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If you are tempted by the benefits of owning your own property in Spain, but
deterred by the
legal or financial procedures, language difficulties or the geographical distance, why not let
our experienced staff at Welcome Homes show just how easy it can be to turn today’s dream
into tomorrow’s reality.
Welcome Homes is a registered established family run company where the emphasis is
always on personalised customer care. We do not offer a standard package to all of our
customers, but individually tailored services designed to find you the property you would
like and can afford.
We pride ourselves on our professional approach and reliability. From mortgage and
currency advice to practical details such as furnishings and telephone connections, a phone
call, fax or e.mail to our office is guaranteed a friendly and knowledgeable response. And
when your purchase is completed we will still be available to provide an unbeatable after sales service.
We are committed to providing the highest standard of customer care because we firmly
believe that satisfied customers are our best advertisement.
If you’ve never visited the Costa Blanca, your inspection visit will be a wonderful revelation,
the area offers an enormous variety of attractions and amenities to suit the discerning
resident or visitor - and the exceptional climate means that you can enjoy them all year round.
The summers here are famously hot and dry, but the climate is distinguished by its 320 days
of sunshine, an average temperature of 18 Deg C + over the entire year and a minimum
temperature of 15 Deg C. Idyllically situated between the Mediterranean and scented fruit
groves rising to the Crevillente Mountains. In fact, the World Health Organisation has
endorsed the area as one of the Healthiest places to live in the World.
And if the fabulous weather makes you want to do no more than relax by the sea you will be
spoilt for choice. The white sandy beaches are safe, gently sloping and often backed by
dunes, palms or pine, all awarded EU BLUE FLAGS for cleanliness and safety.
As a total contrast the lively local fishing villages will give you a glimpse of a traditional way
of life. You’ll find the people warm and friendly, there are restaurants making the most of the
delicious fresh ingredients available each day. From tapas bars to top quality international
cuisine.
The sports facilities in the area are superb and can be enjoyed in pleasant temperatures
throughout the year. There are four championship golf courses, a harbour with water skiing
and diving, tennis and bowling clubs, horse-riding centres. Walks in the hills overlooking
orange and lemon groves.
Nearby Torrevieja is not just a summer resort that closes down in the winter, it is a
residential area where locals choose to live and where many Spanish people spend their
holidays. Traditionally a fishing town, Torrevieja has retained its character. This has
benefited both the surroundings by limiting the influx of tourist and the investment potential
of properties - either when rented or sold.
Nevertheless, the local authority here is both dynamic and forward-looking. The future looks
good with docking for liners, a vast auditorium and a futuristic aquarium and maritime
vantage point. Projects also include a ferry service to Ibiza plus a family-orientated theme
park. Clearly Torrevieja is destined to be an increasingly attractive place in which to live and
still own property.
We find that many of our clients were attracted to the Cost Blanca because it is so accessible.
There are regular, low-cost flights from most major airports to Alicante and Murcia, and there
is an excellent local motorway network to take you to your property in around 40 minutes.
The flight takes about two and a half hours. Alternatively, there are excellent motorway and
high-speed rail networks to take you across Europe.
Health Care
The medical care available in this area is of the highest standard and freely available to EU
residents. Alternatively and in addition, private medical insurance is available.
If you have an existing medical condition you may have some concerns about obtaining your
required medication. This will not be a problem, as you will find that any drugs or medication
that you normally obtain from your pharmacy in the UK will generally be available in the
modern pharmacies here. There are clinics and medical centres throughout the area, and a
new hospital is underway offering the most up to date technology with special treatment at
hand.
Education
If you have young children this is obviously a crucial issue. Generally the education in Spain
is of a high standard and the qualifications awarded are recognised internationally.
If you prefer, there are fee paying international schools in the area where the pupils are
taught in English. Further and higher education is also available locally and in
Alicante, home of two of the most distinguished universities in Spain.
Pensions
If you are in receipt of a UK pension, your payments can be transferred directly to your
Spanish bank account. The conditions vary from time to time and according to the type of
pension you are receiving. From our own experience from listening to clients these are
major considerations. If you have any questions do contact our office for expert reassurance.
Pets
Since February 2000 it has been permissible for dogs and cats from the UK to visit Spain and
return to the UK without the need for quarantine. Your pet will need to be fitted with an
approved microchip, vaccinated against rabies, and blood tested 30 days after vaccination.
After a successful blood test at least 6 months must elapse before your pet will be allowed
entry or re-entry into the UK. To enter or re-enter the UK you will need:
Pets re-entry certificate - issued by a UK vet.
Certificate of treatment - to confirm treatment for tapeworm 24 - 48 hours before return to UK.
Declaration of residence - form available from your travel company.
Please note that to enter Spain your pet will need an Export Health Certificate, which is
issued in the UK. For further advice you can call PETS Helpline on 08702 411710.
The Properties
Our policy at Welcome Homes is to offer an extensive range of quality homes from reputable
and long established builders and developers. We are as discerning as our clients in
selecting only the best in design, construction, location, and price. The choice we offer you
is outstanding. All freehold (you own the land), and all with a 10 year structural guarantee as
required by Spanish law. The developers use modern materials and building methods, and ensure that the properties are finished to the highest standard. In all, our properties
represent exceptional value for money.
Running Costs
The cost of running a home in Spain is considerably less than in the UK. Whilst costs vary
according to size of property, the annual running costs will be between £600 - £900. The
following costs for a 2 bedroom villa are estimates and offered only as a guide. If you
consider these figures alongside other savings you will make on fuel, road tax, and food for
example, you can begin to appreciate that your home in the sun is looking more affordable.
Water charges - metered, costs similar to UK.................... £110.00
Electricity - costs similar to UK........................................... £125.00
Local rates & property tax - 0.2% of rateable value......... £210.00
Community fees - for maintenance of the development.. ..£295.00
House & contents insurance................................................ £140.00
TOTAL............. £880.00
It is recommended that arrangements be made for the payment of regular charges, such as
electricity etc., to be paid by standing order from your Spanish bank account. This can be
arranged by your abogado.
Investment Potential
The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida is an exclusive, prestigious area where demand for
property exceeds supply. Prices have risen markedly in the last two years and it is generally
accepted that property prices will increase dramatically over the foreseeable future.
Moving in and After Sales Service (optional)
We are very aware that buying property and moving can be a very stressful experience. With
this in mind we offer our entirely optional moving-in service, designed to help with the
administration, organisation, and communication problems that you might encounter. If you
opt for this service we will liaise with banks, builders, and legal representatives on your
behalf up to the completion of your purchase. We will then, if you wish, assist with furniture purchase and delivery, advise on insurance, arrange a telephone line, TV, or satellite
connections, and even deal with removal companies for you. In fact, we will be happy to
discuss any similar services that we might provide to ensure that your move goes smoothly.
Property Rental & Management (optional)
This service is available to our clients and is intended as a reassurance when you are away
from your property in Spain. If you choose this service we will visit your property regularly
to check that there are no problems with security or the services. We will air the property as
required and deal with minor problems as they arise, so that they are not waiting for you on
your return. A key holding service is also available as part of this package, and we will also, with your agreement, deal with insurance and maintenance companies if required. As the
needs of our clients are so varied in this respect the charge is by negotiation and
agreement, but again the service is entirely optional. We will be happy to discuss your
specific requirements so please ask for further details.
Making your dream a reality - The buying process
Once you have selected a property to purchase, we will facilitate and oversee the entire
process on your behalf. There are several stages during that period at which payments for a
property under construction will be due, and for which you should be prepared.
A deposit of £2000.00 is due when you choose your property. This reserves your property
and guarantees it’s price in Euros on the day the deposit was paid. The builders require that
the deposit be paid in cash or large denomination travellers cheques (sterling or Euro), and
this should be brought with you. If you do not find a suitable property, you simply pay the
deposit back into your account on your return to the UK.
When your deposit has been paid, if you do not have a Spanish bank account,
Welcome Homes will accompany you to a bank to assist with the formalities there. You will
need your passport for this purpose.
Payments can vary according to the development and your own financial circumstances, but
the following is a general guide.
Payment 1 - Usually due 4 - 6 weeks after you reserve your property, and for 50% of the value
of the property.
Payment 2 - The outstanding balance is due on completion of your chosen property.
When you pay the £2000.00 deposit, reservation contracts will be drawn up by the developer,
and you will be given a complete breakdown of all costs involved. Only when you are
completely satisfied with the contract, should it be signed.
Clearly it is not advisable to arrange an inspection visit if you do not have the
funds available to make the first stage payment.
Legal Formalities
We will be on hand to assist and advise you through the legal process. We recommend that
you use an English speaking Spanish lawyer (abogado), and we will therefore introduce you
to our lawyer who has dealt with hundreds of our clients transactions. As in the UK it will be
he, as your legal representative, who will make the preliminary searches and investigations
etc., and will confirm that the contracts into which you are about to enter are legal and fair.
He will also answer any queries you may have relating to property ownership in Spain. The
escritura is your title deed to the property, and is given on completion of new properties,
once your legal representative is satisfied. It will be signed in front of a notary. The notary is
a public official and is required to witness all land transfers in Spain. After the signing you
will be given a copy of the title deeds to retain until the original is registered and returned -
which could be some months later.
Spanish inheritance laws - These differ from those in the UK, and we strongly advise all
clients to make a separate will to ensure that their Spanish property is disposed of as they
would wish. Again, ask your abogado for detailed advice on this vital issue.
Additional Costs
There are as in the UK additional costs associated with buying property in Spain. We
recommend that you allow 10 - 11% of the price to cover these costs comfortably. The
charges will include:
IVA - Spanish VAT charged at 7% of the value of the property.
I.A.J.D. - Government tax.
Plus Valia - Local tax on the increase in land values since last sold.
Legal Fees - All the fees of, and incurred by your abogado - 3 - 4%
Notary’s Fees - Preparing and registering the escritura, plus stamp duty.
Connection Charges - for electricity, water etc.
Administration Fee
Mortgages
Interest rates in Spain are affordably low and you might want to finance your purchase with
a mortgage. This can be arranged on your inspection visit. Payments will commence on
completion for 5, 10 , or 15 years, but not beyond your 75th birthday. To arrange a mortgage
you will need to bring evidence of your annual and monthly income for both yourself and
your spouse - even if the spouse is not named in the mortgage. Clients
in employment should bring payslips for the past six months, and self
employed clients will need two years accounts, and the last tax
statement.
Inspection Trips
As mentioned in our inspection trip details on a previous page, as these are subsidised by
Welcome Homes it is essential that you consider yourselves to be a serious buyer, and that
you have funds in place to cover the initial deposit required by the developer, and the first
stage payment that represents 50% of the total purchase price.
We will of course be delighted to see you, and hope that you found the information in this
brochure interesting to the point of being inspired towards taking the next step to realising
your dreams.
If you have any questions at all about the properties or the areas we cover, please do not
hesitate to contact us here at Welcome Homes by telephone, letter, or e.mail when we will
be pleased to help in any way we can.
Kind regards,
John & Val Latham
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