Real Life Stories Buying A House In Marbella

Date Published:

09/07/2008

When PR Max Clifford is not making news headlines for his TV clients, he’s relaxing in his apartment in Marbella. He tells us what has been drawing him back there for the last 35 years Interview by Bernadette Costello.

Why did you buy in Marbella, Max?

The weather factor! The blue skies and the huge British community – and all the English speakers out there. It all appeals to me. Plus, it’s home from home. I have so many friends living there – hotel and restaurant owners. I also like the fact that it takes me just two hours and ten minutes on a private jet firm, Bombardier.

What have you bought?

A luxury three-bed, three-bathroom ground floor apartment in a new gated development called Las Alamandas. I bought in Phase II, – it’s one of 100 in the development and is in a lovely area called Nueva Andalucia, in the heart of the Golf Valley. It’s between Las Brisas and Los Naranjos golf courses. It was built by Banner Homes, an English builder. The three or four changes we made after seeing the show home were important for us, and they understood that. They got it just right – and it’s beautifully finished.

Has it been a good investment for you?

Yes, I bought it for about £600,000 and it has doubled in value. If I was living in Marbella I’d want a villa, but with an apartment you can lock it up and not worry about it. I spend two to three months a year in Marbella and the VIP Club maintain it and get it ready for when we arrive.

The Costa del Sol’s lifestyle and property industries have had some bad press recently – is any of it fair?

There are truths in the media stories but it’s overstated – there are more murders in London. So there is room for improvement. For instance, what about a policeman who can understand English and could help to reassure people? The cheap and nasty Marbella Belles programme was damaging and wasn’t a true reflection of the area.

Is Marbella a safe place to invest?

Yes, absolutely. Marbella has a new mayoress and a new system for buying and selling property. She’s making sure that everything is being done properly.

What top three tips would you give to future buyers in Marbella?

Firstly, make sure you know what is the right area for you, because I know plenty of people who’ve got it wrong. They went over there thinking a place would be a certain way and it turned out to be different. Secondly, be careful. Have an affiliation with an English-speaking lawyer, so you are tied in with the system. If you don’t understand what something means then you will get back-up from them. Also, you’ll be fully aware of what you’re signing and of any implications or potential problems. It’s vital to find out about any plans for future constructions. It might be a beautiful place now, but two years later they could build a block of flats there and ruin it for you. It’s largely common sense.

How do you spend your time in Marbella?

I swim every day and I play tennis. We’ve got lovely neighbours – they’re a mixture of English and Scandinavian. It’s quiet, it’s green and it’s beautiful.

How do you see the future of Marbella?

I want to see a true reflection of the Marbella I’ve known and loved for many years. I have a lot of confidence in the city’s new mayor: she genuinely wants to do something about making British people feel good again about buying property in Marbella.

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