Considering there is a wordwide credit crises going, I believe the market in Spain is doing ok. Yes it is in recession, but that doesn´t mean the market has stopped, and any worthwhile property guru or agent will know that after recession comes expansion once more as the market improves. Spain is at that point where the market has now nowhere to go but up. Properties are selling and prices are stabilising and the one thing for sure is that there will always be people that want to escape the cold wet dreariness of the UK and escape to better climates, where prices are still cheaper for most things than they are there.

I have dealings with both Costa del Sol and Murcia regions and know that although the market has slowed down somewhat since the boom of 2001-2004, people are still buuying. One small agent that i know on the costa del sol, has done an average of 3 sales per month since the turn of the year, and i believe 60% of these are still to brits whilst the remainder is to the local spanish people.....afterall they needs homes too!!!

If an agent can do this type a business in a recession then hell.....what can they do in good times.......??

OPH

Good point, and although I would disagree with your point about there being a worldwide recession (it only affects the places where the Daily Mail is sold!). I would be happier investing in Spain than many of the "emerging markets" because there is an exit strategy.

Would you rather have an apartment in Spain on the market or a plot of grass in Brazil?

Spain is definately still a solid investment option.

Be lucky

Spain might have won the cup and may even win the tennis at wimbledon, but in property its all doom and gloom, if you want to get your fingers burnt and not by the sun head for Spain.

After all that they have nice paella to eat.

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The Pain is being felt in Spain.

I never said there was a worldwide recession, far from it. There are a handful of countries that are in recession, and unfortunately spain is one of them. I said there is a world wide credit crisis, which is really just a marketing ploy by the banks!!

Recession is a phase within the property market cycle! and thankfully after recession comes expansion where things improve...........as i said this is where Spain is right now...........stable and improving.

OPH

If 40,000+ real estate offices already closed their doors, how many too many were there in the first place? I reckon everybody and their dog tried to get in on the property boom while it lasted and now many of them pay their price.

Those with financial backing are the ones lasting the longest. Reminds me a little on David vs Goliath.

Do not know about 'improving', certainly in the good locations and good developers it is relatively stable but with some good offers about

Also some good re sales which seem to turn up every other day at present

Also UK owners who in 2007 where thinking of selling and had a price fixed in their mind in £ can now afford to sell at circa 15% less in € and still end up with the same amount of £

To be real I think the general view is that there will be some more Spanish developers who will get in to trouble[ just like our Wimpeys!] and that it will be 2010 before there is any improvement and say circa 10 years [ 2018] before the next boom

But for life style buyers, life is moving quickly as always!.....and 2008 is a good time to buy as you will find some good deals [ just ask for details ......even on good locations ]
If for example you are wanting to do what I am doing........bought off plan villa near Huercal Overa for winter use[ prices start from 170.000 € on 400 m2 plots]......due to be ready March 2009 but expect it to be mid summer 2009
So by the time completion takes place and everything is set up , it will be late 2009 early 2010 so that my first full winter will be 2010/2011
By then the market should be picking up and I ' sure that I will look back and think that the price I paid fixed late 2007 was a good deal!!! and in the years that follow we will all look back and say' 2008 was a good year .........to buy'.......well I hope so !!!

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Brian Rowlands BSc FRICS
Chartered Surveyor & Overseas Property Agent
www.bbspanishproperties.co.uk

You must be joking right? pleassssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssse dont be a full.

With the UK pound losing value to the Euro no Uk buyers in their right mind will invest in Spain at this moment, instead they will wait until the prices half.

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The Pain is being felt in Spain.

If you are prepared to sit on your investment for the next 5 years without needing the cash flow, yes you might want to buy in Spain right now. Otherwise Spain is a big no no right now. If you don't agree, watch the news.

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There are life style buyers wanting to buy in Spain perhaps because they have a different approach to life and their purchase decision is not' making money' driven......just living!!!!

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Brian Rowlands BSc FRICS
Chartered Surveyor & Overseas Property Agent
www.bbspanishproperties.co.uk

"You must be joking right? pleassssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssse dont be a full.

With the UK pound losing value to the Euro no Uk buyers in their right mind will invest in Spain at this moment, instead they will wait until the prices half."

If any agent is relying on the UK market to provide their sole business, they deserve to have their doors shut!

Your negativity translates into complacency. Learn Spanish and sell to the Spanish. Advertise your properties in regions not affected by the alledged "credit crunch". If you want to be a success in this industry, stop slagging it off and put some effort in!

(and) be lucky