Hello,I want to move to villamartin possibly september, from scotland.

Hello Pete just to let you know the toll roads will be free either January or February 

Les

Hola !,

          I don't live in Villamartin but have visited numerous times and depending on what you are looking for in your 'new life' it is as good a place to live as most places in Spain.

I've lived and worked in Spain for nearly 30 years, in 3 different Provinces, all very different and during my time in Spain I've made many friends with all nationalities, however obviously there are more Spanish than others and I've found it took a long time to understand their culture and to be accepted, but it was really worth the effort !

So my advice would be ..Don't rush in to anything..take your time and choose a house and place that suits you personally, everyone will tell you that where they live is wonderful and it probably is ..for them, but only you will really know what you need..so no hurry...research...research...research and visit as many places as you can , at different times of the year and even different times of the day !!

May I wish you every success in finding the perfect end of your rainbow..

Regards,

               Gordon

It depends what you are looking for in spain that area is a expat enclave if you want that type of living not a problem  if you want to mix it with Spanish then you won't find many there

I strongly recommend that you rent rather than buy for at least three years. This is the period for which you can contract security of tenure under Spanish law. Don't get fobbed off with an 11 month deal.Great for agents commission but nothing in it for you.You should know that Spanish property has fallen 40-50% from the highs of 2002-2006. The transfer costs are not slightly higher than England but drastically higher at about 13%. When you come to sell, you'll pay 6% commission to the selling agent as well. With market conditions as they are - only the estate agents will tell you the market is booming - you'll be waiting a long time to make 19% and recover you investment. Also in England the tenant pays the very high poll tax and community fee whilst here the landlord pays them. You only pay extra for light and water (and internet if you install it). The rubbish (basura) is a matter for negotiation. Hope that helps.

I think you said all the right things I think they should give all this out in that program a place in the sun.there is a lot of people down here that go back .also the income tax here is a lot higher

"A Place in The Sun"? My wife and I watch it and laugh! It is sad how many fall for the dreamlike claims. Often it is the most grotty properties that are offered and the reactions of the prospective buyers make us think they have been brainwashed in advance. Anyone trapped with the ownership of some of these properties might have a 20 year wait to sell and the programme offers that straw for the dying man! I personally know of at least three local homes that have been on the market over ten years. Once every five years the agent goes and renews the faded and pealing signs! 

Another point - warn your friends - Spanish mortgages are not too difficult to get BUT if you default you will be bankrupt for life - no you can't hand in the keys (like England). There has been news that in a few cases the banks legally chase their defaulting mortgagees back to the English courts. Yes I admit this is rare but it's possible. You are liable right down to the shirt on your back and the shoes you walk in!! PLEASE be careful.

I have lived here 33 years and Spain is still a lovely place to live - but please don't leave sensible caution at home. DON'T pay out any money until you are totally sure you are protected. English regulation and cameras have a longer range than in Spain. If it goes wrong it's hard to get redress.

Well summed up a person with there brain in the right place.I often feel all new arrival get a spot on there for heads to help estate agents identify them.

Dont know you Pete but that reply was well thought out and considered..... couldn’t agree more ( that’s coming from an Englishman ) 😊

Overall I think Villamartin is an excellent choice to live

Regards

Kevin

Goodness if I heard all of that I wouldn’t have come sounds scary.... we purchased at a very good price including the tax on top also we didn’t come to leave we came to stay so far so good ... also there are lots of long term rentals here so even if you didn’t like it you could rent long term .... in life sometimes you have to take a chance or you could be left saying wish I had tried

Les