Welcome to Property Update No. 21 ............ and what a difference a month makes!

Well, the first half of the year was really slow....the market was bottoming out and prices were dropping but no-one was really interested......then just as we were looking forward to the August summer break - Wham! - enquiries started coming in thick and fast.  In fact we have been busier since the end of July than the whole of the first half of the year.

I'm not sure exactly what has caused this but other agents are reporting the same dramatic improvement.  It really does look like confidence is coming back into the market.......and it could not be at a better time with some real bargains out there just waiting to be picked up.

However if this confidence is set to continue then we may actually see some of these low prices start to creep up again as sellers stick out for better prices.  So it is my belief that if you are in a position to buy over the next few months then this is when you are likely to get the best deals.

Confidence is also coming back to the banks....albeit slowly.  Our local banks in Huercal Overa have started issuing mortgages and are offering loan to value rates of 70% again - however its worth pointing out that the banks' valuation of properties is not always as generous as it used to be.   Bear in mind though that some of the best bargains around at present are being sold undervalued.....so mortgages should not be a problem.

As for the Euro exchange rate - as expected, it never made a massive rebound to the heady days of 1.40 & 1.50 and for most of the year it has sat at around 1.14 euros/pound.  It also shows no signs of going anywhere else for the forseeable future so perhaps this is why buyers have started coming out again.

.....so what's worth looking at on our website at present?

In general, prices are down 20-30% from 18 months ago and you can see on our website that many sellers have already made this reduction in their asking prices.  Where you may not see a reduction is where the property has only recently been put on the market and as such are priced according to today's rates - these can be identified with the higher reference numbers - typically those starting 0145x and above.

However where a seller is really keen to sell then you may well find reductions of up to 40% or even more.

So here is a selection of some of the best bargains plus a few new properties on our books

Ref: R01309 - Santa Maria de Nieva - 120.000€
A spacious three bedroom and 2 bathroom villa located on 1000m2 of land with great views for just 120.000€.  This is about 40% reduction on its original price of 198.000€.  True it doesn't currently have mains electricity (uses a generator) but at this price you can afford to install Solar power and get away from electricity bills for good!
So if you are looking for a rural retreat yet just minutes away from the main town of Huercal Overa then this could just be the bargain for you.

Villa Mimosa - Urcal - 99.000€ or Offer
Recently completed this semi-detached 2 bed villa comes complete with its own pool, an enclosed terrace plus fully fitted kitchen, airconditioning and most of the furnishings.  In all, the original purchase price was around 172.000€ so this is a real bargain.  Once again its priced to sell as the owners now have a villa on the coast.
At least 42% below original cost

Cañada Herrero - La Alfoquia - 135.000€
These are completed new build 3 bed semi and detached villas with fully enclosed gardens.  Originally priced up to 188.500€ the builder now urgently needs to sell the remaining houses so is willing to let the next 2 go at this amazingly low price (or may even consider offers).  The houses are complete except for kitchen units and white goods but we have a local kitchen supplier who can offer a wide choices of designs to finish it off and meet every budget.
The houses benefit from views over open countryside yet are walking distance into the local town for all amenities.

R01456 - La Parata - 125.000€
Brand new on our books and realistically priced this good sized village house is well presented and comes with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.  It has a well fitted modern kitchen and spacious living room/diner with patio doors leading to a private enclosed courtyard garden with establish planting.  Upstairs there is a roof terrace leading off from the bedrooms.  All utilities are connected including electricity, water and telephone with internet connection.
The local village has all the essentials for day to day living on your doorstep whilst just 10 minutes away you have Huercal Overa for the big market and major amenities.

Ref: R01451 - Oria - 165.000€
Another really good bargain as it cost the original owner over 250.000€ - so 34% less.
This is a 3 bedroom villa with pool and garage. It comes fully equipped with solar panels and air- conditioning for the summer and radiator central heating for those few cooler winter months.  Its located in a residential area within walking distance of supermarkets, bars and restaurants and comes with all services connected. Quick sale required due to a bereavement.

Ref: R01458 - Tijola - 195.000€ negotiable
Another Village House - but this time detached and with a a huge build size of 300m2.  A couple of bedrooms still need reforming but you will end up with 5/6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus other workshop, study, etc rooms.  Many original features have been retained whilst reforming giving this property great character.  There are also 2 courtyard style gardens - one with a plunge pool - plus a cosy indoor/outdoor 'snug' area with built in seating.  All services are connected including phone line.
The owners are willing to consider offers on this property.

Villa Tahulla (R01401) - Zurgena - 219.950€
Built around 4 years ago with nicely maturing gardens we have two of these villas currently available -  both 3 and 4 bedroom - the 4 bed version currently being the best bargain as now reduced from its original 345.000€ to just 219.950€  - that's a 36% reduction.  It comes complete with a fully fitted kitchen, heating and air-conditioning.  The garden features a large freeform pool with natural stone terracing plus automatic irrigation for ease of maintenance.

Ref: R01452 - Partaloa - 215.000€
Beautiful 3 bedroom villa with pool in an elevated position with great views. Features a turreted dining room attached to a spacious living room. The master bedroom has a walk in wardrobe and ensuite plus there is a family bathroom.  The terrace off the living room and two of the bedrooms has been enclosed to provide a sheltered outdoor living area alongside the 8m x 4m pool.   Hot & cold airconditioning is installed and satellite TV, telephone and internet is connected.   Walking distance of local supermarket, bars, etc.   Originally cost 250.000 euros.

Don't worry........new properties are coming onto our books all the time so your ideal property might be available but just not yet reached our website.   Please also remember that we work with other local agents to help find you the new home you really want so just ring Peter on 01367 240013 and he will look to see what else might be available to you.

Decided Almeria is not for you and want to look further afield?

We have links with agents right up through Murcia to the northern Costa Blanca with a wide range of properties and prices so once again just give Peter a call and chat through what you are looking for.

Many thanks for your continued interest in our company and if there is a particular area, type of property or topic you would like to see featured in a future 'Property Update' then please just let me know.

Many thanks,
Peter

Casas Almeria Gestion S.L.L.,  Urb. Costa Fleming  118 bajo,  04600 Huércal Overa,   (Almeria),  Spain