Cluttons opens spanish office

Cluttons has opened an office in Spain, as it aims to increase its international presence and benefit from the recovering property market.

The international real estate services company operates in over 50 countries but has now launched a new office in Andalucía, Spain, which it hopes will bring the firm's residential real estate expertise to the Costa Del Sol.

The area has long been a popular destination for property buyers, particuarly those from Britain. The opening of the office, though, follows a resurgence in demand from overseas buyers, with the country's property prices bottoming out just as exchange rates between the pound and euro hit a seven-year high.

Jo Leverett, Cluttons' head of international residential markets, comments: "We've opened in Spain because, after seven years of price falls, we are now seeing an increase in demand and property transactions. Spain was traditionally one of the most sought after locations in Europe for second home ownership due to easy flight access, climate, culture, food and lifestyle. We believe there is an opportunity for buyers to take advantage of Spain's excellent values, with some areas now over 50% below their peak. Combined with a weak Euro, Spanish property has never looked more attractive."

Cluttons Andalucía will provide a base for the company's residential services in the region and will be marketing a variety of properties, from private, beach fronted villas to apartments on golf resorts and brand new developments.

The office will be headed by James Evans, who joins Cluttons with over 15 years' experience working in Spanish real estate.

Evans adds: "We hope to make a difference in the market by offering a proactive service focused on client communication, combined with marketing of Spanish properties to our international network. Cluttons has the right balance of international presence with local expertise to bring a new dimension to the Andalucía real estate market."