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Looking to move

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 6:53pm
14 replies466 views6 members subscribed
Chris and Jill

Posts: 10

Location: Elche

Joined: 14 Jul 2020

Hi everyone, we are Chris and Jill and have made the big decision to move from Yorkshire to Spain. After lots of thought and discussions we have narrowed our search to Elche and surrounding areas. We are hoping to get some feedback from people who have made this move and about life there and any advice is welcome. We are hoping to purchase a property with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, pool and land as we will be bringing our furry babies (yes they are dogs) with us. Hoping Bexit  doesn't spoil our plans.  Look forward to hearing from you to help us on our way. Ps it's not rained here today.. Yet. Chris and Jill

Cheryl

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 10:52pm

Cheryl

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 2973

3533 helpful points

Location: Albatera

Joined: 8 Jun 2017

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 10:52pm

The best place to start is with Jim's Guides which are in a tab at the top of the page, especially the Habitacion Certificate if you are looking for a country property. Many properties have been built illegally (including mine) and added to over the years so you will need to pay special attention to the deeds to ensure that the built area is as described and measures up and the pool is described as a swimming pool etc. Is there a bolétin for the electrics and bottled gas installations, will it be on mains water and/or sewerage and does it have a good heating system? You will need this as most villas will have a very low energy rating as any heat generated disappears through single skin walls, low rated windows and poorly insulated roofs. Add to that the damp that affects many, many properties in the Vega Baja and it can feel very cold indeed once the sun goes down in winter. It is a subject that comes up on the forum every year and in a detached villa, a wood burner in the lounge will not be enough. I know they are very popular but you need somewhere to store the wood in the dry (lots of it), clear it out every day, have somewhere to keep the ash until you take it to the bins....you can tell I'm not a fan!
Land needs looking after as do any trees on it. Weeds can seem to grow a foot overnight and are a constant battle. We have 3000 m2 and we are never weed free and we also have to weed all around the boundary because we own the land for 1 metre past the fencing and I think this is the norm. Just because an area is graveled doesn't mean it's weed free or "low maintenance" in estate agent speak.

Never use the abogado recommended by the estate agent however much they insist and never pay any money to them, it must all go through your abogado. The estate agent and the abogado are likely to offer other services such as getting yur NIE, opening a bank account, changing utilities to your name, Residencia, Spanish driving licence and taxes. The abogado will be most expensive whilst the estate agent might include some of this with the sale but a gestor is a good bet to do the lot.

For your dogs, please get them vaccinated against leishmaniasis and be aware of Processionary Caterpillars which can be lethal. 

I hope you find your dream home, as we have, just don't be pressured into anything and if possible rent first unless you know the area very well already because what looks idyllic may not actually be very practical.




Chris and Jill

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 11:20pm

Chris and Jill

Original Poster

Posts: 10

Location: Elche

Joined: 14 Jul 2020

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 11:20pm

Cheryl wrote on Tue Jul 14, 2020 10:52pm:

The best place to start is with Jim's Guides which are in a tab at the top of the page, especially the Habitacion Certificate if you are looking for a country property. Many properties have been built illegally (including mine) and added to over the years so you will need to pay special attention...

... to the deeds to ensure that the built area is as described and measures up and the pool is described as a swimming pool etc. Is there a bolétin for the electrics and bottled gas installations, will it be on mains water and/or sewerage and does it have a good heating system? You will need this as most villas will have a very low energy rating as any heat generated disappears through single skin walls, low rated windows and poorly insulated roofs. Add to that the damp that affects many, many properties in the Vega Baja and it can feel very cold indeed once the sun goes down in winter. It is a subject that comes up on the forum every year and in a detached villa, a wood burner in the lounge will not be enough. I know they are very popular but you need somewhere to store the wood in the dry (lots of it), clear it out every day, have somewhere to keep the ash until you take it to the bins....you can tell I'm not a fan!
Land needs looking after as do any trees on it. Weeds can seem to grow a foot overnight and are a constant battle. We have 3000 m2 and we are never weed free and we also have to weed all around the boundary because we own the land for 1 metre past the fencing and I think this is the norm. Just because an area is graveled doesn't mean it's weed free or "low maintenance" in estate agent speak.

Never use the abogado recommended by the estate agent however much they insist and never pay any money to them, it must all go through your abogado. The estate agent and the abogado are likely to offer other services such as getting yur NIE, opening a bank account, changing utilities to your name, Residencia, Spanish driving licence and taxes. The abogado will be most expensive whilst the estate agent might include some of this with the sale but a gestor is a good bet to do the lot.

For your dogs, please get them vaccinated against leishmaniasis and be aware of Processionary Caterpillars which can be lethal. 

I hope you find your dream home, as we have, just don't be pressured into anything and if possible rent first unless you know the area very well already because what looks idyllic may not actually be very practical.




Hi Cheryl thanks so much for taking the time to email us. Lots of useful information for us to consider. I'm sure we will be posting again as we go along. Jill

Angie Jenner

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 10:07am

Posts: 23

42 helpful points

Location: Rojales

Joined: 13 Oct 2019

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 10:07am

Hi Chris and Jill,

I am sure you will love living in Spain and this forum will give you a broad view of life here. 

One important thing without prying is your age and if you can support yourself without working. Here are some good points.....

We find the health service superb and people do seem to live longer . The present regs. on covid 19 are all clear and aimed at protecting us. No cases at present in our area. We live at Doña Pepa near Quesada. Having moved around the part of the Costa Blanca which includes Elche...quite a few times, renting properties including one in the campo( my husband is called " Gypsy John") we like here best ....although not the prettiest of places, but has all the amenities.

The vets also offer a high standard of care too.

Food and wine is cheaper than UK I believe. So is a lot of nice property.

There is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with expat clubs and choirs to suit everyone. Some areas with many holiday lets can be lonely in the winter.

Disadvantages are....you really need to speak at least rudimentary Spanish to get by although you can always use a translator.

September saw extensive flooding with many houses and farms ruined and countless animals killed. Probably best to live on a hill!

The heat can be exhausting in July-September so you need good air con or at least fans and also do the chores before 9 while it is cooler. Some areas only allow 2 dogs per household.

It can be difficult to get a good solicitor and accountant but this forum might help with that.

We don't know how Brexit might affect us.

But great to wear shorts for a lot of the year.

Hoping this helps. And enjoy ...if you do come over. Why not rent for a while and see how you like it ? 

P:S. If you need to leave your animals any time we can highly recommend  a young , caring, couple who run a lovely boarding kennel in the campo near Elche , called Amber Lodge. I am sure they would not mind helping you with any queries you might have about the area etc.

warty99

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 11:18am

warty99

Helpful member

Posts: 179

57 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 4 Nov 2019

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 11:18am

Hi Chris & Jill

my 3 bed 2 bath house is for sale in La Romana which is 15 mins from Elche

You can view it on the property for sale on this site

any questions feel free to pm me.

What is your timescale for relocating

Peter

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Chris and Jill

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 3:31pm

Chris and Jill

Original Poster

Posts: 10

Location: Elche

Joined: 14 Jul 2020

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 3:31pm

Angie Jenner wrote on Wed Jul 15, 2020 10:07am:

Hi Chris and Jill,

I am sure you will love living in Spain and this forum will give you a broad view of life here. 

One important thing without prying is your age and if you can support yourself without working. Here are some good points.....

We find the health service superb and people do seem to live longer . The present regs. on covid 19 are all clear and aimed at protecting us. No cases at present in our area. We live at Doña Pepa near Quesada. Having moved around the part of the Costa Blanca which includes Elche...quite a few times, renting properties including one in the campo( my husband is called " Gypsy John") we like here best ....although not the prettiest of places, but has all the amenities.

The vets also offer a high standard of care too.

Food and wine is cheaper than UK I believe. So is a lot of nice property.

There is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with expat clubs and choirs to suit everyone. Some areas with many holiday lets can be lonely in the winter.

Disadvantages are....you really need to speak at least rudimentary Spanish to get by although you can always use a translator.

September saw extensive flooding with many houses and farms ruined and countless animals killed. Probably best to live on a hill!

The heat can be exhausting in July-September so you need good air con or at least fans and also do the chores before 9 while it is cooler. Some areas only allow 2 dogs per household.

It can be difficult to get a good solicitor and accountant but this forum might help with that.

We don't know how Brexit might affect us.

But great to wear shorts for a lot of the year.

Hoping this helps. And enjoy ...if you do come over. Why not rent for a while and see how you like it ? 

P:S. If you need to leave your animals any time we can highly recommend  a young , caring, couple who run a lovely boarding kennel in the campo near Elche , called Amber Lodge. I am sure they would not mind helping you with any queries you might have about the area etc.

Hi Angie, thanks for your helpful email I will add it to our useful pile which is growing daily. Jill and Chris

Richard080943

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 8:53am

Richard080943

Helpful member

Posts: 751

426 helpful points

Location: La Marina

Joined: 21 Jul 2018

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 8:53am

Hi Chris ^ Jill

The advice given is all good!  I have a house for sale which answers all of the problems which have been described in the comments:   4 beds 2 bats plus cloaks: a 13000 sq metre legal plot  ( 3 acres), fully fenced  with 300 olive trees to keep your dogs busy..., built 15 years ago with full gas central heating and air con plus masses of insulation, 2 minutes to town, 7 minutes to the best hospital on the Costas, 8 minutes to the AVE high speed railway for trans Europe travel.   All for 275,000 euros.  PM me if you would like to come for a view and a beer.  

Best of luck, Richard

LLT

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 9:00am

LLT

Posts: 38

19 helpful points

Location: Elche

Joined: 15 Jul 2019

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 9:00am

Chris and Jill wrote on Tue Jul 14, 2020 6:53pm:

Hi everyone, we are Chris and Jill and have made the big decision to move from Yorkshire to Spain. After lots of thought and discussions we have narrowed our search to Elche and surrounding areas. We are hoping to get some feedback from people who have made this move and about life there and any ...

...advice is welcome. We are hoping to purchase a property with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, pool and land as we will be bringing our furry babies (yes they are dogs) with us. Hoping Bexit  doesn't spoil our plans.  Look forward to hearing from you to help us on our way. Ps it's not rained here today.. Yet. Chris and Jill

Hi Chris and Jill

My husband Alan and I and 4 dogs, moved to Spain in November last year. We wanted somewhere rural were the dogs would not disturb the neighbours. We bought in Hondon de los Frailes and we have been delighted with our choice. We are 25 minutes from Elche up in the mountains. The altitude gives us a gentle breeze which is much appreciated in summer although it also gives a strong wind in winter. 
if you are both retired I Think you should look around in the countryside behind Elche. You will find better value in housing and a quiet Laidback lifestyle. Frailes has a lot of ex pats and language is not a problem. 

Once you leave the bustle of Elche the traffic is extremely light so driving is easy. Be very careful at roundabouts ! Spanish rules apply ! 

As others have said the cost of living is cheaper than UK. Vet bills are about the same. Spanish locals have been very welcoming to us. 

Life has never been so good. 

Good luck in your search. 

Chris and Jill

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:22pm

Chris and Jill

Original Poster

Posts: 10

Location: Elche

Joined: 14 Jul 2020

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:22pm

LLT wrote on Thu Jul 16, 2020 9:00am:

Hi Chris and Jill

My husband Alan and I and 4 dogs, moved to Spain in November last year. We wanted somewhere rural were the dogs would not disturb the neighbours. We bought in Hondon de los Frailes and we have been delighted with our choice. We are 25 minutes from Elche up in the mountains. The altitude gives us ...

...a gentle breeze which is much appreciated in summer although it also gives a strong wind in winter. 
if you are both retired I Think you should look around in the countryside behind Elche. You will find better value in housing and a quiet Laidback lifestyle. Frailes has a lot of ex pats and language is not a problem. 

Once you leave the bustle of Elche the traffic is extremely light so driving is easy. Be very careful at roundabouts ! Spanish rules apply ! 

As others have said the cost of living is cheaper than UK. Vet bills are about the same. Spanish locals have been very welcoming to us. 

Life has never been so good. 

Good luck in your search. 

Hi and thank you for the post it all helps to make a decision, 

we had a good chat with a property agent calls Gary Lewis today who was very helpful, lots to learn but everyday seems a step closer. Glad it's working out for you. Jill and Chris

Gilly09

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:48pm

Gilly09

Helpful member

Posts: 385

376 helpful points

Location: Rojales

Joined: 23 Jan 2017

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:48pm

Cheryl wrote on Tue Jul 14, 2020 10:52pm:

The best place to start is with Jim's Guides which are in a tab at the top of the page, especially the Habitacion Certificate if you are looking for a country property. Many properties have been built illegally (including mine) and added to over the years so you will need to pay special attention...

... to the deeds to ensure that the built area is as described and measures up and the pool is described as a swimming pool etc. Is there a bolétin for the electrics and bottled gas installations, will it be on mains water and/or sewerage and does it have a good heating system? You will need this as most villas will have a very low energy rating as any heat generated disappears through single skin walls, low rated windows and poorly insulated roofs. Add to that the damp that affects many, many properties in the Vega Baja and it can feel very cold indeed once the sun goes down in winter. It is a subject that comes up on the forum every year and in a detached villa, a wood burner in the lounge will not be enough. I know they are very popular but you need somewhere to store the wood in the dry (lots of it), clear it out every day, have somewhere to keep the ash until you take it to the bins....you can tell I'm not a fan!
Land needs looking after as do any trees on it. Weeds can seem to grow a foot overnight and are a constant battle. We have 3000 m2 and we are never weed free and we also have to weed all around the boundary because we own the land for 1 metre past the fencing and I think this is the norm. Just because an area is graveled doesn't mean it's weed free or "low maintenance" in estate agent speak.

Never use the abogado recommended by the estate agent however much they insist and never pay any money to them, it must all go through your abogado. The estate agent and the abogado are likely to offer other services such as getting yur NIE, opening a bank account, changing utilities to your name, Residencia, Spanish driving licence and taxes. The abogado will be most expensive whilst the estate agent might include some of this with the sale but a gestor is a good bet to do the lot.

For your dogs, please get them vaccinated against leishmaniasis and be aware of Processionary Caterpillars which can be lethal. 

I hope you find your dream home, as we have, just don't be pressured into anything and if possible rent first unless you know the area very well already because what looks idyllic may not actually be very practical.




The Caterpillars are approx 2 to 3 months early part of the year and if you keep away from pine trees at that time and be mindful all will be OK.

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