High Speed Madrid to Malaga AVE Train Broadens Spanish Property Horizons
Transport improvements are always good news for property investors and the arrival of a new high speed train linking Madrid and Malaga is no exception. The new high speed train service has greatly improved transport links already, since its inauguration on 23rd December 2007, and is likely to broaden property opportunities in the area.
Madrid to Malaga in two and a half hours
The Madrid-Malaga high speed AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) Train reaches speeds of up to 350km/h and cuts down the travelling time between the two cities to only two and a half hours - a massive time saver compared to travelling by road. In the first year of service, rail company RENFE expect 1,650,000 people to use the Madrid-Malaga AVE and by 2009 they anticipate that two million people will be travelling on it. This equates to double the number of users than the previous Talgo 200 service.
For Spanish property owners based in the UK, the AVE opens up extra travel opportunities. Thanks to a combination of the high-speed rail link from St Pancras and the high-speed service from Madrid to Malaga, you can now travel all the way from London to southern Spain by train in less than 21 hours. The eco-conscious will be happy to hear that this journey has a much lower carbon footprint than flying by plane.
More Spaniards expected to holiday in the sunny south
It’s not just British holiday home owners who’ll benefit - experts say the new Madrid-Malaga AVE link is likely to increase the frequency of Spaniards visiting and holidaying in southern Spain. “I’m certain that with the new AVE, Madrileños will be visiting southern Spanish holiday homes with greater regularity,” commented Adam Gale, director of Duchy Estates.
Traditionally Madrileños have only enjoyed one dose of sunshine and holidays per year, in the month of August when Madrid typically turns into a ghost town. Only heading that way once a year may seem odd, until you realise the reason is due to the gruelling 1,100km and 12-hour round trip by car.
Madrid-Malaga AVE ticket prices cost 76 Euros for a single fare if bought on the day, or as low as 30 Euros if booked online in advance.
Costa del Sol closer than ever
“The Costa del Sol has 50 or more fabulous golf courses, a stunning year-round climate and property prices here are also lower than in the salubrious suburbs of Madrid,” said Adam.
There are many off-plan developments in the area, but one new project is the La Quinta Suites, in La Quinta, Marbella. The 42 luxury two bedroom apartments will be located close to the Westin La Qunita Hotel and 100m from the Club House of La Quinta Golf. Fully equipped with all mod-cons, fitted kitchens and bathrooms, the development, in an area already renowned for its upmarket nature, is likely to appeal to golfers and investors alike.
