Happy New Year 2009

As we ended 2007 we knew that the downturn of property buying in Spain would continue, but we thought that by the end of the year 2008, there would be more confidence in the market. Who could have forecast a "World Wide Economic Crisis" and the pounds value falling against other currencies.

This has had a profound effect on our clients, especially the British, quite a few people now have to revaluate their position and set their goals a little lower, in some cases (people with lower budgets) will have to put their plans on hold until the market is more buoyant.

The Best Time To Buy!

Not everything is doom and gloom; there are so many Spanish houses for sale, and so few buyers, anyone in a position to buy will find themselves a terrific bargain. We are being asked every week to reduce prices on our website Custom-4u, but not only that some vendors are accepting offers that 6 months ago they wouldn't even contemplate.

So what will 2009 bring?

I'm sure for a lot of you, who are reliant on selling your own property before you can move; there will be many frustrations and doubts, as to whether you will ever make a new life in Spain. This is nothing new, even when the markets are buoyant there can still be frustrations. We bought our Spanish house in 2004, but it took another 13 months before we managed to sell our house in England and move permanently.

We can honestly say we've been there and done that. As frustrating as things appear it is important to ride out the storm, at the same time make the most of what you have, in the country you are living.

Be positive, it will happen, it may not happen this year, if it doesn't you will be another year wiser.