The Sotogrande urbanization of La Loma affordable & so much to offer

La Loma de Sotogrande

This urbanization is located inside the Sotogrande estate. It is very central being part of Sotogrande Costa and minutes from the beach. Sotogrande itself is one of Europes largest upmarket private estates a haven where well heeled Spanish rub shoulders in a very friendly community of wealthy European expats. The main reason for the success of this community is that there is a very popular school at the heart of it for children from 3 to 18 yrs of age. Hence many families live here full time enjoying the many upmarket facilities and sports and surrounded by stunning Andalucian Countryside. Sotogrande does not have the congestion and over building that one see's in Marbella 40 minutes east of us.

La Loma is well known to all of us who have children that have grown up here. It is one of the children's first steps towards gaining a little bit of independence & some short lived stress for parents. It was only a few years ago we as parent buckled under the daily requests 'dad dad can i go to La Loma today' the reply in the early stages was often a NO! but guess what as you would expect our child was the only one not allowed to go (that old chestnut). Anyway we started to relent and were often dropping off then collecting again after couple hours. We soon realised it was a lovely bunch of kids meeting up there to mess about in the acres of parkland that surrounds La Lomna. The kids also had a good number of friends who lived there so as well as the park our kids meet up to swim and play tennis. Much healthier past times than hanging around the local village shops which is the next stage of growing up in Sotogrande.

The picture shows a typical style La Loma Town House

I would add that the park area is large enough that the groups of children are often tucked away and no bother to local residents and for those with children living there it may save you a lot in fuel as we did many a mile dropping off and collecting over a 2 year stretch of children hanging out in the recreation fields.

La Loma itself comprises of several streets of town houses mainly 3 or 4 bedroom although some have joined two houses together. Front gardens are open plan with enclosed rear gardens. Some properties have converted their garages to form added living space. They vary in finishes and I have seen some very dated houses clearly in need of reformation refurbishment whilst others have completely refurbished to a high standard. The properties provide good affordable homes in Sotogrande and whilst many are holiday homes there are a good percentage of permanant residents.

The community is well established and as a result it is properly looked after. At the time of writing this I understand that the tennis Courts are about to be upgraded and the gardens are to be given a wc facility on site.

Looking out toward tennis and park from a La Loma house we have on market Aug 2015

For location it is very central La Loma is about 2 minutes from Paseo del Parque, a 7 minute cycle ride to the beach by Trocadero Beach club, a 5 minute drive to Sotogrande Marina and port. The Shops supermarkets at Pueblo Nuevo village a few minutes drive. The Sotogrande international school is 7 minutes drive Here is a link to a beautifully modernised La Loma home one of the best I have seen La Loma House for sale with Tailor Made estate agents

The luxury apartments of Sotogrande Spain

Sotogrande a beautiful private estate at the entrance to the Mediterranean

The estate is approximately 4 kms wide fronting the Sea and extends inland up a mountain approximately 7kms. A private security gated estate with its own Port and Marina, 2 beach clubs, 2 tennis clubs, 3 hotels,2 equestrian centers, a yacht club and beach on each side. For this article I wanted to concentrate on the 3 residential upmarket apartment developments within Sotogrande.

Whilst there are many apartment urbanizations these three are the ones which offer a more luxurious lifestyle with more spacious living.

Valgrande in Sotogrande Alto (check out the Valgrande community page on Facebook)This community is Possibly my favorite because of its facilities which include an indoor swimming pool and spa, flood lit padel tennis court, a golf practice area. The three free-form community swimming Pool's are stunning and the grounds are manicured to perfection. Many of these apartments enjoy golf course views of San Roque golf or Almenara golf.

The development is walled in with 24/7 manned security and a concierge like administrative office. The apartments themselves are spacious and beautifully fitted, most people love the large balcony terraces. Whilst there are a few 2 bedroom apartments the majority have 3 bedroom 3 bathrooms. For the people that really love space then the 4 bedroom 4 bathroom duplex penthouses are grand living at its best. There are also 4 bedroom 4 bathroom apartments all on one floor with some of the best terrace balconies I have ever come across. The Valgrande apartments are well maintained and well administered and whilst community fees seem high lets reflect on the many facilities that come within that price. The entrance is directly opposite the entrance to world famous Valderrama golf course.

Ribera del Rio apartments This urbanization is just across the Road from Sotogrande's waterway marina. The development fronts the river and across on the opposite bank you will see some pretty impressive riverside villas one belonging to Eddie Jordan of Formula 1 fame. What I like about these apartments is that the grounds are extensive. Beautiful lawns run down to the river edge and in the centre of the lawns a large community swimming Pool hedged in to offer sun bathers some privacy. The apartments themselves are well built. There are two parts to the development.

The smaller apartments 2 or 3 bedrooms are beautifully finished and have great water views. However the apartments in south facing block are larger and offer great living space and the beautiful terrace balconies all have plunge pools. The 4 bedroom apartments are triplex with room on the lower balconies for lounge suites dining tables all can be laid out at a good distance from the pool. Some of the upper balconies have hot tubs superb for star gazing on those hot summer nights. Ribera del Rio is a walled in secure complex in Sotogrande Costa close to Octogano tennis club, almost opposite the yacht club a few minutes riverside walk to the beach so location is wonderful. There is a security gate but the caretaker is there part time and gate is not manned at night.

Polo Gardens This development is built in 2 phases. The apartments directly in front of you as you enter security gate (manned security 24/7) are the larger spacious homes. Minimalistic in design and feel beautiful finishes and very spacious all on one floor with very large patio doors allowing wonderful light to flow into the apartments. Some of the ground floor apartments have walled in gardens and front gardens overlooking Santa Maria Polo with plunge pools.

The quality and finishes here are as good as it gets in Spain. I love the large 4 bedroom apartments on one floor where master suite is huge and love the his and her en-suite bathroom. The downside in this block is that they have built a series of town houses at lower level in front of the block and you look onto the green flat roof of these properties. Space between the various phases of the development is tight. I do like the gymnasium in this development and the sauna steam facility. This property also has a large communal pool and padel tennis court. The development is on Sotogrande Costa and is very popular with Polo lovers due to its proximity to the world famous Santa Maria Polo club.

A naughty Landlord in Sotogrande. Renters be careful

Looking for a rental villa in Sotogrande Interestingly I have now come across two people who have rented off the same Spanish Landlord in Sotogrande who has played the same awful game twice now.Whilst for obvious reasons I cannot give you exact information I know there are lessons to be learnt from this story.

The trick he plays is to initially demand a large deposit. In the first instance 4 months deposit was paid over. The owner hides the problems of the property which is riddled with damp. The tenants move in realizes the walls are ringing wet and they soon turn moldy. This Landlord rarely deals with anything in writing very friendly and prefers verbal arrangements. Within 8 months the tenants hit winter weather and the problems of damp get worst. Various remedies are tried and then the walls cleaned and repainted within 2 months mold is back in the bedrooms. Tenants complain as they do not want to renew tenancy. The Landlord offers a rent reduction for the inconvenience which the tenant unwittingly accepts whilst continuing to complain beyond the expiry date of the fixed term.

The tenant being nice people say they cannot stay any longer and give 3 months notice feeling that a long notice would be generous of them. However the Landlord then demands tenant to leave within 3 weeks telling them he will get major money for summer lets. Tenants being nice people move heaven and earth to be out within the three weeks. They wash down moldy walls they clean the house top to bottom polishing floors and even a fresh coat of pain to many rooms. They video the house as they close the door behind them to go to their next home.

Three months later the Landlord finally announces he will not return the 16k deposit as they left the place in a mess and creates a fictitious list of damages and cleaning. He also tells them that he agreed with them a new 12 month term as from the date the rent was reduced and they must now pay him 18.000,00 euros to the end of the contract this is in addition to keeping the deposit.He denies asking them to leave immediately.

The tenant soon receives a denuncio {court order} to pay a further 18.000,00 in rent. The tenant cannot believe it and spends 10.000,00 euros to defend and counter claim in the San Roque Court. The first shock for the tenant is that they were told in Court photo or video evidence is not accepted by the Court unless a notary was present when film was taken. Second shock for tenant was that he finds out that by accepting a reduced rent to stay on the Court decided a new fixed term had been negotiated. You will recall the Landlord had verbally told him he could stay on a month to month basis during which time the builders would be curing the damp.

The tenant made the mistake of not confirming everything in writing and insisting the owner responded to written requests or arrangements. The awful thing is that I have found out that the same Landlord has played virtually the same game with the next tenants. Beware of this Landlord from Madrid and incredibly the same agency who put the tenants in is still offering the property knowing the history Article by Francis Payne of Tailor Made estate agency www.tailormadesotogrande.com

Renting in Spain then don't get it wrong - Follow our advice guide

Find an apartment to rent in Sotogrande Spain

Advice for Long term rental apartments Sotogrande Spain.

Rental apartments are readily available and the standards vary. Price is not always a mark of quality as there are many owners who may have not been here for a number of years and are not aware of price fluctuations in rental values. A very nice basic 2 bedroom waterfront apartment can be rented for an average of 850.00 euros per month and whilst some may have rented for lower its usually a case of very fortunate timing and who you know. If your looking to pay 500.00 to 600.00 euros a month then you will probably need to search for an apartment in one of the surrounding villages close to Sotogrande such as Torreguadiaro, Pueblo Nuevo or San Martin. For around 900.00 to 1000.00 euros a month you will find yourself a very nice 3 bedroom waterfront apartment and these depending on apartment specifications can be up-to 1500.00 euros per month for say a 145m2 on the Sotogrande marina. We are currently offering a very special 2 bedroom apartment which has its own gated garden and swimming Pool, in the marina Sotogrande but fronts the Port. Here is the link to find out more about this property Port Marina apartment to rent

If its high specification luxury apartments you are seeking then the most popular choices are the Valgrande gated community, the Polo Gardens development or the Ribera del Rio apartments. These tend to have higher specifications than most developments in the area and are little more spacious. In the last year we have rented several 3 bedroom 3 bathroom Valgrande flat in the region of 1800.00 euros per month. Because its near to Christmas and market is quiet we currently have a 3 bed flat listing in Valgrande at 1400.00 euros per month click on this link Valgrande for more info. The Valgrande development enjoys 3 outdoor swimming pools, 1 indoor heated Pool, a Spa area as well as Gymnasium, steam room & sauna and my blog link describes the community facilities in more detail. For those who enjoy the Polo then Polo Gardens apartments have good specifications and there are some very beautifully presented apartments in the development with good views of the Santa Maria Polo pitch this picture shows the location

. The flats are also very central and not far from the Port and beach. The rents for the large luxury apartments range from 1600 for a 3 bedroom to 2500.00 euros per month for a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom with own plunge pool. Following round the marina towards the Octogano tennis club Ribera del Rio fronts the River. Of the two blocks the one with South aspects has the larger higher specification apartments from 3 bedroom ground floors with plunge Pools and 3 bedroom triplex penthouses with magnificent partly covered balconies. In Ribera del Rio rents for the luxury end of the development can be around 1800 per month for a 3 bedroom ground floor or over 2500.oo per month for a triplex penthouse.

Maybe you have children who will attend the Sotogrande International School and would like to live in a spacious flat near the school. There are not many as Sotogrande Alto is mainly Villas with some town houses. Literally on level walk to the school you will find Los Gazules a gated development with a community swimming pools overlooking Almenara golf and Almenara lake. In Los Gazules a 2 bedroom can rent from 800 per month, 3 bedrooms 950 per month and 4 bedroom duplex penthouse about 1500 per month. To see a penthouse currently on the market click on this link Penthouse apartment to rent Los Gazules Sotogrande

If you live in Gibraltar and would like find more spacious accommodation, save some money and enjoy the resort lifestyle Spain has to offer then Tailor Made estate agents has a choice of apartments within 20 minute drive of the border at Alcaidesa and San Roque. A very spacious 3 bedroom modern duplex apartment on San Roque golf 5 minutes from Sotogrande will set you back around 1000.00 euros a month.Compare that to your rental property in Gibraltar.

Article by Francis Payne of Tailor Made estate agents

office in Sotogrande Port tel. 0034 956 790 320

www.tailormadesotogrande.com

In Sotogrande Spain Tailor Made estate agents have more UK interest for Spanish luxury homes market

A upturn in the Spanish luxury homes property market and a strengthening of the Pound results in more Brits arriving and bargains being snapped up in Sotogrande Spain Signs of improvement in the UK property market and stronger Pound is having a knock on effect here in Sotogrande Spain. Am pleased to say the phones are ringing again as people revisit the prospect of buying a home in Spain.Having said that the hardest hurdle to bridge is the price difference between what owners will sell for and what buyers are willing to pay and with low interest rates continuing many owners in prime locations are holding their prices. Sales that have been happening have in the main been for bargain property. The press would have us believe that in Spain the market is littered with give away bargains and yes there are plenty of cheap homes around most areas. Having said that the press often fail to mention that a lot of these vacant properties in Spain were not desirable in the good times let alone a recession. Too many greedy developers over building and reducing building specifications creating concrete jungles many of which are half built or remain unsold. Here in Sotogrande much of the property that was for sale has been removed from the market because owners have rented them long term or simply decided to wait It seems to me that people are now street wise about buying in Spain and these days are asking all the right questions. As a country the South of Spain has tackled the huge corruption issues and many a developer, Lawyer, Planning officers and town Mayors languish in Spanish Jails guilty as charged.

The risk factor in the property market is not what it was and slowly but surely progress is being made. I feel people recognize the improvements and whilst many changes to the law are long winded, bureaucratic and frustrating the end result will be to stamp out many of the risks and issues Spain's property market.

As an agency selling property in Sotogrande Spain, the risk is further minimized simply because this area one of Europe's largest upmarket private residential estates is well established. The development was originally set out in the 1960s and has grown to become one of the main holiday home locations for many wealthy Spanish.

So there is no surprise that this estate with so much natural beauty and sporting facilities has attracted many city lawyers, top sports people and Spanish Government ministers to choose Sotogrande for their second homes.

My gut feeling is that Spain is about 18 to 24 months behind the UK market and for property in wealth locations particularly in respect of upmarket prime location homes.

Sotogrande does have its share of bargains although no where near the levels the generalizing press would have you believe. In the last 12 months property has been selling for me it is a reflection of some owners wanting to offload after reaching an impatience threshold.

On our books a 5 bedroom villa in Sotogrande that would once have been on the market for in excess of 1 million euros yet recently these owner have conceded to re-market the property inviting offers on 595,000.00 euros. In any given month you can find 1 or 2 such bargains but the truth is that with low interest rates many owners in wealth locations prefer to be patient. Trouble is that for some unknown reason Agents are still valuing property far too high and when presenting their values throwing in the old agency gem "We will put it on the market at price X but people will make low offers anyway so no point reducing" For me this is an outdated approach to agency, and any sales person worth their salt will know that if you establish a value close to your selling level then you are more likely to be looked at by a lot more prospective customers than you would with an extortionate unachievable price. This 3 bedroom waterside apartment once 760.000,00 euros has just exchanged contracts for 310.000,00 euros a real steel for a property on the waters edge and 100 meters from the beach.

Its not uncommon for a property in Sotogrande to go on the market at 1.5 million the owner knowing the reality that its not worth more than 900,000.00. Real buyers know their budget and may NOT look at property 100,000.00 over their budget so the closer a property is priced to the sellers bottom line the more chance there is of selling.

It is very frustrating for me as an agent when giving a true selling value that's a much lower valuation than provided by my competitors and then 2 years down the Road the property sells very close to my original indication.

Francis Payne Tailor Made estate agents Sotogrande tel.0034 956790320

Offices in Sotogrande Port

Hotel Sotogrande or maybe there is a better option

Hotel Sotogrande or maybe there is a better option ?

A growing number of people seem to be renting apartments and villas on long term contracts simply to visit Sotogrande for holidays. A trend is materialising where two families share a rental property for 12 months visiting in half terms, end of terms, easter, summer and christmas.

Last year friends of mine from Poole Dorset visited Sotogrande for a total of 42 days and for the family of 5 they calculated a hotel cost of 18.000,00 euros. The same family this year have rented a 4 bedroom penthouse apartment for 1650 per month and intend to share the vacation home with another family they know well resulting in a rent to pay of 9.900,00 euros per family for the year. The families will not visit together and will divide the years holidays up in advance. The additional costs are the electricity water internet and sky tv again all bills split between them become pretty insignificant. The apartment they rented is modern beautifully furnished and has great golf views close to the golf academy and driving range. Photo Los Gazules gated community by Almenara golf.

There has since then been several more rentals on similar basis which includes Villas and Town Houses. Interestingly most have been to families mad on golfer or sailing. Here is a link to a Los Gazules penthouse currently on the market this one is a 2 bedroom but we also listing a duplex 4 bedroom Link Gazules

Francis Payne www.tailormadesotogrande.com

A lifestyle location abroad where you are more than catered for

About Valgrande

A beautifully set out development, a gated community within a gated estate offering the best in lifestyle,homes and security. This development comprises of a series of apartment blocks set in beautiful landscaped grounds amidst lawns rockeries park-land and water features. Once inside the manned security gate drive directly to your apartment block and straight into the basement garage. Penthouse apartments have a lift key that takes you straight into the apartment.

Valgrande comprises of 2,3 & 4 bedroom apartments beautifully tiled throughout with underfloor water heated central heating systems as well hot cold airconditioning. For those wanting something very special we have available an apartment where One owner bought 2 of the 3 bedroom apartments off plan and incorporated both to create a very unique 6 bedroom home. The best feature for me of this development is the alfresco aspect with large terrace balconies and undercover areas where owners create stunning outdoor lounge and dining space.

Apartments have a variety of outlooks depending where you are within the developments. Families often go for properties overlooking the beautiful free-form outdoor pool's, golfers may like the views towards San Roque golf resort. In phase one of the complex many have tranquil parkland views.

The development has some wonderful facilities including the indoor heated swimming pool and spa, a gymnasium, steam room, sauna,a padel tennis court and a golf putting area. For those not so keen to get fit you can stroll around the complex, follow the stream through the gardens to the natural pond area or take the external trail and take a leisurely stroll around the entire development.

This next picture shows a parkland view from a phase 1 apartment Tailor Made estate agents have on the market to rent. Within the same block they also have a 3 bedroom first floor for sale.

Valgrande is located in Sotogrande Alto with its entrance directly opposite the Valderrama golf club home of the Ryder Cup 1997. The Sotogrande international school is 5 minutes drive and there are 7 golf clubs locallly all within 10 minutes drive. Sotogrande port and the beach approximately 4kms away. The developer has no apartments in Valgrande to sell. The development is well established with a good community a mixture of expats and Spanish some living here permanently others who spend time between their home country and Spain. For me Valgrande is the upmarket development of Sotogrande and offers far more facilities. Contact Tailor Made estate agency for more details 0034 956790320 or web page Tailor Made Estates Here is a link to a 3 bedroom apartment on sale at present in phase 1 with lovely parkland views VIEW LINK

If you would like to visit the Tailor Made estates real estate office find us here on GOOGLE MAPS in Sotogrande Port

as at the date of writing this Valgrande apartment is available to rent Map & contact infor for Tailor Made estate agency Sotogrande