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Sustanaible Gardens

We design sustainable gardens based on environmental observation and the use of native, resilient plants. We apply Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) that replicate natural processes to address today’s social and environmental challenges.

CLIMATE-RESILIENT SPACES

Instead of using seasonal plants, we select species adapted to the local climate, such as Lavandula stoechas or Westringia fruticosa, which bloom at different times of the year, attract pollinators, and stimulate the senses. We avoid plants that may cause negative impacts, such as allergies or structural damage. Pest control is managed biologically, and we promote low-maintenance practices, avoiding unnecessary pruning. To reduce light pollution, we use amber lighting under 2700 Kelvin.

DROUGHT ADAPTATION

We replace grass with ground covers like Lippia nodiflora, which require minimal irrigation. Subsurface drip irrigation and organic or mineral mulching help retain moisture. Permeable surfaces and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) are integrated into our designs to better manage drought and runoff. We choose low-water, climate-adapted plant communities that fit the existing soil with minimal amendments.

INVESTING IN NATURE IS INVESTING IN HEALTH

By planting species that attract pollinators, we create healthy spaces rich in ecosystem services: reducing CO₂, noise, and stress, improving social well-being, encouraging mental health, and strengthening our connection to nature.

ROSA CEÑO

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Master in Historic Gardens and Ecosystem Services of Green Infrastructure (UPM). Creator of projects such as El Jardín de los Sentidos (Marbella).

Awards include:

OJA AMJA First Prize and De-sign Week Marbella 2021.

Malaga´s New Build Market 2024: Why demand is outrunning supply

The latest figures from the Ministry of Housing for 2024 confirm a trend I’ve been highlighting for the past two years: while demand for newly built homes remains strong across the province of Malaga, construction is still lagging behindintensifying pressure on supply and prices. Let’s look at what the data shows and why this matters for buyers, investors, and homeowners.

1. Stock of New Homes Remains Historically Low: The red line in the chart represents the stock of newly built homes available on the market. After peaking during the 2008 crisis, that stock has steadily decreased. In 2024, the stock remains well below pre-crisis levels, despite a moderate recovery in construction activity. This is a key difference compared to the 2004–2007 bubble years, when oversupply became a systemic risk.

2. Construction Has Not Returned to Boom Levels: The number of homes being completed (blue bars) and initiated (red bars) in 2024 is still a fraction of the peak seen in 2005. Back then, over 40,000 units were finished in one year, and even 83.000 in 2003. In contrast, 2024 barely reaches a quarter of that. Developers today are more cautious, and financing is stricter—good news for market stability, but a bottleneck for supply.

GRÁFICO 1 - OBRA NUEVA TERMINADA FRENTE A VENDIDA – MALAGA

“We are in a market deïfned by low inventory, contro-lled construction, and sustained demand."

3. Sales Continue to Outpace Deliveries: The green line in the chart—showing the % of new units sold vs. units finished—remains close to or above 100% in recent years. This means more homes are being sold than delivered, reducing available inventory. This dynamic fuels competition for high-quality properties, especially in prime areas like Marbella and Benahavís.

4. Price Pressure is Inevitable: With demand exceeding supply, prices for new builds continue to rise. As highlighted in my June 2024 newsletter, new developments in Marbella have seen average annual price increases of 17.9% over the past three years. This contrasts with second-hand properties, which have grown at 9.2% per year. Investors seeking capital appreciation and lifestyle buyers prioritizing quality are driving this upward trend.

In summary, we’re not witnessing a 2008-style bubble—far from it. Instead, we are in a market defined by low inventory, controlled construction, and sustained demand. For those considering a purchase or investment, especially in sought-after areas like Marbella and Bena-havis, understanding these trends is crucial. The best opportunities are being snapped up quickly and at increasingly higher prices.

Article by:

Alfonso Lacruz

The Importance of Professional Photography in Property Sales

In today’s competitive real estate market, first impressions are everything. When a potential buyer views a property, the first thing they see is the listing—and in most cases, that listing is accompanied by images. Whether on a website, in a magazine, or a brochure, photography plays a crucial role in capturing attention, sparking interest, and ultimately influencing the decision to buy. A compelling presentation is essential, and the most effective way to achieve it is through high-quality professional photography.

 

Why Professional Photography is Key in High-End Real Estate

Studies show that listings with high-quality images receive 61% more views than those without photos. Properties with professional photography sell, on average, 32% faster than those with lower-quality visuals. Buyers form their first impressions based on the images they see—if the photos fail to highlight a property’s best features, it may never even make it onto a buyer’s shortlist. In a market where attention spans are short, a great image can make all the difference.

 

At Charly Simon Photo, we understand that capturing the essence of a home is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling a visual story that allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living in that space. With our expertise in architectural photography, we know what truly attracts buyers and how to communicate the unique personality of each property.

 

How Professional Photography Enhances the Sales Process

A strong visual presentation can significantly accelerate the sale of a property. Professional photographers bring both technical and artistic expertise to ensure that the home looks its absolute best. Mastery of light, angles, and composition is key to making spaces appear more expansive, welcoming, and distinctive. Whether it’s a modest apartment or a luxury villa, an experienced photographer knows how to accentuate key features while minimizing distractions.

 

In addition, drone photography has become an essential tool for showcasing properties in full. Aerial shots not only offer dynamic perspectives of the home but also highlight its surroundings—an important factor for buyers interested in location and lifestyle.

 

The Process: From Planning to Delivery

At Charly Simon Photo, we focus not only on delivering exceptional images but also on providing a seamless experience. We work closely with our clients to understand their goals and expectations. This tailored approach is especially relevant for luxury properties or architecturally unique homes. Each photo session is customized to highlight a property’s standout features, ensuring the final imagery truly reflects its value.

 

Once the shoot is complete, we move on to post-production, where lighting, color, and details are carefully adjusted to preserve the home’s authenticity while enhancing its appeal.

 

Conclusion: Investing in Professional Photography

Investing in professional photography is a strategic decision that should never be underestimated. High-quality images not only help sell a property faster but also ensure it receives the attention it deserves. In a highly competitive market, standing out is essential—and professional photography can be the deciding factor.

                                                                                       

At Charly Simon Photo, we take pride in our attention to detail and our commitment to delivering an elevated experience. Whether photographing a luxury villa or a modern apartment, our mission is to make your property shine and leave a lasting impression on buyers—maximizing its potential and increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.

 

Article by:

Charly Simon

https://charlysimonphoto

Marbella & Benahavis Real Estate in 2025: Strong Foundations

With 25 years in the luxury real estate market of Marbella and Benahavis, I constantly analyze our dynamic land-scape based on the numbers of real estate. Latest data through early 2025 confïrms the market's resilience, showing Marbella's strong demand and Benahavis undergoing a healthy adjustment after peak growth. This continuous evolution highlights our region's enduring appeal and robust fundamentals. In delving into the specificscs, several relevant points emerge that paint a clearer picture of our current market.

 

1. Marbella's Enduring Strength: Marbella consistently performs above its long-term average. Despite some sales volume shifts in Q2 2024, Marbella has shown remarkable resilience. Q1 2025 started very strong, surpassing Q1 2024. This consistent performance, often exceeding prepandemic averages, indicates a stable and attractive market, a primary destination for buyers seeking high-quality lifestyles and solid investments.

2. Benahavis, Adjustment and Future Growth: After significant surges in 2021-2022, Benahavis is in an adjustment period. While 2023 and early 2024 saw reduced sales from peak highs, this is a healthy correction, not a downturn. 2024's total sales were above the 20-year aver-age, reflecting underlying strength. Benahavis offers exclu-sivity and larger plots, with this recalibration creating new opportunities. Q1 2025 shows renewed buyer interest, particularly for high-quality new builds.

"Marbella and Benahavis real estate markets conti-nue to demonstrate dynamism and resilience."


3. Navigating Market Nuances: Our market is balanced between supply and demand, with strong international buyer interest. While some segments saw reduced activity due to less inventory or higher pricing, the market as a whole progresses. Increased new-build availability offers more buyer options. Price stability, with increases in Marbella, reflects market health. Potential interest rate reductions could further stimulate demand, emphasizing the need for data-driven insights.

In summary, Marbella and Benahavis continue to demonstrate dynamism and resilience. While Benahavis adjusts post-peak, Marbella sustains its upward trajectory with strong demand and stable prices. The positive start to 2025, especially in Marbella, underscores our region's enduring appeal for luxury real estate. As an experienced agent and despite a personal feeling, as we do not have any data yet, that the market is cooling down in this sec-ond quarter of 2025, I remain confident in this vibrant market's long-term strength, driven by its unique lifestyle and sustained international buyer confidence.

Article by:

Alfonso Lacruz

The Reform of the Horizontal Property Law by Organic Law 1/2025: A New Framework for Tourist Rentals

The rise of tourist rentals has sparked growing debate within community of owners due to its impact on neighborhood coexistence and the availability of residential housing. In response to these concerns, Organic Law 1/2025, of January 2nd, has introduced substantial amendments to the Horizontal Property Law (LPH), granting community of owners greater control over the use of privately owned residences within shared buildings for tourist purposes.

 

Key amendments introduced by Organic Law 1/2025

1. Prior authorization from the community of owners

Starting April 3, 2025, any property owner wishing to use their property for tourist rental must obtain the express authorization of the community of owners. This authorization will require the favorable vote of three-fifths of the property owners, representing likewise three-fifths of the participation quotas. This measure seeks to balance individual interests with the collective well-being of the community.

2. Powers of the president of the community

The president of the community of owners will be empowered to demand the immediate cessation of tourist rental activity if it does not have prior community authorization. This provision grants the community’s representative bodies effective tools to act promptly in the face of violations that may disturb communal life.

3. Possibility of increasing common expense contributions

The community of owners may impose an increase of up to 20% on the common expense fees for those owners who use their properties for tourist rentals. This surcharge aims to compensate for the greater use of shared facilities and building services such as elevators, cleaning, and security.

4. General prohibition of tourist use

The reform establishes that, in principle, tourist use of dwellings within horizontal property regimes is prohibited, unless the community of owners agrees otherwise. This measure seeks to safeguard the residential nature of buildings and prevent the transformation of residential zones into exclusively tourist areas.

5. Transitional regime for pre-existing activities

Owners who were already engaged in tourist rental activities before the entry into force of the law may continue such activity without needing new authorization, provided they comply with the current sectoral tourism regulations. However, if the dwelling loses its license due to a change in ownership or other reasons, authorization from the community of owners will be required to resume the activity.

 

Implications for property owners and community of owners

For property owners:

  • Authorization request: They must submit a request to the community of owners and obtain the required authorization before initiating tourist rental activity.

  • Regulatory compliance: They must ensure compliance with applicable sectoral tourism regulations, in addition to the provisions set by the community.

  • Financial responsibility: They may be subject to increased common expense contributions and penalties in the event of non-compliance.

For community of owners:

  • Evaluation of requests: They must assess tourist rental authorization requests, considering the impact on community life and shared services.

  • Decision-making: They may approve, limit, condition, or prohibit tourist rentals through resolutions adopted by the qualified majority established by law.

  • Corrective actions: They have the authority to demand the cessation of unauthorized activities and to initiate legal action if necessary.

 

Conclusion

The reform introduced by Organic Law 1/2025 to the Horizontal Property Law marks an important step toward more balanced regulation, adapted to the current realities of tourist rentals. By granting community of owners greater control over the use of residential properties, the law aims to protect neighborhood harmony and uphold the residential function of buildings.

It is essential that both property owners and community of owners are well-informed and prepared to implement these new provisions effectively

 

Article by the Lawyer:

Emely Jelic

https://advokatemelyjelic.com/

Marbella vs. Benahavis: Where is the Luxury Market headed in 2024?

The luxury real estate markets of Marbella and Benahavís continue their dynamic evolution into 2024, showing nota-ble shifts in pricing and buyer behavior. Understanding these market movements is essential for both buyers and sellers in today’s high-end landscape.

 

1. Marbella: Broad Growth Across Luxury Price Brackets. Marbella’s market has seen strong transactional activity across all luxury segments in 2024, in some cases exceed-ing 2022 levels. Properties from €1.5 million to €4 million remain most active, showing consistent appeal. Notably, sales above €4 million are at or near their highest volumes, with the "More than 4M€" segment showing significant growth. This reflects increasing confidence among ultra-luxury buyers. Prices are also rising robustly, particularly in the €4 million-plus range, surpassing €8,000/m2 by 2024.

2. Benahavís: Strength at the Top, Moderation Below. Benahavís presents a contrasting picture. Transactions above €4 million have increased compared to previous years, with top-tier homes attracting strong interest. The growing yellow bar confirms this "More than 4M€" activity. However, activity below €4 million has declined from its 2023 peak, especially for properties between €1.5 million and €4 million. The drop in lower-tier transactions may also signal reduced inventory or a mismatch between sell-er expectations and buyer budgets in that segment.


"Marbella attracts robust luxury demand with strong price appreciation while Benahavís, although strong at top, shows moderated activity in mid-luxury price."



3. Divergent Price Evolution. Price trends diverge be-tween the two areas. Marbella’s €4 million-plus segment shows accelerated price growth, driven by demand and limited supply, with a strong upward curve into 2024. In contrast, Benahavís prices for "More than 4M€" properties are more stable in 2024 after a 2023 peak, and €1.5 million to €4 million prices have softened slightly from their 2023 peak. These patterns highlight the need for precise pricing strategies based on property type, location, and buyer trends.

In summary, Marbella continues to attract robust top-tier luxury demand with strong price appreciation. Benahavís, while performing strongly at the very top, shows moderat-ed activity in mid-luxury price points. Accurate market knowledge and strategic positioning are thus vital for navi-gating these dynamic markets.



Article by:

Alfonso Lacruz

5 Powerful reasons to Invest in Marbella & Benahavís this year.

I have been thinking why investors and families should consider buying real estate in Marbella and Benahavis and, after reviewing the latest data-sorne of which is included in the charts attached to this article-these are, in my view, the flve most compelling reasons why purchasing property in this area is a smart move in 2025 :

 

1. Strong Capital Appreciation. Property prices in Marbel­la and Benahavis have shown consistent growth over the last two decades. Since 2003, average prices per square meter have more than doubled. Even after the 2008 crisis, the market rebounded strongly, with recent years outper­forming the historical 4.5% annual growth line. In 2024, prices hit record highs, conflrming long-term value and reliability for investors .


2. Competitive Mortgage Rates. Spain currently offers sorne of the most competitive mortgage rates in Europe. Average rates for 30-year mortgages are just above around 3% for locals and just under 4% for international buyers which make them attractively low compared to countries like the US, UK, or Poland, where rates can ex­ceed 5-7%.


"lnvesting in Marbella and Benahavis in 2025 means securing growth, lifestyle, stability, and long-term pro­perty value."

3. Cheaper Prices Than lnternational Luxury Competi­tion. While Marbella and Benahavis are renowned for its luxury lifestyle, its property prices remain signiflcantly low­er than those in other international luxury destinations as it can be seen on Chart 1. For example, Monte Cario, Paris, and London all command much higher prices per square meter-often double or even triple those in Marbella- and, even, in the case of Monte Cario reaching the 50.000 €/m2 mark. This means buyers get more value for their invest­ment without compromising on quality or prestige.

4. Quality of Life, Safety, and Climate. Marbella and Benahavis offer an exceptional quality of life, with over 320 days of sunshine per year, beautiful beaches, world­class golf courses, and renowned gastronomy. The region is also known for its safety and welcoming international community, making it ideal for families, retirees, and re­mote workers alike.

5. Strategic Location, Connectivity, and lnfrastructure. Located just 40 minutes from Malaga lnternational Airport, Marbella and Benahavis are exceptionally well-connected to the rest of Europe. The region boasts excellent healthcare, international schools, and modern infrastruc­ture, ensuring convenience and comfort for residents and visitors.





Article by:

Alfonso Lacruz

Key reasons why working with a real estate agency on an exclusive basis is the best choice

Here are some key reasons why working with a real estate agency on an exclusive basis is the best choice:

Dedicated Marketing Strategy

Your property receives a customized, high-quality market-ing plan, including professional photography, virtual tours, and targeted advertising.

Higher Selling Price

Exclusive listings often achieve better prices because the agency focuses on maximizing your property's value ra-ther than rushing for a quick sale.

Stronger Negotiation Power

With one agency handling all inquiries and negotiations, you avoid multiple agents undercutting each other, which can lead to lower offers.

Better Buyer Qualification

The agency carefully screens potential buyers, ensuring that only serious and nancially qualied individuals view your property.

Personalized Service & Commitment

An exclusive agent is fully dedicated to selling your home, offering personalized attention, regular updates, and strategic advice.

Faster & More Efficient Sale

A clear, streamlined process avoids confusion and duplication, leading to a quicker and smoother transaction.

Condentiality & Security

Working with a single trusted agency minimizes unneces-sary exposure, reducing security risks and protecting your privacy.

Choosing an exclusive real estate agency means working with professionals who are fully committed to achieving the best outcome for you!

2024 Real Estate review: Marbella’s strength vs. Benahavís’s slowdown

The real estate market in Marbella and Benahavis continues to show resilience and unique dynamics, as reected in the latest transaction data for 2024 published recently by the Ministry of Housing. Based on the data presented in the charts, three key trends based on the market performance highlight the strengths and challenges of these two sought-after locations:

1. Q2: The Strongest Quarter for Sales. Both Marbella and Benahavis experienced their highest transaction vol-umes during Q2 in 2024. This period consistently outperformed other quarters across the years, reecting a seasonal peak in buyer activity. In Marbella, Q2 alone account-ed for a signicant portion of the nearly 5,000 units sold in 2024, while Benahavis saw similar patterns with Q2 leading its sales gures. This trend underscores the importance of timing for sellers aiming to capitalize on heightened market demand.

2. Marbella: Sustained Sales Growth Despite Market Fluctuations. Marbella´s real estate market maintained its robust trajectory, achieving nearly 5,000 units sold in 2024—well above its historical annual average of approximately 3,500 units. The market has demonstrated con-sistent growth since recovering from the global finantial crisis of 2008-2012, with strong performance across all quarters. Marbella remains a prime destination for both domestic and international buyers, driven by its reputation as a luxury hotspot and its ability to attract steady demand year after year. Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to sustain steady sales, aligning with long-term trends rather than short-term spikes.

3. Downward Trend in Benahavis. In contrast to Marbel-la’s resilience, Benahavis experienced a slight decline in sales over the past two years. After reaching record highs in 2022 with nearly 1,000 units sold, transaction volumes dipped in both 2023 and 2024, falling closer to its historical annual average of around 600 units. While Q2 remained the strongest quarter for Benahavis in 2024, the overall downward trend suggests a cooling off period after several years of rapid growth. This could indicate a shift in buyer preferences or maybe just buyers being more cautious about paying ambitious listing prices.

In summary, the real estate markets of Marbella and Benahavis showcased distinct trends in 2024. While Marbella continued its upward trajectory with strong sales concen-trated in Q2, Benahavis faced a slight decline after peaking in 2022. Both markets exhibit clear seasonal patterns, with Q2 emerging as the most active period for transactions. For buyers and investors, Marbella remains a stable and growing market, while Benahavis presents opportunities for those seeking value amidst its recent slowdown. Understanding these trends is key to making informed deci-sions in these prestigious real estate destinations.

  

The Spanish's goverment announcement os a tax for non-EU buyers: Analysis

On 13 January, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced during an economic forum in Madrid a proposal to increase the tax on the purchase of properties by non-European Union buyers who do not reside in Spain.

The information provided by the government during the appear­ance is so scarce and confusing that it has sparked panic in many sectors and abroad, as Prime Minister literally said ''We are going to limit the purchase of homes by non-resident non-EU foreigners by increasing the tax burden they will have to pay in case of purchase up to 100% of the property's value, something unprecedented in Spain but applied in other countries like Den­mark or Canada." Even the target buyer is not clear and we have to assume that it refers to nationality, so non-EU nationals who reside or will reside in Spain u pon the purchase will fall out of the scope of the measure.

Without knowing exactly the proposed measures or their scope or what the Prime Minister intended to say, we have learnt that the government is exploring two options: a)Modifying the exist­ing Transfer Tax and b) Creating a new special tax specifically targeting these purchases.

Transfer tax is shifted to regional governments, mostly governed by the Conservative Party, so the real effect of this measure is doubtful.

About creating a new tax, in theory it is not possible if there is already an existing tax for the same concept or taxable event. However, we have the precedent of the Solidarity Tax, a comple­mentary tax on State level to Wealth tax (at regional level) who has been admitted by the Constitutional Court.

Finally, the Spanish Constitution establishes that the tax system should not have a confiscatory scope, meaning it should not exhaust the taxpayer's wealth. Although a 100% tax has been proposed for the purchase of homes by non-EU foreigners, this is an exceptional and specific measure.

Confiscatory taxation refers to a tax that eliminates the taxpay­er's source of wealth. Generally, a 100% tax on the taxable base would be considered confiscatory and, therefore, unconstitution­al in most cases.

Of the 12 measures announced by the Prime Minister, at least four must go through the Congress of Deputies, and the tighten­ing of regulations for the purchase of homes by non-EU foreign­ers is one of them.

Therefore, we have to bear in mind that this is just a proposal announced during a forum, that we have to wait for the formal proposal to be released, and that the government cannot develop this measure for non-EU buyers without the approval of the Con­gress.

In the event that this measure if f1nally approved and the law is enacted, its constitutionality will be likely questioned. As com­mented, if the measures depend on regional governments, it will be counteracted. And, once published, we will have to study what alternatives are applicable (i.e., setting a Spanish company).

Rest assured, this proposal is still in its early stages and will un­dergo thorough scrutiny and debate befare any implementation. The government is committed to ensuring that any new measures are fair and constitutional. We will keep you informed of any developments and provide guidance on how to navigate any changes.

Santiago Lapausa Gonzalez- Partner/Economist

JC&A Abogados

 

Marbella & Benahavis Real Estate: Rising prices, but are sellers overestimating the market?

According to the latest data published, the real estate mar­kets in Marbella and Benahavis continue to show strong performance, with property prices experiencing a steady upward trend. The data confirms the resilience of these sought-after destinations, making them attractive for both buyers and investors. However, an important trend to note is the increasing gap between asking prices and actual closing prices, which reflects the fast selling pace of mar­ket priced properties. Here's an overview of the key trends based on the most recent figures:

1. Consistent Price Growth Over the Years, but a Widen­ing Gap. Property prices in both Marbella and Benahavis have been on a steady rise over the past decade. The charts illustrate a clear appreciation in price per square meter, reflecting sustained demand and market conf1-dence. However, while asking prices (Idealista data) have consistently remained above actual closed sale prices (Land Registry data), the gap between them has widened. This suggests that sellers are setting increasingly ambi­tious prices, requiring buyers to go for market priced prop­erties which are selling fast or to negotiate more aggres­sively to reach final sale agreements.

2. Marbella: A Strong and Expanding Market with Seller Optimism. Marbella continues to demonstrate robust price growth, with both asking and closed transaction pric­es rising significantly over time. The latest figures indicate a sharp increase, particularly since 2020, as demand surged post-pandemic. However, the increasing difference between listing and closing prices suggests that while sellers remain confident in the market's strength, buyers are exercising more caution, leading to extended negotia­tion periods. The interest for Marbella's properties as a preferred luxury destination is still there despite the com­plicated geopolitical situation but pricing expectations may need to adjust to maintain transaction momentum.

«As prices continue to rise, strategic pricing and rea­listic expectations will be key to maintaining a healthy transaction flowª

 

3. Benahavis: Exclusive and Resilient, but Facing Pricing Challenges. Benahavis maintains its position as a premi­um market, characterized by exclusivity and luxury. While it has a lower transaction volume compared to Marbella, the price per square meter remains high, reflecting the area's appeal among affiuent buyers. However, the grow­ing gap between asking and closing prices suggests that even in this high-end market, buyers are more cautious in their purchasing decisions. The area's limited supply of high-end properties contributes to price stability, but sellers may need to realign their expectations to market realities to keep transactions fluid.

The latest real estate data confirms that both Marbella and Benahavis remain highly attractive markets, with sus­tained price growth and strong buyer interest. However, the increasing divergence between asking and closing prices shows a more complex negotiation process, requir­ing both sellers and buyers to adjust their expectations. As prices continue to rise, strategic pricing and realistic ex­pectations will be key to maintaining a healthy transaction flow in these sought-after destinations.

 

Your new home awaits.