buying an apartment in spain
Discussion
Phil. said:
The only negative I can see is the sea around Portugal is a couple of degrees cooler then the Med around Spain 
Being a fair skinned ex-ginger that's a bonus.South West Algarve gets a bit wild in the winter so for genuine "winter warmth" it's not a solid option but it's hardly thermals and down jacket weather like here.
Phil. said:
I don’t want to make this into a massive Covid debate but want to highlight the direction Spain is going in terms of allowing access to their country for tourism from the UK, how it is now affecting my family and our use of our Spanish property this year, and whether it will affect property prices in the future.
Presently only ‘fully vaxxed’ people from 12 upwards are allowed to travel from the UK in to Spain for tourism. As of 1st Feb ‘fully vaxxed’ is defined as boosted or within 270 days of your 2nd jab. There is no test to enter option available. In comparison Portugal requires a test to enter for vaxxed and unvaxxed.
My wife and I are double vaxxed and recovered from Covid last summer. According to a NHS test we have plenty of vax and normal antibodies. We have therefore taken the decision not to get boosted as there is little or no health benefit. Our young adult children are both unvaxxed and have recovered from Covid. They have decided not to get jabbed as their is little or no health benefit and potentially some risks.
We are now prevented from visiting our Spanish property for the foreseeable future unless my wife and I have a booster and my kids 3 jabs each. There is no alternative way of entering Spain as a UK resident. Given this policy how long before ‘fully vaxxed’ means 4 or more jabs?
I’ve had a quick look at entering via Portugal or Gibraltar. It’s possible with a lot of driving and additional expense but still illegal (unless I’m mistaken?) without additional jabs.
Today I have put on hold some building work we had planned for the spring. We have also had to cancel a trip we had planned for March and a few related commitments. I’m going to wait a couple of months to see if things change but I am seriously considering selling in Spain. I’m unsure if this will hit property prices as there appears to be a big EU and Russian market for Spanish properties.
My unvaxxed son is enjoying a surf school holiday in Portugal this week. As a country they do seem to want UK residents to visit and buy there. I think we’ll begin exploring Portugal in March instead of our trip to Spain with the aim of identifying a few areas to buy in the future. Another thread I know
So if I read right,Presently only ‘fully vaxxed’ people from 12 upwards are allowed to travel from the UK in to Spain for tourism. As of 1st Feb ‘fully vaxxed’ is defined as boosted or within 270 days of your 2nd jab. There is no test to enter option available. In comparison Portugal requires a test to enter for vaxxed and unvaxxed.
My wife and I are double vaxxed and recovered from Covid last summer. According to a NHS test we have plenty of vax and normal antibodies. We have therefore taken the decision not to get boosted as there is little or no health benefit. Our young adult children are both unvaxxed and have recovered from Covid. They have decided not to get jabbed as their is little or no health benefit and potentially some risks.
We are now prevented from visiting our Spanish property for the foreseeable future unless my wife and I have a booster and my kids 3 jabs each. There is no alternative way of entering Spain as a UK resident. Given this policy how long before ‘fully vaxxed’ means 4 or more jabs?
I’ve had a quick look at entering via Portugal or Gibraltar. It’s possible with a lot of driving and additional expense but still illegal (unless I’m mistaken?) without additional jabs.
Today I have put on hold some building work we had planned for the spring. We have also had to cancel a trip we had planned for March and a few related commitments. I’m going to wait a couple of months to see if things change but I am seriously considering selling in Spain. I’m unsure if this will hit property prices as there appears to be a big EU and Russian market for Spanish properties.
My unvaxxed son is enjoying a surf school holiday in Portugal this week. As a country they do seem to want UK residents to visit and buy there. I think we’ll begin exploring Portugal in March instead of our trip to Spain with the aim of identifying a few areas to buy in the future. Another thread I know
You have had some jabs, but not the booster.
So without the booster you cant go to your Spanish residence ?
If you have had 2 jabs already, whats the big deal in going for the third ?
If it were me, having a property over there, I would have just gone for the third jab just for the sake of going .
Register1 said:
So if I read right,
You have had some jabs, but not the booster.
So without the booster you cant go to your Spanish residence ?
If you have had 2 jabs already, whats the big deal in going for the third ?
If it were me, having a property over there, I would have just gone for the third jab just for the sake of going .
That's as maybe but he's already says he doesn't want to discuss so why not just respect that and move along.You have had some jabs, but not the booster.
So without the booster you cant go to your Spanish residence ?
If you have had 2 jabs already, whats the big deal in going for the third ?
If it were me, having a property over there, I would have just gone for the third jab just for the sake of going .
My in-laws have a place in Condado de Alhama, Murcia, think they bought it about 20 years ago when it was pretty new and they were often the only people in their little area. It's busier now, I've been over a couple of times and really like the setup there with a few bars/restaurants/shops a short walk from their apartment.
They never had issues travelling over to one of the local airports, but they use a service that looks after their car over there and moves it from one airport to the other if they are changing the airport they go to. I know flights did get cancelled from UK to one of the local airports during Covid, but I guess they'll get going again soon.
Area seems nice - you have the mountains if that's your thing, or the beaches if that's what you'd prefer.
They've been told they'd have no trouble renting it out long or short term if needed.
They never had issues travelling over to one of the local airports, but they use a service that looks after their car over there and moves it from one airport to the other if they are changing the airport they go to. I know flights did get cancelled from UK to one of the local airports during Covid, but I guess they'll get going again soon.
Area seems nice - you have the mountains if that's your thing, or the beaches if that's what you'd prefer.
They've been told they'd have no trouble renting it out long or short term if needed.
Chris Stott said:
There’s a lot of water to run under the bridge yet on covid travel restrictions.
I’ve not had my 3rd vaccine, and would like to avoid it if at all possible given the 1st and 2nd trigged an auto immune condition I didn’t know I had, leading to me needing to take medication for the rest of my life (amongst many other physical problems it’s caused me). I’m not planning to leave Spain any time in the next few months, so I’ll sit tight for now and see what happens as they catch up with the Uk. I’m hoping there’s some compromise given the 3rd dose seems to be pretty irrelevant.
Regarding Murcia/Polaris…. I wouldn’t touch those properties with a barge pole personally. We looked at some similar around Marbella/Estapona when we bought our place 8 years ago (though the price here was c.€165k for a 2 bed). These developments are not fully sold 8 years on. The only way you’d sell one is if yours really stands out… so it has to be super cheap, or perfectly presented… there’s lots of choice in the market and location is still the number 1 driver.
Very sorry to hear about your vax experience Chris. Unfortunately, I think we’ll be hearing many more similar stories as things unfold. I’ve not had my 3rd vaccine, and would like to avoid it if at all possible given the 1st and 2nd trigged an auto immune condition I didn’t know I had, leading to me needing to take medication for the rest of my life (amongst many other physical problems it’s caused me). I’m not planning to leave Spain any time in the next few months, so I’ll sit tight for now and see what happens as they catch up with the Uk. I’m hoping there’s some compromise given the 3rd dose seems to be pretty irrelevant.
Regarding Murcia/Polaris…. I wouldn’t touch those properties with a barge pole personally. We looked at some similar around Marbella/Estapona when we bought our place 8 years ago (though the price here was c.€165k for a 2 bed). These developments are not fully sold 8 years on. The only way you’d sell one is if yours really stands out… so it has to be super cheap, or perfectly presented… there’s lots of choice in the market and location is still the number 1 driver.
JeffreyD said:
Phil. said:
The only negative I can see is the sea around Portugal is a couple of degrees cooler then the Med around Spain
Being a fair skinned ex-ginger that's a bonus.South West Algarve gets a bit wild in the winter so for genuine "winter warmth" it's not a solid option but it's hardly thermals and down jacket weather like here.
Basically, Europeans could relocate to Portugal and get paid their pension tax free.
RammyMP said:
Property is expensive on the Algarve though due to the favourable tax options for foreigners but I think that’s ending soon so it may have an impact on property prices.
Basically, Europeans could relocate to Portugal and get paid their pension tax free.
Yes - it's gone mental price wise there recently.Basically, Europeans could relocate to Portugal and get paid their pension tax free.
I've got a share in a villa and apartment out there (basically bought a share with my father who then had the temerity to snuff it leaving me holding the complicated baby) and it's gone up in value massively which on the one hand is great but on the other means I'm stuck in a family situation that I don't want to be in.
I kicked off a separate thread sometime ago about buying in Portugal. Probably best to use that for Portugal related discussions and leave this thread for Spanish buyers.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
RammyMP said:
JeffreyD said:
Phil. said:
The only negative I can see is the sea around Portugal is a couple of degrees cooler then the Med around Spain
Being a fair skinned ex-ginger that's a bonus.South West Algarve gets a bit wild in the winter so for genuine "winter warmth" it's not a solid option but it's hardly thermals and down jacket weather like here.
Basically, Europeans could relocate to Portugal and get paid their pension tax free.
I retired 2 years ago so Covid has put our plans on hold, but we're hoping to do our first taster trip later this year.
98elise said:
That's the attraction for me, plus inheritance tax is zero. The difference it will make to my kids is huge. I could literally buy them a house each in the UK, and be no worse off financially. That's before we consider the better climate.
I retired 2 years ago so Covid has put our plans on hold, but we're hoping to do our first taster trip later this year.
I’m in a similar retirement position. Out of interest where are you sourcing you Portuguese financial information from?I retired 2 years ago so Covid has put our plans on hold, but we're hoping to do our first taster trip later this year.
As above, happy to continue this discussion here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Been out in Spain for a month now. Great for reducing energy costs
Finally got round to buying a car, a pre-reg Hyundai with delivery miles and a substantial discount. The current exchange rate was a nice surprise and made the cost similar to a decent used one. Interesting to find out that it’s the car that is insured and anyone over a certain age can drive it. I used Linea Directa who were great to deal with.
The push to buy has come as we spend more time out here and the price of hire cars is increasing over the lows of the last few years. I’ve been paying c.€500 per 4 weeks recently for a focus size hire car. Last night I checked my usual hire car company for the cost of 4 weeks in the summer. It was a staggering €3,000 for a focus sized car. And that was booked months in advance. I guess the hire care companies still have reduced stocks hence the price increases. There will be some shocked tourists this summer unless the number of hire cars increases.
Finally got round to buying a car, a pre-reg Hyundai with delivery miles and a substantial discount. The current exchange rate was a nice surprise and made the cost similar to a decent used one. Interesting to find out that it’s the car that is insured and anyone over a certain age can drive it. I used Linea Directa who were great to deal with.
The push to buy has come as we spend more time out here and the price of hire cars is increasing over the lows of the last few years. I’ve been paying c.€500 per 4 weeks recently for a focus size hire car. Last night I checked my usual hire car company for the cost of 4 weeks in the summer. It was a staggering €3,000 for a focus sized car. And that was booked months in advance. I guess the hire care companies still have reduced stocks hence the price increases. There will be some shocked tourists this summer unless the number of hire cars increases.
So you're not hotfooting it to Portugal just yet then Phil?!
I understand that the car insurance thing is pretty standard across Europe and its seems the UK is an anomaly in insuring the car and driver. I seem to recall the only caveat I have on my Spanish policy is that the driver has to be at least 25 years old. Certainly makes life easier when lending cars out or deciding on designated driver during the course of the evening. Drove my neighbour to the airport the other month in her car and no issues buggering around. I have no idea how insurers risk profile to account for this, mind! I could hand my car to someone who has just passed their test, or previous convictions for drink driving or reckless driving etc that would otherwise mean they would struggle to get insurance at all! Still, the system seems to work so I benefit from the convenience.
Re the hire cars, reading many horror stories across the forums of the prices this season. As you say, many will be in for a shock. Although second hand prices are bonkers expensive in Spain, buying a car when I did has proven to be fortunate timing. I am over for a month from next week and might be swapping the garage around a bit. If they will take the A4 in PX it might go, or otherwise it stays as a practical addition to a few new toys down there
I understand that the car insurance thing is pretty standard across Europe and its seems the UK is an anomaly in insuring the car and driver. I seem to recall the only caveat I have on my Spanish policy is that the driver has to be at least 25 years old. Certainly makes life easier when lending cars out or deciding on designated driver during the course of the evening. Drove my neighbour to the airport the other month in her car and no issues buggering around. I have no idea how insurers risk profile to account for this, mind! I could hand my car to someone who has just passed their test, or previous convictions for drink driving or reckless driving etc that would otherwise mean they would struggle to get insurance at all! Still, the system seems to work so I benefit from the convenience.
Re the hire cars, reading many horror stories across the forums of the prices this season. As you say, many will be in for a shock. Although second hand prices are bonkers expensive in Spain, buying a car when I did has proven to be fortunate timing. I am over for a month from next week and might be swapping the garage around a bit. If they will take the A4 in PX it might go, or otherwise it stays as a practical addition to a few new toys down there
No to Portugal just now. Further investigation has determined that the tax advantages aren’t what they seem unless you move lock, stock and barrel there permanently, which isn’t an option for me. Having said that, with the current discriminatory Spanish covid entry rules for UK citizens, after I return to the UK in April I won’t be able to return to Spain, nor will my adult kids be able to visit until the rules change. Hoping Spain will realign its entry rules with other EU countries, including its tourist competitors, because if they continue to discriminate specifically against the Brits in the longer term we will have to consider whether to sell up. Something we don’t want to do.
Please keep us updated on your garage changes. I went for something practical, economical and sensible in Spain, the opposite of my UK garage
Edited to add:
Had a brilliant weekend weather wise but we currently have a Sahara sand cloud covering a big area according to FB posts. It’s not raining but looks a bit like Mars outdoors.
Please keep us updated on your garage changes. I went for something practical, economical and sensible in Spain, the opposite of my UK garage
Edited to add:
Had a brilliant weekend weather wise but we currently have a Sahara sand cloud covering a big area according to FB posts. It’s not raining but looks a bit like Mars outdoors.
Edited by Phil. on Monday 14th March 16:52
I've just got back from Lanzarote. Was charged 200 EUR for 3 days car hire. Not massively unreasonable but, as you note, a marked increase over recent times and I suspect there will be lots of tourists who will be shocked at the price or frustrated by the apparent non-availability. I was advised to commit and book early or risk not getting anything at all.
When we bought our place 7 years ago we were renting for €10/day. Most I ever paid is €240 for a week.
The focus I bought here is actually appreciating. Paid €9.5 November 2019, current asking prices for similar cars start around £10.5 on coches.net…. Of course everything else is going up so cost to change is still ridiculous.
Also a Linea Directa customer.
The focus I bought here is actually appreciating. Paid €9.5 November 2019, current asking prices for similar cars start around £10.5 on coches.net…. Of course everything else is going up so cost to change is still ridiculous.
Also a Linea Directa customer.
I finally got out to Estepona / Marbella area last week for a long overdue nose around.
Realised that due to the proximity of the motorway to anything coastal in the area & massive premium applied despite the so so beaches that I much preferred heading a few miles inland to the golf urbanisations.
Centering mainly on the Benahavis area I particularly liked Los Arqueros & then viewed a stunning property on the Marbella Club Hills Golf development.
This one had everything I was looking for on my tick list & really hit the spot being built to a very high standard with lovely views & wide uncluttered open spaces. A car would be absolutely required up there though.
Had to have a strong word with myself before getting too carried away after realising what I thought was a decent budget was short by close on 300,000 Euro for this one, suspect its going to be hard getting it out of my head now.....
Realised that due to the proximity of the motorway to anything coastal in the area & massive premium applied despite the so so beaches that I much preferred heading a few miles inland to the golf urbanisations.
Centering mainly on the Benahavis area I particularly liked Los Arqueros & then viewed a stunning property on the Marbella Club Hills Golf development.
This one had everything I was looking for on my tick list & really hit the spot being built to a very high standard with lovely views & wide uncluttered open spaces. A car would be absolutely required up there though.
Had to have a strong word with myself before getting too carried away after realising what I thought was a decent budget was short by close on 300,000 Euro for this one, suspect its going to be hard getting it out of my head now.....
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