Archive for the ‘Spain’ Category

In the Catalonian city of Sitges, property investors are captivated by raked beaches, laid-back charm and a cosmopolitan heartbeat

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Sitges

Twenty miles along the craggy coast from Barcelona, the unspoilt seaside town of Sitges, with its style, culture and élan, instantly stands out from the overdeveloped resorts along the Costa Dorada.

Sitges is in a beautiful setting between the hills of the surrounding Natural Parc del Garraf and the Mediterranean Sea. The town is well known for its amazing golden sandy beaches, gastronomy, nightspots, golf courses, marinas and historical sites. It is a famous area for avant-garde art and houses many art galleries and museums, and is renowned worldwide for its Film Festival and Carnival.

A former fishing village with narrow streets, a compact old town and a mellow vibe, this is where rich Catalans come to tan. With miles of meticulously raked beaches, laid-back charm and a cosmopolitan heartbeat, it is a jet-set favourite, too. Sitges has a very exclusive feel, and it is known by many as the St. Tropez of Spain and the Crown Jewel of the Mediterranean.

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Madrid and Barcelona property leading Spanish real estate recovery

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

barcelona

The Spanish property market expanded in March according to latest house sale figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). In March, residential property sales totalled 33,632, up 8.2% compared to the same month last year. It will take a few more months to establish whether a true growth trend is emerging but this is the third consecutive month that the market has experienced growth, suggesting rising confidence in the Spanish property sector.

For the first time in over a year, resales have overtaken sales of new builds just as they should do in a healthy market. According to INE the property sales are currently being driven by Madrid and Barcelona where real estate sales have increased 30% and 41% per cent on an annual basis.

Barcelona is a beachfront city that, along with its coastal areas, is regularly voted one of the best places to live in the world. It is a cosmopolitan city and a fantastic place to live, work and visit. Everyone is captivated by the city’s urban old world charm. Barcelona is arguably one of the finest of European cities.

The range of property for sale in Barcelona is diverse; from traditional and contemporary city apartments for sale in Barcelona’s old town to exclusive family homes and modernist mansion houses to buy in Barcelona’s Zona Alta and from sleek modern beachfront villas to apartments to buy in Sitges, Castelldefels and Gava Mar.

Madrid is Spain’s capital and a city of cultural, political and economical importance and is the third largest European economic centre. Madrid hosts the head offices of the vast majority of the major Spanish companies, as well as the headquarters of three of the world’s 100 largest companies. Barajas international airport is one of Europe’s major transport hubs and means that the city has excellent access from Europe and the rest of the world.

Madrid offers an incredible lifestyle, excellent international schools and fantastic transport links to Europe and the rest of the world. The city is also home for the legendary football club Real Madrid.

The range of property for sale in Madrid is diverse, from traditional and contemporary city apartments for sale in the best parts of the centre of Madrid city such as Barrio Salamanca; to family homes to buy in exclusive residential areas such as La Moraleja and Aravaca.

Considering all factors above, it is no surprise that Barcelona and Madrid are the starting points for the recovery of the Spanish property market.

View property for sale in Barcelona by International Luxury Real Estate.

View property for sale in Madrid by International Luxury Real Estate.

Formentor – home to Mallorca’s most glamorous and exclusive properties

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Mallorca

The renowned beauty of the Balearic island of Mallorca is nowhere more apparent than at the peninsula of Formentor, a protected haven of pine forests, bedazzling coves, white sandy beaches, sparkling waters, and tranquility.

The Peninsula of Formentor is located at the very extreme north corner of Mallorca. The area epitomises glamour, exclusivity and luxury lifestyle and is fast attracting the eyes of the global discerning buyers as an alternative to the French Riviera.

When the poet Miquel i Llobera, who owned the Cap de Formentor peninsula, died in 1922, it was divided into lots and sold. The Hotel Formentor, the original luxury hotel in Mallorca, was built in 1929 by Adam Diehl, an Argentine art-lover and playboy, to house his purchase of art. The hotel boasts a celebrity guest list, which in the past has included Plácido Domingo, Elisabeth Taylor, Michael Douglas, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Almost all the political and cultural history of the 20th century has passed through its gardens.

The scenery is jaw-droppingly spectacular with steep cliffs which reach 400 metres in some places. The Formentor Peninsula definitely has some of the most striking views of the Mediterranean coastline on Mallorca. The Northeast of Mallorca offers an attractive international flair, beautiful mountains, fantastic beaches, several protected Nature Reserves and a famous golf course close to Canyamel, which as been built without much interference in the natural environment. The course which is considered as very difficult is surrounded by palm trees, almond trees and fig trees.

The exclusive enclave, where real estate demand outstrips supply, is hosting only a handful of luxury properties for sale. Already, Lorenzo Fluxa, the founder of Mallorca´s most successful fashion export, Camper, has built a house there and one of Spain´s wealthiest businessmen also owns a villa.

Formentor is one of the few pristine paradises left in the Mediterranean. If you are looking for some of Europe’s most exlusive and private properties, Formentor is the place to be.

View Mallorca properties for sale on International Luxury Real Estate.

Ibiza property – a shining star

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Ibiza

Ibiza is a compact, beautiful island that continues to attract international and cosmopolitan property buyers. The combination of a mild climate, wonderful beaches and countryside, a traditional Mediterranean lifestyle together with its world renowned social and music scene has converted this island into one of the most fashionable locations to own a second home.

The island attracts more discerning visitors including film stars, artists, writers and musicians all drawn by Ibiza’s natural beauty, the laid back attitude of the Ibicenans and of course the style and splendour of the island’s capital, Ibiza Town.

All along Ibiza’s rugged coast are tiny inlets, sandy coves and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches backed by craggy cliffs and often almost devoid of other people.

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Stunning modern villa in Ibiza with spectacular sea views

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

villa in Ibiza

This modern luxury villa is located on the highest part of Benimussa, San José and offers superb sea views over the bay of San Antonio. The residence boasts 200m² of living space and is set in a plot of 2,000m².

The villa has just been completely renovated in a contemporary style and the large windows on all sides of the house creates a very light living environment. The piece de resistance is the 25m long swimming pool, which is truly spectacular.

The fittings and appliances, both in the bathrooms as well as in the kitchen are of top quality. There are 5 bedroom, each with its own en suite bathroom.

The villa boasts under floor heating and a beautifully manicured garden.

View more property for sale in Ibiza at Modern Homes Worldwide.

In troubled times, old favourites can still be trusted

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Mallorca

The Spanish property downturn has not had much of an impact on Mallorca. Unlike Spain’s coastal regions, Mallorca, primarily a lifestyle destination, has never attracted speculative investors but has retained its position as a popular destination of choice amongst discerning international property buyers.

Compared to the mainland coastal areas, there is an even balance between supply and demand in Mallorca. At the same time, Mallorca’s local authorities are constantly tightening planning laws why supply is becoming more limited.

There are many reasons why Mallorca has become a favourite destination and why several international celebrities have bought property on the island. To mention a few, the island has 300 days of sunshine each year, more than 20 golf courses and over 30 marinas, as well as some of the most stunning landscape in Europe.

Foreign residents account for 22% of its 855,000 inhabitants and apart from the climate, Mallorca is a sophisticated and easy place to live permanently. The island has 10 international schools, direct flights from all European capitals and 4 Michelin-starred restaurants, attracting families looking for the ‘ideal’ lifestyle. In addition, an estimated 60,000 foreigners spend three to six months each year in their second homes.

Mallorca is very protective of its image as a quality tourism destination. Over the next two years, €18 million will be spent on maintaining beaches and sand dunes as well as on introducing wooden decked pathways. In 2010, Mallorca will be awarded 41 Blue Flags over its beaches and a further 17 for its ports and marinas.

Recent road and rail improvements add to the island’s appeal. Palma has a first-class underground system and there are plans to extend the already existing rail links. Mallorca is one of the easiest places to fly to from all over Europe: most capitals are just a two-hour flight from Palma, the third busiest airport in Spain and further expansions of the airport is planned.

As a medium to long-term property investment, Mallorca is hard to beat – an outdoor Mediterranean lifestyle, a safe, family friendly culture, superlative healthcare and sophisticated leisure choices.

Explore Majorca property for sale by International Luxury Real Estate.

Luxury Barcelona apartment for sale in Diagonal Mar – private terrace and sea views

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Barcelona apartment

This 4-bedroom Barcelona luxury apartment for sale is located in exclusive L’Illa del Llac in the beachfront area of Diagonal Mar, one of the cities most cosmopolitan beachfront neighbourhoods.

The stylish apartment, located on the 3rd floor, has a private terrace, marble floors, marble bathrooms and air conditioning.

The apartment offers sea views from the terrace and views over the communal area, the park and the adjacent lake.

The beach is just a few minutes walk away and residents also have access to communal facilities including two swimming pools, gymnasium, playground, tennis courts and 24 hour security.

It would be possible to buy a car parking space(s) and storage room(s) in the underground car park which is right outside the door of the apartment.

The luxury apartment boasts south west facing living room with access to terrace; 4 bedrooms (3 doubles, 1 single); Master bedroom with en suite bathroom; Further family bathroom; Fully equipped kitchen and laundry room with sink.

There is also an underground car park in the building accessed from the lift; parking space can be bought separately in required.

More info about Barcelona properties at International Luxury Real Estate