| Holiday Property for Sale | |
 |
Holiday Property to Buy |
|
Holiday Property for Sale Europe |
|
USA Property News |
|
Foreign Currency |
Holiday
Property to Rent
Late
Availability
Holiday property for sale in Costa Almeria
The wild, unspoilt southern tip of Spain
Whether you are looking for a holiday property for your own use, an investment or to relocate, the Costa Almeria is one of the least known Mediterranean coastal regions in Spain with lots to offer. Part of the wider province of Almeria, it’s to be found in the south-east corner of the Iberian Peninsula with the city of the same name as its capital.
Until recently, international tourism largely bypassed the Costa Almeria as a holiday destination with its barren, almost lunar landscape where many Italian ‘spaghetti westerns’ were filmed in the 1960’s.
But holiday resorts are now beginning to spring up along this 200-kilometres coastline which offers uncrowded beaches, pretty sheltered coves and the rugged wilderness of Spain's south-eastern cape.
Much of Almeria is dry, rugged and unspoilt which no doubt explains why tourism has not been the major factor it has in the vast majority of Spanish holiday resorts. The region boasts Europe's only real desert, and while much of the landscape is decidedly barren, there are still flowers and a variety of crops grown here.
The Costa Calida is serviced by three international airports … Alicante and Valencia being the most popular with daily flights; and Murcia (south of Alicante) used by a smaller number of British operators.
In addition, it can be reached by rail (from London via Paris and Barcelona, with the option to go by Eurostar part of the way) or road … a very picturesque and pleasant journey. The A-7 motorway, far less cluttered than roads in the UK, runs all the way from the French border down the coast.
The coastal road will add time to your journey but makes for some spectacular scenery and holiday atmosphere along the way.
Tourist / holiday centres have built up on the eastern coast of the province at Mojacar and on the southern coast west of the city, at Aguadulce, Roquetas de Mar and Almerimar. In these areas you'll find good beaches, marinas, international restaurants, hotels and sports centres.
But the city of Almeria and coastline have much to offer holiday makers, visitors and residents and even the dry interior has its own unique charm. Inland near the village of Tabernes you can visit the ‘badlands of Almeria’ - Europe's only desert region where numerous Italian and American films were shot. You can still see the movie sets left behind by the makers of classics like ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’, ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ and the Peter O'Toole epic ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.
Despite the general aridity of the region, Almeria is a major agricultural producer. Around 250 million kilos of flowers and crops are cultivated here each year. The region is also famous for its troglodyte villages where modern-day cave dwellers live in extraordinary homes burrowed out of the soft rock. You can see the doors, windows and chimneys from the outside but most of these ‘casas cuevas’ are buried within the hillsides, protecting their occupants from the sweltering summer heat.
Almeria city is a lively, modern and very Spanish commercial centre with a ferry terminal, sports marina and working fishing port. International tourism has made little impact here but there's plenty to explore in the city.
On the east coast of the province is the Moorish hilltop town of Mojacar - a must for a holiday visit. This attractive ancient town with its clusters of whitewashed buildings and narrow, winding streets, is now a thriving centre of international tourism with a lively beach and busy nightlife in the summer months.
Q. Could I pay less for my new holiday property in Costa Almeria elsewhere?
A. No, just the opposite. We offer you your new holiday home at the lowest list price. Whether you go direct to the vendor, or even through another agent, the price will not be any less, and in some cases you will actually pay more, whilst being offered a vastly inferior range of holiday homes compared to those we can provide. The prices are set by the builder, and all prices within our literature are correct at the time of going to press. If you see the same product cheaper elsewhere, we advise you to be very cautious.
Q. What other costs on top of the purchase price can I expect?
A. 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 out a mortgage, the bank may charge an arrangement and survey fee, as in the UK and other European countries.
Q. Do you have resale properties I can view?
A. Of course. In fact, we can show you a wide selection while you are in Spain. Although it should be noted that new build properties are generally more popular. They are often built to much higher standards than older properties and do not need any maintenance or immediate financial outlay, as they have new kitchens, bathrooms and so on. Usually we recommend a resale if you are looking to move into a property within a short period of time and are unable to wait for a new property to be built. When making an offer for a resale property in Spain, you have to pay a £2,000 deposit and be expected to complete the sale within 30 days of making your offer. This means that the whole process is extremely quick. Therefore, you need to have the full amount available within 30 days to be in a position to purchase a resale property. The same restraints do not apply when purchasing a new property. Please note: some of our resale properties are marketed from different offices to our new build homes. So if you would like to view our resale properties, please tell us when booking your inspection visit, and we will be delighted to show you any that match your given criteria and budget at the time.
Q. What's the main benefit of buying a new property?
A. All new properties we sell have a 10-year building guarantee - very similar to the NHBC guarantee here in the UK. Although this type of guarantee has been compulsory in many northern European countries for some years now, it only became compulsory in Spain within the last three years.
Q. Will the property we purchase be freehold?
A. Yes.
Q. I'm buying a new property, will I be able to inspect it before I complete?
A. Naturally. With a new property you will be asked to inspect the property with your dedicated after-sales consultant. Then you can confirm everything is to your satisfaction and outline anything that may need to be attended to by the builder, just as you would in the UK.
Q. I have a house to sell before I can purchase, can we proceed?
A. If you have around 30% of the purchase price available, without selling your home, you do have options available to you. You can reserve a new property in Spain and secure the price in euros, and then sell your own property within the timescale agreed between yourself and the developer. If your own property sells before your new home is finished, you simply move out to Spain, rent a property, and start to enjoy your new life in the sun! The money you spend on renting a property in Spain is normally offset by the increase in property value gained and, of course, the lower living costs. You then get a brand new home to move into, without any of the normal stresses and strains associated with trying to sell and buy. Some people do arrange a short term re-mortgage of their own home to enable them to do this. If you do not want to re-mortgage or arrange bridging finance (overdraft facilities) and you do not have 30% of the purchase price available, you will need to sell your home before you can purchase in Spain.
Q. Are mortgages easily available in Spain?
A. Spain is an ideal place for a home, or second residence, and it may now also be one of the best - not to mention the easiest - places to obtain a mortgage. Spanish banks freely lend to non-residents, and mortgage rates are generally lower than most European countries. Mortgages can usually be arranged within 48 hours, subject to the following information being supplied: o A photocopy of your last income tax return or last three months salary slips o Your last three bank statements o If self-employed, your statement of accounts for the last three years Please note that Spanish banks do not normally carry out credit reference checks; and Spanish (and UK) banks normally lend up to a maximum of 70% of the property value. All this can be arranged for you in the UK by experienced financial advisors.
Q. Will I have to pay a deposit?
A. When you have found your ideal property, a non-refundable deposit of £2,000, in the form of a personal cheque, will be due. This will ensure that the property is taken off the market as gazumping is illegal in Spain. The deposit forms part of a legal contract, which fixes 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. If you wish, further transactions regarding the property purchase can be completed in your absence by granting Power of Attorney to your agent or legal representative. Note: Please do not bring a bankers draft on your inspection visit. A personal cheque is perfectly acceptable as a £2,000 deposit by all bona-fide overseas estate agents and developers.
Q. Will I have to pay in stages?
A. If you are buying a new build property that is not completed, or is in the process of being built, you will normally agree to stage payments. These vary from development to development, and builder to builder. However, before you enter into any contract, you will be told the amounts that will be due at each date. Typically, after the initial £2,000 holding deposit, a payment of between 30-50% is required within eight weeks, with the balance payable 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 - within 30 days under normal circumstances. For both new and resale properties, once your legal representative has finished their searches and investigations, and all monies are paid over, the title deeds ("Escritura") are finalised, and the property is all yours. All transfers of property in Spain must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public ("Notario"), whose job is not to give legal advice, but to witness the signature of the title deeds ("Escritura") on behalf of the authorities.
Q. Should I use a UK Solicitor?
A. This isn't necessary, as your solicitor in the UK would still have to use a local Spanish lawyer, and therefore you would be liable for two legal bills! All communication from your Spanish lawyer will be in English, so don't worry about understanding legal documents.
Q. Do I have to be here for each stage of the legal process?
A. No, you can instruct your solicitor 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 you require can be requested direct from the Spanish estate agency office, the developer or from your appointed legal representative.
Q. What if I change my mind before completion?
A. You are committed to the Private Purchase Contract but some people do sell their property before completion and can benefit from profits of up to 30% or more on the money they initially invested.
Q. What is Fiscal Representation?
A. A Fiscal Representative will take care of all of your taxes payable, payment of rates to the town hall ("Ayuntamiento"), and annual property tax. This is particularly important if you are a non-resident property owner. We will be pleased to put you in touch with a Fiscal Representative on your trip, or at a later date, once you have decided to purchase.
Q. I have already made arrangements to travel to Spain with a view to buying a property, and would like to meet up - can I do this?
A. If you contact our UK office prior to your departure, we will be pleased to arrange for a member of our Spanish office to collect you from the address you will be staying at and show you a selection of properties. We request that our company is allowed to show you properties at the beginning of your visit.
Q. How do I open a bank account in Spain?
A. Opening an account in Spain is very easy and we will be happy to help you on your first 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, check statements, transfer funds and generally keep an eye on things - all without speaking a word in Spanish.
A. These apply to properties that have the benefit of services such as communal swimming pool, security, gardens and general maintenance. Community fees are agreed by every owner within the complex, and you are charged on a pro-rata basis, depending on the size of your property, the plot size and so on. The charges are overseen by a solicitor who ensures the fairness of the fees and that there are no unnecessary increases. We will ensure you have all of this information before you make the final decision.
Q. What happens with regular bill payments such as water and electricity?
A. As part of our total 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, including furniture shopping.
Q. Should we learn the language?
A. If you're planning to work in the Spanish community it is advisable. 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 all ability. Expatriate clubs also run language classes. We recommend that you look in the local English press when you are there.
Q. What if I want to become a Spanish Resident?
A. Spanish regulations state that anyone who lives in Spain for more than 183 days (around 6 months) should have official residency. There is no advantage in full time residents not applying for full residency, and this simple process can be done at the local police station, where they will also issue you with a NIF number. This is also required by non-residents if they have any connection with the Spanish tax system - for example owning a property, or drawing interest from a bank.
Q. Can I still receive my pensions or benefit if I live in Spain?
A. Your UK Retirement Pension or other benefits can be paid directly into your bank account at home or abroad. Further details are available from the UK Benefits Agency, and their address is: The Benefits Agency Customer Service Unit Department of Social Security Pensions & Overseas Benefits Directorate Room TC109 Newcastle Upon Tyne NE98 1BA Tel: 08459 154811
Q. What is the cost of living like in Spain?
A. The cost of living in Spain is dramatically lower than the UK. A couple with no mortgage could easily live on £120 per week and still eat out regularly. This certainly makes any pension or benefits you receive go further.
Q. Can I take my dog or cat to Spain?A. Pets may be taken to Spain, although 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. For more information please call: Pets Helpline Tel: 08702 411710
Q. I have children - what are the Spanish schools like?
A. The standard of education in Spain is generally very high, and since entering the EU, it has become simple to transfer between systems with full recognition of qualifications. Schools and colleges are widely available, and if your children are young it's recommended that you put them into the local school. State education is free, and most children are quick to pick up the language. Alternatively, they can attend private international schools where they study in English. Further information about Spanish schools, both state and private, can be obtained from the Spanish Embassy. Most British schools in Spain belong to the National Association of British Schools (NABS) whose members are visited and approved by British School inspectors.
Q. What is driving in Spain like?
A. Generally, it will only take a few days to get used to driving on the right. Many of the road signs are the same as in the UK and in our experience people adapt very quickly. After all, it is just part and parcel of the adventure! The roads in Spain are normally well maintained, and apart from coastal areas in August, they are far less congested than here. The motorways are fantastic too and can be worth paying a few Euros' tolls for!
Q. Can I drive my UK registered car over there?
A. Spanish residents cannot drive a car on foreign plates. If the car you are driving is left hand drive you can transfer to a Spanish plate. A person wishing to change a right hand drive car can only do so if they are new residents and already own their vehicle. If you are spending less than 183 days in Spain each year then Spanish registration is not vital.
Q. How do the Spanish treat foreigners who live there?
A. You will undoubtedly find your local hosts to be very tolerant, family orientated and friendly. Spain's recent economic prosperity means that the Spanish are enjoying life to the full, particularly in this area where new foreign arrivals are seen to be contributing to the financial growth of the region.
A. Anyone from the UK who becomes a resident in Spain and has obtained a NIF number has the right to work in Spain without a 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.
Q. How do I go about finding a job?
A. There are several options open to you … In the 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 Overseas Job Express Or you can place an advertisement in the numerous expatriate and Spanish press publications containing situations vacant and situations wanted ("trabajo vacante", "ofertas de empleo & demanda"). Publicatas Ltd can help you place an advertisement in Spanish publications, and has offices in many countries. Publicatas Ltd, 517-523 Fulham Road, London SW6 1HD. Tel: 0207 385 7723. Visit INEM, a 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. Through 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. On the 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).
A. The healthcare in Spain is extremely efficient and available to all EU residents. The E1-11 form is required and this is easily obtained from your local post office. It explains exactly what cover you are entitled to. In addition, all British citizens of retirement age benefit from free healthcare under the reciprocal arrangements. You can also take out private health insurance at a reasonable cost in Spain or in the UK.
Q. Can I use my UK electrical appliances in Spain?
A. The electricity supply in most of Spain is 220 volts AC, with a frequency of 50Hz. However, some areas do still have a 110 volt supply. If you are bringing any electrical appliances from the UK, you will need new plugs or adaptors. However, it is probably cheaper, and easier, for you to buy these goods in Spain.
Q. Can I rent my property out?
A. Most certainly. We can introduce you to reputable rental agents whilst on your trip or nearer to completion. As in the UK it is normally better to go to the rental agent closest to the property you have purchased. You will also find that some of the major developments offer their own property management service. Spanish rental agents normally offer a key holding/management service which will cost around £150 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 from you, they will clean the property, change the sheets and so on, for a fixed fee that they will confirm with you. This is typically between £25-£50 depending on the size of the property and number of bedrooms. When booking your inspection trip, tell us that you are mainly interested in buying an investment type of property, and we can then allow time to discuss this aspect of the purchase with you. But remember you should declare any income to the Inland Revenue that you bring back into the UK. The Inland Revenue will be able to answer any specific questions you may have.
Q. What about annual running costs?
A. As in the UK, this depends on the price of your property and when you buy. As a guideline, annual running costs for an average priced two/three bedroom property will be somewhere between £2,000 and £2,500. This will include water, gas, electricity, local rates, community fees and house and contents insurance.
Q. As I am buying in euros and the exchange rate fluctuates, how can I protect my capital?
A. If you're buying a property overseas, one of the main concerns may be the fact that you have to pay for the property in a foreign currency. But with everything that has to be done before you even get to this stage, it's all too easy to leave your currency exchange to the last minute and hope that the exchange rates fall in your favour. This can put your capital at risk, so it's wise to plan ahead and take the necessary precautions. Once you know the price of your home, start to shop around for the best rates by calling the bank or one of the specialist foreign exchange companies or allow us to arrange without obligation a currency quote to compare prices and terms. Although banks are traditionally the first port of call, it certainly pays to talk to the commercial foreign exchange companies as they usually offer better rates and sometimes a superior service. In most cases, their dealers will watch the markets for you and keep you informed of any significant changes. The commercial foreign exchange companies are also able to offer you a number of options for transferring your money: Spot Transactions are ideal for anyone who needs their currency straight away as the currency is purchased today at the current rate. However, if you have time to spare before your payments are due, it may be wiser to consider a forward transaction. Forward Transactions allow you to secure a rate for up to a year in advance to protect yourself against any movements in the market. A small deposit holds the rate until the balance becomes due when the contract matures. Limit Orders allow you to place an order in the market for a desired exchange rate. Your request is entered into the system which triggers an automatic currency purchase once the market hits your specified rate. Some specialist exchange companies also offer the option of regular pension and mortgage payment transfers at commercial rates
Q. Can I take my existing furniture out to Spain?
A. The short answer is "yes". Should you be moving on a permanent basis, you may well want to take some or all of your existing furniture, as well as your prized possessions. After all, you may have spent a long time accumulating what you have and it will make the transition easier. The best option is to use a property removal expert who will ensure all items are packed safely, fully insured whilst in their possession and transported to your new home with a minimum of fuss.
Q. What about furnishing my property from scratch?
A. "Where can I go to get furniture?" and "Could my property be supplied furnished?" are two questions we are frequently asked. If you are already familiar with Spain and its wide range of furniture stores … then you will probably have this already in hand. That's assuming you have the time to make the arrangements. Here's how Headlands can help in a number of ways … We can advise on those developments that offer furnished properties or furniture packs readily for sale and discuss this with the sales team on your behalf. o You can discuss your requirements with a member of staff whilst you are in Spain … with their local knowledge they will know the best places to shop for the type of products you require. Time permitting we can even take you shopping at no extra cost! We can put you in touch with one of the highly skilled and experienced interior designers that we are happy to recommend. Whatever your budget and aspirations are, they can work with you … or for you … to create the perfect ambiance. Some will project manage the whole exercise from the initial consultation and designs through to the finishing touches or you may just choose to seek preliminary advice and shop for yourself … or elect for a level of service somewhere in between. We can recommend from personal experience, as the interiors in our own Algarve offices were expertly designed and project managed by one of Europe's finest design companies … who also have offices in Spain … and we can also introduce individuals with expertise in a variety of different design styles. The essence of this is simply that we can offer you a complete service, so that your new property is one hundred percent right for you … inside and out.
Q. Can you send us further details of properties that are in your brochure?
A. Due to the sheer amount of enquiries we receive, we have tried to make our brochure as comprehensive as possible. However, if you are particularly interested in a specific development or holiday property for sale in Costa Almeria, please call us immediately. Of course, if you would like more details about an individual property on your visit to Spain, simply ask the Spanish team member assigned to you. back to questions Some of the information in this section has been supplied by third parties, and Headlands International and its associated companies cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Professional advice should always be sought at the time of purchase.
Holiday Property for Sale in Costa Almeria