buying an apartment in spain
Discussion
I suffered a lot after one jab but had zero effects from the other 2. Can’t say I would have had any if it were not for the travel requirements and to enter stadiums etc but hey ho.
I was due to be in Spain for a month or so from my last post. However, I came back to the U.K. last weekend for a stag do. For a combination of reasons I didn’t bother catching my flight on Monday and looking at the weather haven’t missed much! More rain and may as well save some of my 90 days by staying in the U.K. this week. Back out Friday in time for the Elche v Real Sociedad match on Sunday. Forecast looks better
I was due to be in Spain for a month or so from my last post. However, I came back to the U.K. last weekend for a stag do. For a combination of reasons I didn’t bother catching my flight on Monday and looking at the weather haven’t missed much! More rain and may as well save some of my 90 days by staying in the U.K. this week. Back out Friday in time for the Elche v Real Sociedad match on Sunday. Forecast looks better
arfur said:
Yetski said:
I've just recently finished renovating my property in Duquesa, there are so many of the Scandanavian style villas springing up around there, we went and had a look at quite a few before purchasing ours.
They are very nice, we love all of the open plan style and glass, but when I looked closely at the finish, it makes me wonder what the condition of these will be like after a few years day to day living, some of the fixings on the glass balustrades (of which there are many) were not confidence inspiring, the maze of spaghetti which is the heating system would be a nightmare should anything go wrong, and many other issues.
There are 2 just down the road from us which were completed 3 years ago, lovely to look at, but there always seems to be a steady stream of contractors arriving.
I got mine for a fraction of the price, renovated it to our own preference (altough we don't have an open plan kitchen
), and still had plenty of change.
Heading down to Duquesa next week for a few days and looking at the area for a possible purchase. Staying in the marina in a rental apartment. Hoping the weather keeps improving !!!They are very nice, we love all of the open plan style and glass, but when I looked closely at the finish, it makes me wonder what the condition of these will be like after a few years day to day living, some of the fixings on the glass balustrades (of which there are many) were not confidence inspiring, the maze of spaghetti which is the heating system would be a nightmare should anything go wrong, and many other issues.
There are 2 just down the road from us which were completed 3 years ago, lovely to look at, but there always seems to be a steady stream of contractors arriving.
I got mine for a fraction of the price, renovated it to our own preference (altough we don't have an open plan kitchen
), and still had plenty of change.Depending on what your looking for, obviously the port can be quite lively during the summer months and weekends, but if you're looking for something which you're going to rent out, rentals are always busy.
If you're after somewhere as a home or personal holiday home, there are some lovely urbanisations around, and very good value compared to surrounding areas, probably why it's on A Place In The Sun, New Life In The Sun, Sun Sea Selling Houses on a weekly basis
Hopefully the weather will turn for you by then, it has been an unusually bad winter this year.
Yetski said:
arfur said:
Yetski said:
I've just recently finished renovating my property in Duquesa, there are so many of the Scandanavian style villas springing up around there, we went and had a look at quite a few before purchasing ours.
They are very nice, we love all of the open plan style and glass, but when I looked closely at the finish, it makes me wonder what the condition of these will be like after a few years day to day living, some of the fixings on the glass balustrades (of which there are many) were not confidence inspiring, the maze of spaghetti which is the heating system would be a nightmare should anything go wrong, and many other issues.
There are 2 just down the road from us which were completed 3 years ago, lovely to look at, but there always seems to be a steady stream of contractors arriving.
I got mine for a fraction of the price, renovated it to our own preference (altough we don't have an open plan kitchen), and still had plenty of change.
Heading down to Duquesa next week for a few days and looking at the area for a possible purchase. Staying in the marina in a rental apartment. Hoping the weather keeps improving !!!They are very nice, we love all of the open plan style and glass, but when I looked closely at the finish, it makes me wonder what the condition of these will be like after a few years day to day living, some of the fixings on the glass balustrades (of which there are many) were not confidence inspiring, the maze of spaghetti which is the heating system would be a nightmare should anything go wrong, and many other issues.
There are 2 just down the road from us which were completed 3 years ago, lovely to look at, but there always seems to be a steady stream of contractors arriving.
I got mine for a fraction of the price, renovated it to our own preference (altough we don't have an open plan kitchen
), and still had plenty of change.Depending on what your looking for, obviously the port can be quite lively during the summer months and weekends, but if you're looking for something which you're going to rent out, rentals are always busy.
If you're after somewhere as a home or personal holiday home, there are some lovely urbanisations around, and very good value compared to surrounding areas, probably why it's on A Place In The Sun, New Life In The Sun, Sun Sea Selling Houses on a weekly basis
Hopefully the weather will turn for you by then, it has been an unusually bad winter this year.
Phil. said:
Shnozz said:
Roll on next week and getting back to the....er.....rain and sand storms! Never seen such a month of bad weather and forecast to continue until 26th.
It’s a bit unusually grim at the moment as is the forecast. I’m planning some DIY and attempting to locate somewhere with better weather to travel to either for the day or a few days. BTW I must have passed nearby your place yesterday as I did a run to Alicante airport and back to drop off a relative.
We had contemplated taking them back there and doing a rental, but he doesn't even remember owning the place, despite having it for nearly 20yrs. It's a cruel disease. There doesn't seem much point really. So, instead we are taking him on what might be a last holiday to see my brother who lives in Jersey, he can probably manage the 1hr flight OK and we will have plenty family help on hand for us to all muck in.
Ho hum. We might get back there one day in different circumstances.
I'm intrigued as to the state of the Mar Menor now, 2.5yrs on from the Gota Fria floods of September 2019. Summer 2019 was the last time we managed to get out there, before they hit and then Covid happened. I saw some pretty grim pictures as to the state of the beaches, just wondered if there is a lasting impact?
PurpleTurtle said:
Hi Phil, I think I mentioned up the thread a while back that my parents had sold their place opposite you at Los Molinos on La Manga. They are in their 80s now, age is catching up with them, they struggled wit the narrow, steep stairs, I was really worried about one of them taking a fall. Also my Dad is now quite badly affected by dementia - he's physically alright but mentally shot, which is really sad to see.
We had contemplated taking them back there and doing a rental, but he doesn't even remember owning the place, despite having it for nearly 20yrs. It's a cruel disease. There doesn't seem much point really. So, instead we are taking him on what might be a last holiday to see my brother who lives in Jersey, he can probably manage the 1hr flight OK and we will have plenty family help on hand for us to all muck in.
Ho hum. We might get back there one day in different circumstances.
I'm intrigued as to the state of the Mar Menor now, 2.5yrs on from the Gota Fria floods of September 2019. Summer 2019 was the last time we managed to get out there, before they hit and then Covid happened. I saw some pretty grim pictures as to the state of the beaches, just wondered if there is a lasting impact?
Hi PT!We had contemplated taking them back there and doing a rental, but he doesn't even remember owning the place, despite having it for nearly 20yrs. It's a cruel disease. There doesn't seem much point really. So, instead we are taking him on what might be a last holiday to see my brother who lives in Jersey, he can probably manage the 1hr flight OK and we will have plenty family help on hand for us to all muck in.
Ho hum. We might get back there one day in different circumstances.
I'm intrigued as to the state of the Mar Menor now, 2.5yrs on from the Gota Fria floods of September 2019. Summer 2019 was the last time we managed to get out there, before they hit and then Covid happened. I saw some pretty grim pictures as to the state of the beaches, just wondered if there is a lasting impact?
Sorry to hear about your dad. Very sad. I hope the holiday to Jersey goes well.
I’ve seen a fair few Los Molinos properties sell quickly recently, which is positive. If you ever decide to return to LMC, let me know and hopefully our visits will coincide. I was aiming to spend 5-6 months there this year, fitting it around family stuff, but can’t return at the moment due to the entry rules and have my elderly mother in hospital.
The Mar Menor was in good shape when I visited in mid-Feb but since then it’s done nothing but rain for a month. And it’s mostly Sahara dust rain which means a lot of that and some mud from the farmers fields close by will have found it’s way in to the lagoon, probably along with some more farming nitrates. Generally the politicians speak about wanting to protect the Mar Menor but I see very little change actually happening. I think changes will be made but how much and when is unknown. They always ensure the beaches are good for Easter so no worries there.
Spain extend their discriminatory entry restrictions for the Brits until 15th May.
They also fail to agree to recognise UK driving licences for residents, the only EU country not to do so, meaning from today UK residents who have not already exchanged their licenses cannot drive again until they have passed a Spanish test.
They’ve also introduced daily drink limits for Brits on some islands, which I don’t have a problem with but does come across as anti-Brit in the press.
I wouldn’t be buying in Spain at the moment given their anti-Brit politics and will be selling if it continues much longer. The Portuguese appear far more Brit friendly and rational in terms of their entry restrictions.
https://spanishnewstoday.com/breaking-news-spain-e...
They also fail to agree to recognise UK driving licences for residents, the only EU country not to do so, meaning from today UK residents who have not already exchanged their licenses cannot drive again until they have passed a Spanish test.
They’ve also introduced daily drink limits for Brits on some islands, which I don’t have a problem with but does come across as anti-Brit in the press.
I wouldn’t be buying in Spain at the moment given their anti-Brit politics and will be selling if it continues much longer. The Portuguese appear far more Brit friendly and rational in terms of their entry restrictions.
https://spanishnewstoday.com/breaking-news-spain-e...
I think it’s time for me to enter this thread 
Waiting for an up to date Nota Simple to be sent tomorrow for a villa a little North of Alicante. If it comes back ok or at least fixable, I think we’ll be putting in a relatively low ball offer in, subject to survey. We chanced upon a friend of the owner at a local bar watching the football and he let slip what he thought the owner would let it go for and it’s about 20% under the asking price. Hearing a lot at the moment from agents that vendors are asking crazy numbers, so if it doesn’t work out, we have some other irons in the fire.
NIE numbers are all sorted and Gestor is appointed. Next steps of the offer is accepted is arranging a surveyor (there are some cracks we want assurance on) and sorting the mortgage.
We should be good for the surveyor, but are there any recommended mortgage brokers? Mortgage Direct SL is one I’ve found on the net, but personal recommendations would be great.
Waiting for an up to date Nota Simple to be sent tomorrow for a villa a little North of Alicante. If it comes back ok or at least fixable, I think we’ll be putting in a relatively low ball offer in, subject to survey. We chanced upon a friend of the owner at a local bar watching the football and he let slip what he thought the owner would let it go for and it’s about 20% under the asking price. Hearing a lot at the moment from agents that vendors are asking crazy numbers, so if it doesn’t work out, we have some other irons in the fire.
NIE numbers are all sorted and Gestor is appointed. Next steps of the offer is accepted is arranging a surveyor (there are some cracks we want assurance on) and sorting the mortgage.
We should be good for the surveyor, but are there any recommended mortgage brokers? Mortgage Direct SL is one I’ve found on the net, but personal recommendations would be great.
Fingers crossed for you Eyebeebe!
t if they’ve left it too late.
Spanish police want to be able to link vehicles to owners and impose fines/penalties… which isn’t possible when people are driving round in British registered cars on Spanish licenses or Spanish cars on British licenses.
Phil. said:
They also fail to agree to recognise UK driving licences for residents, the only EU country not to do so, meaning from today UK residents who have not already exchanged their licenses cannot drive again until they have passed a Spanish test.
I have little sympathy for those who haven’t exchanged their licenses. The Spanish were clear you needed to change by Jan 21, then extended twice by 6 months each time. People have had over a year to make the change… tough st if they’ve left it too late. Spanish police want to be able to link vehicles to owners and impose fines/penalties… which isn’t possible when people are driving round in British registered cars on Spanish licenses or Spanish cars on British licenses.
Chris Stott said:
I have little sympathy for those who haven’t exchanged their licenses. The Spanish were clear you needed to change by Jan 21, then extended twice by 6 months each time. People have had over a year to make the change… tough st if they’ve left it too late.
Spanish police want to be able to link vehicles to owners and impose fines/penalties… which isn’t possible when people are driving round in British registered cars on Spanish licenses or Spanish cars on British licenses.
Many of those affected haven’t been able to complete their residency applications due to Spanish bureaucracy and therefore unable to exchange their licenses. t if they’ve left it too late. Spanish police want to be able to link vehicles to owners and impose fines/penalties… which isn’t possible when people are driving round in British registered cars on Spanish licenses or Spanish cars on British licenses.
Phil. said:
Many of those affected haven’t been able to complete their residency applications due to Spanish bureaucracy and therefore unable to exchange their licenses.
Brexit was 16 months ago… can’t blame the Spanish for not getting residency applications in on time, or leaving them to the last minute. The Spanish have been more than accommodating.
Brits round here often moan about Spanish bureaucracy, but it’s really no more difficult to get stuff done than in the Uk for the most part… just the processes are different and it’s more difficult if you’re not fluent in the language.
Chris Stott said:
Brexit was 16 months ago… can’t blame the Spanish for not getting residency applications in on time, or leaving them to the last minute.
The Spanish have been more than accommodating.
Brits round here often moan about Spanish bureaucracy, but it’s really no more difficult to get stuff done than in the Uk for the most part… just the processes are different and it’s more difficult if you’re not fluent in the language.
Still the fact that of all the EU countries it’s only Spain that has failed to recognise a UK driving licence since Brexit. It’s anti-Brit politics at play. The Spanish have been more than accommodating.
Brits round here often moan about Spanish bureaucracy, but it’s really no more difficult to get stuff done than in the Uk for the most part… just the processes are different and it’s more difficult if you’re not fluent in the language.
Chris Stott said:
Fingers crossed for you Eyebeebe!
Thanks Chris. As a fellow red, it was a blue nose who was watching the derby where we were that tipped us off on the price. Hopefully he was right.Got to agree with you on the Brexit driven topics. Seems to me like Spain gave Brits lots of opportunities to regularise and get their admin together in plenty of time. Living in Switzerland all these topics about driving licences or being a third party national, so being treated differently is par for the course. How you're treated as a third party national is going to differ across EU countries, as they don't have any obligation to treat you equally anymore. All they are obliged to do is treat EEA nationals equally.
Phil. said:
Still the fact that of all the EU countries it’s only Spain that has failed to recognise a UK driving licence since Brexit. It’s anti-Brit politics at play.
I think they are anti a certain type of brit - namely those that still think they are British and want a little enclave in Spain and special treatment. They seem very welcoming and accommodating to those that want to be treated in the same way as the local Spanish.Sadly, Brexit means no more special treatment. We are a third country now - so treated in the same way as Russia, or Morocco or anywhere else outside the EU.
Carbon Sasquatch said:
I think they are anti a certain type of brit - namely those that still think they are British and want a little enclave in Spain and special treatment. They seem very welcoming and accommodating to those that want to be treated in the same way as the local Spanish.
Sadly, Brexit means no more special treatment. We are a third country now - so treated in the same way as Russia, or Morocco or anywhere else outside the EU.
I’m all for discouraging people with unacceptable behaviours and those who do not wish to integrate. But presently none of my family are legally allowed to enter Spain despite owning property there for the past 10 years, paying taxes and contributing to their economy, all at zero social cost to Spain. My wife speaks fluent Spanish and has integrated herself with the local community, and has Spanish friends across the country. We donated to a local charity on our last visit. Sadly, Brexit means no more special treatment. We are a third country now - so treated in the same way as Russia, or Morocco or anywhere else outside the EU.
Although I accept the UK is considered a third country, Spain exempts the following countries from their third-party entry restrictions but not the UK. Obviously nothing political, just health concerns and science informing their decision.
Bahrain.
Chili. Colombia. Indonesia. Kuwait.
New Zealand. Peru.
Qatar. Rwanda.
Saudi Arabia.
South Korea.
United Arab Emirates. Uruguay.
China.
https://www.sanidad.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludP...
https://www.ivisa.com/spain-blog/what-countries-ca...
Phil. said:
They’ve also introduced daily drink limits for Brits on some islands, which I don’t have a problem with but does come across as anti-Brit in the press.
A quick read up suggests the regulations target very specific holiday makers in a small handful of party resorts (Magaluf for example). It is aimed squarely and specifically at all inclusive boozy holiday packages so pissed up teens can't drink shots from dawn till dawn without paying extra. They specifically state that they do want British tourists, just not that kind of tourism (you know the sort). I can see where they are coming from to be fair.Phil. said:
But presently none of my family are legally allowed to enter Spain despite owning property there for the past 10 years, paying taxes and contributing to their economy, all at zero social cost to Spain.
With choices come consequences, and that is just what your family is experiencing.Anyway since you seem to dislike Spain and the Spanish I assume you will be selling up and moving.
PF62 said:
Phil. said:
But presently none of my family are legally allowed to enter Spain despite owning property there for the past 10 years, paying taxes and contributing to their economy, all at zero social cost to Spain.
With choices come consequences, and that is just what your family is experiencing.Anyway since you seem to dislike Spain and the Spanish I assume you will be selling up and moving.
Phil. said:
PF62 said:
Phil. said:
But presently none of my family are legally allowed to enter Spain despite owning property there for the past 10 years, paying taxes and contributing to their economy, all at zero social cost to Spain.
With choices come consequences, and that is just what your family is experiencing.Anyway since you seem to dislike Spain and the Spanish I assume you will be selling up and moving.
PF62 said:
Well you haven’t exactly shown a great love for Spain and the Spanish in your last few posts.
Take a look further back in this thread an all will be revealed even the reasons for my ‘choices’ without turning this in to a CV argument.I want to be spending the best part of 6 months a year in Spain but am unable to do so. The point I’m making being, the Brits are being unreasonably restricted from entering Spain compared to other countries and it’s 100% political. And if they continue their anti-Brit politics I shall sell up and buy elsewhere because my family can’t visit our home, but that’s not our preference.
Phil. said:
PF62 said:
Well you haven’t exactly shown a great love for Spain and the Spanish in your last few posts.
Take a look further back in this thread an all will be revealed even the reasons for my ‘choices’ without turning this in to a CV argument. Phil. said:
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.
Your choice and as a result the consequences are you can’t go to Spain. Had you made a different choice then you could, so I am not sure what you are complaining about.By the way the last winter I spent in Spain was lovely, but then I made different choices and they were happy to see me.
Phil. said:
I want to be spending the best part of 6 months a year in Spain but am unable to do so.
Why? Has your Spanish residency application been declined?Phil. said:
The point I’m making being, the Brits are being unreasonably restricted from entering Spain compared to other countries and it’s 100% political. And if they continue their anti-Brit politics I shall sell up and buy elsewhere because my family can’t visit our home, but that’s not our preference.
No, you just seemed to be having a moan about Spain and the Spanish, and how they are enforcing their laws as they are entitled to do after the UK chose to leave the EU.Again, choices have consequences.
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