The Spanish property market, if you believe the media, is in trouble. Yet places like the Costa de la Luz in the Spanish province of Huelva continues to attract property investors seeking value for money, fantastic sports and recreation facilities and a rich cultural heritage



In the last two decades Spain has witnessed a British invasion. Brits have been quick to buy up properties that offer value for money, year-round good weather and often - whether they sought it or not plenty of compatriot company. Unfortunately overdevelopment often followed in its wake, degrading the environment for locals and investors alike. No wonder then that many British investors have been vulnerable to the changing winds of Europe's beleaguered housing market.

Not all regions of Spain, however, are suffering anything like as badly as portrayed, especially in the largely undiscovered Huelva Province. Seville-based property developer Titan-Chartiz Properties, a specialist real estate operator, is well aware long-term British investors are demanding higher levels of quality not just from their properties, but also from the surrounding environment - they want it to remain beautiful and under-developed for the long-term.

That's why Charles Short, director of TitanChartiz Properties, has invested heavily in Huelva's Costa de la Luz region with a range of stunning 3-bedroom townhouses starting from just €225,OOO. It's an area not just for people wanting tranquillity; the region - popular with Spanish nationals - is also within striking distance of Seville and its many cultural attractions he says. But the lack of development is key to the region's allure. "Development here has been strictly controlled and 65 percent of the land mass here is designated natural reserve. There are miles of stunning white sandy beaches with little or no visible development."

Costa de la Luz is the western part of Andalucia's coastline and borders the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The Andalucian tourist site describes- these 417km of coastline as "beautiful golden sands and small seaside towns devoted to national tourism."

The coast has been protected from overdevelopment by local municipalities, conscious of protecting the local seafood industry. The Costa de la Luz occupies the significant stretch of Atlantic coastline between Portugal and the Gibraltar Straits.

The historical majesty of Seville and Huelva are close; the region is also famous for the port of Cadiz and the sherry region of Jerez. There's an abundance of white sandy beaches, many highly secluded.

The people of the Costa de la Luz remain proud of their quiet life - and intend to keep it that way.

Those who try to call the bottom of any property market are of course taking a risk that prices could fall further. But there's widespread recognition that Spanish property prices now represent huge value, even compared to a year ago. "Yes, prices have dropped and sales enquiries are reduced so it is a good time to buy," acknowledges Charles Short. "Firstly because of the excellent deals available and secondly without the traditional 80 percent take up by Spanish buyers, UK buyers are now provided with a better choice of high quality homes."

Short says a huge amount of money has been also spent on local infrastructure investment by some of the largest construction and development companies in Spain, reinforced by money from the Spanish government and the EU. Plainly the area is on the up. "Although anybody would find the area attractive, we believe it will suit discerning buyers seeking lifestyle and retirement who are interested in becoming part of traditional Spanish communities with an international presence. Because of the extensive and protected wild life, those seeking a greener environment will certainly be attracted to the area."

Additionally Charles Short reckons the Costa de la Luz has the most potential to rise in value more than any of the other Spanish Costas. "We can provide a forecast based on extensive research showing potential increases in values."

The Costa de la Luz region is fast-becoming a prime resort for golf. Thankfully the golf courses have been developed within tight environmental constraints. "There really is an excellent choice of courses for golf including," says Charles Short, "The Esuri Championship was listed best of its kind in 2007 by the Daily Telegraph. There are two courses at El Rompido, ,North and South where the Daily Mail Competition Finals have been held for the past few years."

There are also an abundance of natural harbours as well as marina facilities, plus horse riding. "The river Guardiana, dividing Portugal and Spain, also provides a beautiful sailing opportunity following many miles inland in tranquil and beautiful settings on both banks. The Spanish love their horses, so great opportunities for riding in the natural reserves."

Since Titan-Chartiz deal mainly with new build properties, all due diligence, ownership issues and local authority permissions have already been carried out and are in place. So buying is therefore a straightforward process with few pitfalls. Titan-Chartiz are also thought to offer one the very best after sales packages in the business.

Investors wishing to let the property out in the summer should feel reassured that there is, according to Short, "usually 100 percent take up on rental properties and Titan-Chartiz are leading a marketing initiative directed at the discerning UK holiday maker in order to increase out of season rentals.

Of course, with all the current credit worries, finance ·anywhere in the world has become more difficult to obtain and lenders are examining applications in more detail. "As far as the Spanish lenders are concerned, cash flow and income are the most important criteria and loan to value ratios are less critical," says Short.