Alan Wentworth-Harley's Marbella Property Insider

According to a survey, despite an increase in per capita income, inflation has caused more people to struggle to pay their energy and grocery bills. The 2022 Living Conditions Survey revealed a mix of good and bad news for Andalucía's economy. On the positive side, the improvement of employment and salaries led to an increase in per capita income, pushing it up by almost 8% to 10,703 euros per person per year, which is a new all-time maximum. The increase was greater than the national average of 6%, and it puts the region above the 10,000-euro threshold for the first time. Additionally, the poverty rate in Andalucía has reduced, with 29.1% of the population below the poverty line in 2021, compared to 32.3% in 2020. The proportion of people at risk of poverty was also lower, which is a relative indicator of inequality. However, despite these improvements, inflation has caused more people to struggle to make ends meet. The survey revealed an increase in energy and food poverty, with ...

Standard & Poor's, an American credit rating agency, has recognized the Junta regional government's prudence in managing its debt, as well as its strong economic and financial policies. As a result, Andalucía's international financial solvency rating has reached its highest point since 2012. The region's rating was upgraded from 'BBB+' to 'A-', with a stable outlook, which places it among the regions with a strong capacity to meet its financial obligations. This rating is just one step away from the Spanish Treasury's risk rating ('A'). The agency also praised the Junta de Andalucía's commitment to stabilizing its budget and consolidating its fiscal policy. Furthermore, S&P highlighted the region's significantly improved average period of payment to suppliers, which contributed to its new credit rating. With a payment period of just 16 days, Andalucía enjoys a comfortable liquidity position, according to S&P.

The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that the hotel industry in Malaga province is recovering from the pandemic. According to the Hotel Business Survey, hotel establishments in the province surpassed their pre-pandemic occupancy figures from 2019 in the first quarter of 2023.  The survey revealed that up to March 2023, Malaga received a total of 1.04 million tourists, a 25% increase from the previous year, and a 6.4% increase compared to three years ago. This growth in tourism is mainly attributed to an excellent Easter Week in terms of tourism. However, despite the increase in the number of visitors, overnight stays have not yet reached the levels seen in 2019, which suggests that visitors are choosing to stay for shorter periods. In the first quarter of 2023, Malaga registered a total of 3.08 million overnight stays, which is 27% higher than the same period last year but still 1.6% below the level seen in 2019. The average stay duration so far thi...

The Spanish government has commended efforts to manage prices, but despite this, the core inflation rate - which excludes energy and fresh produce - remains high at 7.5%, even though the annual consumer price index for March fell significantly to 3.3% from 6% in February. The reason for this substantial decline is attributed to a 'step effect', meaning that prices have not necessarily decreased greatly since last month, but rather, compared to March of last year when there was a sharp increase in energy and raw material prices due to the Ukraine war, prices have fallen. While the government has acknowledged that recent decreases in the cost of electricity and fuel have helped to lower the rate of inflation, it still remains among the highest in Europe. The government's Economic Affairs Minister, Nadia Calviño, had previously anticipated the decrease in inflation for March, citing the measures implemented by the government to contain prices as contributing factors. The INE d...

On March 16, 2023, Spanish government ministers approved an agreement that enables residents in Spain holding UK driving licences to exchange them for Spanish licences and vice versa. The agreement, approved during a Cabinet meeting on March 14, also included the exchange of information regarding traffic offenses related to road safety. The exchange of licences can be done without requiring practical or theory driving tests, based on the equivalence tables between the two countries' permit categories. The agreement provides a six-month period for British citizens to drive in Spain with their original licences until they exchange them. The exchange process can be done at local traffic offices, and the DGT website will provide more information on making appointments. The agreement also recognizes Gibraltar driving licences in Spain, along with UK-issued licences. The exchange agreement applies to valid permits or licences issued before and after the agreement's entry into force. ...

  Marbella, located in the southern region of Spain, is a beautiful coastal town that attracts tourists from all over the world. With its sunny climate, sandy beaches, and lively nightlife, Marbella is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and exciting vacation. In this article, we will discuss some of the things to do and know when visiting Marbella, Spain. Explore the Old Town The Old Town, also known as Casco Antiguo, is the historic heart of Marbella. This charming area is filled with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque squares. Here, you can visit the Orange Square, a beautiful plaza filled with orange trees and outdoor cafes, or take a stroll along the Paseo de la Alameda, a tree-lined boulevard that offers stunning views of the sea. Visit the Beaches Marbella is renowned for its stunning beaches, which offer crystal clear waters and golden sands. The most famous beach in Marbella is the Playa de la Fontanilla, a long stretch of sand that is per...

In recent years, the housing market in Marbella, Spain, has undergone a tumultuous period, with prices plummeting due to the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2023, the Marbella housing market has shown signs of recovery, with prices and demand for properties on the rise once again. One of the primary drivers of the recovery in Marbella's housing market is the resurgence of the Spanish economy. Following a period of stagnation and recession, the Spanish economy has seen a significant uptick in growth, driven by a combination of increased investment, stronger exports, and rising consumer confidence. As the economy improves, so too does the demand for property in Marbella, as buyers look to take advantage of the improving market conditions. Another factor contributing to the recovery of the housing market in Marbella is the increased interest from foreign investors, particularly those from outside the European Union. As political and economic insta...

  A new casting call has been put out for individuals interested in appearing in an upcoming, unnamed television series that will be filmed in Marbella from May 8-27. The agency responsible for the casting is seeking individuals to fill a variety of roles, including blonde women with tattoos who are comfortable being filmed in swimwear on the beach, individuals who resemble Northern Europeans (specifically, "blondes with blue eyes"), men with Arab and Eastern European characteristics, tall and strong men with or without tattoos, and drivers of high-end vehicles and SUVs. Additionally, male and female models with minimum height requirements are being sought, as well as waiting staff aged between 25-50 with tray-carrying experience. Individuals who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply via WhatsApp, providing their name, surname, age, current photo of their face and body without sunglasses or hats, clothing size, and height. Those who are selected for the job will b...