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” (entity of urbanisation conservation). These EUC’s can be formed by several smaller urbanisation’s and private houses in a specific area. On the Costa del Sol EUC’s are very common. One of the biggest ones is Sitio de Calahonda that spreads over 300 hectares. Neighbouring Riviera del Sol is made up by EUC’s in 8 different phases. The EUC’s are typically responsible for the upkeep of the roads and gardens in the urbanisation and sometimes street cleaning and lighting.
The urbanisation’s can consist of only a few properties to several thousands, but the average on the Costa del Sol are between 80 – 150 units for apartments and 20 – 100 units for townhouse developments.
StartGroup have been selling property on the Costa del Sol since 2003. We asked our staff and collaborators to share their opinion of their favourite urbanisation’s and new property developments. Here is what the experts at StartGroup thinks:
PASCAL VAN DER WOUDE 
Cascadas de Calahonda
One of my favourite developments in Calahonda is without a doubt Cascadas de Calahonda. This development was build from 2002 to 2006 and consists of 2 different phases.
Both phases are next to each other in the hills of Calahonda and from most apartments and penthouses you can enjoy stunning views over the Mediterranean sea! Both phases are fully gated and all units benefit from underground parking spaces and storage rooms.
StartGroup have sold numerous apartments and penthouses here and all our clients are very happy with their apartment.
Cascadas de Calahonda
This a complex consists of 102 apartments and penthouses divided over 17 blocks. All blocks have 2 ground floor and 2 first floor apartments plus 2 duplex penthouses.
The complex was initially promoted by a German construction company which shows in the qualities and materials used. The apartments have cream marble floors, mainly 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One being en-suite to the master bedroom. They come with fully fitted kitchens and separate laundry areas. Terraces are mainly covered but a lot more spacious than in other developments build in this period.
The communal gardens are very well kept with lots of water features, like small ponds and cascades. There are also 2 communal swimming pools.
Phase 2. Cascadas de las Lomas was designed by another architect than phase 1 and has a more modern look. Both from the inside as well as the outside. This complex consists of 19 blocks of apartments and penthouses. Here you can find 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and penthouses.
There are various lay-outs of different 2 and 3 bedroom apartments but all of them have open plan kitchens with separate utility room. The lounge has a fireplace and there is underfloor heating in the bathrooms. These apartments comes with spacious terraces. Minimum 35 square metre with built in BBQ.
All apartments and penthouses come with 1 or 2 underground parking spaces and storage rooms. There are 2 communal swimming pool areas and a gym.
Start Group real estate based in Calahonda has been and still is very successful in selling these luxury apartments and currently we have various apartments and penthouses for sale in case this would be of interest to you!
Are you looking for a property for sale in Calahonda, then you can contact Start Group by visiting our office in the El Zoco commercial Centre in Calahonda, telephone +34-952 90 48 90 are sent an e-mail to info@startgroup.com
StartGroups favourite urbanisation’s and developments!
DAVID HEMMINGS
GRAN CALAHONDA
From a professional point of view, my favourite development in the whole area is Gran Calahonda. This is located in the lower area of Calahonda in Mijas Costa.
This development, built in 2002, is well maintained and has constantly been kept to a high standard. The grounds have been cared for so well that they are of the standard of any good park you could find. The development is made up of 11 blocks of apartments, each with a clean white façade and still have a modern look.
There are garden apartments, middle floor apartments and penthouses with huge terraces, there is a choice of either 2 or 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.
Each property comes with a private underground parking space and there is guest parking within the grounds.
They all have en suite bathrooms and American style kitchens with an utility room.
As time has moved on, many owners in Gran Calahonda, Mijas Costa, have modernised their apartments with more up to date bathrooms and new kitchens. Many have knocked down the kitchen wall and opened it up into the lounge. Some have sea views and others look over the pristine gardens.
Facilities
There are magnificent facilities! The entrance is gated and there is a security cabin manned by the concierge. Offering three swimming pools with sun loungers and surrounded by lush subtropical gardens. They also have a tennis court and mini football court.
Just outside of the complex you will find Los Olivos commercial centre with a large supermarket, cafes and hairdressers. There’s also a shop for all your internet needs. They will set you up with all of the TV channels from your home land.
Nearby is the El Zoco commercial centre, here you have the choice of many international restaurants, bars, cafes and tapas bars. Banks, super market, hardware store, lawyers, hairdressers, post office, taxi rank and of course StartGroup Real Estate, for all of your property solutions!
You are only a stone’s throw from a natural beach which has the new boardwalk. To the west you can stroll to the harbour of Cabopino or to the east you can stroll to the ever popular coastal village of La Cala de Mijas. In either direction you will find an abundance of “chiringuitos”. To have a rest and take in a meal or a snack and a bit of refreshment.
In Calahonda you find La Siesta Golf Club, Club del Sol Tennis Club and a huge park that goes through the whole area, lined by protected pines trees. There are many foreign residents that have made Calahonda their home as well as many others that have purchased holiday homes and spend months on end lapping up the sunny climate.
Calahonda is well connected by AP 7 highway and the AP 7 toll road. These offer easy access to Malaga international airport in 25 minutes and the cities of Fuengirola and Marbella in ten minutes.
Unique in many ways
This part of the world has been renowned for it’s fantastic climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. In recent times it feels like there have been even more than that.
I think that people who have purchased or plan to purchase a holiday home or main residence in Gran Calahonda, do so because:
1. The convenient location, nothing is too far to walk too and easy access to the airport and larger towns.
2. The facilities and general good condition of the complex
3. From an investment point of view you will do very well if you wish to achieve a rental income and from a resale point of view if later you wish to sell these properties will sell quickly.
4. Price range, you can purchase a 2 bedroom apartment here from as little as approximately 150,000 Euros and up to to around 230,000 euros for a fully refurbished apartment.
A penthouse could cost you from 250,000 Euros and 3 bedroom apartments from approximately 240,000 plus depending on condition.
Compared to the neighbouring town of La Cala de Mijas and the golf and port area of Cabopino you will get much more for your money and be within easy reach of these areas and that goes for Marbella too.
JEREMY ROZARIO
When I started in real estate some years ago, it was important to me that the first task would be to familiarise myself with product and location. There are many fantastic urbanisation’s on the Costa del Sol. They all offer similar facilities and space just at different levels of quality and luxury.
I have been in many different urbanisation’s in different areas. Situated by the sea or higher up. Some focus on golf, others on gardens, water features etc. All the Urbanisation have a collection of 1, 2, 3 or 4 bed units designed to keep you warm, cool and dry for the duration of our stay, days, months or years.
Or are they??
I think every apartment, villa and urbanisation have a unique energy and style reflective of its inhabitants, architects and location. Alcores is one of these Urbanisations here in Calahonda, situated at the very top on the most westerly point, built in 2004 in a new Andalusian style with rustic with charm. Ranging from 1 to 4 bed and the much sought after penthouse (3 bed) all have fantastic views and are spacious and modern. The community is exactly what it says, a community, neighbours saying hello, smiles and a general sense of well-being.
Behind, in front and to the west there is just sprawling countryside, perfect for a walk with or without dog! The penthouses has a price range from 130k and up to 300k. I was lucky to sell one of these in the top western block. The couple who bought were genuinely breathless when they first entered the property. I wish all sales where like that!
ALEXANDER PAK
FAIRWAYS La Cala Golf:
If you like panoramic views, quietness and tranquillity but at the same time don’t want to be far from the busy and active coastline, look no further than Fairways in La Cala Golf!
Conveniently located, just 450 meters from La Cala Golf Resort, with its Spa, few restaurants, bar and Golf Academy this small exclusive development, of only 54 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, has a lot to offer to their owners. Surrounded by the 18 holes Championship golf course, Campo America, on 3 sides, this complex guarantees beautiful panoramic views from every apartment over the golf, mountains and the sea!
Beautiful and modern design
Beautiful modern design of the apartments, with big panoramic front windows brings a lot of light, space feel and comfort. All apartments benefit from great size outdoor space. Ground floor units in addition to a huge terraces have big private gardens, 1st floor apartments have their own private solarium of 18-27 m2 and duplex Penthouses enjoy private pool on the top terrace.
The apartments are bright and spacious, with modern aero-thermal air-conditioning system. Fully fitted open plan kitchens with high quality appliances. Tiled from floor to ceiling, the bathrooms also offer walk in showers with top quality sanitaries in white. The properties have an automatic Protection system. Composed by a smoke detector, connected to the main switch in the electric distribution panel and a flood detector in three places, which can cut-off water inlet valves to the apartment.
All the apartments have their own underground parking space with a store room and penthouses have 2 parking spaces. In the garage area there will be installation of charging point for electric vehicles. With possibility of semi-fast or slow loading, including charging of golf carts.
Communal areas consist of a beautiful Mediterranean style garden with a big salt water pool, a fully fitted wellness area with a gym, big Jacuzzi and sauna.
La Cala Golf Resort
This is one of the most beautiful and popular area on Costa Del Sol. You have everything you need for fantastic holidays and comfortable living within short drive distance. With 3 x 18 holes Championship Golf Courses (Campo Asia, Campo America, Campo Europa) and Golf Academy its a biggest Golf Resort in Spain.
The nearby cosy La Cala village, located within 10 min drive, has all possible facilities. Such as shops, restaurants, bars, nice beach with beautiful few kilometres stroll promenade, open market, medical and sport centre. International Airport and Malaga city is only within 30 min drive. Marbella town and famous Puerto Banus with its luxury Yachts and fashion boutiques, are only 20 min drive away.
For those of our clients who want to, we in Start Group also offer a Property Management service.
For more information on Fairways, prices and availability please contact our Start Group office in the El Zoco shopping centre in Calahonda on +34 952 90 48 90 or visit our website www.startgroup.com or www.fairwayslacalagolf.com.
StartGroups favourite urbanisation’s and developments!
JENNIFER CLARKE
Jardines de Calahonda
A beautiful urbanisation in Calahonda.
After many years as a real estate agent at StartGroup in Calahonda, Mijas Costa, many of my clients have fallen in love with the area “Jardines de Calahonda”.
The Jardines de Calahonda has different faces built in the mid-1980s. One of the characteristics of the urbanisation is the vast amount of green areas within and around the area. Parks and forests are something unique and quite rare to see in new productions nowadays. As the priority has been to build as many units as possible on available land. Jardines de Calahonda is surrounded by Parque Vivero. A large park with trails, waterways and a playground in the middle of central Calahonda.
I often come across clients who have travelled all over the Costa del Sol. Looking to find their ultimate holiday home or permanent accommodation. As soon as they come through our doors at StartGroup in Calahonda, I usually tell them about my little hidden jewel, which is located right on the municipal border between Marbella and Mijas-Costa.
What makes this part of Calahonda so special? Well, here you can find apartments and penthouses that match many of our customers’ different criteria. Prices in the area range from 150.000-300.000 euros (ground apartments are slightly cheaper and penthouses slightly more expensive.) This is generally a comfortable budget for many people who are looking for a holiday home in Mijas-Costa.
Wonderful views
Almost all apartments in the area have sea views. Are facing south-west and last but not least you can walk to the beach and shops in about 5 minutes. This walk is on a relatively flat surface, perfect for elderly or for the family with their strollers. If you have teenagers in the family who want to go out on their own, they can easily walk down to the bus stop where they can catch busses to either Marbella or Fuengirola. This is truly an area suits all generations!
Close to the beach
The nearest beach is Luna Beach, where there is a fantastic restaurant open all year around. During the summer months there is live music entertainment. This spot is also where our wonderful promenade, or “boardwalk” begins. “La Senda Litoral de Mijas Costa” is a wooden bridge. It winds along the beach between Cabopino in the west and La Cala de Mijas in the east.
Jardines de Calahonda is built in several phases.
Phase 1 has ground floor apartments with access directly to the pool and garden, and penthouses. The penthouse apartments have two levels, so called “duplex apartments”. These properties offer a large terrace on the first floor, and two balconies on the upper level. The apartments are facing south or south-west and enjoy a lovely fenced swimming pool.
Phase 2 is quite similar to phase 1. One of the differences is that the penthouse apartments have a roof terrace. Something many of StartGroup’s customers have on their wish list. Here, too, there is a swimming pool as well as a paddle-tennis court.
Phase 3. There are three swimming pools and the apartments vary slightly in their design. Here you will find a mix of both ground and mid-floor apartments, as well as duplex penthouse. Some of them have incredibly large terraces. Both at the back and at the front, giving plenty of space for the sun worshipper.
In phase 4 we also find a variety of homes with different layouts. All properties offer wonderful views of the sea, the garden and a large swimming pool which has a life guard. There is also a small family-run bar that opens in the afternoons and serves light meals and drinks.
Generally, the apartments in Jardines de Calahonda need to be renovated. This is something that we at StartGroup easily take care of through our contacts and our special department PropertyCare. You don’t have to do the job yourself!
In conclusion, if you are looking for a green and quiet place close to everything, facing south or south-west, you should take an extra look at what the Start Group offers in Jardines de Calahonda.
