Enjoy our quick guide to Arboleas, a small town in Spain’s Almanzora valley known for its long and interesting history.
With the creation of the dual carriageway between Baza and Huercal Overa, Arboleas has become easier to access. As a result, a number of British expats had chosen the area as their new home.
Arboleas has an agricultural economy and grows major crops such as barley, wheat, almond trees, olive oil and citrus. Market day in Arboleas is every Tuesday when people can go and purchase many of the town’s products.
Below we feature an expat interview with Bill Hulbert, sales manager at Almeria Property Agency who covers the Arboleas area.
Specifically, we wanted to learn from Bill the many reasons why people should consider moving to the Arboleas area and the value for money they can get once they decide to stay permanently.
Bill, thanks for helping our readers. I guess we should start off by asking what would you say would be the advantages to living in Arboleas compared to other Costa Almeria towns?
Arboleas town hall is doing all the work to make the area one of the most sought-after areas.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
This area is not suitable for wheelchairs.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
60 percent.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Going to shows and dining out. Very cheap.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
Restaurante Azabache. Hostal Mason great for tappers. El Castillo. Happy Garden Chinese plus many more.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
There is a new purpose built medical center, Dentist and shops for everyday living.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
Cantoria is a very nice town and has a good open market. The town has some lovely old buildings.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
The international school in Mojacar I am told is very good. But the school in Albox where my children went is first class and it is a state school. Both my children are now at university.
Is crime an issue for expats?
There is very little crime in the Arboleas area.
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
The prices are going up at a rate of 5 percent to 10 percent per year, And the market place is good. This is because Arboleas is a highly sought-after area.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
This is a good time to buy but there are very few repossessions in this area.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
Higuerales very quiet and great views. El Chopo very sought after. El Prado easy to walk to bars. La Perla walk to bars and village.
Los Carrascos has its own tapas bar being built.
How much are the typical property prices in Arboleas for apartments, villas etc?
The average price for a 3-bed is 180,000E. Apartments are as low as 50,000E.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in Arboleas or surrounding area?
The best tips are to get a good lawyer, not the one the estate agent recommends. Never pay the estate agent any money always pay your lawyer the deposit. If the agent ask for the 3,000E holding deposit, say “I will deposit it with my lawyer.”
Bill, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact him, you can find his details below.
Bill Hulbert, Sales Manager
No 3 Plaza Constitucion
Arboleas 04660, Almeria
Tel.+34 850 99 30 99;
+34 606 28 18 65
Email: info@almeriapropertyagency.com
Website: www.almeriapropertyagency.com
Open Mon-Fri 10am to 3pm, Sat 10am to 2pm
Here is an interesting tourist video on Arboleas.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
Robert Kessinger says
Looking for a townhouse in the middle of a quaint old quiet village.
Good weekly farmers market.
Access to fresh seafood.