Buying inland form Benidorm

Hi, I live a bit north of Benidorm, so can't give you advice on towns inland from there.

Regarding costs of buying property, a very good rule of thumb is to budget 15% on top of the actual purchase price. This covers all the other associated costs, mainly Spanish property purchase tax and your legal fees. You shouldn't be paying anything towards estate agent fees, thats a matter between agent and seller.

I live in Adsubia near Pego. My partner and I have made a big effort to learn Spanish since we got here, but I don't think we've met any Spaniard in a professional position in the Denia/Javea area who doesn't speak at least some English. I'm talking about the lawyer we used to buy the house, the many health professionals we've consulted in four years including our local GP, my optician and podiatrist, the guy I bought my new car from, my insurance brokers, my Sabadell bank consultant, the notary who drew up our Spanish wills, the list goes on. Maybe the only places where Spanish was useful was the police office for getting residencia (funnily enough in Benidorm) and the town hall for getting the padron. If you attempt a bit of Spanish, they will meet you more than half way in my experience, at least in this area.

I live on the outskirts of Benidorm. I can walk to the beach in 20 minutes and to the town centre in 40 minutes. 

Albir is also a nice smaller town as is Alfaz del Pi, Altea, La Cala etc. It really depends on how far inland you want. As for healthcare you would be assigned a doctor at your local health clinic, I don't think that you can pick the centre you prefer.

Most towns around Benidorm are lively in the holiday season but often from October onwards the smaller towns virtually hibernate. Benidorm is open and active more or less all year round.

I think the ballpark additional cost for house purchase is around +10% .

Are you living in Spain permanently now or moving from the UK? 

Steve 

Steve, 10% will barely cover the tax cost, depending on whether its a new build or second hand. Then there are the legal fees and several other costs on top. 15% is a much safer budget. Better to over budget and have a bit left at the end than be a few thousand euros short!

Yes thanks Jack, I got it a lot short there. I was thinking back many years ago when I was thinking about buying. 15% more realistic. 

Steve 

Many thanks for the informative info.  We have thought of Villajoyosa and La Nucia and yes, it does help to at least attempt the language.  We have lived in France for 18 years and it has certainly made life easier for us.  It is good to know that English is spoken quite widely as sometimes in medical emergencies it is necessary.  Thanks again, Ann

We live inland some 15k from the coast. Whilst some professionals in this area do speak English, it would not be usual. Although as our GP has recently retired ( basically Valenciano, heavily accented Castellano) we do have a new younger GP who speaks reasonable English. The inland villages don’t have much going on in winter, although all have FB groups of foreign residents who do organise events open to all.

Inland, the local language is Valenciano, although Castellano is acceptable! The Spanish will be very pleased and helpful if you attempt a few words.