The Ultimate Homes Blog

August on the Costa Blanca – There's More to Discover Than Just the Beach When most people picture the Mediterranean in August, they imagine golden beaches, bustling promenades, waterfront restaurants and the endless sound of the waves. It's an image we've all come to know and love. But there is another side to the Costa Blanca – one that begins the moment you leave the coastline behind. One of the greatest advantages of owning a home or holiday property here is that within just 30 to 60 minutes you can swap the sea breeze for mountain air, busy beaches for peaceful villages, and crowded resorts for spectacular landscapes rich in history, culture and nature. The Costa Blanca isn't just a beach destination – it's the gateway to some of Spain's most beautiful inland scenery. Escape to the Mountains from Benidorm Few places are more closely associated with beach holidays than Benidorm, yet just a short drive inland reveals a completely different world. The road win...

Altea is one of those towns on the Costa Blanca that you discover almost by chance and that, somehow, stay with you. When you arrive, what stands out are its whitewashed houses clustered on the hillside, rooftops reflecting the light, and, right at the top, the blue dome of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation. And yes, more than a few people compare it to the real Santorini—not as an exaggeration, but because it truly evokes those calm, white seaside places by the Mediterranean. Strolling through Altea’s Old Town is discovering the Mediterranean The first time you enter Altea’s old town, you might think it will be similar to other Mediterranean villages, but as soon as you start walking, you realize it has something different. The streets are narrow, with unexpected curves, and the cobblestone ground naturally slows you down, inviting you to notice every detail. As you climb toward the church square, the atmosphere becomes increasingly peaceful. There are small terraces with vi...

Click the photo if you like the view! Managing your non-resident taxes in Spain can be a complex task.   Your annual tax return for properties not rented out must be submitted by the end of the following year, with a deadline of 31st December. For example, imputed income accrued on 31st December 2022 must be declared within 2023. If you need help contact me, and I will put you on touch with a gestor who can ensure your taxes are filed on time.   What to do next? To get started, please email me at   barry@ultimatehomes-spain.com . I will take care of the rest. The deadline to file your payment with the Tax Agency on your behalf will be 21st December 2023.

Idealista have reported today that average asking prices have increased across Spain by 2.9% in the first quarter of 2023. And more importantly the asking prices in the Valencia region of resale property are up by 3.8%, and breaking it down further, in the province of Alicante by 3.1%. The price per square meter in the Alicante province currently stands at 1,908€ m2. You can read the full article from Idealista clicking here

I recently paid a visit to one of the many local bodegas in the Alicante area, Enrique Mendoza in Alfaz del Pi. It was a lovely surprise to receive the gift of a wine tasting event from my amazing wife, and so we arrived at the event just in time, starting at 12:00 prompt with our guide from the bodega.  We started  with a short discussion on the history of this family winery, how it grew from a small operation in Alfaz del Pi, and then outgrew Alfaz del Pi and bought up hectares of land in Villena, inland of Alicante and approximately 100 kms from Alfaz.  Then a visit to see the storage and the bottling facilities (which are still managed in Alfaz) and of course the best bit, the tasting.  Blessed by the good weather in early January, drinking a wine with the sun on your face, stunning surroundings, make sure you visit too! Seven wines, a selection of white and red and a sweet wine to finish, all were amazing and we were encouraged to drink and enjoy them, no s...

Latest figures from TINSA the Spanish property valuation company show that residential average property prices are up by 8.2% compared to 12 months ago, and up 2.4% over the last 3 months, despite the ongoing war in in Ukraine. I do see things slowing a bit as we head into the hottest months of the year, yet well priced property in good locations is still selling very quickly, one penthouse which I listed for sale only 10 days ago has had several viewings and competing offers. Check out our latest property updates and listings  here .

  BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT IN CALPE Making your needs come true Brand new 3 bedroom apartments with spacious terraces Sea views  Short walk from the beach and the Calpe center Fitted open plan kitchen Communal pool, gym and children's play area Garage parking and store room included in the price High quality finishes For more information, contact us  here  to arrange a site visit in person or virtually. Contact us here Here's a selection of new properties which have been added to our portfolio over the last few weeks. If you don't see what you are after,  contact us  and we will endeavour to locate it.  Altea 190,000 € Reformed two bedroom apartment with sea views overlooking Greenwich Marina. Click here to know more » Albir 115,000 € Cosy one bedroom apartment with communal pool in Albir, perfect lock up and leave apartment. Click here to know more » Sierra Cortina 249,000 € Beautifully reformed three bedroom townhouse with sea views in Mi...