SPAIN IS STILL THE NUMBER 1……AND MURCIA IS THE PLACE TO BE…….A blog from Martin Causer of Resort Homes
. Undoubtedly there is greater choice than ever before available to a prospective purchaser of property abroad. However, Spain is still the UK’s No 1 overseas property destination by a long way; in fact 13% ahead of the next most popular country, France. Recent figures showed that 760,000 Brits were living in Spain and another 750,000 were expected to follow in the next 5 years, (Source: Institute for Public Policy Research). There are many different reasons for this, some often quoted such as the 320 days of sunshine, appealing culture and surroundings, relaxed way of life, secure economic and political environment and ease of access. Undoubtedly these factors along with many others have been the reason why large numbers of Northern Europeans are buying real estate in Spain and this is expected to continue to do so in increasing numbers as the baby boomers retire; Sue and I are two of them by the way! There has also been much talk of a slowing down in the Spanish property market. This is undoubtedly the case in certain regions but not in Murcia. The Q3 2007 figures released by the Spanish government’s Ministry of Housing show that in the province of Murcia, property prices are growing steadily at close to 11% per annum and the price levels in Murcia are currently €15,000 below the average for the whole of Spain.
Interestingly we find that relatively few people in the UK really know where Murcia is. Everyone knows the Costa del Sol/Marbella, Costa Blanca/Alicante but for Murcia we have to get the map out - see right.
So what do we know about this small province in the south-east corner of Spain. Firstly it is the smallest of the provinces with a population of just over one million. The attraction of the region is in its variety of landscapes, beautiful beaches and historical sites. There are numerous Natural Parks where the scenery is spectacular. The lowland areas and fertile plains make Murcia the horticultural centre or huerta (market garden) of Spain. Then there are of course the beaches; 176 kilometres of coastline and over 50 kilometres of the strip of coast known as the franja del Mar Menor. The Mar Menor (Tiny Sea) is a unique natural phenomenona: a great coastal lagoon of 170 square kilometres of warm salt water, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe. The water has a maximum depth of seven metres and is temperate throughout the year. It offers bathing fun for all ages and water sports enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with sailing, canoeing, swimming, water- skiing, jet-skiing, fly-surfing, windsurfing and every other type of nautical activity you can imagine. One aspect that is often ignored is the history of the region. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors have all had a significant influence on the development of the region. The city and port of Cartagena dates back to 223 BC. There is the ancient town of Caravaca de la Cruz which is one of the five holy cities in the world; not many people know that. To all this we must add the considerable hospitality of the local inhabitants, the region’s cuisine, its fiestas and festivals and, above all, the welcoming character of all Murcians. The region of Murcia has undergone careful and well planned development that makes it one of the most attractive destinations in Spain. The development of quality resort complexes with a wide variety of properties and facilities began in the region over 30 years ago with the world renowned La Manga Club. However, further development of the resort concept only really took off when Polaris World opened their Mar Menor Golf Resort in 2005. Now there are planned several resort developments from a number of different developers which are and will take this resort concept to a new level. The “Spanish Property Doctor” Column in the Sunday Times is written by Mark Stucklin. Mark has highlighted a number of quality developments and in today’s market advocates that only the best will do! This is also very much the Resort Homes recommendation when advising our clients in the purchase of property in Murcia. We only work with developers with whom we have the utmost confidence that quality is at the very top of their agenda.
One such resort development is The Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort which was named as “The International Golf Resort of the year 2007” at the prestigious “Golf Ireland Awards” held in Dublin in November of last year.
Situated in the beautiful Murcia countryside and close to stunning beaches, Hacienda del Alamo already boasts one championship golf course, a golf academy including a driving range and six-hole practice course, and a second 18-hole course is planned for 2009. The fantastic new Club House was opened recently.The resort which will have 3,500 homes when completed is built around the 7,400 yard championship golf course, designed by the renowned course designer Dave Thomas, whose portfolio includes the Brabazon at the Belfry and also La Manga Club. There are those, like the Voice of Golf, Peter Alliss himself and PGA Tour Pro Miguel Angel Jiménez who believe the golf course is one of the best in Europe. It is built on 92 hectares which is almost twice as large as the average golf course.
At the beginning of 2008 the resort will have a town centre boasting many different restaurants, bars and leisure facilities, and in 2009 there will be a 5 star Sol Melia hotel and spa. The bowling greens, football pitches and tennis courts are now all ready and an equestrian centre is planned.
The resort is already well established with further phases due to be released over the next two years. Prices start at £180,000 with only a 15% deposit and no further payment until completion.
If you like a holiday breaks at Center Parcs in the UK, then our second featured resort could be the one for you. The Monte Aledo Resort is a unique concept in Spain offering a Center Parcs type experience.
A totally self-contained resort set in the Sierra Espuna Natural Park, the largest natural park in Murcia. The resort will sit beneath the 11th century town of Aledo, surrounded by mountains, woodlands, medieval villages and castles. You really do have to visit the location to fully appreciate the setting. 
There will be a modern acclimatised glass DOME with health spa at the heart of the resort but one with a difference; in the summer the sides of the DOME can be retracted! This will mean that Monte Aledo will be an all year round resort, offering fantastic rental potential and a great holiday home. There will be 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and villas with prices starting from as low as £70,000.
Resort Homes partners Sue and Martin Causer will be featuring both the Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort and the Monte Aledo Resort at the “New Homes and Property Abroad Show” in CMK, Middleton Hall (outside John Lewis) between the 14th and the 16th March. Come and see us on the stand and you could win a case of Rioja!Click here to find our more about Resort Homes or to contact Martin and Sue Causer for more information.