buying an apartment in spain
Discussion
Phil. said:
Community charges is an interesting topic. Obviously depends what you receive in return.
I pay £5k-£6k pa. That pays for buildings insurance, water, pool maintenance, fabulous gardens, all of the community infrastructure maintenance (drains, roads, bin collections etc.), and my villa is externally re-painted every couple of years and the external woodwork is maintained.
We also have great facilities, shops, restaurants, bars, sports (golf, tennis, football, cricket) etc. on our door step (all within walking distance). And they throw in a decent firework display in Nov.
Security is probably the biggest benefit, with a dedicated Securitas team on site available immediately by phone, 24hr manned entrances, CCTV throughout the complex, regular tours around the site etc. This keeps things calm in the summer when the renters appear.
There are also various committees of volunteers looking after everything and dealing with the local Spanish politicians when required.
I’m guessing, if you bought a separate plot/house and enjoyed the equivalent facilities and piece of mind then it would cost the best part of £500 per month?
Phil, just looking at your pics I think you are in El Rancho, yes? My parents have had a part-share in a place across the road in Los Molinos for about 20 years but I've only recently started going out there since starting a family. Small world! I think you can just about make out their place in one of your pics. I pay £5k-£6k pa. That pays for buildings insurance, water, pool maintenance, fabulous gardens, all of the community infrastructure maintenance (drains, roads, bin collections etc.), and my villa is externally re-painted every couple of years and the external woodwork is maintained.
We also have great facilities, shops, restaurants, bars, sports (golf, tennis, football, cricket) etc. on our door step (all within walking distance). And they throw in a decent firework display in Nov.
Security is probably the biggest benefit, with a dedicated Securitas team on site available immediately by phone, 24hr manned entrances, CCTV throughout the complex, regular tours around the site etc. This keeps things calm in the summer when the renters appear.
There are also various committees of volunteers looking after everything and dealing with the local Spanish politicians when required.
I’m guessing, if you bought a separate plot/house and enjoyed the equivalent facilities and piece of mind then it would cost the best part of £500 per month?
I love going out there, we have done the last four summers since our son was born. He starts school in September so we're going somewhere else for a summer holiday, before we get on the treadmill of expensive school holidays. That said, the wife has just floated the idea of a few days there in July, before the schools break up. We'll see!
Which beaches do you recommend? My parents tend to favour Mar de Cristal, purely on the basis that they are nearly 80 so like to have lunch in the shade somewhere! My wife, son and I tend to head to Los Alcazares but I just wonder if there is any gems we are missing out on?
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Monday 20th May 13:53
PurpleTurtle said:
Phil, just looking at your pics I think you are in El Rancho, yes? My parents have had a part-share in a place across the road in Los Molinos for about 20 years but I've only recently started going out there since starting a family. Small world! I think you can just about make out their place in one of your pics.
I love going out there, we have done the last four summers since our son was born. He starts school in September so we're going somewhere else for a summer holiday, before we get on the treadmill of expensive school holidays. That said, the wife has just floated the idea of a few days there in July, before the schools break up. We'll see!
Which beaches do you recommend? My parents tend to favour Mar de Cristal, purely on the basis that they are nearly 80 so like to have lunch in the shade somewhere! My wife, son and I tend to head to Los Alcazares but I just wonder if there is any gems we are missing out on?
Spot on with location I love going out there, we have done the last four summers since our son was born. He starts school in September so we're going somewhere else for a summer holiday, before we get on the treadmill of expensive school holidays. That said, the wife has just floated the idea of a few days there in July, before the schools break up. We'll see!
Which beaches do you recommend? My parents tend to favour Mar de Cristal, purely on the basis that they are nearly 80 so like to have lunch in the shade somewhere! My wife, son and I tend to head to Los Alcazares but I just wonder if there is any gems we are missing out on?
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Monday 20th May 13:53
We obviously like LMC. Our kids have grown up there and its met all their needs and ours. Because it's relatively safe we have been comfortable for them to go off on their own (several of them together) to buy an ice cream when younger. They've made a lot of friends which they see each year. Now my two are 18 & 20 there is still plenty for them to do in the evenings and early mornings! They have some great memories.
As for the beaches. You're obviously aware of the beach at LMC (La Cala) which is a stone beach but small and great for snorkelling. If you turn left and drop down a steep slope (walking) half way down to the La Cala car park, there are a couple of small, private, very sandy beaches but the walk down may be too much for a 4-5 year old.
The beaches that run from Los Nietos, past Mar de Cristal and on to Playa Honda, are all nice and have good facilities. Obviously they are on the Mar Menor so the water is a little warmer then the Med and you benefit from the jelly fish nets the local council puts out in the summer.
If you fancy the Med then there is a very long (miles) beach at the Calblanque. Because it's a nature reserve there are free buses from the car parks either at Los Belones or on the RHS of the RM12 heading towards Cabo de Palos. The Spanish love this beach and there are often several hundred cars parked up each day. We often ride down on out MTB's and even though there are lots of people the beach is so big there's lots of space for everyone. No facilities though.
Perhaps see you there one day!
dmahon said:
Can I get in on this thread?
We (family with young kids) are considering buying a place in Spain, somewhat influenced by tigerkois excellent post!
We are going to stay in Marbella in a few weeks and were planning lining up some viewings in Esteponia, Marbs and New Golden Mile.
Is the Costa Del Sol the best place to look? Marbs seems to have the best winter weather due to the micro climate, assuming that’s not a myth. However, we also have easy access to Alicante and Majorca if we should be looking there.
In the Costa Del Sol, are there any developments or areas we should check out? Ideally looking for a modern but established development with a pool and not too far from the beach. Realistically a 2 or 3 bed apartment I think....
M
We came out here 5 years ago with the intention of buying. We’ve instead rented and moved a few times. It takes a while to get used to the area and find what you really are looking for. There’s plenty of choice starting at around 1200 Euro a month. We have decided on San Pedro as it’s still a Spanish community and not overrun with tourists, we’ve returned this year to Gazules on the road to Benahavis. We now rent a modern 3 bed apartment , choice of pools and it’s a really secure complex. Our rent includes fees , additionally we pay for WiFi/tv , elec and water. We have a great supermarket across the road but no other commercial facilities. Next year I think we’ll be moving into the town as the one downside of such a good urbanisation is the fact it’s a drive or taxi from here to anywhere. I cycle but wife doesn’t feel safe on the roads , it takes some getting used to the Spanish way of driving. We (family with young kids) are considering buying a place in Spain, somewhat influenced by tigerkois excellent post!
We are going to stay in Marbella in a few weeks and were planning lining up some viewings in Esteponia, Marbs and New Golden Mile.
Is the Costa Del Sol the best place to look? Marbs seems to have the best winter weather due to the micro climate, assuming that’s not a myth. However, we also have easy access to Alicante and Majorca if we should be looking there.
In the Costa Del Sol, are there any developments or areas we should check out? Ideally looking for a modern but established development with a pool and not too far from the beach. Realistically a 2 or 3 bed apartment I think....
M
So a little update for anyone interested...just back from another 11 days. First 4 were spent by myself there, then joined by my parents and then also joined by my partner who flex down mid-week after some work meetings that kept her in the UK. Dropped the rents back to the airport and then had a few days just me and the Mrs together.
Trip started with a hire car nightmare with Centauro. By getting a seat close to the front on the plane I was foolishly celebrating my efficiency in getting from wheels down through passport control to the entrance of arrival hall in 12 minutes...to be met with a 90 minute queue for that hire company. As I had pre-paid I waited patiently. When I got to the front and insisted I had annual cover so refused their insurance they did the usual of going to put the full deposit and fuel charge on my card. As I knew, you can only use the card that paid for the booking so handed it over. Now previously we have hired small hatchbacks and the deposits are around €1200. However, as I had hired a bigger car due to the impending family visitors, the excess was higher and I find, at midnight by then, my account has a ceiling on card payments (its a debit not a CC). I offered to put in on my CC but of course they won't do that as it has to be the paying card. Frustration is perhaps an understatement. I blew my lid, walked off to have to sort a spot hire with another company so got stung with a hefty charge, especially needing a bigger car this time around. To add insult to injury, I got hit with the surcharge for arranging this after midnight having arrived at 10:30pm and spent nearly 2 hours to not get a car from centauro
However, after a rather aggressive drive to the villa, I opened a beer at 1:30am and stood on the terrace more chilled than I should have been in the circumstances.
Met most of the neighbours now and a sound bunch and in fact ended up having a BBQ around one of their places the penultimate night before coming back. We already feel a part of the immediate community which is great as something we don't have in the UK so much in city living.
Also happened to be able to watch Valencia beat Barca in the Copa Del Rey final, sadly not in Seville but still awesome to watch on the box sat in comunidad valenciana.
So taking on board some earlier advice on here, we did manage to just chill for some of the time there. I also had the internet and phone installed with minimal aggravation albeit the engineer did have to come back the following day to fix the phone line which was well needed as I was due on a conference call the next day! I nipped to El Cortes Ingles to procure a few monitors and we had already decorated the office, installed the desk and chair. The second hand printer I picked up seems to be lacking in printing ability so think the "new" cartridges supplied might be a little old and dried out. Hopefully new ones will sort that. So...work is up and running which is a relief.
New king size bed arrived on time on the Saturday I arrived which was a relief. The delivery guys still always need to call me as no one can find my address in typical Spanish fashion. Master suite is redecorated but only furnished with the bed and mattress so far so need to procure headboard, side tables and a dressing table. All bedrooms have built in wardrobes so that is a bonus. I did buy a new IKEA unit for the master suite wardrobes though as it was only really hanging space otherwise.
Guest bedroom is now all sorted bar a second bedside lamp and I might add a small table and chairs on the guest balcony later, albeit cannot see that getting much use unless my guests are anti-social
One domestic task we did get underway on was the painting of the balustrades. f
k me there is a lot of them! We managed to do the front 25 or so for now, the window sills downstairs and a white line that goes around the house. That was 3 days work alone so we still have the back, both bedroom terraces and then the killer - 360 degrees of balustrades around the roof terrace. On that subject, we have surprised ourselves at just how little we have ventured to that roof terrace. When I bought the house we were convinced that its privacy and views would mean we would gravitated toward that roof. Admittedly we don't yet have furniture for it, but neither have we rushed out to buy any either which says enough.
Again, thanks to this thread and wanting to keep an eye on humidity in the house, I bought myself from amazon a little sensor which measures all sorts to include temperature and humidity. Now with the internet installed it has a clever app showing all sorts of stats which is handy to keep an eye on things. If needs be I can then stick a dehumidifier on a smart plug to switch on when I am not there. I also now have smart cameras in the house. Whilst great, it does make for frowns when returning to a cold and wet UK and being able to see on my phone the sun streaming through the windows on the smart cam and my sensor telling me its a nice 25 degrees in the bedroom...
Still yet to sort air con/heating but had some quotes so hopefully something that I can get in the diary for the next trip. Will start with an air con unit in each room for heating and cooling. I might add a wood burner before the year is out and possibly a small electric panel heater in the upstairs main bathroom. I also need a tiler to still sort the roof terrace tiles and also replace some tiling in the downstairs shower tray so, again, something that I need to sort hopefully the next time.
Oh, and I managed to fit in a couple of games of football, just for tigerkoi Good bunch of lads but even at this time of year its a tad warm playing even late pm when the games are.
Trip started with a hire car nightmare with Centauro. By getting a seat close to the front on the plane I was foolishly celebrating my efficiency in getting from wheels down through passport control to the entrance of arrival hall in 12 minutes...to be met with a 90 minute queue for that hire company. As I had pre-paid I waited patiently. When I got to the front and insisted I had annual cover so refused their insurance they did the usual of going to put the full deposit and fuel charge on my card. As I knew, you can only use the card that paid for the booking so handed it over. Now previously we have hired small hatchbacks and the deposits are around €1200. However, as I had hired a bigger car due to the impending family visitors, the excess was higher and I find, at midnight by then, my account has a ceiling on card payments (its a debit not a CC). I offered to put in on my CC but of course they won't do that as it has to be the paying card. Frustration is perhaps an understatement. I blew my lid, walked off to have to sort a spot hire with another company so got stung with a hefty charge, especially needing a bigger car this time around. To add insult to injury, I got hit with the surcharge for arranging this after midnight having arrived at 10:30pm and spent nearly 2 hours to not get a car from centauro
However, after a rather aggressive drive to the villa, I opened a beer at 1:30am and stood on the terrace more chilled than I should have been in the circumstances.
Met most of the neighbours now and a sound bunch and in fact ended up having a BBQ around one of their places the penultimate night before coming back. We already feel a part of the immediate community which is great as something we don't have in the UK so much in city living.
Also happened to be able to watch Valencia beat Barca in the Copa Del Rey final, sadly not in Seville but still awesome to watch on the box sat in comunidad valenciana.
So taking on board some earlier advice on here, we did manage to just chill for some of the time there. I also had the internet and phone installed with minimal aggravation albeit the engineer did have to come back the following day to fix the phone line which was well needed as I was due on a conference call the next day! I nipped to El Cortes Ingles to procure a few monitors and we had already decorated the office, installed the desk and chair. The second hand printer I picked up seems to be lacking in printing ability so think the "new" cartridges supplied might be a little old and dried out. Hopefully new ones will sort that. So...work is up and running which is a relief.
New king size bed arrived on time on the Saturday I arrived which was a relief. The delivery guys still always need to call me as no one can find my address in typical Spanish fashion. Master suite is redecorated but only furnished with the bed and mattress so far so need to procure headboard, side tables and a dressing table. All bedrooms have built in wardrobes so that is a bonus. I did buy a new IKEA unit for the master suite wardrobes though as it was only really hanging space otherwise.
Guest bedroom is now all sorted bar a second bedside lamp and I might add a small table and chairs on the guest balcony later, albeit cannot see that getting much use unless my guests are anti-social
One domestic task we did get underway on was the painting of the balustrades. f
k me there is a lot of them! We managed to do the front 25 or so for now, the window sills downstairs and a white line that goes around the house. That was 3 days work alone so we still have the back, both bedroom terraces and then the killer - 360 degrees of balustrades around the roof terrace. On that subject, we have surprised ourselves at just how little we have ventured to that roof terrace. When I bought the house we were convinced that its privacy and views would mean we would gravitated toward that roof. Admittedly we don't yet have furniture for it, but neither have we rushed out to buy any either which says enough. Again, thanks to this thread and wanting to keep an eye on humidity in the house, I bought myself from amazon a little sensor which measures all sorts to include temperature and humidity. Now with the internet installed it has a clever app showing all sorts of stats which is handy to keep an eye on things. If needs be I can then stick a dehumidifier on a smart plug to switch on when I am not there. I also now have smart cameras in the house. Whilst great, it does make for frowns when returning to a cold and wet UK and being able to see on my phone the sun streaming through the windows on the smart cam and my sensor telling me its a nice 25 degrees in the bedroom...
Still yet to sort air con/heating but had some quotes so hopefully something that I can get in the diary for the next trip. Will start with an air con unit in each room for heating and cooling. I might add a wood burner before the year is out and possibly a small electric panel heater in the upstairs main bathroom. I also need a tiler to still sort the roof terrace tiles and also replace some tiling in the downstairs shower tray so, again, something that I need to sort hopefully the next time.
Oh, and I managed to fit in a couple of games of football, just for tigerkoi
Good bunch of lads but even at this time of year its a tad warm playing even late pm when the games are. Edited by Shnozz on Thursday 30th May 10:47
Sounds like you're getting there, Shnozz!
I'll be finishing work end of June, taking July to sort my stuff out here in the UK, doing the Fastnet 1st week in August, then moving to our place semi-permanently 2nd week in August.
Not sure what I'll do long-term - bit young to fully retire at 52, so I'll be looking at work options towards the end of the year. This might involve moving back to the UK, or to Miami where my wife is based, or I'll find somehting in Spain... feels both exciting and a bit frightening at the same time
I'll be finishing work end of June, taking July to sort my stuff out here in the UK, doing the Fastnet 1st week in August, then moving to our place semi-permanently 2nd week in August.
Not sure what I'll do long-term - bit young to fully retire at 52, so I'll be looking at work options towards the end of the year. This might involve moving back to the UK, or to Miami where my wife is based, or I'll find somehting in Spain... feels both exciting and a bit frightening at the same time
Very envious Chris! I'm 40 and could happily retire there, at least for a few years. I can see that could be dangerous after a short while mind. Enough examples of that out and about (in bars!).
Be interested to hear what you do with your winter heating dilemma as you referred to earlier now that you may be spending winters in Spain as well as summers. Keep us posted if you don't mind and good luck in the racing.
Be interested to hear what you do with your winter heating dilemma as you referred to earlier now that you may be spending winters in Spain as well as summers. Keep us posted if you don't mind and good luck in the racing.
Shnozz said:
Trip started with a hire car nightmare with Centauro.........
Again, thanks to this thread and wanting to keep an eye on humidity in the house, I bought myself from amazon a little sensor which measures all sorts to include temperature and humidity. Now with the internet installed it has a clever app showing all sorts of stats which is handy to keep an eye on things. If needs be I can then stick a dehumidifier on a smart plug to switch on when I am not there. I also now have smart cameras in the house. Whilst great, it does make for frowns when returning to a cold and wet UK and being able to see on my phone the sun streaming through the windows on the smart cam and my sensor telling me its a nice 25 degrees in the bedroom...
I find that the cheapest car hire companies have the biggest queues and they normally aren’t the cheapest by the time they have added a few additional costs such as not asking and charging in GBP and taking a few % to convert it to Euros, or not offering a full-full fuel option and then charging an admin fee for filling it up at exorbitant fuel prices. By cheapest, I mean the headline price. In contradiction to many people I have found the Goldcar people at Murcia airport to be (relatively) reasonable and straight forward. Always the same faces. I don’t even compare prices elsewhere now. I also book a front seat and leg it off the plane Again, thanks to this thread and wanting to keep an eye on humidity in the house, I bought myself from amazon a little sensor which measures all sorts to include temperature and humidity. Now with the internet installed it has a clever app showing all sorts of stats which is handy to keep an eye on things. If needs be I can then stick a dehumidifier on a smart plug to switch on when I am not there. I also now have smart cameras in the house. Whilst great, it does make for frowns when returning to a cold and wet UK and being able to see on my phone the sun streaming through the windows on the smart cam and my sensor telling me its a nice 25 degrees in the bedroom...
You’ll soon work out which one works best for you. That’s the problem with having camera’s when the UK is cold and wet - ha ha.
Keep on remembering to take time out and enjoy the sunshine. To make you feel better I’m in Spain now and still sat outside enjoying a beer in the sun
Edited to add a photo....
Edited by Phil. on Thursday 30th May 19:08
Shnozz said:
Oh, and I managed to fit in a couple of games of football, just for tigerkoi
Good bunch of lads but even at this time of year its a tad warm playing even late pm when the games are. Edited by Shnozz on Thursday 30th May 10:47
I love playing football in the warmth. For me that’s like paradise...
Sorry if I am boring anyone here with continued stories of exploits but flew back last night from another 3 week jaunt in the sun. A warm one! 40 degrees for a lot of the time and the primary task to have sorted was the air con...which in typical Spanish style took some time so we had the benefit of air con for...the last night Quotes, research, visits and then the work being done over that 3 weeks but thankful its now in. My bank balance less thankful..
Many trips to the airport during this stay and I realise how appreciative I am for the decision to limit my geographical search to towns close to an airport. I had originally thought for the ease of my own commute but as it has turned out, its so much easier for visitors and comings and goings. I flew out on my own and then went and collected Mrs Shnozz a few days later. The next week I dropped her back to the airport to fly back for work meetings during the week. 2 days later I nipped to the airport to collect a mate of mine who came to visit and then a few days later back to collect the Mrs who was flying back out. The following day was dropping my mate back at the airport for him to return home and then finally we drove back a week later to catch our return flight. A lot of back and forward trips to the airport therefore but with it being under 30 mins drive it never feels much effort. If I was 90 mins away like my parents used to be I would get fed up of visitor collection on that frequent a basis whereas it was nice to have the house welcoming for people and social.
My own work demanded a lot of my time during this trip due to a large piece of work dropping just before I flew over so I was sat in my office the bulk of the week so little different to being in the UK but benefiting from waking up to 25 degrees and coffee on my bedroom terrace and in the evenings a glass of wine on the roof terrace. I always knew I couldn't "holiday" much of the time just because I was in Spain as my business wouldn't sustain that but it's lovely to enjoy the surroundings at the end of a day regardless.
Mrs Shnozz has been a trooper and painted almost all the balustrades which was a pretty mammoth task, especially in that heat. She found she actually enjoyed doing it and it gave her a nice rounded tan so most days when I peered out of my office she could be found with a paint brush in hand. I need to paint the rejas next as they are pretty tired but thats a job for cooler months for me. Similarly will do the gates front and rear and the exterior lights need replacing too (another winter job).
Air con was expensive but went for Mitsubishi units rather than the cheaper ones on the basis that do it once and do it right. The pre-installation points made them look neat enough in the bedrooms but the outside wall of the roof terrace less so with the 3 boxes on display. I am amazed that someone hasn't designed some shroud that pretties up those things! The air con guy was helpful and he is to return in winter to fit an outside socket on the roof terrace and another on the opposite side internally where I plan a small bar in the turret of the stairwell to serve the solarium rather than having to go down two flights of stairs for ice or a top up... small bar with optics, wine fridge and a freezer for ice, nibbles and beers.
I got a better quote for repairing the tiles on the solarium too. The tiler was too busy to fit the job in this time so said I will book him for September when I have some dates to get over (August isn't looking likely due to a packed work and social diary for me over that period).
Social wise didn't explore a huge amount. A few dinners out and the Moors and Christians festivities nearby took us to the local town which was fantastic more locals Spain. Me and my mate went to the open air music venue for the fiesta on the Friday night whilst Mrs Shnozz was still back in the UK and had a hilarious night. Whilst I was outside having a cigarette, he decided to try ordering an espresso martini. His lack of Spanish, and the local bars lack of English (as well as the fact they had never heard of such a drink) meant that when I came in from the bar there was a rather odd concoction before me. Alex had failed to appreciate the Spanish measures and so there was a gin glass, full to the brim, of vodka, tia maria, a cafe solo and some coffee ice cream with a coffee bean on top. Probably about 20 shots of liquor in total.
The benefit of this enormous shot, at 11:30pm, was that when we went to the music stage areas at 1am, we found ourselves very much awake. Which was handy seeing as it was empty. No one turned up until about 2am and it only really started to get busy around 3am when the town descended to the stages to party the night away.
Mrs Shnozz and myself returned Sunday for a more civilised evening of tapas followed by watching the amazing parade around the town to end the festival.
Another tick of the box was I secured 3 bikes during this stay. These have really opened up the evenings as neither of us have to drive now/ Previously we might be limited to being on foot after a few glasses of wine on the terrace whereas now we can head off to somewhere further afield as we did with the Moors and Christians festival on the Sunday. I bought a little wooden box from the Chino store to affix to the back which makes them perfect for 8 cans of Mahou 2 of the bikes are folding which is handy as if you decide its a taxi home they can be thrown in the boot or, similarly, if you abandon the car somewhere on the basis you want an impromptu few drinks, I can return the next day to collect it on the bike which can then be thrown in the back.
And finally, one other piece of the jigsaw that was actually one of my bucket lists crossed off...I bought my paella pans, my gas paella ring, stand and sorted my gas bottle. Part of the dream had always been to be sat on the terrace of my Spanish pad, in my shorts and cooking a paella on the proper gas ring. I ticked that one off the list this trip and bloody good it was too Cooked up a little Pulpo Galicia to have as a starter whilst the paella simmered.
Now I am saving to start the filling of the garage...
Quotes, research, visits and then the work being done over that 3 weeks but thankful its now in. My bank balance less thankful..Many trips to the airport during this stay and I realise how appreciative I am for the decision to limit my geographical search to towns close to an airport. I had originally thought for the ease of my own commute but as it has turned out, its so much easier for visitors and comings and goings. I flew out on my own and then went and collected Mrs Shnozz a few days later. The next week I dropped her back to the airport to fly back for work meetings during the week. 2 days later I nipped to the airport to collect a mate of mine who came to visit and then a few days later back to collect the Mrs who was flying back out. The following day was dropping my mate back at the airport for him to return home and then finally we drove back a week later to catch our return flight. A lot of back and forward trips to the airport therefore but with it being under 30 mins drive it never feels much effort. If I was 90 mins away like my parents used to be I would get fed up of visitor collection on that frequent a basis whereas it was nice to have the house welcoming for people and social.
My own work demanded a lot of my time during this trip due to a large piece of work dropping just before I flew over so I was sat in my office the bulk of the week so little different to being in the UK but benefiting from waking up to 25 degrees and coffee on my bedroom terrace and in the evenings a glass of wine on the roof terrace. I always knew I couldn't "holiday" much of the time just because I was in Spain as my business wouldn't sustain that but it's lovely to enjoy the surroundings at the end of a day regardless.
Mrs Shnozz has been a trooper and painted almost all the balustrades which was a pretty mammoth task, especially in that heat. She found she actually enjoyed doing it and it gave her a nice rounded tan so most days when I peered out of my office she could be found with a paint brush in hand. I need to paint the rejas next as they are pretty tired but thats a job for cooler months for me. Similarly will do the gates front and rear and the exterior lights need replacing too (another winter job).
Air con was expensive but went for Mitsubishi units rather than the cheaper ones on the basis that do it once and do it right. The pre-installation points made them look neat enough in the bedrooms but the outside wall of the roof terrace less so with the 3 boxes on display. I am amazed that someone hasn't designed some shroud that pretties up those things! The air con guy was helpful and he is to return in winter to fit an outside socket on the roof terrace and another on the opposite side internally where I plan a small bar in the turret of the stairwell to serve the solarium rather than having to go down two flights of stairs for ice or a top up... small bar with optics, wine fridge and a freezer for ice, nibbles and beers.
I got a better quote for repairing the tiles on the solarium too. The tiler was too busy to fit the job in this time so said I will book him for September when I have some dates to get over (August isn't looking likely due to a packed work and social diary for me over that period).
Social wise didn't explore a huge amount. A few dinners out and the Moors and Christians festivities nearby took us to the local town which was fantastic more locals Spain. Me and my mate went to the open air music venue for the fiesta on the Friday night whilst Mrs Shnozz was still back in the UK and had a hilarious night. Whilst I was outside having a cigarette, he decided to try ordering an espresso martini. His lack of Spanish, and the local bars lack of English (as well as the fact they had never heard of such a drink) meant that when I came in from the bar there was a rather odd concoction before me. Alex had failed to appreciate the Spanish measures and so there was a gin glass, full to the brim, of vodka, tia maria, a cafe solo and some coffee ice cream with a coffee bean on top. Probably about 20 shots of liquor in total.
The benefit of this enormous shot, at 11:30pm, was that when we went to the music stage areas at 1am, we found ourselves very much awake. Which was handy seeing as it was empty. No one turned up until about 2am and it only really started to get busy around 3am when the town descended to the stages to party the night away.
Mrs Shnozz and myself returned Sunday for a more civilised evening of tapas followed by watching the amazing parade around the town to end the festival.
Another tick of the box was I secured 3 bikes during this stay. These have really opened up the evenings as neither of us have to drive now/ Previously we might be limited to being on foot after a few glasses of wine on the terrace whereas now we can head off to somewhere further afield as we did with the Moors and Christians festival on the Sunday. I bought a little wooden box from the Chino store to affix to the back which makes them perfect for 8 cans of Mahou
2 of the bikes are folding which is handy as if you decide its a taxi home they can be thrown in the boot or, similarly, if you abandon the car somewhere on the basis you want an impromptu few drinks, I can return the next day to collect it on the bike which can then be thrown in the back.And finally, one other piece of the jigsaw that was actually one of my bucket lists crossed off...I bought my paella pans, my gas paella ring, stand and sorted my gas bottle. Part of the dream had always been to be sat on the terrace of my Spanish pad, in my shorts and cooking a paella on the proper gas ring. I ticked that one off the list this trip and bloody good it was too
Cooked up a little Pulpo Galicia to have as a starter whilst the paella simmered. Now I am saving to start the filling of the garage...
All sounds very good Shnozz 
The Mitsubishi air con should be worth the investment and is essential this time of year. Plus I know you intend on using it to heat your place when required.
I guess you are close to both Alicante and Murcia airports? I agree about the drive time. We were about 25 mins from the ‘old’ Murcia airport and it takes about 10-15 mins longer to travel to the ‘new’ Murcia airport, so still manageable. Occasionally we have to travel to Alicante airport and that’s about 70 mins.
All you need to do now is find some time out there when you don’t have to work all the time
The Mitsubishi air con should be worth the investment and is essential this time of year. Plus I know you intend on using it to heat your place when required.
I guess you are close to both Alicante and Murcia airports? I agree about the drive time. We were about 25 mins from the ‘old’ Murcia airport and it takes about 10-15 mins longer to travel to the ‘new’ Murcia airport, so still manageable. Occasionally we have to travel to Alicante airport and that’s about 70 mins.
All you need to do now is find some time out there when you don’t have to work all the time
Phil. said:
All sounds very good Shnozz
The Mitsubishi air con should be worth the investment and is essential this time of year. Plus I know you intend on using it to heat your place when required.
I guess you are close to both Alicante and Murcia airports? I agree about the drive time. We were about 25 mins from the ‘old’ Murcia airport and it takes about 10-15 mins longer to travel to the ‘new’ Murcia airport, so still manageable. Occasionally we have to travel to Alicante airport and that’s about 70 mins.
All you need to do now is find some time out there when you don’t have to work all the time
Thanks Phil. The Mitsubishi air con should be worth the investment and is essential this time of year. Plus I know you intend on using it to heat your place when required.
I guess you are close to both Alicante and Murcia airports? I agree about the drive time. We were about 25 mins from the ‘old’ Murcia airport and it takes about 10-15 mins longer to travel to the ‘new’ Murcia airport, so still manageable. Occasionally we have to travel to Alicante airport and that’s about 70 mins.
All you need to do now is find some time out there when you don’t have to work all the time
Yes, hopefully paying a little more for the units reaps its reward down the years. The guy seemed the most straight-talking albeit far from the cheapest but I liked his candidness. When it came to the unit downstairs he immediately said the ones I had quotes on were far too small and wouldn't be effective, especially in terms of heating. The fact he quoted for more expensive units but with justification actually reassured me a little as he was not aiming to beat prices but instead give the right solution. Time will tell I guess.
Yes, between the two airports. Corvera is probably another 10 minutes or so (the old Murcia airport would have been probably equidistant). I am yet to use Corvera as my UK local airport doesn't fly there but keep it on the flight searches anyway and not sure if it flies to Copenhagen as that is a regular jaunt for us as Mrs Shnozz is from there so visiting inlaws etc.
And yes, be nice to have some down time there but I always knew the score and it will be that way for a while. I know where I would rather be for the evenings and weekends however and I am lucky in that its not limited to 5 weeks a year "leave" but the downside is never truly having a planned and allotted holiday. That said, I can still take a Tuesday at the beach if the demand is less busy.
Sounds like you’re making great progress, Shnozz... our heating replacement quote uses a Mitsubishi unit.
My plan has come to pass.
Signed for an early retirement package at work 9 weeks ago, and left end of June.
Have 3 weeks left to pack everything here, then I’m doing the Fastnet 1st week in August, before loading a few bits in to the car and driving down to our place... my dad’s coming along on the drive, and I’m taking our cats with me.
Not sure how long I’ll stay. Minimum end of the year. After that I might stay in Spain, or I might head off to the US for a couple of years (my wife will be working out there for at least the next couple of years)... will depend on what I do for work next as I’m a bit young to pack it up for good at 52.
My plan has come to pass.
Signed for an early retirement package at work 9 weeks ago, and left end of June.
Have 3 weeks left to pack everything here, then I’m doing the Fastnet 1st week in August, before loading a few bits in to the car and driving down to our place... my dad’s coming along on the drive, and I’m taking our cats with me.
Not sure how long I’ll stay. Minimum end of the year. After that I might stay in Spain, or I might head off to the US for a couple of years (my wife will be working out there for at least the next couple of years)... will depend on what I do for work next as I’m a bit young to pack it up for good at 52.
Chris - congratulations mate. That sounds wonderful and be interested to hear how to get on. I do wonder whether a full time move to a home that has been used previously for shorter periods changes the dynamics quite a lot. For us, for now, it’s a pipe dream anyway but I’d be interested in how you find it. With the US option it sounds like your options are plentiful anyway so can easily be flexed to suit.
Chris Stott said:
Sounds like you’re making great progress, Shnozz... our heating replacement quote uses a Mitsubishi unit.
And on this, the trusted guy was very complimentary of them. Whereas the cheaper Samsung ones I was also browsing (whose interior units looked sleeker) he outright refused to provide any warranty and I would have to sign a fit only agreement as he said there were so many problems that arose. On the Mitsubishi ones he reckons he’s fitted 500+ and never seen an issue. In any event, it’s fully warranted. On the downside, the price was €4K as against up to half that for the cheaper units.
A few snaps as a story is better with pics
Market day is great for getting our weeks meats, fruit and veg followed by a bustling lunch somewhere in the pop up cafes.
No comment needed. Just views.
The bikes that I then camo’ed up
And added the crates to the back
The pints of espresso martini
Moors and Christians parade.
Mrs S prepping the artichoke hearts for the paella evening
My Pulpo Galicia
And my bucket list paella cooking effort
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/ODr6DYd2.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/CUgXK5bW" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/CUgXK5bW.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/CUgXK5bW" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/CUgXK5bW.jpg)
Market day is great for getting our weeks meats, fruit and veg followed by a bustling lunch somewhere in the pop up cafes.
No comment needed. Just views.
The bikes that I then camo’ed up
And added the crates to the back
The pints of espresso martini
Moors and Christians parade.
Mrs S prepping the artichoke hearts for the paella evening
My Pulpo Galicia
And my bucket list paella cooking effort
Read this thread with interest, how is everyone getting on? any regrets?
Does anyone have any experience of buying on a new development? something like this
https://www.aplaceinthesun.com/property/details/AP...
I quite like the convenience of it all and having lots of onsite facilities like gym / spa etc.
Is it still a danger that these developments never end up finished?
Does anyone have any experience of buying on a new development? something like this
https://www.aplaceinthesun.com/property/details/AP...
I quite like the convenience of it all and having lots of onsite facilities like gym / spa etc.
Is it still a danger that these developments never end up finished?
Ascayman said:
Read this thread with interest, how is everyone getting on? any regrets?
Does anyone have any experience of buying on a new development? something like this
https://www.aplaceinthesun.com/property/details/AP...
I quite like the convenience of it all and having lots of onsite facilities like gym / spa etc.
Is it still a danger that these developments never end up finished?
As you can probably tell, I am still very happy with no regrets but perhaps still a honeymoon period so others may wish to give their input on that front. Does anyone have any experience of buying on a new development? something like this
https://www.aplaceinthesun.com/property/details/AP...
I quite like the convenience of it all and having lots of onsite facilities like gym / spa etc.
Is it still a danger that these developments never end up finished?
Personally, I heard too many stories of issues with developers going pop, corrupt mayors issuing building licences where they shouldn't, snagging lists never being attended to, regulations (such as how close to build pools to perimeter walls etc) not being followed and little chance of recourse. It made me focus on s/h properties that were standing in front of me.
One contributor on this thread is completing on a (beautiful!) new build so he may be better placed to advise on what checks to carry out to perhaps give more faith in the system. Further, by the number of mayors now doing porridge it does suggest that side of thing is now in the past.
The onsite facilities would be convenient, albeit will no doubt come at a cost in your service charge. I should imagine that you could sign up to an external source for less than the extra it adds and I quite like a run/cycle/drive down to the gym for a change of scenery and a chance to meet other people. I can, however, see the benefit of on site for when its a short break and you are wanting it as a holiday home.
Have you been to Benalmadena? I ask as its an "acquired" taste. I have spent a lot of time in the Costa Del Sol (even though I ended up buying on another Costa) and as much as I love Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, Sotogrande etc, Benalmadena is not somewhere I would aim for. But one man's meat is another's poison and all that..
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