The career switch already happened in 2018, but now Carl Vorsselmans (50) is also opening a branch of his real estate project 'New Construction in Spain' in Knokke-Heist. The former head of the Special Forces (DSU) in Antwerp and Limburg focuses on Belgian clients interested in real estate in Spain. “I had long been in love with the country and when I bought my own place there, one thing led to another,” says the manager. He will soon also be receiving advice from the wife of an absolute Club Brugge stalwart.
In 2018, Carl Vorsselmans was still head of the Special Units (DSU) in Antwerp and Limburg for the police, but he had been 'in love' with Spain for some time. “I have had a special bond with the country since my student days. I learned Spanish during my Erasmus stay in Zaragoza as a Master's student in Economics,” says Carl.
“I quickly got to know people, and when I also bought my own place, one thing led to another. I became a reference for real estate in Spain and ended up getting into it. I saw a future in my job and then made the decision to leave the police force. 'Nieuwbouw in Spanje' (New Construction in Spain) was born. Sales happen on their own because people come to us through word of mouth. Only the coronavirus crisis was a low point. Since then, things have been going well again. We guide people to make the right decision in their search. We also have well-known clients such as Gunther Levi and Club goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and his wife Jasmien Claes.” And the latter has since become an employee at Carl.
“In addition to being a soccer wife, I am a part-time sales and administration advisor at the office in Knokke. I know the housing market in Spain and have insider knowledge,” says Jasmien. ”I was a customer myself and can therefore guide customers in their search for an apartment or house. I also work on our coffee brand Twentytwocoffee. Our other colleague is Frederik Hoogewijs (43), who helps with sales and who Carl has known for some time from the police force.”
The transition went very smoothly for all of us and we are already a close-knit team. We are motivated to make it a success and to protect people from the potential pitfalls of purchasing abroad. I help clients find their dream home,” says Carl.
90 percent are Belgian
“Why do people choose Spain as a second home? People are looking for the climate, good food at a good price and southern European culture. Our offices are located along the Spanish coast, from the Costa Blanca, Tenerife and Mallorca to the Costa del Sol. The Spanish coast is large and has a coastline of 4,000 km. The diversity also attracts people. You can do anything in Spain: swimming or skiing. Everything is possible! Most customers (90%) are Belgian, but there are also Dutch, Eastern Europeans and even Swiss.”
Is an apartment in Spain still affordable? “Our clients can count on value for money and a solid property”, adds Frederik Hoogewijs. ”The price for a new-build apartment starts at 200,000 euros. But of course you can go a lot higher. For example, we also have a 25 million luxury villa in Ibiza with adjacent building land on offer.”
Bron: HLN