28 Nov 2011 12:40 PM:

 

 Hello

Well I can only advice on the area that we have settled on/in. Our criteria was pretty much as yours when we started our search. 

Spain is such a diverse country with diverse climates. We chose the Northern Costa Blanca as it is in the middle so to speak. Costa Del Sol far too hot and Costa Brava too cold in the winter.

The weather here does get a bit too hot in the summer (mid thirties C) but there is always somewhere to get in the shade and if you have a pool, that helps. In the winter it can get cold and we do get the occasional ground frost. But mostly it is pleasant in the top teens and low twenties. We usually have our Christmas lunch outside. We live in Pedreguer which is about 15 minutes from the coast and the mountains. We have the best of both worlds. We have easy access to the resort towns of Denia, Els Poblets, Javea and Moraira.

There are loads of restaurants and bars, the people are generally very friendly and helpful. Of course it is always useful to try and speak a bit of Spanish. The airports of Alicante and Valencia are equidistant and about 1 hours drive away via the A7.

Living slightly inland gives us several advantages, especially with the cost of living. Our council taxes are incredibly  low and supermarket shopping is usually about 10-15% less than the resorts.

In the Orba Valley the fields are mainly Citrus indicating a slightly cooler climate that the Jalon Valley which is mainly Grapes, Olives and Almonds.

We have been here for 15 years now living in the countryside but always still close to a town or village.

Two years ago we got involved in real estate when my wife’s step mum was selling her house. She fell foul of a rouge agent and we stepped in to help and then other people asked for our help.

** EDITED - Against forum rules **

Good luck in your search.

Robert and Laurian.

 

 

 

 

 

This message was last edited by EOS Team on 28/11/2011.
Thread: not too cold, not too hot... any advice

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17 Nov 2010 10:34 AM:

 I am surprised that no agents have commented here, but then again should I be surprised?

We, Blue Ocean Estates are based in the Marina Alta region of the northern Costa Blanca. We seem to take a different approach to most agents. That's maybe due to the fact that we were not agents at all until fate set us on this path just over a year ago.

We would agree with most of the comments here. So I go back to the original thread I would say that there is no simple answer to the question "Is now the right time to buy?" because it depends what you are trying to achieve. I also agree that properties are still overpriced and we inform or owners of that point, yet still the majority of them ignore us. What percentage overpriced. I would say 70% of properties listed on out books are 30% overpriced.

The question is what is at that you the buyer want to achieve.

Rental income - Then you need to be savvy and maybe buy a bank distressed property and spend some money on renovation or be patient and strike on a property when the owner becomes desperate to sell. Harsh but true.

To live here. - That s an easier option. If you are not looking for a short term gain then you will probably be OK. Find the area that you feel comfortable in. Find the house that you feel comfortable in and MAKE AN OFFER. After all you have probably sold your house with a reasonable return in your homeland and it is lifestyle change that you are looking for not gain.

As a holiday home. Then similar to above but if it is for short term gain as well the you need to buy cheap. Are is also important for resale. So do your research. Make your agent work for you.

The market at the €150,000 to €250,000 price range is fairly bouyant but shop around, be patient and you will find what you are looking for. Above the €250,000 then you have masses to choose from and if you have the budget that is where I would suggest that you look. We have owners desperate to sell and just not getting any interest. Have a look and make offer. This is where you can and will get a bargain that will stand the test of time.

I hope that you find this helpful, we have several free Ebooks available for buyers and sellers. See our add in the Euroweekly news.

Regards Robert - owner of Blue Ocean Estates

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thread: Is it now time to buy?

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