buying an apartment in spain
Discussion
Thank you shnozz. No I just picked that as an example of developments I could have picked one anywhere it was more just to hear experiences either good or bad of people buying new.
Area wise I'm still not sure and will need spend a little time in each. These sort of developments seem to be going on all over the Costa del sol.
Area wise I'm still not sure and will need spend a little time in each. These sort of developments seem to be going on all over the Costa del sol.
I’m with Snozz in regard to risks of buying new which Is why I bought on an established site (La Manga Club).
Bought in 2011 and absolutely no regrets. It’s a second home and has been a great place for my family to grow up and enjoy long summer holidays rather than just a couple of weeks here or there.
We made the decision to occasionally holidays elsewhere at (say) Easter, so the kids have experienced other parts of the world.
Yes, there is an additional cost of owning a second home but go in with your eyes open and budget accordingly.
Now as my kids depart the nest my wife and I will use it more often as I enter semi-retirement.
In residence now, it’s great
Bought in 2011 and absolutely no regrets. It’s a second home and has been a great place for my family to grow up and enjoy long summer holidays rather than just a couple of weeks here or there.
We made the decision to occasionally holidays elsewhere at (say) Easter, so the kids have experienced other parts of the world.
Yes, there is an additional cost of owning a second home but go in with your eyes open and budget accordingly.
Now as my kids depart the nest my wife and I will use it more often as I enter semi-retirement.
In residence now, it’s great
Phil. said:
I’m with Snozz in regard to risks of buying new which Is why I bought on an established site (La Manga Club).
Bought in 2011 and absolutely no regrets. It’s a second home and has been a great place for my family to grow up and enjoy long summer holidays rather than just a couple of weeks here or there.
We made the decision to occasionally holidays elsewhere at (say) Easter, so the kids have experienced other parts of the world.
Yes, there is an additional cost of owning a second home but go in with your eyes open and budget accordingly.
Now as my kids depart the nest my wife and I will use it more often as I enter semi-retirement.
In residence now, it’s great
How do you find being on a golf complex ?Bought in 2011 and absolutely no regrets. It’s a second home and has been a great place for my family to grow up and enjoy long summer holidays rather than just a couple of weeks here or there.
We made the decision to occasionally holidays elsewhere at (say) Easter, so the kids have experienced other parts of the world.
Yes, there is an additional cost of owning a second home but go in with your eyes open and budget accordingly.
Now as my kids depart the nest my wife and I will use it more often as I enter semi-retirement.
In residence now, it’s great
stevemcs said:
How do you find being on a golf complex ?
It’s irrelevant. I’ve never played golf and probably won’t, ever. But the other facilities here are outstanding, particularly the security. It all has to be paid for and if the golf brigade provides for that then it’s fine with me. Phil. said:
It’s irrelevant. I’ve never played golf and probably won’t, ever. But the other facilities here are outstanding, particularly the security. It all has to be paid for and if the golf brigade provides for that then it’s fine with me.
Thanks, do many rent out the apartments ? It always strikes me as the perfect holiday home as you don't need to worry about it being left unattended and there is something to do when you get there - and it wouldn't be playing golf.stevemcs said:
Phil. said:
It’s irrelevant. I’ve never played golf and probably won’t, ever. But the other facilities here are outstanding, particularly the security. It all has to be paid for and if the golf brigade provides for that then it’s fine with me.
Thanks, do many rent out the apartments ? It always strikes me as the perfect holiday home as you don't need to worry about it being left unattended and there is something to do when you get there - and it wouldn't be playing golf.stevemcs said:
Thanks, do many rent out the apartments ? It always strikes me as the perfect holiday home as you don't need to worry about it being left unattended and there is something to do when you get there - and it wouldn't be playing golf.
Yes, many do and there are several agents on site who will manage the rental process for you.We own a 3-bed villa with a shared pool and all the gardens/pools plus buildings insurance and water are included in the fees but they’re not cheap! But we can lock and leave it.
It’s not just apartments at La Manga Club (LMC), lots of options dependent on budget. An apartment probably starts at c.£100k. If you want a bargain then there are plenty outside LMC.
Apparently LMC is 650 acres (I assume including the golf courses) which is 3 x the size of Monaco according to their latest marketing blurb.
PM me if you want more detailed info.
We have recently visited the Malaga region and taken a look around as a direct result of this thread and my questions back in May.
We did a tour over a few days with Crystal Shore who Chris recommended above. They were very good to deal with both before and on the trip. Listened to us, flexible and not too pushy.
We planned to see around 10 properties but chopped it down to 6 or so as we learnt more on the ground.
Good news is that we found one we like on the New Golden Mike between Banus and Esteponia. Very nicely done refurb, immaculate grounds (which justifies the community fees I was concerned about). In line with budget but it’s hard to know if we are getting value as prices seem to be all over the map.
Still a lot of concern whether the project will turn out to be a success and it will get enough use. Current thinking is to put in a cheeky offer as a cash buyer and let it sit for a while which would ease the pain if we do end up selling in a few years.
I am planning on around 10% in fees. Is there anything which could come out of left field to move that substantially?
Also, am I safe to use the lawyer and surveyor recommended by the agent? Happy to take recommendations here for someone more independent.
Finally, what is the typical timeline for completion? I heard around a month but nothing seems to move quickly in Spain.
Tigerkoi et al, beers on me if this comes off!
Will report back how it goes and hopefully be providing picture and trip reports soon!
We did a tour over a few days with Crystal Shore who Chris recommended above. They were very good to deal with both before and on the trip. Listened to us, flexible and not too pushy.
We planned to see around 10 properties but chopped it down to 6 or so as we learnt more on the ground.
Good news is that we found one we like on the New Golden Mike between Banus and Esteponia. Very nicely done refurb, immaculate grounds (which justifies the community fees I was concerned about). In line with budget but it’s hard to know if we are getting value as prices seem to be all over the map.
Still a lot of concern whether the project will turn out to be a success and it will get enough use. Current thinking is to put in a cheeky offer as a cash buyer and let it sit for a while which would ease the pain if we do end up selling in a few years.
I am planning on around 10% in fees. Is there anything which could come out of left field to move that substantially?
Also, am I safe to use the lawyer and surveyor recommended by the agent? Happy to take recommendations here for someone more independent.
Finally, what is the typical timeline for completion? I heard around a month but nothing seems to move quickly in Spain.
Tigerkoi et al, beers on me if this comes off!
Will report back how it goes and hopefully be providing picture and trip reports soon!
dmahon said:
I am planning on around 10% in fees. Is there anything which could come out of left field to move that substantially?
Also, am I safe to use the lawyer and surveyor recommended by the agent? Happy to take recommendations here for someone more independent.
Finally, what is the typical timeline for completion? I heard around a month but nothing seems to move quickly in Spain.
Tigerkoi et al, beers on me if this comes off!
Again, those longer in the tooth and better placed geographically may provide a better answer.. Caveat aside:-Also, am I safe to use the lawyer and surveyor recommended by the agent? Happy to take recommendations here for someone more independent.
Finally, what is the typical timeline for completion? I heard around a month but nothing seems to move quickly in Spain.
Tigerkoi et al, beers on me if this comes off!
The 10% in fees sounds light. It varies by region but I paid 10% alone in respect of ITP (transfer tax). I believe Andalusia may be slightly less, but with registration fees and notary fees, I would still think 10% is tight. Overall solicitors, gaining NIE number, notary fees, etc etc, I paid just over 14% in total. In my case there were no mortgage costs, so keep in mind those fees if you are not buying for cash.
I have always been advised to steer clear of any professionals recommended by estate agents. How much truth/substance there is to these warnings I have no idea, simply passing on what I was told. I have heard no horror stories to be fair. In the Marbella area, I was recommended this guy: https://www.mylawyerinspain.com/blog/meet-alex-rad...
In terms of timeline, incredibly, the one thing the Spanish seem capable of very quickly is being able to complete a sale/purchase. A month is perhaps extreme, but doable. Certainly most transactions seem to be sub 2 months unless there is a specific reason or stalling point.
Keep us posted.
The move is made!
Took July to pack the house, and moved everything in to storage on the 1st. Then did the Fastnet 2nd to the 7th, before coming back to Weybridge Thursday to pack the last bits in to the car..
Friday afternoon I put my 2 cats in their travel cage, picked my father up from the station at 3pm, and we drove straight to the Channel Tunnel. We were in France by 6pm, hit Spain just after 4am, and arrived at our place nr Marbella at 2.30pm... 1,443 miles plus the tunnel in a bit under 23 hours. I did all the driving... to say I was knackered last night would be a bit of an understatement!
Biggest worry about the trip was the cats (which is why I pushed on and did it in one hit), but they were good as gold. The Touareg was monumental - super comfortable and quiet - it just ate up the miles, cruising at 90ish through France (I think I only set 3 camera off) and 100+ in Spain... though it did consume a rather frightening amount of diesel.
The stuff I brought down here is now mostly unpacked, and the cats are settling in - they haven't been out yet, but they have the run of most of the apartment.
Oh, and it's f
king hot! We saw 41* coming down to the Andalucian coast yesterday, and it was 37* when we got here. The AC managed to get the place bearable in a couple of hours though.
Going to take this week to chill with my Father and do a few DIY jobs, then on to the next stage of life.
Took July to pack the house, and moved everything in to storage on the 1st. Then did the Fastnet 2nd to the 7th, before coming back to Weybridge Thursday to pack the last bits in to the car..
Friday afternoon I put my 2 cats in their travel cage, picked my father up from the station at 3pm, and we drove straight to the Channel Tunnel. We were in France by 6pm, hit Spain just after 4am, and arrived at our place nr Marbella at 2.30pm... 1,443 miles plus the tunnel in a bit under 23 hours. I did all the driving... to say I was knackered last night would be a bit of an understatement!
Biggest worry about the trip was the cats (which is why I pushed on and did it in one hit), but they were good as gold. The Touareg was monumental - super comfortable and quiet - it just ate up the miles, cruising at 90ish through France (I think I only set 3 camera off) and 100+ in Spain... though it did consume a rather frightening amount of diesel.
The stuff I brought down here is now mostly unpacked, and the cats are settling in - they haven't been out yet, but they have the run of most of the apartment.
Oh, and it's f
king hot! We saw 41* coming down to the Andalucian coast yesterday, and it was 37* when we got here. The AC managed to get the place bearable in a couple of hours though.Going to take this week to chill with my Father and do a few DIY jobs, then on to the next stage of life.
Edited by Chris Stott on Tuesday 13th August 06:59
dmahon said:
We have recently visited the Malaga region and taken a look around as a direct result of this thread and my questions back in May.
We did a tour over a few days with Crystal Shore who Chris recommended above. They were very good to deal with both before and on the trip. Listened to us, flexible and not too pushy.
We planned to see around 10 properties but chopped it down to 6 or so as we learnt more on the ground.
Good news is that we found one we like on the New Golden Mike between Banus and Esteponia. Very nicely done refurb, immaculate grounds (which justifies the community fees I was concerned about). In line with budget but it’s hard to know if we are getting value as prices seem to be all over the map.
Still a lot of concern whether the project will turn out to be a success and it will get enough use. Current thinking is to put in a cheeky offer as a cash buyer and let it sit for a while which would ease the pain if we do end up selling in a few years.
I am planning on around 10% in fees. Is there anything which could come out of left field to move that substantially?
Also, am I safe to use the lawyer and surveyor recommended by the agent? Happy to take recommendations here for someone more independent.
Finally, what is the typical timeline for completion? I heard around a month but nothing seems to move quickly in Spain.
Tigerkoi et al, beers on me if this comes off!
Will report back how it goes and hopefully be providing picture and trip reports soon!
Just spotted this post! We did a tour over a few days with Crystal Shore who Chris recommended above. They were very good to deal with both before and on the trip. Listened to us, flexible and not too pushy.
We planned to see around 10 properties but chopped it down to 6 or so as we learnt more on the ground.
Good news is that we found one we like on the New Golden Mike between Banus and Esteponia. Very nicely done refurb, immaculate grounds (which justifies the community fees I was concerned about). In line with budget but it’s hard to know if we are getting value as prices seem to be all over the map.
Still a lot of concern whether the project will turn out to be a success and it will get enough use. Current thinking is to put in a cheeky offer as a cash buyer and let it sit for a while which would ease the pain if we do end up selling in a few years.
I am planning on around 10% in fees. Is there anything which could come out of left field to move that substantially?
Also, am I safe to use the lawyer and surveyor recommended by the agent? Happy to take recommendations here for someone more independent.
Finally, what is the typical timeline for completion? I heard around a month but nothing seems to move quickly in Spain.
Tigerkoi et al, beers on me if this comes off!
Will report back how it goes and hopefully be providing picture and trip reports soon!
Glad you found Crystal Shores useful. If the lawyer is the one the recommended to us (a lady in Marbella), she’s awesome. I’ll ask my wife if she remembers her name. They also recommended a surveyor, who was fine.
I recommended CS as they were utterly trustworthy and transparent throughout our purchase.
Hope it comes together for you!
Shnozz,
Is your property ok after the Gota Fria on Thursday?
Mines ok but the region is devastated. The Mar Menor has risen by a couple of feet and most beaches near us are now under water. The local villages are full of mud. The farmers fields have no top soil remaining.
We’ve never seen anything like it and it’s unlikely to be the last Gota Fria of the autumn.
Is your property ok after the Gota Fria on Thursday?
Mines ok but the region is devastated. The Mar Menor has risen by a couple of feet and most beaches near us are now under water. The local villages are full of mud. The farmers fields have no top soil remaining.
We’ve never seen anything like it and it’s unlikely to be the last Gota Fria of the autumn.
Hi Phil,
I’ve booked a flight for tomorrow to go over and assess. Having seen the news, and the cameras in the house going crazy with the storms and lightning, I decided to get a flight as soon as I could. I had a wedding yesterday so tomorrow was the earliest I could do. I am back again the following week with some friends but didn’t want to wait that long so over mon-Thursday. If needs be, I can at least assess whether it will be capable of homing me and my friends the week after.
It will be a very nervy drive from airport to the house tomorrow. At least the roads are now back open as earlier today neither the N332 nor the AP-7 were open to get to the airport!
And as for the airport...have you seen this?
It’s been remarkable in that we had the record rainfall at Easter, record (overnight) rainfall in August and now this worst Gota Fria since 1917!! I’ve jinxed the region it seems.
Did you escape without damage?
I’ve booked a flight for tomorrow to go over and assess. Having seen the news, and the cameras in the house going crazy with the storms and lightning, I decided to get a flight as soon as I could. I had a wedding yesterday so tomorrow was the earliest I could do. I am back again the following week with some friends but didn’t want to wait that long so over mon-Thursday. If needs be, I can at least assess whether it will be capable of homing me and my friends the week after.
It will be a very nervy drive from airport to the house tomorrow. At least the roads are now back open as earlier today neither the N332 nor the AP-7 were open to get to the airport!
And as for the airport...have you seen this?
It’s been remarkable in that we had the record rainfall at Easter, record (overnight) rainfall in August and now this worst Gota Fria since 1917!! I’ve jinxed the region it seems.
Did you escape without damage?
I returned to the UK a couple of weeks ago so didn’t witness this rainfall. However, we had a lot of rain in the last week of Aug, something we have never seen before.
My cameras informed me that our management company inspected the property on Friday morning. I think the patio doors leaked a bit because the water on the patio can reach several inches during heavy rainfall. The management company didn’t contact me, and they’re pretty good, so I assume we were otherwise fine.
I bought my property when it was 30 years old and considered it must have seen off a few Gota Fria’s by then, so hopefully it’s structurally sound.
I’ve seen the picture of what looks like airport security but it doesn’t make sense as both Alicante and Murcia security are on upper floors?
Good luck with your trip. I hope everything is fine. Keep us updated.
My cameras informed me that our management company inspected the property on Friday morning. I think the patio doors leaked a bit because the water on the patio can reach several inches during heavy rainfall. The management company didn’t contact me, and they’re pretty good, so I assume we were otherwise fine.
I bought my property when it was 30 years old and considered it must have seen off a few Gota Fria’s by then, so hopefully it’s structurally sound.
I’ve seen the picture of what looks like airport security but it doesn’t make sense as both Alicante and Murcia security are on upper floors?
Good luck with your trip. I hope everything is fine. Keep us updated.
I've been following the news from here on the Costa Del Sol and it looks pretty terrible round your side of the country. I have friends in Murcia who's places have fared OK, but not so good for some of the towns and the farming land around them.
I've seen rain here in August and September for the 1st time in the 5 years I've owned this property - I was away sailing with some mates in Lagos (on the Algarve) this weekend, but was told by my Spanish teacher this morning that there was a lot of rain here (though nothing approaching what you've had)... she says the weather is very, very strange!
Hope your places are ok.
I've seen rain here in August and September for the 1st time in the 5 years I've owned this property - I was away sailing with some mates in Lagos (on the Algarve) this weekend, but was told by my Spanish teacher this morning that there was a lot of rain here (though nothing approaching what you've had)... she says the weather is very, very strange!
Hope your places are ok.
Phil. said:
I returned to the UK a couple of weeks ago so didn’t witness this rainfall. However, we had a lot of rain in the last week of Aug, something we have never seen before.
My cameras informed me that our management company inspected the property on Friday morning. I think the patio doors leaked a bit because the water on the patio can reach several inches during heavy rainfall. The management company didn’t contact me, and they’re pretty good, so I assume we were otherwise fine.
I bought my property when it was 30 years old and considered it must have seen off a few Gota Fria’s by then, so hopefully it’s structurally sound.
I’ve seen the picture of what looks like airport security but it doesn’t make sense as both Alicante and Murcia security are on upper floors?
Good luck with your trip. I hope everything is fine. Keep us updated.
Crikey Phil, that airport shot is incredible. You'll surely be OK, as my folks will be over the road - you're on one of the highest points of La Manga, so at least no raging torrent in the street, I hope! My cameras informed me that our management company inspected the property on Friday morning. I think the patio doors leaked a bit because the water on the patio can reach several inches during heavy rainfall. The management company didn’t contact me, and they’re pretty good, so I assume we were otherwise fine.
I bought my property when it was 30 years old and considered it must have seen off a few Gota Fria’s by then, so hopefully it’s structurally sound.
I’ve seen the picture of what looks like airport security but it doesn’t make sense as both Alicante and Murcia security are on upper floors?
Good luck with your trip. I hope everything is fine. Keep us updated.
Thanks Chris/Phil - will update this week. About to jump in a cab for the airport and its the first trip I am not travelling with bounding enthusiasm but some trepidation! Ah well, first world problems and all that I guess.
I should also mention that August's trip was not 100% successful in that my new air con unit to the master bedroom ended up leaking quite badly. The guy came out straight away to be fair, and it seems that the issue is not with the install but with the pre-installation pipework within the walls of the door surround. In short, it looks like the drain pipes have not been connected properly and have of course been untested since the house was built as its never had air con installed upstairs using these pre-installation pipes. The end result was water on the floor (not an issue on tiles) but also seeping into the wall, causing it to bulge in the hallways and crack in places. The beautiful door frame was also warped and the door wouldn't then shut. I left before it could dry up properly to assess whether it would need replacement or could be repaired. It might of course now be a lot more water damaged....
Local reports suggest N332 is still flooded in parts so will stick to the AP7 tonight in the drive from the airport. That seems to be running now without issue until close down toward Murcia. I just hope I left a few Mahous in the fridge as I fear I may want them after a brief assessment (particularly if I end up crashing on the sofa bed downstairs
).
And Phil - yes, the security doesn't "fit" with that photo, although was definitely reported as being of Alicante airport! I wonder whether its a less used security section on a lower floor than the main sections for the public.
I should also mention that August's trip was not 100% successful in that my new air con unit to the master bedroom ended up leaking quite badly. The guy came out straight away to be fair, and it seems that the issue is not with the install but with the pre-installation pipework within the walls of the door surround. In short, it looks like the drain pipes have not been connected properly and have of course been untested since the house was built as its never had air con installed upstairs using these pre-installation pipes. The end result was water on the floor (not an issue on tiles) but also seeping into the wall, causing it to bulge in the hallways and crack in places. The beautiful door frame was also warped and the door wouldn't then shut. I left before it could dry up properly to assess whether it would need replacement or could be repaired. It might of course now be a lot more water damaged....
Local reports suggest N332 is still flooded in parts so will stick to the AP7 tonight in the drive from the airport. That seems to be running now without issue until close down toward Murcia. I just hope I left a few Mahous in the fridge as I fear I may want them after a brief assessment (particularly if I end up crashing on the sofa bed downstairs
).And Phil - yes, the security doesn't "fit" with that photo, although was definitely reported as being of Alicante airport! I wonder whether its a less used security section on a lower floor than the main sections for the public.
This is one of the villages we often ride through on the coast nearby our place called Los Nietos. There used to be 50m of beach on the sea side of the wall. It’s a disaster area at the moment. Lots of local support I understand.
https://youtu.be/PToQo2pih2c
Added the FB link also in case I get told off for posting a YT link.
https://www.facebook.com/101420234567116/posts/123...
https://youtu.be/PToQo2pih2c
Added the FB link also in case I get told off for posting a YT link.
https://www.facebook.com/101420234567116/posts/123...
Phil. said:
This is one of the villages we often ride through on the coast nearby our place called Los Nietos. There used to be 50m of beach on the sea side of the wall. It’s a disaster area at the moment. Lots of local support I understand.
https://youtu.be/PToQo2pih2c
Added the FB link also in case I get told off for posting a YT link.
https://www.facebook.com/101420234567116/posts/123...
That's terrible https://youtu.be/PToQo2pih2c
Added the FB link also in case I get told off for posting a YT link.
https://www.facebook.com/101420234567116/posts/123...
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