10 Things You Should Know When Buying a Golf Home in Las Ramblas, Spain

Gilbert Lagulao 3 years ago
10 Things You Should Know When Buying a Golf Home in Las Ramblas, Spain

Las Ramblas in Campoamor is one of the most popular residential areas on southern Costa Blanca.  Exclusive urbanization with beautiful scenery of hills, pine trees, and the Mediterranean Sea. The golf community was developed around a magnificent 18 hole championship golf course surrounded by vast nature reserves. Truly one of the most scenic developments in the Valencian countryside. It stands out as a popular destination for golf tourists and home to a growing international community. An ideal site for those looking for a peaceful quality lifestyle.

1. Location

Situated 3 km. away from Dehesa Campoamor, in Orihuela Costa District, Las Ramblas sits at the heart of the golfing paradise of Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain. Its sister golf course Villamartin is less than 5 km away and La Finca is less than 30km. There are 20 other championship golf courses within a 30 min. driving radius, but Las Ramblas manages to hold its own.

What makes Las Ramblas stand out apart from having its golfing character is its privileged location of being surrounded by protected national parks. Aside from golf, this makes the place an ideal base for hiking and trekking.

The area is also 10 min. from the blue beaches of Campoamor with abundant shops and restaurants. Murcia International Airport is 45 min. away and Alicante International Airport about 50 min. drive.

There are several hospitals and health clinics within the vicinity of Campoamor. For those with children, public schools (Spanish instruction) like IES Playa Flamenca and Public School Playas de Orihuela are within 5 to 10 min. driving distance. For private school (English instruction) you have El Limonar International School Villamartin located 10 min. away.

Although buses are servicing the area, having your private vehicle offers more flexibility.

2. Security

Las Ramblas golf community is a loose collection of golf properties surrounding the golf course. A quiet and peaceful neighborhood with a low crime rate, some adopt safety measures such as having a gate to access a residential complex while others have CCTVs, a security alarm system, and patrols.

10 Things You Should Know When Buying a Golf Home in Las Ramblas, Spain

3. Homes

Location is the main reason why the Las Ramblas golf community is sought after by a growing population coming from the international community. Close to the blue beaches of Campoamor, a popular tourist destination in Costa Blanca, it offers the experience of peace and serenity living in the Spanish countryside. A number of these residents don't have an interest in the game of golf. But most prefer the green surroundings and low-density buildings that characterize living in a golf resort. Plus being surrounded by a vast nature reserve with beautiful scenery of hills and pine trees yet close enough to the lively and energetic beach atmosphere of Campoamor.

The golf properties at Las Ramblas are located in various small residential sections spread over several hills and valleys. It started predominantly with the Mediterranean-style design but the trend has shifted to the modern clean design. The golf properties consist of apartments, a penthouse, townhouses, and villas. Many of these golf homes have an elevated position offering a stunning view of the golf course and the Mediterranean Coast at the horizon. The prices of these development range from: apartments (99,000 to 220,000 euros), penthouse (159,000 to 269,000 euros), townhouse (139,000 to 295,000 euros) and golf villas (270,000 to 880,000 euros).

This popular residential golf community is ideal for young couples, families, over 55s', and active retirees looking for a new golf home in the Mediterranean countryside. It is also a fitting choice for those looking for an investment with rental potential. The golf and proximity to the beach ensure you have a long rental potential period. If you are a golfer, the communal pools will keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays, and the La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre is the largest in the province and just 10 min. away, will keep non-golfers occupied.

4. Weather

Costa Blanca along with Costa Calida offers the best and healthiest climate in the world as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Las Ramblas located in Dehesa Campoamor in Orihuela, Valencia along the Costa Blanca area has a hot semi-arid climate. It has good weather with a pleasant average temperature of 18.2°C (64.7°F) and very minimal rainfall all year long. In Las Ramblas, the average annual high temperature is 26.9°C (80.5°F) and the average low is a cool 10.1°C (50.2°F). The warmest month of the year is August with a maximum temperature reading of 33.1°C (91.7°F). The coldest month is January with a low-temperature reading of 5°C (41°F). The rainfall in a year is around 283mm (11.1 inches). The driest month is July with 3mm (0.1 inches) of rainfall. In September, the precipitation reaches its peak with an average of 39mm (1.5 inches). On average, the sun shines 300 days a year in Las Ramblas.

10 Things You Should Know When Buying a Golf Home in Las Ramblas, Spain

5. Golf Course

Landing at no. 8 of the Top 10: Best Golf Courses in Spain (That People Play Often) based on the survey of Leading Courses, Las Ramblas is a challenging par 72, 18-hole championship course designed by Jose Pepe Gancedo, the “Picasso of Golf”. The course was carved out of steep terrain and surrounded by watercourses with some areas offering splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea. The lush vegetation of Mediterranean pines creates an unforgettable backdrop for the golf course and acts as a shade during summer. But looks can be deceiving as this course will certainly test the resolve of even the most seasoned golfer. The fairways are narrow, the hazards plentiful, and the wind unpredictable.

Developing a reputation as a thinking man's course that requires accuracy and playing smart, pressures you to evaluate your strategy at almost every hole. Hazards dot the landscape of a narrow fairway leaving very little margin for error. One mistake can affect a heavy toll. This is a course played using irons, and accuracy is the name of the game rather than distance. It is a demanding course known to test the most seasoned golfer. But fun to play even for a beginner. It has a technical difficulty of moderate - hard.

To hone your skills before playing, Las Ramblas has a fantastic practice facility. The driving range is conveniently located at street level beside the car park. It also has to put, chipping, and pitching greens, and a practice bunker. The club also offers a children's golf academy. A great place to train future champions.

6. Membership

There is no membership at Las Ramblas and visitors are welcome to play every day. Booking is made online or thru La Finca, its sister course. Booking is essential for course availability.

There is however a golf society available at the club, the Las Ramblas Golf Club. The golf society acts like a traditional club but is not limited to a specific course. The golf society schedules golf rounds at different clubs and allows you to monitor your handicap, even issuing you a certificate. They also do not collect annual membership fees instead you only pay for the services you use.

10 Things You Should Know When Buying a Golf Home in Las Ramblas, Spain

7. Clubhouse & Amenities

Las Ramblas has a modern designed clubhouse with a terrace overlooking the greens. The restaurant serves snacks, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, or wraps along with healthy menu options. Other amenities include a bar, locker rooms, a pro shop, and rentals for clubs, trolleys, electro-trolleys, and electro-carts. Caddies are also available upon request.

8. Home Owners Association and Fees

Since the golf homes are of different types and spread out in various small residential sections, the community fees also vary accordingly. Some may charge more since they have a communal pool, a common garden, or common areas to maintain. Typical community fees for apartments, a penthouse, and a townhouse is 450 to 950 euros per year, and golf villas are around 1,000+ euros per year.

Other fees to consider would be the Spanish Property Tax (IBI or Suma) payable yearly which may cost 150 euros for a 74 sqm. property to 500 euros or more for golf villas. The Resident or Non-Resident Tax or IRNR is also payable each year per person. The insurance and utility charges for gas, electricity, and water and key holder fees should you avail of this service. The keyholder will look after your property, offer cleaning, laundry services, and any general maintenance in case you decide to use it as a vacation home.

9. Other Sports Facilities

The location of Las Ramblas is situated near the beach and the surrounding forest reserve affords a wide range of sports activities accessible within a short distance. There are swimming, tennis, mountain biking, trekking or hiking, horse riding, water skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, etc.

10. Dining Options

The clubhouse offers a fine choice of international cuisine. But just a short walk from Las Ramblas is La Fuente Commercial Center, the main urban area of Campoamor. It has a fine selection of local Spanish cuisine that is influenced by the Moors, Celts, Greeks, and Romans and a multi-cultural selection of Italian, Irish, French, and Mexican.

Heading towards the beach has a more selection of Spanish dishes. Further down is Cabo Roig where you can find a full selection of international and Mediterranean restaurants to suit all tastes.

Overall, Las Ramblas is a strong contender among the golf communities in Costa Blanca. The community has a good balance of nature and development and is very accessible to the sea. Facilities like schools, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, restaurants, and accessibility to known local attractions are within reach. A good option for those looking for a golf home or an investment in the Mediterranean.

Images courtesy of: Las Ramblas Property Sales, Idealista, Kyero