The Diary Of Kristina Szekely
Poster: Kristina Szekely 01/01/2008
As we start the new year it’s a good time to look back on what was a difficult 2007, especially for Marbella, but there are many positive signs for 2008. Towards the end of the year we were pleased on one particular day to attend the signing of four properties in Marbella and one in Sotogrande, ranging from an apartment up to a plot of land valued at nearly €7 million. It is true that things have been tough the past year – all of us in the industry have had to work harder to achieve the same, or even less, results – but there is definitely more optimism for 2008. Marbella Town Hall has settled down now and is giving us a lot of help as far as promoting the area is concerned. Another good omen was when I attended a major overseas property exhibition in London. The previous year, there had been a somewhat cooler reaction to buying property on the Costa del Sol but this time it was much more positive. I believe developments will once again take off this year, helped by the fact that the licence situation is being resolved. It all looks quite good and, as I never tire of pointing out, how many other parts of the world can claim to have such great weather! On 1 December, when we had our party, the sun was shining and it was a lovely day. This is, and will always be, our prime natural attraction. People from northern Spain love coming and settling here. They all look forward to a life that is so much easier. The traffic in Madrid, for example, is a torment − so congested and you waste so much time. The other night I had to wait 25 minutes for a taxi. Luckily it was just cold, but when it rains as well…!Back in Marbella, one of our main events last month was a special presentation at Incosol featuring a Mexican project we are promoting in the Yucatan peninsular – with Jack Nicklaus II, son of the great golfer, as the star guest. It was a very successful night, with more than 300 people enjoying the party and able to see how this stunning development, which includes a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, marina, five-star hotel, commercial centre, restaurants and spas, is taking shape. The inspection trip for this project is a direct flight from Málaga on 22 January.I was also delighted to welcome my friends to the traditional party I host in early December, with the theme a “head disguise”; and I loved our new-style staff party which was held later in the month. This year we decided to hold it in the Benabola head office, and everyone brought their own favourite dish. It seemed as though just about every nationality was represented, from Scandinavian and British to Spanish and South American. Another great time was had when we hosted our staff for the Christmas party in Madrid, at the Castafiore restaurant – where the waiters perform opera and arias between dishes. It’s always a pleasure to be in Madrid over the festive period, with gorgeous street decorations and a stunning ambience. The property market in Madrid is quite healthy, especially at the top end. Many people are buying apartments in the city centre – for example, we have a new project in the La Castellana area – where clients can obtain good returns on their investment if they decide to let out the property they buy. There are, in fact, quite close business and personal links between Marbella and the Costa del Sol, and these will become even closer with the inauguration of the high-speed AVE rail link (due to happen towards the end of December). This will change business completely, and be an excellent bonus for the real estate market, with the journey from Málaga to Madrid taking just over two hours. I’m looking forward to my first trip on the AVE this month.Also this month, as I mentioned above, we are arranging a four-day inspection trip from 22 to 26 January which will take in Panama as well as Mexico. Personally I think Panama is fantastic. When I was there I felt like it was the epicentre of the world, since it is easily accessible from South and North America, as well as Europe − and the project is amazing: the highest skyscraper in Latin America, with the most incredible views over the city, canal and sea, and an exciting night-life of casinos and restaurants. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to visit Mayan ruins and drink tequila in Mexico; and cross the Panama Canal with live-music on board and meals and drinks included. Anyone interested in joining the trip, call our office. In the meantime, I wish you all a wonderful 2008. I just know it’s going to be a great year.
