Spanish Properties Blog

LPO

Rental licences – 2024 new rules, will there be better order from now on?

February 2024

On the 22nd of February 2024, new rules came into force for rental licences in Andalusia. Among other things, the updated rules mean that the requirement for “LPO – Licencia de Primera Ocupación” (what we usually call occupancy licence) is removed. This may provide a solution to a problem that many owners have had since … Continue reading "Rental licences – 2024 new rules, will there be better order from now on?"
Botanik by StartGroup Birdseye

What about 2024? Will it go up or down?

January 2024

Every year, the first questions our clients ask are “How is the market doing?” or “Will prices rise or fall this year?” It feels more challenging to answer every passing year. Maybe it’s because we now have access to so much information, which makes it even harder to do a proper analysis. Or maybe it’s … Continue reading "What about 2024? Will it go up or down?"

StartGroup employees and training

December 2023

StartGroup has a long tradition of training employees, both in-house and externally. Since more than a decade all employees entering StartGroup have completed training courses for external certification in key areas of the real estate trade, such as Andalusian Property Law, Data Protection (GDPR) and Prevention of Money Laundering according to the European legislation. We … Continue reading "StartGroup employees and training"
SIMED

SIMED congress, Malaga 2023

November 2023

On November 17th, 2023, Christofer Fogelberg, the CEO of StartGroup Real Estates, delivered a speech at the SIMED congress in Malaga. SIMED is the largest fair for real estate agencies and promoters in the Malaga province, held annually at the Palacio de Congresos in Malaga. As a representative of the Real Estate guild GIPE, where … Continue reading "SIMED congress, Malaga 2023"

When is the compulsory register for estate agents coming to Andalusia?

November 2023

At the time of writing, my colleague and I have just attended the A.P.I. A.N.A.I.’s annual congress, Evolution, in Barcelona. There were around 1000 participants mainly from Catalonia and Valencia. These two regions are the ones that have so far introduced a mandatory register, Catalonia in 2010 and Valencia in 2022. In Spain as a … Continue reading "When is the compulsory register for estate agents coming to Andalusia?"

When do prices go down? Or do they?

September 2023

This is a question we get asked all the time and there are many different opinions about it! At the moment the market remains strong with high prices and many sales, despite interest rate rises in many parts of the world. The Costa del Sol is popular and many nationalities are buying here even though … Continue reading "When do prices go down? Or do they?"
David Hemmings

David Hemmings, StartGroup’s Calahonda property valuer will give you the best advice when selling!

March 2022

Selling your property in Sitio de Calahonda? Why David Hemmings, StartGroup’s Calahonda property valuer will give you the best advice! When selling your Spanish property there are a lot of things to take into consideration. How much is my Spanish property worth? Which nationality are the buyers at the moment? How do I best market … Continue reading "David Hemmings, StartGroup’s Calahonda property valuer will give you the best advice when selling!"
Lower property transfer tax Andalusia 2021

Andalusia lowers the property transfer tax in 2021! The ITP is now 7%

April 2021

Great news for property buyers! Lower property transfer tax for 2021!  The ITP is now 7%! Lower property transfer tax Andalusia 2021. The Junta de Andalucia is as of today, the 28th of April 2021, lowering the ITP tax (impuesto de transmisiones patrimoniales). ITP is the tax paid by the buyer at a property purchase … Continue reading "Andalusia lowers the property transfer tax in 2021! The ITP is now 7%"
buy in spain post brexit

FAQ about buying property in Spain- COVID & BREXIT

January 2021

Frequently Asked Questions about buying property in Spain- COVID & BREXIT StartGroup answers to the most common questions from our clients about buying property in Spain after Brexit and during the COVID pandemic. COVID QUESTIONS: Are the prices coming down due to COVID, lock downs and quarantines? During 2020 we at StartGroup did not see … Continue reading "FAQ about buying property in Spain- COVID & BREXIT"
buy bank repossesion spain

Buy bank repossesions in Spain?

September 2020

Bank repossessions in Corona times? Lots of clients contact us in their search for cheap bank repossessions on the Costa del Sol. Is a bank repossession normally a good deal or not? Should you buy bank repossessions in Spain? Lets find out! I am writing this in the beginning of September after what has been … Continue reading "Buy bank repossesions in Spain?"
corona 2020 forecast costa del sol property market

Corona 2020 – forecast for the Costa del Sol Property Market?

May 2020

Corona 2020 – forecast for the Costa del Sol Property Market? This is our forecast for the Costa del Sol Property Market 2020.      By Christofer Fogelberg, Partner Agent StartGroup In the current situation of general quarantine and crisis in great parts of the world many of our customers ask themselves what will happen.  … Continue reading "Corona 2020 – forecast for the Costa del Sol Property Market?"
JARDINANA LA CALA

Lotus Jardinana New Development Costa del Sol Spain

March 2020

Lotus Jardinana New Development Costa del Sol Spain! New luxury development of apartments in La Cala de Mijas Costa del Sol Spain. 600 metres form the beach and the beautiful village of La Cala. Are you thinking of buying a property on the Costa del Sol? Then please check out Start Groups Exclusive development Lotus … Continue reading "Lotus Jardinana New Development Costa del Sol Spain"
la siesta 1 calahonda apartments for sale

StartGroups favourite urbanisations and developments

March 2020

StartGroups favourite urbanisation’s and developments; Most of the properties on the Costa del Sol are within an urbanisation of some kind. Apartment buildings and townhouses in Spain are normally its own urbanisation, with its communal areas such as gardens and swimming pools. But there are also macro urbanisation’s known as EUC; “Entidad Urbanistica de Conservacion” … Continue reading "StartGroups favourite urbanisations and developments"

What should I think about for when I choose an Estate Agent in Spain?

March 2019

What should I think about for when I choose an Estate Agent in Spain? By Christofer Fogelberg, Partner Agent StartGroup and registered Spanish Estate Agent GIPE no 3726 StartGroup recently celebrated 15 years in business! When we founded the company in 2003 we had already worked for a few years in one of the largest … Continue reading "What should I think about for when I choose an Estate Agent in Spain?"
Fuengirola Castle property for sale costa del sol

El Castillo de Fuengirola – Sohail Castle

June 2018

El Castillo de Fuengirola – Sohail Castle Continuing the cultural journey of what to do around Costa del Sol, today we look at the nearby Sohail Castle in Fuengirola.  El Castillo de Fuengirola – Sohail Castle was built in AD 956 by Abd-ar-Rahman III to strengthen the coastal defences. Excavated stone ruins on public display … Continue reading "El Castillo de Fuengirola – Sohail Castle"
La Cala village

TORREON DE LA CALA DE MIJAS – WATCHTOWER

June 2018

TORRE DE LA BATERIA O TORREON DE LA CALA DE MIJAS – WATCHTOWER Time for a bit of a history lesson! The “Torreon” or Watchtower in La Cala is a very prominent feature sitting in the main square and right on the beach front. For just 1 euro (correct at time of writing this) you … Continue reading "TORREON DE LA CALA DE MIJAS – WATCHTOWER"
la cala de mijas playground

Great bakery in La Cala de Mijas

June 2018

La Canasta in la Cala – A great bakery in La Cala de Mijas In the heart of La Cala de Mijas, and conveniently located next door to the children’s play park you can find La Canasta. Established in 1983, La Canasta is a local firm which has grown into a small chain of bakery … Continue reading "Great bakery in La Cala de Mijas"
La Cala de Mijas Street Market Spices for sale

La Cala de Mijas Street Market

May 2018

La Cala de Mijas  Street Market Held on the site formally known as “Recinto Ferial” (meaning fairground), La Cala Market (Marcadillo in Spanish) is held every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm. There are approximately 115 stalls selling all manner of things from artesan craft products, fresh fruit and vegetables, potted plants, herbs and … Continue reading "La Cala de Mijas Street Market"
Lobby La Cala Golf Hotel

La Cala Golf Hotel & Spa

May 2018

La Cala Golf Hotel & Spa Just a 1 minute drive or short walk from Start Groups new development Fairways La Cala Golf you have the La Cala Golf Resort Hotel. This idyllic rural retreat is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, yet only 10 minutes from the sweeping Mediterranean beaches … Continue reading "La Cala Golf Hotel & Spa"
La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas info and property for sale

May 2018

LA CALA DE MIJAS Fairways la cala golf is a few minutes’ drive from the bustling village of La Cala de Mijas. Here is a rundown of what La Cala has to offer. La Cala de Mijas, or Mijas Bay in English, forms part of the Municipality of Mijas in the province of Malaga, Andalucia, … Continue reading "La Cala de Mijas info and property for sale"
fairways la cala golf new frontline golf apartments with spa and gym for sale in la cala golf resort

Blog about La Cala Golf Resort

May 2018

Blog about La Cala Golf Resort, in which our new development for sale Fairways La Cala Golf sits in the heart of. La Cala Resort in Mijas, Andalucia, southern Spain is a residential and recreational estate located between Marbella and Fuengirola. La Cala Golf is officially recognised by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation as the … Continue reading "Blog about La Cala Golf Resort"
House sales in Spain rises

Foreign Demand Reaches Record Levels in Spain

October 2017

Spain is still one of the most popular destinations for expats – especially the British – who want to give up the daily grind and ‘same old’ of their own countries in favour of the sunnier climate here. Demand for Spanish property especially cheap property and penthouses for sale in Mijas Costa  has reached record … Continue reading "Foreign Demand Reaches Record Levels in Spain"
StartGroup featured in Top Agent Magazine

Top Real Estate Agent in Spain

October 2017

Originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, Christofer Fogelberg moved to the south of Spain back in 1999. After a few years spent soaking up the region and all it had to offer, he dove into the real estate industry in 2001 and launched his own imprint, Start Group, in 2003. Christofer’s professional niche is decidedly unique, and … Continue reading "Top Real Estate Agent in Spain"
Mortgage lending in Spain on the rise

Spanish Mortgages on the Rise

September 2017

We have great news for those looking for property in Spain. Not everybody has the funding to invest in Real Estate on the Costa del Sol outright, so it stands to reason that many will be looking for a mortgage in order to make their dream come true. For many, it makes more sense to … Continue reading "Spanish Mortgages on the Rise"
Let your property in Spain for rent

How Buyers can Benefit from Spain’s Rental Boom

September 2017

We are not suggesting that those looking to find a property for sale in Calahonda should consider renting instead; on the contrary, we know that when your heart is set on that luxury townhouse in Calahonda, you want to tell everyone you know that it’s yours! And so you should. The fact remains though, that … Continue reading "How Buyers can Benefit from Spain’s Rental Boom"
Buying property abroad

Three Considerations for Buying Property Abroad

August 2017

Looking for a new home can be both a daunting and exciting prospect, especially if you’re moving to a new country with cultural and language differences. For first time expats, there are considerations that may be harder to weigh up without a firm understanding of the latter aspects. Whether you’re looking for a houses For … Continue reading "Three Considerations for Buying Property Abroad"
Apartments in Cabopino

What not to miss in captivating Cabopino

July 2017

There’s a certain ring to the name Cabopino; a ring that implies fun, indulgence and all things exotic. As it happens, this is exactly the kind of experience you can expect to have here at Cabopino beach and port, just a five-minute drive from Calahonda. Cabopino is a tranquil Marina found just to the west … Continue reading "What not to miss in captivating Cabopino"
Property sales rise in 2016

Spanish Property Sales Continue to Rise in 2016

June 2017

The Ministry of Development recently released some new figures indicating that things are still looking up for Spanish property sales. Spain on the whole has seen an increase in sales over the period of a year, up until June of 2016. Throughout that time period, over 430,000 properties were sold, which is a 13% rise … Continue reading "Spanish Property Sales Continue to Rise in 2016"
Golf and properties on Costa del Sol

How Golf benefits the Spanish Property Market

May 2017

The golf sector has been a major influence on the Spanish property market. This is especially so on the Costa del Sol where there are a large number of golf courses.  Golf brings many visitors to the region and finding the Sunshine Coast particularly appealing, a lot decide to stay here to indulge their hobby … Continue reading "How Golf benefits the Spanish Property Market"
Property sales rises on Costa del Sol

Foreign Buyer Numbers Continue to Rocket on the Costa del Sol

April 2017

The Mediterranean coast continues to grow in popularity among foreigners, according to recent studies; approximately twenty percent of foreign tourists visiting this region of Spain have shown interest in purchasing property here, be it a second home or full-time residence. Despite potential challenges like Brexit, tourism and expatriation have continued to rise here on the … Continue reading "Foreign Buyer Numbers Continue to Rocket on the Costa del Sol"
Sell property in Spain guide

3 Tips for a Smooth Property Sale

April 2017

As usually happens at the start of every year, the property market starts to gather momentum. Here on the Costa del Sol, it’s no different; in fact it is perhaps even busier than many other countries’ markets as wannabe expats start to ‘pull out the stops’ in a bid to get their dream lifestyle off … Continue reading "3 Tips for a Smooth Property Sale"
Spain popular destination for expats and tourists

Spain’s popularity continues to increase

March 2017

Statistics from November 2016 are entirely positive, demonstrating that tourism in Spain is thriving regardless of any perceived challenges in the wake of the Brexit vote. In fact, it could be argued that Brexit has had no negative impact on tourism whatsoever, as the numbers of people visiting Spain from the UK continued to increase … Continue reading "Spain’s popularity continues to increase"
Best real estate agent on costa del sol

What to Look For in a Real Estate Agent

February 2017

Buying or selling a property can be one of the most stressful experiences you will face. There are pitfalls, ups and downs and many emotions are involved. Working with the right team of professionals can greatly reduce that stress and make the process a much more pleasant experience. In choosing wisely you can save your … Continue reading "What to Look For in a Real Estate Agent"
Spanish property prices stabilizes

A Happy State of Affairs for Real Estate on the Costa del Sol

February 2016

It’s no secret that Spain has suffered miserably in the last decade at the hands of the global economic crisis. The real estate bubble on the Costa del Sol saw prices that rose 200% over an eleven-year period up to 2007. When the bubble finally burst in 2008, the government was unable to bail out … Continue reading "A Happy State of Affairs for Real Estate on the Costa del Sol"

Looking for a Property for Sale in Calahonda? Get your Euros in the Bancos!

November 2015

So, you’re looking for property for sale in Calahonda. And you’re preparing for an exciting new life in sunny Spain awash with warm weather and cool cocktails, then one of the many practical items on your Iberian to-do list (just after bikini shopping), may be making sure your local finance situation is in order. A … Continue reading "Looking for a Property for Sale in Calahonda? Get your Euros in the Bancos!"
Best places to live in Spain

Best Places to Live – Thinking about buying a property on the Costa del Sol

October 2015

We all know that the Costa del Sol is back in the property news in Spain for being one of the most sought after places to live at the moment.  If you’re thinking of looking for a property for sale in Calahonda and to live in Spain, then it is a good idea to check out the … Continue reading "Best Places to Live – Thinking about buying a property on the Costa del Sol"
Buy property in Spain using Pound

Should you be buying property in Spain Now?

September 2015

There has been huge speculation on this subject, considering Spain has only recently come out of a very difficult and tumultuous eight year financial crisis.  But when you look closely at the information given by the experts, it’s not unwise to think that this year things are on the up again for property investors in … Continue reading "Should you be buying property in Spain Now?"
Good news on the property market

Costa del Sol Property, and the Good News You’ve Been Waiting for

July 2015

There is now good news surrounding development and housing sales on the Costa del Sol. New construction is being seen throughout the Costa del Sol. There are many cranes and rumbling sounds of development work to be heard once again on the coastlines in the South of Spain. New information on the home sales in … Continue reading "Costa del Sol Property, and the Good News You’ve Been Waiting for"
Development Marbella property market

How the Marbella property market recovered – and why now is the time to invest

June 2015

As the Marbella property market continues its remarkable recovery, the best estate agents in the Costa Del Sol are gearing up for a busy summer. It’s no surprise. With the dark days of ‘la crisis’ now a distant memory, property sale prices are slowly but steadily creeping back up from their rock bottom lows of … Continue reading "How the Marbella property market recovered – and why now is the time to invest"
Purchasing a house in Calahonda

Purchasing a Second Home in Calahonda

March 2015

You have been thinking about it haven’t you?  The big move, and wondering what a second home on the Costa del Sol would be like?  Well let’s take a look at why so many people choose to come to this fabulous part of southern South to purchase a property. You know that the all year … Continue reading "Purchasing a Second Home in Calahonda"
Voulunteering in Spain

Volunteering in the Costa Del Sol

February 2015

Volunteering in the Costa Del Sol As good as the dream of living in the Costa del Sol may look; a place like this needs people volunteering in the local area, just as any other does. So if you want to become a helping hand in the community, there are plenty of good causes you … Continue reading "Volunteering in the Costa Del Sol"
Winter on Costa del Sol

Winter is the Best Time to Buy

February 2015

Buying a property is a big step, not matter where. But if you’re already living in Costa del Sol or planning on heading over, then you should know that winter is the best time to buy a dream home in this area. Penthouse in Riviera del Sol – Start Group The real-estate segment is ready … Continue reading "Winter is the Best Time to Buy"
Family home in Andalucia

Finding a Family Home on the Costa Del Sol

February 2015

There are plenty of houses in Costa del Sol, but finding a real home for your family could end up being quite a challenge. If you’re planning to relocate along with your family in southern Spain, here are some of the things you should keep in mind so that you can really make it feel … Continue reading "Finding a Family Home on the Costa Del Sol"
Bringing your dog to Spain

Moving with your Pets to Spain

February 2015

Pets are family, so moving abroad shouldn’t make you consider giving up on your pets. It will take a lot of time to prepare them for the journey to your new home in Spain, but if you know all the steps to follow it might be easier than you would imagine. 1. Is your pet … Continue reading "Moving with your Pets to Spain"
We bought a bank repossession with StartGroup

We bought a bank property with Start Group!

February 2015

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 … Continue reading "We bought a bank property with Start Group!"
British move to Spain

Brits lead the way in buying Malaga property

January 2015

Half of the new houses sold in Malaga province in 2013 were bought by foreigners. In total, there were 9,526 sales of new houses in the province throughout the year, of which 4,640 involved foreign buyers. According to the president of the Builders and Promoters Association in Malaga, Jose Prado, such high number of foreign … Continue reading "Brits lead the way in buying Malaga property"
Moving to Spain with Children

Moving to Spain with Children

January 2015

If you’re thinking of moving with your children to a sunnier place like Costa del Sol in Spain, be well prepared. Planning isn’t easy, but it’s essential, especially when it comes to children, so keep in mind that there is quite a list of things you should consider before packing your bags and moving to Spain … Continue reading "Moving to Spain with Children"