Alan Wentworth-Harley's Marbella Property Insider

Property investment on the Costa del Sol has grown increasingly appealing in 2024, largely attributed to its enhanced tax benefits for expatriates. One key development is the elimination of the wealth tax, which was formerly imposed on individuals with global assets over €700,000, affecting both residents and non-residents. This change has opened doors for affluent individuals considering buying properties and possibly settling in the region. This transformation is pivotal for potential investors, particularly when coupled with the area's array of tax incentives. These benefits include low inheritance or gift taxes, favourable rates for investment income and capital gains taxes ranging between 19% to 26%, and advantageous treatment of private pensions as investment income. Moreover, modifications to the Model 720 form, mandatory for declaring foreign assets over €50,000, have enhanced clarity and eased worries about hefty fines. Previously, non-compliance or errors in filing could ...

With a 'can-do' spirit that would make a sand castle builder proud, the Marbella town hall is steering a beach revitalisation project right off the pages of a fairy tale. Like a magnificent sand migration, the process kicked off at Las Chapas-Alicate and will sweep through Casablanca, La Fontanilla, and San Pedro Alcántara.  Mayor Ángeles Muñoz let slip that a mountainous 120,000 cubic metres of sand would be borrowed from the town hall’s own treasure chest to finance this sandy renaissance. "The central government seems content playing in the shallow end, leaving us to dive deep for a definitive coastline stabilisation solution," Mayor Muñoz said, clearly not one to bury her head in the sand. In a stroke of midnight genius, the work is taking place under the cloak of darkness - from midnight until 8am - sparing sun-seekers and local business the sight of bulldozers invading their tranquil beaches. Mayor Muñoz confessed that the project couldn't have hit the groun...

Andalucía Strikes Gold Again: British Investments Hit the Bullseye, Making It the Hottest Spot for Business! Hold onto your sombreros, folks, because Andalucía is proving to be the belle of the investment ball in Spain! The delightful news was revealed by none other than the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain, who hosted a glamorous presentation in sunny Malaga. And who could resist attending such a glittering affair, graced by the presence of the esteemed city mayor, Francisco de la Torre? The festivities kicked off with a warm welcome from Francisco Salas, the mastermind behind ProMálaga, and Ralph Smith MBE, the suave president of the BCC in Spain. Soon, the stage was set for captivating speeches by the likes of Derek A. Langley, the regional vice-president of the chamber and president of Andalucía Technology Recruitment, and the brilliant Sarinka Parry-Jones, head of economics and public policy at the British Embassy in Madrid. But that's not all! Elena Gallega (Invest in And...

Sun-Soaked Coast Yearns for Vacationers: Costa del Sol Hotels Unleash Deals to Awaken Summer Bookings Slumber Oh, the Costa del Sol, where sun-seekers usually flock like seagulls to a beachside feast! Alas, this year has brought a temporary blip in the coastal merriment, as bookings hit a mid-May slump and have yet to regain their former vigor, despite the looming arrival of July. Fear not, for the tourism boom is still anticipated along these golden shores. Nevertheless, the sluggish pace of reservations has ignited the creativity of savvy business owners, who have concocted enticing deals to lure back the wandering tribe of holidaymakers. Once upon a time, last-minute bookings were devoured voraciously like a tantalizing tapas spread. Alas, their succulence began to wane in mid-May and has failed to recover, leaving us just days away from July's arrival. The hoteliers point fingers at the academic year's final hurdles and the consequential uncertainty surrounding grades, not ...

Navigating towards the halfway mark of 2023, the Spanish property market keeps registering a substantial rise in transactions involving overseas purchasers. The persistence of the pandemic has not deterred Spain from being a top selection for people looking for an additional residence or a retirement haven, as evidenced by the increasing sales figures. Data from the Spanish Land Registry indicate a surge in the proportion of residential property acquisitions by foreign purchasers, which stood at 16% in 2023's initial quarter. The figure marks an escalation from 14.5% during the corresponding period in the preceding year. This spike in foreign interest may be credited to a combination of Spain's pleasant weather, tranquil way of life, and property prices that are more affordable compared to other European nations. A significant factor fuelling the heightened attraction from overseas purchasers has been Spain's "Golden Visa" initiative. This scheme extends residency...

"Marbella Festival Unleashes a Radiant Wave of Women's Safety: Fun, Awareness, and No-Nonsense!" Get ready for a week of exhilaration and empowerment at the upcoming San Bernabé Fair and Festivities in Marbella from June 6 to June 12. This year, the festival isn't just about rides, music, and delicious food; it's also taking a stand for women's safety like never before. The Marbella Council has teamed up with renowned experts to tackle the pressing issue of sexual predators and the dangers faced by women. On Wednesday, June 7, the brilliant Dr. Carmen Agüera will take the stage to unveil the sneaky tricks of drink spiking and chemical submission – favourite tactics of those vile predators. This talk is aimed at our local heroes, the esteemed members of the Local Police and Civil Protection, to equip them with knowledge about the substances used, symptoms to watch out for, and how to respond swiftly and efficiently. But that's not all! Dr. Patricia Alemán, ...

Lights, Camera, Costa del Sol: Unleashing Blockbuster Magic! Get ready for a cinematic extravaganza as the enchanting Costa del Sol embraces its new role as a bustling Hollywood film set. The stage is set for a captivating journey through Malaga, where not only the vibrant shop windows and lively atmosphere await, but also the thrilling chance of stumbling upon a film shoot. Brace yourself, for up to three captivating series, both homegrown and international, have seized the city centre to capture the essence of their latest seasons. Leading the charge is Netflix, making a triumphant return with the filming of the second season of the uproarious Spanish comedy, "Machos Alfa." But that's not all! The streaming giant also unveils its colossal new production, "Kaos," which once again descends upon Malaga to add even more mesmerizing scenes to its already captivating repertoire. In a stunning twist, the third series to grace these sun-kissed shores is none other tha...

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...

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...

Looking every inch a beach babe on the sandy beaches of Marbella, Vicky showed off her curves whilst modelling a patterned swimsuit for her new TV show which is being filmed now on the ever popular Costa del Sol. Whilst filming for her show, Vicky also kept her fans updated on her wardrobe choices through Instagram selfies showing her followers her stunning figure that she has worked hard to maintain, she even went makeup free for her snaps. Despite her weight issues in the past we think you’ll agree that after losing 3 stone and attending a fitness boot camp a few months ago Vicky is looking very glamorous and healthy, well done, keep up the good work and enjoy Marbella!

Torre del Mar beach regains the prestigious blue flag. It comes after it lost the title four years ago.   The lovely beach has an area of over 2,000 meters where you enjoy a wonderful day in the sun and is ideal for visiting with family, because it has all types of services.  It is also hosting a weekend beach festival from the 5-8 July 2017 which will include a line up of  rock, indie, rap, reggae, house, techno and more as European and international acts combine for a diverse musical fiesta . It joins fellow Axarquia beaches Benajarafe, Caleta de Velez and El Morche, which also have the prestigious title. The area boasts five in total that carry the flag. The stamp of honour is reserved for beaches with exceptional water quality, safety, hygiene, accessibility, services, information and lifeguards.

A two-day coffee-making championship, with the 17 best baristas from Spain battling it out to be crowned the nation’s finest. Each contestant had 16 minutes to prepare two pairs of coffees, one pair of cappuccinos, one non-alcoholic combination and one alcoholic combination. With over a 300-strong audience watching the entire process. 200 professionals competed in nationwide events to earn a place at this final, held in the impressive Palacio de Congresos, so they have a right to be annoyed if the music’s too loud. “Last year’s winner, who came from Asturias, was sent to Uganda on holiday to learn how they produce coffee beans. This year the prize is a week in Colombia.” The judges are all experts from around Spain, many of whom have previously competed in the event.

With roads, airports and housing set for a billion-euro makeover. Up 23% on the previous year’s investment, Minister for infrastructure, transport and housing, Julio Gomez-Pomar, has identified Andalucia as an integral cog in the country’s economic recovery. “Andalucian construction companies are to stay tuned,” he said. “They must contribute to economic growth in Spain, it is integral to the nationwide recovery. “Andalucia is one of the places where most investment has been undertaken in quantitative terms and in relative terms of growth, we have made a strong investment.” A total of €456 million will be used for road works, €730 million on rail and €239 million on airports. Meanwhile €111 million will be allocated to housing in the region.