Have you dreamed about a lifestyle change but didn’t know
how to go about it?
The miserable weather, high cost of living and continued
economic problems in much of Europe are partly responsible for record numbers
of tourists flocking to Spain last year. Increasingly first-time tourists from
Russia and Scandinavia arrive, like what they see and decide to buy a holiday
home in Spain. The Costa del Sol is a favourite with buyers from Russia and
Sweden, who value the great cultural coverage and sunny warm climate above all
else.
Scandinavia’s strong economic performance has made property
in resorts like Marbella more affordable and increasingly couples looking for
retirement homes are heading to the Costa del Sol.
Wealthy Russians, already experienced in the UK market, are
also happy to invest in high-end properties in Marbella, partly to let out to
well-to-do holidaymakers and partly to relocate to the glamorous resort in the
near future, now that residency permits are easier to obtain for Russian
citizens.
At the end of last year, Russian tourists had increased in
numbers by 42% and spent on average 30% more per head than their European
counterparts, making them an important source of income for the local economy.
In turn, Marbella and the Costa del Sol offer them an amazing array of things
to do and see, such as water sports, golf, nightclubs, beach clubs and amazing
shows, water and amusement parks and fine dining.
Russians looking to relocate enjoy the outdoor lifestyle
Marbella has to offer, but also the large number of international schools in
the area, which offer their children a good standard of education. With more
direct flights from Moscow, St Petersburg and Kiev heading to the Costa del
Sol, an increase in Russian buyers is inevitable. They are used to high priced
property in their home cities, so to them Marbella property is affordable in
comparison.
When asked, Russians say they feel privileged to live in a
place like Marbella, where day and night entertainment, great cuisine,
fantastic amenities and a huge number of different property styles present them
with real life choices - not forgetting the amazing weather, warm Mediterranean
Sea and golden beaches thrown into the bargain!
After a couple of holidays Russian and Scandinavian
holidaymakers return on fly-to-buy visits, ensuring their retirement is going
to be at the sunny Costa del Sol.
For families with children the area offers a wonderful
lifestyle change, too. There’s the famous Aquapark in nearby Torremolinos and
the amazing Selwo Adventure Park near Estepona, where more than 2,000 exotic
animals are on show. The Marina at Benalmadena is a great place to hang out and
watch white sails under glorious blue skies, while the toothy inhabitants of
Benalmadena Sea Life Aquarium will stay in young visitors’ minds for a long
time to come. From sharks to dolphins, golden beaches to mountain ranges, from
super yachts to diving adventures, the Costa del Sol has it all!
Just 7 km from Marbella families can enjoy a great day out
at the Natura Aventura adventure park, situated in San Pedro de la Alantara. Here
visitors of all ages can have fun with rock climbing, kayaking, paintballing
and archery. Little ones can enjoy safe play time in a great play area, too.
Over in the lovely resort of Fuengirola, also a favourite
property buying destination with Scandinavian visitors, the Zoo is a great
destination for families. Older visitors might prefer a day out at Senda El
Retiro, a beautiful botanical and ornithological park situated inland from
Malaga, in Churriana. It ranks as the world’s second largest botanical and
ornithological park, where even Jurassic flora thrives to this day.
For a fairly modest investment of EUR 150,000 to EUR 250,000
buyers will find one and two bedroom apartments with balconies in many parts of
Marbella, offering a different lifestyle choice for years to come.
Lower costs of living than in the UK, freedom to enjoy life
to the full and an amazing climate are all reasons why Marbella appeals to so
many people. Relocating to Marbella offers a complete change of life that may
even include being mortgage-free.