Location Advice Please - Page 2

The one thing about Torrevieja I didn't give it credit for is the amount of people who are covered in tattoos, string vests, moustaches, football-shirts, lager drinkers directly from the can, screw-top €1.50 per bottle of plonc (white wine natch!) drinkers. The men were a little bit better. I won't mention the high rises.

Another thing in favour of Torrevieja is its view in our rear view mirror as we drive past heading to Mojacar from Alicante Airport.. 

Other than what I said it's a fine place.

Matthew we agree on the wonderful Torrevieja!  We originally stayed there while we were looking around Spain for our forever home here and we hated every minute of it.  They certainly have a certain charm in the residents that wasn't one we wanted bit like Brits in the sun in Benidorm, they obviously enjoy their lives but not for us.  We tried the village of Arboleas and it was too quiet for us but also had the bar residents who would be there all day.  The we moved here to Mojacar and it is truly the best place we have ever lived just want to see the sun come back again and life return to normal and it will be perfect.    

You couldn't have said it better, Alicia.

If it were dangerous or Nuclear active there would be no produce allowed to be Exported from the area to the UK . .  I think it is safe nobody has grown 3 heads nor are there any higher Cancer cases in this area .

  There are regular checks carried out on the area to make sure it is safe for the Residents both from the sea and the land .

B

I agree .  I have a property in Palmers and I am very happy with the area .

Dear Nick

I first came to the area in 1986 staying at Los Conteros. We continued staying in Villaricos, mostly at Los Conteros until we bought our apartment in 2003. 

tWe looked around different towns in the area before we decided having always stayed in Villaricos  for around 6 weeks each year before. We liked Palomares as it was then very Spanish with hardly any Brits then. 

Unfortunately because of Covid we have not been out since Dec 19 but hopefully will be out for 3 weeks in June with our dogs. We would not wish to have a property anywhere else in the area. We bought through Angel Properties and it was actually built by Domingo whose office is actually  the same.

Hope you are successful in your search

Bob Davies

Thank you all for your comments and a reassurance that Palomares is the right location.

There seem to be some bargains in the area at them moment and I wondered whether anyone local had any insight?  Is this purely reflective of the Spanish economic situation as we emerge from pandemic or is there a significant rise in repossessions?  Or is it just a case that the properties that seem to represent the best value for money are on urbanisations that buyers would generally turn their noses up at?

Also any local agents you would recommend or advise against using?  

Any local intelligence would be much appreciated.

Your questions are good Nick, you are aware at what you are trying to achieve and that's the way it should be. I'm not the best at giving advice regarding property purchase. 

Why are some properties dearer than others? There are several answers to this but most will advise that Demand is the main driver and I cannot say they're wrong. But 20 years ago in the area the dogs on the road were buying property in Spain usually off plan. It was not unusual to have the property change hands before it was finished (at an inflated price of course). Local Taxes kicked in when the property was completed, hence the need to offload before then. Some bought off plan and kept the property - therefore buying much cheaper as they were taking a chance. 

Many who bought off plan years ago and now wish to sell the property can sell at a cheaper price and still gain a worthwhile profit. I know it's not rocket science, but something worth knowing. That bargain property may be a genuine bargain.

Any thoughts on the best approach to setting up a bank account to cover regular monthly and annual standing orders and direct debits?  I am considering an online option - does anyone have experience of good/bad options?

You'll need a NIE number to set up a bank account in Spain. The bank will want details of your passport and the rest should be plain sailing. You can get your NIE by contacting the Spanish embassy and paying them about £6/£7. The embassy will require furnishing of a utility bill in the UK (if you live in the UK) along with your passport and the main reason you need a Spanish bank account.

You may be able to open the bank account online or even by phoning your Spanish bank.