Manilva is having a moment
Once maligned as one of the less desirable limits of the Costa del Sol, Manilva has been having a moment.
Sitting around 45-60 minutes’ drive from Malaga, the simpler and unpretentious Manilva enjoys all the advantages of the Costa’s big hitters, yet it's a bit more laid back than the glitzy Marbella and Puerto Banus. What’s more, as property prices have been rising in the hot spots around Marbella, the affordability of the fringes – west around Estepona and then onto Manilva and Puerto de la Duquesa; and east towards Nerja and Torrox Costa - have been key trends in the post-pandemic era.
So why the change?
When the Spanish property boom came to such an abrupt end in 2008, Manilva was left with a glut of endless apartment blocks that had been built by developers in the frenzied construction era of the early 2000s. As the market sharply contracted and buyers disappeared overnight, properties sat unsold, whilst others became bank repossessions as developers went bust.
But canny buyers began to see that the area – also home to the marina of La Duquesa (as it’s known for short) – was full of opportunities to get a bargain if they were happy to sit back and wait as the area improved – and bounced back. There’s also a sense that many of the more famous resorts have become overpriced and that there is a lack of new homes in these areas that are now more fully built out.
Something for everyone
From the historic charm of the Old Town to the relaxed fishing village of Sabinillas, Manilva offers something for everyone. La Duquesa’s marina and waterside restaurants have been growing in popularity – some refer to it as the ‘new Puerto Banus’ and golfers like it since the addition of La Duquesa Golf and Country Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones. There’s also the authentic appeal of the white village of Manilva Pueblo that looks down on the vineyards where the area’s famous sweet wine is produced.
The area has managed to retain more of a classic holiday atmosphere, with hotels, chiringuito beach bars, apartment complexes and traditional fish restaurants – and is popular with many who live or work in nearby Gibraltar. The fact that the area is easily reached from two international airports is another tick box for buyers.
The proximity of the luxury golf and marina resort of Sotogrande with its international school, boutiques and restaurants is another key draw for some. The area is growing in demand for holiday rentals – something that investors have been noting – with the prospect of long-term capital appreciation.
Amongst those that have realised its appeal are brother and sister Michael and Kate, who you might have recently seen on the TV series buying a three-bedroom property in La Duquesa for £177,000. It was during lockdown that Leena and Tom fell in love with La Duquesa marina whilst watching episodes of A Place in the Sun TV programme and ended up buying a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment there for £116,000.
What can you buy?
As mentioned, prices have been rising but you can still find homes for less than €200,000. Many are still only just reaching what they were selling for back in 2006/7. In Manilva and La Duquesa you can find one or two-bed apartments or a semi-detached townhouse from around €160,000 – you could even get a three-bed apartment in a block in Sabinillas for €195,000.
But there really is a wide choice of attractive apartment options for €199,000 to €220,000, from modern penthouses to Andalusian style urbanisations. You’ll find a three-bedroom, three-bath townhouse with sea views from the roof terrace for €275,000, but equally you can find plenty of luxury villas too for north of €1m.
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