JUST JOINED AND SEEKING SOME GENERAL TIPS - Page 5

Moved from another area to Albox last year and was ripped off by one major estate agent who tried to sell me an illegal house. Finally found one but not without problems as the seller ran off with all the furniture and fittings I had purchased. All was eventually sorted by the solicitor, who I recommend. LOVE Albox as it has everything we need and the house has wonderful views of the mountains. Did consider Arboleas but a bit too spread out for me and would need to drive miles to major supermarkets and big chinese shops which we use a lot.

We didn't rent as I don't like 'wasted money' and things did take longer than expected as manana rules here. But am now happily settled and no plans to movee ever again

I keep saying:- Move to the area in which you want to live in the off season and rent there for no less than 5 weeks. Then you will know (a) If the area is for you and (b) If life as an expat is for you. 

What more proof is needed than this thread alone?

Albox is inland so cheap to buy, very hot, windy and has flies, and it is cold in the winter ie they have frosts.Cheap to buy cheap to sell. 45 mins from good beaches.

Planning could be a nightmare, even if it ticks all the boxes.

 Vera, Antas, Los Gallardos, more money but better climate,better resale, 8 mins beaches, etc.

Partner and myself moved to a small village called Urcal in March 2016 and love the peace and tranquility. The property is a double plot with 8x4 pool which has an enclosure/large fly free she had installed due to a problem one year with wasps and flies and we'd recommend having one installed.

Partner used Mandy and Chris from Camconcepts in Huercal Overa and would recommend them in a heartbeat. They helped with all kinds of things related to the purchase along with bank accounts, residencia, padron etc etc.

By all means follow the rent before you buy if thats for you. Partner had been holidaying with an old friend for a few years here in the village and whilst we were in Oz actually viewed the villa and said "jump" lol, get it you wont regret it. So as you might agree she already had a heads up.

Dont get me wrong we like Albox as a pop in and out place for shopping pottery, the English shop etc but as for living there we couldnt say yes or no, youre choice, there are other places, we have a great group of friends, we're 40 minutes from the coast, we have a great hospital in H/O I can personally testify about, you should know how good the roads are.

The more you try to "have a go" at speaking get you by Spanish the more the Spanish appreciate it and help, get you there lol.

Food and general eating out is oh so cheap. We use places that have menus that offer 12 starters, 12 mains and 12 desserts for €12 or less plus drinks.

Place in the sun have a couple who bought and renovated a super restaurant with accomodation featuring tomorrow, theres usually at least a 3 week wait, christmas is booked solid for the next couple of years lol, pul up the menus.

Anyways I'm waffling on, enjoy doing as much research as you feel and see fit, when youre happy dive in and immerse yourself in the culture, the sunshine, it doesnt get that cold in winter, get a onesie, a log burner, best of luck.  Ann n Jim

We have been going to albox area since 2000 and have known only 2 cold winters ie snow lasted just a few days . In general its warm in winter months as the guy said gat a log fire can't go wrong. Hope this helps.

Hi Lee you could also look at Arboleas area some really nice properties and next door to Albox . You definitely need a car or some form of transport as there is little to no public bus services. You would do well to contact Andrea at Dream Homes based in Arboleas she is very professional and helped us find our villa . Good Luck to you both .

"Arboleas area" covers quite a large area, lots of properties etc etc as you might notice on the signs.

I'm hearing that Aboleas has a fly and wasp problem due to nearby pig farms. Indeed, the entire area around Albox is reported to have this issue.

Can anyone please confirm or deny that?

Cheers. Lee

Deny it!! . We live in Arboleas and dont have a problem at all 

You know what its like. For someone like myself who doesn't know the area, you tend to be dependent on others for info.

That was just something that I heard from a person who supposedly lives there and supposedly has some personal experience and a reliable opinion.

It's because of these conflicting views that the boss and I are coming over to Almeria in a couple of weeks to check it out for ourselves.

Thanks for replying. Cheers. Lee