 Frequently asked questions
Take a look at our answers to some of the questions we’re most often asked. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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The Viva difference
The property market
Property types
The buying process
Buy to let
Life in Spain
Selling your property
The Viva difference
Q: I’m planning to visit Viva and one or two other agencies in the area, how many days should I spend with each?
A: There really is no need to visit anyone else. We have the largest portfolio of properties in southern Spain, with access to the vast majority of all property for sale in the region. Visit us first and you’ll see why you needn’t look elsewhere.
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Q: Why doesn’t Viva do cheap inspection trips like other companies?
A: We like to treat every customer as an individual and in our experience, you prefer independence and flexibility. When you do visit us, we’ll take you on a tailored viewing tour of only the properties that meet your needs. We’re happy to help you organise flights, and we can negotiate special deals on accommodation, but that’s as far as it goes – we have heard some stories of disappointment from our customers about cheap group inspection trips, and the last thing we want to do is put you under any pressure.
Find out about our viewing tours >
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The property market
Q: What has been the average price appreciation over the last few years?
A: Southern Spain remains a fantastic investment. In 2004, average property prices rose by 21% in Andalusia, 20% in Valencia and 27% in Murcia. And while in a mature and consolidated market such massive increases are clearly unsustainable, figures for 2005 confirm a more than healthy overall increase for Spain of 12%.
How can we help > Investment
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Q: Why do prices of similar properties differ so much between regions?
A: The Costa del Sol has been developing for around 40 years, and is now a very mature and established area. In comparison, other areas are still in the relatively early stages of development and property prices reflect this. Look out for some great investments in growing markets such as the Costa Blanca and Cálida.
View area guides >
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Q: I’ve been looking at Bulgarian property and it’s half the price of Spanish property, why is that?
A: Southern Spain is an extremely well-established region – the infrastructure here is way ahead of Bulgaria and similar areas. Low-cost airlines fly to southern Spain from all over Europe, so its very easy and inexpensive to get here too. Southern Spain is also very international and cosmopolitan, with communities of foreigners that you won’t find in emerging areas. And, most importantly, the weather in Spain is much better – even in winter!
The benefits of southern Spain >
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Property types
Q: What’s the difference between new development and off plan?
A: A new development is the name given to a brand new complex. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the complex is still under construction. An off-plan property is a property that you purchase literally from an architect’s plan. Off plans are either not in construction stage yet, or in the early stages.
Choosing a property >
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Q: What’s the difference between a new development or off-plan property and an existing freehold?
A: A new development or off-plan property is a property that is brand new, currently being built, or is in the planning stages ready to begin construction. An existing freehold is a property that has already been built and currently owned by someone else – in effect a second-hand property.
Choosing a property >
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The buying process
Q: When I buy my Spanish property, will everything be done in Spanish?
A: All official contracts are in Spanish, but translations can be provided for your peace of mind. All Viva’s staff and the lawyers we work with are multi-lingual, so we’ll ensure everything is explained fully in your own language.
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Q: How do the mortgages work in Spain?
A: There are a few different ways of financing your Spanish property, depending on factors like your residential status and age. You’ll find full details in our handy financial guide.
View financial guide >
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Q: Where can I find good legal and financial advice in Spain?
A: Our financial partner Green Independent can advise you on all the finance options available to purchase your Spanish property. We can also put you in touch with lawyers who have already helped many of our customers through the buying process. Both offer you free consultations without obligation, in your language.
View financial guide >
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Q: Can I make an offer on a property lower than the asking price?
A: Prices for new development properties are absolutely non-negotiable. Our existing freehold property is privately owned by individuals, and our experienced valuation team will work hard to list the properties for sale at the most realistic price, so do be prepared to pay the full asking price. On occasions your property consultant may advise that a property could be reduced slightly to properly reflect its market value, in which case an offer could be attempted.
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Q: Why do I have to pay a reservation sum when I make an offer on a property in Spain?
A: Unlike the UK, when you make an offer or decide to purchase a property here in Spain, you must place a reservation deposit. This enables Viva to take your dream property off the market and hold it for you until the offer is accepted (or until you sign the deposit contract if the property is a new development). It means that nobody else can come along and gazump you and offers more security for you and the vendor.
Find out more >
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Q: What additional costs are involved in buying a property in Spain?
A: A good rule of thumb is to allow approximately 10% of the property price for extra costs (legal, notary, tax etc.). Other than this there are the general running costs of a property and community fees if your Spanish property is based in an urbanisation or complex.
View financial guide >
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Q: How do I transfer my money from the UK to make payments on my Spanish property?
A: You can transfer money via your regular bank but this can be costly, particularly if you are making staged payments and the currency exchange rate is fluctuating and high at the time. We can recommend Currency Exchange and Transfer companies that will offer fixed exchange rates for your transfers to Spain, saving you headaches and money.
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Q: How do we organise a proper survey?
A: If you are getting a mortgage, your lender will organise an official bank valuation and property inspection. If not, we can organise an independent surveyor to carry this out for you.
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Q: Do I have to insure my property?
A: Buildings insurance is compulsory if you are getting a mortgage. New development properties usually come with a ten-year buildings insurance policy by law, or if your property is in a community and you are paying community fees, your payment towards the insurance could be included. It’s best to get your appointed lawyer to double check this for you. You should also take out contents insurance. If you require assistance with insurance, our financial partner Green Independent can organise everything for you. View financial guide >
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Buy to let
Q. Where are the best locations to buy in if I want to rent my Spanish property out to holidaymakers?
A: Think about what you would like from your holiday accommodation. Some holidaymakers don’t want to rent a car, so you’ll get more interest from properties within walking distance of the beach, a bus route and shops or restaurants. Are there good golf courses in the area? Do your bedrooms have double or twin beds? Is there a terrace space, at least a communal pool and safe garden areas for children?
Our Lettings division can help recommend the most popular locations for long-term rental properties. Visit Lettings >
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Q: Can you help us rent out our new Spanish property?
A: Absolutely, we have our own Lettings division dealing with medium- and long-term lets (3-11 months renewable contracts). Our Homecare department can recommend reputable holiday lettings companies should you wish to only rent out the property on a short-term basis.
Visit Lettings > Visit Homecare >
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Q: What kind of rental income can I expect from letting out my two-bed apartment?
A: This really depends on the property – its location, quality of furnishings and facilities. It also depends on the time of year you would like to rent it out for, and for how long. To get an idea of how much you could rent out a similar property for, take a look at the properties available on our Lettings site. Our Homecare department can recommend companies we work with if you’re looking to rent out your property for just part of the year as a holiday rental, to give you an idea of the pricing.
Visit Lettings > Visit Homecare >
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Life in Spain
Q: Should I become a resident of Spain?
A: If you’re going to be living here permanently, then it definitely makes sense to become a resident.
Find out more >
Q: Is living in Spain expensive?
A: The cost of living depends on your location but across southern Spain, prices for food, drink, activities and home expenses are generally lower than in the UK.
View money matters factsheet >
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Q: How much are water, electricity and any other utilities?
A: This differs depending on what location your property is in. Some communities include the water in the community fees for example. As a general guide, the average running costs for a home in Spain are somewhere between 3,000€–4,500€ a year.
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Q: Can my children attend a Spanish school?
A: Yes, of course. There’s a wide choice of excellent schools, both international and Spanish-speaking.
View education factsheet >
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Q: I have young children and they’re not keen on going to a Spanish school – any advice?
A: Learning a new language can be daunting. But in our experience most expat children, especially the younger ones, pick up the language and make new friends so fast that they soon stop worrying.
View education factsheet >
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Q: Can I bring my pets with me?
A: Yes, they’re more than welcome. Under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS),cats and dogs resident in the UK are allowed to visit Spain and return without quarantine, provided that certain conditions are met.
View pets factsheet >
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Q: Can I get a broadband internet connection in Spain?
A: Yes, there are many companies offering competitive flat rates for broadband connection in Spain, just as in other countries. It depends on the location of your Spanish property, but in most places you’ll get up to 2MB broadband without a problem. Best of all, our Homecare team can organise all of your utilities, including phone and internet set up. Go to Homecare >
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Q: What’s the weather like in the winter?
A: Very mild. Average daytime temperatures in the winter are around 15ºC, often reaching a pleasant 20ºC. View yearly averages and current temperatures >
[link to weather report]
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Q: Don’t the Spanish mind that there are so many foreigners coming to their country?
A: Not at all – Spain is a very welcoming and friendly country. What’s more, tourism and property are the biggest industries in southern Spain, and have been for about 40 years, bringing thousands of jobs, better facilities and a vastly improved infrastructure to the region.
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Selling your property
Q: What are the tax implications if I sell my Spanish property?
A: You could be liable for Capital Gains Tax. This really depends on your age, your residential status and the length of time you have owned the property.
View financial guide >
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