Ryan Hough of Crystal Shore Properties

Ryan Hough | Crystal Shore Properties

See our video interview with Ryan Hough here: 

From construction to real estate: A natural progression

Ryan's career path led him from project management in UK construction to his current role as director at Crystal Shore Properties. His experience provides a unique perspective on the property market:

“I've worked for Crystal Shore since 2017, so I've had a good five years of working my way through and understanding the business and how it goes. Previously, I lived in the UK and I was a project manager for a construction site, still in property as such, but on the construction side of things.”

Crystal Shore Properties: A family business with deep roots

Established in 2005, Crystal Shore Properties has been serving clients on the Costa del Sol for 19 years. Ryan emphasises the agency's commitment to the industry:

"We're based in Las Dunas hotel in Estepona. We've got plenty of experienced colleagues, and we're all passionate about the industry. We're very thorough, and we respect everyone in the industry as well."

As a family business, Crystal Shore Properties is now witnessing a generational transition, with Ryan taking on a more prominent role as his mother phases into retirement.

Shifting buyer demographics: A global clientele

Like many agents across Spain, Ryan has noticed a significant shift in buyer demographics:

"Historically, many of our buyers were from the UK or Europe. However, in recent years, we've seen dramatic changes in the market. We've been getting a lot more particular interest from America, Canada. We've even had a few enquiries from Singapore and Australia."
This diversification of the client base presents both opportunities and challenges for estate agents, requiring adaptability in marketing strategies and client services.

Current challenges: Supply shortage and economic pressures

Ryan identifies two main challenges facing the industry, firstly limited property supply:

"I don't think there's enough product for the demand. If we're getting a product on the market, it's soon to be shifted. You might have two or three people looking at that sort of criteria, so someone's always going to be missing out."

And secondly, the impact of the cost of living crisis:

“The cost of living is impacting people because obviously they're not going to be wanting to buy holiday homes, as it's too expensive, and they're obviously not going to have as much disposable income as they once had a couple of years ago.”

Exciting trends: Innovative property renovations

Despite the challenges, Ryan is enthusiastic about the creative approaches developers are taking in the market:

"What is exciting is the vision that some of the promoters and developers have got. They are finding properties that need renovation work, and the vision that they've got to do the work and what their final product is, I think it's absolutely brilliant."

He particularly notes the trend towards ultra-modern aesthetics and Balinese-style villas and apartments, transforming tired properties into stunning, contemporary homes.

Key takeaways for estate agents

• Adapt to changing buyer demographics by broadening your marketing reach
   
• Stay informed about innovative property developments and renovation trends
   
• Be prepared to work efficiently in a market with high demand and limited supply
   
• Consider how economic factors might impact buyer decisions and adjust your strategies accordingly
   
• Emphasise unique property features and transformations to attract discerning buyers

As the Spanish property market continues to evolve, agents like Ryan Hough and Crystal Shore Properties demonstrate the importance of experience, adaptability, and an eye for emerging trends in navigating the dynamic landscape of Costa del Sol real estate.