The Property Guide

Transcription

The Property Guide

WELCOME
BIENVENIDO
WILLKOMMEN
The Property Guide: Costa Blanca.
PROPERTY SPECIALISTS ON THE COSTA BLANCA SINCE 20O3
BEAUTIFUL HOMES IN SPAIN
THAT WILL MOVE YOU
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Inves
Perhaps you were having a quiet day at work
(or a particularly bad one). Maybe you were
pondering what you might do once you retire,
or perhaps you were contemplating ways of
generating an income, or making a real
difference to your life.
Just like any big idea, buying a home in Spain
requires a little forethought and planning but
it´s very easy to do just so long as you do your
homework. That is exactly what this guide is
designed to help with - authored by people
that have already made the move themselves.
Whatever you were thinking about in that
moment, the genesis of an idea had been
born. But if you´re reading this guide you
already know that.
Step by step I will lead you through the
planning and buying process in Spain so that
you are best prepared to purchase your new
home on the Costa Blanca. I hope this book
will help you to achieve your dreams.
It is the same for all of us that have made the
move to Spain. None of us just woke up one
morning and declared to the world “That´s it,
I´m moving to Spain”. We too had a eureka
moment, fleeting at first in an almost
dismissive manner.
But the more thought we applied to the idea
the clearer the daydream became, and that
momentary notion began to look increasingly
more credible.
It might seem too complex or worrying to
consider moving abroad or buying a property
in Spain, but it need not be. The truth is that
emigrating to Spain, living, or working in Spain,
and owning a property or holiday home in
Spain is possible for almost anyone.
Alexander Pichlmayr
Managing Director
Inmo Investments Real Estate
Long warm summers
and mild short winters
Widely regarded as offering the best year
round climate in Europe, the southern Costa
Blanca offers an average 320 days of sunshine
a year with a low registered rainfall. Its unique
dry microclimate and warm winters with a
year round average temperature of 18° is one
of the many reasons discerning northern
Europeans find this region so desirable.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
03
Swimming pools.
CHOOSING THE PROPERTY THAT SUITS YOU
Location, location, location.
An apartment or a villa?
You might already have a desireable location
for your new home in Spain. Perhaps you
want to be near family or friends, but its
important to consider how your personal
needs will affect your choice of location.
What type of home you buy in Spain will
depend on your circumstances and your
financial resources. But even if you can buy a
villa instead of an apartment, should you?
Local communities offer support and services
which many expatriates find invaluable, and
unless you are prepared to make a concerted
effort to learn the Spanish language, a move
to a countryside property might prove to be
nothing more than a long term headache.
Think about how close you want to be to
shops and bars, and how close you need to
be to medical facilities. Most people won’t
mind driving to a beach but you can’t drive to
the nearest bar if you intend to drink.
Your choices.
Naturally perhaps, beachside locations tend
to command premium prices and they are
inevitably more densely populated. However,
they tend to feature a better selection of
locals shops and services.
Residential communities located on local golf
courses also tend to be more expensive, but
they are usually less densely populated due to
planning and building restrictions.
There is plenty of variety on offer across the
Costa Blanca so research your location
carefully before you settle on a final choice.
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A detached villa usually offers more living
space than an apartment. A villa also requires
maintenance, and if you don’t intend to spend
a great deal of time in Spain it might not prove
the best choice for you unless you like
spending your holidays cleaning and painting!
An apartment might offer you significant
benefits. They typically require less cleaning
and maintenance, they are cheaper to run,
and you’ll most often find them closer to local
amenities and the centre of the community.
The importance of space.
Because of the climate in Spain, outside space
is just as important as your inside space. Your
garden or your balcony will become your
dining room, your reading room, your living
room, and your entertainment space.
You will need to heat your home in Spain from
November until late February, and cool your
home from July through September each year,
so give some thought to the costs involved.
Some homes for sale in Spain have their own
pool, known as a “private pool”. Private
swimming pools are regarded by many as a
necessary luxury, especially in the height of
summer, but keep in mind that they can be
costly to run and maintain.
You will need to decide which type of pool is
right for you. If you don’t plan to use your
pool regularly, or if you intend to use your
new home infrequently, then a community
swimming pool might be a good choice.
Choosing the right size of interior space is just
as critical. A larger space requires more
cleaning, more maintenance, and will cost you
more to buy and to run on a monthly basis.
Large might be opulent, but small is efficient.
The height of summer can get hot and despite
what you might believe, the evenings do get
cool in Spain during the thankfully short and
relatively mild Spanish winters.
A fee is usually included in the annual
community charge to cover the costs of
running and maintaining the community
swimming pool. There is nothing more to pay.
Unlike a community pool, you are solely
responsible for the costs of running your pool.
Pools require moving water and the regular
addition of specialised chemicals to keep the
water healthy. Just running the pool pump can
add nearly €600 to your annual electricity bill
without additional costs taken into account.
A local Spanish market
every day of the week
Villamartin, Orihuela Costa
Living in the Spanish countryside might seem
like a romantic notion, but the reality is that
you will be more reliant on transportation and
further away from services which you might
consider to be daily essentials at home.
APARTMENT
TOWNHOUSE
OR VILLA
Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes
in Spain. Many properties for sale on the
Costa Blanca come with access to a shared
pool, known as a “communal pool” or
“community pool” - shared with other homes
in that residential community.
A Spanish tradition, there is a market held
every day of the week within easy driving
distance from wherever you happen to be on
the Costa Blanca. Spain is widely regarded as
the garden of Europe, and with the freshest
locally produced fruit, vegetables, meats and
cheeses on offer, you´ll find a renewed
passion for home cooking that’s a pleasure.
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T
he beautiful Spanish weather, and long
dry summers, provide the ideal
environment for golf in Spain: quite
unlike anywhere else in Europe.
RESEARCH: HOW TO FIND THE INFORMATION YOU NEED
Reach out to people.
Download Google Earth.
Most of the information you need to purchase
a property in Spain can be found on the
internet. The internet will prove to be an
invaluable research tool in your search for
your dream property in Spain.
Google Earth, and it’s companion application
Google Street View, are marvellous tools for
evaluating a local area on the ground. Start
pacing the neighbourhood and you’ll soon get
a feel for the locale.
But you will find the process a good deal
easier if you engage with people, people in the
local area, people who have made the move
themselves; for the best local information.
Google Earth will give you an insight in to how
places are connected in exceptional detail, and
pretty soon you’ll be familiarising yourself with
the local area like you already live in Spain.
Like it or loathe it, Facebook is a great place
to start to network with people in Spain. You
can get in touch directly with people that live
in Spain through local groups and community
pages. Join in and start asking questions.
Google Street View allows you to check out
individual streets and even properties you
might already be interested in. Imagery is
usually quite recent and surprising in the
amount of detail you can obtain.
Ask people for their opinions on the subjects
that matter most to you. If you want to know
what an area is like, where the nearest shops
are, how good the schools are, anything at all;
just ask the people who live in the community.
Research property prices.
Read local newspapers.
Local newspapers are a rich source of local
and area information. Many publications exist
in the English language and you can read them
online via Issuu (www.issuu.com).
Try Costa Blanca People or Euro Weekly
News for local Costa Blanca news, or the
Olive Press for national news in Spain.
The south Costa Blanca in particular
boasts no less than eight exquisitely
designed courses, all suited to players of
virtually any golf handicap.
Enjoy challenging layouts seamlessly lying
across isolated valleys, with ornately
manicured fairways, pristine putting
surfaces, and panoramic views of the
local coastline and Mediterranean vistas.
We have designed our Costa Blanca Golf
Guide to help the golfing enthusiast
make the most of the local golf courses.
Packed with information, contact details,
directions, up-to-date prices, and much
more, you’ll find it an invaluable guide.
With a favourable exchange rate, and
excellent value offered in Spain, a game
of golf here isn’t just great value, it’s
something you can afford to enjoy every
day. Come to Spain, and enjoy the game.
It’s important that you know what to expect
for your money. Having a realistic idea of the
purchase price of Spanish real estate will be
an advantage as your plan progresses.
Start with the Google search term “estate
agents” followed by the location you are
researching, open some windows & discover
what fits within your budget.
D O W N LOA D T H E G O L F
GUIDE FROM OUR WEBSITE
www.inmoinvestments.com
Inmo Investments has a great portfolio of
property on the Costa Blanca, with a wide
variety of apartments and villas. Try our
website at www.inmoinvestments.com.
RESERVE ONLINE INTERTAXI.ES
Murcia / Alicante airport transfers - Local Orihuela
Costa taxi - At your service 24 hours a day
+34 600 419 087 / 666 910 800
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8
CHAMPIONSHIP
GOLF COURSES
18
HOLES
72 PAR
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Maintaining a Spanish home.
Working out what you can afford to buy in
Spain is a good first step, but it is important to
consider the ongoing financial cost of
maintaining a home in Spain so that you can
continue to afford it in the future.
MONEY: WORKING OUT WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUY
Getting the money together.
Additional costs.
You need to know how much money you can
afford to spend on your new home in Spain.
This should be one of the first items on your
list as it might have some bearing on where
you can afford to live.
In addition to the cost of the Costa Blanca
property you want to buy, you will have to
take other expenses into account when
calculating your financial ability.
If you have savings you can rely upon you will
already know what you have available, but for
those who don’t have enough savings there
are other options ...
- Obtain a loan toward the cost or deposit.
- Get a Euro mortgage for your new home.
- Remortgage your home (equity release).
- Sell your home to fund the purchase.
You might find the idea of remortgaging your
home distasteful, especially if you are close to
paying off your existing mortgage. But buying
a property in Spain when prices are relatively
low might make good financial sense for your
circumstances.
The beer might offer great value but not
everything in Spain is cheap. The cost of
electricity in particular is amonst the highest
in Europe as Spain has invested heavily in solar
generated power over recent years.
Costs will vary widely dependent upon the
size and location of your new home, and your
individual circumstances, but these are the
costs for our home here in Spain, (a detached
two bedroom villa in Ciudad Quesada) ...
Budget up to €2,000 for an independent
lawyer, €700 for notary fees, and €400
toward the cost of land registration.
- Council tax (IBI or SUMA), €165 a year.
- Community fees, €270 this year.
- Water charges, €70 every three months.
- Electricity, about €120 every two months.
- Phone and internet, €32 a month.
If you want a Euro mortgage, deals are
available but you’ll need at least a 30%
deposit, and you will need to add a lenders
commission to your costs - usually 1% of the
total loan amount.
As a non-resident of Spain you will also need
a fiscal tax identification number known as an
NIE. You cannot buy a property in Spain
without one.
Ole Telecommunicaciones in La Zenia offer a
complete home package with UK TV over
internet, 3Mb internet, and a landline
telephone with unlimited European calls for
just €32 per month. Highly recommended.
An NIE application costs around €100, and if
you are married both you and your partner
will require separate NIE numbers.
If you want more information on the costs of
buying in Spain, call us on 0034.966.919.917.
Inmo Investments Sales Office, La Zenia
Owning both properties has obvious
advantages: you could rent out your home to
provide a regular income for your new life in
Spain, or you could rent out you Spanish
property to pay toward the mortgage.
In Spain, property transfer tax (ITP) is charged
at 10% on all resale property sales. For new
build homes, 10% VAT replaces the ITP. In
either case stamp duty is charged at 1.5%.
WHY
FINANCE
MATTERS
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Live your life happier and
healthier in Spain
The Spanish weather contributes to a general
feeling of health and wellbeing. People
suffering with arthritis, joint pain, and skin
conditions in particular are more likely to
notice an improvement in their medical
condition. The proximity to local salt lakes has
also been postulated to compound the health
benefits of living on the Costa Blanca.
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COSTA BLANCA
THE WHITE COAST
The effects of Exchange Rates.
Getting the right insurance.
E
One of the biggest mistakes Spanish property
buyers make, is underestimating the impact of
exchange rates on the final purchase price of
their new home in Spain.
Check your existing life insurance policies to
make sure that they will continue to provide
cover while you are in Spain. If they do not,
consider purchasing a life insurance product
that will cover your requirements.
BEACHES | FINE WEATHER
very year the FEE announces the locations
of their Blue Flag certification award winners.
Last year Spain was awarded more Blue Flag
beaches than Italy and Portugal combined,
and authorities on the Iberian Peninsula are
always hopeful for successful results.
Spain was awarded a remarkable total of 692
Blue Flag certifications, and with awards for
587 idyllic and environmentally friendly
beaches, Spain officially has more Blue Flag
accredited beaches than any other country
on Earth.
Blue Flag certification, issued by the Danish
Foundation for Environmental Education,
endorses a beach’s or marina’s cleanliness,
safety, and high environmental and water
quality standards.
Other countries simply struggle to match the
sheer number of Spain’s fabulous beaches,
with Turkey taking 419 Blue Flag awards,
France 394, and Greece landing 392 of the
coveted distinctions last year.
Originally piloted in France in 1985, the
organisation now issues Blue Flag’s to the
highest quality coastal locations all across the
world, and last year over 4,154 beaches and
marinas were awarded Blue Flag status.
From Alicante to Pilar de Horadada, the
Costa Blanca earns it’s Spanish name as the
White Coast, with 29 beautiful Blue Flag
beaches for you to explore and enjoy.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Exchange rates can be exceptionally volatile,
prone to significant movements. But when
you are considering moving a substantial
amount of money - enough to buy a property
in Spain, then even a small exchange rate
movement makes a big difference.
As a simple example, consider the purchase
of a Costa Blanca property for which you
intend to transfer £100,000. At a theoretical
exchange rate of €1.29 per UK Pound Sterling
that’s €129,000.
If you have special medical requirements
check to make sure these are covered by the
Spanish healthcare system. If they are not, you
might want to think about purchasing private
health insurance while you are in Spain.
Apply a nominal exchange rate drop by
perhaps just €0.03 (three cents) from one day
to another, and overnight the very real effect
is that your new home is now €3,000 more
expensive than it was yesterday.
Bear in mind that inheritance rules and
regulations in Spain differ from those in the
rest of Europe, so it’s vital that you get
specialist advice about making a will in Spain
suited to your circumstances.
Naturally the larger the purchase, the more
these
potentially
negative
currency
movements could affect the purchase price of
your Spanish home.
Speak with Inmo Investments about your
insurance needs, currency exchange, and
Spanish wills. Call us on 0034.966.919.917 or
email [email protected].
If you already have enough funds in Euros to
cover the cost of purchasing a property in
Spain you need not worry, but for UK and
other currencies it’s important to mitigate the
risks of currency movements.
SPAIN: MORE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY ON EARTH
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Property crime in Spain is exceptionally low
compared to most northern European
countries, but thefts and other property
crimes can happen anywhere, so ensure your
new home is adequately insured.
Fortunately, there are specialised companies
dedicated to ensuring you get the best
exchange rates possible - often better than the
exchange rates you might expect from high
street banks. Speak with your Spanish estate
agent about your financial options.
Relax: enjoy a slower
pace of life in Spain
A reknowned tradition, for every Fiesta
there´s a Siesta - in fact they happen in Spain
every afternoon. The pace of life in Spain is
comfortably relaxed, and stress is yet to be
discovered on the Iberian Peninsula. Things
grind to a halt in August, when you will find
most Spanish families on the beach enjoying
the warm waters and cool sea breezes.
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Solicitor vs Notary.
A trusted solicitor will also be a valuable
member of your home buying team in Spain.
It is incredibly important that they speak your
language so that they can communicate
technical and legal matters to you.
FINDING THE RIGHT ESTATE AGENT FOR YOU
Estate agents that do more.
Create a brief.
In Spain, finding a good real estate agent is
absolutely vital. In addition to finding you the
best selection of property to choose from,
they will be your tour guide for the local area.
Creating an outline of the kind of home you
are looking for will help you get back high
value property recommendations.
Your estate agent in Spain will broker deals
between you and potential sellers, and
negotiate the final deal you require. They will
be responsible for driving the transaction
through to full completion.
Your Spanish estate agent will also ensure that
the utility services: electricity, water, and
communications contracts, are all registered
in your name so you can use your new home
in Spain as soon as you get your keys.
Your selected estate agent should be pro
active and prepared to go the extra mile for
you. Look for an estate agent that speaks your
language, one that’s been around for a while,
and check out past customer feedback from
independent sources like Facebook.
Start your search by getting in contact with
local estate agents on the Costa Blanca. Send
emails asking questions and monitor who
responds and how quickly they reply.
Be honest about the realistic timescale you are
hoping for, your location, your budget, and
what you expect from your new home in
Spain: the perfect holiday home, a rental
investment, or your sole residence.
FINDING
THE BEST
TEAM
But it is vital that you understand the
difference between a solicitor and a notary in
Spain. Your solicitor represents you and you
alone, and will work on your behalf to ensure
that your transaction progresses smoothly.
By contrast, the role of a Notary is to ensure
that the paperwork for a property purchase
is in order, and correct. They provide the
official “rubber stamp” to complete your
home purchase in Spain.
Indicate how you intend to fund your new
purchase. If you are expecting assistance with
finding a mortgage or other finance from your
Spanish estate agent they will perform better
for you if they know this in advance.
Unlike your appointed solicitor, Spanish
Notaries are employed by local government
bodies and do not represent either the buyer
or the seller. They ensure that your property
is correctly registered and issue the deeds.
A good estate agent will work with your brief
and provide a selection of property that
meets your requirements, so provide as much
detail as you feel you are able to.
Your solicitor will ensure that the contracts
and your property purchase are exactly as you
(their client) wants them, and that you are
protected against unwanted charges.
Once you have found an estate agent that you
get on with, try to stick with them. You will
want to take their time rather than have them
serve other clients, and they are much more
likely to spend their time with you if they feel
you are a committed purchaser.
Inmo Investments have been helping buyers
find their ideal home in Spain since 2003. Call
us on 0034.966.919.917.
The Mediterranean, Torrevieja
Championship golf
courses to play and enjoy
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Do you play golf? If you don’t, you might want
to think about partaking in this leisurely
pursuit. Golf is a popular pastime in Spain, and
the south Costa Blanca is home to no less
than eight beautifully manicured 18-hole
championship golf courses located within
some of the most breathtaking natural
Mediterranean landscapes.
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THE LARGEST, FASTEST HIGH SPEED
RAIL SERVICE IN EUROPE
E X P L O R E
S P A I N
With more than 3,100km of cutting-edge high speed
rail lines and another 2,200km due to be completed
by 2020, Spain's high speed rail system is the largest
in Europe. Globally, only China has a larger network.
Since 2005 Spain has invested heavily in their rail
network, and a web of high-tech high speed AVE
trains (Alta Velocidad Española) weave their way
across the Iberian Peninsula daily at nearly 250kph.
Operated by state rail carrier RENFE, scheduled
return services operate daily from Alicante to Madrid
with one way ticket prices from as little as €32,00.
Fast, safe, and great value: leave Alicante railway
station now, and you can be enjoying a coffee in a cafe
in the centre of Madrid in a shade over two hours.
The AVE Mediterranean coast line from Barcelona to
Murcia has been under construction since 2011 and
is due for completion soon. Promising even higher
speeds with a 350kph speed safety rating, the new line
is expected to reduce travel times between Alicante
and Barcelona to just 3 hours.
Meanwhile, RENFE have invested in the latest Italian
designed 114 Series super-trains to complement their
fleet of bullet-like rolling stock.
With the completion of the high speed line crossing
the Pyrennees into France in 2013, RENFE offer a
high speed non-stop direct AVE service from
Barcelona to Paris with ticket prices from just €79,00.
The French capital can now be reached from Spain by
train in under six and a half hours, opening up high
speed overland rail connections throughout Europe.
But with Iberian destinations such as Seville, Malaga,
and Toledo all reached with RENFE´s high-speed AVE
service from Alicante, exploring all of Spain becomes
an exceptionally viable and tantalising proposition.
Alicante TO Madrid
02hRS 05mINS
Making an offer in Spain.
Visiting Spain.
Visit out of season.
Once you have experienced the local Costa
Blanca area and viewed some potential new
homes, narrow down your list of preferred
properties and arrange second viewings.
Nothing will acquaint you with your chosen
corner of Spain quite like putting your feet on
the ground. Once you’re seriously considering
making a commitment to a Spanish property
purchase take some time to visit the area.
Summers in Spain are long and warm, running
from April right through to November. But try
to schedule your viewing trip avoiding the
typical June through August holiday period.
When you are sure you want to proceed with
a property purchase in Spain, and once you
have your finances in order and a suitable
deposit, it’s time to start negotiating.
ARRANGE YOUR VIEWING TRIP TO SPAIN
Arrange some time off work and clear you
schedule. Ensure your finances are in order
before you leave. You won’t want to be
rushed, but you will want to be fully prepared
before you arrive in Spain.
Whilst you might have a favourite property in
mind, you will want to arrive with a selection
of recommended homes to view. Make sure
your chosen estate agent knows you are
coming, and how much free time you have.
A good local estate agent will offer to escort
you to property viewings, provide transport,
guide you through the local area, and provide
advice on more than just property in Spain.
Visiting out of season means things will be
slower for your estate agent, so you’ll be
more likely to get the attention you need. It
will be a quieter time for sellers too increasing
your chances of getting a good deal.
EXPLORE
COSTA
BLANCA
Speak with your Costa Blanca estate agent.
He or she will be aware of the sellers
circumstances, and they should be able to give
you an indication of how much the seller is
prepared to accept for their property.
You will get a better idea of what the local
area is like to live in year round. You’ll have
time to talk to the local Spaniards and expats
that live there, and get a realistic idea of noise
levels in the neighbourhood.
Be aware that distressed or repossessed
properties in Spain are usually offered to
market via a banking institution who tend to
fix their prices. Therefore in these cases
negotiation is not normally possible.
Rent a property in the area you are hoping to
live in, the same type of property that you are
thinking of buying. Rather than checking in to
a hotel this will give you a good feel of what it
would be like to live in Spain.
However private sellers may have a little
more room for negotiation, so don’t be afraid
to make a low first offer even if you have been
completely honest about your budget with
your Spanish estate agent.
Remember that your estate agent represents
both seller and buyer equally. It is in your
estate agents interests to broker a mutually
acceptable agreement between you both.
Without that, they won’t get paid!
Going out shopping for essential groceries will
familiarise you with the community, give you
an idea about accessability, local prices, and
the facilities you could be enjoying.
Take the time to visit cafes, bars, and
restaurants close by. Reading reviews on
TripAdvisor is no substitute for trying them
yourself, and your tastes and expectations will
certainly be different to other peoples.
Are you ready for your viewing trip? Inmo
Investments can help you find the property
that suits you. Call us on 0034.966.919.917.
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The Mediterranean, Pilar de la Horadada
You will be able to find off-season deals on
rental property in Spain on popular websites
like AirBnB, TripAdvisor, or even eBay.
Enjoy Spain’s natural
beauty every day
Spain’s natural beauty is as radiant as it is
diverse. From the rugged snow-capped
mountains of the Sierra Nevada, to the white
sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, there’s
always a spectacular backdrop to your life in
Spain. Just going to the shops becomes an out
of the ordinary experience that you´ll never
take for granted.
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THE COSTA BLANCA
CLOSE TO HOME
Arrive in style: take the train.
Travelling by coach.
W
Turn a journey into a life changing experience.
With the opening of the trans-Pyrenees
intercontinental rail line in 2013, taking the
train to Spain is now a reality.
Eurolines, a wholly owned subsidiary of UK
coach operator National Express, operate
regular scheduled overland coach services
between London Victoria coach station and
both Murcia and Alicante bus terminals.
TRAVELLING TO SPAIN: GETTING THERE
CULTURE | FINE WEATHER
hether you are thinking about making a
permanent move to Spain or you’re just
looking for a holiday home, you will find the
Costa Blanca reassuringly close to home.
Well served by two modern international
airports, sea ports, a great road network, and
the largest high speed rail system in Europe,
Spain is as accessable as it is enjoyable.
Alicante Elche and Murcia San Javier
international airports offer connections to
national and regional airports throughout
northern Europe.
Each airport is easily reached within 15-45
minutes by car from your Spanish home on
the Costa Blanca, with both airports offering
cheap parking. Or alternatively, make use of
the great value taxi and local bus services.
Discover consistently low seat prices and
everyday all year round flights from many
budget airlines. Start your search online with
Easyjet, Eurowings, Jet2, FlyBe, Ryanair,
Transavia, and Vueling: all offering daily
services from most European airports.
2
With a median flight time just exceeding two
and a half hours from most popular northern
European destinations, getting to Spain is
easier, faster, and more affordable than you
might think.
JUST
HOURS
FROM HOME
1
2
FLIGHT TIME
2h 35m average flight time from northern Europe
London St Pancras International rail station
offer hourly connections to Paris, and Spanish
rail carrier RENFE now offer a non-stop First
Class high speed service from the French
capital direct to Barcelona that reaches the
Iberian peninsula in just six and a half hours.
The direct next day service operates year
round travelling overnight through France,
usually departing London early morning, and
arriving in Spain the following evening.
With a pleasurable overnight stop in Paris,
overland next day travel to Alicante or Murcia
is possible with just two train changes.
During peak season three return coaches
make the journey weekly, and with scheduled
prices from just £107.00 each way, it is a very
relaxing and affordable way to get to Spain.
Online resources.
Cruise to Spain.
By cruise ferry: Portsmouth UK to Spain ...
www.brittany-ferries.co.uk
By overland coach: London UK to Spain ...
www.eurolines.co.uk
By overland train: London UK to Spain ...
www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros
uk.voyages-sncf.com/en
www.eurostar.com
Brittany Ferries operate luxurious cruise lines
from Portsmouth to either Santander or
Bilbao in northern Spain. The overnight
service operates year round and takes a single
day to reach Spanish shores.
With scheduled prices from just £149 per car
each way and the ability to bring your pets
with you, it is a sensational way to arrive for
your Spanish adventure.
Getting medical support
Healthcare in Spain
The Spanish healthcare system is modern and
spearheads innovation in areas of medical
practice and innovation. Many of the hospitals
across the Costa Blanca are recently built
incorporating the latest designs and medical
facilities. Should you need to see a doctor or
receive medical attention, healthcare in Spain
is offered free at the point of delivery.
18
19
Benefits and state pensions.
If you receive a UK state pension you are still
entitled to receive your pension payments in
full, even if you move permanently to Spain.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU MAKE THE MOVE TO SPAIN
Private and company pensions.
Letting people know.
If you are moving to Spain permanently, you
might benefit from moving your UK company
or private pension fund assets to a Qualifying
Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme.
Informally known as a QROPS.
You’ll want to ensure that you let the right
people know that you are moving to Spain.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to settle
any unexpected matters that might crop up.
You will need to meet the criteria set by
HMRC in the UK, and you must be leaving the
UK to live abroad permanently.
It can take up to 10 years to realise the benefit
of moving to a QROPS, so it’s important to
give it thought sooner rather than later.
Individual circumstances vary widely, so
ensure you seek professional financial advice
before you make any firm decisions.
Setting up a mail redirection service with your
local Post Office will ensure you don’t miss
out on any important paperwork once you
have made the move abroad. This should be
one of the first things on your to-do list.
Omar Javierre
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN YOUR HOME
Home & Business, PC, Laptop, Networks & Accessories
T: 651 196 213 E: [email protected]
20
If you are in receipt of other state benefits like
pension credit, you might be entitled to keep
receiving them. Everyone’s circumstances are
very different, and you need to speak with the
DWP’s Exportability Team to find out what
you are entitled to.
Write to your local tax office and let them
know your plans. Depending on your personal
circumstances they might want you to
complete a tax return before you leave to
calculate if you’re due a rebate.
If you do receive benefits and you intend to
keep claiming them, it is vital that you get in
touch with the right government departments
as soon as you can before you leave for Spain.
If your estate agent is worth their salt, they
will have already set up your new Spanish
bank account. If you receive a pension, write
to your pension provider and ask them to pay
your pension in to your new account.
It is worth noting that you cannot have a bank
account in the UK if you don’t intend to
maintain an address in the UK. This rule
applies to credit cards, store cards, and pre
paid debit cards too.
PAWS ON THE MOVE ANIMAL TRANSPORT
t: 0034.660.121.092 w: pawsonthemove.es
GET YOUR
TIMING
RIGHT
If you intend to bring your car with you, check
that you have the original vehicle registration
document present. You will need the V5 to
inform the DVLA that the car has been
permanently exported so you do not have to
pay UK road tax in the future.
Contact your car insurance company and ask
for a “Green card” which will provide
European insurance cover while you are in
Spain. Ask how long the cover lasts so you
know when it’s time to reinsure.
La Marquesa Golf Course, Ciudad Quesada
A QROPS isn’t right for everyone, but
typically you can expect to gain more control
over your pension, what happens to the funds
in it, and to reduce your annual tax bill.
Write to the Department of Work and
Pensions or call them, and explain your
circumstances. The DWP can issue an S1
form to help you get fully comprehensive
healthcare in Spain.
European and British TV
is available in Spain
There’s no need to miss your favourite TV
programmes while you’re in Spain. Sky
satellite television is widely available across
the Costa Blanca with full HD satellite systems
available from just €499. TV over Internet set
top boxes offer an even cheaper way to watch
European TV in Spain, but just remember
everything is on that one hour later.
21
Taking your pets to Spain.
Cats and dogs must have EU Pet Passports to
travel to Spain. Get your pets treated and
documented at least three weeks before you
intend to travel.
MAKING YOUR MOVE TO THE COSTA BLANCA, SPAIN
Getting your belongings to Spain.
What to take, and what to leave.
Whether you are making a permanent move
to Spain or just furnishing a Costa Blanca
holiday home, you can start to feather your
new nest months before you intend to leave.
The power supply in Spain is the same as the
UK so all your electrical goods will work in
Spain. The Freeview tuner on your television
will not work, but set top boxes to receive a
Spanish television signal are available locally.
Buy some tough packing boxes and start filling
them with items that you don’t need on a
daily basis, that you want in your new home.
Online shipping agent Parcels2Go offer global
shipping to Spain at very reasonable prices,
with a large 25kg box shipped to Spain via UPS
with online tracking and insurance from just
£23 per box. Think one pound per kilo!
Sky TV boxes will function but will require a
different subscription card which you can pick
up from local specialist suppliers once you are
in Spain. You will also need a larger dish.
The EU Pet Travel Scheme allows the
transport of domestic pets between member
states of the EU. Suited to most domestic
animals, it makes moving you and your
beloved companions to Spain much easier just
so long as you prepare in advance.
MOVING
TO
SPAIN
Up to five animals may travel together under
the scheme. The Pet Travel Scheme cannot be
used for F1 Hybrid cats (eg: Ocicats, Toygers),
or for dogs that would usually be expected to
live completely wild, such as wolves or foxes.
You’ll need to bring anything typically British
with you: pint glasses, pint measuring jugs, and
Yorkshire pudding tins.
It helps to have a trusted contact or a friend
in Spain prepared to receive, store and sign
for your consignments, and with their help
you can ship your clothing, kitchen utensils,
pots, pans and more; before you leave.
Do not buy too many clothes for your new
Spanish adventure. Clothes in Spain are made
from different fabrics suited to the Spanish
environment. If you have an upright vacuum
cleaner it won’t be suited to tiled floors.
Swift Removals in Torrevieja offer a whole
house removal service to Spain. With regular
fully insured trips to Spain, free local storage,
and a modern fleet of vans, they offer great
value prices and a friendly service. You can
find their details online with Google, or
directly at www.swift-removals.net.
Bring your car if you intend to drive to Spain.
Secondhand car prices are high, and the cost
of paying to import a car is comparatively low.
Expect to pay around €1,300 to register your
car on Spanish number plates. Talk to us for
more information and specific pricing for your
UK or EU Spanish imported car.
No later than three weeks before your
intended date of travel your pet needs to be
inspected, treated, and documented by a
DEFRA approved vet.
For the most up to date information about the
EU Pet Travel Scheme and current travel
requirements, visit the DEFRA web page at
www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad.
Alternatively, contact European animal
transport specialists Paws on the Move. They
offer the easiest and most stress-free way of
moving your furry loved ones to Spain.
La Zenia Beach, La Zenia
Being part of an
International community
22
There’s something special about being a part
of an exclusive expatriate community in Spain.
A rich mix of nationalities from all across
Europe happily living together, and enjoying
life in the sun. There’s always something to do
and see, and regular locally organised cultural
events provide ideal opportunities for meeting
new people and connecting socially.
23
Finding supermarkets.
The rich cultural mix of Europeans living in
Spain means you have more choice when the
time comes for the weekly shopping.
COSTA BLANCA SHOPPING: FINDING YOUR DAILY ESSENTIALS
Enjoy a low cost of living.
Shopping centres.
Spain really does have everything you need.
The day to day cost of living is low and offers
consistently good value.
La Zenia Boulevard is the main commercial
centre for the local area. An open-air mall
style shopping centre, La Zenia Boulevard
offers a number of large retailers that are very
popular in Spain - including Primark.
Most of the food and produce you’ll eat in
Spain is grown in Spain, so it’s fresher than you
might be used to. It is plentiful and cheap too
compared to northern European prices.
The Habaneros shopping centre is slightly
smaller in size but similar in style. Located in
Torrevieja it offers a range of larger stores
selling everything from clothing to electronics
and much, much more.
You will find a wide variety of choices for your
essential items, including daily markets across
the Costa Blanca with independent
stallholders offering great deals on locally
produced textiles, clothing, footwear,
household items and fresh food.
U
A
R
SHOPPING
IN
SPAIN
German supermarkets Lidl and Aldi offer an
alternative shopping experience on the Costa
Blanca, and French supermarket Consum also
have stores throughout Spain.
The Irish grocers SuperValu are also very
popular with the expatriate community. They
offer a range of imported grocery items from
the UK, Germany, and Holland. Very handy
for Bisto, PG Tips, and Marmite lovers!
Adjacent to the Habaneros shopping centre,
you will find Carrefour Planet. The French
hypermarket is reknowned locally for the
freshness of its’ produce, and this large store
is the biggest in the local area.
The largest market in the local area, and one
of the biggest in Spain, is held on Sunday
morning at Lemon Tree Lane in El Raso (just
outside Guardamar). Whilst there, try Sunday
lunch at the Spanish Restaurante Los Rosales,
adjacent to the market entrance.
G
Spanish supermarket Mercadona dominate
the sector. Their stores operate nationwide
across Spain, and they offer low prices on
your weekly shopping.
Iceland also have stores in Spain. The British
frozen food specialists have stores locally in La
Marina and Torrevieja, and they provide a full
selection of British goods: both fresh and
frozen, delivered daily from the UK.
La Zenia, Habaneros, and Carrefour Planet
open all year round and often extend their
opening hours during the summer months.
D
A
M
A
Iceland are a boon for vegetarians, as they are
one of the few places in Spain to cater well
for people who prefer to avoid meat in their
diet. They carry a full range of Quorn, Linda
McCartney, and own brand vegetarian frozen
products; in addition to fresh goods,
R
CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR 31, LEMON TREE LANE T: 965.727.207
24
La Zenia Boulevard, La Zenia
Hundreds of beautiful
beaches to explore
Southern and eastern Spain is blessed with
some of the world´s most beautiful and
inviting beaches. No less than six Spanish
beaches appear in TripAdvisor´s Top 25
European Beaches, and with 587 beaches
awarded the Blue Flag nationally this year,
Spain has more Blue Flag beaches than any
other country on Earth.
25
TEN GREAT REASONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR NEW HOME IN SPAIN
Changes to legislation.
The UK introduced changes to
the way in which people could
access the money locked away in
their pensions. Money that was previously
inaccessible to many can now be used to
invest in a property purchase abroad.
Phone and internet.
Contrary to popular belief, a
telephone
and
internet
connection is easy to obtain and
affordable too, with packages including free
international phone calls and 3Mb internet
widely available from just €32 per month.
A growing rental market.
As the economy continues its
recovery at a remarkable rate,
more people are moving to Spain
for work. This is leading to an increase in
demand for long term rental properties in a
market dominated by short term holiday lets.
Closer to home.
With a median flight time of just
2h 35m from popular European
destinations, consistently low
seat prices, and everyday all year round flights
from many budget airlines; getting to Spain is
easier & more affordable than you might think.
Choice of properties.
Without a doubt, the Spanish
property market offers potential
purchasers and investors the
widest possible choice of homes in Europe.
With property available for less than €30,000
it’s easy to get the home you dream of.
Low cost of living.
Food and essential everyday
products are cheaper in Spain
than in most of northern
Europe, and out and about expect to pay €1
for a freshly prepared coffee, and €2 for a
large San Miguel: the locals favourite beer.
It’s a buyers market.
For now. Whilst home sales
throughout Alicante and most
other parts of Spain are on the
increase, housing stocks remain at high levels
in Spain. Potential buyers can leverage their
strong position to obtain the best value.
Affordable dining out.
Eating out isn’t just a pleasant
everyday
experience,
it’s
affordable too. A typical lunch
(menu del dia) costs around €8,00 per person
including a beer, glass of wine, or soft drink;
and dinner prices don’t go much higher.
Low fixed running costs.
Fixed utility costs for maintaining
a home in Spain are lower than
most other European countries.
Council tax in particular can be reasonable,
with a moderately sized villa in Ciudad
Quesada costing as little as €140 a year.
Political stability.
Spain has enjoyed decades of
political stability, and following
the geopolitical turmoil affecting
many parts of eastern Europe and north
Africa, Spain’s Costa Blanca is appearing all the
more the attractive investment.
© 2016 Inmo Investments Real Estate SL, Calle Alhambra 18, La Zenia, 03189 Orihuela Costa, Costa Blanca, Spain. First published June 2016.
This publication remains the sole property of Inmo Investments Real Estate SL. This publication, or any part of this publication, may not be copied, reproduced,
duplicated, or stored in any form: electronic, digital, physical or mechanical; except for the purpose of strictly non-commercial personal use, without the
express written consent of Inmo Investments. The text and images contained herein remain the intellectual property of Inmo Investments, except where
third-party content has been used in which case the intellectual property rights remain with the credited party. You may not adapt, amend, adjust, or use any
of the contents of this publication, except for the purpose of strictly non-commercial personal use, without the express written consent of Inmo Investments.
Offerred strictly for educational purposes only without warranty. You should always seek professional advice that suits your individual circumstances.
26
Costa Blanca & Orihuela Costa
Property & Investment Specialists
La Zenia
Real Estate Agents
www.inmoinvestments.com
A large portfolio of high quality properties
with prices to suit all budgets
Sales Office
Full suite of professional services for buyers
legal, financial, and fiscal
T: (0034) 966 919 917
[email protected]
Our friendly multi-lingual team of Sales Agents
are dedicated to assisting you
Established 2003, with an enviable and trusted
reputation across the Costa Blanca
Legal Office
T: (0034) 966 239 972
[email protected]
Calle Alhambra 18
La Zenia
03189
Orihuela Costa
X: 37.9285167°
Y: -0.7273131°
Resale
Viviendas
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Resale
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sales
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ife!
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WWW.INMOINVESTMENTS.COM
REAL ESTATE | IMMOBILIEN | EIENDOMSMEGLER
C/Alhambra 18, La Zenia | Orihuela Costa | (0034) 966 919 917

The Property Guide

Transcription

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