Tom PowellWITH three distinct neighbourhoods, the property market in Benalmadena has something for everyone.
But one thing is for certain, says Helio de los Rios (pictured), boss of Legal Property Solutions, living in Benalmadena is unlike living anywhere else on the Costa del Sol.
“People really need to visit the area themselves so they can see what great property is on offer, and all the advantages there are of living there,” says Helio.
“But everything is nearby, and almost all the homes there can guarantee a sea view because of how the town is sited on the side of Mount Calamorro.”
As well as having easy access to most amenities locally, such as shops, supermarkets and the beach, Benalmadena itself is very well-located.
Sandwiched between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, it is the eye of the storm right in the middle of the busy hubs of the coast while retaining its own tranquility.
Just 12km west of Malaga – and very well-located for the N-340 highway as well as with a direct rail link – you can reach Andalucia’s capital in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal commuter town.
Buyers along the coast are starting to sit up and take notice of one of Andalucia’s most overlooked residential areas.
“Property has been selling well here, and prices are finally starting to rise,” adds Helio.
“It is a gradual change, and it’s not going to be as dramatic a jump as that of 2005 and 2006, but there is a definite upward trend.
“I think we are definitely going to get a better market before too long, and the prices are really good right now.”
With its three neighbourhoods of the pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and the costa, Benalmadena’s property market is a true blend.
The pueblo is still a very traditional Spanish town, with a very Andalucian style of living. The centre is full of white-washed streets and little squares filled with tapas bars and fountains.
Moving down towards the coast, Arroyo is the most residential of the three areas. It is less traditional than the pueblo, but if you are into activites, shopping and dining out, Helio insists you would be hard pushed to find a better location.
And then there is the costa, for the people who like to be right on the beach and near the sea.
But all the areas are highly international, which is one of Helio’s favourite things about the area.
“I used to also be based in Fuengirola, as well as Benalmadena, but I shifted my focus to this area particularly because I like the international market here,” he says.
“While there are still a lot of Spanish nationals living in the pueblo, as you move through Arroyo de la Miel it gets significantly more international.
“The area is especially popular with the British and the Irish, and there are a lot of British and Irish businesses here too.”
But the Brits are not the only ones taking advantage of Benalmadena’s considerable assets, with a large number of Scandinavians also beginning to realise all that the town has to offer.
“The area itself is similar to Marbella, in that it has a blended, international feel but still retains its highly Spanish flavour.
“And without the sky-high prices of course.”
