PROPERTY SPECIALISTS ON THE COSTA BLANCA SINCE 20O3
BEAUTIFUL HOMES IN SPAIN THAT WILL MOVE YOU w w w. i n m o i n v e s t m e n t s . c o m
life! r u o y n i t Inves
WELCOME BIENVENIDO WILLKOMMEN The Property Guide: Costa Blanca. 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
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?
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. 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.
04
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. 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. 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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
Swimming pools.
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 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. 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. 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. 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.
Villamartin, Orihuela Costa
A local Spanish market every day of the week 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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
05
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.
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. 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
06
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
T
he beautiful Spanish weather, and long dry summers, provide the ideal environment for golf in Spain: quite unlike anywhere else in Europe. 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.
D O W N LOA D T H E G O L F GUIDE FROM OUR WEBSITE
www.inmoinvestments.com
8
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES
18
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
HOLES 72 PAR
07
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. 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.
08
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%. Budget up to €2,000 for an independent lawyer, €700 for notary fees, and €400 toward the cost of land registration. 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. An NIE application costs around €100, and if you are married both you and your partner will require separate NIE numbers.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
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.
WHY FINANCE MATTERS
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) ... - 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. 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.
Inmo Investments Sales Office, La Zenia
If you want more information on the costs of buying in Spain, call us on 0034.966.919.917.
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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
09
COSTA BLANCA THE WHITE COAST 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.
E
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.
SPAIN: MORE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY ON EARTH
10
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS The effects of Exchange Rates.
Getting the right insurance.
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.
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.
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.
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 info@inmoinvestments.com.
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. 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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
11
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.
12
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. 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. 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. 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 | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
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 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. 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. 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. 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 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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
13
THE LARGEST, FASTEST HIG RAIL SERVICE IN EURO E X P L O R E
S P A I
GH SPEED OPE 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
ARRANGE YOUR VIEWING TRIP TO SPAIN Visiting Spain.
Visit out of season.
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.
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. 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. 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. You will be able to find off-season deals on rental property in Spain on popular websites like AirBnB, TripAdvisor, or even eBay. 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.
16
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
Making an offer in Spain. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
The Mediterranean, Pilar de la Horadada
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! 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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
17
THE COSTA BLANCA CLOSE TO HOME CULTURE | FINE WEATHER
W
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
18
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
TRAVELLING TO SPAIN: GETTING THERE Arrive in style: take the train.
Travelling by coach.
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.
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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
19
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.
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. 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. 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 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
Omar Javierre TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN YOUR HOME Home & Business, PC, Laptop, Networks & Accessories
T: 651 196 213 E: omar.javierre@gmail.com
20
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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
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. 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.
GET YOUR TIMING RIGHT
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.
La Marquesa Golf Course, Ciudad Quesada
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.
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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
21
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. 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.
22
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
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. 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. 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 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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
23
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.
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
U
A
R
La Zenia, Habaneros, and Carrefour Planet open all year round and often extend their opening hours during the summer months.
D
A
M
A
R
CAMPO DE GUARDAMAR 31, LEMON TREE LANE T: 965.727.207
24
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
Finding supermarkets. The rich cultural mix of Europeans living in Spain means you have more choice when the time comes for the weekly shopping. Spanish supermarket Mercadona dominate the sector. Their stores operate nationwide across Spain, and they offer low prices on your weekly shopping.
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! 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. 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,
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.
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
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
Inmo Investments | THE PROPERTY GUIDE: COSTA BLANCA
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 info@inmoinvestments.com
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 admin1@inmoinvestments.com Calle Alhambra 18 La Zenia 03189 Orihuela Costa X: 37.9285167° Y: -0.7273131°
Resale Viviendas Villas
Bargains
Rents Chalets Prop
Resale
Villas
repossession
Apartments
sales
Investment Dreams
ife! l r u o y n i Invest WWW.INMOINVESTMENTS.COM
REAL ESTATE | IMMOBILIEN | EIENDOMSMEGLER C/Alhambra 18, La Zenia | Orihuela Costa | (0034) 966 919 917