buying & selling your next property in spain
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South Town San Javier
North Town
Wine Region
Toledo
Company Profile
Rueda D.O.
A Time 4 A Change
issue 20 MAY 2018
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#Edition 20 • May 2018
Spanish recipe
What precautions to take if you are buying your home in Spain( Part 2)
Caldero
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Wine Region:
Volvo Ocean Rueda D.O. Race 8&9 20 A life on the course...
Villaitana Golf
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Why a non golfer lives happily on a golf resort
36 Applying for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) In Spain
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Altea Weekend 2018
contact ALIS:
enquiries@alifeinspain.com peter.clarke@alifeinspain.com
Welcome to the May edition of ALIS. Pool covers off, time to check your swimming pool and as we say summerise it. No that doesn’t mean 8x4 with roman steps. Over the past few months, we have had several enquiries about the EHIC card and how to apply for one. So in this month magazine we have tried to explain, How, Why, and When. This can be found on page 32. The wine feature this month is on a favourite of mine called Rueda. whilst the golf review is on Villaitana Golf. The north town focuses on Toledo and the south town is San Javier. There is also a new advertiser in the form of Mortgages Direct. This is a great addition to our magazine and could help with your mortgage needs. If you visit us on-line you can use their mortgage calculater. Don´t forget to enter our free prize draw to win 4 tickets to Terra Natura Murcia worth upto 100€. See page 26 Remember – all of our articles and over 8,000 properties for sale and rent are available online at:
www.alifeinspain.com ALIS is not responsible for the accuracy or content of any articles published in the magazine or online and proffessional advice is reccomended. ALIS does not endorse any company advert or article herein. We try to make sure the content is accurate but cannot be held responsible for inaccuracy.
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What precautions to take if you are buying your home in Spain( Part 2) Last week we explained that despite the collapse of the real estate business in Spain, homes are still sold and not only that, but three of every ten sales of properties bought in Spain are done so with cash in hand, i.e. without the need for a mortgage. We also describes that saving can be accomplished when buying cash can be of up to 50% if the interest paid on a 30 years mortgage is calculated. We also described the type of individuals who are going for this type of transactions. Today we are going to focus on the reasons why it is advisable to buy a home, cash....if you can, afford it of course.
On the other hand, money deposited in a bank can significantly reduce its value and in occasions could even disappear as we all have flashes of that happening on the back of our retinas.
Why is it is it better to buy a house cash? • It is advisable to pay in cash, even if the buyer cannot benefit from any tax relief (normally applies only when a mortgage is formalise), the buyer will always saves money. The expenses of not having to constitute a mortgage, plus the interest paid over the mortgage life period, compensates more than the possible amounts that could be deducted.
It is important to consider that, all costs of buying and selling of a home are borne by the buyer, except for the capital gains tax or tax paid on the increase of value of the property, which has to pay by the seller but these are aspects that a good negotiator should take into account and on an open and free market, everything is negotiable! Always obtain the advice of a good solicitor, right from the beginning of the negotiations and through the process of the purchase the property, do not cut corners with the paper work.
• In addition, one should add all the other annoying small expenses such as the mortgage opening commission, the interests of any delay on quotas, compulsory surveys costs, the compulsory life and home insurance by the lending entity, etc. can raise the total cost of housing up to 50% or more, with respect to purchasing cash. • There are also, the risks and imbalances that exist today in the financial market, the high interest rates that capital lending need to pay and low yields financial entities offered to investors. • When a buyer is paying cash to buy a house allows more possibilities to negotiate with the seller and get the property at a cheaper price, normally we are talking about a discount of between 15% to 20%. Evidently it should be taken into account the circumstances of the buyer and seller to be able to calculate the possible reduction in the cost of the sale. Today is a buyers market: many of those who sell have an urgency to do so and, on numerous occasions, are ready to accept a reduction in the price. • Housing has been considered a shelter asset. Even if in the future, the houses come down in price (a possibility less and less certain as seen from the latest figures offered by various official institutions), at least it will remain a tangible assets.
• The truth is that those who intend to acquire a property cash now, have to take into account that the probabilities are that prices will rise again in the near future and the property will be worth more on the market. What steps must follow anyone who intends to buy a house cash?
If the house is purchased through a real estate agent, do request his registration number. In the case the purchase is done directly from a property developer, you should ask for his CIF (Tax identification Number) and the business register data. If you are dealing with an individual, obtain a copy from his original ID. Obtain from the seller a copy of the deeds which certify the seller as the rightful homeowner. In addition, you should check the data from the Land Registrar to identify any existing charges on the property and that the owner is the same as the one stated on the deeds. This note costs about 25 Euros (“Nota Simple”) and can be provided via internet within 24 to 48 hours. It is much cheaper if obtained directly from the Registrar Office,
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Wine Focus...
Rueda D.O. Rueda is a wine region at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, located just northwest of the Spanish capital, Madrid. It is known for its dry, aromatic white wines made predominantly from Verdejo, with small quantities of Viura and Sauvignon Blanc. These fresh, aromatic whites are an ideal complement to the heavy Tempranillo-based reds of neighbouring Toro.
BACKGROUND
Standard Rueda Blanco must be made from at least 50 percent Verdejo, a variety so aromatic that even substantial additions of neutral-scented Viura (aka Macabeo) do little to reduce its character. Relatively recent additions to the region’s wine portfolio are the varietal wines Rueda Verdejo and Rueda Sauvignon, which must be made from at least 85 percent of the stated variety. Rueda Espumoso is the area’s sparkling wine, made in the traditional method with nine months in the bottle, ageing on lees. As of early 2014, the Rueda vineyard area covered 32,000 acres (13,000ha), planted almost exclusively to white-wine varieties. Verdejo vines occupy an impressive 90 percent of this land, demonstrating quite how far the variety has come since its renaissance in the 1980s (when this figure was closer to 50 percent). After a long period in the shadows, Verdejo’s potential was “rediscovered” by the respected Rioja producer Marques de Riscal, which produces several white Rueda wines. Viura and Sauvignon Blanc together constitute just 5 percent of Rueda’s annual harvest. Palomino Fino, once much more popular but now being phased out, makes up less than 0.25 percent of the Rueda vineyard area. In among the sea of white wine, a tiny amount of tinto and rosado (red and rosé) is made here, from Tempranillo and Garnacha with a little help from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Here on the high plateau of Castilla y Leon, the landscape is wild and the earth low in nutrients. Plants are forced to work hard to survive, so only cereals and grape vines grow here with any vigour. The local soils, rich in lime and iron, are also a vital factor. These are very stony, yet provide good drainage and are easy to farm. The Duero wine region is marked on its northern edge by the Duero River, which then continues on to Toro, and Portugal beyond. Almost all of Rueda’s vineyards are somehow connected to the Duero, located along its banks or those of its various tributaries. The finest Rueda vineyards are those closest to the Duero, where the soils have a higher limestone content. The climate here is clearly continental, which means hot, harsh summers, and cold winters when temperatures often drop below freezing. Torrid, dry summer days are followed by crisp, cool nights, which refresh the vines and help to retain all-important acidity. The region is deprived of any maritime influence by the Cordillera Cantá-
brica, the mountain range that separates it from the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. To illustrate the importance of these mountains on Rueda’s climate, on the other side of them lie Asturias and Cantabria – regions with relatively cool, fresh climates and fertile green landscapes. A key turning point in Rueda’s history was the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th Century. Prior to 1865, the region was home to many hundreds of vineyards, but these had all but disappeared by the beginning of the 20th Century. When it came to replanting post-phylloxera, Palomino Fino was the variety of choice for most vineyards. Palomino is very well suited to oxidative wine styles (it is responsible for the vast majority of Sherry), which were the norm in Rueda at that time and are still made there in small quantities even today. The variety also thrives in hot, dry, nutrient-poor conditions, such as those found in Rueda and Jerez. Fortified wines are still made in Rueda today, but in tiny quantities. Rueda Dorada is aged oxidatively in barrel for at least two years. Its colour is very much as its name suggests (dorada means “golden”), and its aromas are of toasted nuts and rancio. The minimum alcohol content for Rueda Dorado is 15 percent by volume. The lighter Rueda Palido is aged under a film of flor, and is not dissimilar in style to a dry fino Sherry.
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. . . e s r u o c e h t n o A life
Villaitana Golf
more than 6,612 metres in length with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Finestrat.
Villaitana Levante Golf Course: Championship and par 72 This course, with its characteristic Nicklaus design, is an American styled course with narrow fairways, exquisitely shaped greens and is more than 6,612 metres in length with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Finestrat. Villaitana Poniente Golf Course: Executive and par 62 This course is 3,858 metres in length and is located on the hill side of a Mediterranean pine forest with views over the sea and the mountains. It’s design provides a great golfing experience for all types of players independent of their handicap.
Year Built 2005 Designer/s Nicklaus Designs Manager José Luis Múgica García President Dña. Maria ÁngelesCremades Greenkeeper Alfredo Pérez Lorente Golf Professional Javier Quesada Layout difficulty 2 (1 easy to 5 hard) Approx. tee interval 10 min. Buggy recommended not necessary Buggy allowed in fairway No Maximum Handicaps Gents: 28 Ladies: 36 Green Fee, normal price 65€. To book, Tel: 96 681 3013
REPRESENTATIVE
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South Town... San Javier
San Javier Famous for its summer festivals and its dedication to agricultural and nautical activities, San Javier, located in the Mar Menor, goes way beyond the mere expectations of beaches. Cool air and the fresh taste of seafood provide alternatives to this area, whose main tourist hotspots are Santiago de la Ribera and La Manga del Mar Menor.
Located on the coast of the Mar Menor, it’s history began after the period of the Berber invasions in the area. It arose around a shrine that was built at the beginning of the 17th century and dedicated to the Apostle San Francisco Javier. It’s territory, which is dedicated to agriculture and the sea, has the outstanding coastal locations of Santiago de la Ribera and La Manga del Mar Menor, both of eminent tourist interest. Santiago de la Ribera was created in 1888 with the construction of a shrine dedicated to the Apostle St. James. Currently, this modern-looking town has a beautiful sea front and holds on to its fishing village flavour. La Manga, which mostly belongs to the municipality of San Javier, offers the possibility of choosing between two seas with different temperatures, saltiness and waves. Moreover, its special qualities for water sports and its wide range of leisure and accommodation possibilities have turned it into a magnificent tourist resort. San Javier perhaps widens the options for the rural tourist with its many inland villages and protected areas away from the coast, such as Cabezo Gordo, and make it an excellent alternative to bear in mind if you’re looking for something other than its excellent beaches. THE FLYING ACROBATS Those who regularly come to Mar Menor know that at any moment, one of the most amazing spectacles that exist can happen above our heads. The acrobatics of the PatrullaÁguila team, which is based out of the San Javier Air Force Academy, defy the laws of physics to delight all those that are lucky enough to see it. Once you have seen the acrobatics, you cannot look away from the sky.
FROM THE SEA... CALDERO The local specialty is called Caldero, a typical coastal dish made up of rice and fresh fish with a secret ingredient ñoras (a sun-dried pepper grown in Murcia). The following are typical Murcian items: fish eggs, dried tuna, and the richest langoustines of Mar Menor as well as home grown vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, artichokes and peppers. For dessert, we suggest that you enjoy the sweet and savoury Pastel de cierva or, if you have a sweet tooth, the Tocino de Cielo (very similar to flan in Southern Spain). LET’S GO TO THE FESTIVALS The San Javier Jazz Festival is considered as one of the best in Spain. The annual event takes place in July and offers a whole month of concerts, where the most outstanding Jazz musicians perform. Can you think of anything better than spending your summer nights listening to Jazz on an outdoor stage just a few minutes from the sea? The summer festival of Theatre, Music and Dance is another very important one in San Javier. The range of classical and avant-garde theatre, world music, prestigious soloists and internationally renowned classical and modern dance groups all attend this annual event. FESTIVALS AND CUSTOMS The Romería de San Blas is one of the most well-known festivals in Murcia, which takes place at the beginning of February. During the summer in Santiago de la Ribera, they also celebrate the Festival of the Virgen del Carmen with a maritime procession and popular street parties.
THE SEA AND GOLF Like the rest of the Mar Menor, the San Javier coast is ideal for water sports. The majority of the sailing, diving or paragliding schools take place in the Mar Menor Marine Resort, and they give you an unforgettable experience in a unique setting in the Mar Menor.
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Altea Weekend 2018 On Saturday 7 th April 2018 twelve of us left the shop at 2pm accompanied by our wives and partners and travelled in convoy along the AP7 to the Cap Negret Hotel in Altea for a cycling weekend in the hills. When we arrived we checked in and squared our bikes away in the storage area provided for cycling teams. ( large room suitable for 20 bikes , kit etc shower, toilet, and washing machine ) Most of the top teams that train in and around the Calpe / Altea area now use the Cap Negret Hotel as their base. We were soon changed into our cycling kit and ready to leave the comfort of the hotel and head for a nice easy climb up to one of Spain’s most picturesque villages Guadalest for a coffee and cake. It’s a lovely twisty road all the way up with some steep parts but nothing compared to what was to come tomorrow. At the top it was relatively quiet with many bars and restaurants already closed but we found one still open, Daniel unfortunately forgot to unclip and cycled straight into a gift shop and fell over, after he picked himself up he emerged pushing the bike with a red face and a belt stuck to the bike what a laugh we had. After 30 mins drinking coffee we were off again downhill all the way back to the hotel, the roads were deserted by this time and we raced each other all the way to Altea where we stopped and waited for everyone to catch up and regroup for the last 3km ride back to the hotel. We all stored our bikes in our storage room, showered and dressed then met in the bar for a beer or two before entering the dining room for Dinner with the girls. On Sunday morning I told the guys that I had a surprise for them so they were all up bright and early for breakfast and ready to hit the road by 9.30am. We left Altea on the N332 and headed for Calpe where we picked up the coast road all the way To Moraira. We passed through Moraira to Mercadona where we took a right turn up past a few houses and their the surprise was straight into a 22% climb which was relentless it just went on and on and was called Cumbre del Sol and has featured many times in the La Vuelta. The total distant from bottom to top is only about 4km and 500metres of climbing with and average grade of 10% but it’s a sheer devil of a climb.
Once we were all at the top we took the usual pics , the views were tremendous and they are starting to build lots more houses up there, we then came down the opposite side at kamikaze speed straight into El Poble Nou were we picked up the road to Teulada where we stopped to recover with a coffee ready for the next challenge. We then headed for Benissa, Senija, Liber, Xalo Alcalali and Parcent which is the starting point for Coll de Rates another climb made famous by La Vuelta. We then started the next downhill stretch to tarbena where we had coffee and a cakethe passed through Bolulla and callosal de Sarriawhere we turned left and made our way back to Altea. It was lovely and quiet when we arrived back at the hotel we stored away our bikes and went through to the pool area where we ordered 12 beers and sat and chilled in the sun for about an hour. Lynn and the girls caught the train outside the hotel to Benidorm for lunch and a look round and all had a great time counting how many steps they had all taken , maria one as she has the smallest feet so has to take 2 steps to everybody elses one. The girls were already back and joined us in the sun for a drink. When the sun disappeared we all went to our rooms and got changed and met up in the Dining room for dinner which was brilliant. Monday morning all bright eyed we had breakfast and left the hotel all doing our own thing on the way back to Quesada. All in all a great weekend away was had by all. Here’s looking forward to returning again in October. Gary and Lynn are available at Cyclogical in Quesada from 9.30am till 5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 10am till 2pm on a Saturday to help and assist you with all your cycling requirements. Call 637487377 or www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com. Or see us on Facebook.
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LEG 7: New Zealand to Brazil
Brazil IN-PORT RACE
Team Brunel closed out a fine victory to take the maximum 16 points for Leg 7 – a fantastic result for Bouwe Bekking’s team of tyros and rookies that lifts them to third overall. It was particularly remarkable for the way they handled the capricious weather that allowed Dongfeng Race Team to overturn their lead; an advantage that in the Southern Ocean had extended to more than 80nm.
The Spanish team MAPFRE won the Itajaí In-Port Race on Friday in Brazil, after battling with team AkzoNobel for the lead on the first of three laps of the race course.
Dongfeng took second place having been in the lead but then overtaken in the final throws of the leg.
The win allows skipper Xabi Fernández and his team to extend their advantage in the In-Port Race Series over Dongfeng Race Team who finished in third place.
Simeon Tienpont’s team AkzoNobel has completed the podium for Leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race with a third place finish into Itajaí, Brazil. It’s the third consecutive leg with a podium finish for team AkzoNobel and the result leaves the team in fourth place on the overall leaderboard, just three points behind Team Brunel for the final podium spot. Two boats remain on the race course racing towards Itajaí. As at 0530 UTC on Thursday morning Turn the Tide on Plastic had 370 miles to run, while MAPFRE was 625 miles from the finish. The boats that have retired from Leg 7, Team SHK/Scallywag and Vestas 11th Hour Racing, are working through logistics to come up with the best plan to re-join the race, with updates from the teams expected shortly. Turn the tide on plastic finish 4th, Whilst Mapfre finished 5th, 3 and 4 days after the leader crossed the finish line respectively.
A large spectator fleet was on hand to watch the racing in a moderate 10 knot sea breeze and after taking the lead on the first downwind leg, MAPFRE protected well the rest of the way.
LEG 8: Brazil to Rhode Island It was a familiar sight on Sunday afternoon in Itajaí, where the two red boats at the top of the Volvo Ocean Race leaderboard set the pace at the start of Leg 8 to Newport, Rhode Island on the east coast of the United States. MAPFRE, in second place overall, led throughout the inshore portion of the leg start, with overall race leader Dongfeng Race Team giving chase just boatlengths behind. Team Brunel and Turn the Tide on Plastic were up amongst the leaders as well, pushing the frontrunners as they headed out to sea for the 5,700 nautical mile leg north. Team AkzoNobel held down fifth place out of Itajaí while Team SHK/Scallywag and Vestas 11th Hour Racing were close to 3-minutes behind the leader at the final inshore gate. The Scallywag team was sporting a new logo on both boat and uniform honouring their lost teammate John Fisher. The forecast is for generally light winds, making for tricky conditions to start Leg 8. The fleet is likely to push out to the east to get further offshore before making a turn to the north.
Spanish recipe
Caldero
. . . s t n e i d e r g In
½ kg Fish (anglerfish, redfish, red gurnard...) 2 large Tomatoes 1 Spicy red pepper 3 cloves Garlic Chopped Parsley 1 Pepper A pinch of white pepper 3 large Potatoes
. . . t i k o o c o t How Gently fry the garlic, spicy red peppers and parsley; until soft and the garlic is golden then remove and put to one side in a mortar; gently fry the peppers and tomatoes in the same oil, remove and purée add the potatoes, sauté now add the purée; bring to the boil and add water. Then add the fish and cook until the potato is ready.
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North Town... Toledo
Toledo
Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as the “city of the three cultures�, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries, behind its walls Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. This great diversity of artistic styles makes the old quarter of the capital of Castile - La Mancha a real open-air museum, which has led to it being declared a World Heritage Site.
The maze of streets making up the historic centre of Toledo is only bounded by walls in which many gates were opened. The Bisagra gate presided over by two bodies and a great imperial shield forms the main access to the city within the walls. This noble gate, of Muslim origin, includes a central courtyard and was altered during the reign of Carlos I (Emperor Carlos V)I. The Alfonso VI gate or Vieja de Bisagra gate, built in 838, is one of the most faithful reflections of Muslim art in the city. The Sol gate was built in the 13th century in Mudejar style and contains the remains of a paleochristian sarcophagus. Via these and other entrances, you can reach picturesque places, like the Plaza de Zocodover. In the Arab period, this central space housed an important market, and festivals and all kinds of social events were held here. Nowadays the square, surrounded by buildings with porches, continues to be one of the busiest places in the city. Synagogues, mosques and churches jostle in the narrow streets of Toledo, which is characterised by the mixture of artistic styles. The Mosque of Cristo de la Luz was built in 999 as a copy of the Mosque at Córdoba. It is an unusual building with a square floor plan covered by nine caliphal vaults (a type of groined vault leaving the centre free). To this, a Romanesque-Mudejar sanctuary was added in the 12th century. Good examples from the Mozarabs (Christians who lived under Moslem rule) are the churches of San Sebastián and Santa Eulalia, while the Mudejars left in Toledo a style with rich Arab decoration. Horseshoe arches, lobed windows and other architectural elements can be appreciated in various buildings in Toledo. A 14th-century Mudejar tower stands above the rest of the building, which dates from the 12th century and has Visigothic elements on its main façade. If there is one person’s name that defines Toledo it is that of El Greco (16th17th C.). His House-Museum, a palace with the atmosphere of the period, exhibits some of the best works of the painter who made the city world famous. Remains of the Jewish community are still preserved in the city in the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito. The former, built possibly in the 12th century, is also a good example of Toledo’s Mudejar art. It has five naves with decreasing heights as well as the characteristic geometrical and botanical decoration and horseshoe arches. Meanwhile, in the synagogue of El Tránsito, built in 1357, you can admire one of the best Mudejar coffered ceilings of all those preserved in Toledo, along with walls richly decorated with geometrical and botanical designs and Hebrew inscriptions. Nowadays, this Jewish place of worship houses the Sephardic Museum, in which an interesting collection of pieces of art and various objects used in Jewish ceremonies are exhibited.
One of the most outstanding buildings in the city is the Cathedral, considered one of the high points of Gothic art. Cuisine, festivals and surroundings. Toledo’s cuisine has various specialities based on game products, like stewed partridge, Toledo-style quail or venison with wild mushrooms. With the other provinces of La Mancha it shares pisto(based on pepper, tomato and onion), Castilian soup and migas (a dish made with breadcrumbs and pork products). To round it off there is the famous La Mancha cheese and marzipan (made from ground almonds and sugar). These dishes may be accompanied with the wines of La Mancha and Méntrida, each with a Denomination of Origin. There are many possibilities for accommodation in the city, although it is advisable to book well enough in advance at any time of year. One of the best options is the Toledo Parador, situated on the neighbouring Emperador Hill and from where you can get a wonderful view of the city. Other interesting places in the province of Toledo are Talavera de la Reina, with its Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor; Ocaña, with its Gothic-Mudejar church of San Juan Bautista; Guadamur, with a beautiful castle; and Oropesa, whose 14th-century castle-palace houses the local Parador de Turismo. In the south of the province, at the foot of the Montes de Toledo, is the Cabañeros National Park, a protected area that combines Mediterranean woodland in the mountains and meadows on the wide plains.
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Applying for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) In Spain Planning a trip within the EU? If you reside in Spain and are going to visit the UK or any other EU country, you want to be sure you have your health cover, covered. As a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) you are entitled to make use of the European Health Card (EHIC) system so get any necessary medical treatment you require.
It’s possible that necessary treatment will include specialist treatment you may require or any routine treatment you need for an ongoing illness. It’s also possible to receive dialysis or oxygen treatment, so long as this is arranged by your doctor in advance of your travel.
What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
While many accident and illness expenses may be covered by insurance, it’s still important that you apply for an EHIC before you travel. Travel insurance may not cover some of the essential treatment you require or may disqualify you from a pay-out on the grounds of your age or a pre-existing medical condition. If you’re travelling to an EU country in the near future, apply for your EHIC today, it’s free! AND can now be done on line at, https://w6.seg-social.es/solTse/Inicio this website is in Spanish, but is very easy to follow.
The EHIC provides you with access to necessary medical treatment you may require while travelling anywhere in the EEA. You receive the same level of treatment as you would were you insured as a national of the country you are visiting and at the same cost. Anyone normally resident in Spain is entitled to an EHIC and healthcare elsewhere in the EEA, even where they have pre-existing medical conditions. You can apply for an EHIC under the Spanish system so long as you’re ordinarily resident in Spain and you meet the conditions.
What am I covered for with my EHIC in the EU? When you have an EHIC you’re covered for all medical treatment deemed to be ‘necessary’ while you’re travelling or residing in any EU country, so long as your EHIC remains valid. Whether treatment is necessary will generally be decided by the doctor treating you. However, there are certain restrictions on when you may receive necessary treatment, for example if you travel to the UK simply to receive medical treatment, this will not usually be covered by your EHIC.
Do I need an EHIC?
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We also have brand new mattresses, memory foam toppers, duvets, pillows and sheets. Our sweat proof pillows are very popular in the warmer months! You will find the same quality and service in both shops. Whether you live permanently in Spain, have a holiday home or a rental property, we have everything you need to make your house a home. Other services we provide include house removals and man and van hire. We are fully legal and insured. Contact us for a quote. See our main advert on page 26
A Time 4 A Change Tel: +34 968 136 501 Email: kerrytompkins@ymail.com www.atime4achange.com
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Why a non golfer lives happily on a My name is Hilary, I am a non golfer who happily lives on the golf resort of Hacienda Riquelme and I would like to explain to you why I wouldn’t live anywhere else. I have lived in spain since 2004, when I first moved to Spain I could never have imagined I would live in a golf resort, I was then 36 years old and working in property, an early arrival I followed in my parents footsteps who had come here to retire and settled in a little complex near the beach. Soon I was working for one of the top property companies and selling properties up and down the coast, from as far north as Denia and south to Almeria. It was a brand new world and I loved my new life, so much so that I made it a permanent move and sold up my apartment in London to buy a property here in Spain. I was selling apartments and villas in the Polaris resorts as well as in many other golf and beach areas and slowly it began to dawn on me that living in a golf resort could be the best place for me. But of course I discovered a whole new fantastic outdoor lifestyle that I never knew existed. I have been living on Hacienda Riquelme for the past 10 years, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. 10 Reasons why a non golfer loves to live on Hacienda Riquelme. 1. High quality apartments with large terraces Hacienda Riquelme apartments were built to a very high standards, the facades are white with traditional tiled roof and ceramic finishes. The design has traditional Spanish architectural design influences which makes it timeless, the underground parking is a must to keep your car cool and well maintained. 2. The views I love a beautiful WOW view, and of course I could not afford front line sea but I could afford front line golf. Hacienda Riquelme is unique that is is the only golf resort I know where ALL apartments have front line golf views. It is unique in that way, it is an oasis of beautiful green in an otherwise dry, hot landscape. It has spectacular views of the golf course, lakes and olive trees, gardens and pools, there is only 5% build to 95% green areas. 3. Security HRGR has great security team, not only do they check all of the vehicles coming in and out of the resort, monitor cameras at the gate but their friendly team of security officers drive around and are always at hand if a resident needs help. They have often helped residents with flat batteries on cars and they are brilliant in a medical crises, fully trained with defibulator at the gate and they communicate quickly with the medical services. For me I love that I don’t have to have bars on my windows and can leave my terrace doors open all day without a worry. It gives a freedom of life without constantly locking up to pop to the pool. 4. Sounds of the birds It sounds corney but when all you can hear in the background whilst enjoying sun on your terrace are birds and the odd clunk of a golf ball, it is so easy to relax 5. The sports facilities Living at HRGR is like living in a park you would visit for the day but all you have to do is walk out your front door and you are there.During the mild winter season from October to
t r o s e r f l o g
April I enjoy walking, cycling and running around the resort, the golf boundriesand I love to use the outdoor gym. After many years of working out with air conditioning and artificial light in gyms in London I find it such a joy to work out under a blue sky and with clean fresh air. I also have taken up paddle tennis, a very popular game here and I use the paddle courts with neighbours for a game. There are also tennis courts and basketball courts. From May to October I love to swim everyday, for this reason I chose an apartment overlooking the largest swimming pool on the resort. There is always a quiet moment even in the height of the summer, I can keep an eye on the pool from my terrace where I can swim my 20 lengths, not a lot but just enough! 6. ‘El Cason’ Restaurant and Bar Having a great restautant and bar just a short walk away is always good. The Cason is a beautiful old building, is was the Hacienda which is a large country house. It is a listed building and a beautiful venue to enjoy great food and the beautiful terrace in the gardens is always popular. 7. Palomar Chill out Lakeside bar During the summer a summer bar is opened with great views across the lake and chill out terrace furnature, great coctails and live music. 8. Kids facilities I don’t have kids myself but I have nieces and nephews and when they come to visit the playgrounds are a real hit. There are 2 big playgrounds with some facilities for up to 12 year olds. But from what I can see with the kids in my building that come every year is that they love to play running around on the extensive green areas, hide and seek, jumping into sprinklers and having fun. My sister loves it as she says she does not have to worry about the kids as the security is so good. 9. Sucina Village I work and I am very much part of Sucina community, there are many social events, great restaurants and clubs to join. It is a great community of Spanish with may expats who have mixed very well, there is live music on in the village square all summer. 10. Coast and City Being a city girl and loving the sea I never wanted to be too far from either, so just 30 minutes drive to Murcia City and 15 minutes to the coast makes HRGR the best connected place for me. I love the City for Shopping and great nights out in the winter and I love the coast for the summer, so many great beaches to chose from.
Where dreams come home Ref: 1190
Benijófar // €165,000 Ref: 1234
Ref: 1060
Ref: 1177
Ciudad Quesada // €335,000
Ciudad Quesada // €120,000
Ref: MF02
Ref: BRE LD04
NEW BUILD
NEW BUILD
Lo Crispin - Algorfa // €205,000 Orihuela Costa // from €190,000 Campoamor // from €139,600
www.barcelorealestate.com // E: info@barcelorealestate.com 0DLQ 2IÀFH Calle Adelfas n.3 Ciudad Quesada T: 0034 965 725 475
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Is YOUR home ready? If your home is currently on the market, buyers will be coming inside to have a good look around. We all would love it if they would buy from seeing a photo, but hey… that just isn’t going to happen! They like to see the size of a room… remember, they’re trying to imagine how they can fit their own lives in there, and if you have a house full of clutter, their eyes will be drawn to all of those ornaments and souvenirs and not to the actual space the room is offering. Now is the perfect time to have a good sort through any unwanted items. Box up those ornaments and if you haven’t used it during the last 2 years, give it a new life with someone else! Help support your local charity, they’re always grateful for donations.
Sitting outside is perfectly acceptable, but don’t be inside! I know it can be irritating and you may be “biting at the bit” to inform the buyer of your upgrades. Of course, brand new appliances are always welcome over old worn out ones, but not everything you consider an upgrade is going to be a positive for every buyer. Most buyers make offers and always have reasons why they’re low… but now your home is ready for a viewing appointment, you’ll have more reasons why closest to the asking price is best! Remember, your buyer is just around the corner and can view at any time. The difference between your home and someone else’s…. YOU’RE the ones that will be ready!
Once you’ve cleared all that clutter, walk through every room as if you were the buyer. Any paint touch ups needed? Now’s the time to get it done! Any repairs that need doing, do them now! Never promise to get them done… overpromising and under-delivering is not the best way to sell a house. Now for the stressful part…Buyers walking through the memories of your life and making comments like “I’d change this”, or “I don’t like that” can be quite distressing. It doesn’t have to be a painful process! The simplest solution is to let your agent do the showing for you. If you’re hanging around for the viewing, you’re the “unwanted chaperone”. I’m sorry to say, but it’s the reality. Every buyer feels embarrassed walking through someone else’s home, and they won’t even look at every room properly if the owner is in the house watching their every move. Here’s the solution…. Leave for a little while.
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