|
 |
|
Fiestas
The fiesta tradition is very strong in all Spanish towns. Every month there is a reason to celebrate something and the streets of the town centre are invaded by thousands of inhabitants and parading groups and orchestras.
Many religious fiestas, such as the Easter Week processions, are solemn but still very colourful. Others are more carnival-like. Imagine an area the size of a football ground receiving three hundred thousand visitors over just four days. Imagine an uninterrupted fervour of Flamenco music and dancing, horse parades, traditional Andalusian food & wine tasting.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Buying Euros for your Spanish Purchase
The Euro can fluctuate against Sterling and can affect the final cost of your new home. We recommend you contact our currency transfer company. As specialised currency brokers, they will explain the option in plain English.
In our experience they inevitably achieve a better exchange rate than the High Street banks.
|
|
|
Your Questions Answered...
Are properties freehold?:
All our properties are freehold. We always encourage our purchasers to take legal advice and will introduce you to our recommended English-speaking legal representatives. They will make the necessary searches ensuring all planning or building permissions have been obtained.
Do I need a Spanish Will?:
We suggest you execute a will at the same time as purchasing your property. It is inexpensive and simple to do. Spanish interstate laws differ to the UK and creating a Spanish will ensures your home is disposed of in the way you would desire.
What are the payment terms?
This will depend on whether you are buying a new or a resale property:
New: You will place a deposit of £2,000 to reserve the property. A further 50% will be due within 6-8 weeks of the reservation. Further payments will be dependant on the completion date of the property.
Resale: 10% is due to reserve the property with the balance on completion. In all cases your deposit both secures the property for you and freezes the price, - gazumping is illegal in Spain. Clearly from legal fees to taxes, mortgage to payment schedules, everything will be taken care of and every step carefully explained to you without complicated legal jargon.
How good is health care in Spain?
Spanish medical services are excellent. If you are a UK citizen of retirement age and you are moving permanently to Spain, the Spanish & UK governments have a reciprocal arrangement and you can join the Spanish free national health scheme (Form E121 from the DHSS). Each individual is assessed by the DHSS and qualification depends on the national health contribution you have previously paid in the UK.
If you are on private health scheme: There are many schemes available at surprisingly competitive prices. The Spanish are amongst the world’s healthiest people with incidental heart disease being amongst the lowest in the world. No doubt the excellent wine contributes to this!
What about education?:
Education in Spain is of a very high standard since Spain’s entry to the EU, it is simple to transfer between systems with full recognition of all qualifications. There are many schools and colleges in all areas. State education is free and young children will quickly learn to speak Spanish. Older children who don’t wish to enter immediately into a Spanish school could consider fee paying International Schools where they can study in English. While Spanish schools seem more relaxed than English schools, the standard of education is high.
Can I work in Spain?
Yes, Spain is an EU member and consequently you have freedom to live and work in Spain.
If I sell my house in Spain can I bring the money back to the UK?
Yes you can. If you have owned your home for more than 10 years or it is your only home, there is no capital gains tax to pay.
If I don’t go on an inspection visit, will you still show me homes?
Yes, we would love to. Our staff will either collect you from your accommodation or you can visit our office. Ideally allow two days with our staff to enable you to visit all the properties that fit your requirements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
