Spanish property buyers focus on green second homes as Malaga gets first National Park
- Sierra de las Nieves to become Spain’s 16th National Park later this year
- Designation includes strict environmental protections
- Taylor Wimpey España reports uptick in interest in greener homes
Later this year, Spain’s Malaga province will finally get its first National Park, after six years of campaigning. Sierra de las Nieves, the mountainous area north of Marbella and east of Ronda, will enjoy increased funding and stricter environmental protections as a result of the decision.
Sierra de las Nieves has been a protected national park since 1989 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1995. It is home to the largest collection of pinsapo trees in existence, along with an abundance of largely untouched flora and fauna, with some of the trees thought to be over 500 years old. Bird spotters who visit the park can enjoy sightings of golden eagles, griffon vultures, peregrine falcons and many more species, while ibex, wild cats, mouflon and roe deer roam the steep slopes.
Connecting with nature has rarely felt so important as it has over the past year, with lockdown restrictions confining so many people to the inside of their homes. Likewise, exercise has becoming something to be valued even more than normal. With cycling, hiking, horse-riding, kayaking, climbing, abseiling, potholing and canyoning all available in Sierra de las Nieves, those visiting the resorts of the Costa del Sol will have easy access to all the nature and exercise they could possibly wish for.
“Many visitors and locals alike have long enjoyed the rich eco-diversity of Sierra de las Nieves. Now, the profile-raising nature of the National Park designation, along with the funding that comes with it, means that many more families will benefit from this incredible natural resource. The development of sustainable tourism activities will ensure the area is well protected, which is incredibly important for the future of Sierra de las Nieves.”
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España
Both tourists and second home owners are increasingly conscious of the need for greater sustainability, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. Concern for the environment is being reflected in the questions that buyers are asking as part of the purchase process.
Taylor Wimpey España has long been included environmentally friendly features in its developments. Its properties at the prestigious La Cala Golf resort, located just over an hour from Sierra de las Nieves, include several such features. One example is their electric water heaters, which use energy saving systems and source their hot water through thermal solar energy. Double glazed windows also help to make the homes more energy efficient.
The properties also deliver the chance to reconnect with nature. The low-density construction and quiet location of the key-ready homes at Sun Valley, for example, are ideal for those looking for a greenery-surrounded retreat. Available from €251,000 plus VAT, the southwest-facing homes offer stunning golf view from their ample terraces. In addition to golf, owners can enjoy the on-site tennis facilities, as well as an array of water sports at the stunning beaches just 7 km away.
The off-plan apartments available at Harmony, also on the La Cala Golf site, will also make the most of the natural surroundings and spectacular scenery, with views taking in the golf course, mountains and sea in a single vista. Priced from €295,000 plus VAT, the homes are being built in accordance with the new Technical Building Code (CTE). This means that they are ahead of the market in terms of delivering some of the highest levels of energy efficiency and thermal and acoustic insulation. The property has achieved Energy Certification B, as does Sun Valley (this obligatory certification ranges from A for the most energy efficient homes to G for the least).
“Features such as energy efficiency, solar energy and thermal insulation are no longer ‘nice to haves’ – they are a core part of what many buyers are seeking. We are delighted to be developing homes that adhere to such high standards in this respect.”
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.