To be honest, I don't think the answers given have been aggressive or sarcastic, but I do think some answers take on a strong defensive tone. I can understand that, as my own first instinct was a defensive one.
To try to put the same defensive answer in less aggressive sounding terms, and hopefully trying to give an answer that is open to debate, I would say that the member who previously put it down to "supply and demand" has hit the nail on the head.
No-one charges high rental prices in an area where other properties are offered at lower rates. Whereas, everyone naturally charges the best rate they can get for their property. Hence, on the CDS, I base my prices, across the seasons, in accordance with local averages.
When I first decided to buy in Spain, the first place I visited was Torrevieja. I stayed in a complex near Vilamartin Golf Course, with shops, bars and restaurants, and found it okay. However, it was a fair bit out of town, so we stuck to the complex and seldom varied our routine.
When we did go into town, the Marina was okay, but I was far from impressed with Torrevieja in general. We looked at several properties, the best of which was at Playa Flamenca, and for a while I regretted not buying there, as property prices soared initially. However, as with the Vilamartin area, I just felt it was too remote. It also seemed like a totally ex-pat community and I wanted something with a more Spanish element.
Looking at the situation now, property prices stagnated in Torrevieja long before the current recession. I think that stagnation, coupled with the remoteness of the property complexes and the lack of a natural Holiday Resort nearby combined to lead to lower rental values.
So, if you look at the supply and demand theory, CDS is obviously more popular with holiday makers than CB, as tourists continue to show willing to pay these higher prices you describe. Personally, I can see why.
As for rates of pay, I suspect supply and demand yet again, in that it is far more holiday biased and, with places like Marbella nearby, there are probably too many DJ's and bar workers trying to ply their trade in CDS, hence they have to cut each other's throats byworking for less to get the gigs.
Speaking with particular reference to Benalmadena, for all the costs you mention, it is still not expensive to eat out or drink at night. I was in Bar Ibensa in April and it was still 1 Euro a bottle for San Miguel, Cruzcampo or Heiniken. There are many bars in the resort charging the same prices.
All-in-all, it's still very reasonable to rent, say, a two-bedroom apartment for a family of four, rather than paying hotel prices. Long may it continue.
