Furniture Packages or buy individual items?

We are a Management Company based in and living in Santa Maria Village – currently we are looking after 5 apartments here.

 

We actually witnessed the departure of the thieves of the aforementioned Plasma TV whilst we were checking our clients’ properties here. We externally checked the apartment from which we believe the TV was stolen – there was no sign of forced entry. We would urge all owners here to do as we have suggested (as has been done by all our clients here in SMV) and change your locks as soon as possible ensuring thereby that only you and your management company have a set. Though we gave a full statement to the on-site security office, including detailed descriptions, there is no reason to suppose this item will be recovered.

 

As far as security is concerned we would also strongly advise owners to have locks fitted on their windows and, especially for the 2-bedroomed apartments which have Utility room next to the apartment entrance, to have iron grilles fitted.

 

Regarding the entrance gates: As of today the gates are still open between the hours of 08:00 and 14:00 – the reason being that the builders still need access to the complex – and, since the builders are “on-site” there is then no corresponding requirement for additional security during these hours. Unfortunately, the Plasma TV was stolen on December 8^th – a bank holiday, at 10:30 at which time there were no workmen on site and the two thieves were NOT any of the workmen (we have met all of them due to our business here – i.e “Snaggings”). Please note that this is NOT to do with the “Santa Maria Village Office” – this is solely an issue with Archie Security (in Elviria) or with the overall administration of the complex. Please also note that you can speak to Deborah in the administration office – she is fluent in English.

 

The builders are currently behind with the “Snags” – but we can confirm that they have been here every day, all day and are working through them.

 

At this time there is a 90% chance that you will not be able to “flip” – that is “Selling on Contracts” before completion due to the current “legislative” climate following recent events in Marbella Town Hall. This is NOT just for SMV – this is true for every complex in the whole of the Costa del Sol – since every licence in this area has been “pulled” where it is outstanding for up to the last five years.

 

The developers recommend bank “Cajamar” – since they are the guarantors for SMV. Consequently, despite there not being a habitation license for SMV, Cajamar are more than happy to give you a mortgage for a property on this site- albeit at a slightly increased base rate compared to “competitive” banks who are not investors in SMV. Habitation licenses WILL come – but it will take a minimum of another six months since there are local elections in May 2007 and the new incumbents (since the current office holders will not be permitted to stand for re-election) will tackle the backlog of licenses.

 

Also be aware that if you are an owner and you are planning to let your property out on a long-term basis there are a number of issues you should take into account – especially if you are not “on-site” to ensure delivery of keys, security, etc.

 

If you have any other queries, of any nature, then please feel free to drop us a note!

Thanks for the insight into the development, I have a few questions:

What rental can be expected on a long term let? 2 beds

What rental can be expected on a short term let? Over the 3 seasonal periods.

Also I am looking for anyone on the development that is looking to sell there contracts on, I have 5 banks that willl lend on the development along with the valuations. More importantly I have a list of clients looking to buy them, I currently have one client stuck with two units that we are purchasing.....we need more.

Also they will be looking for a company to help rent there properties...

I look forward to your response.

Hi,

At this moment in time you would receive 900 euros for a two bedroom apartment, fully furnished, the three bedroom i have managed to put tenant,s in, they have paid 1,000on the first floor and 1,100 on the second, these prices vary, as they are usually negotiable between tenant and owner.

Depending on position and view. pools, sea.

Short term at the moment any where from 470 to 800-900 for two bedroom low season to high, luckily the pools here are not closed down at this time of year, and yes there are people swimming in one right now.

Three bedroom 550 to 1,00 low to high per week, these are always before commisions for rentals and cleaning and laundry bills. Most people forget to remove these figures.

Sometimes out of season can cost you a lot as the electricity bills for this complex is very expensive, so i imagen the aire conditioning would be ridiculous.

We have Rheem  (makers of the unit) for our units, the bills so far are ridiculous, i have lived here for 5 years and they are the highest i have ever had.

Most clients now are wanting to sign over and furnish and then rent, these properties will make really good money in a few years, we know there are some people who cannot complete, you never know what will happen to you or your financial situation in the years it has took to complete most Complexes.

I will let you know if there is anyone wanting to flip.

It is a little quiet here at the moment with Sales as you know, i am glad you have the banks on your side, always depends on rates though, i know of a couple but there rates where ridiculous.

As for Long term rentals, there are a few people here who have completed and wanting to rent there un-furnished apartment , this usually is 20% of the Long term rental market, in this climate it is harder.

The snaggings are being done and they have been busy, they are still behind, but the builders office is on the first block, so Antonio, is on getting on top of all the backlog.

The security men and woman, are now taking all cars and van number plates, and they are now arranging the gates to be closed, this is a good sign , as it means they are listening to what we all want.

It is still one of the best complexes around, as we came from Hacienda Elviria, this complex has also a high reputation, extremely good position and high standard build,  but no security guard, the last three months they had 4 breakins in one week and three cars stolen out of the Garages, there was an organised gang stealing to order, top of the range cars and 4x4, they now have a security walking the grounds. 

If you know of anyone with a 4 bedroom Penthouse un-furnished to rent let me know as i have shown the three but they are adamant they want a 4 and definately would haveit, a.s.a.p

I will let you know if there is anyone wanting to sell on, i know of a 3 bedroom penthouse if you are interested.

Santa Maria General Meeting for all owners.

Hi to all,

We have been instructed there will be a meeting for all the owners of Apartments and Penthouses on Santa Maria Village in March 2007, this is a VERY important meeting and we have not received the exact date, as of yet.

All owners  must get in touch with a young lady named Deborah, from the Administration office, she speaks perfect English,  and Spanish, of course,  if you check your paperwork, you will have all the details of the Administration office.

 I will let you know nearer to this time what will be on the Agenda for this  meeting.

 I will update on Eye on Spain when I have been notified, of the date

I will be at this meeting , if you cannot make it, you must ask the Administration office to send you forms for proxy votes for someone you trust or works for you,if you cannot make the meeting, this proxy vote, is important,  regarding the complex and your apartment.

Deborah works in the Administration office and deals with all the Santa Maria Villages Community fees, Gardeners, Cleaning of the Complex and pools, Security and more,  this would be your oppurtunity to discuss, the Security Situation, not having 24 hrs as stated  on your Community Contract, only on weekends, is this service available, as long as it is not a public holiday.

 There is no security between the hours of 8 am to 2 pm per day Monday to Friday. Only the weekends is there a 24 hr service.

We have been told the builders are here when the security is not and this is why the security staff is not needed in these hours, then why is it an owner was burgled in broad daylight on a bank holiday, which was a Friday and no Security or builders where on this complex at that time.

These are the most important things that need to be discussed, regarding your investments, at this meeting.

Santa Maria is a beautiful complex and a  very good investment, but it needs to be kept this way.

Buyers and  future Tenants, Long or Short  term, will always check to see if this complex is a secure one, in a good position, and looks beautifully kept.

ie; Maintenance and Gardens are in kept to a high standard.

Also why many people have already paid for 12 months Community fees from there bank accounts without permision or a breakdown.

Sometimes you are notified in your post box, which as we know not all owners live here or have anyone to check this.

This is the reason why I have posted this information, as many people would like the oppurtunity to put there points of view across, and help make some decisions regarding there complex and your where there community fees, would be best used.

This is to help first time buyers in Spain, who do not know what they can do regarding keeping there investment healthy, a well run Community is a fantastic Investment for everyones future. 

Debbiep

Thanks Debbie for the info. We've just got back from a fantastic 15 days in our appartment over Christmas New Year. I too have spoken to Deborah at Global and queried money being taken from my account without so much as a receipt. She claimed they didn't have my address! anyway she has promised to let me have all of the info by e-mail and post to our address in the UK. I'll not hold my breath! Hope the weather is still holding and look forward to hearing the date of the first community meeting (and hopefully the socialising that may follow.

Regards

Patric

Hi Folks, We completed on an apartment in block 13 in early December and have had two fantastic trips to Santa Maria Village since then. The level of finish in the development has been fantastic and apart from a few snags we are delighted with the apartment. Has anyone experienced problems with the electricity, we have found that when the oven and hob are on together it tripped the fuse and cut the power. We haven't installed the AC yet and i feel that it wont work if this is already happening when cooking. Is the fuse board under rated??? Regards, Stephen.

I can confirm that Patric does like a social - and jolly sociable he is too.

Rgds

Hi Stephen,

I have had the same electrical issues in block 9 .....these were due to some faulty wiring and i understand that this is a fairly common problem at SM Village that has now officially been recognised.

I have had repeated problems with the air con (rheem system) initially due to there not being sufficient electricity supply to the appartment (swiftly rectfied by requesting an upgrade to 9000watts. Following this there were issues with the system tripping the main fuse, which after much complaining and the intervention of the management company looking after the appartment has been resolved with Sifasa (this was a known system fault).

I have also had several very enjoyable stays at SM Village and am sure that the above issues (along with the slow resolution of the snagging list) are just part and parcel of buying property in spain off plan!

Regs.

Hi, Thanks for that. Yes it does now seem that it is a common fault. I have been advised by the electricity company that they have upgraded the power but now need to change the main fuse in the apartment as this is part of the problem. Fingers crossed. Regards, Stephen.

Hello  everyone,

 

Please can you all send this message to as many people as possible, these details regarding the FIRST INVITATION MEETING regarding Santa Maria Village.

As you are aware there are a few people? here who have not been told this and i have this confirmed by Deborah at Global and the Santa Maria Office, this meeting will go ahead.

Date:  MARCH 8TH 2007@ SANTA MARIA GOLF CLUB IN ELVIRIA. AT 3.30 PM.

It is of great concern that all the owners of a property on Santa Maria, attend this meeting as you will then get an up to date account of what is happening on your complex / urbanization.

If you have problems regarding community fees and so on, here is where you will then be up dated.

i will be there to see exactly what is being discussed as i live and work here.

The electricity problem may be for some people is there Lawyer has not put them on a sufficient wattage, especially with the air con Rheem is horrendous my apartment is freezing and we have it on for one hour and only the second bedroom is hot, if you use daikin it gives off so much heat it may cost more but the machine is the best on the coast, i have lived here for five years and over those years rented a few properties until my business was established and daikin is fantastic, you do not have o keep it on for long as you get instant heat, hence your bills are less.

 

The penthouses have the worst problem as the two units lower and upper floors where all connected wrong and have now been corrected.

if you have any enquiries please send me an email , as i deal with Antonio the builder constantly, he is a nice guy and he is dealing with the situation, but he has limited staff and this is the main problem at the moment.

 

The snaggings are not being sorted, slowly maybe but surely.

 

Hope to see you all there and at least you may get to meet your prospective neighbours.

Regards Debbiep

Hi Debbie,

Thanks for the update - I did receive an email from Debora about the meeting but not confirmation of the location or any Agenda.

I will definitely be there and hope that some of the discussion will be in English (still cant quite get my head around Spanish).

With regard to the power issues I have read about, I have not yet experienced any power failure but am aware that this can happen if the fuse rating is not big enough. My sister had the same problem at her place in Murcia. She spent a few Euros to have an electrician upgrade it.

I have LG air-conditioning equipment and it has all been working fine (so far).

Looking forward to March.

cheers,

Richard.

Hi,

Richard.

 

Your sister just had to contact the Electricity Company and they do spaek English and they would up grade her, the lawyers do this but never ever enough.

 

I have been to the Notary yesterday with a client from here and had to go back today to get a copy of the escritura, so i can organise this for the owner, ELECTRIC AND WATER, on the right level, as i have a client moving in today on a long term rental unfurnished, the owner sacked his Lawyer, so he saved a lot of money,

You have sufficient ,as i remember your apartment is a two bedroom , the clients i know so far have a three and , the Penthouses have the worst problems.

The developers are now working faster to complete the snaggings, i usually visit the builders office often and Baika has been of great help, Raul and Antonio, are also of great help.

 

Rosa contacted me regarding rentals and mentioned you had phoned there office, as i stated to you she only deals with me as she prefers a Management company she can trust to look after her tenants and make sure the apartments are in working order and thoroughly cleaned, she told me you had Sarah as your Management , how is she, has she had the baby yet'.

 

I will be at the meeting and i hope, it will not take long but i suggest you take a packed lunch.

 

Bye

 Debbiep

Hi Debbie,

You are right, I spoke with Lousie Sheppard after reading an article about Nick Lane & David Sheppards new venture at Greenlife. She asked me to send some info to her - and then about a week later I received an email from Rosa who I had not previously spoken with.

She mentioned she knew you in her email - and then I realised Rosa is the person you mentioned when we met.? Were you business partners once?

Anyway - we can have a chat at the meeting in March.

Sarah is due on Monday and we have guests arriving the same day. Great timing but they should be OK as we have given them full instructions, etc.

cheers,

Richard.

 

Hi,

Could somebody please post Debroahs email address from the management company Global, I have not received notification of the meeting yet. Is there any way for people who cannot attend to get their views/concerns/questions discussed at the meeting.

Hi Debbie, Thanks for the info on the meeting. I received no info about this meeting either but i will attend. Hope to see as many of you there. Regards, Stephen.

Hi Debbie - I will be attending the meeting on the 8th at SM Golf - can you confirm that it is still going ahead (I've now booked flights) and that the time is at 3.30pm.  I would also like to talk to you about your management package.  We will be arriving at SMV at around lunchtime on 7th March.......thanks Vic Skinner

 

Hi

Can anyone tell me if L.F.Os ( Habitation Licence)are in place for this development.

Thanks very much.

Hi,

 

We have a friend Raphael who works in the Town Hall in Marbella and he always checks things out regarding licences for me regarding my clients and friends, Santa Maria has just been caught up in the licences not being issued, due to the raid on the Town Hall of Marbella.

This has been linked to many more Town Halls , and Lawyers offices along the coastline, Santa Maria has no illegality at the moment, only the security box at the beginning of the Urbanisation, this is no Major Concern.

The Elections are due in May 2007 and hopefully this will then allow the licences to be relaesed but as in Spain this will not be done in July or August and June is to early, it may be around October 2007., from what i have been told by Raphael.

 

As for the lawyers asking you not to sign over they are making sure thay are not involved in any of the mix up from18months ago, this has made them very nervous, but Andalucia cannot afford to return monies to the owners, so it maybe that even the illegally built properties may even get pushed through in time.

I have business colleagues who have lived here for years and they do not have the first occupation licence to this day after 5 years.

If you cannot get Electricity in your name from  Endessa, ie:  TAKEN OFF THE BUILDERS SUPPLY this is then a sure sign they may know more than most OF US.

Regards Debbiep

I live here, and my business is Property Management,