Three reasons why the Costa del Sol is like Obama

President Obama has hidden depths, and likes Irish Pubs. Just like the Costa del Sol

Spain’s property market is not too dissimilar to politics. You have your obvious forerunners, your divided loyalties and your fervent supporters.

But when it comes to the Costa del Sol, you have a clear leader – a unifier of dreams, a role model and an instantly recognised face that is respected on the global stage.

After President Obama’s re-election this week, the world – and just over 50 per cent of America – rejoiced. For here was a man with the capability to build upon the euphoria of four years ago being offered the opportunity to do just that. His darkest days are behind him, and the future is one of hope and expectation.

Obama’s situation is not unlike the one the Costa del Sol finds itself in: and here are three reasons why…

Reason One – Brilliant global profile

There were few Europeans, Asians, Africans or South Americans weeping into their cornflakes at the news that Mitt Romney would not be President. And that’s because Obama is universally adored by people who look kindly upon his positives.

It’s the same with the Costa del Sol. Tell somebody you’re off to Marbella and the guaranteed response, every time, is ‘Ooh, lucky you!’ That level of innate respect and awe cannot be constructed in marketing departments or bought with billion-dollar skyscrapers.

You either have it or you don’t. Obama and the Costa del Sol definitely both have ‘it’.

Reason Two – Hidden depths

Having such a global profile can sometimes mean that people misjudge you. Obama often gets accused of haughty, intellectual elitism purely because he’s highly educated and one of the greatest orators the world has ever known.

But he’s also a mean basketballer, a true man of the people, and somebody with real Irish roots who enjoys a pint of Guinness as much as the next O’man.

The Costa del Sol is the same. Sure, it’s got world-class ports that are home to some of the most luxurious yachts on the high seas, famously glitzy nightclubs and more fake-tan than Superdrug HQ’s summer storeroom, but it’s also a region boasting traditional Spanish character, thousands of affordable properties and perhaps the most iconic slices of Andalusian life you will find anywhere in southern Spain.

Reason Three – Something for everyone

Mitt Romney’s Republicans lost because, according to one memorable quote by a US commentator, ‘they simply ran out of angry white men’. Their target audience was too narrow, too exclusive. Obama, on the other hand, appealed to women, ethnic minorities, gays, rich people and poor people, and he won the day.

It’s also why the Costa del Sol is regularly the most popular holiday and property destination in the world each year. It appeals to pretty much everybody.

It’s not like soulless Dubai, snooty France or overly hedonistic like Greece – it has affordable homes and luxurious pads; family-friendly destinations and romantic hideaways; rich history and modern pop culture. It has everything, and wins the popular vote again and again…