For many people, it is a dream to live in Spain. The quality of life in southern Spain is among the best in the world and with over 320 days of sunshine per year it is also one of the healthiest, allowing you to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle whether that is eating outside enjoying fresh, seasonal and tasty food to the more active lifestyle of walking, hiking, biking or horse riding to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Properties
There are many differences between buying Spanish inland properties and coastal properties. Firstly, and probably one of the biggest factors to consider, is that with a Spanish inland property you get much more value for your hard-earned money!
For example, inland you can find properties like this...
This is a three-bedroom villa with a private pool and gardens, open plan living, three bathrooms and a large basement. You can find this and similar properties in the range of €400,000 - €500,000.
Whereas near the coast, a few minutes drive to the beach you can get a one bedroom flat with no private outside space, but you do have access to communal grounds and a pool for around €130,000 - €230,000.
Pros and cons of coast vs inland
Living inland can feel like a completely different way of living. The Coast is heavily dependent on tourism, it has fabulous beaches, restaurants and a great nightlife but can feel overcrowded in the summer and then almost deserted in the wintertime. It can also feel quite lonely as coastal living can be very transient, making it more difficult to make long-term friends as people tend to move on quite quickly.
More and more people are moving inland, especially since the pandemic and the lockdowns, they are looking for bigger properties with more outside space.
People from the UK and other countries are also being charmed by the more authentic Spain with its whitewashed villages up in the mountains with narrow cobblestoned streets, shady plazas with a great choice of local cafes and restaurants with flamenco music playing in the background. What's not to love?
Inland Spain can provide a more relaxing way of life, that is almost untouched by tourism, it can almost feel like stepping back in time but with all the perks and benefits of modern living. The slower pace of life can have a huge positive impact on your health as it can significantly reduce stress levels.
Spanish inland properties
There are many different types of Spanish inland properties to choose from. Do you long to live in a finca in the countryside with lots of land, perhaps an orchard, feeling like you are far away from the hustle and bustle of the coast but only a short drive into the nearest village or town? Or would you prefer to live in a modern villa with a private pool on an urbanisation? There are also charming townhouses that are very affordable or apartments in the centre of a traditional town with welcoming locals?
Here at Mediterranean Homes we are the Inland Property Specialists with over 30 years of combined experience, covering Alhaurin El Grande, Alozaina, Coín, Guaro, Mijas, Monda, Tolox, Pizarra, Álora, Cártama and anywhere else in and around the Guadalhorce Valley, we can help you find the best inland property for you.
Beast of both worlds
Moving inland can offer you the best of both worlds as you can get to the coast in an average of about 30 minutes from most of the areas we cover and with great road infrastructure it is a beautiful and enjoyable drive. You are also closer to the amazingly beautiful lakes of El Chorro if you want to marvel at three beautiful turquoise lakes surrounded by pine and oak forests offering a peaceful retreat where you can swim, walk around the lakes in the shade of the forests, picnic, paddleboard or kayak while taking in the stunning scenery.
Cost of living
Another point to consider is how cheaper it can be to live inland, homeowners pay a municipal tax that is a fraction of the price of council tax in the UK. Water costs are amazingly very low, as well as home and car insurance.
Eating out can be expensive or very reasonable, depending on where you go, you can find a menu del dia (menu of the day) for as little as 8-10€, beer, wine and tapas in the local bars are very well priced. There is a wide choice of supermarkets including; Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl and Aldi as well as local markets.
Other huge benefits of living inland are the much lower crime rates than on the coast. Andalusians are typically really friendly and welcoming, providing a community feel, making visitors feel immediately at home, safe and integrated in their culture.
Climate
You are guaranteed amazingly hot summers and the winters are mild. All the seasons here are wonderful, in this part of Spain you can really appreciate how the scenery changes, you can even see snow-covered mountain peaks in winter, lush green fields and beautiful, colourful flowers in spring. Autumn brings the mesmerizing change in colours from greens to golden yellows, oranges, browns and reds.
Choosing the right Real Estate Agent
It is essential you choose the right estate agent when looking for a property inland as the laws are quite different to buying on the coast or in other countries. The legal process of selling properties can be complex because the laws and rules around selling a villa, townhouse, apartment or country residence are all very different. They will need to know and understand the legal differences that apply to the specific property you want to buy.
The agent you chose should know if the property has:
- An AFO (Asimilado al régimen de Fuera de Ordenación - Assimilated into the regime of being outside planning regulations)
- A first occupancy licence
- An up to date Escritura
- A correct nota simple
- and should also know which type of mortgage, if you need one, is best for different types of properties
Mediterranean Homes are experts at selling properties inland and can guide you through the whole process with as little stress as possible!
So if your heart is set on moving to the Malaga area, contact us at Mediterranean Homes and we will find you your perfect Spanish inland property.
