Only 20 minutes from the coastal resort of Salobrena, this is Moorish Spain at its best. With the ancient Muslim terracing and irrigation system still used to this day, Los Guajares is sandwiched between the mountain ranges of Sierra del Chaparral and Sierra de Los Guajares.
This area boasts spectacular scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and is one of the most unspoilt environments in Granada. Running away to the south is the Sierra Nevada, stretching to the Costa Tropical, a 100 kilometres stretch of relatively undiscovered coastline that's full of hidden coves and resorts such as Salobrena, Motril and Almunecar. For those seeking low prices and a rural retreat, Los Guajares is ideal.
Why buy there?
This stunning valley offers a temperate climate that's warm during the winter months but slightly cooler than inland areas due to its proximity to the coast. There are many species of deer, birds and mountain goats, along with a number of hiking and walking trails.
The valleys abound with orange, chirimoya (custard apples), almond and olive groves, while the narrow streets and houses are covered in geraniums. The area is also easily accessible, only 20 minutes from the coast and Motril, and only an hour from Granada, which now receives direct flights from the UK.
This is an old part of Andalucia where the villages are whitewashed and the streets are narrow and winding. There's culture and history at every turn, with the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Alpujarras, the swathe of coastal towns, and the ruined Arab castle in Los Guajares itself. Add authentic tapas and fresh seafood, and you've got an unspoilt slice of traditional Andalucian life.
Where to buy
In Los Guajares itself, you have the three villages of Guajar Faraguit, Guajar Fondon and Guajar Alto. This old rural community offers a handful of bars and restaurants, and spectacular scenery. A two bedroom house can be picked up for a mere 67,000 euros, while 72,000 euros can secure you a fully renovated, traditional townhouse.
Further to the southeast is the whitewashed hilltop town of Salobrena. Surrounded by sugar cane fields, Salobrena is a picturesque seaside town, with many shops and resturants. Its maze of cobbled streets are overlooked by the ruins of a Moorish castle. Spend 145,000 euros and you can pick up a four bedroom apartment in the centre of Salobrena, while 155,000 euros will buy you a traditional house in the old town.
Molvizar is another traditional village. Situated on the edge of the Sierra del Chaparral, it lies in the stunning Lecrin valley, which is covered with almond and olive groves, and enjoys stunning views.
Molvizar is becoming popular with people looking for a quite village location but with access to the lively coastal town of Salobrena. There are many pretty, typically Spanish town houses for sale. A two bedroom cortijo here costs 284,000 euros, while a three bedroom townhouse is 106,000 euros.
Located near Motril, the village of Velez de Benaudalla nestles at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and is a typical mountain village, with sugar cube houses, mountain views and a traditional church. A new feature to Velez is the newly constructed dam, which promises water sports, picnic areas and more. In the not-too-distant future it will also be a haven for bird watchers and walkers, providing many aspects of rural tourism.
Property here starts at 116,000 euros for a one bedroom townhouse, while a two bedroom townhouse requiring some work can be purchased for 99,000 euros.
The property market
Granada is relatively unknown compared to much of Andalucia. Currently, over 48 per cent of property here sells for between 50,000 euros and 150,000 euros, and a quarter of all homes sold are village houses. On average, property sells for 85,000 euros less than the national average price of 245,000 euros.
The market in Los Guajares is very different from that of a few years ago, when people were buying everything from renovation projects to off plan investments and luxury villas. Over the last five years, prices have increased dramatically, at a rate of 15 to 20 per cent per annum. A property such as a cortijo, or village home, has risen in price from 30,000 euros to over 100,000 euros. Nevertheless, there are still bargains to be had, especially in villages such as Jete and Otivar.
There has also been an increase in the number of people buying and investing in the area. The market is very international, although recent months have seen more properties being sold to Spanish clients than in previous years, more city based Spaniards are looking to the Costa Tropical and inland areas of Los Guajares for second homes, especially those from Madrid and Barcelona.
This has helped to keep the market for 2005 successful in what appears to otherwise be a sluggish year, particularly in terms of the number of British buyers. 2005 is seeing a mix of buyers seeking both property to let and also property for permanent relocation. Although there are still bargains to be had, this could all change when the motorways are finished and Los Guajares becomes more easily accessible.
The lettings market
Due to the longer winter season than in the coastal areas, the short term lettings season in Los Guajares is shorter than it is in much of Andalucia. The region is more suited to those looking for a walking holiday, rather than a beach vacation. However, some owners do let their property during the summer, and most do this privately via the internet. This shows the quieter nature of the lettings market.
The income generated is less than you'd expect along the Costa del Sol, although prices are rising in conjunction with increased interest. There has also been a significant turnaround in the number of clients looking to secure a long term rental in the Los Guajares area prior to buying. This trend started in 2004 and has grown significantly over the last eight months.
In terms of rental returns, a one bedroom traditional property in Guajar Alto can generate 210 euros per week in low season and 320 euros in peak season. A two bedroom townhouse in Velez de Benaudalla can secure between 205 euros to 365 euros. In the more popular coastal area of Salobrena, a three bedroom villa can generate between 500 euros and 850 euros per week, depending on the season.
Living in Los Guajares
There is much to recommend this area, not least the tradition, culture and awesome scenery. However, there are negatives too. The region has a limited infrastructure and the remote location of many villages means limited resources, such as schools and hospitals.
The streets are often steep and narrow, which can hamper access by car, and the weather can also be harsher during the winter months than on the coast. If you're looking to buy here, you must be prepared to learn Spanish, and to respect the locals and their traditional way of life.
There is a strong local presence here, with a growth of Spanish second home buyers investing in the area. Foreign buyers tend to be semi retired couples and middle aged families who are looking to escape the busy coastal resorts. There are still relatively few British people here, and the foreigners who have bought property are a cosmopolitan mix of Canadians, Scandinavians and Americans. There's also a thriving artistic community keen to take advantage of the area's natural beauty.
Salobrena and the surrounding resorts are more touristy and built up than the inland villages, but the level of development remains acceptable. There's more of an expat community here, and certainly more attractions, but again, it hardly reaches the levels seen further west in the Costa del Sol.
Granada in figures
Unemployment: 19%
Total EU population: 8,032 (35% of which are British)
Language: Castilian Spanish
Average property price: 160,000 Euros
Total area of Granada: 12,635km2
Population of Granada Province: 818,959
Population density: 64.82km2
Tallest peak, Mulhacen: 3,481m
Length of coastline: 100km
Martin Dell is Managing Director of Kyero Media S.L. - publisher of the largest English-language property portal in Spain, http://www.kyero.com