Moving from London, tips and advice.

Also would like to know how fast do properties get sold and any tips to look out for before making a decision, such as "how close to the pool is too close" etc. Also how much can prices be negotiated...

Hi Alex  

I live in the area around LA Zenia Boulevard.

You don't say if you've ever visited this area. If not, the first thing you need to be aware of is that this area is dominated by expats from many different countries. It's easy to forget that I'm in Spain! If your parents are thoroughly Spanish, they may not take to it!

Having said that, Torrevieja is only a few kms away, and is far more Spanish.

Cheers 

Steve 

Hi Steve, @Steve2x

Thanks so much for your prompt reply. 

 My parents are very Spanish but they have spent a lot of time in the with us and they were originally migrants in Switzerland and France in their younger years. Very open minded and happy people. My mum would love to dust off her French. I'm pretty much a rare breed as my friends laugh at my British humour while still holding a Spanish accent. The more variety the better, as long as its friendly people. 

I have visited costa Blanca a lot but never Orihuela. Have family in Benidorm. 

~How is La Zenia B? Do you like it? 

Hi,

Quote: "I have visited costa Blanca a lot but never Orihuela. Have family in Benidorm"

I live in Benidorm and there are some very nice areas on the outskirts of the city. There is excellent public transport including an updated tram service. Amenities are modern and numerous. 

Benidorm is often made out to be overwhelmed with drunken louts roaming the streets but in my opinion that view is overstated. I'm 70 and quite enjoy (and feel safe) visiting the small area that holidaymakers congregate.

I live in a nice area on the outskirts of the city where there are nice well kept houses and apartments with a variety of international home owners. 

It may be worth considering Benidorm, Albir and Altea in your search.

Steve 

Hi 

We love living around here. We live in a very peaceful urb., and yet we're only a short distance away from all amenities.

In a normal summer season the area is packed with holidaymakers (mainly people with holiday homes). Its quieter in winter of course, but never dead. Everybody is very friendly, mainly because they're all retired!

And yes, beware of being too close to a pool - they can be very noisy!

Cheers 

Steve 

Hi! thanks for this. Yes, my family keeps making hints about moving to Benidorm, I personally like it and I have spent a lot of time there when young. Last time I went with my work mates to Asia Gardens and did a bit of the touristic walk around the Mirador and they loved it. Will take a look. 

Isn't Benidorm much hotter in the summer? I know temps are not as high as Extremadura but heat is humid isn't it? I'm pretty hardcore for heat but I guess my parents will like to get rid of the likes of 46 degrees in July.

Great advice, I will keep it in mind :) 

Hi,

Yes, because its surrounded by the mountains on 3 sides Benidorm seems to have a unique weather system and sometimes bears no relation to the local weather forecast! It is hotter in July and August but I find it bearable. The humidity is slightly higher in those months too but that can be unpredictable. 

Everything else that comes with Benidorm, weather, beaches, international eateries, nightlife and sociable people makes the odd uncomfortable times worthwhile.

Steve 

We did hit 45 degs this summer Alex I live inPlaya Flamenca next to boulevard as someone once said to me 10 months of the year I live in Paradise but for 2 months I have to share it.20 minutes to sea plenty shops lots bars restaurants 10 mins walk to bou