questions -

Are properties freehold?
All our properties are freehold. We always encourage our purchasers to take legal advice and will introduce you to our recommended English-speaking legal representatives. They will make the necessary searches ensuring all planning or building permissions have been obtained.
Can I get my pension paid in Spain? Yes
Do I need a Spanish Will?
We suggest you execute a will at the same time as purchasing your property. It is inexpensive and simple to do. Spanish interstate laws differ to the UK and creating a Spanish will ensures your home is disposed of in the way you would desire.
What is the cost of living? more...
The cost of living in Spain has quite a noticeable difference. The average income in the UK is around £18,000 per annum. In Spain the average income is £9,000 per annum.
What are the payment terms?
This will depend on whether you are buying a new or a resale property
New: You will place a deposit of £2,000 to reserve the property. A further 50% will be due within 6-8 weeks of the reservation. Further payments will be dependant on the completion date of the property.
Resale: 10% is due to reserve the property with the balance on completion. In all cases your deposit both secures the property for you and freezes the price, - gazumping is illegal in Spain. From legal fees to taxes, mortgage to payment schedules, everything will be taken care of and every step carefully explained to you without complicated legal jargon.
Can I get national health care? Yes
Spanish medical services are excellent. If you are a UK citizen of retirement age and you are moving permanently to Spain, the Spanish & UK governments have a reciprocal arrangement and you can join the Spanish free national health scheme (Form G121 from the DHSS). Each individual is assessed by the DHSS and qualification depends on the national health contribution you have previously paid in the UK.
Can I get private healthcare? Yes. There are many schemes available at surprisingly competitive prices. The Spanish are amongst the world’s healthiest people with incidental heart disease being amongst the lowest in the world. No doubt the excellent wine contributes to this!
What medical care will I need?
If you are a UK national it is advisable that you orgainise an E111 form which you can collect from a travel agent or post office called 'Health advice for travellers'. You will need to fill out the E111 form inside and take it to the post office where they will stamp it for you.
If you need medical attention in Spain you will need to make it clear that you have an E111 form and want to be treated under the EC arrangement. Have a photocopy of your E111 ready and show the Doctor the original, then give hime the copy.
· Even though this service offered is free, it is advisable for people looking to move to Spain permanently to have a private medical cover.
· If you plan to be a Resident of Spain then you will need to have a private medical health cover.
· Chemists in Spain are taught to diagnose many symptoms of illness and you can purchase many medications without perscription and usually at a much cheaper price!!
Do I need to speak fluent Spanish before getting a job? No
Spain is an EU member and consequently you have freedom to live and work in Spain.
Can I get work easily in Spain?
With the UK and Spain both being part of the EEC it is easy for British who wish to work in Spain. Most employers of Spanish businesses do not require that you have to speak fluent Spanish to work, but you may find understanding some a bonus.
Many people also start their own bussiness after establishing themselves in Spain.
If I sell my house in Spain can I bring the money back to the UK?
Yes you can. If you have owned your home for more than 10 years or it is your only home, there is no capital gains tax to pay.
Can I bring my pets?
Many pets are taken to Spain with their owners, as long as you follow the appropriate steps. Since the PETS passport scheme was introduced in February 2000 it is now a very straight forward process.
Can I bring my car? Yes
How do I buy a car in Spain?
To buy a Spanish car you will need:
· Either a copy of your current residencia
OR:
· A copy of your NIE certificate
· A copy of your passport
· A copy of your emparonimiento
There are plenty of places to buy your car from whether it be a brand dealership or secondhand dealer. Many people who live in Spain buy new cars as the price of most new cars is a lot cheaper than the UK.
Can I enrol my children in a Spanish school? Yes
What schools are best? This choice is upto you! more...
The schooling system in Spain is similar to the UK. You have the State schools and the International schools.
State Schools:
These schools are very popular with the English parents. These schools have no fee but may require you to buy the books needed. Children that attend these schools tend to learn Spanish very quickly. They will normally share their class with Spanish children and other English. Schooling hours are normally 9am to 2pm.
International schools - These schools are fee paying and normally follow an English schooling system with GCSEs and A levels.Most of the students that attend these schools will be English. Many students then have a choice of attending a British University. The schooling hours are normally 9am to 3pm.
How much money is required to Open a Spanish bank account? None
What is the best way to transfer money to Spain?
The Euro can fluctuate against Sterling and can affect the final cost of your new home. We recommend you contact our currency transfer company. As specialised currency brokers, they will explain the option in plain English.
In our experience they inevitably achieve a better exchange rate than the High Street banks.
Can I get a Spanish mortgage easily? Yes
Can I bring my electrical equipment? Yes
Can I receive digital television? Yes
What is the cost of bringing furniture over? Apx£60.00/m3
Can I apply for Spanish residency? Yes: Info
Can I receive a Spanish pension when I am working full time? Yes
What is an NIE number? Info
Can I get things that I would normally have in the UK?
Due to different nationalities moving to Spain and starting their own businesses there is now a wide choice of items available.

LASTLY
I want to move to Spain, but can't because........
It may seem like a daunting thing to do but a lot of people do it every day and its not as difficult as you think!! Spain is like any other country - it has jobs, schools, doctors everything that you need as well as sunshine for most of the year. You will need to do a lot of investagative work prior to your move, which we hope that we are helping with i.e rates and prices with removal companies and likewise services. For a good guide to moving read the steps to moving to Spain.