Apartments, Villas and Townhouses for sale in Nerja
Information on NerjaIn Nerja, the mountains and sea create beautiful scenery between the cliffs of Maro and the Caves of Nerja.
Inhabitants 15009.
Temperature, annual average: 19.5°
Nerja has been inhabited for about 30,000 years. It was occupied by the Romans, and later under the Abderraman rule it became an important locality, where the poets praised the beauty of Nariza, and the silk works. The benign climate, the beauty of its beaches, coves and cliffs have made the area very popular with tourists. Despite the tourist development, Nerja retains much of its spirit as a fishing village. The tourist can visit the rotunda ( Balcon de Europa ), which is situated on a cliff top, where once a castle stood. Today we can also still see the remains of the Roman road Castulo-Malaga. Other interesting sights
are the church Iglesia Parroquial de Salvador and the hermitage Ermita de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias. In the district of Maro the tourist should visit the Ingenio and aquaduct, Acueducto de Aguila, the cliffs and of course the famous caves, Cuevas de Nerja - which is considered a prehistoric cathedral.
The most important celebrations are the 15th May, and the 10th October, the great procession of San Isidro, and in July the procession of the Virgen del Carmen. In summer, the local population usually celebrate international dance, music and Flamenco festivals in the caves.
Fish with paprika, clams and migas ( fried breadcrumbs ), and the cake Torta Sanjuanera are some of the local traditional dishes.
Approximately 60km east of the city of Malaga and the International Airport. Originally a fishing village, Nerja retains much of its charm with quaint narrow streets and few high rise buildings. The town, embraced by the beautiful Sierra Almijarra mountain range, is reputed to enjoy the finest climate in Europe; the famous Balcon de Europa reaches out to sea with superb views along the rugged coastline. Nerja
has an excellent many countries in the world. Burriana Beach, one of the finest beaches on the Costa del Sol is safe for swimming. Tennis, squash, golf, skiing and a variety of watersports are available on the eastern Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical. The
Alhambra Palace and the Ski Resort in Granada are within 2 hours drive. Sevilla and Cordoba are also within driving distance. Locally the lovely white villages of Frigiliana and Competa are of interest, together with the various wine and olive routes that weave through the mountains.
Frigiliana
Frigiliana, " the pearl of Axarquia ", is one of the last whitewashed villages of Andalucia. ( Just six kilometers above Nerja, in the foothills overlooking the Mediterranean coast ), Frigiliana dates from prehistoric times.
The village has been inhabited by numerous civilisations from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs, who had the greatest impact on the town's development. During the Christian reconquest, Frigiliana was the site of numerous battles culminating in the famous battle of the Rock of Frigiliana in 1569, which ended in the complete expulsion of the Moorish people.
One can learn the history of this struggle by walking through the streets of the historic section
where there are series of twelve ceramic plaques posted about which explain the entire story.
It is especially curious that much of the historic section was built from the rocks of the pillaged Arab castle. The whitewashed houses and the many popular architectural features like the parapets, courtyards, and waterworks and the like are very much in the Moorish tradition. This tradition, along with the general cleanliness of the town has led to the sweet nickname given to the inhabitants " Aguanosos " or people of the water. In all Frigiliana and its properties have a unique character and charm. The town has a very good range of small shops, bars and excellent restaurants and of course its own fiestas, concerts, carnivals and religious celebrations. They even run Bulls through the narrow streets in June ! Many of the inhabitants consider it unnecessary ever to go to Nerja !
Competa
The mountains and the town itself create one of the most spectacular urban enclaves of Malaga, from which we can distinguish the " Montes de la Axarquia ".
Inhabitants: 2515
Temperature, annual average: 17.5°
History and scenery.
Competa played a very important part in the role of the Moorish rebellion of La Axarquia led by Ben Humeya, which took place on a slope of the " Sierra Almijarra ", know as " Comisa de la Costa del Sol".
Festivities and traditions.
The most important festivals are the festival of San Sebastian, and The wine night, during the festival the people can enjoy a magnificent Flamenco spectacle, and taste the local wine, which is awarded with the prestigious distinction D.O. The " Asadura Pastoril " is a kind of roast meat with almonds, garlic and bread and is just one example of traditional gastronomy.
Competa is situated 650m above sea level. Due to its moderate and healthy climate a lot of people prefer this area, being situated some distance from the sea enables Competa to enjoy a moderate climate during the winter months. In an incomparable landscape, Competa is set in the Sierra Almijara Nature Park, some 650m above sea level, with breathtaking views to the sea and mountains. The village of Competa like many others in the area has an Arabic origin, and dates back to before Moorish times.
For centuries it has been a centre for wine and raisins, and is today famous for its various wines. Strolling through Competa you will find yourself completely immersed in a village that with it's narrow white-washed streets and flower-covered balconies, appears impervious to the passage of time. Only 30 minutes drive from the coast, with its moderate climate, Competa offers a wonderful base, either for living or taking a holiday. Spend a morning taking coffee in one of the traditional bars in the backstreets, and then head off to the beach for the afternoon. Alternatively, head north for a couple of hours drive to Granada to visit the Alhambra or even go skiing. If it's peace and quiet you're after, just stay at home in Competa, home to painters, writers and artists from all over the world. Towards the end of July, the village comes alive and spends three days celebrating the Feria of San Sebastian - not to be missed.
Maro
The second urban nucleus of Nerja, with its' Moorish flavour and more than 800 inhabitants, most of them fisherman, has played a star role in the histroy of Nerja. This is shown by monuments like El Ingenio, Trapiche or Mill, the 17th century church of Neustra Senora de las Maravillas, the sugar factory and the nature reserve of Los Acantilados, without forgetting its Acueducto de Aguila.
Maro also has a magnificent beach which is part of the more than 16km belonging to Nerja, together with those of Burriana, Calahonda, Playazo, Caribeo, La Torrecilla, El Salon, La Caleta de Maro, Rio de la Miel, or El Canuelo, - all of them with clear waters. In all of them you will have the opportunity of practising, among other sports, underwater fishing. During the year, the traveller can enjoy Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men, The Feasts of San Anton in Maro, the Carnivals in February, an interesting Holy Week, the Romeria of San Isidro on May 15th, the typical feasts of San Juan in June, the Maritime Procession of the Virgen del Carmen in July, the Festivals of Music and Dance of the Nerja Caves in July and August, the Feasts of the Maravillasin Maro from the 8th to the 10th September, and the Patronal Feasts from the 9th to the 12th October.
We have to mention perhaps the most important role which Maro has played, because it was five boys from the locality who on January 12th, 1959, quite by chance found a narrow access to a cave that, after having been inhabited for millennia in Prehistoric times had been closed because of the shifting of the terrain.
Costa Del Sol
The southern coast of Andalucia has been a popular destination for travellers and tourists for many years now. The quality of life and picturesque scenery has long been a major attraction. Andalucia, which has been occupied by the Romans and the Moors has developed its very own character, somewhat distinct from other provinces in Spain.
The southern coast of Andalucia has been a popular destination for travellers and tourists for many years now. The quality of life and picturesque scenery has long been a major attraction. Andalucia, which has been occupied by the Romans and the Moors has developed its very own character, somewhat distinct from other provinces in Spain.
The geography of the area ranges from the hard rugged mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada, to the golden beaches of the south. The majority of the coast meets the Mediterranean, although east of Gibraltar it also borders the Atlantic. This diversity within Andalucia means the region can offer every kind of water sport from fishing to diving to surfing, along with safe shallow waters for the youngsters and novice swimmers. Furthermore, away from the hot beaches of the south, about two hours drive inland takes you to the ski resorts of Granada.
Golf is extremely popular on the coast, with many courses suitable for all standards of play right up to major international competitions. Just away from the coast, the foothills of the larger mountain ranges provide an excellent location for activites such as painting, horse riding, walking and wildlife spotting. Andalucia also boasts numerous beautiful lakes and national parks, with an abundance of wildlife including flamingos, eagles, hawks and many other birds along with wild boar, deer, snakes and reptiles and even the occasional wolf. On a clear day North Africa can also be seen from many of the beaches.
Malaga, the main city on the coast, is a city of contrasts. It is a bustling business centre with an industrial port, industrial estates and factories, an international airport and university, but also offers historic buildings, a some of which are over one hundred years old ), excellent shopping and even has its own beaches. Two hours drive from Malaga is Gibraltar, famous for its tax free shopping, finance houses, and its apes who live at the top of the rock.
Communications have been greatly improved over the last twenty years in the region, and you can now be in Madrid within approximately four to five hours from Malaga, by train or by car. Several new motorways have been constructed along the coast making east - west travel much faster as well. At present the motorway is being extended westwards towards Almeria.
PURCHASE PROCESS
Purchase Contract
Buying " Off Plan "
Buying Finished or Resale Property
Escritura Publica
Signing the Deed of Sale
Registration
IBI Receipt
Referencia Catastral ( Catastral Reference )
Purchase Contract ( contrato de compraventa ).
The first stage in buying a property in Spain is the signing of the contract ( contrato de compraventa).
Buying " Off Plan ".
When buying an uncompleted property " off plan ", a reservation deposit usually secures a property with the balance to paid in stages. The contract includes details such as the purchase price, the payment of a deposit, the schedule for payment of the balance or stage payments, any extras that you have agreed to purchase, and the intended date of completion. The normal stage payments are 10 per cent on signing the contract, 30 per cent within 30 days, 30 percent on the completion of the roof and the final 30 per cent on completion, although this can vary according to the constructor and development.
Buying a Finished or Second-Hand Property.
When you sign the contract ( contrato privado de compraventa ) for a new or a second hand property ( or a plot of land ) you must pay a deposit. If you are buying a property privately, you must usually pay a deposit of 10 per cent when signing the initial contract, although this can ocasionally be negotiable. Once you have paid the deposit there is a legal binding agreement between you and the vendor. Note that if you fail to complete the sale within the specified time limit, you can be liable to losing your deposi and property sales in Spain, are not subject to contract.
From then till the completion of the purchase, your lawyer will take care and assist you in all the different steps involved in the transaction, ensuring that all Spanish Legal requirements are met, that the property is registered in the vendor's name and that it is free of any outstanding mortgages, charges, encumbrances, debts or other liabilities.
Finally on the day fixed for the completion, your lawyer will go to the Notary Public to sign The Title Deed, making the final payment to the vendor, who will simultaneously pass over possession of the property to you. At this stage the sale is completed. Immediately after completion, the notary will fax details of the title deed to the local land registry to inform them of the identity of the new owner so as to prevent the property being sold twice. In this way the Notary and the Land Registry act together to protect and guarantee your interests.
Escritura Publica.
The most basic paper of all is your title deed. This shows the registered owner on record with an incontestable title. The original title deed is always filed at the Notary, so you will receive an authorised copy. Unlike some systems of property registration, in Spain it is not the piece of paper itself which counts but it is the inscription in the Registro de la Propiedad, the property registry office. If you lose your deed, you can always get another copy from the Notary. Listed on the inscription in the property registry are any liens, charges or mortgages against the property. Back taxes however are not listed. A prospective purchaser will need to get a Nota Simple from the registry, which is an extract showing the basic information and any charges against the property. However, it would be wise to see a copy of the full title deeds as well.
Signing the Deed of Sale.
The final act of the sale is the signing of the deed of sale ( escritura de compraventa ) and the payment of the balance due, usually paid by bankers draft unless otherwise arranged. Non-resident purchasers must obtain a certificate from a Spanish bank stating that the amount to be paid has been exchanged or poder general ) to sign a contract on your behalf - this is a common procedure for foreign buyers.
Registration.
When the contract is signed the, Notary will give you a certified copy ( primera copia ) of the deeds. A notarised copy is lodged at the property registry office ( registro de la propiedad ) and the new owners name is entered on the registry deed. As noted above, you should ensure that the escritura is registered immediately after signing it, if necessary by registering it yourself. Registering ownership of a property is the most important act of buying property in Spain. Only when the escritura de compraventa is registered and becomes an escritura publica are you the legal owner of the property.
IBI Receipt.
Your receipt for the paid-up Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, the Real Estate Tax, is an important item. The IBI receipt shows first that the estate tax is paid for the current year. Also it shows the amount of the Valor Catastral, the official assessed value of the property for tax purposes. This value is usually less than the real market value. The IBI receipt also confirms the existence of the house and as such is therefore registered for taxes, which can be an important point when no Escritura Publica exists and the owner holds the property only by virtue of a private contract. Finally, the IBI must be presented when you sign the contract at the notary as it also displays the number of the Referencia Catastral, which, since 1997, is a required part of the documentation in property transfers.
Referencia Catastral ( Catastral Reference ).
The Catastral Reference is the file number of the properties registration in the land registry, which in Spain is called the Catastral, a word that exists but is rarely used in English, and which means the land registry. Property is registered here by its measurements and boundaries and physical characteristics, unlike the Property Registry which is more concerned with ownership and mortgages. Land descriptions on the title deeds can be sometimes be quite vague. The Catastro is usually more accurate, because they are constantly updating their information, with regular inspections using aerial photographs to check the physical reality of land and houses.