La entrada Diario Sur in Russian covers the Diana Morales Properties | Knight Frank Market Report 2019 se publicó primero en MN Comunicación.

Marbella, April 15th 2019.- Real estate transactions in Marbella and its surrounding sphere of influence, specifically Estepona and Benahavis, more commonly known as the “Golden Triangle,” have stabilised after eight years of sustained growth.  Without a doubt, there has been a series of factors such as an over-supply of properties all aimed at the same client profile, the uncertainty being generated by Brexit and the global economic slowdown. These contributing factors have led the experts to foresee in the coming months a moderation in the rhythm of sales and property prices.  This Real Estate Market Report for the Costa del Sol has been written by Diana Morales Properties|Knight Frank, one of the most prestigious agencies in the area.  The report suggests the necessity to take all of these factors into account and calls all the players in this sector to “work at being creative, offering quality and value, and hope that price levels even out in the near future.”

Even though there has been an enormous increase in the number of sales in Estepona and Benahavis, Marbella still tops the charts in the number of transactions completed.  It is also a national indicator, often ahead of the curve economically, partly due to the fact that it is so dependent upon and in tune with the broader European economies.  The economic uncertainty in Catalonia combined with the recent tax reforms, virtually abolishing inheritance tax in the Autonomous Region of Andalusia, has had a positive knock-on-effect on these shores.

In an international context, the uncertainty being generated by Brexit has resulted in a slowing down of the British market, although it is still the biggest in Spain and especially here on the coast; in 2018 they represented 15% of the market compared to 21% in 2015.  This decrease has been compensated by an increase in the domestic market as well as a marked increase in the Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, French, Belgium as well as Middle Eastern markets. All of these regions continue to show strong economic growth and have high income levels, which makes the Costa del Sol relatively affordable.  Easter week is one of the busiest times, witnessing a large increase in the number of possible buyers coming to the coast to view properties.

However, the adjustments being made by most economies in their downward output forecasts for 2019-2020 to just below 2%, as well as the fact that some American and European funds are not as active as they were a few years ago, makes experts think that there is a cooling down of economic fortunes in the near future. The report furthermore highlights the point that developers are suffering due to the effects of trying to compensate for the increased costs of construction and in land value which has forced them to raise their prices.

For this reason, the Real Estate Market Report by Diana Morales Properties | Knight Frank considers that these signs indicate that there should be “a cooling off of land and construction costs as well as an easing of property prices if the market is to regain its dynamism, as well as a resolution of the Brexit impasse.” According to their estimates, it will be the top end of the market which will be more resilient to these changes and will best maintain its value.

Benahavis, Estepona, Ojen, Mijas, as well as Casares and Manilva, have absorbed a large part of the recent growth in the real estate market in the past five years, largely in part due to the planning issues that have been plaguing Marbella, which has seen an increase in prices from 3%- 7% depending on the area and type of property during 2018.  However, “we’re witnessing a cooling off of demand in the new areas, as they too see prices rise perhaps more quickly that the market can carry right now.”

The report has furthermore detected two important phenomena.  On one side, there is a scarcity of new projects being developed in Marbella, being a direct consequence of the lack of land available for development and the problems arising from the delay in urbanistic planning licences.  This, and the lack of offer, has ensured that the Golden Mile has maintained its status as being the most exclusive address available, with prices reaching as much as €20,000 per meter squared on frontline beach properties. Urbanisations such as Sierra Blanca or Guadalmina maintain their prestige over the areas of Estepona or the Cala de Mijas, where there is more availability of land and building licences are readily attained.  The report also highlights the worrying lack of variety, with the majority of projects on the market focusing on the same mix of design, amenities and price range. The oversupply and over-competition in this sector has resulted in it being the victim to the greatest drop in sales from the lower–to-mid range bracket. But that’s not to say that original and truly luxurious initiatives can’t be successful.

New styles of properties

The report states that the majority of buyers in Marbella do not need mortgages and tend to be cash buyers.  The younger generations (35-44) rank first in property searches followed then by those in the 45-54 age bracket.

Demand is being centred on modern and newly constructed properties, with an increased interest in those promotions offering all the comforts and open spaces that can be found in a house but are in an apartment.  A change has also been noted in the style, going from the white minimalistic look of recent years to a fusion of classic-contemporary style. Environmental credentials and energy-efficient homes are also more important than before.  The market for renovating and modernising older properties is one that remains solid and is gaining in popularity again. This is especially noticeable in Marbella, the Golden Mile and in Nueva Andalucía. This formula allows for buyers to have the best of both worlds, a property in the best location combined with the best design, quality and technology.

About Diana Morales Properties | Knight Frank

Diana Morales began her professional career in real estate in Marbella in 1978, making Diana Morales Properties one of the oldest agencies on the Costa del Sol and a leader in the luxury real estate market. The company´s reputation both national and international as a boutique agency has gone from strength to strength. Having represented both Sotheby’s and Christie’s in the past, is now the sole representative of Knight Frank in Marbella, holding longstanding connections with both clients and fellow luxury segment professionals.  Diana Morales Properties | Knight Frank bring together the reputation and expertise of the local market with the international reach of having over 500 offices in 60 countries.

MN Comunicación  wrote the press release and sent it to all the press, local, national and international.

La entrada The 2019 Market Report by Diana Morales Properties | Knight Frank calls to action all the players in this sector to readjust the market se publicó primero en MN Comunicación.

Marbella, 30th June: Last night a conference on ´National Populism and the Press´ was celebrated, organised the Association of Friends of Tel Aviv University in Spain, marking the start of their 2017 lecture series. The conference was led by distinguished journalists and writers Arcadi Espada and Teodoro León Gross. Both reflected on what is considered to be the most pertinent subject in the world at the moment, especially in the European Union.

Both intellectuals debated the results of Brexit, the victory of Trump, Marie Le Pen coming second in the French presidential elections, and the polarisation of politics in Europe, with the resurgence of extreme right movements in countries such as Holland and Greece, all whilst we see extreme left groups consolidating. For the speakers, this affirms that populism is neither a question of rights and lefts nor a question of territory; rather it is a global issue that has arisen as a result of the collapse of the state of well-being.

What´s more, during the course of the evening, enjoyed at the home of hostess Remedios Del Río, vice president of the Association of Friends of Tel Aviv University in Spain, the importance of the press was as an essential ally in supporting nationalism and populism was greatly emphasised. These two ideals depend on one another to succeed in the post-truth era ruled by media, in which emotions and beliefs take precedence over objective facts, in public opinion

The two journalists discussed all of these questions in a dynamic and intense meeting, perfectly characterising Arcadi Espada´s presenting style. Following interventions, they responded to questions and enquiries by guests, who followed each of the journalists´ words with great interest

Drawing to a close, the conference finally came to an end with an informal dinner during which, naturally, guests continued to discuss the different ideas put across during the talks  and especially, in relation to the consequences of expansion and consolidation of National Populism for the West.

The Association of Friends of Tel Aviv University in Spain is a non-profit organisation that aims to extend the reach of this prestigious learning establishment, and the academic and institutional world of Spain.

With aims to promote cultural interchange, the Association of Friends of Tel Aviv University in Spain organises different activities such as that celebrated last night which forms part of their 2017 lecture series in which points of interest and current affairs are debated at the hands of renowned experts in each of their respected fields. The next meeting will take place in Madrid on the 14^th of September. The conference, titled, ´The Role of Intercultural Communication in International Diplomacy´, will be led by Professor Yoav Tenembaun, a teacher who is part of the Diplomacy Program of Tel Aviv University, and supported by ex-minister of Foreign Affairs, Miguel Ángel Moratinos.

MN Comunicación were in charge of the invitations and in organising the event.

La entrada ´National Populism and the Press´ Conference, Organised by the Association of Friends of Tel Aviv University in Spain Proves to be a Resounding Success se publicó primero en MN Comunicación.

Marbella, January 25th 2017: Since the ‘Brexit’ ruling after the June 2016 referendum, when the British public made the decision to leave the European Union, the Costa del Sol’s property market has been awash with uncertainty. Historically, the Costa del Sol has always benefitted from private investment from the United Kingdom.

However, renewed interest in the Andalusian coast from Scandinavian and Central European markets is dispelling the shadow of ‘Brexit’ on the real estate sector. This is reflected on a national level in the figures for the third trimester of 2016 from the Spanish Real Estate Statistics Records, as well as on a local level in terms of the luxury property sales at the Palo Alto development in Ojén.

According to the Statistics Records, foreign buyer numbers appear to have stabilised at a figure above 13%, which maintains a position as one of the all-time highs. Britons come top of this list, just as when the research began in 2006. However, the market accumulates three consecutive trimesters, losing traction in relative terms and giving rise to figures under 20%. In fact, the decrease between the second and third trimester of 2016 is especially marked, dropping from 19.73% to 17.66%, demonstrating a decrease of almost 2%.

French buyers, who increased by nearly 2%, come in second, with 8.91%. This significant growth renders them one of the most active nations, with their increase compensating in part for the reduced British demand. Germans (7.32%), Swiss (7.14%) and Belgians (6.2%) come third, fourth and fifth respectively in the rankings for buying a second home in Spain, strengthening their presence in the housing market and increasing their importance both in absolute and relative terms. These figures compensate for the decrease in British investment and maintain the sales figures to match up to those in previous years.

With 50% of its first phase sold, Palo Alto supports this trend on the Costa del Sol. According to their own buyer statistics; Germans and Belgians top the sales figures with 38% and 15% respectively. Norwegian, Italian, Dutch and Spanish buyers follow behind, all with a figure of 6%, while French constitute half of that, at 3%.

Accordingly, Sales Director Simon Boxus explains: “The crucial commitment by the developer and architects to quality of design and materials and the privileged environment, together with the recovery of the economy at both a national and international level means that Europeans view the Costa del Sol as an exceptional destination”.

“In these circumstances, destinations like Ojén, where we are developing the Palo Alto project, offer both physical and legal security”, he continues.  

“According to the figures deduced from both the luxury reservations and the marketing reports, the decrease in the British market is undeniable. However, German, French, Belgian, Italian, Dutch, Spanish and Norwegian buyers have found an answer to their demands for high-quality real estate in Palo Alto”, Boxus concludes.

More about Palo Alto

With 250 million euros investment, Round Hill Capital, a leading global property investment firm, is the developer in this project, designed by the prestigious, award-winning architecture studio Villarroel Torrico. Palo Alto is built on 50 hectares and offers a selection of spacious apartments, penthouses and villas in a low-density residential area.

Thanks to its cutting-edge contemporary architectural design, Palo Alto combines the best quality amenities to cater for the necessities of active modern life with the very best nature can offer. Nestled in the incomparable natural beauty of Ojén and only a few minutes away from bustling Marbella, Palo Alto impresses primarily for its location, which offers panoramic views of the mountain and sea.

www.paloaltomarbella.com 

Emma Williams

Web: www.marie-noelle.es

Email: eventos@marie-noelle.es

Móvil: (+34) 626 681 308

La entrada Scandinavian and Central European Markets Dispel the Shadow of ‘Brexit’ on the Costa del Sol’s Real Estate Sector se publicó primero en MN Comunicación.