Recent reports of the demise of the Spanish property market are a little premature. The developers on the costa with their horrendous attempts to emulate 1960’s local Government housing estates are indeed in trouble and they deserve everything they get for spoiling large parts of our beautiful coastline. Elsewhere however the story is very different.

The prices being accepted by developers for their acres of over priced apartments are most certainly falling. The big problem here is that these were largely being built for “investors” who wouldn’t actually use them! The result is that many of these new urbanizations are cramped and lack proper facilities like restaurants and shops let alone banks, public transport and postal services. If you want a new build apartment then now is a great time to be looking because there are deals to be had. The question is, even with a huge discount, are these really places you would want to live in? Or come to on holiday? And if you don’t fancy them, why would anyone else, so treat the developers’ promises of rental returns with the contempt they frequently deserve.

We believe that the availability of cheaper apartments on the coast has impacted on the price of village houses further inland so again there are deals to be done if you want to live in a real Andalucian community. Our advice is to come out and view and make offers on this type of house. There are plenty about and some people need to sell more than others!

This brings us to the section of the market that isn’t falling. There has never been an over supply of good country houses and demand for cortijos, fincas and villas with land and pools (or space for a pool) remains strong. Having said that, even in this sector prices are moderating as people who want to sell are now becoming more realistic rather than assuming that their house is a winning lottery ticket. There are also going to be houses that need to be sold quickly because of mortgage problems brought on by rising interest and falling exchange rates! These can be real bargains and I have listed 3 houses below where the owners need a very quick sale. All have been reduced by in excess of 130,000 Euros from the original asking prices but offers are still invited. You will however need to be quick if you are interested because the clock is ticking and they won’t be around forever.

I will be posting this news letter on www.tickle-international-property.com  so if you would like to comment please feel free.