Malaga Property News & Information

Welcome to a whole new section on our website. Malaga Property News does exactly what it says on the tin and more! We’ll be including advice on buying a property in Malaga, information about new developments in Malaga, tips on interior design, ideas for inspiration…We’ll be adding new articles regularly so bookmark the page for future reference. We’ve included an index just below – click on the article you’re interested in to read it directly.

Articles in this section:Your guide to community of owners statutes
All you need to know about plusvalia tax in Malaga
5 easy ways to decorate a small living room
How to use wallpaper in your home
Best to rent or buy property in Malaga?
Co-living, a new kind of rental option and investment in Malaga
Explaining square metres in properties in Malaga
The importance of property plans
All you need to know about a personal property shopper
7 interior design trends for this autumn
5 easy ways to create the perfect terrace
All you need to know about energy efficiency certificates in Malaga
What’s the difference between a developer, a builder and an estate agent?
The advantages of buying new build properties in Malaga
Interior design in Malaga – industrial style

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Your guide to Community of Owners Statutes

The vast majority of properties in Malaga form part of a community of owners. In fact, almost all homes with the exception of independent villas and country homes belong to one. Even new-build developments in Malaga have a community of owners that is established from the first day that the properties are available for occupancy.

This is because you need a community of owners whenever there are shared spaces (e.g. lifts and entrance hall), services such as a gardener and/or facilities (e.g. swimming pool and gardens).

Most communities of owners have statutes for all owners and it’s important to find out what these are before you buy to avoid surprises later on. But what can you expect to find in the statutes?

What they include

The statutes basically list the rights and obligations you have as an owner, generally for the following:

• The use of the building and facilities.
• The administration and management of the community works.
• The distribution of costs of maintenance among owners.

Did you know? Any changes to the statutes must be agreed by a majority vote at a specially convened community of owners meeting.

What they don’t include

The statutes don’t generally cover general rules and regulations for everyday life. Such as whether you’re allowed to own a pet, let your property for holidays or hang your washing out on the balcony.

That doesn’t mean, however, that rules don’t exist – they do and some community of owners have dozens of them. But unlike statutes, rules and regulations are more elastic and can be changed at any meeting.

Did you know? Your community of owner fees are based on your quota of ownership of the shared facilities. This quota is in the title deeds for the property.

Where to find community of owner statutes

You can consult the statutes in two places:

• Property Registry – when a community of owners is formed for the first time, the statutes must be registered at the Property Registry.
• Administrator – the company in charge of the community of owners management must also keep a copy of the statutes.

Did you know? Community of owners fees can be high so check what they are before you buy.

Statutes for new property

If you’re buying a new home in Malaga, the chances are that the developer will have a copy of the statutes. This is often part of the paperwork you get when you sign the title deeds and receive the keys.

READ 10 TIPS FOR BUYING IN MALAGA

 

All you need to know about plusvalia tax in Malaga

Taxes are complex in all countries and levied on most assets. In Spain, property transactions involve several taxes including plusvalia when you sell. In this post, we explain what plusvalia tax in Malaga, when you need to pay it and how it is calculated.

What is plusvalia tax?

In Spanish, it’s known as the impuesto sobre el incremento del valor de los terrenos de naturaleza urbana, a hugely complicated name for its usual term, plusvalia. In a nutshell, it’s a tax levied on the increase of value in a property from its purchase to its sale.

Unlike other property taxes in Spain that are national or regional, plusvalia is municipal. You therefore pay it to the local council.

When do you pay plusvalia tax?

Plusvalia tax is due in two instances:

1. Property sale: the vendor is liable for it when a property is sold. However, plusvalia is only due if the sales price is higher than the purchase price and the vendor makes a profit from the transaction.
2. Property inheritance: the heirs must pay when they inherit property.

How is plusvalia tax calculated?

It’s a complicated tax and the final amount depends on a number of factors including:

• The date of purchase and sale.
• The years between the two dates.
• The fiscal value of the land the property is one.
• The increase in value of the land between the purchase and sale.

Each council applies a different rate with a maximum of 30% and many have discounts for inheritance cases. If you’re selling a property in Malaga, your lawyer will calculate how much plusvalia you need to pay.

5 easy ways to decorate a small living room

Homes in most new developments in Malaga come with generous living space. But if you buy an older property in the city, the chances are that your living room will be on the small side. If that’s your case, you need to choose your decoration and furniture carefully to avoid cramming the space and making it feel even smaller.

When you don’t have much room, optical illusion plays in a big role in the choice of furniture and décor. And of course, you need to make maximum use of the few square metres you have. In this article, we look at five easy ways to decorate a small living room to make it appear larger.

The right sofa

A sofa undoubtedly takes centre stage in any living room, but it’s inevitably a large piece of furniture. If your living room is small, choose your sofa extra carefully. Avoid large pieces with high backs and wide arms – a sofa this size will take up the entire space and make it feel claustrophobic.

Do go for sofas with rounded edges to soften the general look in the room. Light structures also help to get a feeling of more space.

The living space below is far from small, but shows an example of how rounded edges in furniture make a room appear larger.

If your living room is small, the rest of your home probably is too so consider buying a bed-sofa. This will give your living area more functionality.

The right table

Like sofas, tables can also dominate a room so here too you need to make a careful choice. Round tables work best and even better when they’re low and light-weight because they’re easier to move out of the way if necessary.

Buying a table with some sort of storage (e.g. drawers or an incorporate cupboard) also helps both with decluttering the room and providing much-needed space. Or consider getting an ottoman that can be used as an extra seat, table or foot rest.

The mirror effect

A mirror in any room adds to the sensation of light and space so a small living room can benefit hugely from one. Go for one large mirror or several small ones depending on the available wall space. And if you can put it up near the window, the feeling of depth will be even bigger.

Muted colours

Your choice of colour palette will also enhance or decrease the sensation of space in your living room. Bear in mind that lighter and pastel shades make a space look bigger and brighter while dark colours have the exact opposite effect.

Go for neutral tones for the walls and ceilings as well as the main pieces of furniture. You can add pops of colour in your soft furnishings such as cushions and curtains. When it comes for lighting, go for standard lamps rather than table lamps – vertical lines lift your eyes up and make the space seem larger.

How to use wallpaper

Our grandparents had wallpaper on every wall, but then block colours took over and decorated walls went out of favour. But as with everything in fashion, the trend has gone full circle and wallpaper is back. And in all types of designs, colours and textures.

In this article, we look at top tips for applying and choosing wallpaper so that it adds that extra something to your home.

Advantages of using wallpaper

Make your mark – painted walls only come alive with pictures, but wallpaper instantly stamps your personality on a space.

No need to carry out major work – adding a print to your walls doesn’t involve any kind of building work.

No need for an expert – you don’t have to be a DIY fiend to put up some wallpaper – patience and time are all you need.

No need for loud – wallpaper can be as bold or as muted as you like. The living area below shows how effective a subtle wallpaper can be in a room.

Easy to clean – modern wallpapers need just a bit of soap and a damp sponge.

Big choice – nowadays you can find the widest range of wallpapers ever and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to colour, design and style.

Ephemeral design – you can easily change a wallpaper for a print you like better or move back to plain painted wall.

Outside the box – or on the ceiling in this case. Why not wallpaper the ‘fifth wall’ and make a real statement in your home? This is one of the top trends at the moment.

Did you know? You can print your favourite photos and use them as wallpaper.

Wallpaper in small spaces

You might think that wallpaper in a small room would make it smaller and darker. But, choose the right wallpaper and the exact opposite happens. For example:

• Wallpaper with a vertical design or a design pointing towards the ceiling instantly makes a room seem taller. This is ideal for attics or rooms with sloping ceilings.
• Wallpaper with geometric designs tend to make any room appear taller, deeper and wider.
• Wallpaper in soft tones even with a pattern will help a dark room seem lighter.

Did you know? Wallpaper can double up as ‘furniture’ such as a bedstead.

Wallpaper in kitchens and bathrooms

The latest trend is for wallpaper to make an appearance in any room of the house including the kitchen and bathroom. But since these tend to be the dampest and hottest rooms in a home, it’s worth bearing in mind the following tips:

• Type of wallpaper – choose one with a hard wearing vinyl finish to avoid damage from damp and condensation.
• Extra protection – if you can’t find a waterproof wallpaper, you can paint a coat of mate varnish on top to help protect it from damp.
• On top of tiles – if you’re putting the wallpaper on top of tiles in the bathroom or kitchen, seal the tiles first with a paste to get a smooth surface for the paper. And if it’s in the bathroom, seal the edges with silicone.

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Best to rent or buy property in Malaga?

It’s an age-old question whose answer almost always depends on your personal circumstances. External economic factors also play their part. In this article, we look at the balance at the current time in the Malaga property market.

Price juggling

When property prices are high and mortgages expensive, renting in Malaga is an obviously cheaper option. But when rental rates climb and interest rates drop, buying a property becomes more accessible.

Best to buy now

The Bank of Spain suggested in late 2020 that it’s currently better to buy. They based their analysis on levels of savings among Spaniards. Rental rates in Spain rose by over 16% in the first half of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. That makes renting more expensive.

The Fundación BBVA and IVIE agrees. The organisation found that buying a property is 21% cheaper now than it was in 2007. On the other hand, renting is 11% more expensive.

Saving for a mortgage

But unlike renting a property where all you have to do is pay a deposit and move in, buying a property is more expensive. Most mortgage loans will lend you a maximum of 80% meaning you have to find the remaining 20%. And then there are the costs of buying – budget at least 10% of the property price for these.

Annual expenses

And if you buy, you’re responsible for annual costs such as local taxes, community of owner fees and home insurance. Plus there’s the maintenance – avoid this by buying a property on new developments in Malaga.

The balance

Ultimately, most people prefer to buy a property in Malaga rather than rent. A 2020 survey found that 66% of Spaniards believe owning a home is better than renting one.

Our latest ebook on moving to Malaga looks in detail at renting and buying property in Malaga and the Costa del Sol. Get your copy now.

Co-living – a new kind of rental option and investment in Malaga

2021 is expected to be the year that co-living takes off. Both as a rental option and a new kind of property investment. Figures point to massive growth this year in Spain as the number of co-living spaces grows from 500 to 4,500. But what is co-living and why is so popular?

Co-living, not flat sharing

Or a students hall either. Co-living is the term given to renting a room within a building that offers communal facilities. The tenants renting the space tend to be young professionals, starting a new job or studying for a higher degree.

It offers more flexibility than a flat share because rental contracts are often short term. And you get more services than you would in a flat. Plus maintenance and cleaning services are all provided.

You do, however, get the same vibe as you would in a flat share. You can socialise with fellow ‘co-living mates’ – that’s what the communal areas are for. But there won’t be any fighting about whose turn it is to clean the kitchen or take the rubbish out because someone else does that for you.

What does a co-living space look like?

It’s usually a bedroom plus private bathroom. A co-living space sits within a residential building dedicated to co-living accommodation and offering communal facilities such as a coworking area, pool, gym, roof terrace as well as kitchen and living areas.

Cleaning and maintenance are included in the price. The same applies to linen (sheets and towels). And there’s usually 24-hour concierge service.

How is different from a hotel?

On paper, there isn’t a lot of difference between the two. In fact, several hotels and hostels in Malaga now offer co-living rooms for longer rentals. But in practice, a dedicated co-living space is friendlier and more relaxed.

What’s the investment potential?

It works on the same basis as buy-to-let investment but has a slightly different management model. Like a hotel, a co-living building needs daily cleaning and laundry services plus a concierge.

And the potential looks good. The co-living concept has only just arrived in Spain and is already making waves in Madrid and Barcelona. Malaga and Seville have also welcomed their first spaces and more are on their way.

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Explaining square metres in properties in Malaga

When you’re looking for properties, including new developments in Malaga, you’ll notice that the description usually mentioned includes metros útiles and metros construidos. Both refer to size, but how do you know which is which? And most importantly, which one tells you how big the property actually is? Read on for the answers.

What are metros útiles?

Literally translated as ‘useful square metres’, this term means to the usable space within the property. It refers to the actual room size without counting the width of the walls and columns within it. Doors and windows aren’t part of useful square metres either. But built-in wardrobes are so expect to see their size included in metros útiles.

Parking spaces, garages and storage rooms are not part of a size of a property.

What are metros construidos?

This term refers to the total of built square metres, basically the entire size of the construction. It includes walls and installations for utility supplies. It may also include balconies, terraces and patios depending on whether they are enclosed or not.

If you’re buying a property in Malaga that forms part of a complex (e.g. apartment or townhouse with a community of owners), communal areas such as gardens, sports facilities and swimming pools also count towards metros construidos. But as a proportion only based on the size of the property.

Loft and basement spaces are only included if the ceiling is over 1.5m high.

Where can you find out the size of a property?

Property advertisements include both metros útiles and metros construidos. You can also find both on title deeds and in Property Registries.

What about property valuations?

If you need a mortgage or need to know the value of a property for other purposes, the valuation should look at metros construidos.

A working example

This example gives you an idea of the difference between the two square metre areas. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment has 101.35 square metros útiles and 139.05 square metros construidos.

The importance of property plans

Whether you’re buying off-plan or resale property, the plans come in very handy. Not only to give you an idea of what is located where, but also to help you with refurbishment or simply find a blocked pipe. In this article, we look at why property plans are important and the different types available.

Why you need them

Architects, interior designers and buyers all need plans for a property. They’re particularly important when you’re buying an off-plan property in Malaga because they give you an excellent best idea of what to expect in your new home.

Layout – buying on new developments in Malaga often involves choosing between varying types of property. A 2-bedroom home facing south may have a different layout to a 2-bedroom looking west. Those on the top floor may come with larger terraces than the others.

Layout plans are also a great help when you’re looking at properties online. As well as photos and videos, plans will give you a good idea of what the property looks like.

Details – plans also show you where the hidden details of a property that may be important if you’re thinking about refurbishment, an extension or opening up a space.

Did you know? Plans used to be little more than a design on paper, but nowadays you can access state-of-the-art plans that incorporate 3D technology with intricate detail.

Types of plans

There are various types available to the buyer. If you’re purchasing a new property, expect to receive all of the types listed below. If you’re buying resale, you may only get the basic layout.

• Layout – as well as the distribution of the space, these plans show you where the walls, doors and windows go in the property.
• Installations – details of where all utility supplies run (pipes for water and waste; cables, sockets and light fixtures for electricity; gas pipes; and telephone, TV and internet connection points).
• Structure – the location of columns and beams (useful if you’re planning a refurb). These plans sometimes include a list of materials so you know what each element is made of.

How to get plans for a property

If you’re buying new, you should see the plans when you make your first enquiry. Many developments in Malaga include the layout plans on their websites so that you can see the different types of layout from the very beginning. When you complete your purchase, you should get a full copy of all the plans listed above.

If you’re buying resale, the seller may have a copy of the house plans. If not and you need them for refurbishment or extension work, employ an architect to draw them up for you.

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All you need to know about a personal property shopper

Buying a property is undoubtedly 1 of the biggest investments anyone makes. It’s also 1 of the most difficult often because there’s so much choice you don’t know where to start. That’s when a personal property shopper comes into play.

Once they know your requirements and your budget, they scour the market and source the property that ticks all your boxes. Not your run of the mill estate agent certainly. And they’re gradually making their mark in the Malaga property market.

What does a personal property shopper do?

Their role is very similar to that of a personal sports trainer or personal clothes shopper. They’re experts in the Malaga property market and offer personalised advice – in the case, on finding your dream home.

But although their role overlaps slightly with estate agents, personal property shoppers go one step further. It isn’t enough to have some market knowledge or know about all the new developments in Malaga, for example.

A personal property shopper gets to know you, the buyer, in depth and what you dream of as a home. Then, using this knowledge, they search for homes that fit your must-have list.

Advantages of using a personal property shopping

Professional opinion – they can provide expert knowledge of the market and guide you to the best buys and shield you from those to avoid.

Objective view – it’s easy to get carried away by your emotions when house hunting, but a personal property shopper will help you keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Peace of mind – you’ve passed the difficult bit of finding a property onto someone else who knows exactly what you want.

Save time – searching for the right home for you is time-consuming and often frustrating. Having an expert do it for you saves you time and stress.

Working for you – you’re their client and as a result, a personal property shopper acts in your interests and yours alone. And their services are personalised to suit you.

Fixed charge – unlike other players involved in a property purchase, personal property shoppers charge a fixed fee that doesn’t depend on the property price. They therefore have no reason to get you to buy a more expensive property.

Personalised property shopping

Guide to Malaga works with a boutique property shopper in Malaga. Get in touch if you’d like to know more about her services.

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7 Interior design trends for the autumn

Just as we put our tees and flipflops away at the end of summer, interior design too can change with the seasons. Out go light-weight fabrics and bright colours and in come warm colours and heavier furnishings to welcome the autumn.

Read on to discover 7 trends for interior design this autumn.

Slow deco

Rather than a design trend, this is more of a new understanding of the home. During lockdown, our home gained new significance and higher value. In tune with this is the philosophy half-way between minimalism and hygge (cosiness and contentment in Danish).

In a nutshell, slow deco is keeping the essentials only and enjoying the simple things that make us feel good at home.

Japandi

Nordic influence appears again in this trend, a hybrid of Japanese minimalism and Scandi interior design. It’s all about zen in decoration – spaces that are both functional and attractive due to clean lines, small touches of colour and natural light.

Natural colours

While spring and summer inspire bright colours, autumn tones things down. Autumn interior design trends go for dark greens, terracotta, ochre and beige. Between them, they create a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

Many new developments in Malaga make the most of nature with huge windows to bring in natural light and Mediterranean gardens.

Metallic touches

Not really new for the autumn because metal has been a trend for a while, but metallic touches take centre stage this season too. They bring elegance to a room as well as a touch of modernity and Art Deco inspiration.

Expect to see metal furniture – side tables, chairs; metallic accessories – mirrors, lamps; and even in the layout of a room. Copper and gold (rose and yellow) colours add warmth to a home in autumn.

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On the walls

This season is all about walls with personality. Mix colours, materials, funky wallpaper, geometric designs… Anything that turns a simple wall into a statement in the room, a decorative element in its own right.

Sustainable

1 thing 2020 has taught us all is the need to care more for our environment so it follows that an interior design trend for autumn is sustainability. Natural fibres are in for lamps, plant pots and rugs. They’re joined by organic fabrics and furniture made from recycled wood.

Zero waste is also a must in the home this autumn. Recover, recycle and reuse are the watchwords, now more than ever. So, as you create your home for autumn, see how you can reuse what you’ve already got. And remember, no plastic!

5 easy ways to create the perfect terrace (even when it’s tiny)

1 of the things the pandemic has taught us is the value of outside space. During the long lockdown in Spain when we couldn’t leave our houses for 7 weeks, we all learned to appreciate our balcony or terrace even more. But all too often, this space doesn’t fulfill its potential and we don’t take much notice of it. In this article, we look at 5 easy ways to create the perfect terrace.

Plant it

Your first step to creating the perfect terrace should be to add some plants. They’re an absolute must because they bring life, colour and interest to your terrace. And if you get it right, the plants will create a space that’s great to be in and to look at from inside your house.

• Add variety and texture to your plants with different pots and tubs.
• Consider adding a vertical garden to add interest to a wall.
• Go traditional in Andalusian style with some window boxes on the railing or plant pots on the wall.

Colour it

With the flowers and plants. Geraniums and petunias are, of course, the brightest of the pack and they flower for months at a time (our geraniums are still going strong even in November). But you can create colour with different shades of green, an ornamental orange or lemon tree…

Why not dedicate a small space to some vegetables? You could grow tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers in a pot. And of course, it’s easy to grow a window box with herbs such as parsley, basil and thyme. If you go for mint, plant it separately to contain the roots and stop them spreading everywhere.

Light it

The climate in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol means you can enjoy balmy evenings almost all year round so it makes sense to light up your terrace. As well as a main light, create a relaxed ambiance with candles, lanterns (you can buy Moroccan ones cheaply in Malaga) and even fairy lights. Choose solar-powered for sustainability.

Furnish it

Even the tiniest of terraces need somewhere you can sit down. If space is at a premium, choose folding furniture for practicality. Go for a hanging chair for extra relaxation. And if there really isn’t room for a small table and couple of chairs, add a wooden bench on one side.

Accessorise it

And finally, the finishing touches come in the soft furnishings. Add cushions for comfort, colour and style – coordinate these with the plants and furniture. Consider a rug for the floor – natural fibre such as rattan looks good – or hang the rug on the wall.

Creating a lovely outdoor space is easy and inexpensive and well worth it. Having somewhere nice to be in the fresh air is always a bonus and you may well find yourself outside more than in!

In Malaga, we’re very fortunate that most properties come with some sort of outside space and often very generously-sized.

All you need to know about energy efficiency certificates in Malaga

Whether you’re buying, selling or renting property in Malaga, energy efficiency certificates form an essential part of the required paperwork. Read on to discover all you need to know about this certificate.

What is an energy efficiency certificate?

This important piece of paper (you can’t buy or sell property in Spain without it) tells you how much energy a property needs to meet the household demand. Each certificate comes with a letter ranging from A (for super efficient properties) to G (not for green, but quite the opposite and the most inefficient homes).

Which properties need one?

All new-builds in Malaga need a certificate as do all properties for sale. Rental properties must also have an energy efficiency certificate.

Who issues the certificate?

Any professional qualified to draw up building projects and manage them. So, in practice, they’re architects, technical architects or engineers.

Does the certificate include any other information?

Some professionals who provide energy efficiency certificates in Malaga also add recommendations on how to improve energy consumption in the property. This is useful if you’re buying a home with a big carbon footprint and need ideas on how to make it smaller.

How much does it cost?

The certificates are not regulated so there’s no official price. As a general idea, expect to pay from €50 for a certificate, but shop around and compare to get the best price.

Who pays for the certificate?

The owner. So if you’re buying a resale property, the seller pays. If you’re purchasing on new developments in Malaga, the developer pays for the certificate.

How long are energy efficiency certificates in Malaga valid for?

10 years.

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What’s the difference between a developer, a builder and an estate agent?

Or since we’re in Malaga, the difference between una promotora, una constructora and un agente inmobiliario. The three roles play an essential part in new build properties in Malaga and often overlap. Read on for a definition of each one:

The role of the developer

In a nutshell, the development is the brain child of the developer (promotor in Spanish) whose job includes:

• Sourcing and buying the land.
• Finding finance for the project.
• Planning the project.

Key takeaway?

The developer is one doing the hard work of getting everything going in the first place.

The role of the builder

The construction company (constructor or constructora in Spanish) does just that, construct. Not only are they in charge of the actual construction work, they’re building it too. In the team are architects, engineers, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, painters, gardeners…

Key takeaway?

The builder is the one who’s hands-on (and often getting those hands dirty).

The role of the estate agent

Basically the agent (agente inmobiliario in Spanish) is the link between the developer and the buyer. Their job is to showcase the properties and convince the buyer that they’ve found their ideal home.

Key takeaway?

The agent is the one responsible for doing the final deal.

Combo of three

Some companies encompass all three roles within one so you may find that a developer has its own construction company and estate agents.

 

The advantages of buying new build properties in Malaga

A new home or a resale property? That’s a question that many potential buyers ask themselves before making one of the most important investments in their life. The answer obviously depends on individual circumstances, but in general, new developments in Malaga offer the following advantages over resale homes.

Payment flexibility

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of buying new build properties in Malaga comes in paying for them. Although new homes tend to be more expensive, you can buy in installments. Unlike resale properties that you pay for in one go.

Payment for new builds in Malaga is usually as follows:

• 10% deposit when you sign the contract.
• Stage payments typically at 6, 12 and 18 months.
• Outstanding amount (sometimes as a mortgage loan) on completion.

And talking of mortgages, buying off plan in Malaga gives you more time to shop around for and negotiate the best loan.

Energy efficiency

One of the biggest benefits of new homes in Malaga is their energy efficiency. Spanish construction regulations means that developers have to comply with energy measures. This means less energy consumption that translates to cheaper utility bills.

To enhance energy efficiency, new homes also use higher quality materials. This means that new developments in Malaga have a smaller carbon footprint as well lower energy use.

READ THE MALAGA PROPERTY REPORT

Move-in ready new developments in Malaga

Buy a new home and you can move in straight away and not have to do any refurbishment. You already know exactly what the property is going to look like and include. So, as soon as you complete the purchase, it’s move-in ready.

And another advantage of buying a new build rather than resale property in Malaga comes in the guarantee from the developer. Under Spanish law, you have a year to claim against defects on finishes, up to three years for installations and ten if it’s a structural fault. With resale properties, on the other hand, it’s difficult to claim against the previous owner.

Personalisation

You can also pick and choose when you buy off-plan in Malaga. Take the position for a start – maybe you fancy a ground-floor apartment with private garden or a top-floor penthouse flat with views.

Most new developments allow you to personalise the interiors. You usually get a choice of materials and fittings and fixtures. And some even offer tailormade layouts and/or interiors.

Communal areas

New developments in Malaga generally come with well-equipped communal areas. These often include more than gardens and children’s playparks. A pool is often a given (sometimes two with one for children) as well as sporting facilities such as paddle tennis and basketball courts.

Plus owners can buy private parking spaces – one or two depending on the development. And that all-important storage room.

Choice of location

As with resale properties, the most important factor influencing your choice of new build in Malaga is location. You’ll find a selection of new developments in the city and in coastal locations such as Torre del Mar, Torremolinos and Estepona. All enjoy the prime locations and make the best of the Costa del Sol.

And now for the difficult bit: choosing the new home for you!

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Interior design in Malaga – industrial style

You’ll have noticed it in some of the newer restaurants and hotels in Malaga, industrial style is gaining ground in interior design in Malaga. In this article, we look at its origins, features and how to recreate it in your home.

Origins of industrial style

This type of interior design comes from New York in the mid-20^th century when young artists took over abandoned factories and workshops. The move combined a place to live with somewhere to work.

High ceilings, beams and giant windows make up the bare bones of most industrial spaces. Not for nothing are the homes known as ‘lofts’. While typical materials tend to be manmade – iron, steel and concrete rather than natural wood.

Typical features

Structure on view – industrial design tends to undress a space leaving it with just its structure. Pipes, unrendered walls and beams are left uncovered and form a natural part of the design itself.

Materials with character – paint and plaster are almost absent from industrial design leaving centre stage to steel, iron and concrete. Brick walls are also popular. And elements in wood add a touch of warmth to what could be a rather cold setting.

Sombre colours –  in industrial design, structure forms the focal point so colours must be neutral. Anything brighter will detract from the setting. The colour palette is merely a complement to the rest of the design.

Wide bright spaces – loft-type homes automatically come with bright open spaces. High ceilings, as open-plan as possible and large windows are key features in industrial interior design.

Minimalist atmosphere – less is definitely more in industrial design. When you look around the space, you should instantly get the feeling of order and tidiness. As a result, furniture and accessories are kept to a minimum. However, minimalist doesn’t have to mean modern and some loft homes include vintage elements. Upcycled pieces of furniture and retro accessories both fit well into this type of interior design.

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Industrial design in new developments in Malaga

If you’d like to give your home in Malaga a touch of New York converted factory style, here are some tips on how to do it:

Feature pieces – choose one or two for your home. Think a leather sofa (even better if Chester), steel chairs (like the classic Tolix), tables with iron legs…

Recycle and/or upcycle – the origin of loft homes goes hand in hand with creativity, opening the door to a ton of possibilities. Recycle old furniture pieces from the 50s to create unique focal points in your home. Or upcycle wooden boxes into shelving or turn old suitcases into bedside tables.

Striking textiles – not too many or in bright colours (see above), but do include a splash of textiles in your design. Tartans and tweeds go particularly well.

Bright lights – forget the lampshades. Industrial style in interior design favours the naked bulb, metal lamps and spotlights.

Where to see industrial style design in Malaga

Some of the best examples include:

• La Fábrica in Soho (Calle Trinidad Grund)
• Bagazo on the western seafront (Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado 60)
• La Antxoeta in Soho (Calle Barroso 7)

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