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Frequently Asked Questions - Spain |
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Simply click on the question you want to know the answer to, and the site will take you directly to the answer. Once you have read the answer, simply click on "back to top" to return back to here. Questions
AnswersWhat'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 Profile Spain 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 Profile Spain to meet me and show me properties. Can you help?If you contact our UK office 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. Back to top 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?Not only is Spain an ideal place for a home or second residence,
it may now also be one of the best and easiest places to request
a mortgage. Spanish banks freely lend to non-resident purchasers.
Mortgage rates being generally lower than most European countries.
Mortgages can usually be arranged within 48 hours, subject to the
following information being supplied: A photocopy of your last
income tax return or last three months salary slips 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 paymentsIf 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. Fiscal representationIn 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 DepositWhen you have found your ideal property a non-refundable holding
deposit of £2,000, in the form of a personal cheque 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! Back to top 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. CarsSpanish 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 SpainAnyone from the UK who becomes a resident in Spain (see permanent
living on page 126) 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 EmploymentPress 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 supplyThe 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 inspection 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 Annual running costsThis 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 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 & BenefitsYour 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 After sales serviceProfile Spain and our associated companies, 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 livingThe 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. PetsPets 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. EducationInformation 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 schoolsMost 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 schoolsA 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 HealthThe 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 percent
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. 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. What is easiest way to get a brochure for friends of mine who are also interested in buying a property in Spain?Click
here then simply fill in the name and address box and click send
request. |