Advice on where to buy in Spain

Francophile · 14 January 2008 at 4:30PM

We have our main home in the Uk and a 2nd property in South West France. The plan is (when we retire) to spend part of the year in France and part in the UK. The problem is the weather in France during the winter months isn't that much better than here so we are thinking of investing in a small property in the south of Spain to use during the winter months and possibly rent it out during the summer.
In France we have got to know our French neighbours and are making a good stab at the language but we have hardly a word of Spanish between us and taking on all but the basics of another languge at this stage is a bit daunting.
I therefore wondered if anyone could suggest somwhere which isn't little Britain but where there would be some English speaking residents. We'd want to be close to amenities as well.
I know some of the people on here live in Spain permanently so hoped someone might have some suggestions.
Thanks in advance for any ideas.

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missile · 14 January 2008 at 5:21PM

There is a huge diversity of choice. It depends on what you are looking for??

There are many little Britain enclaves all along the Costas. Some are quite pleasant but many are squallid ghetos. Many people choose to live there and seem to spend most of their time in english bars. Each to their own, I guess. In between there are many unspoilt villages and towns. Travel just a few miles inland and you will be away from the tourist traps.

Spain is a huge country, with lots to offer and the spanish are friendly. However I would suggest you must make the effort to learn some spanish and make friends with the locals or you are severely limiting your options.

Unless you choose wisely and have a good agent, rental returns in remote locations will be very poor.

Francophile · 14 January 2008 at 9:06PM

Thanks missile, I don't suppose you know any good agents

missile · 14 January 2008 at 10:13PM

Actually three of my friends manage property rentals. I would trust them, but there are many more who I would not. Once you decide on which area(s) you are interested in, a quick search will show the potential rental values for the type of property you are interested in. Please be aware that in some areas there is an oversupply and many rentals have very low occupancy rates.

Do your own research and do not believe all you are told. It is not all kiss me quick hats, even in Bennidorm there are some very interesting unspoilt areas.

Francophile · 15 January 2008 at 11:01AM

Thanks again missile. We had a look a few years back at Torreveja but it wasn't for us. We are thinking of having a look around Murcia/Almeria. We don't want to go on one of those arranged viewings as we've been there done that and know you don't get to really see around, just what they want you to see. We'll probably go over and hire a car and get a feel for the areas before we decide. Renting the property out isn't paramount but would be a bonus. Will let you know how we get on. Thanks again.

missile · 15 January 2008 at 3:09PM

I would not recomend Torrevieja, but 10Km down the coast Pilar de la Horada may be what you are looking for. Murcia is a busy University city. If you want to live nearby you might want to consider Alhama a pretty little town in the foothills of the Sierra de Espuna. You may find Almeria a little quiet with limited amenities. The prices there are much lower and it has one of the best Moors and Christian festivals>

hartcjhart · 15 January 2008 at 3:32PM

actually Almeria area is not 'limited amenities'

almeria city hosted the Med games a few years back,

try looking at Roquetas de Mar,and Mojacar both coastal areas but not highrise,with a good mix of nationalities.

Inland try around Antas,Bedar,Huercal Overa.

I would advise to miss out Albox and immediate area as a load of problems with illegal builds.

Vera the town recently in the papers is a nice place with only very minor problems with illegal builds.

As with all advice I give get a good independant solicitor that speaks English

again I always reccomend a lady called Angela Morales who is based in Mojacar.

for more info on the Almeria/Andalucia region take a look here,

http://www.vivacv.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl
and here
http://www.viva-almeria.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=index

both are full of good info/advice and some property adverts from agents and private sellers.
If you want any more info let me know

EdInvestor · 15 January 2008 at 3:33PM

Weather for Murcia

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=4669

I'vew noticed the night temperatures along much of the Med in winter aren't much different from the UK - and I gather CH isn't the norm. Sounds a bit chilly.

hartcjhart · 15 January 2008 at 3:41PM

Edinvestor, you are correct there,and infact some inland areas in the south are a damn sight colder than UK in the evenings BUT it is the daylight hours that most people are out and about and it is usually a lot warmer,

Almeria province has its own micro climate that makes it normally much warmer than any other costa,again inland is cold at night,

the year before last we all had Xmas day lunch in a restaurant over looking the med,it was shirtsleeves and light trousers all day apx 18 degrees,but chilly in the evening at only:eek: 12degrees

missile · 15 January 2008 at 5:05PM

How many in the UK were wearing shorts and shades today?

Francophile · 15 January 2008 at 5:41PM

hartcjhart wrote: »

actually Almeria area is not 'limited amenities'

almeria city hosted the Med games a few years back,

try looking at Roquetas de Mar,and Mojacar both coastal areas but not highrise,with a good mix of nationalities.

Inland try around Antas,Bedar,Huercal Overa.

I would advise to miss out Albox and immediate area as a load of problems with illegal builds.

Vera the town recently in the papers is a nice place with only very minor problems with illegal builds.

As with all advice I give get a good independant solicitor that speaks English

again I always reccomend a lady called Angela Morales who is based in Mojacar.

for more info on the Almeria/Andalucia region take a look here,

http://www.vivacv.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl
and here
http://www.viva-almeria.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=index

both are full of good info/advice and some property adverts from agents and private sellers.
If you want any more info let me know

Thanks hartcjhart for the info and advice. I will check out your recommended sites.

Advice on where to buy in Spain

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