MOST people’s impressions of Malaga are limited to the airport and its surroundings.

For thousands, it is the link between wet England and two weeks of sun in Torremolinos or Marbella.

But pass by one of the biggest cities in Spain and you miss out. Malaga is a treat.

Michael Liggan Costa del Sol News Blog

Sitting on the Costa del Sol, it is a small and charming Spanish island on a coast full of tourist resorts, a city that has authentic charm, a lively atmosphere and the odd beach for when it all gets a bit too much.

Getting there was simple enough with a direct flight with Bmibaby taking just over three hours from East Midlands.

And there was the unexpected treat of peering out of the window and spotting the snow-tipped Pyrenees before landing in warmer climes. Although the airline recently announced it is due to close, it will still operate flights to the resort until September 9.

So, sun creamed and armed with hastily-learnt-on-the-plane Spanish, the city was ripe for exploring.

First stop was the birthplace of Malaga’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso.

Whether you are a fan of his art or not, there’s no denying that Picasso was a pioneer within the art world and the Casa Natal de Picasso offers a concise but effective window into his career – a retrospective that showed the art, the artist and the context behind it to wonderful effect.

Rooms where presumably the young Picasso took his first tentative steps into the world of art now host personal items and pieces from his career as well as contemporaries such as Miro, Ernst and Bacon.

And if art isn’t your thing but you’re still keen to get a little culture to go with the sun, the Museo Automovilistico is well worth a visit.

Sitting to the south of the city, the museum houses hundreds of cars from various eras, from the vintage to the ultra-modern.

And when you fancy catching some rays, there are plenty of places to top up the tan. It’s inevitable that people visiting Malaga will flock to the beaches, and with good reason.

Even in March, the sea is a fair few degrees warmer than Skegness at the height of summer.

The city is small enough to walk around, and is mainly focused on the main shopping route the Calle Marqués de Larios – a street paved with marble and lined with neat boutiques and chain stores.

Just off the beaten track, Malaga boasts a wonderful array of tiny bars and restaurants, with a focus on seafood and tapas.

If you fancy exploring a bit further afield then two wheels are probably better than four. With a number of bike hire places dotted around Malaga, it’s fairly easy to find a trusty steed and set off along the coast.

A short detour will take you to the fishing village of Pedregalejo which is well worth exploring. Boat workshops sit alongside quiet cafes and the high rise hotels of tourist resorts further down the coast have disappeared into the horizon and it seems like an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon with a beer and a bite to eat.

Source: The above article was sourced from the This is Nottingham to read or comment on the original article click here

Michael Liggan – Many people especially from the UK are looking to relocate to Spain and specifically the Costa del Sol.

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property Spain

Michael Liggan Marbella News

A CRACKDOWN on dodgy gas inspectors who target expats has led to 14 arrests in Marbella.

The gasmen – who work for six different companies – often charged up to three times the going rate to carry out unnecessary maintenance work.

They are accused of failing to have the right qualifications and of not being registered with the Junta.

It follows the recent arrest of four people in Malaga for similar offences.

The popular ruse – reported on regularly by the Olive Pressin recent years – has led to expats being wrongly charged hundreds of euros for replacement parts or a new certificate.

Homeowners are often pressured into having work carried out on the premise that there is a risk of an accident, or are threatened with having their gas cut off.

According to regulator Cogasa, gas inspections should only ever be carried out by prior appointment.

Sourced: Olive Press to read or comment on the original article click here

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter, with years of experience in helping people buy property throughout the Costa de Sol.

Michael Liggan of AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Booking Spain apartments in the Costa del Sol for a holiday can allow you to spend a week spoiling yourself doing little more than sunbathing, visiting the beach and relaxing. However, if you’re keen to get active there’s plenty of opportunity thanks to the many golf clubs.

Michael Liggan Property Blog

Indeed, this part of Spain is home to several courses, with 18 hole options for those who want to spend a whole day on the green practising their swing, in addition to nine hole courses for anyone who just fancies a quick game. When you book holiday cottages in Spain here, you will not have far to travel to reach a club – or you could even hire an apartment in a complex with its own course!

However, to ensure you fit as much golfing into your stay in Costa del Sol holiday rentals as possible, it’s worth having an idea of what the best courses are. Read on for our top picks.

Valderrama Golf Club

This is arguably the most famous golf course in Spain and was the first continental golf club to host the Ryder Cup, back in 1997. There are 18 holes to challenge you here, with the course designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1974.

The required handicap for men playing at this Andalucía club is 24, while for women it’s 32, and the total course is a par 3. While the fairways have been praised by visitors – including many professional golfers – as being among the best in the world, the fourth hole is likely to have you stumped. Known as La Cascada, the designer claimed it was his greatest triumph and is a tricky par 5. To achieve it, begin with a long drive, before directing the ball on to the green. A tip is to stick to the right side of the fairway on your second shot if you’re aiming for par.

San Roque Club

This is an exclusive club where you can expect to play no matter what time of year it is thanks to the Costa del Sol’s consistently warm and sunny climate. The Old Course was created in 1990 by Dave Thomas, while Seve Ballesteros later redesigned the bunkers.

Nestled in the foothills of Sierra Bermeja, this course is home to some stunning scenery, with lush green fairways, sparkling ponds and low trees helping to paint a very different scene from what you will have become used to on the beaches of the Costa del Sol. Alternatively, you can check out the New Course, which was built in 2005 to a Perry Dye design.

Parador Malaga Golf Club

This is the oldest golf club on the Costa del Sol, dating back to 1925. Originally it was a nine hole course but was later extended under the supervision of Tom Simpson, who also created the iconic courses of Turnberry and Muirfield in Scotland.

Two of the holes here are right on the edge of the sea, while eucalyptus, pine and palm trees provide obstacles, along with the hazard of the sand dunes. If you want to improve your handicap before you tackle the course, you can visit the driving range and spend a while practising your swing.

These are three of the most renowned courses on the Costa del Sol, but because there are so many available, you are sure to find one that perfectly suits your abilities – and your budget!

Sourced: The above text and image was sourced from I Want Sun to comment or read the original article click here

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property Spain

Altavista Property Spain puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter.

We currently have a number of properties situated next to some of the best Golf courses on the Costa del Sol.

Michael Liggan – To view our latest brochure click here

Michael Liggan, Tips on Getting Bargain Properties in Marbella

You need not spend a fortune when buying property in Marbella and the surrounding areas in Andalucia like Puerto Banus, Sierra Blanca, Santa Clara in the Costa del Sol. These are some of the more exclusive places to own property in Spain, and there are ways to ensure you get a good deal.

When considering buying property with Michael Liggan and Altavista Property the award-winning real estate company we can often offer 100% mortgage. You will get always get a great deal from Altavista Property with our years of experience in the real estate industry and local knowledge of fluctuation market prices.

CEO Michael Liggan and his team also have valuable contacts with property developers, meaning they will help you compare the different options. Michael Liggan and Alta Vista Spain will negotiate finance terms for you, meaning you will get the lowest possible interest rates. Enlisting the services of a real estate agent like Alta Vista Spain is also advantageous in that you get unparalleled convenience (you will not have to travel from one property to the next) and you save money since you need not be in the area or even in Spain to do the search. You also get to do the search anonymously.

It pays to know the actual cost of the property you intend to buy. You also need to know about the taxes, transfer fees, registry fees, notary charges, document fees, and any other fees. Knowing all the applicable charges will help you make an informed decision. Even if you are buying the property yourself, you should still enlist the services of Altavista Property to do property searches so that you can determine the true cost. This is important because property buying costs in Spain range from 10% to 15% of the actual property value. Some of the more expensive charges are notary charges, which are pegged at 600 Euros and transfer fee (Transmisiones Patrimoniales), which currently stands at 7% of the actual purchase value.

Compare as many properties as possible to increase your chances of getting a good deal. Michael Liggan and Alta Vista Spain has a big online presence, meaning you get to compare different options. Going online also offers convenience and cost benefits. You could also gain a good deal by joining by reading customer our testimonials.

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter.

The Costa del Sol, A golfing Mecca

With Andalucía widely recognized as the ‘golfing capital of Europe’, what is it that attracts so many golfers to the Costa del Sol?

Altavista property – Costa del Sol News

Golf on the Coast has been popular since the late 1980’s. The extensive range of courses continue to attract countless golfers; from amateurs to professionals, residents and holiday makers. These days golf is a game anyone can enjoy, gone are the days when golf was an exclusive sport, restricted to the wealthy.

The British Golfing Experience

A typical golfing trip to the UK means that you head to your chosen course armed with protective clothing: jumper, jacket, a nice pair of thick socks. On arrival you discover that the course has been flooded, therefore it is not possible to play. You nurse your disappointment with a rather bland meal in the on-site restaurant, with superb views of rain and wet grass. Nevertheless, there’s always tomorrow.
Unfortunately this scenario continues for the following 3 days, leaving just 4 days of your trip remaining. You finally manage to get your feet on the fairways, hands on clubs, raring to go, but your fingers are frozen from the cold. After a fierce battle with the first couple of holes, the lack of sensation in your hands is making it increasingly difficult to carry on.
Finally you are defeated, cold and miserable, as you head to the nearest pub to commiserate.

Contrast this with the Costa del Sol, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a desirable destination. With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, golfers rarely have to worry about a game being spoilt by the weather; a round can be arranged without aggravation, at short notice, and enjoyed to its full potential.

 A Dream Location

In addition to the year round warm climate, the Costa del Sol also tempts golfers with a wide selection of irresistible courses. Each is set within a beautiful location, providing magnificent backdrops, be it mountain view or sea view.
Thanks to the ever increasing amount of Clubs, there are now greens and fairways almost everywhere you look; with around 30 courses to choose from and more to be built over the next ten years.

Improvements are continually being made with numerous Clubs undergoing total refurbishments. In many cases, a second or even third course has been added to the original facilities. La Cala Resort for example- known as Golf World- has a total of 3 courses and is the largest complex in Spain.

 Championship Courses

Not only is Andalucía a golfers paradise, it also plays an important role in professional golf, hosting championships such as the PGA Seniors and the Volvo Masters.
One of the finest clubs on the coast has to be Valderrama, a
championship course with fairways described as the best in Europe.
Golf enthusiasts will be familiar with the prestige
associated to Valderrama, setting of the Ryder Cup- won by Europe in 1997.
Most Clubs on the coast operate a turn up and play system, however some courses have very strict rules such as La Zagaleta Golf Club, open only to residents and members. Many courses are designed for players of all levels: some are more taxing than others like Almenara Golf Club, one of the most challenging on the coast. However, the Costa del Sol caters for beginners through to professionals, so you can be sure to find somewhere to play a round!
Other famous courses located on the coast include; Las Brisas famed for its imaginative design, plus Aloha Golf, Rio Real and Los Naranjos. Another course worth noting is Alcaidesa, the only links course on the Coast is situated near the town of San Roque with great views of Gibraltar.
Many courses are built within residential tourist developments so have frontline golf apartments. A lot of people decide to invest in a holiday home, but there is no shortage of nearby apartments available to rent. A number of Courses have hotels attached, offering a fitting range of amenities and sport facilities on tap.

 Discounted Green Fees

A large amount of companies specialise in golfing holidays, for example teetimesanywhere.com. Through online websites you can organize your trip and benefit from discounted green fees.

The average price of a game tends to be around €50, depending on the time of year, although more prominent courses, such as Valderrama, can cost up to €290. Prices adjust according to the season, so it’s best to check green fees and tee times with the golf course itself. Many clubs have their own website; check our Golf Directory for more information and contact details. LINK
When it comes to handicaps, all golf clubs in Spain will anticipate that you have a handicap certificate or letter of competency. You may be asked to show this at any time.

 A Celebrity favourite

Many celebrities also enjoy a regular stopover for a spot of golf, particularly for charity events like the popular Bobby Davro Celebrity golf challenge. A fantastic event that takes place in June for the 6th year running, to raise money for the Rhys Daniels Trust. Celebrities and Sport’s World Celebrities battle it out on the fairways to acquire the Rhys & Charly Trophy.

 Perfect your Swing?      

If your golf isn’t quite up to scratch don’t be put off. Amidst the development of, and competition between courses, numerous Academy’s are being opened on the Costa del Sol; For example the recently opened Arcos Gardens Golf Academy directed by Ashley Northridge, a PGA class AA professional.
If a basic ‘Golf Aligment Aid’ doesn’t do the trick, there is an assortment of more high-tech equipment available at various courses. The TaylorMade Performance Lab at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in La Cala Resort is bound to help. Its remarkable fitting system measures the components and results of your swing, capturing, quantifying and animating your total body motions in 3D.

The perfect scenery and the vast amount that the Costa del Sol has to offer, keeps a regular stream of golfers from the UK and Ireland arriving throughout the year.

Source: Puerto Banus Guide

Image Source: Puerto Banus Guide

For more information about activities in Puerto Banus check the guide by clicking here

Altavista Property

“We currently have a number of beautiful properties available around some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol” – Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

For our latest brochure click here

Or check out our website where you can find a wide selection of properties in the Costa del Sol www.altavistaspain.com

Altavista Property

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Micheal Liggan, chief executive of Altavista Property, a Marbella based real estate agent with many years experience of the market, takes a look at the current state of the market.

The real estate market in Marbella, as is the case in most of Spain and indeed most of Europe, has been going through a rough patch. The prices went south following the U.S. events of September 2008 and the global credit crunch that followed. Analysts and commentators, however, are of the view that real estate prices in Marbella have hit bottom, which is actually a good thing since property prices can only go up now. Michael Liggan agrees with this point of view, and believes this is welcome news, especially given the fact that prices in most of the major cities, including Madrid, are still on a decline.

According to Michael Liggan, one of the greatest reasons why the real estate market in Marbella is better than in the rest of Spain is the fact that Marbella is very popular with foreign buyers. Michael Liggan acknowledges that the Spanish economy is not doing very well – the country’s rating was recently revised downwards by the major rating agencies. This means the real estate market in the country cannot hope to be rescued by Spaniards, but Michael Liggan believes foreign buyers will help buck the trend.

Countries in Northern Europe are emerging from the financial crisis and it therefore follows that buyers from those countries are more bullish about investing in Spanish holiday homes. Michael Liggan also points out that the credit crunch did not do much damage to emerging economies (such as BRICS countries, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and, as an example, China’s GDP has been growing at an average of 10%. Buyers from these countries and the oil-producing countries of Middle East are also playing a major part in reviving the real estate market in Marbella, says Michael Liggan. The main reason why property prices are not on an upward trend is the fact that there is still caution among buyers who fear that the market has not yet bottomed out.

Michael Liggan feels the real estate market in Marbella is very attractive. In terms of numbers, Marbella is not London’s West End, New York, or Paris. According to a 2001 census of Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Marbella only had 80,172 living units. The number only grew to about 105,000 dwellings by 2009. About 25% of these fall under the ‘luxury’ category. Of these, between 5% and 15% are up for sale (or around 4,000 luxury units). The low supply and the high demand is the reason for the change in fortunes in the Marbella real estate market, explains Michael Liggan.

Recent sales for one bedroom homes located on the beachfront are fetching upwards of £100,000.

Michael Liggan encourages UK property investors to venture into Marbella because Mediterranean coastal resorts are still popular with tourists, despite the global recession. The low prices and interest rates are also making these properties attractive. Yet another reason for the popularity of Marbella properties, says Michael Liggan, is the fact that the Malaga airport is served by several low-cost airlines. Another interesting fact noted by Michael Liggan is that banks have been releasing properties that they repossessed since September 2011, further making the property market attractive.

The banks are offering generous mortgage terms to attract buyers, characterized by low deposits and extended non-payment periods. Developers who are stuck with buildings that they want to get rid of are also contributing to the lower prices and to the popularity of the real estate market in Marbella. Although the real estate market has not reached a stage that calls for a rush, buy-to-let propositions are very attractive.

Altavista Property have a wide selection of exclusive developments available in and around Marbella, many with 100% finance packages already approved. Michael Liggan advises potential buyers to visit the website www.altavistaspain.com for more details.

The G.I.R.L.S. Golf Society, based in Marbella, enjoyed a lovely day out on the Campo Europa course last week whilst playing a stableford competition for their members.

Girls Golf Society Marbella

Perfect weather conditions saw some good scoring with first place for the ladies going to Alison Jackson on 39 points  and Charley Walton with 40 Points winning the men’s category.

Club organiser Lynn Fisher won a nearest to the pin prize and said All the players had enjoyed a wonderful day day at La Cala Resort which had been a resounding success for everyone who took part.

Over the past 20 years, La Cala Resort has developed into the biggest golf and leisure destination in Spain with 3×18 hole courses, a luxury hotel & spa plus a David Leadbetter Academy. The resort is ideally located in the heart of the Costa del Sol between Marbella and Mijas and only 30 minutes from Malaga Airport.

Source: The Leader

To read further and comment on the original article click here

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

“We currently have a number of beautiful properties available around some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol” – Michael Liggan of Altavista Property to view click here

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

To view our complete portfolio of available properties visit our website www.altavistaspain.com

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Michael Liggan and Altavista Property Spain are excited to present this unique and exceptional contemporary development in Marbella (ref AVS01079)

Unlike anything found in Marbella today, this exclusive development is set on the slopes of the Sierra Blanca with amazing views covering Marbella, the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and Africa.

These townhouses are very spacious and designed to offer magnificent views and allow light to enter. Materials have been carefully chosen for their quality and luxury finish. Everything about these properties has been designed with comfort in mind.

Properties have varying sets of features, depending on their size and location in the development. Some of these features include private elevators, solariums and plunge pools. All properties will have a fully fitted kitchen and home automation system, a storeroom and an enclosed private underground garage which can accommodate a minimum of two cars.

According to Michael Liggan, construction will be completed in the summer of 2012.
Price on application.

For more great photos and details of this fantastic development, visit www.altavistaspain.com/Apartment-Villa-Sierra-Blanca

Puerto Banús Luxury Apartments offered for sale exclusively by Michael Liggan of Altavista Property. Ref: AVS01078

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property Spain is delighted to present this development of 60 luxury homes, surrounded by a large Mediterranean and tropical garden of 7,000 m2, with swimming pool and communal amenities. Gym, Jacuzzi, spa, sauna and covered heated swimming pool complete this fantastic development, a unique project, carefully designed architecturally with only your comfort in mind.

Covering an area of more than 11.000 square metres, this development is a perfect combination of Mediterranean architecture, using highly noble, traditional materials and advanced facilities. The complex is designed to achieve the highest level of comfort and convenience.

The beach is 200 metres from the complex. All amenities are within walking distance. This location cannot be beaten.

For more photos and details, please visit our website: www.altavistaspain.com/Apartment-Puerto-Banus

Michael Liggan is the CEO and chief bargain property hunter at Altavista Property Spain

Altavista Property Spain – We know you’re looking for the best combination of price, value and finance. That’s why Michael Liggan, our chief bargain property hunter,  seeks out those rare exceptional developments, which we can negotiate the very best deals on and then offer exclusively.

Why are these Altavista Spain exclusives developments the very best we have to offer you?

• Michael Liggan says – The prices are as low as you’re likely to find anywhere. We all know property prices have dropped on the Costa del Sol (25% on average). Our developments, though, are between 30 and 50% off. How? Because we negotiate bulk discounts, like any good business would. When we take on multiple properties exclusively, we make sure we can sell them for very low prices. Lower than other non-exclusive agents, and lower than the developer would sell for if approached directly
• Altavista Property- They’re high quality properties. We only even consider taking on the very best, most desirable, key-ready, popular and well-located developments. To find such developments and ensure they “tick all the boxes” is a considerable undertaking as even in today’s market there aren’t many around
• Altavista Property Spain – We’ve negotiated 100% finance terms on nearly all of them. Frankly, the banks have reluctantly agreed to these terms because they need our help. Many are already administering repossessed stock, and we offer them an efficient way of selling such properties. Likewise, they don’t want developments that they’ve financed getting into trouble, so they’re glad for our help here too. One of our conditions is 100% finance. Even in the occasional circumstances where this isn’t possible, we ensure the mortgages on offer are on the best possible terms or with the highest discounts on the sale price

Look out for “Altavista Spain exclusive” throughout our property listings for our very best deals. Remember these properties are limited as they’re hard to find and we never know when we can find more: Make haste while they’re there!

Altavista Property – Spacious Townhouses on the New Golden Mile REF. AVS01070

Well established townhouse development within walking distance of all amenities. The
properties are set within a mature tropical garden with 2 swimming pools.
These townhouses have marble floors throughout, fitted kitchens, 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2
bathrooms as well as a downstairs guest toilet.

The houses have a downstairs terrace a terrace on the first floor, a large roof terrace and direct access to the communal gardens from the downstairs terrace off the living room.
The houses have 142 m2 of built area plus the roof terrace of approx. 40 m2.
Currently three and four bedroom townhouses available.

Visit our website to find out more about this exclusive Altavista Property offer by clicking here.

Altavista Property – Contemporary Luxury Development Unique in Marbella REF. AVS01079

This contemporary development is unlike anything found in Marbella today. Set on the slopes of Sierra Blanca the views cover Marbella, the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and Africa.
These townhouses are very spacious and designed to offer magnificent views and allow light to enter. Materials have been carefully chosen for their quality and luxury finish. Everything about these properties has been designed with comfort in mind. Properties have varying sets of features, depending on their size and location in the development. Some of these features include private elevators, solariums and plunge pools. All properties will have a fully fitted kitchen and home automation system, a storeroom and an enclosed private underground garage which can accommodate a minimum of two cars. Construction will be completed in the summer of 2012.

Visit our website to find out more about this exclusive Altavista Property offer by clicking here

Altavista Property named Best Estate Agency by Overseas Property Professional

Altavista Property was named Best Estate Agency in the OPP Awards for Excellence 2011, which was announced recently at The Property Investor Show & OPP Live at London’s Excel Centre. OPP is one of the key movers in the world of overseas property sales, so to win one of their annual awards marks a great achievement for the company.

The criteria used to decide the winner covered all aspects of running a successful property company, from marketing approach, product quality, customer service, track record and transparency, with entrants undergoing a thorough investigation prior to the OPP panel making their decision. Altavista Property was named the victor in the Best Estate Agency ahead of companies from all over the world.

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Contact Altavista Property today to find your dream home on the Costa del Sol

www.altavistaspain.com   info@altavistaspain.com   +34 952 799 360