Duquesa - Great Lifestyle, Great Place !

The number one reason for people to buy a property in Duquesa is still for the lifestyle opportunites that Duquesa offers. Here is a few reminders of why Duquesa is the best place to buy a property and live or holiday. Of course with all these attractions in Duquesa property rental potential for properties is also great !

Surrounding Attractions
There are numerous cities in Andalucia that are all within easy reach from Duquesa. Granada, Sevilla and Cadiz are among the favourites. A great winter attraction is Sierra Nevada where the skiing is superb! All these are within a 2 hour drive. Gibraltar, Ronda, Tarifa and Morocco are also great places to enjoy a day or weekend break so you are spoilt for choice for day trips !

Local attractions

There are superb attractions and places to go within a 30 minute drive of Duquesa. These include the thriving towns of Estepona, Benahavis, Marbella, and Sotogrande. There are beautiful marinas, spa's, restaurants and golf courses.

Lifestyle
Living in Duquesa creates a superb lifestyle for everyone due to having more than 300 days of sunshine a year! Duquesa has award winning blue flag beaches, all with childrens play areas, beach bars, disabled access and stuning coastal views. The local community is very family orientated and holds numerous events including childrens beach sports days, several fiestas and festivals. Hobbies can be easily pursued here in Duquesa as the are superb sports facilities at very reasonable prices (if not free!). Fishing, hiking, swimming and golf in Duquesa is also very popular. There is also opportunites to pursue hobbies in the arts and crafts and there is a great cafe culture and alfresco dining experiences.

Duquesa Property - Alternative Investment opportunities !

Duquesa latest property deals and best buys. Why is now a great time to invest ?


It is common knowledge that the interest rates previously offered by banks are no longer available. People who have saved for years to generate a good income from their savings are now finding they have to live on a pittance compared previous years. So, whats the solution ? With share prices also on the decline the only plausable answer is to invest in property. Many people will be incredibly reluctant to do so given media reports and general 'horror stories' published for media hype rather than reviewing the laws and the actual facts. So why invest now......


Now in 2009 as Duquesa property prices are tumbling it is the perfect opportunity to purchase a property bargain in Duquesa. Property prices are lower than the previous highs of recent years meaning there is generous scope for capital growth and rental property is in demand due to the lack of financing options from banks meaning not many people can afford to buy a property.

Can you think outside the box ? - Buying Property in Duquesa

Purchasing property in Duquesa now may be considered as a bold move to many people. However as Duquesa Estate Agents we see an influx of investors return to the market looking to buy a discounted property in Duquesa and make the most of the superb rental yields achievable in todays market. It is these bold investors who realise their property dreams of making thousands on capital increase in their property and also enjoying healthy rental returns. So, if they can do it why cant you ? Most people listen to the media hype without actually analysing the facts about property investments. Below you will see some facts that speak for themselves !

Property Investment facts:

In 2009 a selection of properties have been discounted by up to 40% on prices in early 2008 meaning there is a incredible potential capital growth in future years !

Rental yields in 2007/8 (when buyer confidence was high!) were lower than yields of investing in shares or high interest bank accounts. Now rental yields are up to 7% which certainly can not be matched by any other form of investing at the moment!

Latest Duquesa Property Bargains


2 bedroom Apartment, Marina del Castillo, Duquesa. Reduced to 250,000€. Fully Furnished. Yearly rental income of 12,000€. Rental yield of 4.8%. Marina del Castillo is the most exclusive and recently completed development in Duquesa. This luxury development has numerous desirable facilities including a 24hr security, communal pool, sauna and expansive terraced gardens. Every apartment is also fitted with a state of the art home automation system, a hydro bath, hydro massage shower, hot and cold air conditioning. Marina del Castillo properties have also been finished to the highest specification including marble walls, floors and bathroom suites. This Marina del Castillo 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment has a spacious covered terrace that overlooks the pool area. The property is furnished to a high standard and is a very desirable and comfortable property. Marina del Castillo is within a very short, flat walking distance to all amenities including Puerto Duquesa marina, Castillo village, Sabinillas town and of course Duquesa Beach is directly infront of Marina del Castillo.

2 bedroom apartment, Marina de la Duquesa. Reduced to 219,000€. Fully Furnished. 15,000€ yearly rental returns. Rental yield of 6.8% This fantastic 2 bedroom ground floor apartment is located in the sought after development of Marina de la Duquesa located next to Puerto Duquesa Marina. Numerous facilities can be enjoyed including a gym, Sauna, paddle tennis and 4 large communal pools all within the secure and spacious gardens. This property has been custom designed to a high specification and boasts a superb unique layout. The property benefits from hot and cold air conditioning, heated towel rails and sky television. The property is well presented and perhaps the best feature is the south facing terrace which overlooks the pool area and has direct access to the gardens. This property is a perfect holiday home and ideal rental investment. Viewing is very highly recommended to appreciate the location, views, internal quality and space in this apartment.

2 bed Penthouse, Pueblo Camelot. Reduced to 125,000€. Yearly rental return of 6000€. Rental yield of 6.7%
Pueblo Camelot is a gated community and has communal pool and parking. The communal gardens in this urbanisation are very striking and possibly the best in the area for foliage and palm trees. The development enjoys an elevated position and as such the views from the property are of Duquesa Golf, the Mediterranean Sea and internally to the communal gardens. Internally this 2 bedroom Pueblo Camelot Penthouse is a of a good size, is well distributed and has two good size bedrooms. The master bedroom also has a small balcony which is accessed by double patio doors. The property is light and a sense of additional space is created by the open aspect from the kitchen to the lounge area. This penthouse apartment is located in a corner position within the development and has beautiful views from the private terrace.

If you are interested in these or any other properties for sale in Duquesa contact Barrington Homes on info@barringtonhomes.eu

Duquesa Property Reposessions

Duquesa Property Repossessions

Property Repossession Myths

Numerous clients have approached Barrington Homes to enquire about repossession properties hoping to acquire an incredible property and an incredible price. Understandably clients believe that the opportunities to buy these properties exist here in Spain using the same system as in their own country. In Spain the process of purchasing these properties is lengthy and often unpredictable due to the complicated legal and auction systems that are intertwined with buying a repossession property in Spain.

The current situation

The global credit crises has of course had the same brutal effects to the Spanish property market as in other countries leading to numerous property repossessions by Spanish banks. Some banks are now offering lists of available properties to selected agents. Barrington Homes have received numerous lists of Duquesa property repossessions but as yet have not seen any property bargains in Duquesa. The banks are of course looking to recoup the debt they have on the property i.e. resell it for the same amount as the mortgage value. This is theory sounds like you could buy great property bargain in Duquesa. However due to previous loan to value mortgages being offered at up to 100% of the property value during the property boom banks now have a debt on the property which is way in excess of current resale prices. For example Barrington Homes have property repossessions in Casares del Sol for 195,000€ whereas already listed for resale are identical properties in Casares del Sol for 135,000€ a staggering 60,000€ cheaper !

Duquesa Property Repossessions - The future

Banks in Duquesa are now considering the idea of reducing the asking prices of repossession properties to make them more attractive to buyers. This will come into affect when the banks repossession stocks mount and the bank needs to remove the debt from their balance sheet. When this happens Barrington Homes clients will have the option to purchase Duquesa repossession property at much cheaper prices than we are currently seeing. If you are interested in having access to Duquesa repossession email info@barringtonhomes.eu with your property criteria.

The repossession buying process

Buying Duquesa repossession property is not an easy process and may possibly take many months if not years to finalise depending on the legal stage the repossession is at. When buying a repossession property you are effectively buying the debt from the bank with the 1st option to purchase the property which is granted at the end of the legal process when all other avenues are exhausted to recover the debt. The bank also do not offer a financing options for this purchase and as such buyers are required to have 100% of the purchase costs to buy the debt. So, if you have the patience, cash and are able to act quickly a Duquesa property repossession could be yours ! To be added to our mailing list log onto www.BarringtonHomes.eu and sign up to our newsletters.

Duquesa Estate Agents Closing !

Many Duquesa Estate Agents have closed !

Of the 80,000 real estate agents in Spain in the summer of 2006 just 25,000 are still in business. That means that 70% of estate agents have closed in the property crash. Industry experts also forecast that another 5,000, or 20%, will close in 2009, leaving just 20,000 Estate agents in business in Spain. Many of the Duquesa estate agents that have closed were perhaps less professional or less serious agents, of course this does not apply to all agencies that have closed but the end result is a more reputable and professional Real Estate industry in the Duquesa Area. To many reputable Duquesa Estate agents these closures have resulted in the remaining agents are pleased to see those less reputable agents closing which in turn will provide a better quality of service and professionalism to those now looking to buy in the area.

What does this mean for prospective buyers ?

Many people are now returning to the area looking to invest in property in Duquesa. The economic recession has resulted in a dramatic decrease in property prices in Duquesa making now a very attractive time to invest in property in the area. Barrington Homes first opened their doors in 2003. By growing the business slowly and with good ethics we are surviving this downturn where many other agents have failed. Our high street location allows us to offer our clients a professional environment, great high street presence for advertising and we are available to attend to clients. Buyers and vendors alike can expect a great service, efficiency and clarity with all aspects of the sales process.

Those interested in buying property in Duquesa can select Barrington Homes as their Estate agents in confidence as they will have access to not only our portfolio of properties but also those of many other agents in this area. This means we can match their buying criteria with as much precision as possible at the best possible prices.

As a buyer this is vital as you are investing in what may be an area you are unfamiliar with and even if buyers carry out extensive research it is often a good agent that will lead you to the best properties at the best prices. In essence by choosing a reputable and established Duquesa Estate Agent such as Barrington Homes you will ensure you are making the best possible purchase in the current market.

Anyone interested in property in Duquesa can contact Barrington Homes on (0034) 952 936 216 or email info@barringtonhomes.eu

Devastating property crash or unique investment opportunity ?

As international property prices fall, buyer confidence at a low and banks tightening up on mortgage lending is it still possible to ‘bag a property bargain’ in Spain ?

Lets look at the facts:

3% fall in property prices in the 4th quarter of 2008: The mix of figures released by the Spanish Government and various official bodies can easily lead to confusion. The Spanish housing ministry have reported that year on year figures show only a 3% fall in property prices in the 4th quarter of 2008. However, I think it is very clear that the real figure is considerably greater than this. Many Estate Agents believe that the actual figure may be up to 35% from the highs of 2006/7.

Property transactions have fallen by 30%: This government statistic does not take into account property completions of new properties due to the long lead time of most new developments. However it is a clear indicator or buyer confidence in the Spanish property market which is obviously compounded by the international economic recession.

Mortgage lending has also fallen by 45%: Spanish banks have heavily reduced mortgage lending in 2008/9 due to international banking crisis spreading extreme prudence throughout the major Spanish banks. Some banks have even recently reported a complete halt in mortgage lending for any new clients!

Good News for Investors ?

Considering the aforementioned facts some savvy investors are already returning to purchase property in the Duquesa area. The significant fall in property prices now mean that property affordability (based on income to mortgage repayment ratios) is comparable to those at the start of the boom in the mid-nineties.
The weak pound has also meant that Spanish property owners who wish to return to the UK are greatly reducing their asking price meaning superb opportunities to buy heavily reduced property are now available.
For those in a strong financial position banks are willing to give mortgages and with the recent fall in the Euribor to 2.1% mortgage repayments will now be on average 200 Euros less per month. The drop in the Euribor make the rate return to its lowest since June 2005.

For those fortunate enough to be cash rich and looking for an opportunity for a profitable long term investment Duquesa now presents itself as a wonderful option. With savings interest rates being at a pitiful amount and uncertainty and record lows in the stock market people are returning to property as a viable long term investment as well as seeing an immediate return through good rental returns. At Barrington Homes we have 2 bedroom apartments from as little as 135,000€, 3 bedroom townhouses from 143,500€, 4 bedroom properties from 225,000€ and private villas from 400,000€. To keep up to date with the latest property news and bargains sign up to our News Letter or email Barrington Homes at info@barringtonhomes.eu

Barrington Homes are reporting an increase in property purchase enquiries as well as investor confidence quietly returning for those looking to take advantage of the low property prices and general feeling that savvy buyers can make very shrewd investments previously unheard of in recent years.

Light at the End of the Tunnel for the Duquesa Property Market !

Recently the international media seems determined to dampen the property market and some could say with good reason. The 'property bubble' has burst and many people are now faced with higher mortgage payments due to interest rate rises and property that they can no longer afford. However questions remain unanswered about the longevity and strength of the Spanish property market and how that will effect property owners in Duquesa.
So, forget about negative media hype. Lets review the facts:

• The Spanish ministry of housing has reported that on average house prices in Spain have risen by 5.7% in 2007 (report compiled in Oct 07).
• There is a 37% reduction in new build construction in 2007.
• New property and planning laws are more controlled than ever with all plans and projects being approved by Central Government agencies.

What does this mean ??

For current home owners here in Duquesa and the province of Malaga property prices are enjoying a very steady increase in price (all be it a very small one !). So even though the demand for buying property is not as strong as before your property is holding its value and is still a good long term investment.

The laws of supply and demand are of course applicable and as new build construction is down by over 33% this means that over time demand will again outweigh supply and the property market will naturally return to being buoyant and prices will increase.

New planning laws will ensure that the natural beauty of the Duquesa area is maintained to the highest possible standards regarding environmental issues and the aesthetic beauty of the area. As consumer confidence increases in the worldwide property market buyers will naturally be attracted back to Duquesa and we will enjoy a return to the property boom.

What will happen to the property market in Duquesa in the future ?

My personal opinion, which is one that is shared by many Real Estate professionals in the area, is that in the long term the future is very bright for Duquesa and its property market. The current situation is simply a necessary adjustment to the market and not the crisis that the media love to portray. As with any market there are booms and slower periods. We are currently experiencing a natural slow down which in the long term will result in a much more professional Real Estate market, more realistic property prices and higher quality build specifications and regulating in the area. It is now an excellent time to buy property in Duquesa as the prices are more realistic and the long term potential growth in the Duquesa area looks superb !

What shall i do now ?

If you are struggling to pay your mortgage or cannot sell your property many home owners are looking to re-mortgage their property to arrange a more favourable interest rate or to switch to an interest only mortgage. For mortgage advice on interest only mortgages contact me on info@barringtonhomes.eu Other owners may wish to rent their property for either holiday rentals or long term rentals in Duquesa by doing this owners can generate a good income from their property which can then sell at a later stage as the market improves.

By marketing your property for sale at a 'realistic price' there is still a good demand for property in the Duquesa area. If you would like to sell your property by placing it with a reputable and proactive estate agent in Duquesa many people can still generate a good return on their investment.

The real point to emphasis in this blog is that yes, the property market isn't as buoyant as in previous years, but it isn't all bad, and in fact, given time we will look back on this period as being a 'cleansing process' for property in Spain by choosing to invest in such a beautiful and sought after area as Duquesa you have made a good decision.

For advice on property sales in Duquesa or if your are looking to buy a property in Duquesa log on to http://www.barringtonhomes.eu/