After the news that Amanda Holden and Alan Carr are headed to sunny Andalucía to transform an older home into a charming new one, we offer some pointers for doing the same. Discover what you can get for your budget and our top tips for keen renovators.
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Amanda Holden and Alan Carr’s Spanish Job
Sunny southern Spain is calling Alan Carr and Amanda Holden…
BBC Factual has announced that Alan Carr and Amanda Holden have set their sights on southern Spain for their next (and biggest yet) project. Over two series, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr’s successful TV show Italian Job renovated two properties, one in Tuscany and the other in Sicily. For next to nothing, they have purchased a run-down Andalusian property in a forgotten area of the Costa del Sol and will transform it into a beautiful home. All the proceeds of the home sale will go to Comic Relief and Children in Need. Plus, they will do some exploring of this glorious Spanish region: touring its white-washed villages, the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and historic Moorish towns. As well as indulging in plenty of Sangria, watching Flamenco (which originates in Andalucía), and trying out their vocal chords at Spanish-style karaoke.
While the Costa del Sol is one of the most sought-after areas in Spain amongst international buyers, interest tends to focus along its coastline. Moving a little further inland you’ll find areas with a sparse population with a traditional, relaxed atmosphere. If the beach isn’t at the top of your wish list (or you don’t mind driving), then it is an excellent place to search for a tranquil countryside property.
Renovating your own home
Is a new home renovation project calling you?
Ever considered rolling up your sleeves and giving an older property a new lease on life? With properties for sale below €50,000, you can purchase an older property and give it a Cinderella moment: transform it into a truly beautiful home. This is a great option for those with a smaller budget but are still pining to unlock their future in Spain. So, if you’re skilled at DIY or eager to learn, could this be your next challenge?
Perhaps it’ll be your retirement project. Or, you could escape the humdrum of the office for the Spanish sunshine and a building challenge. Plus, there will be nothing more satisfying than getting to flick through “before” and “after” pictures.
What can I buy for my budget?
There are low-cost property options across Spain, each requiring different levels of renovation. Here are some homes looking for TLC from the Your Overseas Home property portal. You can use the filter to adjust to only show homes within your price range.
Three/four bedroom, Somontin, Almería, €50,000
With terrace views and the peaceful pace of village life, this home comes with lots of potential.
See more properties for sale in Almería.
Two-bedroom, Sedella, Málaga, €50,000
Is a rooftop terrace a massive tick for you? Enjoy views of the village, mountains and the surrounding countryside.
Málaga the place for you? See more homes for sale there.
Five-bedroom, Pinoso, Alicante, €55,000
While this home is already connected to the water, electricity and sewage, its interior could definitely do with a revamp. But with a wood-burning fireplace and two living areas, it has good bones.
Alicante home hunters head here for more.
Land plot, Cala Canyelles, Costa Brava, €79,500
If you are feeling especially ambitious, what about buying a land plot for sale and building your dream home on it? This large land plot appreciates a beautiful sea view and a south orientation.
Check out more Costa Brava properties.
Have a browse of other land plots for sale across Spain.
Three-bedroom, Córdoba, €51,000
The electricity and water will need to be reconnected to this townhouse. Plus, its interior could do with significant modernising. But it is located in a lovely part of Andalucía.
See more properties for sale in Córdoba here.
Hear from those that have already made the move on how to save money while living in Europe…
5 tips for renovating a Spanish property
1. Prepare before you buy
It is worth getting a survey done before you purchase, to help you to identify and budget for any major renovations. Buying an older home can be a massive undertaking. You may want to contact a lawyer, to ensure that your plans can go ahead. It’s important to really consider whether you have the resources, time and energy to dedicate to its renovations before you buy. You don’t want an older home sitting there, empty, summer after summer, because fixing it up feels like too much work, and then having to sell it (possibly for less) later on down the line.
2. Upgrade while retaining the home’s older charm
Often, older Spanish properties can have a certain beauty, even if they are falling apart on the insides. White-washed exteriors, exposed wood beams inside, wood-burning fireplaces. Rather than gutting the whole home, you might want to preserve these features while upgrading kitchen facilities, plumbing and more. This could benefit you when you come to sell as many property buyers seek out the aesthetic of an older home but want the reliability of a newer one.
3. Employ local tradespeople
If it’s too big a job and you could use a hand or several, chat to your neighbours for recommendations on reliable local tradespeople.
4. Think about the climate
If you’ve revamped some homes in the UK, don’t just replicate the process in Spain. The country enjoys 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, with white and lighter colours reflecting this best. Visit neighbour’s homes, shop locally, and look through design magazines to get some inspiration more fitting of your Spanish home.
5. Consider resale value
One of the most satisfying aspects of renovating a property is getting to put it on the market and see how much it grows in value. You might want to prioritise renovations that will have the most significant impact on the resale value. Perhaps every room being painted that spectacular shade of blue could wait until the plumbing is faultless.
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