Peter Brown looks at the bargains available inland

Many of the tabloid journalists who have written articles on the decline of the Spanish property market in recent months have based their horror stories on the coastal strip of the Costa de Sol between Malaga and Gibraltar. This area in the past has indeed been subjected to a building frenzy of new developments with little or no regard for the environmental impact. All this activity has in itself created an inflated market for both owner occupiers and buy to let investors. Overbuilt, overcrowded and overpriced is the phrase often used to describe what has happened on the coast.

The situation inland, however, is very different and the main reason for this is that most of the buyers are not primarily interested in the investment element but are looking for a retirement property and for a lifestyle change. Their motivation for buying is the fundamental reason why many of us originally decided to make the move to southern Spain - the weather, the culture, the laid back attitude, the friendly people and the reduced cost of living. None of this has changed. No matter how bad the credit crunch is we can still enjoy a unique lifestyle that most Northern Europeans only aspire to. Looking at some of the positive things that are happening in the Antequera area and surrounds just to the north of Malaga it is hardly surprising to see why so many people have been drawn to this area. Not only is it less developed, stunningly beautiful and within easy reach of many historic Andalucian cities and attractions, but it also has big plans for the future.

Malaga Airport -- the expansion of the airport should help the many millions of visitors to pass through the facility more comfortably and facilitate the additional airlines and worldwide routes.

The AVE rail links to Madrid, Barcelona, Granada and Seville will help connect Andalucia with the rest of Spain and already the modern Antequera Santa Ana station brings Madrid within a relaxing two and a half hour journey.
The new AP46 toll road will offer a high speed motorway option from just south of Antequera by-passing any congestion around Malaga and joining the E 7 motorway near Torremolinos.

Over the past decade the number of foreigners living in Malaga Province has increased dramatically and many have discovered the delights of moving to inland areas where properties are much cheaper than their costal equivalents. You do not need to travel too far inland as within an hour’s drive of Malaga airport you will find beautiful open countryside surrounded by mountains and lakes.

Several companies now specialise in selling country properties, from renovated farms and fincas to bargain village townhouses ready to occupy or requiring various amounts of reform. They will ensure that all the paperwork is in order and help you with all the other essentials such as connection of services, building permits, builders and project management if required.

For more information go to www.countrylifespain.com or call 952 740 586