Post by: Pewster on January 27, 2018, 10:44.
I understand whichever agent we buy it through will no doubt offer us advice and contacts etc., but I have also read a lot of advice to secure the services of an independent solicitor ( or equivalent ) to use for the purchase to ensure everything is checked out accordingly.
We will be buying in the Gran Alacant area and wondered if anybody on here would have any experience of or recommendation for a suitable independent contact ?
Dave
Post by: Spurs on January 27, 2018, 10:51.
Her email is. office@andreaburns.es
Post by: Pewster on January 27, 2018, 11:12.
Dave
Post by: Aficionado on January 27, 2018, 12:54.
Post by: lesandtony on January 27, 2018, 15:49.
Can also recommend Andrea, acted for us when we bought and still looks after fiscal matters for us.Try Sonia da Costa at costablancabeachhomes .com
She will take you through everything personally and lives in Gran alacant. Tele no. 0034659018747. Mention me tony Whittaker.
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Post by: Pewster on February 18, 2018, 14:13.
Post by: John H on February 18, 2018, 14:24.
A lot of the properties on Novamar also come with underground parking and storage rooms in the parking area, very useful for tools, bikes, beach equipment.....or if you are contemplating renting the property out somewhere to store all your possessions whilst someone else is using your home.
Apart from the pools on each phase there is also a communal recreation area with a tennis court, basketball nets, kiddies play area.....we have voted recently to spend a few quid updating this area.
Novamar is very handy for the beach, you don’t need to ascend/descend Cardiac Hill, it’s also handy for the Carabassi Bars and it’s an easy walk on the flat to the supermarkets and night life at the Commercial Centre.
This always starts a debate, but here goes, if you are contemplating using the property over the winter buy a south facing property, it makes one hell of a difference.
Happy hunting
Regards all
John
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Post by: kevinb on February 18, 2018, 15:23.
Post by: Pewster on February 18, 2018, 15:36.
Post by: Alicante Holiday Villas on February 18, 2018, 15:37.
If you are thinking of renting the property and would like impartial advice as to the best type or property and urb for that purpose, please don't hesitate to give us a call.
Post by: Pewster on February 18, 2018, 15:51.
Post by: sunseekers on February 18, 2018, 16:15.
We bought with homefinders who are excellent and also did all the legal stuff, setting our bills up and everything. Andrea is lovely and a great fiscal rep. Happy hunting guys.
Post by: llamedos on February 18, 2018, 19:57.
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Post by: Chris C on February 18, 2018, 20:01.
Post by: llamedos on February 18, 2018, 21:03.
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Post by: puddy-woo on February 18, 2018, 22:16.
. It’s a small complex with nice gardens which appealed to me. Has pools, tennis, covered parking etc and overlooks the nature reserve. I think they are a TM build. We used to own a Serena on Monte y Mar Alta. That was a MASA build. Their reputation is not so good but we had no problems with the apartment although they lied about how the surrounding area and pool would be. I preferred the layout of the Serena but did not like the pool area. There are some good bars and restaurants a short walk away though. In the winter the Carabassi area is like a ghost town so possibly better to be up the Hill at that time of year. There are quite a lot of services up on the Altomars and lots of pools but it is definitely a drive to the beach and very hilly. I dont think the train/bus serves us that well down our end, its a pain if you want a drink in the Commercial Centre or the Masa Square as you literally have to ride round the whole of GA to get home and the last train is around 11.30 
It might be an easy walk back, but its a slap, i know, I’ve done it enough!! There are plusses and minuses for all areas so its what suits you really. I also think a good president is very important as is a lifeguard in the summer if you have small children. We love where we are and don’t think we’d go to a different area other than Novamar or when we win the lotto and get a villa Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: David D on February 19, 2018, 17:54.
Dave
Post by: Pewster on February 19, 2018, 23:36.
Post by: Keith and Jen on February 20, 2018, 08:41.
If you are not too bothered about beach life then there is no particular reason to find somewhere near there. However the land is more or less flat down there so those with mobility problems will most likely prefer it.
If you don't need to shop every day there is no problem getting from Brisamar to the GA Centre on the circular bus. It takes me about 30 minutes to walk down (40 minutes return). We have two small supermarkets close by - Quiksave (mostly expensive British food) and Unide Supermarket on the Life Resort. We use these mostly for milk and bread (sliced English loaves at QS and fresh-baked baguettes at LR).
The Pharmacy, doctors' surgery, library and council offices are just over 5 mins. away downhill. Also very close are several cafes, and some of the best restaurants in GA - especially 'Good View', without doubt the best Indian food in GA.
We are situated next to the weekly market and the Sports Centre on one side and the 'sierra' on the other. This is an extensive area of scrubland, mostly stunted pine trees and eucalyptus. There are may paths across this and we have spent many happy hours wandering around. The main path leads to the lighthouse and another very wide one leads to Santa Pola. The area is popular with bikers.
Brisamar can be more windy than urbs. down at the bottom (the clue is in the name) - we are on a headland after all. This can be an advantage in summer but you need shelter from the icy wind in winter.
So, if you have a large family who like to come for lots of 'free' holidays by the sea then Brisamar is maybe not for you. Otherwise Brisamar is no better or worse than other urbs. One soon gets used to the 'hills' and very soon they will not be noticed. We are in our 70s and regularly walk to the beach. One can always catch the bus back.
The main disadvantage is the walking distance to catch the bus to Santa Pola or Alicante. It will take 10 - 15 minutes fast walk downhill to get there. Most buses do not go so far up the hill but some do. You need to understand the timetable (an IQ test). If you have a car of course there is no problem.
Get in touch by private message if you need more detailed information.
Keith
Post by: Pewster on February 20, 2018, 09:43.
Post by: JB on February 20, 2018, 11:53.
I was never really a beach person but have to admit the beach in GA has converted me. So I would recommend sampling this as this could be a key decision maker for a location.
Generally to get about to the other areas you are going to have to navigate hills but you get used to it and I see it as some extra burning of calaries to allow for some drinks / Food.
Post by: Blacky42 on February 20, 2018, 12:15.
New to the forum and I am following this thread with keen interest as we are in a similar position to Pewster.Coming over in mid April for a good look at properties with a view to buying and all the information being given on here is so useful.
Reading this thread and some of the older ones has been invaluable for us in gaining as much local knowledge as we can before we come over so thanks very much to you all,it is much appreciated.
All the best,
Mark
Post by: gunner on February 20, 2018, 14:40.
Post by: Pewster on February 20, 2018, 16:02.
Post by: BeachLife on February 20, 2018, 17:00.
Post by: kevinb on February 20, 2018, 19:14.
Post by: kevinb on February 20, 2018, 20:49.
Post by: Sookie on February 21, 2018, 11:29.
Post by: Pewster on February 21, 2018, 14:05.
Costa Hispania community ! Now I assume looking at the pictures ( and the strange looking render on the buildings ) that this is one of the older areas, but location looks great. Would love to hear from anybody on here who has a property on there and can give us some insight into it ?
More general, opening a Spanish Bank Account. I'm assuming were going to need one so how easy will it be to open and what will we need ? We have a uk Santander account so is it going to be easiest for us to just stroll into the Santander at the commercial centre ( any feedback on hours of business would be useful ) and open a Spanish account with them ? and if so, what are we likely to need because at this point we won't yet own a Spanish property or have a Spanish address ?
Thanks again in advance, Dave
Post by: lesandtony on February 21, 2018, 14:55.
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Post by: lesandtony on February 21, 2018, 15:01.
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Post by: puddy-woo on February 21, 2018, 15:20.
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Post by: Alicante Holiday Villas on February 21, 2018, 18:26.
We have one rental property on Costa Hispania that the owners have renovated. If you want to have a look to see what can be done, follow this link!
https://goo.gl/pDQAkV
Post by: steve watson on February 21, 2018, 18:58.
Steve
Post by: Alicante Holiday Villas on February 22, 2018, 09:53.
Post by: BeachLife on February 22, 2018, 19:18.
Got a friend by my place who wants to upgrade and (yes) still stay on in GA in retirement. He's got a lovely south facing Coral - so he has to go through the faff of selling, estate agent fees buying and taxes etc just to stay in the area.
I wonder if there are people who are the other bookend - who want to stay but have (say) a Villa with a pool on a plot who want to downsize and spring €100k of cash ?
Its a great idea but no doubt full of pitfalls even if we bought some people together - any takers ?
Post by: Pewster on February 23, 2018, 11:48.
Think I will go through the above before I start handing over £100k in a brown envelope :)
Post by: Blacky42 on February 23, 2018, 13:30.
Cheers,
Mark
Post by: John H on February 23, 2018, 14:15.
' so he has to go through the faff of selling, estate agent fees buying and taxes etc just to stay in the area. '
Think I will go through the above before I start handing over £100k in a brown envelope
A few years ago a house just down from us had the home made Se Vende sign on the garden gate, some Germans I knew who wanted to buy on Novamar went for a look round
They were offered a hell of a deal, about 70% of market value, for a quick cash sale. They contacted their solicitor, within 5 minutes he told them there was a €135,000 outstanding mortgage debt on the property!!
As we learned in Latin many many years ago caveat emptor, there are rogues out there
Regards all
John
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Post by: Blue and white stripes on February 23, 2018, 16:11.
Post by: DaveG on February 23, 2018, 17:21.
You will find that the Costa Hispania gardens and pools (4) have had very extensive work over the last 12 months and are now extremely well maintained and manicured. The garden areas are probably the most extensive that I know of in an urbanisation. Like others I don't like the horizontal render but that is only on phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 the yellow houses behind the Carabasi bars are a different finish and the properties in this part of the urbanisation are less crowded together. I have a friend whose house on phase 3 is not advertised yet but will be on sale in the late spring / early summer. It is one of the south facing ones onto Avda Polonia and will be in need of some cosmetic restoration initially. Murphy at Solbuilders has done at least four full reforms on this phase of the urb that show what it is possible to do to update the properties. Urb fees are €180 / quarter if that's in your calculation. I would take up Mark's of AHV's to look around his rental property because then you can wander around inside the urb; otherwise it may be difficult to get in, although you can go front to back through the restaurant it's opening hours are always - to me at least - a bit random.
Personally I could not envisage living up the hill. I am less than 5 minutes from the Carabasi bars and the bus and tram stops, the same from the Clot and 15 minutes flat walk to the waters edge at the beach. Better still a 25 minute stroll along the prom and I'm at the Estrella del Mar bar in Arenales. The GA centre is also a 25 minute gentle walk as well. No views perhaps but less wind. Probably quieter in winter but that suits me also.
Good luck with the purchase I'm sure you won't regret it wherever you settle; after 16 years I don't.
Dave
Post by: Pewster on February 23, 2018, 22:37.
Post by: Pewster on March 08, 2018, 16:12.
Post by: Spurs on March 08, 2018, 16:59.
Good luck with purchase
Post by: John H on March 08, 2018, 17:07.
Regards all
John
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Post by: Blue and white stripes on March 08, 2018, 18:51.
Post by: Pewster on March 08, 2018, 20:33.
Post by: DaveG on March 08, 2018, 20:46.
Scroll down to Miscellaneous
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Dave
Post by: John H on March 08, 2018, 20:51.
For work like that you’ll need permission from the community and a minor building licence from the town hall, you’ll soon get used to the bureaucracy
Regards all
John
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Post by: kevinb on March 09, 2018, 09:08.
Post by: Pewster on March 09, 2018, 11:32.
Will small building works also apply to things like enclosing small square external area off kitchen and having a sun canopy on the roof ?
Thanks all
Dave
Post by: masmu on March 09, 2018, 14:15.
I would second the recommendation for Euronics in the GA Commercial Centre for any electrical goods. They are very helpful, delivery promptly and fit the equipment for you. They also take away any old appliances if necessary.
For furniture I would recommend Mariola on La Marina urbanisation. Lovely people and a good selection. When we were looking for our last sofas we saw the ones we really liked apart from the way the arm rests took up a lot of the seating area. No problem. Fernando (?) rang the manufacturers and they modified the design for us at a cost of 50 euros!
Good luck
Post by: Andy L on March 09, 2018, 17:16.
Post by: llamedos on March 09, 2018, 17:41.
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Post by: Fran on March 09, 2018, 23:13.
Post by: sunseekers on March 14, 2018, 10:40.
Post by: Pewster on March 15, 2018, 15:17.
Post by: Corporal Jones on March 18, 2018, 08:55.
Regards Victor
Post by: Pewster on March 18, 2018, 09:56.
Post by: John H on March 18, 2018, 12:04.
Regards all
John
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Post by: John H on March 18, 2018, 17:47.
Albeit rather late in the day Mr Sunshine has at last made an appearance
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Post by: Lynda2910 on March 20, 2018, 19:30.
Post by: sunseekers on March 21, 2018, 10:13.
S
Post by: Lynda2910 on March 21, 2018, 11:02.
Post by: Pewster on April 02, 2018, 18:50.
Did you go and any good ?
Dave
Post by: Lynda2910 on April 03, 2018, 17:10.
Post by: John H on April 03, 2018, 17:20.
Regards all
John
Post by: Pewster on April 08, 2018, 20:45.
At least for the next couple of years we will be using the place intermittently for mainly friends and family and ourselves holidays. We want good internet coverage for I pads and laptops etc, TV wise a handful of Freeview English channels will suffice. I believe there is an Ariel and TV points in the place we are buying, but defiantly seen no dish ( and have no desire to have one ). Our usage will vary greatly throughout the year on a month to month basis depending on if the place is empty or if anybody's there, so any recommendations on who's and what service we may be best with ?
Also, burglar alarms, how necessary are they and any recommendations should we choose to install one ?
Cheers again in advance
Dave
Post by: Brandon on April 11, 2018, 00:26.
We use GATV for internet.
We have the 3MB package.
Perfect for a family of 5 ( all online together on iPads, & phones incl Netflix, etc
Cost is approx €16+ per month over 12 months,
Otherwise €26 per visit on holiday package or a straight €156 per annum single payment (20% saving on monthly charge)
For TV, we paid about €99 to Euronics guy to install free to air ENGLISH TV channels using a set top box.
There are internet packages also available.
Burglar alarm.... didn’t get one and I think once you have the security grilles on doors & windows, these are more important.
Best regards,
Brandon.
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Post by: Pewster on April 11, 2018, 13:02.
Update, not at all excited about the fact that I now know I will officially become a Gran Alacant property owner on Friday 27th April, not looking forward to the trip to complete at all as I sit here staring at the 22nd continuous day of uk rain ;)
Post by: Pewster on April 30, 2018, 15:17.
Bricodepot in Elche is cheaper than Le Roy and probably the same distance from GA. You can download their catalogue on line. I also use the Ferreteria in the GA Centre. There's a young spanish assistant in there who speaks better English than I do.
By the way, I think we've ended up as your near neighbour judging by your previous posts ;)
I've always got on with my Baggies friends, so hope you won't mind if I name the new pad " Chitonda Villa " :D
Dave