All posts tagged Property in Spain
Ten Reasons Why the Southern Costa Blanca Is One of Europe’s Most Sought After Locations –
If you’re thinking about purchasing a property in Spain, whether a re-sale or new build property, for investment, a holiday home or for full time living, then there are so many reasons why the Southern Costa Blanca should be top of the list.
This is a sought after location, offering blue flag beautiful beaches, golf courses, & Alicante’s largest shopping centre, but the list of reasons to purchase here is set to grow as developers are returning & building some of the most luxurious properties and innovative opportunities in Spain.
Learn a little more about this fantastic location with our top ten reasons that make this location just too good to miss –
1.Property Prices – Now Is The Time To Buy:
As a preferred location in Spain, the property prices in the Southern Costa Blanca are on their way up. Don’t let that put you off though, with the exchange rate as it is right now (keep a close eye on this here) you can still grab a great property at a great price.
It is important to understand that the entry level for a good quality property in this desirable location is slightly higher now. So rather than the €40-50,000 price levels of a few years ago, figures of around €85-105,000 (£62 – 77,000) are opening buyers up to a much larger number of really fantastic properties, perfect for a holiday home or full time living.
2. New Build Opportunities:
The new-build opportunities in the Southern Costa Blanca really are endless right now. With reasonable prices, and beautiful locations, property developers are very much ‘in tune’ with what their customers are looking for and are using new technology and materials.
If an investment property is what you’re after, then new build could certainly be the option for you. With fantastic locations, close to beaches, amenities and golf, new build properties offer great investment potential via rental income & capital growth.
A number of these new build developments also offer buyers the option of managing the renting of the property when they are not using it. Contact us to find out more about this option.
3. Beaches:
A large section of the Southern Costa Blanca is also known as the ‘Orihuela Costa.’ The Orihuela Costa is a coastal region situated on the Costa Blanca, which covers several coastal resorts including Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Villamartin, Campoamor and Mil Palmeras.
This is an ideal destination for those looking for property close to the beach, as many of the major beaches along this stretch of the Costa Blanca are Blue Flag, but there are also plenty of smaller, quieter beaches to be discovered and enjoyed too.
Perfect for taking the family to the beach for a day by the sea, or maybe a traditional Spanish lunch at one of the many chirringuitos.
4. Golf Courses:
For a long time Villamartin was known as the home of golf in the Southern Costa Blanca, but in recent years many more golf courses can be found in this fantastic location.
There are some stunning, high quality golf courses all within a short drive of one another. A true golfers paradise, and with all courses providing stunning views and scenery, this is a great place to soak up some sunshine and pass the time with your favourite hobby (if you’re a golfer that is!).
The courses include Las Ramblas, Campomoar La Finca, La Marquesa, Las Colinas, Lo Romero & the courses at Villamartin too.
Golf property is also excellent for rental potential too; if you’re planning on renting out your property then these golf courses bring visitors to the area all year round.
5. Shopping:
If the golf courses make the Southern Costa Blanca a ‘golfer’s paradise’ then La Zenia Boulevard means it is a ‘shopaholic’s heaven’ too!
The largest shopping centre in the province of Alicante is located in La Zenia, and if you love shopping then you’ll absolutely love La Zenia Boulevard.
There are over 100 fashion shops, restaurants & bars, a food market, a children’s play area, a casino, and a bowling alley. There are also activities that take place every weekend, drawing in the crowds from all over the Southern Costa Blanca.
There really is something for everyone, and it is open late in to the night too meaning you can quite literally shop until you drop!
6. Re-Sale Property:
There is some beautiful re-sale property on offer in this great location with everything from apartments & townhouses, to traditional fincas & villas, available at some fantastic prices.
If a new build property isn’t for you, then don’t worry as it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding another style of property in the Southern Costa Blanca
Take a look here.
7. Investment:
The term ‘investment opportunity’ is often used when people talk about overseas property purchases. The new build opportunities on the Southern Costa Blanca have opened up the possibility of investment buyers having the ‘best of the both worlds’ when it comes to reaping the benefits of owning a property in Spain.
Investment buyers can purchase a property at the entry level price (the 1st Phase) and when the building is complete they can begin to utilise on the property management and receive a profit on the running costs of the property, and of course on the capital growth too!
At the same time the buyers can use the property (low season, so as not to effect rental figures) and appreciate the benefits of such a fantastic investment and of course the Spanish sunshine! Talk to us for our take on the opportunities.
8. Easy Access:
With Alicante airport just 35-40 minutes drive away from the Southern Costa Blanca, it is very accessible. It is open 365 days a year, with flights coming in from most UK airports & there are plenty of low-cost airlines flying to the location too.
There is also Murcia San Javier airport, around a 30-35 minute drive from the location.
9. The Weather:
The Southern Costa Blanca’s climate has been recognised as one of the best in the world by the World Health Organisation.
There are almost as many sunny days in the winter months as there are in the summer, and the Costa Blanca is known for being dryer in the winter and less humid in the summer that the other Costa’s in Spain.
You can expect up to 325 days of sunshine per year…So pack you sunglasses and sun-screen…the sun is shining!!
10. Amenities:
The Southern Costa Blanca is home to golf courses, property developments, shopping centres, hundreds of restaurants, bars and shops, and more, and really does have everything you need.
It is also a place that caters for all too. If you are looking for a busy, place with night life and tourist resorts then you can easily find that. But you can just as easily find the quaint and quieter areas and small villages too, that are a little more traditional.
There is such a large and fantastic choice of places to discover.
Written by Joanne Lynsdale, for Your Place in Spain Ltd.
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Buying a property in Spain is an exciting and life changing event for so many of our customers, and for most it is a dream that they have been working towards for many years.
Whilst viewing property and soaking up the glorious Spanish sun, it can sometimes be easy to forget the more serious side to purchasing property overseas. Well, let’s be honest, who can blame anyone for getting a little carried away when they find the property of their dreams?
So whilst it may sound like we’re bringing our customers back down to earth with a bump, (we’re absolutely not, we promise!) we’re just as excited as them! There are some serious matters that need to be fully understood when purchasing a property in Spain, and it is our job to remind customers of those matters, ideally before they even arrive in Spain.
For example – Are you aware of your obligations of owning a property in Spain? Spanish Wills? What happens at the Notary? What are the related taxes & costs when purchasing in Spain? Whilst there is nothing to dampen your spirits or take away from the dream of owning your own home in Spain, these are matters that you should be advised of well ahead of purchasing.
We believe that the obligations of owning a property in Spain must be fully understood by our customers before the search for property even begins. So when you do find that perfect property, there are no bumps in the road. Our ‘Top Ten’ this week is focused on the purchase process, so here are our suggestions & tips on those matters that we help our customers with along the way…
1. THE FIRST THING TO CONSIDER – LEGAL ADVICE
When customers speak to us & tell us that they are looking for property in Spain, the first thing we advise them to do is to speak with an independent solicitor.
WHY IS THIS?
If you’re going to be a homeowner in a different country, you really need to know what you’re obligations are going to be. An independent solicitor will also guide you through the process of purchasing the property, including obtaining NIE numbers, opening bank accounts, & making a Spanish Will.
WHY AN INDEPENDENT SOLICITOR?
The reason why we suggest using an INDEPENDENT solicitor, is so that the solicitor is not associated with any agent, including us, they are working solely for & taking care of you, the customer.
2. THE PROPERTY – WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
It is so important for us to understand exactly what our customers want from their property in Spain.
For example – Will you be using the property as a holiday home? / Will you be looking for a property with great rental potential? / Are you planning to live in Spain full time, will this be your permanent home?
We like to understand all of the details that you want from your dream property in the sun so that we can do our very best to try and find it for you from our vast portfolio.
3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
We have many customers that know the exact location in Spain that they want to purchase a property in, but we also got a lot of customers that are still trying to decide where they want to purchase. Just like with understanding what you want from a property, it is very important to think about what you are looking for from a location too.
Do you want it to be a lively, thriving place all year round? Are you looking for a traditional, Spanish lifestyle in a small village? Do you want to be in an ex-pat community? Is it important for you to be near the sea? How about golf courses? Do you need to be close to schools, etc…
There is a lot to think about isn’t there…
4. THE BUDGET
How much are you looking to spend on your property in Spain? To make it easier, we suggest clients stick to calculating it from a Sterling perspective.
We also suggest that you work out how much you want to spend on the whole project, so that is including the property, the taxes, purchase and legal fees (around 13-15% of the purchase price depending on the region).
(See Point 5 below for more details on this)
5. THE PURCHASE COSTS –
It’s important to know the cost of purchasing in Spain, and by speaking with an independent solicitor you will be fully ‘in the know’ about all of these, meaning that you will be aware of how much these costs will be from the very beginning.
These costs include –
Legal Fees (Conveyance Fees) / Land Registry / Notary Fees / IVA or ITP (Spanish Purchase Tax)
Depending on whether you are purchasing a new build or re-sale property various other taxes & fees can apply.
To find out more, and for an estimation of these costs please contact us for an in-depth look at purchase costs.
6. MORTGAGE INFORMATION –
Spanish Mortgages are available to non residents, currently at 65/70% Loan to Value/Purchase price (whichever is the lower,) & subject to status.
Generally speaking the set up costs need to be factored in are anywhere between 2-5%, depending upon the amount borrowed. Also the purchase costs will need to paid as well as the deposit on the property as the banks will not roll these costs into the borrowings required.
Banks do offer 100% mortgages to Spanish residents, and to non residents on some developments, this is not normal practice though.
7. CURRENCY – CHANGING YOUR MONEY –
When it is time to complete on the purchase of your dream home in Spain, it will be in euro’s.
Ideally as a ‘Your Place in Spain Ltd’ client you will have spoken to a currency broker so that you are aware of how market fluctuations can affect the cost of your property.
It is important to understand that as the rate changes, the cost of your property purchase can too, & this can in some cases, be a considerable amount of cash.
We do recommend using a currency broker rather than a high street bank as massive savings are available, click this link to understand more about this.
8. GOING TO THE LOCATION & VIEWING PROPERTY –
Once you are ready to actually view property, it is time to fly to Spain, to your chosen location & view an organised portfolio.
We think it is more comfortable & relaxed for our customers to fly out to Spain under their own steam, and to get to their hotel/rental property first before starting the viewings.
Once you are settled in, the viewings can commence…
9. PURCHASING A PROPERTY –
You’ve viewed the portfolio, (and in many cases one or two others that have been added to the mix whilst you’re there) and you have found ‘the one.’ You have made an offer on the property & it has been accepted.
At this point your independent solicitor should check the Reservation Contract to ensure that all is correct. In the event of anything not being as it should be, this also ensures that any moneys paid will be refundable
The legal team should then guide you through the rest of the process, including –
Obtaining your NIE numbers / Opening bank accounts / Preparing & translating documents for you to sign / Arranging payments / Organising all final arrangements of the purchase
10. YOU’VE PURCHASED A PROPERTY IN SPAIN – NOW WHAT?
Once you own your property in Spain, the legal team should once again be on hand to direct the following –
Making sure all utilities are transferred into your name / Ensure all arrangements have been made for you to pay necessary property taxes / Inheritance & Wills
These ‘tips’ above are to be taken as a guide of what to expect and what to be prepared for when you start your search for a property in Spain.
A large part of our service here at Your Place in Spain Ltd is talking to our customers to make sure they understand the whole process of purchasing. We’re here to talk you through every step, and in a way, hold your hand through the journey.
We’re here to help, and if you’d like us to give you a call and talk you through the process of purchasing in Spain, or if you would rather pop into our showroom to discuss your plans for buying in Spain, then you can find our contact details here.
You know what they say… “Knowledge is power!”
Be in the know, buy safely. Talk to us today.
Joanne Lynsdale, Your Place in Spain Ltd
Hola! Buenos noches. Friday night is here, and it is Bank Holiday weekend. Did you know that it is also a Bank Holiday weekend in Spain too? Today is Labour Day in Spain, a celebration of Spain’s economic achievements for workers all over the country.
Our friends over there will have been resting today, and schools have been closed too, so there will have been plenty of time spent with family and friends at the beach, dining in restaurants or just enjoying a day free of work. What better way to spend a Friday in the sun?
The weather has been heating up too, with highs of 27 degrees in Alicante and Murcia today. Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? Well, we may not be able to bring you high temperatures and sunshine this weekend, (here’s hoping though) but we can bring you a little something special in the form of beautiful properties that are just too good to miss. Stay tuned, as we’ll be bringing you our latest hot properties at great prices all weekend!
Why not take a look, and don’t forget that we are here to help. If you send us over your property requirements then we are happy to put together a selection of properties that could be perfect for you.
Take a look, just click on the images to learn more about each property….
1. Apartment in Terrazas de la Torre, Murcia
1. A very well presented 2 bedroom, ground apartment is situated on La Terrazas de La Torre which has an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus design Golf Course.
€59,950 / approx £ 44,100
2. Ground Floor Apartment, Playa Flamenca
2. This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ground floor apartment is situated in the very popular area of Playa Flamenca, close to an excellent selection of amenities, including the fantastic “Zenia Boulevard” shopping complex, an impressive sports centre and the famous Saturday market.
€70,000 / approx £51,500
3. Townhouse for sale in Vera, Almeria
3. Located centrally to all amenities and only a 5 minute walk to the beach, this 3 storey property is a fantastic permanent residence and would be ideal for a holiday home.
€94,950 / approx £69,850
4. Apartment in La Cartuja, Calahonda
4. Great value, beautiful 2 bedroom apartment situated in the well-known urbanisation La Cartuja in Calahonda, right on the doorstep of La Siesta Golf. The property is very well maintained.
€95,000 / approx £70,000
5. Townhouse in Moraira, Northern Costa Blanca
5. This pretty two bedroom, one bathroom townhouse is located on a quiet urbanisation, only five minutes drive from the beautiful selection of beaches and coves Moraira has to offer.
€129,000 / approx £95,000
All properties here are subject to availability and plus purchase costs. The sterling prices have been calculated at today’s (1.5.15) rate of 1.36. If you would like further details on any of the properties here, then please just let us know and we can send information to you asap.
Have a great evening and bank holiday weekend.
Buenos noches!
Hola! Happy Domingo! We hope your weekend has been wonderful, and it has been so lovely to see the sun shining on this very sunny Sunday in Manchester.
The month of April has been very busy for us here at Your Place in Spain, in fact, we’re set for a record month of sales! That is no surprise to us though, as every day new properties are coming on to the market of fantastic quality and at great prices, meaning these opportunities are just too good to miss.
Don’t worry though, as we are here to keep you fully up to date and informed. So we’ll get straight to it, take a look at our ‘Sunday Best,’ here’s our top properties for this week from across our portfolio. Enjoy….
**All prices are plus purchase costs and properties are subject to availability. Sterling prices are calculated at rate of 1.375, – todays (26/4/15) interbank rate is 1.3913**
Southern Costa Blanca –
1. A ground floor apartment in Playa Flamenca
1. A 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ground floor apartment situated in the very popular area of Playa Flamenca, close to an excellent selection of amenities, including the fantastic “Zenia Boulevard” shopping complex. The property is just a five minute drive to the beautiful blue flag beaches, less than seven minutes to three stunning golf courses and forty five minutes to Alicante Airport.
€70,000 / approx £50,100
2. Bungalow in Villamartin
2. This is a very impressive 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom bungalow, situated in the sought after development of Verdemar. The whole area has established palm trees and green areas and has a unique quality. The property is close to three golf courses and just a short drive to wonderful blue flag beaches.
€135,000 / approx £98,200
Murcia / Costa Calida –
3. First Floor Apartment at La Torre Golf Resort
3. A Superb first floor two bedroom apartment situated just a short walk from the resort facilities and offered for sale at a great price. This apartment benefits from being one of the most popular designs as it boasts a large fitted kitchen and terraces to the front and rear.
€79,950 / approx £58,200
4. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa with Private Pool. Lo Santiago, Murcia
4. Possibly the best value for money 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa, with a pool and a good sized plot, in the Murcia and Alicante region. This property is ready to move in to, located in a residential area just 15 minutes from the beautiful Mar Menor beaches. Be quick.
€130,000 / approx £94,550
Costa Almeria –
5. Apartment overlooking the communal pool and the beach in Mojacar
5. This beautiful apartment has wonderful views of the sea and beaches and is situated on a private complex just a 2 minute walk to the beach. Located in one of the most sort after locations within Mojacar with all amenities to hand.
€129,950 / approx £94,500
6. 3 Bedroom Villa in Arboleas, with Private Pool
6. A beautiful individual villa located in a tranquil setting of Los Higuerales. All amenities are available within a short 15 minutes drive and only 35 minutes to the coast. The property is very private with a walled and gated plot of land.
€159,995 / approx £116,400
Calahonda, Costa del Sol
7. 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Apartment in Calahonda
7. Great value, a beautiful 2 bedroom apartment situated in the well-known urbanisation La Cartuja in Calahonda, right on the doorstep of La Siesta Golf.
€95,000 / approx £69,100
8. Ground floor apartment, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, in Calahonda
8. This large elevated ground floor apartment in a gated complex has spectacular sea views from the south west facing terrace. It boasts 2 good sized bedrooms as well as an open plan fully fitted kitchen.
€139,000 / approx £101,100
