Will Rise in Malaga Tourist Numbers change Property Market’s Fortunes?

Last year the Costa del Sol enjoyed a larger boost to tourism than Andalusia or Spain as a whole, if official figures published by the regional government are to be believed. The Malaga province welcomed some 4.3 million visitors in the first 11 months of the year, a 5.3% gain on the first 11 months of 2012. Good news for investors looking to buy Marbella property!

With apartment prices in Marbella as low as EUR 100,000 for second hand homes and starting prices of around EUR 178,000 for new builds in seafront locations or golf developments it’s tempting to buy Costa del Sol property for holiday lettings.
 
Malaga province saw 6.5% growth in overnight stays

New legislation is about to hit the private holiday lettings market, making it more expensive and more complicated to let to tourists, but for investors who own three or more apartments in the same building, the new legislation is likely to simplify the matter of obtaining a licence.
With 16.5 million recorded overnight stays and some 4.3 million visitors choosing to spend their holidays in Malaga’s hotels in the first 11 months of 2013, the tourism sector is booming. The trend for staying in private holiday villas and apartments continues, even if Malaga’s hotel occupancy rates saw a healthy 3.2 point rise last year.

Buying Property in Puerto Banus

Another trend continues and that is to promote quality homes in prime locations rather than cheap and cheerful but not quite so well-built properties. Small luxury developments with townhouses or apartments appeal to buyers from a variety of emerging markets. Puerto Banus is blessed with a fabulous marina, fantastic shopping and nightlife, but just outside the hub of super yachts and pleasure cruisers there is an exclusive golf resort, which has attracted considerable attention from investors and holiday home buyers.

Designed like a traditional Andalusia village that boasts water fountains and pretty squares, cobbled streets and tranquil courtyards, this new development of high-end townhouses built in a pueblo style is a far cry from the type of holiday homes experts say must be bulldozed over because nobody will ever want to buy them. Puerto Banus’ homes like these have simply breath-taking views, 24 hour security onsite, underflow heating, fireplaces and hot and cold air conditioning, a garage and store room and private pool as a matter of course.

They are also to Puerto Banus fabulous nightlife, a favourite with the international set. With its clubs and bars, its outdoor cafes and seafront promenade Puerto Banus is a place to be seen and a place to look out for further investment.

Family Attractions

It’s easy to see why investors looking for high lettings yields from the tourism sector would choose property in Marbella.
 
Marbella is not just great for celebrities; it’s also a place where holidaying families can have a great deal of fun.

Young parents can take their little ones to Aqua Babies, where tiny tods can learn to swim. At nearby Camelot Park at the La Canada shopping mall toddlers and their parents can relax or have a fantastic time letting off steam in this themed indoor playground.

For families with older children and teenagers there are the water parks and places like Tivoli World with its shows and entertainments, its rides and restaurants. From floating in your own private pool to enjoying a night out with friends at a Texas grill event in Marbella’s very own Wild West Town – there’s simply never a dull moment.
 
Now is the time to investigate the fantastic investment opportunities Marbella’s property market has to offer – this year’s tourists are already starting to book their holiday accommodation!