About us

We chose StartGroup as our estate agent for the recent sale of our apartment and purchase of a new apartment, both in Calahonda. 

One of StartGroup’s directors, Pascal, was our estate agent 20 years earlier for our first apartment.  As we were so impressed with him then, we naturally chose StartGroup. This proved to be a wise decision as StartGroup managed our recent sale and purchase so very well.

Startgroup’s Leon was assigned to our project (assisted by Cecilia).  We could not find ourselves in better hands. Leon’s enthusiasm, empathy and professionalism were outstanding. We were most impressed that it was always our own interests/concerns that he prioritised.  Meeting up with him was always a pleasure. 

StartGroup is not a small-scale agency and thus they were able to offer us a degree of flexibility and trust that perhaps a smaller firm might not. No sale/purchase will ever go perfectly to plan, but Leon and StartGroup were always by our side to smooth the way.  Indeed, StartGroup was with us from Start to Finish……….

Patrick & Josephine Kenny

March 2022

We decided to sell our apartment in Calahonda in November 2021 and visited Startgroup's offices in Calahonda. We quickly got the impression that the company had in-depth knowledge of the area. They knew exactly where my apartment was and what price  it should be marketed at.

The day after a photographer came to our place, and only a few days after that, the sales details were published with very presentable pictures and videos in addition to professional and explanatory text. After having traveled back to Norway, we immediately received messages informing us that there had been several viewings.  We got an offer on the apartment only a few days after that!

The process was then closely followed up by Startgroup. |As with any property sale there can be several issued to be esolved. When there was a need for clarification or speed in the process, Startgroup helped with all their combined knowledge from the team. We got the feeling they were there for US.

In the agreement between the parties, we agreed on the takeover no later than 15 February, but already on the 28 Januaryeverything was in place.

Startgroup is definitely a company you can trust. They are genuinely committed to doing the best they can for  their clients and we highly recommend them.

Helge K. Sæbø and Tania Vande Sæbø

Once we had decided to sell our apartment we got into contact with Jennifer at Start Group after a solid recommendation from good a friend.  From the very beginning we received very high level of personal service, after the initial do diligences the sales process went very quickly.  Throughout the whole process I felt well informed and could rest assured that my interests were in good hands.  In short, my understanding is that Start Group are goal oriented, work efficiently and deliver high customer service.

Jonas Turitz

Sweden

Jennifer is very professional through her way of being accessible, comes up with suggestions for different objects that are for sale and is very knowledgeable and super nice at screenings. As a customer, you get a great first impression, she is honest and guides us through the process. Jennifer is an incredibly person to talk to and keeps us updated on new exciting homes that may be of interest to us. We are convinced that it is largely Jennifer's knowledge, preparation and availability that will help us find our dream home soon!

We can warmly recommend everyone to hire Jennifer when you are selling or buying a home in the Costa Del Sol. Great advantage that Jennifer speaks Swedish, English and Spanish.

Many of our friends have both bought and sold through Jennifer.

Sincerely

Catharina Ek

We are amazed about the professionalism and fast handling in the whole process.

Jennifer has been very supportive and service minded, everything from the first meeting to help us with documents, show the villa to architects and so forth. You always get a phone call in the follow up process, which we really have appreciated.

Me and my wife can absolutely recommend Start Group as your professional Real Estate agent. Tobias and Pernilla Eriksson, Vendors from Sweden

In my process of searching for a property in Spain, Costa Del Sol, I got in contact with Jennifer in StartGroup. 

Jennifer assisted us in online video viewing before we arrived. And when we arrived in Benalmadena, we had a good list we would like to check out, and Jennifer was able to get most of them available for us to see on our trip.

We had a short stop at Start Group's new renovated office in Torrequebrada and it was a really nice office location.

She and here cooperation agents showed us the variation of location in the Benalmadena area, that where size and prize within our budget

They also put us in contact with an bank and advised a law-firm that helped us in a professional way regarding all the paperwork needed in the process.

Really good service, before we arrived, and under our stay, and after.  

We can recommend it here without any hesitation. 

Svein Magne Kleven, Property searcher from Norway

Incredibly friendly and professional agents who really follow up their clients in the best possible way. We have both bought and sold property via Start Group and give them a warm recommendation. Jennifer in particular is recommended and she delivers at its best.

Our experience with StartGroup has been excellent with both transactions we have concluded this year, being one the sale of a flat in Sitio de Calahonda and the other a purchase of a newly produced flat in La Cala de Mijas. 

Jennifer Fogelberg Clarke, who has been our contact at StartGroup, is efficient and  right to the point, you do not lose a single minute of your valuable time visiting properties you would never buy. She captures your needs and she delivers. Jennifer is available at any time,  she has a good  humour. A laugh every now and then is more than welcome when you are hunting property or struggling to stick to your sale price in search for the buyer who would appreciate your object.

Needless to say that the whole sale team from StartGroup which has been visiting our flat in Calahonda with likely buyers from the whole Europe have always been super correct, respectful, professional, nice and funny. We have never doubt about leaving our keys to them, in spite of the fact were actually living in the property which was for sale.

All in all StartGroup is more than strongly recommended. Maybe they should rename the company to STARGroup.

Many thanks to Jennifer who helped us find our dream apartment in Calahonda. She has fantastic local knowledge, is extremely professional, reliable and helpful. We got to see many apartments in different areas to get a good idea of ​​what felt right. And last but not least, we got a personal treatment out of the ordinary.
The whole buying process went incredibly smoothly despite the pandemic. We are more than happy with the whole process and with our new apartment. We want to give our warmest recommendations! We will definitely hire her again next time.

Sincerely,
Tuula

We used Start Group last year to both buy and sell our properties. The timing wasn't perfect as it was during the pandemic, but our experience with all the staff at StarGroup was very positive throughout the whole process and in particular with Jennifer. She was amazing right from our first meeting, she was so helpful, knowledgeable, kind and professional, and kept us informed of all the developments when we were unable to return to Spain. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and she really did go the extra mile for us. I would highly recommend Start Group, and if you deal with Jennifer, that's an added bonus!

Rosie and Charlie, UK

Regarding the sale of our apartment through Start Group.

In short, very efficient.  We asked a representative from Start group to come to the property for a valuation.  We already had an educated idea as to what the property could be worth and the indicated sale price was very close.  After a bit of rationalisation a start price was agreed.  Within 4 weeks a sensible offer was made and accepted.  All the documentation was in place, a preferred completion date was requested, the sale/legal process went through in just over 4 months.  Very smooth excellent service from both the Sales Team and our Solicitor.

Best regards, John.

Hi Jeremy,
Just a few words to thank you for all your assistance and inputs when selling our apartment.
The whole operation went smoothly and your help and continual update of events regarding the furniture disposal was great.
We were concerned about meeting the final signing date due to having to dispose of our furniture and car. We originally believed we would sell the appartment furnished but as you know the buyer wanted only a few items and your suggestions and input were of great help and assistance  Thanks again!
Regards
Noreen & Eamon.

Hi,

We would like to send an email with regards to Leon, the agent for the house we are purchasing in El Alarife, Calahonda. The entire buying process León was extremely professional, punctual and more than happy to help in every way possible. He really made the process great for us and we will most certainly stay in contact with him.

Regards.
Ross & Lauren

Hi,

When I made the decision to purchase a holiday home in Spain 18 months ago I was amazed by how many Estate Agents there were. I asked a friend who has a home in Calahonda to recommend me an agent and she gave me Jeremy’s number from Startgroup. From the start, Jeremy was professional and helpful. He asked me to list my criteria and he sent me details of available properties. Buying a property is huge financial decision and it can’t be done over the internet. I arranged a short trip to Calahonda and Jeremy met me at the airport and spent 3 days showing me various properties. There was no pressure at all but in viewing all the different properties I was able to redefine my criteria and I was delighted when I settled on an apartment with lovely views (I won’t mention the crane! – you can take that out).

The purchase was seamless and Jeremy was able to recommend a solicitor and bank account and listed all costs up front so there were no surprises. Now 18 months later, he is still providing an excellent service. He is always at the end of the phone if I need advice. Jeremy even delivered some furniture to the apartment for me that a taxi wouldn’t take.  It is a comfort to know that there is someone I can trust and call on.

Startgroup’s new offices in Calahonda are lovely and the staff are always welcoming. It’s just great to know you have friends close at hand. Thank you again Jeremy for making things so easy!

Monica Walsh

We have just completed the sale of our house in Spain and recommend START GROUP to anyone thinking of doing the same. From the first visit they were friendly, professional, efficient and always available to provide answers or give advice. It made what can be a difficult process stress free and as their promotional material says they really were with us from the Start right through to the Finish.

Phil Mathews

31/01/2019

We have just completed the sale of our house in Spain and recommend START GROUP to anyone thinking of doing the same. From the first visit they were friendly, professional, efficient and always available to provide answers or give advice. It made what can be a difficult process stress free and as their promotional material says they really were with us from the Start right through to the Finish.

Phil Mathews

31/01/2019

Hi Jennifer,

I hope all is great with you, I’m going to have to start taking Spanish lessons now that we are the very proud owners of our new Spanish property!! I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have done for us, all the help and guidance right throughout the whole experience and process, you really gave us such comfort and confidence it was all in good hands and going to work out and we will be eternally grateful to you. I’ll contact you closer to the time we are arriving in Spain to make arrangements to pop in and see you and pick up keys.

Again, thank you so much,

Chat soon,

Sinéad

Hi Jennifer,

I hope all is great with you, I’m going to have to start taking Spanish lessons now that we are the very proud owners of our new Spanish property!! I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have done for us, all the help and guidance right throughout the whole experience and process, you really gave us such comfort and confidence it was all in good hands and going to work out and we will be eternally grateful to you. I’ll contact you closer to the time we are arriving in Spain to make arrangements to pop in and see you and pick up keys.

Again, thank you so much,

Chat soon,

Sinéad

Hello, we want to thank Start Group, for the full and correct support, with the purchase of our apartment in Calahonda. Super sevice !!

Mario and Vanessa.

With reference to the recent property I purchased in Mediterraneo – Calahonda, as you know I ran the ‘Gauntlet’ of Real Estate Agents, a term I use loosely as I found most generally speaking to lack professionalism. The ordeal of having to deal with the mediocre Agents was a frustrating affair even though I gave precise instructions to assist them in the search they sadly DID NOT LISTEN to what I was actually looking for. My search went as far as Casares, Estepona, Manilva, Le Duquesa to the West of Marbella and to the East of Marbella including Elviria, Cabopino, Calahonda, Mijas Costa, Mijas Golf and Mijas Pueblo but again nothing suitable was found simply because the Agents (Multiple) were showing apartments which just did not meet my criteria. It was by chance that I came across Start Group with initial contact made with Dave who did not apply any pressure, the next day Arno made contact and I briefed him on what I wanted. Arno was put under pressure by me as the property I was searching for was not to be a ‘Rental property or a pure ‘Investment’ but it was /is to be for me to retire in to and therefore it had to be ‘Right’. He showed me several properties which all held numerous aspects of suiting my criteria but they did not posses that certain ‘Feel’ which you only find when you walk in the ‘Right’ property. Through continued perseverance they found exactly what I was searching for…My little piece of Heaven, I immediately fell in love with the place and made an offer which accepted and again. StartGroup provided me with expert Market knowledge while undertaking this process. To those who are serious about finding their ‘Little piece of Heaven’ in the Costa Del Sol, I can without reservation highly recommend  StartGroup to help you with your search.

Sincerely

Bill Andrews

The service we received second to none. It took just 3 weeks from viewing our dream property, to moving in! This was due to the expert and professional help given by Pascal van der Woude from Start Group.

Pascal made the transaction smooth and easy, even introducing us to his recommended solicitor, who helped us through every step of the way.

We would wholeheartedly recommend using Start Group to anyone thinking of purchasing a property on the Costa del Sol.

Kate & Deryn Beynon

We’re just back from a week’s holiday in the Calahonda area and you might recall this trip was primarily to take a look at the area so we could compare it to the Costa Blanca.  While we didn’t intend to look at properties, we happened to walk past the Start Group offices while shopping and decided to go in for a chat.  We met with Jennifer Fogelberg who was extremely helpful and she suggested we might like to take a look at a number of properties while we were in Spain.  While Jennifer knew we were not yet ready to purchase a property, she still offered us the opportunity to view a selection of properties.  This has given us a much clearer  view of the type of properties we can consider against our budget and we have now been able to narrow down our search to one area in the Costa del Sol.  Your recommendation has allowed us to establish a relationship with the Start Group and I wanted to let you have some feedback so you have a confidence in recommending the Start Group to others.

I’m not sure if you will be attending “The Place in the Sun” exhibition in Birmingham on Saturday – we will look out for your stand.

Once again, thanks so much for your help.

Kind regards

Mrs J. Cox

StartGroup sold our apartment in May 2016 to the first viewing we had. They also have been very helpful in finding us our dream villa, which took 5 months, nothing was too much trouble. Our thanks to Christofer, Jeremy & team, we thoroughly recommend them.

Mr and Mrs Avis

I was very pleased and satisfied with the service I received from Start Group and Christofer Fogelberg when I bought my property in May 2015. I felt this agent was different from many that I have dealt with before.
In a lot of cases I was shown properties which did not meet my requirements and a lot of time was wasted. However, I felt Christofer listened and has a complete understanding of what I wanted. Nothing was too much trouble. I felt he was passionate about finding the perfect property for me. Always helpful and professional with a personal touch from start to finish. His knowledge of the area is also outstanding!
I would highly recommend this agent to anyone who is looking for a property. No need to look anywhere else. They take care of everything, even offer excellent after sale service. As a new home owner in Spain, it is re-assuring to know that they are there to assist you with all your household needs.

Kind Regards, Toni Winslade

I would like to write a little “bragging” letter to Jennifer in StartGroup, in connection with the purchase of our apartment in Miraflores, Ocean Golf Riviera.
My wife and I had long considered buying an apartment on the Costa del Sol and submitted some requests with regards to ads on Finn.no, to several real estate agents in Spain.

Among many responses, including from Jennifer at StartGroup, I chose 2-3 real estate agents. Meanwhile, I had been in contact with some neighbours of my parents here in Norway, which gave me a recommendation on a trustworthy and clever agent, which I should contact. It was this agent that they used to buy an apartment and this agent also had a cooperation with a Norwegian lawyer, so that the buyer could feel safe with a purchase on the Costa del Sol.
Then it turned out that the real estate agent they recommended, was the same as the one I had picked out, StartGroup.
Would just like to tell, how wonderful it is to fulfil a dream of buying a place in Spain and all thanks to Jennifer and StartGroup, they have made this dream a reality.

StartGroup started with finding out what kind of needs we wanted, house/apartment, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, size of terrace, location, pretty much everything that we had desired. Based on these criteria, Jennifer found many apartments to view, together with what few we also had picked out.
We agreed on a date for viewings and within two days the decision was taken.

We found a wonderful apartment.
Jennifer had done an excellent job in advance and with her positive and honest conduct, this was an amazing experience.
Jennifer showed us around the area and in addition to the apartment purchase, helped with tips on a place to buy furniture and during the entire process has been helpful with a helping hand when we’ve wondered about something, also afterwards.

They recommended Cramer Lawyers in Tønsberg, with a Norwegian lawyer based in Fuengirola.
And here everything has gone smoothly, from A to Z.
As Jennifer told us, when we wondered how we would get to a purchase, she said that the hardest thing in this process was to find a proper apartment. And it’s true!!
We have now well settled into our apartment and can recommend StartGroup to anyone considering a purchase on the Costa del Sol.
StartGroup is a trustworthy and highly skilled real estate agent, which puts the customer in focus and gives 100% support, also after the purchase.

Regards,
Unni and Tore Gundersen

After being on summer holiday on the Costa del Sol for 3 consecutive years, we decided to go ahead with the purchase of own home in Spain. During the Autumn of 2014 we spent countless hours in front of the computer online, looking for that perfect vacation home. We decided on some criteria that were important to us in our new home and made a list. For example, price/budget, location, size, view, swimming pool, etc.

Due to the vast amount of properties on offer from sellers and real estate agents a like, we became quite confused. Fortunately, we received a recommendation from acquaintances in Norway, that we should contact Christofer Fogelberg at StartGroup. We were told that he was a serious, competent and reliable real estate agent. We contacted him via email and got an immediate response. He received our list of criteria and lists we had made with potential relevant properties. He came back to us with feedback with regards to our lists and in addition, he came with additional realistic and possible options. We agreed on a date for viewings right before Christmas. Christofer gave us a very warm welcome and had planned the house viewings very carefully, so that we could get a look at all of the homes during one day. It turned out that many of the ads we had seen online in advance, were quite different when seen in reality. With help from StartGroup and a recommendation from Christofer, we are today happy owners of a holiday home. The acquisition was not particularly easy, as the property was a bank repossession. We wish to thank Christopher for his patience and good help throughout the entire purchase process. We felt right from the start that we were confident in him and felt safe and cared for throughout the entire purchase process. He possesses a lot of knowledge and history of the region and we would give our highest recommendations to anyone who is in the same situation as we were. Finally, we would also like to thank the rest of the gang at StartGroup for good assistance.

Kind regards, Gro and Gerardo, Norway