Alan Wentworth-Harley's Marbella Property Insider

High-Flying Harmony: United Airlines Direct Flight Turns Andalusian Dreams into Reality! Prepare for a transatlantic treat as the skies unite Malaga and New York with a brand-new direct flight, whisking eager travellers between these captivating destinations in just six hours. Thanks to the twice-weekly flights operated by United Airlines, a surge of American tourists is flocking to Andalucian havens this peak holiday season, igniting an exhilarating travel boom. In a recent report by Turespaña, the government's esteemed tourism board, it's revealed that bookings from the USA to Andalucía have skyrocketed by a staggering 52.5%, making it the second hottest spot in Spain after Catalonia, where travel bookings have soared by 54.5%. The Turespaña report proudly highlights a remarkable 21.9% overall increase in bookings from the USA to Spain compared to last year, largely attributed to an impressive line-up of 23 flight routes connecting the two countries in 2023. With two years of...

Are you dreaming of owning your very own property in Spain? Whether it's a holiday home or a permanent residence, buying a property in this beautiful country can be a life-changing experience. As you have reached a point in your life where you may be looking to make some significant investments, and a property in Spain could be just the perfect choice for you. In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of buying a property in Spain and give you some tips on how to make your dream a reality. Firstly, it's essential to understand the process of purchasing a property in Spain. One of the most important steps is finding a reputable real estate agent who can guide you through the buying process. A good agent will help you identify the best locations, properties that match your needs, and will assist you in negotiating the best possible price. Before you start your property search, it's important to determine your budget. This will help you identify the areas and pr...

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.

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. ...

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.