If you are thinking of buying a property in Sotogrande, we have some very good news for you! Buy before 31st December and save between 1-3 % on property taxes on resale properties. This is something introduced by the Junta de Andalucia to help the economy recover in all of Andalusia. Perhaps the next question is, if it’s all over Andalusia, why buy in Sotogrande? Location, location, location.
Sotogrande boasts 25 km2 of leafy suburbs and waterways surrounded by recreational pursuits – golf, tennis, padel, equestrian hacks and polo, paint balling etc and a plethora of water sports too. Sotogrande attracts both the financially comfortable and the jet setters. It is also near to the major airports of Malaga and Gibraltar and the slightly smaller one of Jerez. The infrastructure is top drawer, the security top notch and the community is friendly and welcoming. Now more than ever we are re-evaluating the work/life balance and there is no finer place to enjoy yourself than Sotogrande.
If you like sailing, you can choose between buying your own boat from one of the brokers in the port. Enquire about moorings either from private individuals or from the harbour master – also called, ‘the tower’ in the port. Another possibility if you don’t want to buy is to charter a yacht or launch from time to time to enjoy with friends and family. There are also excellent sailing schools to brush up on your skills or learn from scratch. Just wander around the port and ring up a few of the schools that advertise their wares.
Sotogrande, with its easterly and westerly winds is a safe siren for sailors and it’s a popular destination for regattas. Naturally, there are a feast of other water sports on offer from wake surfing to kite boarding and water skiing. Jet skis are de rigur too. It is said that sailors are a superstitious lot. Maybe. But there are some great traditions that have grown up to honour and respect the sea, the fish and the livelihoods connected with it. Carmen the Virgin day is celebrated every July 16th and best enjoyed when not living through a pandemic.
It is a wonderful time when the Patron of Sailors and Fishermen is escorted out of Sotogrande Port surrounded by a cavalcade of boats manned by skilled captains. Pilgrims travel on foot to the port tower where the statue of the Virgen del Carmen is placed with “mucho gusto” onto her special boat. The night sky is lit with camera flashes and happy chatter fills the air.
Once the adrenaline flows, what could be more relaxing than to get back to shore and relax with friends on the terraces of some of the finest restaurants and bars that Andalusia has to offer? Another huge bonus to Sotogrande is that you can enjoy the outdoor living almost all year round and if a villa is a little too large you can always opt for a luxury apartment that you can lock up and leave and know that the grounds and pool will continue to be maintained in your absence and the day to day running of things is in the hands of seasoned administrators. Maybe you choose Sotogrande for year-round living. And why not? Sotogrande International School has an excellent reputation across the world as do the golf courses in and around Sotogrande.
We work now from anywhere in the world so long as we have good internet and how much more motivating to do so where the sun is shining and where the property market holds its value.