checking in - new "to be owners"

Hello everyone in the community,

We are in the process of buying an apartment in Duquesa Village, and (fingers crossed) should be proud owners by the end of May.  Well, we have no idea really as things go with a Mediterranean speed (aka frustratingly slow).

Any advice or help re moving in / setting things up, such as utilities, internet, insurance, etc would be very welcome. Any trick we may need to know about how to deal with Spanish bureaucracy, etc.  

I will have a 'pre-ownership' visit to Duquesa just before Easter and would love to meet some future neighbourghs!

Thanks, 

Kinga

Hi Kinga,

Welcome to Duquesa Village - you're probably getting yourself a wonderful bargain.

lots of helpful advice is always forthcoming on this site.

First thing is - if you are buying a new apartment and you've inspected it, then you probably know it needs fitting out with bathroom fitures such as shower screens, mirrors plus if its like others you'll need light fittings, curtain rails & curtains.  Unless the reseller has already done that to make it more attractive?

Also those of us who bought from the developer had to give our places a damned good clean.  My was professionallly cleaned and then I had to spend another three days cleaning nooks and crannies myself.  So expect to do lots of cleaning.

I guess you are buying as seen?  I had my checked out by an agent for defects before I arrived and several  defects were found and fixed by the developer who was then still on site.  When I moved in I found another half dozen defects myself (cooker faulty,  door to dryer room did not close correctly,  hall wardrobe door would not close,  leaking toilet flush ,  front door lock stuck - had to be replaced  etc.

So just to set your expectations... expect a few flaws to be ironed out.  You might be lucky and find few.

I got my professional clean done and fixtures and fitting arranged by a local property manager before my first stay  Plus I had a basic furniture pack delivered and installed - this meant I was able to stay in my apartment on arrival.  That saved costs and the property manager were had fitted several other appartments did a very tasteful selection of lights and curtains for me.  Something I've not regretted.  I can PM you with contact details of property manager if that's something of interest.

Next tip is to get all your services paid by direct debit as you will rarely see an invoice and if you only pay on sight of an invoice you'll find yourself getting cut off.  God knows where all our post goes but most it vanishes.  I go to the post room on arrival only to get the very latest bills.  I've never ever seen a bill for the rates come in the post.

As a test I once posted myself something here from the UK - so that it would be here on my stay.  It never turned up.

Good luck

Paul

Thanks for the reply! very informative,

I read through the forum and I am not sure I understand the TV situation.  Seems like there has been some changes.  Could someone please explain how it works?  How should we go if we want some English speaking channels (plus my husband wants sport channels).  Are there any good packages?  Where should I look?  So far internet search was not productive for me (maybe doing it wrong).

After thorough search I think we will go with Movistar for internet.  But not sure about the TV.

Thanks for any help in that

Thanks,

Kinga

Hi!  What block are you moving to?

We have telephone and internet with Movistar and are very happy with it, and we have overcome the tv problem with an android box - an xbmc - there are loads and loads of them around so do your research; we bought ours from e-bay fully loaded for £90. There is a firm over here that supplies the same thing but charge 175 euros!! There are others who also charge a monthly fee on top, but we are more than happy with our set-up, and there is no problem watching football - or any other sport!!! If you do come over at Easter give us a shout and you can come see it for yourself, then between then and your completion you can buy one over there and bring it with you!

Are you buying as a permanent residence or holiday? if the latter how often will you be over? We live here permanently and have no problems with mail, the guards always wave us down if we have post waiting too, guess if you arent over very often they may send stuff back if its not collected after a certain time frame - they dont have space to keep everything indefinately.

Good luck with everything!

Debbie