Granada Leads Europe Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency in Water Management Granada has become one of the first European cities to make its entire water system energy self-sufficient — a major step forward in sustainable urban management. The transformation of the city’s old wastewater treatment plant into the Ecofactoría Sur has turned it f
Andalucía has long held a magnetic allure for artists, writers and dreamers. Its landscapes, wild sierras, whitewashed villages, sun-scorched plains, and Moorish palaces, have ignited the imaginations of generations. From the 18th to the 19th century in particular, a parade of foreign and Spanish creatives travelled to this region at the sou
The art of Mudejar wooden ceilings, or techos de madera, is one of Spain’s most remarkable architectural legacies, a testament to the skill of master carpenters and the fusion of Christian and Islamic artistic traditions. These ceilings, found in palaces, churches, and civic buildings across the country, particularly in Toledo, Sevil
Guitar making is still very much alive in Granada — a city where art, craft, and music have always intertwined. Among the whitewashed alleys and echoing courtyards of the Albayzín, the sound of chisels, planes, and tapping fingers on fine wood still forms part of the daily rhythm. It is one of the few places in Europe where the luthier’s wor
Spain’s sunshine isn’t just good for tourism — it’s powering a quiet economic revolution. By mid-2025, Spain had become one of Europe’s cheapest countries for electricity, thanks to a surge in solar and wind power that’s breaking its dependence on imported gas. Electricity prices here are now over 30% cheaper than in Germany, Italy or the UK, and S
The Spanish property sector is undergoing a major legal shake‑up. Labour inspectors are cracking down on agencies that classify full‑time agents as “autónomos falsos” — fake self‑employed workers. This rings particularly true for us in Granada. Walking through the city centre looking into other estate agent’s offices I have frequently been amazed a
Spain regularly tops global rankings for health and wellbeing. But is it really the healthiest country in the world? According to Bloomberg and other studies, the answer is yes — though with some caveats. Bloomberg Global Health Index: Spain Ranked #1 The Bloomberg Global Health Index (2019) crowned Spain the world’s healthiest nation
A historic day unfolded in Granada on 19 May 2025, as the first stone was laid for the IFMIF-DONES facility, marking the beginning of construction on what will become the largest scientific installation ever built in Spain and one of the most significant in Europe. Located in the small town of Escúzar, just outside Granada, this project is linked t
With the advent of AirBnB many cities in Spain have experienced a significant surge in short-term tourist rentals, particularly in historic neighbourhoods and city centres. Property owners have taken advantage of often lax regulations to earn additional income. What started as a means to earn a little cash from a spare room has blosso
We are often asked by clients considering buying a property in Granada, about the meaning of the word carmen. It is a term in common usage in the city and is used widely on our websites but its meaning is specific to Granada, a city steeped in history and culture. A carmen is an urban property, a synthesis of house, garden and vegetable plot
In the heart of Granada's historic Plaza Bib-Rambla stands a cherished attraction that has captivated both young and old for over two decades: the ecological carousel, known in Spanish as a tiovivo, the origin of which word is living man" his unique merry-go-round, powered solely by human effort, has become an integral part of the square's c
For centuries, Andalucía has captivated the hearts of poets, writers, and painters. From the 18th through the 19th centuries, artists from across Europe journeyed south in search of something different – something wilder, more romantic, and deeply authentic. They found it here, in Andalucía’s jagged sierras, sunlit plains, olive groves and w
Culturally, Spain is a country of contradictions. There is an element of machismo left over from the days of the dictatorship that ended almost fifty years ago but the country is also one of Europe's most liberal societies. Same-sex marriages were legalised tweny yars ago, there is a high level of involvement of women in senior political off
What is an AFO and When is it Required? The AFO (Asimilado Fuera de Ordenación) is a legal status in Spain, particularly in Andalusia, for buildings that have been constructed without a permit or in an area where construction is not allowed but which are too old to face demolition under urban planning laws. The AFO designation provides a way
Why Is Spain Cancelling The Golden Visa? Back in April, the Spanish government announced the cancellation of its Golden Visa programme due to growing concerns about its impact on the housing market and social inequality. Just to recap, the Golden Visa has offered residency to non-EU nationals (UK, USA, Canada, Japan etc.) who invest at least
Nestled in the heart of Andalucia, Granada has long been a melting pot of cultures. Among its many treasures, the art of creating ceramics stands out as a living testament to the city's rich heritage. Two names stand out as proponents of the ceramicist's art in the city: Fajalauza and Al-Yarrar. Fajalauza Fajalauza pottery, nam
Grants for Solar Energy Installation in Andalucia Andalucia, with abundant sunshine, stands at the forefront of Spain’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable future. As part of a national strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions, the Junta de Andalucia (our regional government) h
In recent years, co-living has emerged as a popular trend in Spain, offering a fresh alternative to traditional housing models. Rooted in the idea of shared spaces and communal living, co-living brings together people from diverse backgrounds to live, work, and socialise in a supportive environment. While it began in urban centres lik
Growth and Opportunities in Rural Areas The Spanish real estate market in 2025 is set to continue its upward trajectory, driven by increasing demand, favorable economic conditions, and evolving buyer preferences. While urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona will remain key players, rural areas are emerging as vibrant opportunities fo
We are often asked when taking on a property, how long it is likely to take to achieve a sale. The short answer is, for the very individual properties we sell, it is impossible to tell. We recently sold a house twenty hours after collecting the keys. Other properties have lingered years on the market. What is the reason for this


