Sotogrande Property
Recommended
Recommended
Area Guide
Wander around the marina’s beautiful palm tree lined pathways and soak up the chic buzz of designer boutiques, boating shops, smart restaurants and elegant bars before enjoying a chilled glass of local wine at the water’s edge; enjoy the challenge of playing golf on the world famous Valderrama Golf Course set against a breathtaking backdrop of ancient oak and olive trees, lakes and views of the sea; enjoy an exhilarating day watching the ‘king of sports’ at Sotogrande’s Santa Maria Polo Club whilst sipping a glass of champagne on the exclusive terrace bar; sail around the rocky coastline to go whale and dolphin spotting in the Bay of Algeciras or in the choppy Straits before heading back to a relaxing al fresco dinner at your private villa. Located in the most southerly part of Spain on the western coast of the Costa del Sol and just 30 minutes drive from the cosmopolitan towns of Marbella and Puerto Banús, Sotogrande property offers investors the opportunity to become part of this elegant and luxurious seaside resort, which is quickly becoming the place to be seen on the Costa del Sol.
Sotogrande is one of Europe’s most luxurious and beautiful private residential resorts famous for its yachting marina, first class golf courses and international polo tournaments. Surrounded by a natural cork forest running down to the sea, Sotogrande combines mountain, forest and lush green fairways with stunning ocean views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the North African coastline. Demand for Sotogrande property continues to increase with well priced properties selling quickly, particularly those with a sea view.
Combining the tranquillity of the beautiful Andalucian countryside with the energy of the Costa del Sol, Sotogrande has a unique quality of life that has appealed to discerning residents and visitors for over forty years. Created in 1962 by the visionary Colonel Joseph McMicking, Sotogrande is set on a series of low, green hills with views over the Mediterranean Sea. The residential areas are interwoven with the golf courses and other green spaces to create peaceful and private properties with tranquil views towards the surrounding countryside and the sea.
Today Sotogrande is best known for its first class sporting and beach facilities and its international school and is the perfect place both to live and to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Ranging from golf, polo and tennis to rugby, horse riding and sailing the resort boasts five golf courses including the Valderrama Golf Club – officially rated the number one golf course in Europe and host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, six polo fields owned by the famous Santa María Polo Club, two tennis clubs and a world class marina with mooring for over 1,300 boats.
Built in the late 1970s, the marina is the true heart of Sotogrande and has become famous for its amazing mooring facilities which attract the sleek, luxury boats of kings and princes as well as the rich and famous. Surrounded by chic restaurants and bars the marina has its own laid back ‘village’ atmosphere and is the perfect place either to have a leisurely lunch or to try your hand at sailing or windsurfing at the Sotogrande Sailing School. Every Sunday, the Sotogrande Market brings a bustling vibrancy to the sleepy port; featuring contemporary art, the latest fashions, as well as antiques and home furnishings it is a perfect opportunity for some bargain hunting!
Sotogrande is fortunate to have some of the finest stretches of sandy coastline in southern Spain so when the sun starts to set, wander down to the beach bars of Chiringuito Bahía Limón and Chambao to enjoy a cocktail or dinner and listen to the sound of waves breaking on the sandy shore mingling with live music, laughter and the tinkling of ice.
Sotogrande property appears to have weathered the recent crisis and there is a growing demand for all types of Sotogrande property which is well priced. Whilst property prices in other areas of the Costa del Sol have taken a fall - down 11.4% in Torremolinos and 10.99% in Fuengirola, for example - the average price for Sotogrande property has remained the same or in some cases has increased. This is mainly due to the financial affluence of the resort’s residents and the stability of the community which has a low turnover of property owners, many of whom have lived in Sotogrande for many years or return every year to enjoy their holiday with family and friends.
Well known as an ‘architectural showcase’ on the Costa del Sol, Sotogrande property offers a range of architectural styles varying from the traditional Andalucian and Moorish all the way through to more modern and contemporary design. There is also a wide range of property to choose from depending your taste and budget.
Luxury villas in spacious and tranquil residential areas are surrounded by their own private lush tropical gardens with either a sea view or following the green contours of majestic golf courses. Alternatively choose a hillside family villa or Andalucian style farmhouse tucked away in the surrounding countryside and enjoy wandering through olive and orange groves before taking a dip in your own private swimming pool.
If you want to be in the heart of Sotogrande, then look no further than a stylish apartment in the Sotogrande Marina; looking out over the meandering waterways, many also provide direct access to private jetties. Sotogrande also has a wide choice of townhouses located in small urbanisations scattered throughout the resort; with luscious communal gardens, swimming pools and tennis courts, they combine the luxury and space of a villa with the convenience and easy maintenance of a more compact lock up and leave type of property, making them perfect rental properties.
Sotogrande property provides investors with the perfect opportunity to buy a property in one of the top residential developments in the world and to enjoy a quality of life that is second to none. Whether you decide to buy a hillside luxury villa or a modern seafront apartment, Sotogrande property prices have remained upbeat and competitive compared with much of the rest of Spain. It is easy to see why this area of the Andalucia is so popular and why Sotogrande makes 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.