Spain Property Insights
The differences between what estate agents and buying agents do really matter. Barbara Wood explains how these differences can impact buying property in Spain. She gives buyers in Spain her insights into how using a buying agent improves the buying experience, using case studies as examples and describing how and why the buyer's agent approach makes the difference. The Property Finders operate in Madrid, Mallorca, Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Marbella, Málaga and prime locations in Andalucía.
Tourist Rental Licences in Andalucía - Part 1
Does That Tourist Licence Actually Transfer? | Spain Property Insights
A property advertised with a tourist rental licence may seem ideal for an investor. But does that licence actually transfer when the property is sold?
Drawing on a recent property search in the Marbella area, Barbara Wood of The Property Finders explains why a valid tourist registration doesn't necessarily mean a buyer can continue the same rental activity.
This episode explores the differences between tourist registrations in Andalucía, the importance of Community of Owners' rules, and the due diligence buyers should c...
Andalucía - From Region to Location
Andalucía: From Region to Location
This summer, The Andalucía Story has explored one of Spain's most diverse property markets by progressively narrowing the focus — from the region as a whole, through Málaga province, to the Golden Triangle and the factors behind its year-round appeal.
In this concluding summer edition, Barbara Wood brings those threads together.
Why are regional property statistics only the starting point? Why does Málaga dominate Andalucía's international market? What makes some locations genuinely prime? And why should the individual location always be understood before...
The Year-Round Advantage in Andalucía
The Year-Round Advantage
Why do some Mediterranean property markets remain active throughout the year while others become noticeably quieter once summer ends?
In this edition of Spain Property Insights, Barbara Wood explores the three structural advantages that have helped make the Golden Triangle of Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona one of Europe's strongest year-round residential markets.
Climate may attract people for a holiday. It takes connectivity and a thriving winter economy to create an ideal year-round location for property buyers.
This episode examines how climate, i...
The Andalucía Story - the Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle of Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona is one of Europe's best-known residential property markets—but what makes it different?
In this edition of Spain Property Insights, Barbara Wood explains why these three neighbouring municipalities have become the driving force behind Andalucía's international property market.
Rather than focusing on individual developments or luxury homes, this episode explores the structural reasons behind the area's long-term appeal, from the remarkable variety of property types and lifestyles to the concentration of international demand that has shaped the market for decades.
Topics include:
Why...Prime Defined
What does "prime" actually mean when talking about property?
It is one of the most overused words in the industry, yet it is rarely defined.
In this edition of Spain Property Insights, Barbara Wood explains why prime should describe a location rather than a property, and why understanding that distinction can have a significant impact on both lifestyle and long-term value.
Drawing on more than twenty years' experience representing overseas buyers in Spain, this episode explores why prime locations have historically performed differently throughout market cycles and why many buyers ultimately compromise on...
The Andalucía Story - Málaga the Engine
Málaga is the powerhouse of Andalucía's property market—but why?
In this latest edition of Spain Property Insights, Barbara Wood examines why one province has become the engine of southern Spain's international property market.
It's about far more than sunshine.
Excellent connectivity, year-round flights, one of Europe's highest concentrations of golf courses and an established international community have created a genuine twelve-month destination that continues to attract buyers from around the world.
But Málaga itself is not one market. From vibrant city living to the Costa del S...
The Andalucía Story
Andalucía is often spoken about as though it were a single property market.
In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Covering almost 90,000 square kilometres, Andalucía is larger than several European countries and contains an extraordinary diversity of climates, landscapes, property types and buyer profiles.
In this edition of Spain Property Insights, Barbara Wood explains why buyers should stop thinking about "the Andalucía property market" and start asking which Andalucía market they are actually entering.
Topics covered include:
• Climate and geographical diversity
• Coastal versus i...
How Much Is Too Much?
How much extra would you be prepared to pay simply because a property is new? 10%? 20%? 30%? How much is too much?
The latest data suggests many buyers in Spain are paying far more than that.
In this 6-minute edition of Spain Property Insights I look at the extraordinary premiums currently being paid for new-build property and ask whether they have reached unsustainable levels.
Among the issues covered:
• Why many new-build developments are no longer in the very best locations
• The startling premiums revealed by the latest notarial data
• Whether affordability is beginning to challenge the new...
What's the Property Market In Spain Doing?
2025 was an all-time record for overseas buyers in Spain. But transaction numbers in Q1 2026 were down compared with the same period in 2025. So what's going on? Why are numbers softening? Why are prices are still rising?
In this 7m:40s insight I examine what the data. The comparison with earlier downturns sounds compelling - it's a bubble, market overheating, etc., but the underlying market structure is very different. And while transaction numbers have recently fallen, my experience on the ground suggests the issue is not a collapse in demand. Enquiry levels remain strong.
The challenge i...
The Hidden Work of a Buyer's Agent
A buyer's agent is not just a different kind of estate agent, it is a strategically different job with different responsibilities. In this 7 minute insight I focus on some of the background issues we cover before our clients step inside a property. Our investigative work ensures we uncover and flag up everything that could negatively impact a property - nothing is hidden. We disclose road noise, electricity pylons, mobile phone masts, even an abattoir!
A case study on the Costa del Sol explaining how estate agents hide road noise - Saturday and Sunday viewings work well. I k...
Think Where Before The What
Property hunting can be stressful even searching close to home but trying to buy somewhere you don’t know very well, perhaps abroad in a different legal system and language, it’s even worse, and this is where a buying agent can make a real difference to the property buying experience. Getting the right location for you should always be the first step. What you will never get from an estate agent is a recommendation for any location other than the one where their office is located. That’s fine, it’s not their job, but we can suggest location...
