Torremolinos – New 5 Star Hotel

A new hotel project has just been unveiled for Torremolinos; Pedro Fernandez Montes mayor of Torremolinos has described this new project as one of the most important tourist investments in the town in the last 30 years. The hotel to be built will be a five star luxury hotel and will be located on the site of the old Melia Hotel. The hotel will be called Cruiser Tres Carabelas and with an investment of 144 million euros it should open its doors by 2009.

Alhaurín el Grande – Town Improvements

Alhaurín el Grande council has decided to build a bus station on a 2,000 square metre site near the future Guardia Civil station by the fairground. The local authority is also planning to create a park next to the bus station. It will be called 'El Berrazal', and will form part of the improvements currently being carried out in the Bajoncillo district, which is one of the most run-down areas of the town. The council has also agreed to buy the property known as the 'cochera de Fijones' in Calle Convento, so a new public square can be created there, and is creating new parking spaces in different parts of the town.

Benalmádena – Government Grant to Invest in Tourism

The City council of Benalmádena has received a government grant of 1.885.000 euros due to its status as a ‘Tourist Municipality’. The mayor of the locality, Enrique Bolín, will invest that sum in eight important projects which will result in the improvement of facilities and tourist establishments.

Alhaurín el Grande – Town Improvements

Alhaurín el Grande council has decided to build a bus station on a 2,000 square metre site near the future Guardia Civil station by the fairground. The local authority is also planning to create a park next to the bus station. It will be called 'El Berrazal', and will form part of the improvements currently being carried out in the Bajoncillo district, which is one of the most run-down areas of the town. The council has also agreed to buy the property known as the 'cochera de Fijones' in Calle Convento, so a new public square can be created there, and is creating new parking spaces in different parts of the town.

Mijas – New Urban Plan

The new Urban Plan for Mijas includes 5.5 million square metres of land for industrial use, including the business park on the Carretera de Coín, which will take up 1.2 million square metres, and the huge 'tecnópolis' residential and technology area, which would cover a further four million. Added to this is 155,000 square metres near the bridge at Entrerríos, of which 77,000 would be for businesses and 8,100 for commercial use, and this development would cost 5.7 million euros. Also on the drawing board is a 300,000 square metre logistic centre, to be built by the Junta de Andalucía.

Cártama – More Time to Review Development Plan

Cártama residents have been given more time to review and comment on the draft local development plan (PGOU) recently approved by the Town Hall. Municipal officials have announced that the public comment period has been extended for an extra month, ending May 3. The PGOU is available for review 10.00 to 14.00 Monday to Friday at a special office set up in the Town Hall, located at 62 Calle Juan Carlos I.

Nerja – Home Improvement Grants

House owners in Nerja have until April 25 to apply for a grant from the Town Council to improve their homes. The scheme, set up by the Town Hall after Nerja was excluded from the regional government’s upgrading scheme, is open to low income families with houses which are more than ten years old. Further information is available from the office on the first floor of the Town Hall.

Alozaina – 15,000 New Homes Planned

Alozaina Town Hall has presented its draft local development plan (PGOU) to local residents. The document allows for the creation of 1,500 new homes on 508,000 square metres land classified for residential building. The projected construction could house around 3,500 people, which would more than double the town’s population. The PGOU also increases by 11 per cent the amount of protected land in the sierra.

Spain - EU Says Tax Laws Are Illegal

The European Commission has decided to take Spain to the European Court of Justice over tax laws that the Commission says discriminate against non-residents who own property in Spain. If the legislation is found to be illegal, it could open the floodgates for foreign property investors to claim tax refunds from the Spanish authorities, potentially running into millions of Euros.

Under Spanish law, a non-resident who sells property in Spain will be taxed at 35% on any capital gain made, whilst a Spanish resident will, in most circumstances, pay tax at the significantly reduced rate of 15% (provided that the assets have been held for at least a year before sale). The Commission considers that the Spanish tax legislation fails to conform to the freedom of movement of capital enshrined in the EC Treaty together with the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of nationality.

In July 2005, the Commission approached the Spanish Government to point out the alleged illegality and offer them the opportunity to rectify the position voluntarily. Six months later, however, Spain had refused to change its laws and so the Commission has now asked the European Court to rule on the issues.

Marbella – Scandal Continues

The Government called an extraordinary cabinet meeting this week with the sole subject discussed being the dissolution of the Marbella Town Hall. The Junta de Andalucia also met to analyse the situation.

For the process to go ahead, the Cabinet will have to inform the Junta about their decision, and there also has to be approval from the Senate. Once the Town Hall is dissolved, the electoral law says that partial elections must be held to set up the new administration within three months. It’s expected a committee to run the town will initially be set up by the Provincial Government, the Diputación.

On another note relating to the same case six lawyers from a Madrid firm appeared in court in connection with their alleged involvement with the corruption scandal. The lawyers, who work for Sanchez Zubizarreta-Soriano Pastor, are accused of playing a part in the corruption ring led by the mayor of Marbella and the head of urban planning.

Nueva Ribera Beach Club (Villas) - New Development

Nueva Ribera Beach Club (Villas) Luxurious beach-front villas located steps away from the tranquil waters of the Mar Menor los Alcazares. All villas consist of 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms with 1 separate toilet, air conditioning, central heating, spacious lounge with large panoramic window, and fitted kitchen with quality white goods.

This exclusive development is located in Mar Menor los Alcazares – Murcia and consist of apartments, terraced houses and semi-detached villas. The complex features a first class restaurant, out-door cafes, bar, terrace grill with stunning views of the Mar Menor, swimming pools, solarium, state of the art health & fitness club and a beauty centre offering massages. All these exclusive facilities are private and for residents access only.

The private beach club in the complex is a place of leisure and relaxation, with its luxury, style and panoramic views making this beachfront resort one of the most desirable locations on the Mar Menor. This development is a superb investment opportunity offering luxury holiday homes with 5 star facilities.

Prices start from €1,051,771.

Nueva Ribera Beach Club (Apartments) – New Development

Nueva Ribera Beach Club (Apartments)over 469 properties consisting of semi-detached villas, townhouses and apartments is located in Mar Menor – Los Alcázares, Murcia.

First phase consisting of 104 lovely apartments is now being constructed. Each property boasts 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms with 1 or 2 bathrooms, lounge with dining area, terrace or balcony from the lounge or bedroom, fitted kitchen with high quality appliances, air conditioning and individual garden. These properties have underground parking.

The complex features a first class restaurant; out-door cafes, bar, terrace grill with stunning views of the Mar Menor, 9 swimming pools, solarium, state of the art health and fitness club and a beauty centre offering massages. All these exclusive facilities are private and for residents access only.

The private beach club in the complex is a place of leisure and relaxation, with its luxury, style and panoramic views making this beachfront resort one of the most desirable locations on the Mar Menor. This development is a superb investment opportunity offering luxury holiday homes with 5 star facilities.

Prices start from €210,354.

Nueva Ribera Beach Club (Apartments) – New Development

Nueva Ribera Beach Club (Apartments)over 469 properties consisting of semi-detached villas, townhouses and apartments is located in Mar Menor – Los Alcázares, Murcia.

First phase consisting of 104 lovely apartments is now being constructed. Each property boasts 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms with 1 or 2 bathrooms, lounge with dining area, terrace or balcony from the lounge or bedroom, fitted kitchen with high quality appliances, air conditioning and individual garden. These properties have underground parking.

The complex features a first class restaurant; out-door cafes, bar, terrace grill with stunning views of the Mar Menor, 9 swimming pools, solarium, state of the art health and fitness club and a beauty centre offering massages. All these exclusive facilities are private and for residents access only.

The private beach club in the complex is a place of leisure and relaxation, with its luxury, style and panoramic views making this beachfront resort one of the most desirable locations on the Mar Menor. This development is a superb investment opportunity offering luxury holiday homes with 5 star facilities.

Prices start from €210,354.

Edificio Aldi – New Development

Edificio Aldi is located in San Roque - Cadiz, and consists of 5 lovely apartments of 2 and 3 bedrooms, large terraces, and pre-installation of air conditioning. Garage space and store room are optional at an additional cost.

The beautiful city of Cádiz is a short drive away and the port of Santa Maria, famous for its sherry and excellent seafood restaurants, is well worth a visit. The fabulous unspoiled beaches of Costa de la Luz are only 40 minutes away. This is an outstanding opportunity to own a beautiful inland property and to be able to experience the real Spain.

Prices start from €187,804.