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Head to the Valleys
For affordable villas that combine a rustic Spanish lifestyle with easy access to stunning beaches, house-hunters should look no further than the Jalon and Orba valleys in the northern Costa Blanca, confirmed local English-speaking estate agency HomeEspaña.
This year growing demand for villas just off the coast has increased, leading HomeEspaña to open an office in the Orba Valley, 15-20 minutes from the beach resort of Denia in the village of Benidoleig. The firm already has an office in nearby Moraira, as well as two in the southern Costa Blanca.
Kieran Byrne, MD of HomeEspaña, said: “Unless you are someone who really wants to be on the beach every day, it’s worth considering buying a short drive inland, especially if you’re searching for an authentic Spanish environment that’s not cut off from other British people. It’s not only picturesque, but you get more for your money too, so typical three-bedroom villas with a private pool in the Jalon or Orba Valley are 10-20 per cent cheaper than equivalent properties in a coastal resort. And it’s not uncommon to still have views of the Med from the Orba or Jalon Valley too.”
Property owners in the inland villages of the northern Costa Blanca prefer to keep the busier beach resorts at arm’s length, meaning typical buyers are residents or second homeowners with the intention of retiring there in the future. The area not only offers good value for money, but many parts also have a better choice of villas priced under €250,000 than coastal resorts, where apartments and more expensive villas typically make up the bulk of residential property.
In the Jaln Valley, which is known for wine-growing, areas popular with British and other foreign buyers include Jalon town, as well as Murla, Parcent, Alcalali and Lliber. In the slightly warmer Orba Valley, more suited to citrus trees, British buyers favour Orba town, Tormos, Sagra, Benidoleig and Pedreguer. As well as white-washed villas, HomeEspaña also sells authentic fincas, either restored or in need of restoration.
“Being inland doesn’t mean poor access either,” continued Kieran Byrne at HomeEspaña. “Valencia airport is less than an hour north from Orba and Jalon, while Alicante airport, which has excellent connections all over the UK, is also less than an hour south, both reached via the fast AP-7 motorway. And for a change of scenery, trips to the Balearic Islands are easy too, thanks to the ferry service from Denia.”
A typical villa in the Jalon Valley for sale through HomeEspaña is this two-bedroom, two-bathroom property in a small residential development on the edge of Alcalali. On the market for €220,000, it has a private pool, mountain views and is just 20 minutes from the sea.
In the Orba Valley, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom villa is within walking distance of the centre of Orba town and on the market for €239,000. Below the living accommodation are a study, storeroom and garage leading to the outdoor parking area, while outside, the pool and terrace boast scenic countryside views.
