Harry in Spain

Going to Spain on holiday or thinking of staying in Spain

permanently? This E-Book may help you find out more about Spain.

If you require further information please contact me at

harry@perspective-espana.com

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You cannot copy it or give to others free of charge or for a fee.

This e-book was presented to you by www.harryinspain.co.uk

We hope you enjoy it and would appreciate your comments at

harry@perspective-espana.com

Why Spain, education, legal, places to visit, employment,

fiestas and purchasing a property.

Harry in Spain

What about other countries offering

low priced properties?

Ask yourself these questions.

1.How long are the flights?

2. How often are the flights?

(especially out with summer)

3. Can you go for a long weekend?

4. Are flights expensive?.

5. Is there an infrastructure of good

roads, health services etc?

6. Do they have sunshine 320 days a

year on average?

Then compare them with the Costa

Blanca and Costa Calida.

What does Spain offer over other countries?

Under three hours flight time with many flights daily and cheap flights

available, making it ideal for long weekend breaks.

Spain has been a member of the EU for a long time and has one of the

fastest growing economies in Europe. It has an amazing infrastructure of

roads, hospitals and healthcare services. The English language is spoken in

many shops, restaurants, banks and hospitals.

The Costa Blanca is the second most visited place in the world, second

only to Florida. The Costa Blanca is known as the California of Europe.

Millions of tourists cant be wrong as they come back every year.

The Spanish people are friendly and the food is not only cheap but of

excellent quality and most of the beaches have Blue Flag status.

320 days of sunshine a year can’t be bad?

Spain.

Harry in Spain

Knowing the Spanish property market is very important when deciding to

choose a house in Spain. Be it for investment a holiday home or permanent

residency, it’s very important you do your homework before deciding on

purchasing property in any country.

High yield – low risk.

·Stable well legislated real-estate sector.

·Fully fledged EU member since 1998.

·The second most visited country in the world.

·The NUMBER ONE destination for holiday makers for the past 35 years.

·Repeated exposure and promotion of properties in Spain on TV and press.

·Establishment of many international banks (B of S, Halifax, TSB, Barclays.

·Air fares with budget airlines continue to be cut.

Costa Blanca.

·The Costa Blanca is the most visited region of Spain for various reasons.

·Alicante and Murcia airports receive daily flights from most parts of the UK.

·All budget airlines have the Costa Blanca as their main Spanish destination.

·Hugh potential for purchasers when their home is less than three hours away.

·Over 350,000 ex-pats have chosen Spain as their permanent residence.

·The cost of living is a lot cheaper.

·The Costa Blanca is regarded as one of the healthiest places in the world to

live due to the pink salt lakes. ·

Why Spain?

Harry in Spain

Fiestas in Spain Each fiesta is different. In Pamplona in Basque Country

they celebrate the 'running of the bulls' in July; in

Andalucía , horses, flamenco and guitars are integral to

the celebrations; at the fiesta of Las Fallas in March in

Valencia, huge bonfires and firework displays form the

basis of the party.

The fiestas can also get very strange indeed, with parades

of devils or full blown water and tomato fights!

What better than to arrive in some small

Spanish village expecting no more than a bed

for the night, and find that the streets are decked

out with flags and balloons, a band is playing in

the square and the entire local population is out

enjoying the party atmosphere!

Everywhere from the smallest village to the

biggest city in Spain dedicates a couple of days

to celebrating in this way: the local fiesta.

Usually it is the local Saint that provides the

reason to celebrate, but really any excuse will

do whether it be deliverance from the Moors,

harvests or safe return from the sea!

The Spanish people love their fiestas, from

the great grandparents to the youngest child.

Visit the fiestas and they sometimes last the

whole night long.

There are also a couple of events in the Catholic calendar, most notably

Semana Santa (Holy Week), which in Southern Spain sees religious floats

carried through the streets in a wildly theatrical style.

These are accompanied by the hooded penitents atoning for the year's sins.

Almost every week somewhere in Spain there is a fiesta.

Harry in Spain

Learning Spanish can be fun and it is polite to try and speak at least

some Spanish to the Spanish people.

HELLO HOLA

GOOD MORNING BUENOS DIAS

GOOD AFTERNOON BUENAS TARDES

GOOD EVENING BUENAS NOCHES

FAREWELLS (DESPEDIDAS)

GOODBYE ADIOS

UNTIL LATER HASTA LUEGO

UNTIL TOMORROW HASTS MANANA

GOOD LUCK BUENA SUERTE

GREETINGS (SALUDOS)

I ONLY SPEAK A LITTLE SPANISH SÓLO HABLO UN POCO DE ESPAÑOL

I AM LEARNING SPANISH ESTOY APRENDIENDO ESPAÑOL

HOW DO YOU SAY----- (IN SPANISH) CÓMO SE DICE--------(EN ESPAÑOL)

CAN YOU SPEAK SLOWER PUEDE HABLAR MÁS DESPACIO

CAN YOU HELP ME PUEDE AYUDARME

MY NAME IS------------- ME llAMO---------------

DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH HABLA USTED INGLÉS

Below there are some rescue sentences so the person you are talking to

understands you are just learning and trying to speak their language, they will

appreciate your efforts and also help you. The Spanish people love other

nationalities trying to learn and communicate with them in their language, it is

of course their country and it is manners to speak their language as much as

possible.

Practice makes perfection, any subject you have learnt in your life needs

practice, driving a car, riding a bike, cooking, painting, gardening, the

language you speak just now, yes it takes a little time to practice.

The rewards are worth the effort. Don’t worry if you cannot remember each

word, with practice you will remember and be able to communicate with the

Spanish people.

Buena suerte.

(Good luck)

Harry in Spain

Owning a property in Spain has never been so easy.

Progress and membership of the European Union has made purchasing a house in

Spain a lot easier. When you decide on a property, you pay 3000€ and the house of your

choice and the price are held for 4 to 8 weeks for you to arrange finance for the purchase

or your property.

Deposits range from 30% to 40% depending on the builder. Banks in Spain are willing

to grant mortgages of 60% and more of the valuation. British banks also give mortgages

and there are a few British banks here in the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. Halifax,

Lloyds TSB, Barclays to name a few. Most solicitors and bank managers speak English.

We can introduce you to banks and solicitors whom we are sure, through experience will

make your passage into the Spanish property market as smooth as possible. We want you

to enjoy the experience with as little or no stress.

Our partners throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland are close by to help you with

questions and travel arrangements, our partners organize inspection trips with no sales

pressure and only one to one viewing. During your visit we will provide lunch and

refreshments. In the evening we will leave you to discuss the properties you have visited.

Information.

When purchasing your new or re-sale property you must allow for approximately 11%

extra of the purchase price to cover 8% VAT, Land Registry, Stamp Duty, Solicitors Fees,

Notary Cost, Water and Electricity Contracts Please note that the Spanish

government has reduced VAT on new property to 4%

Annual Running Costs are low,

Community Fee 450€ approx. per year

Local Rates 250€ approx. per year

Property Insurance 250€ approx. per year

Fiscal representive 250€ approx. per year

Approx. Total 1200€ approx. per year

Harry in Spain

It can be easy

This could be the most important decision

you make ? seek professional advice.

HOW EASY is it to purchase property in Spain? Well it is just as easy as

purchasing a property in the UK, but there are differences you have to be

aware of. All property purchases have to be notarised and this is for your

safety. The notary checks to see the building has a licence, has no debts and

all papers are legal and binding. It takes 2 to 3 hours , but it is well worth the

wait. It gives you the comfort and security you require. You must obtain a

Spanish solicitor who will ensure everything is done correctly and legally.

Please ask us for a list of recommended solicitors which we have used in the

past 9 years.

N.I.E. NUMERO DE IDENTIFICACION. Required for your property transaction

to provide fiscal identification. Your solicitor will guide you through this and tell

you how to obtain your N.I.E. number which must be obtained before going to

the notary.

HEALTH IN SPAIN is efficient and depending on individual circumstances,

can be freely available because of the reciprocal arrangements offered within

the EU. Spain has a very high standard of hospitals, private clinics and medical

centres. The Spanish are among the world’s healthiest people and have a

higher than average life expectancy. Heart disease in Spain is amongst the

lowest in the world. A diet of lots of garlic, olive oil, and red wine contributes to

this fact. Make sure you obtain the correct form, which is available from your

post office before travelling.

House prices have fallen in Spain due to price reconstruction and the

credit crunch affecting most parts of the world. But this is not a bad thing

for those thinking of purchasing now as the prices have now reached the

reconstruction level and the only way for prices to go is up.

Buying a property now will see your investment grow as long as it is not a

short term investment. Three or four years from now and the prices will

have risen quite considerably and all the hype of credit crunch and fallen

house prices will be forgotten. Think about it. 12 years ago we had the

same problems and just a few years ago we were talking about how much

the prices of property have risen? Yes they have dropped this year, but

those holding on will see their investment growing again soon. It always

does and it does not take a mathematician to work this out. A new airport

opening 2013 in Murcia and a new theme park being built and likely to be

the second biggest in Europe will encourage buyers to come back. We are

already seeing this happen in the Costa Blanca and Murcia.

Just now though there are lots of bargains and due to the sales drop

there are new properties with key in hand at prices below what they were

six years ago. Have a look at an example of the properties at our web site

www.perspective-espana.com. We also have lots of bank repossessions

available some with 90% mortgages available.

Price reconstruction in Spain

Harry in Spain

320 days of sunshine a year can’t be bad?

Buy to let investors have been profiting from the buoyant Spanish market for

years. When your property is completed our associate company will look after

your rental and maintenance of your house. Renting in Spain can bring

dividends from your investment and you can be sure your property is in good

hands. Another way to look at investment is the rentals should pay for your

personal holidays and contribute to your mortgage while your property value

increases.

Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Full of history,

culture, a land of sun and crystal clear waters. There are white sandy beaches

everywhere, most with the coveted award winning blue flag, a sign of

cleanliness and safety. Small towns, golf courses, a vast array of water sports

and over 100 marinas to suit all and cater for all tastes.

The food is well known, fresh fish dishes, paella and fabulous wines to wash it

all down. It is a relaxed style of life where no one seems to be in a rush. The

Costa Blanca named after it’s white sandy beaches boasts 320 days of sun a

year. With temperatures between 15 degrees in the winter to 34 degrees in the

summer, ensuring you can enjoy yourself all the year round.

Harry in Spain

Please note due to the collapse of the property market worldwide investors

should note that investing in a property for a short period of less than two

years may not prove profitable. There are now many bargain properties on

the market including repossession property, but ensure they are a bargain

and not just a costly exercise. We give free advice on these matters.

Buying to let property

There are many ways to finance your purchase.

1. Arrange a Spanish mortgage of up to 70% of the value of your

property.

2. Re-mortgage your present property to provide a deposit and

expenses plus a Spanish mortgage for the balance required.

3. Re-mortgage your present UK property and provide up to 100%

financing for your Spanish property.

We can provide financial advise through independent financial

advisors in the UK and direct contact with Spanish Banks in Spain

who speak English. A list of English speaking Spanish solicitors,

whose staff also speak English

There is a lot more information and advice we can give you.

Clients can meet and discuss and view properties in Costa

Blanca/Costa Calida and Murcia by contacting

harry@perspective-espana.com

FINANCING YOUR SPANISH PROPERTY.

Harry in Spain

Harry in Spain

Legal Advice With the different language and the use of different jargon, the importance of using

a qualified solicitor with local knowledge and experience cannot be over

emphasised. Few people would consider buying a property in the UK without using

an independent solicitor and surveyor, so why should it be different in Spain.

Although employing an independent solicitor increases the purchase costs, as legal

fees have to be paid, these amounts are relatively small compared to the expense of

trying to sort out unexpected difficulties later on.

A sale is formerly completed in Spain when the public

title deeds of purchase are signed in front of a notary, the

final payment has been and possession is given to the

buyer. The “Escritura de compraventa” (deed of

conveyance or purchase deed) is the title deed which

specifies the name of the owner and includes a detailed

description of the property. Under Spanish law it is

necessary for the “Escritura” to be signed in the presence

of a Public Spanish Notary. The notary is a public

official who is responsible for recording the sale on the

public record stipulating the title deed has been signed in

his presence and understood by the parties concerned

Once a suitable property has been found, the purchase terms and price will need to be

agreed with the seller. Your solicitor will complete the appropriate searches and

investigations of the property (charges debts etc in the Land Register) and arrange with

the vendor the procedure for the cancellation and any outstanding loan/charges.

Once verbal agreement has been made, the next step is to confirm the terms of the

purchase in writing. Funds are usually lodged in a local bank account or with your

lawyer in order to show the seller there is a real intention to purchase. It is normal

practice in Spain to include a down payment to reserve the property until the completion

of private contracts.

Upon acceptance of the offer and terms by the vendor the next step in the process is to

complete the contracts of sale or to sign an option to purchase. This may take place

within two weeks following formal acceptance of the offer or sooner. The private

contract of sale or option will reflect all the agreed terms of the offer and sale and

include the date for final

completion at the notary. It is customary practice at this stage to pay a percentage of the

purchase price which is normally non refundable should the purchaser not complete.

Harry in Spain

There are jobs in Spain for foreigners, however, along the coast most jobs are

seasonal as with the UK coast. It depends largely on what you can and will be able

to do. Most qualifications obtained in the UK and Europe are recognised in Spain.

Whatever job you end up doing, If you intend to work in Spain make sure you get

a contract from your employer is at least 6 months. This will also protect you and

give you the same rights as a Spanish employee. Your employer will deduct

national insurance and tax.

In general Spanish wages are less than those in the UK but bear in mind that the

cost of living is less and the lifestyle better. Usually working hours include a 'Siesta'

which is a 2-3 hour break between 2-5 in the afternoon. This is when most

businesses shut down, re-opening in the cooler hours of the evening.

Working in Spain

The Spanish health-care system is very good. Most hospitals are modern and well-

equipped and the doctors and paediatricians are excellent. There are a few differences

in policy between the British and Spanish health systems, but overall they are very

similar. If you make Spanish social security contributions, you and your family are

entitled to free or subsidised medical and dental treatment on the same terms as

Spaniards.

In some tourist towns a voluntary translation service is available for doctor's

appointments, but that will not be available at all times. It is a good idea to find out

whether or not such a service exists in your local medical centre when you first arrive

in Spain. If you aren't entitled to public health benefits through the payment of

Spanish social security or being in receipt of a pension from another EU country, you

must usually have private health insurance and must present proof of your insurance

when applying for a residence permit.

If you're an EU national of retirement age, who isn't in receipt of a pension, you

may be entitled to public health benefits if you can show that you cannot afford

private health insurance.

Health Care

Harry in Spain

The Spanish education system has changed dramatically over the last 10 years.

Previously the system was elitist and secondary education was mostly private.

University was out of the question for the majority of young people.

Today the story is very different. School attendance is now free and compulsory

for all children between the ages of six and 15. Ninety- five per cent of children

aged four to five are now in pre-school education and more than 55 per cent of

children stay on at school until the age of 18. The student body at universities now

numbers over a million. Catholic education still represents approximately 20 per

cent of the whole system, up to university level.

Education

For families intending to make their

home in Spain, state education is free but it

is conducted only in Spanish.

However, this does not seem to present

much of a problem to young children who

tend to pick up languages very quickly.

In order to enrol a child in a Spanish school it is necessary to apply to the

provincial governor's office to validate the schooling from abroad. This can also

be done in your home country before you leave. Most schools will accept the

student on a provisional basis until all the paperwork is issued.

If the child is older and in the middle of a GCSE or A level course it may be

advisable to consider an International School. The majority of these are day schools

but some do have boarding facilities. These schools tend to offer qualifications

better known to UK universities. Some schools offer a system of English and

Spanish curricula which enables students to be qualified for either Spain or the UK.

Many International Schools are changing over to the International Baccalaureate

which is fast becoming the internationally recognised qualification for Europe. It is

now becoming acceptable to UK universities and other higher education

institutions.

When choosing an international school there are many things to consider, not

least of all the costs for school fees and materials as well as the location of the

school and the amount of travelling that needs to be done to and from the school.

Harry in Spain

Alicante airport is where most people arrive into the Costa Blanca. Strangely

because it is a lovely city, has a great marina, beaches and the Santa Barbara

Castle (Castillo) most people immediately exit the airport either south towards

Torrevieja or north towards Benidorm.

Inland from Alicante the road heads towards Madrid, in this area are many old

towns and villages many with castles set on hills such as Sax, Villena, Elda,

Novelda, Petrer as well as Monovar, Monforte del Cid, Aspe, Yecla, Caudette

and Jumilla.

South of Alicante are a number of coastal beach resorts. Firstly Aqua Amarga,

Urbanova, Los Arenales del Sol, Gran Alacant, Casa del Cap and then Santa

Pola with miles of good sandy beaches, from Santa Pola you can take the ferry

out to the small island of Tabarca once used by pirates this is a good spot for

some snorkelling. A massive salt lake is south of Santa Pola.

SOUTHERN COSTA BLANCA

La Marina, La Escuera (inland),

Urbanisation Bonavista, Urbanisation Las

Pesqueras, Guardamar del Segura ,

Urbanisation Portic Playa (Platja),

Urbanisation El Moncaio, Urbanisation

Portic Mediterrani, Pinomar and then La

Mata (also known as La Mata). In this area

just inland are the La Marquesa golf and

country club and La Finca golf close to the

towns of Formentera del Segura,

Benijofar, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja,

Urbanisation Pueblo Lucero, Rojales with

its unique cave houses and Ciudad

Quesada a modern town only built in

1972.

South Costa Blanca is not your usual

holiday resort as most of the people here

reside permanently all the year round

Harry in Spain

Further inland are towns of note such as Elche (or Elx) famous for its many

palm trees, historic Orihuela, Crevillente famous for making carpets, Albatera,

Almoradi, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Dolores, Algorfa, Benejuzar, Urbanisation

Montemar and Urbanisation Fincas de la Vega.

Back to the coast and we arrive at Torrevieja with its nice beaches and

surrounding salt lakes (Laguna Salada de la Mata and Laguna Salada de

Torrevieja).

The amount of building in this area has been immense with sprawling

developments everywhere such as Urbanisation Dona Ines, Los Dolses,

Villamartin, Los Montesinos, San Miguel de Salinas, Villa Rosa La Cinuelica,

Urbanisation Las Calas, Urbanisation Las Chimosa, Las Filipinas, Las

Escalericas, Lomas de Don Juan, Castillo de Don Juan and Los Balcones.

There are quite a number of golf courses in this area south of Torrevieja

with Campoamor golf course, Las Ramblas golf course , Villamartin golf

course and La Finca golf course.

South of Torrevieja are more beach resorts - Residencia Los Altos, Punta

Prima, Playa Flamenca where the La Florida Urbanisation is popular,

Urbanisation Zeniamar , La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Urbanisation La Regia, Dehesa

de Campoamor and Mil Palmeras. The town of Pilar de la Horadada is set

slightly off the coast but there are beach areas at Torre de la Horadada.

Visitors to the southern Costa Blanca will find there are more tourist

activities than northern Costa Blanca and both Alicante airport and also

Murcia airport (known as San Javier airport) are close by and the sandy

beaches are of excellent quality.

SOUTHERN COSTA BLANCA

Harry in Spain

The Northern Costa Blanca coast starts around Gandia, then heading south

we pass Oliva then Pego and Ondara. This area is full of orange groves and

majestic mountains in the background. The sandy beaches are excellent and

uncrowded. Inland is pretty with Jativa a beautiful town with a superb castle

and Villalonga.

Moving down the coast you come to Els Poblets, then Denia which has a

marina and port from which you can get a ferry across to Ibiza and Majorca.

Now the coast changes from being flat to rugged with coves and rocky

beaches.

Inland is the Orba valley with villages such as Sagra, Orba, Benimeli,

Benidoleig (with big urbanisations of Colina del Sol and Panosol), Beniarbeig,

Sanet y Negrals, Tormos, Murla with the popular Puerta del Valle Urbanisation,

Benichembla, El Rafol d'Almunia, Benimaurrell, Fleix, Campell, Fontilles,

Paradisorba, Aspre-Obreta and Montaneta El Eden.

NORTHERN COSTA BLANCA

To the south of Denia comes Javea with its sandy beach followed by

Moraira, a smaller town also with a good sandy beach. Inland are the

working towns of Gata de Gorgos, Jesus Pobre, La Jara, Pedreguer and

Benitachell and the Jalon Valley famous for its vineyards and blossoms

comprising of the towns and villages of Lliber, Jalon, Xalo, Alcalali and

Parcent. famous tourist destinations.

Originally a small fishing village, Calpe is now a busy town with high rise

hotels and apartments blocks dominating the skyline. Calpe has the

famous rock called the Penon de Ifach which rises from the sea. On either

side are two fantastic wide sandy beaches.

Harry in Spain

Heading south we come across swanky Altea with its hills full of whitewashed

houses, winding cobbled streets and designer shops. Next is Alfaz del Pi (also

known as L'Alfas del Pi) with the beach area of Albir and then Benidorm, the

biggest tourist resort on the Costa Blanca.

Benidorm is huge with masses of high rise skyscrapers. The beaches of Playa

Levante, Playa Poniente, Playa de Mal Pas and Playa de Cala Finestrat are

excellent and the nightlife is legendary.

There are plenty of hotels, cafes, entertainment, shopping and a number of

fine theme parks for the family such as Terra Mitica, Aqualandia, Mundomar,

Terra Natura and Aqua Natura. Take a boat trip to La Isla de Benidorm, a small

uninhabited island great for snorkeling. Go watch a show at the Benidorm

Palace.

After Benidorm the coast becomes flat with mile after mile of sandy beaches.

Also the mountains in the background begin to fade further and further away.

Take an excursion from Benidorm inland past La Nucia, Polop, Callosa d'En

Sarria to the castle at Guadalest, a renowned Costa Blanca tourist attraction.

Also close to Callosa d'En Sarria are the Fuentes de Algar/Algar Waterfalls

natural park which is beautiful and you can bathe in the crystal clear water of

the Algar Water Falls (Fuentes del Algar waterfalls).

Much further inland is the large town of Alcoy, (also known as Alcoi) famous for

its many bridges, Muro de Alcoy, Bocairent, Castalla, Ibi, Cocentaina, Albaida,

Xixona and Ontinyent.

Teulada is inland of Moraira as is the town of Benissa although its rolling hills

extend down to the coast where there are rocky beaches and coves, then to

Calpe, one of the Costa Blanca's

NORTHERN COSTA BLANCA

Harry in Spain

The Dream Come True Nine years ago our dream came true, we moved to Spain. I would like to

say it was easy but it was not. You miss your family and friends, your

surroundings which you were accustomed to and took for granted.

Although a lot of Spanish people speak English, they are the people

who work in shops, restaurants, banks and solicitors. But others do not,

town hall officials, police, doctors and if you venture into small towns inland

you will find it difficult to communicate, even to book a table for a meal.

The Spanish are very helpful and if you are good at animating, they will try

to understand you. It is their country so we should try to learn basic

conversation with them. Especially if you intend to reside in Spain.

Easier said than done if you only have learnt one language. The children

soak it up like a sponge and have no difficulty picking it up. But adults find it

very difficult. My wife learnt some French at school so she knew what to

expect and picked up Spanish reasonably quick and now teaches Spanish

to ex-pats. Me poco, poco, which means little by little.

Family and friends visit you often so you don’t miss them as much and

the surroundings here are beautiful. Cheap flights are available

outside the school holidays so you can visit the UK often.

And there is that 320 days of sunshine. Ah don’t you just love it.

We have no regrets about coming to

Spain, but I would have changed a few

things. Learnt more Spanish, did a lot

more investigating before moving and

read up a lot more on Spanish history

and culture, so before you make the

decision, do your homework and it will

make the move considerably more

straight forward.

Whatever you decide.

Good luck (suerte).

Harry