Altavista Property’s Michael Liggan featured in Essential Magazine’s June edition

The owner of Altavista Property, Michael Liggan, was recently interviewed by Essential Marbella magazine as part of a state of the market report that reviewed the real estate sector on the Costa del Sol. As the head of one of the most successful real estate agents and property developers in Marbella, Michael Liggan knows the market inside out. “We founded the company in the midst of a recession, and have seen Marbella’s fortunes turn around.” Having grown from strength to strength in the most difficult of economic circumstances, Altavista Property has earned a reputation as a specialist in the effective marketing of properties, and recently became one of the first of a wave of new developers partnering up with international funds and investors to develop the modern homes that are so in demand at the moment. “Marbella is not only where I work, it is also where I live and a place I feel passionate about, so I was very pleased to contribute to this feature.” From sales to project development Altavista Property is one of the agencies that over the past few years have earned a reputation as a specialist in marketing newly relaunched projects in Marbella. Working in collaboration with several leading banks and developers, they have successfully brought to the market developments such as Las Terrazas de Santa Clara, east of Marbella, Las Mimosas de Puerto Banús, Alamar in La Cala de Mijas, Los Lagos, Green Hills, La Resina, El Mirador de los Flamingos and Elviria Beach. The expertise developed in the sales and promotion of such stock is now, however, just as valid in the selling of newly designed and constructed real estate, and the natural progression from this is collaborating with investment funds and constructors to produce such projects as La Finca de Marbella in Río Real, backed by the Kuwaiti investment fund Unicapita. With regards to design, Michael Liggan says: “It took a leap of faith to make this move two years ago, but we could see which way the market was going and we knew there was strong demand for modern-contemporary property that combined quality with value for money. Open plan design is very popular, as are large windows, so we use top brands and where possible floor to ceiling windows, but also ensure that the designs themselves are unique enough to add value.” He believes the current white/modern styles will continue to dominate the scene for years to come, but that gradually variations of tone and design will evolve. “The only thing that seems irreversible is the ongoing development and inclusion of technology into homes.” The decision as to what kind of project, housing type and qualities to develop depends in large part on the land, its location and price. “To be able to offer a product that represents value you need to buy the land at a reasonable price and in a good location. Already competition for land is heating up and before long its relative scarcity will push prices up in the top locations, and development will again move towards the outer edges of Marbella and beyond.” Michael also sees a gradual return of bank loans for developers, though for now the conditions remain strict. When it comes to demand for such new properties, Michael says “There has been very little new construction in Marbella since before the official crisis and much of what is available on the market is out-dated and quite frankly not up to the standards of many of today’s second home buyers. Most are looking for something modern and well designed, and are now more particular about this than ever before.” So how do you add value and differentiate yourself from the competition? “The design of La Finca de Marbella is excellent and the qualities are top notch. It is important that all parties involved in such a project understand what the current market demands and plan accordingly. This project specifically is unique in the way that the interior and outdoor areas are integrated through the use of large widows. It’s quite seamless and the result impressive.” http://issuu.com/essentialmagazine/docs/essential_magazine_june_2015/0?e=1328685/13242898