Alhaurin Property For Sale
Area Guide
Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic town centre before enjoying a chilled glass of local wine in one of the many picturesque squares; enjoy a challenging round of golf on the 18-hole world class course designed by Severiano Ballesteros; relax on the terrace of your luxury private villa whilst drinking in the superb views of soaring mountains and rolling green plains. Situated in the Guadalhorce Valley and known as the Garden of Málaga, Alhaurín is a charming whitewashed town famous for its tranquillity and relaxed atmosphere and superb golfing facilities. Just 20 minutes from Malaga airport, Alhaurín property for sale offers investors the opportunity to become part of this beautiful and charming town, which is quickly becoming a popular residential area for those looking to escape the more highly charged pace of life on the coast.
Set in one of the most stunning mountain locations Alhaurín perfectly combines the laid back charm and tranquillity of the beautiful Andalucian countryside with the bustling energy of a traditional market town.
Alhaurin History
The town is steeped in a rich history which dates back to Roman times and which was also hugely influenced by the Moorish occupation in the 7th Century. Stroll through the town and discover imposing ruined Roman columns and 12th Century Arabic arches juxtaposed with the classical Andalusian architecture of charming squares, cube-like whitewashed houses and narrow alleys and streets. The busy town centre is alive with cafés, tapas bars, bodegas and traditional Spanish restaurants and although there is a thriving expat community, Alhaurín has retained its typical laid-back Spanish sense of living; take time to enjoy a slow lunch of chilled local white wine and tapas whilst watching the locals play chess in the cool shade of huge olive trees. For the more energetic of spirit, there are numerous hiking trails surrounding the town; enjoy a walk or a cycle ride through ancient olive and lemon groves and fragrant pine forests before stopping to savour the breath-taking views and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch.
Alhauring Property
There is a wide range of Alhaurín property for sale including traditional and modern apartments, renovated townhouses and luxury villas – all with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. For golf lovers there is no shortage of beautiful properties on golf course developments close to Alhaurín - the most well-known being the Urbanización Alhaurín Golf development. A two bedroom apartment or townhouse would typically cost in the region of €150,000 - €200,000 with private villas starting at around €350,000. Properties with views over the golf course are more expensive with a 2 bedroom apartment fetching €300,000. Alternatively, the Almenar Golf development has a selection of luxury properties where you'll fine frontline golf two- and three-bedroom townhouses, beautifully designed in typical Andalucian style with prices starting at around €180,000.
Away from the golf courses there is still a wide range of Alhaurín property for sale both in the town itself and throughout the surrounding countryside. There are traditional Spanish townhouses in the town providing easy access to the shops and restaurants; most have sun drenched balconies and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and some will have been recently refurbished to the highest standards. Alternatively choose a light and airy modern apartment with all modern conveniences and private parking. Properties in town are typically priced from around €110,000 to €200,000 depending on size and location. For somewhere on the outskirts of town or in the countryside, then there are country houses and villas to choose from; surrounded by orchards and olive groves and often with private swimming pools and gardens these make fine family residences and yet are within a five to ten minute drive of the town centre. Prices for these properties are slightly more expensive – around €250,000 for a three bedroom modern villa, for example or €300,000 for a more traditional Spanish farmhouse.
The wide range and standard of Alhaurín property for sale provides investors with the perfect opportunity to buy property in a top residential area where the balmy Mediterranean climate, relaxed pace of life and fabulous location provide all the ingredients essential to live the good life. Whether you decide to buy an Andalucian style townhouse with views of the golf course, a modern apartment in town or a luxury countryside villa, now is a good time to buy as property prices in Alhaurín – although cheaper than in other places on the Costa del Sol - have remained upbeat and competitive compared with much of the rest of Spain. It is easy to see why this area of Andalucia is so popular and why Alhaurín makes such a perfect holiday and investment destination.
Buying a Property in Spain
1. Putting down a Holding Deposit
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. This part of the process is not binding. We would recommend using an independent English speaking legal advisor. Once a purchase price has been agreed, normally a holding or reserve deposit will be required to ensure the property is removed from the market. The sum required will vary between properties and will be based on the purchase price. A time limit for the preagreement to be signed will be arranged and there will also be legal checks to be made.
2. Setting up a Pre-agreement (Contrato privado de compraventa)
The pre-agreement will set out the conditions under which the Buyer and Seller agree to complete the purchase of the property and the price they have agreed upon. Relevant details will generally be included for example the property details, purchase price and the date for completion. A deposit will be required at this point, this will vary, but will generally be 10% of the agreed price. This agreement will include a penal clause if the sale does not go through. If the seller pulls out of the sale your compensation will be double the deposit you have paid, but if you decide not to go through with the sale then your deposit will be lost. Certain checks will need to be made before signing the contract, checks should be made against the title of the property, mortgage status and if the property has any debts held against it. The planning status should also be looked into. These conditions can be varied by the seller and the buyer and other types of agreement can be made.
3. The Contract (Escritura de compraventa)
Before a non-Spanish purchaser can buy a Spanish property they will need to have set up a Spanish bank account and obtained a Spanish tax number (NIE). The completion will take place in the presence of a Notary Public. This is a Spanish public official, by law the deed of sale must be witnessed by a Notary Public. You will also need your own independent, expert legal advisor to act on your behalf. On Completion the buyer must pay the balance, that is the price agreed after the deposit has been deducted, plus any other fees on the completion date. Both buyer and seller must sign the Escritura de compraventa contract, (this is the Spanish equivalent of the title deeds). The title deeds (escritura) will be given to the buyer, this will be done in the presence of a Notary Public, they will certify that the transfer has taken place. The tax office will be sent a copy and the property registry will be informed of the transfer.