COSTA LIVING
THE enchanting appeal of Spain can be intoxicating, with its beautiful beaches, brilliant sunshine, open spaces, and easy-paced lifestyle. It’s no wonder that the expat community is continually growing and diversifying with each passing year. Of course, one of the first decisions that needs to be made once you have set your sights on a location is what type of residence you want to call home.
For some, the ultimate dream is a Spanish villa complete with a pool, plenty of outdoor living space, and alfresco dining opportunities. Others may prefer a chic urban apartment with minimal upkeep or housework! Whichever you are considering, there are a multitude of options to suit every budget. This guide provides just a glimpse of what is on offer to help spark your imagination, along with ideas for interior and exterior décor.
Spain also provides great real estate opportunities, and the savvy business-minded have been quick to pick up on the growing trend of ‘house-flipping’. For those who are new to this or just mildly curious, this involves selecting a property, holding on to it for a short time, and then selling it at a profit. Much like speculating on the stock market, there are risks, but with the help of our guide, this may be something that you might want to consider.
Credit: DavidPickup, Pexels
Viviendas Excelentes excellent properties, excellent service
OUR name speaks for itself. Viviendas Excelentes SL specialises in excellent properties. By excellent we mean not only in good conditions, but also at fair prices and with an excellent service.
Our multilingual team has acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the area all around Denia, the property and rental market since 2006. Since 2020 we are located in La Xara’s main street Calle La Mar 3, right next to the MasyMas supermarket and tobacconist. There you can reach us easily and with good parking facilities.
We would be delighted to offer you our services to help you sell your property or find a beautiful and
unique property to buy or rent where you can enjoy your retirement or spend the most important weeks of the year - your holidays.
Would you like to sell your property and would like professional, individual and discreet support? We find out exactly what prospective buyers want and only bring you customers who might be genuinely interested. Right now, there is a high demand in well-kept properties and the demand is higher than the offer.
On our website you will find selected properties that we specifically search, offer and sell. Our motto is a good service and concentration on fewer properties and therefore a more thorough support.
Viviendas Excelentes SL | Avda. de La Mar 3 bajo, La Xara, Denia 03709 Tel: +34 966 430 506 | 606 535 070 | www.viviendasexcelentes.com | info@viviendasexcelentes.com
Terrace trends
To make the most of your terrace, focus on selecting the right textiles, plants, lighting, and furniture to create a space that’s both stylish and functional.
YOUR terrace can become the central spot for outdoor relaxation and enjoyment. Today, terraces are seen as an extension of your living space. Blending the terrace with its natural surroundings helps bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor areas.
Using natural materials and colours that reflect the landscape creates a seamless transition. Plants are key to this approach, adding beauty and improving air quality. Incorporating greenery is vital. Potted plants, vertical gardens, and green walls can turn your terrace into a
lush, inviting space. Choosing native and low-maintenance plants ensures your terrace stays vibrant year-round.
Versatility is also important. Opt for multifunctional furniture that saves space and adds practicality. Look for benches with built-in storage, adjustable tables, and folding chairs to maximise space while keeping style.
Durable materials are crucial for outdoor furniture. Aluminium, teak, and synthetic rattan are great choices because they withstand weather conditions and
require minimal upkeep, ensuring your furniture lasts longer.
Paving is another key element in terrace design. It provides a foundation for the space and affects its durability and appearance.
Choosing the right paving materials can enhance the terrace’s visual appeal and functionality.
Photos: Shutterstock
THINKING of buying a property in Spain? Whether you’re drawn to the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol or the vibrant culture of Barcelona. However, beyond the excitement of finding your dream home, comes the challenge of navigating the completion payment process.
The good news? With the support of Currencies Direct and its revolutionary PropertyPay solution you can avoid the delays, hefty bank fees, and the hassle that has traditionally plagued this process.
The challenges posed by traditional payment methods
Historically, when purchasing property abroad, buyers have had to rely on banker’s drafts to complete transactions. These drafts often come with steep fees - typically around 0.5 per cent of the total, which can amount to thousands of euros depending on the property price.
Sellers, too, face high fees when depositing drafts - sometimes as much as 1 per cent - and can experience significant delays before funds appear in their account.
How to maximise the savings on your Spanish property purchase
Another common option is using an intermediary like a solicitor or notary, but this comes with additional costs, further complicating the process.
Introducing PropertyPay: a modern solution
In contrast, PropertyPay offers a free, secure, and 100 per cent digital solution, revolutionising how international property transactions are handled.
PropertyPay greatly simplifies the whole property process, enabling direct transfers between buyers and sellers without the need for bank visits, drafts, or intermediary accounts.
With PropertyPay, payments are also only processed once the title deed is signed, giving you full control over your funds. If the sale doesn’t proceed, your money remains securely in your account.
In addition, if both the buyer and seller hold accounts with Currencies Direct, the seller can receive their funds almost instantly - even using the proceeds to celebrate on the same day!
Save on overseas money transfers
In addition to the seamless property payment process, Currencies Direct offers significant savings when transferring funds internationally. Whether you’re sending money abroad for a purchase or repatriating proceeds, using traditional banks can lead to additional fees and less favourable exchange rates.
With Currencies Direct, you’ll avoid transfer and receiving fees, no matter the amount. You can also lock in exchange rates up to a year in advance or receive regular market updates so you can time your transfer for when the exchange rate is most favourable for you.
Learn more about PropertyPay PropertyPay is set to truly revolutionise the Spanish property market, making transactions smoother, faster, and more cost effective. By eliminating traditional delays and fees, it brings a modern touch to the process, ensuring peace of mind for buyers and sellers alike. If you want to find out more about PropertyPay, you can pop into your
local Currencies Direct branch (we have more than 20 branches scattered across Spain) or email us at propertypay@currenciesdirect. com.
Visit us at our Spanish offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca.
Telephone UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 · Spain +34 950 478 914 euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com www.currenciesdirect.com
FLIPPING houses can be a lucrative venture if you approach it with the right strategy. Here are some top tips to ensure your house-flipping journey is successful and profitable. First and foremost, invest wisely by seeking affordable properties. However, don’t be seduced by low prices alone. Ensure the area meets your standards, as this is where true profitability lies. A great deal in a bad location is no deal at all.
Successful House Flipping Tips
units with terraces and sea views, preferably south-facing and within walking distance of the beach and amenities. If the community offers parking and a pool, it becomes an even more attractive deal.
well-renovated property can command a higher resale price. Approach the renovation as if it were your own home but keep the style neutral to appeal to a broader audience. Effective communication with a real estate agent from the start is crucial. Their market expertise and understanding of buyer preferences can guide your decisions and optimise your flip’s potential. Select an agent with a stellar reputation to ensure your property is marketed and sold efficiently.
Finding a reputable contractor is essential. Establish a thorough contract to keep the project on schedule. A reliable contractor is the key to avoiding costly delays and ensuring quality work. When it comes to choosing the right property, your criteria will vary depending on whether you’re flipping apartments or villas. For apartments, look for
For villas, properties with a pool and sea view - or open views of mountains or golf courses - are prime candidates. A well-maintained garden ensuring privacy, a garage, and a single-level layout can significantly increase a villa’s appeal.
Invest thoughtfully in your renovation. Choose quality materials and stylish finishes. A discerning buyer will appreciate the attention to detail, and a
Finally, stage the property with tasteful furnishings. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also highlights its immediate readiness for occupancy, a highly valued trait by potential buyers.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful house-flipping venture. Happy flipping!
Catherine McGeer
We Have Everything You Need To Dress Your Home ALL UNDER ONE ROOF
THE Yorkshire Linen Company in Javea and Altea opened their doors over 16 years ago. Whether it’s a complete transformation of your home, your rental(s) or just some finishing touches needed, there is a huge range of fabrics and textiles in a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from. Bed linen, mattress and pillow protectors, bath and beach towels, cushions and pillows are just some of the products that we always have in stock.
Bamboo Linen and Towels
Our bamboo Belledrom range of fitted sheets, flat sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases are soft, silky and hypoallergenic. Bamboo is an eco-friendly and sustainable fibre that grows very quickly and often requires no pesticides. Naturally breathable by regulating your body temperature, bamboo linen will keep you cool in summer and warm in the winter. Our bamboo towels are available in different colours and sizes.
Sofa Beds and Mattresses
Apart from quality mattresses and bases we also sell sofa beds which are ideal for guests and ren-
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tals therefore optimising your living space. These include an Italian opening system with five years warranty, recycled and stain-resistant fabric and two pillow function cushions.
Protection for Bedrooms
A mattress protector is a worthwhile investment for keeping your mattress clean and in good condition. We can highly recommend our waterproof and breathable protectors, especially during the summer season. The same goes for pillow protectors, protecting pillows from stains.
We also stock mattress toppers which is a great way to transform an older bed or break in a new mattress that may be a bit too firm for now. They can also have a cooling effect depending on which brand you purchase.
Curtain Power
All curtains are useful and decorative. We have a huge selection of UK curtains to choose from and an in-house seamstress service available to make sure your curtains hang perfectly. Black out curtains have proven to be excellent on energy sa-
ving and keeping your house cool during warmer months.
From Outdoors to Indoors
For bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, studies and terraces our prices will please all home loving bargain hunters as well as those looking for a more luxurious finish. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff in both our shops are will always assist you in every way they can.
Our Autumn Collections are arriving weekly. Come and get inspired!
Centro Comercial Montgó Cap de la Nao Plá 68, Jávea T 966 462 275 Mon to Fri 10.00 – 19.00 | Saturday 10.00 – 18.00
Partida Planet 177 | Altea T 965 841 399 Mon to Fri 10.00 – 19.00 | Saturday 10.00 – 14.00 yorkshirelinencostablanca.com
Beautiful bathing
Free-standing baths have become a symbol of luxury and style in modern bathrooms, adding both elegance and versatility.
THEIR design allows them to stand out as a focal point, transforming any bathroom.
A key feature of free-standing bathtubs is their flexibility in placement.
Unlike built-in tubs that are fixed to walls, free-standing baths can be placed anywhere in the room.
Whether beside a window, in a corner, under a skylight, or even in the centre, they create a striking visual effect.
Free-standing baths enhance a bathroom’s appearance with their independent design, which
adds a touch of sophistication.
With various shapes and finishes available, they can be tailored to match your style and make a bold statement.
Installation is straightforward compared to built-in models since free-standing baths don’t require a support structure.
However, it’s crucial to ensure the floor can support the bathtub’s weight.
Comfort is another advantage of free-standing baths.
Many are designed to fit the body’s contours for a more comfortable experience, and deeper models allow for full immersion, making bath time more relaxing.
Available in a range of sizes and shapes, free-standing baths can fit different bathroom sizes and styles.
Whether you need a compact option for a smaller space or a luxurious model for a larger bathroom, there’s a free-standing bath to meet your needs and enhance your bathroom’s design.
SOLD OUT
THE housing market in Alicante is experiencing a sharp decline in sales of used homes due to a shortage of supply and rising prices.
Official statistics reveal that transactions in this sector have dropped by 10 per cent so far this year, amounting to just 20,000 sales.
This downturn is happening as stock availability dwindles, and prices continue to surge, with a year-on-year increase of 14 per cent.
In contrast, the market for new flats is growing, although the number of transactions, totalling 4,500, remains far below those in the used housing sector.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that overall home sales in Alicante have decreased by approximately 5 per cent compared to last year, with 24,637
transactions recorded.
The decline is largely driven by the used housing market, where 2,067 fewer sales were registered, a situation that industry insiders attribute to both limited supply and escalating prices.
Real estate portal Foto-
casa reports that property prices in the province have risen by 13.9 per cent year-on-year, with the average cost now standing at €2,000 per square metre.
In Alicante City, the price per square metre has reached €2,459.
Experienced Estate Agents at your service
COASTLINE PROPERTIES is an established, trusted independent estate agent with over 20 years’ experience, based in Denia, covering the northern Costa Blanca.
Founder Philip Westerby says: “With our extensive knowledge of the region, combined with our property portfolio (which includes a wide range of villas, townhouses, bungalows and apartments) and our personalised service, we are confident that we will be able to find your dream property.”
We pride ourselves on our high-quality service and professional advice, which is reflected in the comprehensive recommendations of our many satisfied clients. Our expertise will help you at every step of the buying process, and we also offer a complete service for owners looking to sell their property.
The following services are included
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free of charge when buying a property with us:
• Location identification
• Property search, viewing and showing
• Negotiation of terms, price and contract
• Accompaniment and translation at the notary
• Help with money transfers
• Recommendations to qualified Spanish tax advisors and lawyers
• Help with opening a Spanish bank account
• Assistance with bank mortgages
If you need advice or a free valuation, please contact Philip Westerby. Through our website: https://www.coastlinepropertiesspain. com,phone/WhatsApp: +34 606 798 213 | info@coastlineproperties.es
A world of washbasins
WHEN choosing a washbasin for your bathroom renovation or new build, consider these key factors to ensure it meets both your functional needs and design preferences:
The washbasin should complement your bathroom’s overall style, whether modern or traditional. It needs to blend well with other elements to create a cohesive look.
Washbasins come in various materials like stone, ceramic, and solid surfaces, each offering different textures and finishes.
These materials can add unique character and contribute to the bathroom’s design theme. Colour is another important factor. Washbasins are available in classic neutrals or bold hues such as blue, pink, green, and brown. Your colour choice
can either blend with the existing decor or stand out as a feature.
Consider the shape and size of the washbasin. Smaller basins are ideal for compact spaces, while larger ones can make a statement in bigger bathrooms. The shape can range from elegant curves to minimalist lines, affecting the overall aesthetic.
Ensure that the taps and accessories, like towel
rails and toilet paper holders, match the washbasin in style and finish. This will contribute to a unified look and functionality.
Some washbasins offer integrated storage or can be paired with cabinetry for added organisation. This helps keep the bathroom tidy and functional.
Proper lighting around the washbasin can enhance its appearance and functionality. Good lighting highlights the basin’s features and helps it become a focal point in the design.
There are various styles of washbasins, including built-in, counter top, pedestal, and inset models.
Fluctuating currency
IF you are a foreign buyer looking to purchase property on the Costa Blanca, it’s important to understand how currency fluctuations can impact your transaction. This often-overlooked factor can affect your ability to finalise the purchase.
The property buying process can take several months, during which the exchange rate between your home currency and the euro might change.
Although the property price in euros remains constant from the signing of the contract to the completion, the cost in your local currency can vary.
For instance, if your currency loses value by 3 per cent against the euro, the cost of the property in your currency increases by 3 per cent. This added expense can be significant, depending on the property’s price.
To manage this risk, it’s wise to consult a currency exchange expert before you start viewing properties or signing agreements. They can help you set your budget in euros and prepare for possible fluctuations in your currency.
One effective tool is a forward contract, which allows you to lock in an exchange rate for the full property price. This protects you from future rate changes and helps you avoid unexpected costs at completion.
UK to Spain
Relocating or retiring from the UK to the sunny Costa Blanca is an exciting prospect, offering a change of scenery, lifestyle, and perhaps a lower cost of living.
HOWEVER, before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to handle several administrative tasks to ensure a smooth transition.
When you decide to move or retire abroad, it’s vital to inform the appropriate UK government offices.
This includes offices that handle your benefits, pension, and tax affairs. Ensuring that these institutions are aware of your new status will help avoid any disruptions in payments and ensure that you are complying with UK regulations.
Before you leave, contact your local council to notify them of your move.
If you receive benefits, you must inform the relevant benefits offices about your relocation. They will advise you on whether you can continue to receive your benefits while living
abroad. The rules vary depending on the type of benefit, so it’s essential to clarify this before you leave. Your pension is another critical area to address. You should
contact the International Pension Centre to discuss how your move will affect your pension and how to claim it once you are abroad.
If you have student loans, it’s
This will help to make sure that you are paying the right amount of tax based on your new circumstances.
Failing to do so could result in overpayment or underpayment, both of which can lead to complications.
important to notify the Student Loans Company of your move.
To avoid any issues with your taxes, you must inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about your move or retirement
Even if you move or retire abroad, you can usually still vote in UK elections.
Additionally, your UK citizenship remains intact, meaning your rights as a citizen will not be affected by your relocation.