathway is a meandering seafront promenade that joins the resort of Marbella with the pretty town of San Pedro. Between the two metropolis, you will pass small sandy coves, rocky peninsulas, and many a chiringuito silently inviting you in for tapas and a cold drink. Of course, the best stop for people watching is at Puerto Banus where the world famous harbour showcases superyachts, expensive cars and the rich set in all their glory. Bring a blanket, picnic, and your swimsuit and take the whole day to explore more than one beach on this picturesque part of the Costa del Sol.

Ideal for families with young children:

Playa del Cristo - Estepona

This delightful sandy bay lies just five minutes along the coast to the west of the bustling town of Estepona. Playa del Cristo is a haven for families as the shallow clear blue waters of the cove are ideal for acclimatising toddlers to water and teaching young children to swim. The beach is comprised of soft white sand and the area provides barbeque, picnic facilities, and a very handy car park. Two charactful chiringuitos provide a welcoming shelter from the sun and all the refreshments that you will need on a hot day and both offer great food menus to those who’d rather not cook for themselves.

Not quite on the Costa del Sol - but worth the extra driving!

Bolonia - Tarifa

Beautiful Bolonia stretches out just off the beaten track only a few miles from the historical town of Tarifa. Bolonia town and its incredible golden beach are worth every minute of the drive beyond the borders of the Costa del Sol. The natural landscape is stunning and the area has so much to offer from hip wooden beach bars that serve fresh food and fun cocktails to a fascinating site of Roman ruins. The beach itself attracts a happy mix of sunbathers, dog lovers, kite-surfers and even nudists, who de-camp to the left of the golden stretch of sand.

So you've found your Spanish home from home, your ideal holiday abode, the perfect casa for you and your family. Now for the boring financial details and some general guidelines on how to process a mortgage in Spain.

There are normally some important differences between a Spanish mortgage and mortgage loans provided by financial organisations based in other countries within Europe. A notable difference is that Spain uses a notary system and any dealings relating to property and mortgages must be registered and signed for at a notary office.

In addition, the fees associated with processing a mortgage in Spain vary from those charged in UK, Ireland and other European countries. It is essential that you do your homework in relation to these costs to ensure that you have enough capital to process the purchase of the property to completion.

Spanish banks are normally able to arrange a mortgage for both Spanish tax paying residents and also nonresidents who don't reside in the country or pay taxes there. So as with any financial lending process you should research and compare suitable money lenders that provide mortgage services that suit your residential status.

Make sure you find the right organisation that is able to accommodate your payment capabilities and takes time to investigate the different interest rates and repayment plans offered by each company.  

Your legal advisor should ensure that you fully understand the mortgage that you intend to sign up for, the additional costs entailed and the repayment proposal in place. If there is anything unclear then ask more questions - dot the ‘i’s and cross all the ‘t’s! Don’t leave any issue unconfirmed.

Important figures

There are several large fees that need to be paid when purchasing a property in Spain. Prospective buyers should be aware of all additional costs entailed when buying Spanish property to ensure that they have enough finances to cover all essential charges.

It is generally recommended that anyone looking into arranging a Spanish mortgage should also consider that they put aside 12% of the purchase price of the property to cover additional costs. A list of these imperative costs will include the following:

Spanish mortgage deed duty: 1.8% of mortgage

Bank fees: 1% - 1.5% of mortgage

Notary fees: up to 0.5% of mortgage value

Property valuation fee: 0.10% of the value of the property

What is a notary?

A notary is an independent professional that is qualified under Spanish law to certify private agreements in accordance with the law of the country. An individual is unable to buy or sell a property in Spain without documentation for the procedure being processed by a notary.

Essential Info!

Check that your mortgage lender is authorised to operate in Spain via the Banco de España website:

https://www.bde.es/bde/en/

All the information you need relating to a mortgage in Spain is available from the Spanish Mortgage Association (Asociación Hipotecaria Española, AHE):

http://www.ahe.es/bocms/sites/ingles/pages/Home.jsp?mID=61

3 bedroom semi detached Townhouse in Mijas Costa Calahonda with direct access to the communal swimming pool.

€ 310,000 Listed by Available Now

Best sports bars in Marbella

To the sound of general disbelief, Spain is already out of the 2018 World Cup. Meanwhile England fans and those supporting them from the other home nations and Ireland (there might be some!) - are all holding their collective breath for the English team to proceed further in the competition.

If England continues and manages to beat Sweden in the quarterfinals then the dream will endure for a few more nervous exhilarating days. If they don’t then maybe your attention can be diverted by the tennis coming from the hallowed green lawns of Wimbledon. Or maybe some other sport that you can enjoy along with a beer or coca cola and some great atmosphere. It doesn’t all have to stop when the football stops.

So whilst in the Marbella area, either living, on holiday or house hunting, you may well need a recommendation for a good sports bar where you can view your favourite sport, cheer on your team or hide from a penalty shootout.

Whatever happens with England and Sweden there will be other exciting World Cup games to be played out, including the final of course. And looking ahead alongside Wimbledon fortnight the 105th Tour de France starts this forthcoming weekend. And for those fond of international athletics, there are many meetings to be broadcast through to mid-September including the European Championships from Berlin in early August.

So if it’s golf, running, a round ball or one shaped like an egg, you can catch some great sports action at one of many brilliant sports bar in this area of the Costa del Sol. Here we recommend a few of the best:

Red Cloud Marbella - a French sports bar for foodies, sports fans and everyone

They do everything well at Red Cloud Sports Bar. The setting, the service, the food, the atmosphere, the music and the cocktails. Oh and you can watch sport on one of their many well-positioned tv screens whilst enjoying else. Run by two Frenchmen this trendy US diner-style bar serves American Classic and Asian food to happy groups sat at the comfortable booths indoors or outside on the terrace.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/redcloudmarbs/

Flanker Bar - a Spanish rugby welcome in San Pedro

A Spanish rugby bar might sound fairly unusual but Flanker Bar is the perfect venue for rugby fans to enjoy international tours, Six Nation fixtures and club tests alike. There is a large screen inside the bar (that sells great tap beer) and also smaller screens outside which are perfect for watching a game whilst eating something tasty from the Flanker bar food menu. Visitors be warned this a rugby bar first and foremost so you should check beforehand if they will be showing any other sports event.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/FlankerBar/about/?ref=page_internal

The Emerald - a warm and fun Irish welcome to all

The Emerald sports bar is located in the Cortijo Blanco area of San Pedro de Alcantara about five minutes walk to the beach and promenade. This fun watering hole has had a reputation for many years for offering a wonderful Irish welcome to one and all; this pub is child-friendly but also caters to the sports enthusiastic grown-up who wants to sit up at the bar. The Emerald has recently undergone a fantastic renovation and the setting is now as enjoyable as the bars brilliant atmosphere.

https://www.facebook.com/emeraldsportsbar/

The Claddagh Bar - music and sport in Marbella

The Claddagh is a lovely pub located in the heart of Marbella and close to the beach. A traditional Irish bar (another one, the Irish do them so well) where you can enjoy the sport on one of four wide screens or join in the fun on one of Claddagh’s musical evenings. They are known in the area for their brilliant Sunday open mic nights where musicians and budding musicians turn up to entertain each other and anyone else there for the music. And for the sport, they show a full calendar of premier league football, Gaelic games, tennis, snooker and more.

Not all surveys are undertaken to help process your mortgage. There is several building surveys in Spain that you can use for an additional (and a highly recommended) safety net for issues that should be considered or avoided when buying a house in Spain. The various surveys available can provide security and benefits in many aspects of not only the buying process but also owning the property itself. And a survey can also be used as a sound barometer for positives or concerns that may affect the valuation of your house in the years ahead.

Yes your real estate agent and your lawyer, and possibly even your mortgage adviser, can provide assurances regarding many points relating to issues about buying your new property. However an independent survey may provide peace of mind if you want another expert opinion about something: a valuation, structural concerns or the finishing of a property bought ‘off plan’ for example.

You may think that purchasing a new build property that comes complete with a ten-year warranty insurance would preclude you from even thinking about building surveys. However, there is not always a complete guarantee that the issues you expect to be covered by the developer's warranty will be covered and a survey to investigate and assess this will be useful.

In most cases, you should take advice from your agent with regard to the type of survey you require and any additional surveys that might be helpful for your particular situation.

So here are some details on the main surveys available that might be helpful when purchasing any type of real estate in Spain.

Mortgage Survey - a survey for the money lenders

In Spain, a mortgage survey must be carried out by an approved valuer - a tasador - who will act on behalf of a registered company affiliated to the Bank of Spain. These surveys are conducted for the main benefit of the bank or mortgage company that is lending the money for the loan to ensure that their money will be safe.

Being less subjective than a building survey a mortgage survey is often used in conjunction with other surveys to provide a more detailed overview for a buyer.

Building Survey - useful for now and the future

Undoubtedly a building survey is immediately the most useful to you when purchasing property as the surveyor in this instance will act as the buyer when processing the survey. Firstly these reports will cover issues relating to the immediate purchase and value of the property. Secondly, they will assess and cover issues that might affect the quality of living in the property, and also the equity that could be earned on the property in the years ahead.

Valuation survey - takes in more than just bricks

Fluctuating economies and buoyant property markets can affect any property valuation at any time. Therefore when a valuation survey is completed it is undertaken using as much information as possible relating to the local area, its future development and predicted economic growth. A valuation survey should be considered in conjunction with a building survey to gain as clear a picture as possible of every aspect relating to the property.

Snagging & Structural surveys

More specific surveys are available relating to certain constructional issues and the real bricks and mortar involved in your investment.

Snagging surveys help out those who want to buy a new build property and need to confirm: the definite specifications of the building, what fixtures and fittings will be provided, and what problems if any, the developer is prepared to be responsible for fixing in the longer term. You should ensure that this is carried out before final documents are signed and that both parties fully understand what is being sold and what is being bought. The survey will also report on which and what repairs the developer will be accountable for in the years ahead.

Structural surveys can often help avoid huge unexpected costs as they are commissioned to investigate the cause of problems pertaining to a building's structure or foundations.

Fully renovated and elegant elevated groundfloor apartment with spectacular views to the coast and the Mediterranean. Southwest to west facing.

€ 419,000 Listed by @AbrandNewPlaceinthesun 

Lovely duplex apartment in Señorío Aloha, west of Marbella. Fantastic terrace overlooking the pool and garden areas and with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the mountains. 

€ 299,000 Listed by @serneholtestate 

A rare opportunity to acquire one of the last luxury building plots in the area. A choice of two projects are available if required from Carlos Lamas or Diego Tobal. Alternatively just the plot can be purchased.

€ 695,000 

Listed by Marbella For Life 

3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT in PARQUE LOS OLIVOS - BEL AIR. 

€ 199,000

 Listed by CHRISTIAN HENCHE PROPERTIES 

Have you recently purchased a property in Spain with the intention of putting it on the rental market? Or perhaps your plans for living on sunny Spanish shores have now changed and you need to find a suitable tenant to ensure your Spanish mortgage is paid. Whether by intention or by circumstance, becoming a landlord can be quite a daunting prospect if you haven’t been involved in long-term property rentals before.

Long-term property rental is a smart way to consolidate investments in the residential real estate or to ensure that your house, villa or apartment earns you money whilst you can’t live in it. The rental market for property located in many areas of southern Spain has been buoyant in early 2018 and a good tenant should be a reliable source of finance if the rental is arranged properly. So to get you started on the road to becoming a successful landlord we have collated some helpful pointers below that we hope will help. 

Do the maths! 

Before you do anything check the current rates for the long-term rental of similar properties to yours in the area that your property resides. Clearly, if the possible monthly income won’t cover the essential monthly outgoings on your property then you may have to consider a different route to secure or maximise your investment in Spanish property. Local agents are an asset if you are able to set up and conduct a private rental agreement with your tenant then obviously you will avoid additional expenditure contracting a third party agent. However, in many circumstances, it will be beneficial to sign your property up with a local real estate agent who will advertise the availability of the rental, conduct tenant interviews and process the legal paperwork for the tenancy. For the fee that they charge you will receive a worthwhile service and agents can help take on the legal issues and give you great advice in a market that they will be very familiar with.

Local agents are your best asset

Find a local estate agent that specialises in long-term rentals, they will more than likely have a waiting list of prospective tenants.  In addition, they will have the expertise to:  advertise for and interview prospective tenants for suitability, check they have the economic means to pay the rent, and most importantly, process a legally binding tenancy agreement. For the fee that they charge you will receive a worthwhile service and if required, agents can help take on the legal issues and give you great advice in a market that they will be very familiar with.

Get good legal advice whether you contract a rental agency or organise the lease of your property yourself it is important that you gain good legal advice for this business venture. A good lawyer or industry legal expert will be able to ensure that you address every important issue related to long-term property rental including:

Ensuring the correct paperwork and legal documents are drawn up

That you are paying correct taxes on rental income

To act as a third party to hold a deposit if required

That you contact your mortgage adviser/lender to inform them of arrangements

That you speak to an insurance company about having the correct insurance policy in place

Even if the tenant is a friend … do it all by the book …..You may have known your prospective tenant for years but even if they are a good friend of yours it is essential that you set up a long-term rental agreement in a clear and business-like manner. Ensure that you have the correct legal paperwork in place and that every party signs up correctly. Friendships can be tested when business and finances are involved and it’s important that both parties enter into the agreement with a full understanding of the terms relating to the rental of the property.