Ruth and Haydn from Manchester purchased their very own place in Spain in April of this year. They found a beautiful Villa in Villamartin, Southern Costa Blanca. At the start of the year they spoke to us about their plans to find a property that they could rent out to holiday makers during the summer months, and then visit themselves for the rest of the time.
As a family of five, it was important to them that the villa had everything that they would need when they were there. Their wish list was a villa, with a pool and garden, plenty of space inside as well as outside, and in a location just a short walk from amenities with everything that they would need for the perfect holiday.
“We always knew that we wanted to buy our own place in Spain eventually, and we also knew exactly what we wanted from a property there, but we just weren’t sure where in Spain it would be. As a young couple we lived in Marbella, and we travel to Murcia every year for our summer holidays with family and friends because we love the traditional towns by the Mar Menor. I also spent every summer on the Costa del Sol as a child as my grandparents lived there. Spain is a special place for us.”
“We have so many happy memories from our times in Spain. Being close to a lovely beach was important to us all.”
With Ruth and Haydn wanting to rent their property to holiday makers, they ideally wanted a location that would tick all the boxes with regards to amenities close by, beaches not too far away, easy access to airports, and plenty to do and see. The Southern Costa Blanca, and Villamartin in particular, was our first suggestion for a location that could be ideal.
“We really liked the Plaza, and knew that it would be good for those people who would be renting our villa too.”
We put together a portfolio of suitable properties and locations, and soon the flights were booked and the couple were off to view properties, and take in the location that they felt could be ideal.
“The first thing I saw was the lemon tree. The lemons were enormous, and it smelt amazing. I have always wanted my own lemon tree.”
“We landed at Alicante airport first thing on the Saturday morning; we were collected from the airport and taken straight to our first property. It took me all of two minutes to fall in love with it! The lemon trees in the front garden, the jasmine that reminded me of my Nanna’s garden in Mijas when I was little, the beautiful pool in the garden. We were just swept off our feet by it! We had a good look around the villa, both inside and out, and we both absolutely loved it.”
“We fell in love! The garden and pool was everything we wanted. Really gorgeous.”
After a tour around the local area, the beaches, and a look at some other properties that we had shortlisted for them to take a look at, they took the afternoon to relax, and discuss all they had seen. Since January they had looked on websites and property portals trying to find a villa that they could see themselves in. It felt like finally, here was the perfect one, waiting for them in Villamartin.
“We sat under the blue sky, eating tapas, and enjoying a glass of wine. We knew we were making the right choice.”
“The weather was just beautiful, and we had left behind a grey and rainy Manchester. We sat by the pool of our hotel in La Zenia with a drink and some lunch. We thought about how perfect the villa was both for ourselves and our children, but also for those that would want to rent it out for their own holidays too. We made the decision to make an offer. It was soon accepted, and all of a sudden it wasn’t just a dream anymore. We had done it. We had our own place in Spain! It is just the best feeling.”
From going on their trip to Villamartin in early March, to getting the keys at the end of April it has been a quick turnaround for Ruth and Haydn, which is exactly what they wanted because guess where they are going for their next holiday in the sun…
Ruth and Haydn used our service from beginning to end, and took our advice by using our highly recommended independent legal team, who ensured their purchasing process was both safe, and efficient. They also used our preferred currency broker to get the best exchange rate possible at that time. If you would like to speak with our team, and use our purchasing process then contact us here. We look forward to working with you, and helping you find your very own place in Spain.
“We can’t wait to start making special memories in our new place in Spain. We love it so much.”
Your Place in Spain currently understand that the Brexit decision will affect the purchase process of buying a permanent or holiday home in Spain.
How?
Well firstly we must advise any changes will take effect only when Britain officially leaves the EU and we understand that is circa 2 to 4 years from when the button is pressed, metaphorically speaking.
What will change?
We can only look at how property in Spain is purchased from countries outside of the EU, countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Russia, Australia and America, for example. The process appears to be straight forward, affordable, and manageable.
It maybe a Visa will be required (available on-line in some locations.) It maybe that the legal costs will increase as the process required for a non EU buyer will perhaps be a little more long winded.
It maybe that the Spanish government will require another tax (why wouldn’t they, like every county they may see an opportunity)
Health care
This is an area where uncertainty is high, currently retirees (65 years plus) from the UK receive free healthcare on a reciprocal basis. It has been mooted that many tens of thousands of Spanish people currently live & work in the UK across many sectors, anything that damages that agreement may impact on those people too.
The value of the Euro
This is a difficult one, in as much as since the decision to leave the EU the euro/pound exchange rate fell to as low as circa 1.16 from a pre referendum high of circa 1.30. As we write this document the rate stands at 1.19 fluctuating around the 1.20 mark, interestingly over the last 4 years the rates have been just as volatile with some highs and lows.
One benefit not to be overlooked is that with the current rates any British seller with a view to returning to Britain will receive more sterling, which could suggest that asking prices are open to a haggle.
After speaking with our currency exchange partners we understand that until an exit, and the timeline for an exit is established, the Euro may well continue to be just as volatile.
A Property purchase stampede?
We Brits love Spain and Spain loves us Brits, the weather, the beaches, the cost of living, the people, the golf, and the villages. For many buyers the dream of owning ‘Your Place in Spain’ is still on, with 2 years at least before any changes are likely to be implemented it may just be the time to get serious again about the prospect of buying before any increases are implemented.
Here is a link to an article written by Mr Marl Stucklin a well renowned Spanish Property market analyst: http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/2016/06/27/post-brexit-change-will-come-slowly-british-expats-spain/
So should you begin to turn you mind to buying in Spain, let us help. We look forward to hearing your property criteria and requirements and helping you in your search. Take a look around the property on our site, and for further information get in touch here.
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If you’re flying out to Spain anytime soon and getting familiar with locations, whether for a holiday or viewing property, then it’s a great idea to chat with the locals.
If you don’t speak Spanish but would like to be able to hold a little conversation, then learning a few words and phrases to have up your sleeve will come in handy when you’re out in bars, restaurants and shops.
When it comes to speaking Spanish, the one very important thing to always remember, is to be enthusiastic. If you’re trying hard to speak to the locals, then it will always be well received.
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t know how to respond to some questions, there is nothing wrong with a simple ‘no entiendo’ / ‘I don’t understand.’
Here’s a few introductory phrases that will ease you in to chatting to the locals next time you’re in Spain:
Hola, ¿Qué tal? – Hello, how are you?
Buenos dias – Good Morning
Buenas tardes – Good Afternoon
Buenas noches – Good Evening
Hasta luego – Bye / See you
Muchas Gracias – Thank you very much
Por favor – Please
¿Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
Me llamo… – My name is…
Mucho gusto – Pleased to meet you
If you get stuck, and the Spanish locals say something to you that you are unsure of, then don’t panic, the following phrases will get you out of any awkward spots –
No entiendo – I don’t understand
Lo Siento – I am sorry
Por favor hable más despacio – More slowly, please
Perdone, no hablo muy bien espanol – I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish very well
Habla usted ingles? – Do you speak English?
Don’t worry about asking if the Spanish speak English. You will find that many do even if it is just a little, and in many Spanish schools English is now taught as a second language.
Learn these few phrases and try them out next time you’re travelling in Spain. You’ll be pleased that you’ve given it a go, and from learning just a few words you’re building great foundations for learning more and more of the Spanish language.
Soon you’ll be speaking like one of the locals yourself…
¡Buena suerte! – Good luck!
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Today is Three Kings Day in Spain, a very special day spent celebrating with family, much like Christmas Day is here in the UK.
It is a national holiday celebrated across the country as the Three Kings arrive bearing gifts. The annual parades start at sunset on 5th January all over Spain, with crowds gathering to welcome the kings, and sweets and treats being handed out to children.
Tradition has it that the children then leave out shoes to be filled with gifts from the Three Kings, and today is spent celebrating with family, food and the exchanging of gifts. It is a very special holiday for all in Spain and a great time to visit and observe the festivities.
A very important meal on this day is Breakfast, with the Three Kings Cake taking centre stage. This is a sweet bread covered with dried fruits and sugar. Traditionally bakers will have hidden a small prize wrapped in paper as well as a bean. The one who finds the prize is named King or Queen for the day while the guest who ends up with the unlucky bean has to pay for next years Three Kings Cake – and considering that some of these cakes can be very expensive depending on the treats inside, nobody wants to get the bean! Good Luck!
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