What's the weather like?
Warm in the winter with a lot less rainfall than Northern Europe and the U.K. People living on the Costa Blanca South enjoy 320 days of sunshine on average per year, overcoats are a rare sight even in December and January. It should be noted that other parts of Spain do not benefit from the wonderful climate enjoyed by the people living in the Costa Blanca South. In the winter other areas of Spain, apart from those further south can be wet and cold. In the summer other parts of Spain are considered to be too hot and many residents, including the Spanish people who can afford second homes spend the summer in the Costa Blanca South
Could I pay less for my new home by going elsewhere?
No, in fact just the opposite. We offer you your new home at the minimum list price, whether you go directly to the vendor or even another agent, the price will not be less. In many cases you will pay more, and also be offered a vastly inferior range of homes, compared to what we can offer you. We deal directly with the builder rather than through middlemen as many other companies do.
Do you sell re-sale properties?
Yes we do. Generally though new build properties are much cheaper and therefore more popular. In addition to the price issue, new build properties are generally built to much higher standards than older properties and do not need any maintenance or immediate expenditure, having new kitchens, bathrooms etc, etc. The type of clients that buy a re-sale are those needing to move into a property within a very short period of time, and who are unable to wait for a new property to be built. When making an offer for a re-sale property in Spain buyers will have to pay a £2,000 deposit and be expected to complete the sale within 30 days of making their offer. This means that the whole process is extremely quick and only those clients who will definitely have the full amount in funds available within 30 days are in a position to purchase re-sale properties. These same restraints do not apply when buying a new property. We will be delighted to show you our resale portfolio on your trip, even if you are not in a position whereby you have to purchase a resale due to time restraints. Please note: Our re-sale properties are marketed from separate offices to our new build homes offices, so if you wish to view our re-sales, please advise us when booking your inspection trip.
How long do new properties take to build?
Because we deal directly with the builders, our build times are on average much less than other companies. The normal time is between 6-8 months, though some developments may be as long as 18 months. With some developments we are able to offer properties that are available to move into immediately
I have a house to sell in the UK before I can buy a property, can you help?
This is probably our most frequently asked question. If you have approx. 30% of the purchase price available in cash funds without selling your home, you have options available to you. You can reserve a new property, secure the price in Euros and then sell your own property within the time period agreed by you with the developer. If your own property sells before your new one is finished, you simply move out to Spain, rent a property and start to enjoy the lifestyle. The money you spend on renting a property in Spain will normally be offset by the increase in property value gained and the decreased living costs!! You then get a brand new home to move into, without any of the normal stress and strain associated with trying to sell and buy simultaneously. Some people arrange a short term remortgage of their own house to enable them to do this. If you do not want to re-mortgage, arrange bridging finance (overdraft facilities) and you do not have 30% of the purchase price available, you will need to sell your own home before you can purchase a property in Spain. When you have sold your U.K. property you then have two options; (1) move out to Spain and rent whilst a new property is being built. This can even save you money, as new properties tend to be cheaper than resale so the money you save can be used to offset any rent you have to pay. Option (2) is to move out to Spain and buy a resale and move within 30 days.
I have already made arrangements to travel to Spain with a view to buying a property and would like you to meet me and show me properties. Can you help?
If you contact us prior to your departure, we will be pleased to arrange for our Spanish office to collect you from the address in Spain you will be staying at, and show you a selection of properties. We request that our company is afforded the courtesy of showing you properties at the beginning of your visit.
Should I use a Solicitor in the UK?
This is not at all necessary, as your Lawyer in the UK would still have to use a local Spanish Lawyer meaning two sets of legal bills. All communications from your Spanish lawyer will be in English
What other costs on top of the purchase price can I expect?
Normally you should allow an additional 10% on top of the purchase price for legal fees, Notary fees, Land Registry, VAT (IVA) or Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty. Your Lawyer will give you a detailed breakdown as part of his quotation. If you are considering taking a mortgage, the bank may charge an arrangement and survey fee, just as they do in the UK.
What's the benefit of buying a new property?
New properties have a 10-year building guarantee very similar to the NHBC guarantee in the UK. Although this type of guarantee has been compulsory in many Northern European counties for many years, it only became compulsory in Spain within the last 2 years
Will the property we buy be freehold?
Yes.
Are mortgages readily available in Spain?
Yes – there are numerous banks offering mortgages
How do I open a bank account in Spain?
Opening an account in Spain is very easy and we will be pleased to assist you on your initial visit. At the early stages of your purchase you will be introduced to a bank of your choice, or if you prefer, one recommended by us, so that you can open an account. With the internet you can access your account in English at all times from the UK, to check statements, transfer funds and generally keep an eye on the account, all without speaking a word of Spanish.
I'm buying a new property, will I be able to inspect it before I complete?
Absolutely! With a new property, you will be asked to inspect the property with your appointed after sales consultant to confirm that everything is to your satisfaction, detailing anything that may need to be attended to by the builder, just as you would in the UK.
Do I have to be in Spain for each stage of the legal process?
No. Just as in the UK, you can instruct your Lawyer to act on your behalf, even for the final completion. Lawyers in Spain are responsible for chasing up all information required by their clients. Any information required by the client can either be requested direct from the Spanish Estate Agency office, or from your appointed Lawyer.
What if I change my mind before completion?
You are committed to the Private Purchase Contract, but some people do sell their new property before completion and can benefit from profits of up to 30% or more on the money they initially invested!
Balance payments/stage payments
If you are purchasing a new build property that is not yet built, or is in the process of being built, you will need to arrange for payment of your agreed stage payments. These figures vary from development to development and builder to builder. It is not an exact science! However, before you enter into any contract you will be informed of the dates and amounts of payment. Typically though, after the initial £2,000 holding deposit a payment of between 30-50% will be required within 4-8 weeks with, normally, the balance paid upon completion.
If you are purchasing a resale property, or a new property that is already built, it is very different. After payment of the initial £2,000 holding deposit the balance will be required normally within 30 days. For new build and re-sale, once your legal representative has finished their searches and investigations and the monies are paid over, the title deeds are finalised and the property is yours, all legally signed and secured. All transfers of property in Spain must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public, whose job is not to give legal advice, but to witness on behalf of the authorities the signature of the title deeds.
Fiscal representation
In Spain a Fiscal Representative can fill in forms, answer questions and generally represent you with the authorities. We will be pleased to put you in touch with one on your trip, in the event that you decide to purchase a property.
Initial Deposit
When you have found your ideal property a non-refundable holding deposit of £2,000 will be required. This will guarantee removal of the property from the market, gazumping being illegal in Spain. This deposit forms part of a legal contract, which holds the price as agreed at the time of paying the deposit and guarantees you will not be affected by any future price increases. This sum will be held by the Lawyer; licensed property Conveyancer or developer and the contract of sale will be drawn up for your agreement and signature. Should you wish, further transactions can be completed in your absence, by granting Power of Attorney to your agent or Lawyer. Note: Please do not bring a bankers draft on your inspection visit. A personal cheque is acceptable as a £2,000 deposit by all bona-fide overseas estate agents and developers
What are community fees?
Community fees are applicable for properties that have the benefit of services such as a swimming pool, 24 hour security, up-keep of gardens and general maintenance. We will ensure you have all this information before you make your final decision .
What happens with regular bill payments such as water and electricity?
As part of the service you will be assigned your own after sales consultant who will ensure all your services have been connected. All utility bills can be paid directly from your local Spanish bank account. Normally a direct debit will be set up as in the UK. Our team of after sales consultants will be at your disposal, and will even collect you from the airport when you are ready to move into your new property to make sure you are familiar with the area and all the services you require
What's the worst thing about living in Spain?
Apart from the inconvenience of shops closing for 2-3 hours in the afternoon, the only downside is you may find that your popularity soars with long lost relatives and friends who will suddenly appear out of the blue!
Should we learn the language?
If you're planning to work in the Spanish community it is advisable. Otherwise you'll soon be getting by in 'Spanglish' and picking up the useful phrases which add to the quality and fun of life. Spanish is regarded as one of the easier languages to learn and many people get started using a phrase book or basic cassette tape. For the more serious there are dozens of low cost language schools that cater for students of all ages and ability! For the less serious there are probably more English speaking establishments on the Costa Blanca South than anywhere else in Spain.
I've never driven in Spain, what are the roads like?
Much less congested than most of Northern Europe, and because of the weather, driving on wet roads becomes a rarity, rather than the norm. It normally only takes a few days of being careful to get used to driving on the right and most of the road signs are the same. Spain's a big country with lots of open spaces, fantastic motorways and lower traffic densities, particularly away from the main coastal road during August. Touring Inland Spain by car is very popular.
Warm in the winter with a lot less rainfall than Northern Europe and the U.K. People living on the Costa Blanca South enjoy 320 days of sunshine on average per year, overcoats are a rare sight even in December and January. It should be noted that other parts of Spain do not benefit from the wonderful climate enjoyed by the people living in the Costa Blanca South. In the winter other areas of Spain, apart from those further south can be wet and cold. In the summer other parts of Spain are considered to be too hot and many residents, including the Spanish people who can afford second homes spend the summer in the Costa Blanca South
Could I pay less for my new home by going elsewhere?
No, in fact just the opposite. We offer you your new home at the minimum list price, whether you go directly to the vendor or even another agent, the price will not be less. In many cases you will pay more, and also be offered a vastly inferior range of homes, compared to what we can offer you. We deal directly with the builder rather than through middlemen as many other companies do.
Do you sell re-sale properties?
Yes we do. Generally though new build properties are much cheaper and therefore more popular. In addition to the price issue, new build properties are generally built to much higher standards than older properties and do not need any maintenance or immediate expenditure, having new kitchens, bathrooms etc, etc. The type of clients that buy a re-sale are those needing to move into a property within a very short period of time, and who are unable to wait for a new property to be built. When making an offer for a re-sale property in Spain buyers will have to pay a £2,000 deposit and be expected to complete the sale within 30 days of making their offer. This means that the whole process is extremely quick and only those clients who will definitely have the full amount in funds available within 30 days are in a position to purchase re-sale properties. These same restraints do not apply when buying a new property. We will be delighted to show you our resale portfolio on your trip, even if you are not in a position whereby you have to purchase a resale due to time restraints. Please note: Our re-sale properties are marketed from separate offices to our new build homes offices, so if you wish to view our re-sales, please advise us when booking your inspection trip.
How long do new properties take to build?
Because we deal directly with the builders, our build times are on average much less than other companies. The normal time is between 6-8 months, though some developments may be as long as 18 months. With some developments we are able to offer properties that are available to move into immediately
I have a house to sell in the UK before I can buy a property, can you help?
This is probably our most frequently asked question. If you have approx. 30% of the purchase price available in cash funds without selling your home, you have options available to you. You can reserve a new property, secure the price in Euros and then sell your own property within the time period agreed by you with the developer. If your own property sells before your new one is finished, you simply move out to Spain, rent a property and start to enjoy the lifestyle. The money you spend on renting a property in Spain will normally be offset by the increase in property value gained and the decreased living costs!! You then get a brand new home to move into, without any of the normal stress and strain associated with trying to sell and buy simultaneously. Some people arrange a short term remortgage of their own house to enable them to do this. If you do not want to re-mortgage, arrange bridging finance (overdraft facilities) and you do not have 30% of the purchase price available, you will need to sell your own home before you can purchase a property in Spain. When you have sold your U.K. property you then have two options; (1) move out to Spain and rent whilst a new property is being built. This can even save you money, as new properties tend to be cheaper than resale so the money you save can be used to offset any rent you have to pay. Option (2) is to move out to Spain and buy a resale and move within 30 days.
I have already made arrangements to travel to Spain with a view to buying a property and would like you to meet me and show me properties. Can you help?
If you contact us prior to your departure, we will be pleased to arrange for our Spanish office to collect you from the address in Spain you will be staying at, and show you a selection of properties. We request that our company is afforded the courtesy of showing you properties at the beginning of your visit.
Should I use a Solicitor in the UK?
This is not at all necessary, as your Lawyer in the UK would still have to use a local Spanish Lawyer meaning two sets of legal bills. All communications from your Spanish lawyer will be in English
What other costs on top of the purchase price can I expect?
Normally you should allow an additional 10% on top of the purchase price for legal fees, Notary fees, Land Registry, VAT (IVA) or Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty. Your Lawyer will give you a detailed breakdown as part of his quotation. If you are considering taking a mortgage, the bank may charge an arrangement and survey fee, just as they do in the UK.
What's the benefit of buying a new property?
New properties have a 10-year building guarantee very similar to the NHBC guarantee in the UK. Although this type of guarantee has been compulsory in many Northern European counties for many years, it only became compulsory in Spain within the last 2 years
Will the property we buy be freehold?
Yes.
Are mortgages readily available in Spain?
Yes – there are numerous banks offering mortgages
How do I open a bank account in Spain?
Opening an account in Spain is very easy and we will be pleased to assist you on your initial visit. At the early stages of your purchase you will be introduced to a bank of your choice, or if you prefer, one recommended by us, so that you can open an account. With the internet you can access your account in English at all times from the UK, to check statements, transfer funds and generally keep an eye on the account, all without speaking a word of Spanish.
I'm buying a new property, will I be able to inspect it before I complete?
Absolutely! With a new property, you will be asked to inspect the property with your appointed after sales consultant to confirm that everything is to your satisfaction, detailing anything that may need to be attended to by the builder, just as you would in the UK.
Do I have to be in Spain for each stage of the legal process?
No. Just as in the UK, you can instruct your Lawyer to act on your behalf, even for the final completion. Lawyers in Spain are responsible for chasing up all information required by their clients. Any information required by the client can either be requested direct from the Spanish Estate Agency office, or from your appointed Lawyer.
What if I change my mind before completion?
You are committed to the Private Purchase Contract, but some people do sell their new property before completion and can benefit from profits of up to 30% or more on the money they initially invested!
Balance payments/stage payments
If you are purchasing a new build property that is not yet built, or is in the process of being built, you will need to arrange for payment of your agreed stage payments. These figures vary from development to development and builder to builder. It is not an exact science! However, before you enter into any contract you will be informed of the dates and amounts of payment. Typically though, after the initial £2,000 holding deposit a payment of between 30-50% will be required within 4-8 weeks with, normally, the balance paid upon completion.
If you are purchasing a resale property, or a new property that is already built, it is very different. After payment of the initial £2,000 holding deposit the balance will be required normally within 30 days. For new build and re-sale, once your legal representative has finished their searches and investigations and the monies are paid over, the title deeds are finalised and the property is yours, all legally signed and secured. All transfers of property in Spain must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public, whose job is not to give legal advice, but to witness on behalf of the authorities the signature of the title deeds.
Fiscal representation
In Spain a Fiscal Representative can fill in forms, answer questions and generally represent you with the authorities. We will be pleased to put you in touch with one on your trip, in the event that you decide to purchase a property.
Initial Deposit
When you have found your ideal property a non-refundable holding deposit of £2,000 will be required. This will guarantee removal of the property from the market, gazumping being illegal in Spain. This deposit forms part of a legal contract, which holds the price as agreed at the time of paying the deposit and guarantees you will not be affected by any future price increases. This sum will be held by the Lawyer; licensed property Conveyancer or developer and the contract of sale will be drawn up for your agreement and signature. Should you wish, further transactions can be completed in your absence, by granting Power of Attorney to your agent or Lawyer. Note: Please do not bring a bankers draft on your inspection visit. A personal cheque is acceptable as a £2,000 deposit by all bona-fide overseas estate agents and developers
What are community fees?
Community fees are applicable for properties that have the benefit of services such as a swimming pool, 24 hour security, up-keep of gardens and general maintenance. We will ensure you have all this information before you make your final decision .
What happens with regular bill payments such as water and electricity?
As part of the service you will be assigned your own after sales consultant who will ensure all your services have been connected. All utility bills can be paid directly from your local Spanish bank account. Normally a direct debit will be set up as in the UK. Our team of after sales consultants will be at your disposal, and will even collect you from the airport when you are ready to move into your new property to make sure you are familiar with the area and all the services you require
What's the worst thing about living in Spain?
Apart from the inconvenience of shops closing for 2-3 hours in the afternoon, the only downside is you may find that your popularity soars with long lost relatives and friends who will suddenly appear out of the blue!
Should we learn the language?
If you're planning to work in the Spanish community it is advisable. Otherwise you'll soon be getting by in 'Spanglish' and picking up the useful phrases which add to the quality and fun of life. Spanish is regarded as one of the easier languages to learn and many people get started using a phrase book or basic cassette tape. For the more serious there are dozens of low cost language schools that cater for students of all ages and ability! For the less serious there are probably more English speaking establishments on the Costa Blanca South than anywhere else in Spain.
I've never driven in Spain, what are the roads like?
Much less congested than most of Northern Europe, and because of the weather, driving on wet roads becomes a rarity, rather than the norm. It normally only takes a few days of being careful to get used to driving on the right and most of the road signs are the same. Spain's a big country with lots of open spaces, fantastic motorways and lower traffic densities, particularly away from the main coastal road during August. Touring Inland Spain by car is very popular.
Cars
Spanish residents cannot drive a car on foreign plates. If the car you are driving is left hand drive you can transfer it to Spanish plates. A person wishing to change a right hand drive car can only do so if they are new residents and already own the vehicle. If you are spending less than 183 days in Spain each year then Spanish registration is not vital
How do the Spanish treat foreigners who live there?
Like most new arrivals you will probably find them to be very tolerant, very family oriented and friendly. Spains recent economic prosperity means that the Spanish are enjoying life to the full, particularly in the South, where new foreign arrivals are seen to be contributing to the financial growth of the region. Living in Spain, and particularly buying a property in the Costa Blanca South continues to be the most popular choice for UK and European citizens, in preference to all the other areas of Spain.
Employment in Spain
Anyone from the UK who becomes a resident in Spain and has obtained a NIE number, has the right to work in Spain without a work permit, providing they have a valid passport. UK nationals are entitled to the same treatment as Spanish citizens in matters of pay, working conditions, vocational training, social security and trade union rights. The Single European Act, which came into effect on 1st January 1993, created a single market with a more favourable environment for stimulating enterprise, competition and trade, and made it easier for EU nationals to work in other EU countries
Finding Employment
Press Obtain copies of the following newspapers and specialist publications, all of which contain 'situations vacant': Benns Media Directory Europe, International Herald Tribune, Wall Street Journal Europe, and Overseas Jobs Express. Alternatively you can place advertisements in the numerous expatriate & Spanish press publications containing 'situations vacant' and 'situations wanted' (trabajo vacante, ofertas de empleo & demanda). Publicatas limited can help you place an advertisement in Spanish publications and has offices in many countries, e.g. Publicatas Ltd., 517-523 Fulham Road, London SW6 1HD, UK (TEL:0207 385 7723) Visit INEM local state run National Employment Institute (Instituto Nacional de Empleo), offices in Spain. Jobs on offer are mainly non-professional, semi-skilled and unskilled jobs, particularly in industry, retailing and catering. Recruitment agencies Apply to international recruitment agencies acting for Spanish companies. These companies mainly recruit executives and key personnel, and many have offices worldwide including major Spanish cities. Internet The Internet has hundreds of sites for job seekers including corporate websites, recruitment companies and newspaper job advertisements (you can use a search engine to find them). Customs The shipment of personal (household) effects to Spain from the UK is not subject to customs formalities, although an inventory must be provided
Should I take all of my furniture from the UK out to Spain?
Our general advice is to bear in mind that the cost of new furniture like everything else in Spain is relatively cheap compared to the UK. Certainly take personal effects and smaller items, but the cost of transporting and storing furniture from the UK can sometimes be as much as replacing it with new furniture. Also bear in mind that in Spain a different type of furniture is normally preferred due to the time spent out of doors and the climatic conditions. On your inspection visit our representatives will be pleased to assist you and show you where the relevant furniture shops are. The basic costs of furnishing a 2/3 bedroom villa is in the region of £3,000-£5,000.
Power supply
The electricity supply in most of Spain is 220 volts AC with a frequency of 50 hertz (cycles). However, some areas still have a 110-volt supply. If you are bringing any electrical appliances you will need new plugs (enchufes) or adaptors. Plug adaptors for most foreign electrical apparatus can be purchased in Spain and the UK. However as for furniture it would probably be easier and cheaper for you to buy it all in Spain.
Can I rent my property?
Yes of course you can. We can introduce you to rental agents whilst you are on your trip. As in the UK it is normally better to go to the local rental agent closest to the property you have purchased. Spanish rental agents normally offer a key holding/management service, which will cost somewhere around £150.00 per year. They can also find tenants for you and will agree prior to the booking the net amount you will receive after they have deducted all of their charges. They normally also offer a preparation service. That is to say if you have a friend who wants to rent your property, they will clean the property, change the sheets etc for a fixed fee that they will confirm with you. This is typically between £25 and £50 depending on the size of the property and number of bedrooms. It will amaze you once you own a property abroad how many friends and colleagues want to rent your out your home in the sun!! When booking your purchasing trip, ensure you advise us that you are primarily interested in buying a rental investment type of property. We can then allow time to discuss this aspect of the purchase with you. You should declare any income to the Inland Revenue that you bring back into the U.K. The Inland Revenue will be able to answer any specific questions you may have. Typical rental figures you could expect from low season to high season
2 bed apartment from £200 p/w to £350 p/w
3 bed apartment from £225 p/w to £400 p/w
2 bed villa with pool from £250 p/w to £500 p/w
3 bed villa with pool from £275 p/w to £560 p/w
Annual running costs
This obviously depends as it does in the UK on the price of your property and where you buy. As a guideline, annual running costs for an average priced 2/3 bedroom property in the Costa Blanca South will be somewhere in the region between £500 and £800. This will include water, gas, electricity, local rates, community fees and house and contents insurance.
Water, electricity, etc (average use) £90.00
Local Rates & refuse collection £120.00
Community Fees £170.00
Insurance (Building and contents) £110.00
Fiscal Representation £100.00
Property Tax £ 90.00
Total £680.00 Based on the same type of property being purchased in other parts of Spain the above charges will increase approximately as follows: Costa Del Sol £2,350, Costa Del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) £1,200, Costa Blanca North £1,400. A significant difference from the UK where the community charge alone on your home will normally be more
Permanent living (Residency)
Spanish regulations state that any person who resides in Spain for more than 183 days (approx 6 months) should have an official residence permit. There is no advantage in a full time resident not applying for full residency. This simple process can be done at the local police station, who will also issue you with an NIE number, which is required for non-residents if they have any connection with the Spanish tax system, for example, owning a property or drawing interest from a bank.
Pensions & Benefits
Your UK Retirement Pension or other benefits can be paid directly into your bank in Spain or any other account at home or abroad. Further details are available from the UK Benefits Agency. Their contact details are; The Benefits Agency
Customer Service Unit
Department of Social Security
Pensions & Overseas Benefits Directorate
Room TC 109
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1BA
Tel: 08459 154811 The booklets mentioned below are extremely helpful in explaining your rights. Going abroad and social security benefits REF: GL29 or visit www.dss.gov.uk Living or retiring abroad? IR138 Inland Revenue Tel: 0151 472 6067 or visit www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
After sales service
We pride ourselves on not only our before and during sales service, but also our after sales service. Once you have purchased a property, we shall be pleased to assist you in everything you need to ensure your move goes smoothly. Even after you have moved into your new home, our policy of once a client always a client means we will always be available to assist you.
Basic cost of living
The cost of living in Spain is dramatically lower than the UK. A couple with no mortgage could easily live on £120.00 per week, and still eat out regularly. This certainly makes any pension or benefits you receive go further.
Pets
Pets may be taken to Spain. You will need a health certificate from an authorised vet issued within 15 days of departure, and a certificate of vaccination against rabies. You will also need a certificate declaring that the animal has been kept in an area free from animal diseases. All these certificates must be stamped and legalised by the Spanish consulate. Your pet must also have a microchip inserted.
Pets helpline Tel: 0044 (0) 8702411710 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Education
Information about Spanish schools, both state and private, can be obtained from Spanish embassies and consulates abroad, and from foreign embassies, educational organisations and government departments in Spain. Information about local schools can be obtained from town halls (ayuntamientos). The Ministry of Education and Science (Ministerio de Educacion y Cienco) provides a general information service at their central office: Servicio de Information, Iniviativas y Reclamaciones, C/Alcala, 34, 28014 Madrid (Telephone 0034 917 018 000).
Private schools
Most British schools in Spain belong to the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABS), whose members are visited and approved by British school inspectors. Advice about British English-language schools in Spain can be obtained from the British Council, Paseo Martinez Campos, 31, 28010 Madrid. Alternatively consult ECIS (European Council of International Schools) on UK (Telephone 01730 268 244 or Internet www.ecis.org).
Language schools
A list of Spanish language schools in Spain can be obtained from the Instituto Cervantes which has offices in many countries including Britain
102 Eaton Square
London
SW3 2RP
UK
Telephone 0207 245 0621 The Instituto also runs Spanish language classes in some 30 countries. The list may also contain organizations arranging courses, exchange visits and home stays in Spain for both children and adults. A guide entitled 'Spanish Courses for Foreigners in Spain' (Cursos de Espanol para Extranjeros en Espana) is available from the Servicio de Publicaciones, Ministerio de Education y Ciencia, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid. One of the best sources for Spanish language-learning books and materials in Britain is European Schoolbooks Ltd, The Tunnings, Cheltenham, Gloucester, GL51 9PQ, UK (Telephone 01242 245252). One of the best Spanish audio courses available is 'Spanish with Michel Thomas’, a set of 8 one hour long cassettes, available from W.H.Smith and other good book shops priced at approx. £60-£70.00.
Health
The quality of health care and health care facilities in Spain is considered to be equal, if not better, to any country in Europe and is improving every year. Spanish medical staff are highly trained and major hospitals are equipped with the latest high-tech equipment. Spain has a public health system, providing free or low cost health care for those contributing to Spanish social security, plus their families and retirees (including those from other EU countries). If you pay Spanish social security (Seguridad Social) contributions, you and your family are entitled to free or subsidized medical and dental treatment on the same terms as Spaniards. Over 90 per cent of the population are covered by the Instituto Nacional de la Salud (INSALUD), Spain's public health scheme, including retired EU residents (with a residents card) in receipt of a state pension. If you aren't entitled to public health benefits through payment of Spanish social security or being in receipt of a pension from another EU country, you must usually have private health insurance. The Spanish are among the world's healthiest people and have an average life expectancy of 80 for women and 74 for men, the highest in the EU. The incidence of heart disease in Spain is among the lowest in the world, and this is despite the Spanish having the highest number of smokers per capita, after Greece in Western Europe. This phenomena may be due to the relaxed way of life, and Mediterranean diet which includes lots of garlic, olive oil and red wine.
The Costa Blanca Souths' climate is therapeutic, particularly for sufferers of rheumatism and arthritis, and those who are prone to bronchitis, colds and pneumonia. Its slower pace of life (plus the siesta) is also beneficial for those who are prone to stress. The climate and lifestyle in any country has a marked effect on mental health and people who live in hot climates are generally happier and more relaxed than those who live in cold, wet climates.
Will all of the properties on this website still be for sale, and if so what is the current price?
This website is updated often with new prices and new developments and so will have our latest available prices displayed.
