Costa de Almeria, Spain Set on the south east corner of Spain is Costa de Almeria, Spain’s sunniest coast and the least developed, remaining relatively unspoilt and retaining its Spanish culture and way of life. Its potential charms had led me to take a British Airways flight from the Isle of Man via Gatwick to the Almerian coast, only 2 hours and 20 minutes from the UK and relatively inexpensive at a cost of £183.00 return. From then on the excellent motorway access took me through the district with ease. The weather when I visited during the middle of May was warm, clear and sunny with a pleasant sea breeze in the late afternoon.
The interest for me was to look at all types of properties on the coast, in towns and villages and inland amongst the craggy mountains and high sierras, very much an agricultural area with very little industry. This part of Spain has not suffered from the overdevelopment affecting its neighbours and the local planning authorities are keen to ensure that the character of the area is retained. They have stipulated no high rise blocks of apartments only allowing low rise up to a maximum of 3 stories which from a distance has a very pleasing effect. There are all types of properties available to purchase within sensible budgets from modest 1 bedroom apartments up to large detached villas and a large choice of locations from old hillside villages with spectacular views of the plains and the Mediterranean to walled garden villas. Many of the apartments, terraced houses and villas have a shared swimming pool which helps to keep costs down. Additionally the local beaches are sandy and excellent. There is no shortage of water and electricity is produced by hydro electric power plants in the mountains. The cost of living is only two thirds of what it is in the UK and in some cases cheaper, i.e petrol and diesel are significantly cheaper. Almeria enjoys a warm and dry Mediterranean climate, with little rain and more than 3,000 hours of sun per year.
What any person from Great Britain needs to know is the availability of mortgages in Spain and 80% mortgages are not unusual. If the source of purchase funds is from the UK then allow 7% purchase tax and 3% legal fees on top of your purchase price. Mortgage schemes are available through Hamilton Financial Services SI based at JPS Home Care Office (Estate Agents and Property Managers). For clients looking for protection from Spanish death duties, Lowey & Co. have formed a working association with Mr. Mike Keefe our representative in Spain, together with Mr. and Mrs. Beard of JPS and Mr. Nigel Carter handling sales and acquisitions.
From the beginning it is important for all concerned to have a fixed plan with a clearly defined budget, the type of property required and a time scale to which the Estate Agents, financial services and solicitors can work to. The Spanish currency is now the Euro and after a sale is agreed purchasers need to lodge a €3,000 deposit to secure their proposed property purchase. There is a cooling off period, so if you change your mind on the property that deposit is recoverable.
JPS Home Care Services can manage your property and lease it out for short term holiday lets or for eleven month periods. Under Spanish law, tenancies over twelve months give the tenant a right of possession. Unless you are familiar with the Spanish legal system, I would always recommend seeking reliable legal advice. See our web site for details of solicitors and Hamiltons Financial Services.
There is a good selection of supermarkets and smaller shops, especially in the older towns. Whilst inspecting a village town house I was informed that the bread meat and vegetables can be delivered to the door. Certainly old world courtesies have not disappeared here and whilst sitting in Vera town centre I was able to observe the friendly greetings of the locals. Speaking to English residents the laid back way of life is an undoubted attraction, people here are well mannered and welcoming.
Whether you want to live in Spain full time or have a holiday home I recommend you visit Almeria and rediscover Spain as it used to be.
Please view what properties are available on our website or call Martyn on 621337
