thinking of living in spain

Hi there,

I used to sell property around there and Benalmadena is a really lovely place. The Pueblo is very pretty and traditional looking, the costa is a bit busy (especially in summer) and the coast road is daunting and the port is lovely in the day but a bit of a tourist, drinking area in the night.  Arroyo is a happy mix - very much a village just off of the beach road with ex pats and Spanish around. Certainly the best area in that part of coast I think without going inland.

Jamie

Just avoid heartattack hill if youre not too fit, otherwise its a lovely place and resonably lively in the winter time too. Good access via bus and train to Malaga and Fuengirola. A good working town, no airs and graces, resonably priced for normal people and a great selection of bars restaurants and shops

Enjoy your trip!

The Pueblo is pretty, but rather small and isolated. More of a day trip place. Arroyo is nice enough, and on the Malaga - Fuengirola (via airport) train, which is handy. Depending on how "slightly middle-aged" you are feeling, it's also a bit hilly (unless you only ever walk up and down the main road). The Costa is very much Holiday Resort-land. OK if that's your thing. Some very nice apartment blocks around the Parque Paloma.

You might also want to take a look at Torremolinos. Not that I'm biassed or anything, but it's not a bad place to live either!

Many thanks for all info.    As I sad I am going this Thursday to look with view to buy or rent...    I had time share in Benalmadena many years ago but have not been there since...   I am 59 not quite pensioner  yet!!! just want a change in direction.

I think I should maybe rent till I decide where  or if  I want to live there..

Hope you find what you are looking for and now is as good a time to buy as any....always better to be a buyer in a quiet market!

Lots of nice locations both sides of Marbella

Also look at Costa Blanca, Calida and Almeria [ between Aguilas and Mojacar] where you will get much more for your money 

Almeria is quieter than CDS so not everyones ideal and Blanca and Calida a bit in between

In Almeria you can get a 2 bed 2 bath villa on 400m2 plots from 178.000 € and apartments close to beach are probably half the price of CDS

Personally I would recommnd you rent first especially if you are coming to live here. Then you will find otu the areas you want to live in, which complex and can make local equiries via agents or anyone else

Long term rentals tend to be for 11 months at a time and can be renewable. You cn find part furnished or fully furnished, down to the last teaspoon and the owner or agent will fix anything that goes wrong for you. Dont oay a finders fee, some agents still ask for that! Usual is 1 month deposit and 1 in advance. You will have to pay electricity and water on top, gas if there is (usually bottled anyway) but NOT community fees ibi (rates) or basura(rubbish collectin) The Spanish are ace at getting foreign tenants to do that!

Then once you are settled you can look around. You will also find out what the prices should be and not the overinflated ones many agents have. In benalmadena you can find 2 bed apartments walking distance (and I mean 5 minutes) to the beach from aroun the 150,000 euros mark. Same in Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

Good luck

Do that - dont get rushed into anything at all - go at your own pace! Nothing is going to sell or be rented that fast, its a buyers market, so dont listen to any agents saying otherwise - they are just desperate for your dosh!

Of course, if you see something with great location that you fall in love with, then make a low offer, especially if you dont need finance etc and can move fast

Above all, enjoy it! And dont hesitate to contact me if you like - I used to live in Fuengirola (13 years nearly) now in Marbella so know the area well, as does Roberto so if you want support or have an local questions dont hesitate.

Enjoy!!

Apparently it's a one bedder - I just forgot to put the walls in.

Personally, I prefer a spacious, airy studio with lots of light. But almost without exception, those that have viewed it have talked about where to build the bedroom walls to turn it into what in my opinion would be a cramped & stuffy 1 bedroom apartment, with little light (and none at all in the bedroom).  It's not my opinion that matters, so maybe I messed up. Anyhoo, the Mexican says he can put the walls in for less than a grand (door included), so make that 135K for anyone who wants a bedroom. I'm not doing it, in case the next viewer has the same opinion as me!

Totally off topic now, so.......bye bye.