On Sunday 15th April we will be hosting The Spanish Property Show in Hull and Bellshill, Scotland.

They wanted a home where they could relax, enjoy a laid back lifestyle and the excellent climate that the Costa Blanca offers and also a base from where they could explore the rest of Spain and Europe.

The popular USA show House Hunters International filmed how they got on when Vern & Nicole visited Spain and met MASA International to see if they could find their perfect Spanish property.

If you would like MASA International to help you find your dream property in Spain get in touch with us, we’d love to help you too. Call us on UK 0208 603 0180.

Eight years ago, in the year 2003, my family decided to move to sunny Spain. I remember vaguely saying goodbye to my best friend, but I was just six years old at the time. I was a little confused to tell you the truth. I had been on holiday abroad before, but now we were going to live in a country I barely knew about! I felt excited, a whole new life opening up before me. I was leaving the coastal city of Plymouth for the warm, Spanish sun of Alicante. We headed off with all our prized possessions, including our cat, Kiki, and we left my older sister behind as she went to university. Leaving Plymouth at such a young age meant I never really missed it. I was too young to remember how life was over there, but I’m definitely sure that my life in Spain is better.

We settled in the mountainous town of Onil. The house was a nice introduction to Spain. We had a pool, something that we would never have owned in Plymouth, and the weather was warm for a change! There were the odd problem or two, namely living a fair distance from our school, but I enjoyed it nonetheless and I made some good friends immediately. Of my three first friends, I’m proud to say I still know them all today.

After living there, we moved to Matola, near Elche. Not only were we considerably closer to school now, but also we had a huge garden that allowed me and my friends to play in and a lovely swimming pool. The house was nice and large, and we had our own olive tree field at the far side of the premises of our house. I loved it, my older brother loved it, my parents loved it and Kiki liked it too. Soon after, we bought our first dog, Willow, and we have treasured her since. She loves our grand garden and I always remember how that wouldn’t be possible if we had stayed in England.

I recall the countless days I spent with my friends in the summer, playing ‘tag’ or ‘guns’ or any other game we could ever dream of playing. Spain gave me the opportunity to develop a passion for their favourite sport too: football. At the age of seven, I was being introduced into the footballing world by my friends and classmates. I am now a football fanatic to say the least, and even though I may not be Lionel Messi when it comes to playing, I still enjoy a ‘kick-about’ either with my friends at home or at my school. Whenever I talk to my friends from England, they never talk about playing football, which I think is a shame.

We met people who lived near us too and developed more friendships. I made more and more friends as the years passed and I celebrated a few good birthday parties too as time flew past. Spain was great for our family. My father was happy running his own dental practice and my mother would always be at home, caring for me and my brother, Toby. My sister from England would come back to Spain to see us several times a year. She appeared happy in England, and she seemed fine with our move to Alicante. We still see her quite often.

The other big difference I’ve noticed is that whenever my father and mother want to go to a restaurant, the Spanish are happy to allow children in of almost any age. Instead of being frowned upon, like so often in Britain, we often see children sitting, very sensibly, with their families. There is never any disruption and I wonder whether taking the children out to genteel restaurants at a young age makes the child more mature. All in all, I certainly prefer a lovely meal from a top-class restaurant than a ‘happy meal’ from McDonalds!

After a couple of years in Matola, we took another choice to move to another house, the one we still live in today. In 2005 we moved to a small urbanisation called Valverde.  We have a pool, a lovely garden and much more space in the house. I would never want to leave Valverde any time soon. We are closer to school than ever, just fifteen minutes in the car, and the urbanisation has so many great facilities. They have two football pitches, one large and one small, a huge communal pool (although we do have our own!), a park and two concrete tennis courts. Luckily for me, two of my friends moved into the urbanisation too! I am practically next-door-neighbours with one and the other lives around the corner. This means that we often meet up to play football and then jump into one of our refreshing pools. In England, I am almost 100% certain that this would never have been possible, but I’m living in a place that is great for me.

We bought our second dog, Alfie, to keep Willow company. Kiki didn’t seem to mind, and our entire family has lived happily since we bought him. My sister in England worked hard and things went well for her even with her family in Spain, and my brother has finished his GCSE’s and has gotten great results. As for me, I’m starting my first important exams next year. Every year I’m excited to what might happen; whether it’s performing on my guitar or my acting, to getting the best results I can manage and while keeping enthralled in my English.

What I’ve learnt here in Spain is that there are very few countries that are as good with children or as good for children. I’m still keeping up with the English curriculum in my school while being fluent in a foreign language at the same time. I have developed a passion for sport, in particular football, and I have taken up both guitar and drama. I hope this shows that Spain has so many opportunities for all children, no matter what they want to do. I love my life in Spain and never, not even once, have I ever wanted to return to Britain.

Deciding to leave the UK with a young family is never easy especially when you are already running a successful dental practice, but Paul Saliba did just this, arriving in Alicante in 2003. Paul talks about why he moved to Spain and how great a decision it has been for him and his family.

Paul and his wife Sally were living in the southwest of England; a very beautiful part of the country; however after waking to yet another rainy summer Sunday morning they felt that maybe they should look again at their long held daydream of moving to sunnier climes. However, weather was not the solitary reason for contemplating a move.  Paul’s children were aged just eight and six years old and as any parents, they wanted the best life possible for their two young boys. They had been to Spain on holiday on a number of occasion and had always been impressed with the way family life seemed to take precedence over here. It was lovely to see children of all ages spending time with the elder generations and noted that children were always made to feel welcome wherever they were, rather than the second class citizens as so often happens in UK.

One of Paul and Sally’s main concerns was for the boys’ education and they opted to send them to a British school giving them the choice of continuing there careers either in UK or in Spain. Eight years later, they still have not left the school they had joined when they first arrived in Spain, the eldest just successfully completing his GCSEs.

However there were professional reasons too for the move. Paul had managed to build up a successful practice in the Cornwall however which each passing year found that red tape and paperwork was taking up more and more of his working day. Frequent changes in the NHS contract for dentist had restricted more and more Paul’s ability to offer a full range of treatments to his patients; things were somewhat better privately but often the cost to patients was prohibitive.

Paul started investigating different areas of Spain and finding an already working Dental Practice for sale on the Costa Blanca really set things in motion and in 2003 the British Dental Practice was formed.

It was by no means easy starting off. Despite buying into a fully functioning practice (originally set up in 1990) he would have lots of paperwork to work through during the first year but he finally managed to buy full ownership of the practice. Starting off with a very basic knowledge of the Spanish language, Paul had to get used to Spanish suppliers and technicians who, as we all know, have a different way of doing things than we may be used to in UK. Over the years this has no longer become a problem, and once you get used to the system, all obstacles can be overcome allowing the development of a successful business.

Paul has always strived to provide the highest level patient care and top quality dental treatment on all levels. He brings 20 years of experience from UK and now offers the highest standard of dental care to all patients, whether they only require a simple scale and polish or far more extensive crowns, bridges or cosmetic treatment.

Paul always specialised with nervous patients, assisting them to overcome their fears and offering a comfortable and sympathetic dental experience. He has endeavoured to give the British Dental Practice as relaxing atmosphere as possible. Sympathetic staff will offer full explanation of all treatments possible (and the relevant costs) in a language that the patients can understand. He also believes that it important to treat each patient as an individual tailoring each treatment plan to their different needs, desires and expectations however maintaining the flexibility to change things should the need arise.  Once again it is the professional freedom to prescribe treatment according to the patient’s needs, which ultimately means happy patients.

Paul loves the way his family has taken to Spanish life with the children having a mix of both British and Spanish cultures. The boys love being outdoors and playing all sorts of sports, are perfectly at home in any restaurant or when talking to adults and see family life as particularly important. However they will still be supporting England at the European championships next summer, much to the annoyance of their many Spanish friends.

Heading home after a day at the British Dental Practice will often mean a walk on the beach or a dip in the pool for Paul; not a pleasure he was likely to enjoy back in UK.

The lower rate will be available to anyone who purchases and completes on a new build property in 2012. This is very good news indeed for anyone considering buying a home in Spain who missed the window of opportunity last year.

The news also comes on the back of some strong data from the Ministry of Public Transactions, which recorded a 24.7% increase in the number of overseas buyers purchasing a property in Spain the 3rd quarter of 2011.

While figures for the final quarter of 2011 are yet to be published, it is expected that they will show an even bigger increase in overseas buyers returning to Spain and that the lower rate of purchase tax was instrumental in the late surge of buyers completing before the then deadline of 31 December.

While all coastal regions saw an increase, the Valencian region (Costa Blanca) was the biggest winner.

Isabel Bonig, the Valencian minister responsible for housing added that ’30% of all sales to foreigners in Spain are in Valencia (Costa Blanca). Alicante is the most popular area with foreign buyers, accounting for 85% of sales.’

Many of the established builders in the area also reported a rapidly growing interest and better than expected results for 2011.

Marc Pritchard, Sales & Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Espana explained “The increase in property sales to foreigners in the last quarter of 2011 shows that many have been discerning enough to strike while the iron is hot and purchase properties that are well priced and in excellent locations,”

In particular we are seeing the majority of buyers coming from the Scandinavian countries, Holland and Belgium. The UK market began to see a marked increase in the second half of 2011 and providing the Pound can retain or improve it’s position versus the Euro we expect this trend to continue in to 2012.

Check out the video below of thousands of revellers enjoying Christmas day at the beach. This years gathering at La Zenia beach near Torrevieja was just fantastic.  So many people from all over the world having a great time.  There were barbecues, brass bands, carol singers and plenty of vino for everyone.  The very best of what living in Spain means to so many people.

It’s Sunday, in Spain. Possibly the best day of the week. Correction, it’s most definitely the best day of the week in Spain.

While Spanish families spill onto the street, from apartments boasting multi-coloured awnings and freshly bleached steps, dressed in their Sunday best – I sit in the square with my writer’s uniform of jeans, sweatshirt and trainers. Nobody takes any notice though, they don’t care.

Waiters in fresh white aprons gracefully (and with some skill it must be said) weave between tables; stepping over dogs and children camped beneath their feet, and always bearing the proud moustache that seems to come with the job.

I’m aware that I have to get an article finished for one of the local newspapers and begin to get up as Juan, the café bar owner, saunters over and puts his hand on my shoulder to stop me.

‘Donde vas?’ he asks, Where are you going?

‘I have to work.’

‘But so early?’

It’s 10.30am…

My second coffee (ordered by Juan and endorsed by Lolis, his wife who is behind the counter) arrives, along with the Sunday newspaper, followed by Juan’s advice, ‘it’s Sunday, relax.’ So I do.

But rather than read I reflect on why so many people still come to Spain. It’s not rocket science I know, great climate, friendly people and a whole new way of life.

Despite, or perhaps that should be, in spite of, the current crisis gripping not only Europe but the whole world Spain’s draw to foreigners has hardy made a blip. Properties remain relatively cheap and plentiful and with banks (and the Spanish government) looking at ways to boost not only property sales but tourism too – Spain is becoming an even more attractive place to be.

The cost of living in Spain means you cans still eat (in or out) very reasonably and travelling around on trains or buses throughout the country is a cheap way of seeing what is a beautiful, and vast, place.

My friends are thinking of making the move over and they are interested in a property for sale in Gran Alacant which is nearby. I’ve told them to come over and take a look at what’s on offer here, and I don’t mean just the houses. That’s the simple bit. They’ll go to MASA International confident that they only sell houses with all the necessary paperwork to complete the sale, and that’s pretty much it for them. Apart, that is, from spending the next few weeks perhaps looking for new furniture and items for the new house.

No, I want them to see the way of life. To be in the town square on a Sunday morning and watching life going on. I want them to walk my dogs with me as the sun climbs over the Mediterranean horizon and I want to show them that Spain really is a land of opportunity should they feel the desire or need to begin working.

But most of all I want to show off what a great life can be had out here, on very little money – it’s all about taking your time. I love Sundays.

Tomorrow is Monday, but that’s fine because often a Monday in Spain is the same as a Sunday…but I don’t have to get dressed up…

International Schools in Spain

There are essentially two types of international schools in Spain.  There are schools that teach primarily in English and follow the UK curriculum with Spanish taught as a second language and those that teach in English and follow the Spanish educational curriculum.  Under the Spanish curriculum education is compulsory between the ages of 12 and 16.  Between the ages of 16 and 18, students can study the Bachillerato which then gives the opportunity to go to university in Europe and the USA.  Even though schools are called ‘international’, the majority of students are usually Spanish thereby your child will integrate easily and of course learn Spanish very quickly.

Spanish State School System

Although the school timetable, calendar dates and languages studied can vary depending on region, all state run schools in Spain follow the same format and regulations set by the central Ministry of Education.  School is obligatory from 6 to 16 years, however free schooling is provided for children from the age of 3. There are also a limited number of subsidized state nurseries for children ages 4 months and upwards.

Here are the different elements of the Spanish state school system:

Guardería (nursery) 4 months to 3 years  
The majority of Guardería/Nurseries are privately operated, however there are a very limited number of state nurseries too.  It is best not to depend on a state place for nurseries and they are quite difficult to get and are awarded via a means tested points system.

Centro Educación Infantil y Primaria  (CEIP) 
a) Educación Infantil 3 to 6 years :
Although it is not obligatory to attend school at this age, the government will provide your child if required and you are registered (on the pardon) at the town hall.  Places are allocated during a two week application period in March/April.  We have found that most town halls will still find a place for your child outside the application window.  Like the UK, place are awarded on a points system and your first choice of school is not guaranteed.

b) Educación Primaría 6  to12 years :
Education in Spain is compulsory from the age 6.  Again, places are awarded via the points system during after the march/April application period.  All children are guaranteed a place in a local school although there is no guarantee of a place in your first choice school.  The period of primary education is split in to 3 cycles.  Year 1 & 2 – Inicial, Year 3 & 4 – Media and Year 5 & 6 – Superior.  At the end of students’ time in primary education, each child is given a final report (Historial Academico) and copy is sent to secondary school.

Instituto de Educacion Secundaria (IES)
a) Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria ( ESO ) 12 to 16 years :

From the age of 12 to 16 students study to achieve the ‘Graduado Escolar’ which is a globally recognized certificate that demonstrates proficiency in the 6 core subjects plus three optional subjects.  Students are continually evaluated and those who have not reached the required standard in more than two subjects will be required to repeat the year again.  A particular year can only repeated once and a student cannot ‘repeat’ more than two times during their secondary education.

Like primary place allocation, the town hall is obligated to provide a place for every student and places at particular schools  are awarded a points system during the March/April two week window.  Again,  we have found that most town halls are willing to accept students outside the ‘window’ if you are moving to the area.
b)Educacion Secundaria No obligatoria ( Bachillerato ) 16 to 18 years :
Students study for two years to receive ‘Bachiller’ which demonstrates a proficiency in seven of the core subjects plus and additional seven/eight subjects chosen by the student.

Example bachillers (availability can differ depending on the Instituto) :
Art – art, image and design
Performing arts – music and dance
Science and Technology
Humanities and Social Sciences

Evaluation is internal and continuous and the teaching staff decides if each student has reached the required level in all their subjects and has the required maturity to be awarded the bachiller title. Students considered to have not acquired the necessary level or maturity are required to repeat a year. Students who have been awarded the Bachiller can then apply to University by sitting an external entrance exam set by the University board for that region where they are examined in language and literature, a foreign language, history or philosophy and other subjects of their choice.

Through internal and continual evaluation teachers will decide if the student has achieved the required standard in their subjects.  Those have reached the standard will be awarded title of Bachiller.  If a student has not reached the required level they will be required to repeat the year again. Achieving the Bachiller award means the student can then apply to go to University and sit the entrance examination where the student will be examined in the core and the students chosen subjects.

Formación Profesional 16 years upwards
The Formacion Professional is another type of further education with emphasis on vocational study such as catering, design, fashion, IT etc.  Usually some form of extended work experience/placement is made with a relevant company. This form of further education is available to students who have achieved Graduado Escolar  or Bachiller level.

MASA International offer their customers free advice and assistance with school placement as part of our Spanish relocation service.

You see it all started when the Romans (sensibly) decided that a trip and a long stay (400 years) in Spain was what they needed and began developing methods to extract salt from the Mediterranean. Skipping a few centuries and by the 15^th and 16^th centuries the business of salt in La Mata was booming and, it is said, to have helped fund Columbus’s explorations.

These days the salt lake is a nature reserve (Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja ) and home to wide and varied range of flora and fauna and of course birdlife. In the modern visitor centre the species that you’ll see are listed (too many for this page) and include populations of black winged stilts, dunlin, stone curlew, Montagu’s harrier, osprey, terns, eared grebes, and flamingos. Handily in the park there are plenty of paths and observation towers to view the wildlife at work, rest and play. Surrounding the lake are reed beds, marsh grassland and scrub.

The town of La Mata itself still boasts a traditional Spanish lifestyle and atmosphere, although due to the increase in demand for Spanish property there has been a lot of development in La Mata the essence of the town remains the same. To endorse that further a street market every Wednesday is always busy with locals and visitors from elsewhere all keen to explore the stalls there.

La Mata is famous in the region for its superb beaches and with over two and a half kilometres of fine, clean beaches with modern facilities to cater for all and, (I can vouch for all of them!) some of the best restaurants on the Costa. Not only for their superb location close to the beautiful Mediterranean but also has the reasonable cost of a fresh seafood lunch or dinner for under a tenner, with wine, got my vote.

La Mata has its fair share of fiestas throughout the year too but two to look out for are the Virgen del Rosario (in October) and the Virgen del Carmen (in July), the other significant fiestas are Christmas and Easter (Semana Santa) but rest assured, you’ll no doubt happen across some sort of celebration or another at pretty much any time of the year, the Spanish are great for that..

Once again back into town and through the narrow streets. Follow your nose and have a look at the ‘Menu del Dia’ boards outside of all the restaurants if you’re looking for a decent lunch. The locals welcome the more modern (and cosmopolitan) residents to the town realising that they help to support the small town’s economy.

A few steps from the beach you’ll find the pretty town square which is surrounded by shops and cafes or head along Calle Alemania and rest up (with a local wine and some Manchego cheese?) in the park amongst the trees on the well-kept lawns. Just next to the park is a new development of quality property for sale in La Mata, so I asked if I could have a look at the show flat – impressive. The Aqua Nature complex will eventually house over 140 apartments (finished 2013) and with superb panoramic views of the coast it’s not surprising there’s a lot of interest. The well designed interior has clearly been thought about too – I wouldn’t mind one of them myself.

These days La Mata is a wonderful fusion of all that is best about Spain, traditionally and culturally, and the new modern facilities that have enhanced the town make it a place to enjoy all that is best about living abroad, and with some of the best views you’ll get on the costa thrown in!

Expat and Spain lover, Nigel Jardine is probably the hardest person I’ve had to write about, for a start trying to sum him up in a few words is impossible as he’s worked in theatre and the music industry as a performer, designer, technical manager, musician, lecturer and administrator. Add to that the fact that Nigel has an eclectic background and world of experiences, which is a huge benefit to his coaching and media work.

And… he trained as a cyclist in the ‘70s and was put forward for the Olympic Team and  he’s renovated and developed over 10 properties in the UK and abroad, since his first house in 1980 (and is now mortgage free). And finally, he was, and still is, a professional drummer and music producer.

Nigel, as you can see, like to keep busy, for example just this year (in March) an amazing opportunity arose when he was asked by Marvel Comic creator Stan Lee to be filmed as part of the History Channel’s “Stan Lee’s Superhumans” TV programme which is to be aired firstly on the History Channel US later this year and then it will be available for worldwide release, watch this space for more info.

Why Spain?

However ‘driven’ Nigel is I managed to sit him down for a few minutes to tell me why he has chosen Spain as his new home. Nigel loves the climate and the people. Not only does Spain allow him to immerse himself in his (and wife Jane’s) passion of cycling, they are in a country that loves its bikes! But they can get out on the bikes as much as possible.

Nigel’s hectic work schedule sees him flying around the world and he wanted somewhere that would give him ‘quality time’ when he was back from work and relaxing. That meant for Nigel the climate and terrain to cycle and a home that while peaceful, still allows him to interact with neighbours.

Relaxing

‘Here I can really be me,’ says Nigel, ‘if I’m not working then I’m out on my bike in the beautiful Spanish countryside or at home making a racket on the drums. In Spain I can unwind from the hustle and bustle of dealing with high-maintenance executives or stressed actors and enjoy the slower pace of life. The Spanish have it so right when it comes to quality of life – they work to live and make the most out of every day – we could all learn a thing or two from the way they embrace life.

‘When I’m working away in the US or somewhere else in the world, I can’t wait to get back to my home in Spain – I’ve usually planned the barbecue on the plane flying in! I enjoy being active and keeping myself in shape but even I enjoy the Spanish food and wine, of which there is always plenty.

‘A simple stroll along the beach is something that we can take for granted but when I’m working away it’s one of the things that I really ;look forward to on my return, that and the inevitable nine-course meal with some of the locals at some point too.’ But did he have any fears about buying in Spain? And would he offer any advice to people thinking of making the move?

Advice

‘With my history in renovating houses I wasn’t that fazed by the idea of buying abroad but I did my homework and spoke to people who had made the move successfully. I also checked out useful website blogs that shared other peoples’ experiences of making the move and eventually we had our Spanish property. The best advice I can offer is go to the professionals, and know what you want out of Spain, what type of home, what sort of area and discuss it with an agent who knows the area well.’

Nigel clearly loves his life in Spain and says it’s the best move he’s made in his busy life but most of all he notes that Spain really does allow him to relax and indulge his passions but he looks forward to nothing more than that simple evening stroll on the beach each time he returns.

Learn more about Nigel Jardine and his adventures at www.nigeljardine.com