Hello - New Resident!

Just wanted to pop on here this morning to say hello to everyone.  We heard last night that our offer has been accepted and we are in the process now of purchasing on Jardine 8.

I have been looking at this site over the last couple of weeks since my trip over to Condado de Alhama and I have to say that it's been very very useful.

For those who have recently purchased - can you please recommend a good lawyer.  We are a British family but we live abroad so all our dealings have to be done either by phone, e mail and/or courier.  If anyone has used a lawyer who was easy to deal with from a distance I would absolutely love to hear from you.

I know that you will all probably be sick of me over the next few days and weeks as I know I will have lots of questions so please bear with me but I think I'm going to get the best advice from all of you who have already bought here.

I look forward to meeting my new neighbours over this summer and thank you in advance for your help and advice. 

Claire

You will love it in CdA - We fell in love with the place and haven't wavered from our decision once!

We used Pablo based in Torrevieja. He has an english assitant Christine and are both extremely helpful.

Pablo and Christine met us at the notary office an hour before completion and went through all the documents, what they meant, local and natioanl taxes and provided advice on how they work in Spain as opposed to UK and explained all the likely costs etc.

His conatact details: 'p.f.m@telefonica.net'

Pablo Fernández Marcos
Abogado/Solicitor,
Calle Fotógrafos Darblade, 3 - 1ºB,
03181 TORREVIEJA
(Alicante)

Hi Claire

I too would like to congratulate you and welome to the forum!!  Are you in Naranjos Jardine 8 or Jardine 8?

If its Jardine 8 then we might be neighbours.

Just asked as many questions as you like 'cause everybody on here is more than willing to help out!

Hi Claire

Welcome to the Forum and us privileged people that own property at CDA even if we haven’t quite realise it yet.

A number of people, I am sure will give advice on solicitors from not bothering with one too who they recommend, I personally used a solicitor and would again, others haven’t and can’t understand why bother, whichever you do make sure you have considered it carefully and if you are to use a solicitor I would recommend not using one that relies on PW for their living.

On top of the cost of your agreed price you can expect to pay about 12% on top in all costs and taxes.

You will need to get a Spanish NIE Number, either by going to the Notary yourself in Spain or possibly in UK or having your Solicitor do this for you (some solicitors charge for this some don’t, so check).

If you need a mortgage this is a minefield so start looking now you will see a number of recommendations on the forum for agents & Banks, I personally used Banko Halifax Spain by applying at the UK Halifax on the phone, but that’s not particularly a recommendation as it may well not be the best option for you. The other option is taking over the Builders Mortgage which may or may not be beneficial to you. It’s also worth considering a mortgage even if you don’t need one, as long as you can pay it off without penalty when the Pound strengthens against the Euro, this assuming you are buying in sterling.

You will probably also need a currency exchange company and again you need to shop around for the company that suits you.

If you are not able to do so your selves, you will need to have a snagging survey done on your property before completion, and again there are a number of options just ask or look at posts on the forum, but which ever you do, do inspect your proerty.

You will probably have lots of questions along the way, just ask and someone will make comment.

That’s all for now but again welcome.

Regards

Phil & Ann

Naranjos Jardin 8

This message was last edited by PGM on 09/03/2010.

We may be neighbours if you are Jardin 8 and not Naranjos.

We used Abad Abogadas, they have offices at Puerto Mazarron, Los Alcazares and Murica. They were excellent.

The Puerto Mazarron Number is +34 968 1557 85

Hi Claire

If I am not mistaken we have already exchanged a few emails.  Congratulations - I am sure you will be very happy at Condado.  Don't have any more to add regarding a good lawyer but if there is anything else I can help with please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes
Anne Marie

Thank you all so much for welcoming me!  Yes, we have bought in Jardine 8 so we will be neighbours!

We have been recommended Mare Nostrum solicitors by friends who bought in La Torre - just wondered if anyone else has used them.  Brett - thanks for Pablo's e mail I will contact him today for his quote.  Of the solicitors I have contacted so far, Mare Nostrum stand out with their quick response and their proposal seems fair and full and they are happy to work remotely with us and will organise power of attorney for us too as we live in Dubai and will not be able to get over to sign anything.  They are happy to work through the Spanish embassy here in the UAE.  If you have any other recommendations I would be interested to contact them.

Anne Marie - yes it's me!  Look forward to meeting you when we are over in the summer.

As soon as I've sorted out the solicitors and got that ball rolling I expect I will be looking for more suggestions and recommendations from everyone - hope you won't mind me asking so many questions but, living abroad already I know how much easier it is if you can get recommendations from people already living there!

Phil thanks for your very full response - very helpful.  Luckily, as we already live abroad we watch the currency and we moved our money over to euros at a very good time - so we are sorted and ready to go having made some money on the exchange which is great!   I'd be interested in more info on the snagging survey.  I viewed the property myself and was happy with the way it looked but would be keen to know what others have done regarding snagging.  One more thing for me to organise I suppose and pay for!!!!

Many thanks

Claire

Hi Claire

Just sent you a private message but realised you can't receive 'pm''s until you have made 6 posts or ask Justin to override it!  Do you know what dates you will be there? 

Hope to meet up with you one day over a glass of wine!

jackie - thanks I did get your PM!  Perhaps it was overridden knowing how many questions I'd be asking!!!!  In fact I've had some lovely PMs from other residents too so it's really nice to hear from people who are already there and all seem very positive and welcoming.

A glass of wine sounds a very very good plan and one very close to my heart!  No dates yet but will let you know when we plan to arrive!

Claire

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input and for all the PM's I've had welcoming us!  Love those suggesting wine too!!!!

We have decided to proceed with Pablo and Christine and I have to say we have been very very impressed at their quick and full responses.

Looking forward to sititng on my patio with my glass of wine soon!