According to research perfomed by Primelocation house prices in the ultra high end property bracket in the UK  have performed well over the last year. the report indicates that the top 25% of the market has grown by 3.7% over the last 12 months, showing an average value of £449,095.

The top 10% ultra high end property prices have risen by 6% during the same period with an average value of £618,706.

London

Prime £1,082,896, gained 0.2% Ultra £1,632,764, gained 7.8%

Wales

Prime £341,043, gained 4.4%  Ultra £461,866, 9.2%

West Midlands

Prime £377,085, fell 0.9% Ultra £527,983, gained 1.9%

Scotland

Prime £385,584, gained 6% Ultra £530,023, gained 7.8%

Yorkshire & Humber

Prime £342,016, gained 4.3% Ultra £477,843, gained 4.9%

Spending time in the properties we have for sale in La Zagaleta is, I feel really important as it really helps us understand some of the finer points each villa has to offer. This involves taking a couple of hours in each property and getting to know it inside out. This not only gives a feel of just what makes the house special, but also assists us when it comes to matching potential buyers with their ideal home. This seems obvious, but makes a massive difference when we build a potfolio of houses for our clients to view.

Following on from some of the houses featured here, we spent some time in what I would describe as a more traditional property on our last visit to the estate. The thing that really got me about this home is its beautiful, flat plot. Firstly upon entering the villa, it becomes immediately obvious that the owner has purchased the plot nearest to the access road, to ensure he had some front garden space, giving extra distance from the road leading past his house. Because of this it would be possible to build additional staff quarters up to approximately 150m2 in size.

The driveway leads up to a circular court yard that would assist you in turning your vehicles around and also looks fantastic. When you enter into the hallway of the house you have a high ceiling and grand staircase, looking up you see a library and dark wood ceilings. Straight ahead you have a large lounge and beyond you start to appreciate the excellent useable garden this house has. To the right of the lounge there is a dining room that is extremely bright because of all the natural light. To the left of the living room, there is an oak-panelled separate area  that would serve well for entertaining, there happens to be a full size snooker table there at the moment. This room gives off the aura of a gentlemens club in Mayfair, exuding real classical elegance.

I strolled out into the garden after this and really felt a sense of space and total privacy. There is a large flat lawn area and the pool is to the right if you are standing south. Walking to the end of the garden you have clear views of the sea and the estate. The pictures I have included depict this garden reasonably well, but walking around the grounds really is a relaxing experience. You can actually walk around a path that travels 360 degrees around the house, passing through landscaped areas that children would love to explore. Back in the house and upstairs to the master bedroom, that  takes up the whole floor and is finished in the style that reminds me of a suite in Claridges.

I have included a shot from the bedroom terrace that as you can see has fabulous views. To see more interior images of this La Zagaleta villa for sale click on the link. This is a five bedroom house with an internal size of nearly 1300m2 on a plot close to 9500m2. The overall feel of this house is classical, although I do think because of its location within the estate and unique garden area clients who are looking for something a little more modern should not rule it out, as with some aesthetic changes and bringing the pool directly in front of the house at the end of the plot would also give you spectacular results.

I spent a morning this week viewing a house currently under construction in the La Zagaleta estate that should be completed by this summer. The property is situated in one of the highest points in the development, sector H and because of this the property does have amazing views from every room in the house. The entire structure has been erected and the distribution of the rooms in complete, so you can really start to appreciate the size of this La Zagaleta property for sale. The overall size of this house will be 2700m2 spread across seven bedrooms, with a complete spa area on the lower ground level.

 The photograph below is actually taken from the edge of the upper ground swimming pool.

There are a total of four swimming pools, three outdoors and one indoor with some excellent features and qualities that will make this one of the highest specification properties for sale within the entire development. The lounge area has great views and an infinity pool that cascades down to the lower ground level pool by the way of a glass waterfall. Views when you are swimming will be nothing short of spectacular, because of the height of the plot.

The best grade Italian marble will be used throughout and all the fixtures and fittings will be of the highest standard. The other plus of this property is that it is only five minuted from the North entrance of the estate, giving you quick access to the Ronda road and your links to Marbella and beyond.

I had written a description of a La Zagaleta villa for sale on this blog a few posts ago, because I have seldom been as impressed by a property as much as this. I have some additional photos now that will help convey the entrance, driveway and a side view that  illustrates the size of this La Zagaleta property. As you can also see from these images you have a fabulous sea view and a great deal of privacy.

It took about two full hours to view this property properly and also fully understand the work that has been done to produce such a villa, every room you enter makes you give an audible "wow". The house is only a short drive from the South entrance, therefore giving quicker access to the outside amenities of La Heredia and Monte Halcones.

During this visit we also looked at the newer, Los Barrancos clubhouse that complements the new course perfectly. Completed in 2007 and in the North West quadrant of the estate, Los Barrancos was a mammoth undertaking by any standard and the cost of €20,000,000 should give you an idea of how exceptional it is. Troon Golf have been assigned to maintain both courses, as their philosophy is very much in line with that of La Zagaleta "only the best is good enough". Enjoy these pictures and believe me, even these don´t prepare you for just how fabulous this house is when you visit it is person!

We have been a bit busy over the last month, expanding the section on our website entitled luxury apartments Marbella and we now have over 150 properties that,  we feel, offer the very best in apartment living in the Marbella region of the Costa Del Sol. We have also expanded the area a little, as if we regard specific properties to be of an exceptional standard we will feature them on our site, therefore there are some things that would geographically be regarded as the Estepona area. We do have resales in all of the most highly regarded developments and also lesser known complexes that still offer exclusivity and luxury to prospective purchasers.

The market does seem to be dividing itself into very clear segments, with sub-prime, prime and super-prime. The bottom end of the market is definitely suffering the most as there is a massive oversupply of low quality, poorly located properties currently offered for sale. This glut may take many years to clear and with the lack of mortgage liquidity and number of repossessions at this level being placed on the market, prices for sub-prime can only go one way.

Conversely, at the mid to high level we are seeing cash buyers entering back into the market, where clients had previously shelved their plans to purchase when they saw the market start to tank in 2005-2006 many now feel this is a good time to re-visit their plans. Of course if you have a very strict criteria or are development specific it is difficult to find something with substantial reductions and if you are looking for ultra-prime with huge discounts you will probably end up a little dissapointed. On a positive note, vendors will listen to non-derisory offers and if you are a cash buyer and can move quickly then this can help with negotiations. The fact is that there are few places that offer as much as Marbella can, including infrastructure, amenities and family friendly locations. Then you have the weather! Although today is the sunniest day we have had for a while, the rain isn´t representative of the year round temperate climate we enjoy.

For those of you looking for a good quality apartment or penthouse in the area, please get in touch with us for a no-nonsense appraisal of the market and large selection of properties for you to view. You will see we listen very carefully to exactly what you want, then provide you with a portfolio that matches your criteria.

We have listed a very modern La Zagaleta villa for sale , that looks directly across the first tee of the golf course and towards the sea. The house has a grand entrance and either side of the front door you have an area currently filled with white stones, that has been designed to be filled with water, couple this with clever LED lighting and you would have a fantastic effect. Upon entering the property you are greeted with a massive, high vaulted ceiling that really gives you the impression of space and because the majority of the houses facade is made of windows, both the views and light are incredible.

Above the lounge area the in a mezzanine walkway that leads you to a great area on the second level that could have a number of uses, an office space with exceptional views or chill out area. All the rooms and guest bedrooms are particularly spacious and the master bathroom is exceptional, with a really special Brazilian grey marble finish that I have never seen in any other property before.

There is excellent flow from the lounge area to the Balinese style pool area, complete with decking and pergola, again with great views of golf course and the sea. The flooring within the house is high grade marble mixed with a dark wood, similar to the finish in the Laguna De Banus apartments in Marbella. Going below ground and you have then get a good idea of how well this house has been made, as the machine room is organized and well planned out. You have a separate staff apartment and a large room that could accomodate either a private cinema or an indoor pool should you wish, as when the property was constructed consideration was made for this these options.

This is a spacious well finished La Zagaleta property that would suit those who like contemporary, clean architecture with a slight Balinese twist.

I have written many things about the La Zagaleta on my blog and after spending some time there over the weekend I think there are a few things that prospective buyers should do when they view properties there. Strangely enough, many people who actually have a house there haven´t visited the new, purpose built Los Barrancos clubhouse over in the North West sector of the estate. This is an altogether more intimate place to enjoy a drink and talk about how well (or otherwise if you are me) your round of golf went. The Los Barrancos course was only completed 3 years ago at an approximate cost of €20,000,000.

Many people interested in this estate don´t quite realize just how large the estate is (900 Hectares) and it is definitely worth taking the time to drive around the development and understand the aspect of each sector. There is, of course the established course originally built upon La Zagaletas´conception in the early 90´s designed by the Californian Bradford and Benz. To maintain these two exceptional courses, Troon have recently been appointed by the owners, as there philosophy and reputation in looking after exclsuive golf resorts is well documented.

To give you an idea of the cost of membership, firstly it is important for you to understand that you must own either a property or a plot within the estate in order for you to be a member. To join the golf club you will pay €120,000 for a lifetime membership fee, this is not a golf share and is therefore non transferrable. You will then pay €8000 per year to use the facilities, should you wish to have other family members join there is a €9000 entrance fee with the residual €8000 per year. There are many great activities that you can take part in, but it is worth noting that the €8000 does not cover the cost of using the equestrian centre.

Overall this estate is suited to people who enjoy a high level of privacy, coupled with the highest level of security available. Some of the most desireable properties in Europe are situated in this site and given there are only 400 houses permitted to be built ( a density level that won the estate the Ford award for conserving nature) you will never be at risk of over development. Luxury living at its best.

I had the pleasure of spending part of Saturday afternoon looking at a villa in the La Zagaleta estate in Benahavis. I must say it is one of the most impressive and well thought out houses I have been in, not just in this estate, but throughout my whole career in the property industry. I should add that I have seen some fantastic houses in Italy, The Algarve and Turkey, however none of these have given me quite as much of a "wow" factor as this house. I will list some of the reasons why I think this property ranks so highly in my humble estimation.

From driving up to the entrance and through the gates you see a row of garages, designed with the prospective owner in mind you have enough additional size to take a Phantom and six other cars with no issues whatsoever.  The next detail is that there is drainage inside the garages, allowing you to wash the cars inside. Why? Because in 40 degrees of direct sunlight, car washing can become a pointless task and you certainly won´t have the standard of shine you want! There is another touch that I think demonstrates the current owners attention to detail, the driveway itself has been designed at the exact gradient that would allow a Ferrari or similar to traverse it without scraping its spoilers!

When you enter into the property you get a feel for the quality of finish this house has and just as you enter the lounge area you are struck by one of the most memorable views, through the green and lush valley straight to a bright blue sea! One of the things that really impressed me about this house was the entertaining/pool area. The indoor pool is salt water and the whole area looks like a health spa, with saunas etc all leading off directly from the area. Opposite you have a cinema and a bar/pool table area, all of which have direct access to part of the 1000m2 terracing you have available to you. So when you are entertaining, you can open up the patio doors and enjoy your outside space.

The outside pool has a bar that you can swim to and the 11,000 m2 plot that this property is built on it useable and well designed, complete with a newly planted orchard at the bottom of the garden. Structurally the present owner has spend over €1,000,000 on ensuring the stability of the plot and also is in possession of a €50,000 comprehensive report that gives full details of what was done to complete this procedure.

Aside from the large main kitchen that would encourage family cooking and dining, there are small kitchens on every floor all equipped with fridges, microwaves and sinks. This again emphasizes the meticulous planning that has gone into making this property such a fabulous residence. Click on the link, then fill out the form for more images and a description of this La Zagaleta villa for sale, as if you are interested in owning a well designed, beautifully finished house in this estate you need to see this property.

This Malibu penthouse for sale is located in an amazing beachfront position, close to Puerto Banus but far enough away for you to enjoy a certain amount of tranquility should that be what you are looking for. Many people don´t realise that this development has been built on the site of none other than Sean Connery´s villa which went under the Malibu name. In fact, the old white gatepost still remains as a reminder of the estates history. My business partner actually viewed Mr. Connerys´ villa to list it when it went up for sale in 1997. Given the location and provenance this plot has, the constructors of this development knew that they have to create something great and upon seeing the finished product they have acheived high quality, contemporary residences that enjoy a fabulous view and great access to some of the beachbars and the community and shops in the Guadalpin Banus Hotel.

This has to be one of my personal favourites on this stretch of the coast, along with the fabulous Laguna de Banus which is only a short stroll away. This penthouse offers great views and a lot of space, with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, spread across a large internal space of 373m2 and terrace space of 135m2. The qualities and finish are of the highest standard, including some of the best kitchens I have ever seen in any apartment. I visited the development with a prominent Irish property developer with many years of seeing high level real estate and he was amazed at just how well the apartments were finished, believe me it was praise indeed, because he owns some of the most desireable residences world wide!

The complex is totally secure, has many facilities onsite including a sea water pool and an indoor heated one for your winter swimming needs. There is a gym on site and generally everything someone looking for luxury apartments Marbella would need. This should be on the viewing list of anyone looking for beachfront living with a contemporary twist. As always with First Property Choice we really want to put together a portfolio of properties that fit your needs and because of the level of knowledge we have on this area you will be sure that you are being shown the best of what is currently available in the marketplace.

For those that know the Don Gonzalo development in Marbella, they can appreciate just what a great complex it is. Many people who come to Marbella seeking a luxury property near the town just do not know this place exists and because of that I am keen to tell you about it. Situated on the western part of the the Paseo, where it is quiet and most desireable this development can be deceiving from its exterior, however when you enter the security gate you are presented with some of the best gardens I have ever seen.

This apartment is big, five bedrooms spread across 310m2, with 181m2 of terrace area. Although you are second line from the beach you still have some sea views. Furnished and decorated in what I would call "Versace" style the ceilings have gold leaf inlays and look very Louis XV. There are two entrances to this property, one leads directly into the hallway, the other directly to the kitchen, ideal for a staff entrance.

The thing that really does it for me is the massive garden area, completed in the style of the Alhambra Palace gardens in Granada you can smell the scent of lemon the moment you enter. With terracotta tiled walkways lined with olive, lemon and lime trees there are small and tasteful fountain features throughout, making you forget how close you are to the town because of the total silence and tranquility this place exudes. The pool is what I would descibe as full size and feeling around it is one of restrained elegance with many Spanish owners living there permanently and wealthy Madrileños visiting their holiday homes in the summer. This Don Gonzalo apartment for sale is superb!