There are many other things to consider such as how you will get from the airport and back. Will you be hiring a car or using public transport? If hiring a car, does the property have private or allocated parking because the closer you are to the beach, the worse it will be. Are you going to be p...
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...repared to scrabble about under the hire car when you arrive, possibly in the dark, to take pictures to prove that dents were pre-existing and then go back to the terminal to ensure that damage is reported before you take the car? Unfortunately many people have been charged for damage in hard to see places that they are adamant they did not cause. If you are going to be a very regular visitor would it be worth buying a car to keep here? If so you need to make extra sure you are able to get it MOT'd (ITV) before it runs out because you can't drive it on the road without one, even if you only use it to get to the ITV station.
If using public transport how far is the bus stop from your property (dragging cases, tired from the journey etc) and will it be available for very early or late flights? How much will a taxi cost?
If you want to be within easy walking distance of bars and restaurants can you put up with the noise from them when you are trying to get to sleep? Unless you have top of the range double glazing the basic windows don't perform very well.
Some areas become like ghost towns in the winter.
The ongoing costs will include standing charges for water and electric, council tax (IBI), rubbish collection, community fees (if applicable), Non Resident Tax, TV and internet (switch on and off is available), property insurance and ongoing maintenance. This will be on top of 10% purchase tax.
Post Brexit you have to consider the time you spend in the whole Schengen area, a maximum of 90 days in a rolling 180 days.
A property can never really be considered an investment here, especially when you factor in all your costs over your ownership. In the UK there is a shortage of housing, in the tourist areas there are thousands of properties for sale at any time and can take months, if not years, to sell. Don't believe the estate agent signs saying they have more buyers than properties. You can't just rent your property for holiday lets to offset costs anymore because you need a Tourist Licence and getting one can range from a "right faff" to impossible.
I am not trying to put you off because there are so many people who enjoy their holiday homes for many years but the happiest will be those who fully understood the downsides before they purchased.
My name's Alex and this is my website all about Torrevieja in Spain. Register now for free to talk about Moving to Torrevieja: tips and advice and much more!
