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Spain Buying Guide

Overseas Property Developments and Investments

Life in Spain is very different to the UK or Ireland, with an average temperature of 22°C and some 325 days of sun each year. About an hour away from the golden sands are snowcapped mountains...what more could you want!

It is important to remember that in Spain general living costs are much lower than here in the UK and Ireland. For example fresh fruit and vegetables are a fraction of the UK or Irish price. Meat and poultry are also cheaper in price, the meat is normally trimmed for you and then weighed, therefore it works out far cheaper per pound.

When calculating the Spanish cost of living use the rule that if it going to cost you 100 pounds a week to live in the UK or Ireland it will cost you around 100 euros a week to live in Spain. This rule has its exceptions, however if you use this rule across all your expenses you will find overall it wont be far out.

Eating out

Eating out can be extremely well priced, 'menus of the day' are prices at as little as £4 for which you will get three courses including bread and a bottle of wine. It is often cheaper to eat out than it is to stay in!

Car prices

Both new and second hand cars together with fuel and running costs tend to be significantly lower than in the UK and Ireland.

Bringing your Pet

If you intend to bring your pet to Spain your local vet will be aware of the required paperwork and injections your pet will need before travelling.

Further information on transporting your pets to Spain can be obtained from Airpets (Heathrow Airport) on 0800 371554 or Animal Airlines (Manchester Airport) on 0161 223 0072. These days there are numerous English speaking Veterinary Surgeons in Spain.

Spanish National Health Service

The Spanish National Health Service is available free to Senior Citizens from Britain (Ladies over 60 and men over 65). The service is excellent, however, as in the UK and Ireland, non-emergencies may be placed on a waiting list. Purchasers of businesses in Spain are obliged to join the Spanish N.H.S. Payments for this service are included in their monthly Spanish National Insurance contribution.

Working in Spain

If you are under retirement age and do not intend to work in Spain, then it is a condition of Residence in Spain that you take out private medical health cover. Some of the larger private medical health providers in the UK and Ireland offer schemes suitable for British residents in Spain. Alternatively, there are numerous Insurance Brokers in Spain offering a range of healthcare insurance policies.

Finding a Chemist

'Farmacias' as they are called in Spain can be identified by a prominent (usually flashing) green cross sign.

Most of the medications available in the UK and Ireland can be purchased in Spain - many available without prescription. Prices are low and most items cost considerably less than the prescription charges levied in the UK and Ireland.

Chemists in Spain are trained to diagnose and treat many common illnesses and ailments - leaving doctors free to treat more urgent cases. Most staff speak English to some degree and there is always one Chemist open 24 hours in every large town.

British State Pensions

British State Pensions can be paid direct to your bank account in Spain - usually monthly. The Benefits Agency can provide the necessary forms and further advice. If you have a private pension you will need to speak to the pension provider as

» If you would like more information about living in Spain, please contact us.

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