C2SKYMARBELLA HAVE NOW REOPENED AS "HILLTOP PROPERTY SERVICES!"

 

Most owners at the El Soto De Marbella development will be well aware that Chris, Robin and Jane set up their property management services company, C2SKYMarbella in La Mairena several years ago after being very closely involved at the heart of the original El Soto Community Management team.

I popped in their office the other day and Chris brought me up to date with their change of business name to” Hilltop Property Services”. They felt that the C2SKYMARBELLA name didn't truly reflect their image has providers of specialist Property Rentals, Sales and Management Services. Chris stated that they will continue to focus their attention on providing professional services almost exclusively on property within the  La Mairena area.

They are still located next to the KUDU Bar in the village centre. and their contact details are:

Hilltop Property Services, Tel: 0034 952 904820 – Mob: 0034 662 051670

email: hilltopprops@hotmail.com

They are currently in the throws of setting up their web site and I for one wish them much success with providing their unique blend of much needed services to the local community!!

 

 

Just to put the record straight, there never has been an "El Soto Community Management Team" El Soto has been managed since it first opened in May/June 2003 by 3 different administration companies. The first was not very efficient and was replaced by the developer with a company called Rodriguez based in Marbessa. The current administration company, SAGESA from Elviria, has been in charge since November 2004 when the Community of Owners voted in a new President (previously the developer) and a new management company.


This message was last edited by dorisjmay on 6/17/2007.

Hello Doris,

I first met Robin who later set up C2SkyMarbella in the village when I popped in to look at the El Soto Club House over 3 years ago. Robin and his brother Chris and partner Jane were one of the first Full time residents at El Soto phase 1and I know were very proactive with the original owners community group. I know for some time that they used an office located right next to the club house entrance. I'm not sure exactly what the status of the office was but I do know that they dealt with many owners issues and fought countless battles with Mena regarding quality issues!

Mike T

It May help if I outline some of the costs associated with El Soto Phase 1 and the action that a new community can take to take control of its future.

The budget for a community has a fixed cost element and  variable costs. The community of owners can control these costs, once they are in a position of management. Before that they are at the mercy of the developer and his chosen administrators, who can, in effect, levy whatever costs they choose. In order to exercise total control of their fortunes, the owners must gain control of the administration of the urbanization. This can be achieved by 51% of the owners voting the developer out at the first AGM or a subsequent EGM. To be strictly constitutional the election of a president and an administrator should be an agenda item at the AGM. This change can be achieved through proxy as well as physical voting. The owners will need to have a president and an alternative administration in place at the time of execising this right. The developer will still have voting rights based on the number of unsold and non completed properties. So if 50% of the urbanization remains unsold or is in dispute, then the owners will not be able to take control. Past experience suggests that a community of owners is better keeping a developer on side, rather than threatening to sue at every corner. However there have been a couple of law suits against the developer on phase 1 el soto which have been successful on an individual basis.

Once the owners have control of the budget they can then decide how much to spend on items such as upkeeping the gardens, for example, but items such as pool cleaning are subject to health and safety regulations and would be difficult to reduce unless they were being seriously over charged in the first place.

The community charges per apartment are determined by the individual co-efficient. This being based on the size of the apartment, its terrace area and if , if relevant, the garden area. 

The average costs for a two bedroom apartment in El Soto Phase 1 are: Operational costs (gardens, lifts, water, electric, cleaning,pool and golf club contribution etc.) 230€ per month, plus contributions for repairs & improvements, security and the urbanistica of an additional 60€ per month. Therefore a total of approx 290€ per month. A three bedroom apartment is around 420€ per month.

For further info please contact me at: info@hilltopprops.net