How to choose the perfect property on the coast of Spain?

Overview of the real estate market in Spain

Alina Batyrshina is a highly qualified real estate manager working in the Spanish market. As a sales professional, I firmly believe that for the successful sale of real estate, it is important not only to familiarize oneself with the properties' characteristics but also to see them in person. Understanding the surrounding area, infrastructure, and cultural features is an integral part of this process. That is why the .ru team regularly visits regions that are of interest to our clients.

Journey along the coastlines

In May 2014, I had a unique opportunity to explore three stunning coastlines of Spain: Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, and Costa Blanca. Over eleven days, I traveled from Roses in the north of Costa Brava, near the border with France, to Torrevieja on Costa Blanca. During this trip, I managed to meet with representatives from ten Spanish companies, including real estate agencies, developers, and banks that focus on working with Russian-speaking buyers. My Spanish colleagues guided me through their regions and showcased available properties, which allowed us to discuss potential avenues for collaboration.

What does "kosta" mean?

The Spanish word "costa" is interpreted as coastline. The Mediterranean part of the Spanish coastline is divided into four key areas. In addition to the three I have explored, there is also Costa del Sol, which is the southernmost coastline. Each of the major sections, such as Costa Brava, is further subdivided into smaller areas, like Costa del Garraf and Costa del Maresme, located near Barcelona. Sometimes, Costa del Azahar is distinguished between Costa Dorada and Costa Blanca, which can be considered both part of the former and a separate coastline.

Difficulties in defining coastlines

Some confusion regarding the term "coast" arises from the fact that these are not official administrative units, but rather natural formations that have emerged due to unique geographical and historical factors. Therefore, it can be difficult to define the boundaries of one coastline and the beginning of another.

Unique features of the coastlines

Each coastline is famous for its unique features, but the main differences are most often related to climatic conditions. For example, Costa Brava, especially its northern areas, is known for its lush nature. I was amazed to learn about such a diversity of flora in Spain. In this region, you won't find palm trees, but there are many pines growing on the sandy expanses. Costa Brava has rich nature, clean air, and a mild climate, making it attractive for both locals and for the French and English.

Advantages of Costa Blanca

On the other hand, the Costa Blanca offers a warmer climate, which is especially appealing to those who prefer beach vacations, including spouses and children. Unlike the Costa Brava, the vegetation on the Costa Blanca is not as diverse, but the beach season here lasts one and a half to two months longer. This makes the region ideal for those who enjoy active leisure activities by the sea.

Amazing corners of Spain

I was very impressed by places like Javea, which is located near the Montgo Natural Park, and Moraira — a peaceful spot with not too many tourists.

Costa Dorada

Costa Dorada is famous for its unique combination of characteristics from both Costa Blanca and Costa Brava. Here, you can find a variety of natural landscapes, including pine forests and numerous beaches—both pebble and sandy—while the length of the tourist season is pleasantly surprising.

However, a distinctive feature of this region is the large number of secluded spots that hardly attract tourists. If you venture a little away from well-known resorts like Salou, you can stumble upon picturesque quiet lagoons with crystal clear bright water. This is why I was particularly drawn to the town of L'Amella de Mar.

I also can't help but mention Peñíscola, where a long sandy beach stretches for 14 kilometers, surrounded by a magnificent medieval castle.

Buying real estate

Russian buyers interested in real estate often are unaware of the existence of such amazing places on the coast and initially look for options in popular resort areas like Lloret de Mar or Torrevieja.

Nevertheless, the centers of Torrevieja left me with quite a disappointing impression. Although there are apartments available at reasonable prices, many of them require serious renovations.

These neighborhoods were built many years ago, and most of the remaining historical buildings have not been updated. However, in the southern part of the city, there is a completely different, cleaner, and quieter area with many new constructions.

Torrevieja may be suitable for those who prefer to be among Russian-speaking people: Russian is heard everywhere, and Russian signs are found at every turn. However, it is worth considering that the resort's popularity creates noise on the beaches, and it can sometimes be difficult to find a free spot to relax.

Orihuela Costa

If you go just a few kilometers south, you enter a different region — Orihuela Costa. It is much more spacious and comfortable here, and the real estate has a higher status.

For now, our compatriots are not very aware of this area, and its main residents remain foreigners from the UK, France, and other European countries.

Based on my experience, I explain to clients that Spain is not just about the well-known and heavily advertised resorts. I offer various real estate options not only in the usual tourist spots but also in many lesser-known corners that often provide much greater cleanliness and comfort.

Barcelona

Barcelona is also quite impressive, although not all of its territory. The historical part of the city, including the famous Sagrada Familia, unfortunately turned out to be not as well-maintained as I had expected.

There's too much trash here, and it's quite difficult to find a decent café.

Some online platforms and agencies offer apartments in various regions at very low prices – ranging from just 30,000 to 50,000 euros. However, these companies do not disclose the potential risks that may arise due to the unfavorable criminal situation in these areas. As a result, buyers may find themselves neighbors with illegal immigrants or individuals struggling with drug addiction. Unlike them,.ruWe only offer properties located in comfortable and safe neighborhoods, as we conduct a thorough selection by visiting these places to ensure their quality.

Safe areas of Barcelona

For example, in Barcelona, you can find many safe areas. I was particularly impressed by the neighborhoods of Sant Gervasi and Pedralbes. Although they are not directly on the coast, their appeal and level of development significantly exceed those in the resort areas. Here, you can find ancient, well-maintained castles as well as various new buildings. In these places, you can observe impeccable cleanliness and order, with bright flowerbeds and green spaces all around. The residents of these neighborhoods also represent a cultured audience, and overall, you feel completely safe.

The quality of roads in Spain

The quality of the roads in Spain has been a surprising discovery for me. They catch the eye not only in popular resorts but also in small villages, where the surface is so well laid that even a sports car passes silently. This sharply contrasts with the situation in France, where crossing the border immediately reveals a difference in the condition of the road surface.

The philosophy of work .ru

Many employees of the companies I had the opportunity to work with did not understand what exactly....ruIt differs from standard real estate agencies. I explained to them our philosophy of working as a broker:

• We do not engage in real estate reselling.
• We are establishing direct connections between clients from Russia and local sellers.
• We work with developers and financial institutions in Spain and other countries.

Access to the most attractive offers

Our clients want access to the most attractive offers, and that’s exactly what we can provide them. During the preparation stage, we conduct extensive work, selecting clients and filtering requests before passing them on to our partners. We adhere to a personalized approach and maintain communication with clients, including through video calls on Skype, staying in touch with them throughout the entire process of searching for and acquiring real estate.

Understanding the work of local companies

I also learned to better understand how local companies operate. Previously, I had the mistaken impression that banks primarily work with clients through intermediaries. However, I managed to establish a partnership with an agency that is an official representative of the bank and offers its real estate in the same format as traditional agencies. Employees of such agencies meet with clients, conduct viewings, and organize trips.

Personal experience in Alicante

During my stay in Alicante, I spent two and a half days at the home of the agency owner, met his family, and made friends with his child. This experience was valuable for me as it helped establish connections and personal contacts with the leaders of Spanish companies, which significantly facilitated our further work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the experience I gained during my trip along the Mediterranean coasts of Spain has become an invaluable resource for my work as a real estate sales manager. Each of the regions I visited has its unique characteristics and atmosphere, and only by seeing them with my own eyes did I realize how diverse the real estate market in Spain is.

My task is not only to sell properties but also to guide our clients in the right direction. Many of them, as it turns out, are even unaware of the secluded and picturesque spots that lie beyond the tourist routes. That’s why regular trips and personal experience are very important for me and the .ru team. I am convinced that this approach not only leads to higher quality sales but also fosters warm, trusting relationships with clients.

Key aspects of working with clients

• Studying customer preferences:understanding what exactly they are looking for – peace and quiet or active recreation.
• Informing about hidden gems:assisting clients in discovering lesser-known but appealing places.
• Experience in big cities:understanding the influence of different regions on the overall impression of the country.

Furthermore, I noticed that Russian buyers often associate Spain only with popular resorts, overlooking other, less known but equally attractive places. It's important to convey information about hidden gems to meet their needs to the fullest.

My experience in Barcelona and other cities

My experience in Barcelona and other major cities has made me think about how different neighborhoods can influence the overall impression of a country. I'm not just advocating for certain places; I try to inform my clients about the opportunities available in other parts of Spain—those they have never heard of.

Final thoughts

Thus, I hope that all the information I have shared will help future real estate buyers in Spain navigate their choices better. It is important not to be afraid to explore and discover new places, as the true beauty and warmth of this country are often hidden from those who only stick to popular tourist routes. I look forward to new opportunities and hope to help more people make the right choice based on my experience and knowledge.