Packages are available from Grandstand Motor Sports (0845 375 0300) www.grandstandmotorsports.co.uk
Or do your own thing with the help of Ebookers
Sunday, 13 January 2008
New European Grand Prix in Valencia
Valencia, which staged the America's Cup in 2007, will this year be a new venue on the Formula One circuit. Like the famous Monaco Grand Prix, the race, on August 24, will run along the city's waterfront around the America's Cup Marina.
Packages are available from Grandstand Motor Sports (0845 375 0300) www.grandstandmotorsports.co.uk
Or do your own thing with the help of Ebookersg(675437)a(993299))
Packages are available from Grandstand Motor Sports (0845 375 0300) www.grandstandmotorsports.co.uk
Or do your own thing with the help of Ebookers
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Buying Property on the Internet in the UK or Overseas
Find property on eBay
Finding a property and moving in can be one of the most stressful times of your life.
There are many ways that the internet can help you to ease the strain of buying a property and moving home.
In today's busy world, the internet provides a convenient shopping portal for a whole wealth of products. Whether it's your weekly shopping or a brand new television, these days you can buy virtually anything you want without leaving the comforts of your own home. But what if that item on your shopping list is, in fact, a home? Where do you look? And which services, can you now find at a click of a button?
When I looked into this, I was surprised at how much time and money using the internet could save me. It seems that if you know where to look, and are fairly open-minded, you can pretty much organise your entire home move from the computer you are sitting at right now.
Where to look?
Many buyers traditionally start by looking at popular property websites such as rightmove.co.uk and findaproperty.com. However, these sites will only display properties featured by affiliated estate agents. I prefer sites like zoomf.com and nestoria.co.uk, which aim to challenge the traditional estate agents' sites and become the Google of the property world. These sites search the whole market for a property for sale in any given area, irrespective of whether or not the seller has paid for the privilege of advertising on the site. On Zoomf.com, you can even refine your search by features such as 'open-plan', 'Victorian' or 'garden'.
Making an Offer
Once you've found your dream home, how can you figure out what price to offer? Type the postcode into nethouseprices.com and you can see what the current owner paid (providing they bought the property within the past seven years). Alternatively, take a look at ononemap.com, which provides an interactive map of England where both available and sold properties can be viewed at a glance.
In today's buyer's market, propertysnake.co.uk could also prove invaluable, as it gives details of properties which have fallen in price in any particular area, and how long they have been on the market. If you play your cards right, you may be able to use this information to cut thousands off the price tag.
So the web has helped you find the ideal property. Now you've got to decide what kind of mortgage you want. There are three main types:
1. Fixed rate mortgagesThis is the most popular type of mortgage. Sign up for, say, a two year deal, and you know that you'll be paying the same interest rate throughout that period. 2. Discounted rate mortgagesOn these mortgages, you pay a rate that is a certain level below the lender's standard variable rate. The rate may vary during the course of the deal, so discounted mortgages can be a good bet if you think interest rates are going to fall. 3. Tracker mortgagesThese are similar to discount mortgages but they track the Bank of England's base rate instead of the lender's standard variable rate.
Getting a mortgage
You can find out a lot of information about mortgages online. For example, to find out the most competitive deals on offer at the moment, check out the best buy tables from sites such as The Motley Fool. You can also use their mortgage calculators to find out how much you'll be paying each month.
If you want to have a chat to a real-life person, a whole-of-market mortgage broker can take the hassle out of the mortgage process by searching the entire market and recommending the best deal for your individual circumstances.
Engage a conveyancer
If you want to keep your conveyancing costs down, take a look at e-conveyancer.
The e-conveyancer site can help you find a solicitor who will do the conveyancing work for you. Because e-conveyancing sites generate a list of competitive quotes from a range of solicitors (who in most cases can be instructed at the click of a button), you may be able to find a cheap one. What's more, once you've hired the solicitor he or she can keep you up-to-date with progress online.
Moving Home
Once you've exchanged contracts and are ready to move into your new pad, where do you start?
moveme.com is great for even the most disorganised of movers, as it gives you a handy step-by-step calendar to remind you of the important things which need to be done regarding the big move. It even provides you with important documents you can print and send off, such as a parking permit application form and a mail redirection form for the Royal Mail - essential to prevent potential identity fraud or missing bill payments, both of which can affect your credit rating. And if you're packing and need boxes, Mad4-packaging on eBay can help you there.
You can't rely on the internet for everything - you might want to get out and actually visit the property at some point, for instance -- but as we have seen it can prove a useful source of information. Play your cards right, and your home move will not only be a lot smoother, it will be cheaper, too.
Finding a property and moving in can be one of the most stressful times of your life.
There are many ways that the internet can help you to ease the strain of buying a property and moving home.
In today's busy world, the internet provides a convenient shopping portal for a whole wealth of products. Whether it's your weekly shopping or a brand new television, these days you can buy virtually anything you want without leaving the comforts of your own home. But what if that item on your shopping list is, in fact, a home? Where do you look? And which services, can you now find at a click of a button?
When I looked into this, I was surprised at how much time and money using the internet could save me. It seems that if you know where to look, and are fairly open-minded, you can pretty much organise your entire home move from the computer you are sitting at right now.
Where to look?
Many buyers traditionally start by looking at popular property websites such as rightmove.co.uk and findaproperty.com. However, these sites will only display properties featured by affiliated estate agents. I prefer sites like zoomf.com and nestoria.co.uk, which aim to challenge the traditional estate agents' sites and become the Google of the property world. These sites search the whole market for a property for sale in any given area, irrespective of whether or not the seller has paid for the privilege of advertising on the site. On Zoomf.com, you can even refine your search by features such as 'open-plan', 'Victorian' or 'garden'.
Making an Offer
Once you've found your dream home, how can you figure out what price to offer? Type the postcode into nethouseprices.com and you can see what the current owner paid (providing they bought the property within the past seven years). Alternatively, take a look at ononemap.com, which provides an interactive map of England where both available and sold properties can be viewed at a glance.
In today's buyer's market, propertysnake.co.uk could also prove invaluable, as it gives details of properties which have fallen in price in any particular area, and how long they have been on the market. If you play your cards right, you may be able to use this information to cut thousands off the price tag.
So the web has helped you find the ideal property. Now you've got to decide what kind of mortgage you want. There are three main types:
1. Fixed rate mortgagesThis is the most popular type of mortgage. Sign up for, say, a two year deal, and you know that you'll be paying the same interest rate throughout that period. 2. Discounted rate mortgagesOn these mortgages, you pay a rate that is a certain level below the lender's standard variable rate. The rate may vary during the course of the deal, so discounted mortgages can be a good bet if you think interest rates are going to fall. 3. Tracker mortgagesThese are similar to discount mortgages but they track the Bank of England's base rate instead of the lender's standard variable rate.
Getting a mortgage
You can find out a lot of information about mortgages online. For example, to find out the most competitive deals on offer at the moment, check out the best buy tables from sites such as The Motley Fool. You can also use their mortgage calculators to find out how much you'll be paying each month.
If you want to have a chat to a real-life person, a whole-of-market mortgage broker can take the hassle out of the mortgage process by searching the entire market and recommending the best deal for your individual circumstances.
Engage a conveyancer
If you want to keep your conveyancing costs down, take a look at e-conveyancer.
The e-conveyancer site can help you find a solicitor who will do the conveyancing work for you. Because e-conveyancing sites generate a list of competitive quotes from a range of solicitors (who in most cases can be instructed at the click of a button), you may be able to find a cheap one. What's more, once you've hired the solicitor he or she can keep you up-to-date with progress online.
Moving Home
Once you've exchanged contracts and are ready to move into your new pad, where do you start?
moveme.com is great for even the most disorganised of movers, as it gives you a handy step-by-step calendar to remind you of the important things which need to be done regarding the big move. It even provides you with important documents you can print and send off, such as a parking permit application form and a mail redirection form for the Royal Mail - essential to prevent potential identity fraud or missing bill payments, both of which can affect your credit rating. And if you're packing and need boxes, Mad4-packaging on eBay can help you there.
You can't rely on the internet for everything - you might want to get out and actually visit the property at some point, for instance -- but as we have seen it can prove a useful source of information. Play your cards right, and your home move will not only be a lot smoother, it will be cheaper, too.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Schooling in Spain
Schooling is a top priority for families looking to relocate to Spain and the education system here has a lot to offer.
Below is a guide to the national and international education options on the Costa del Sol and inland Andalucia provided by Andalucian Dream Homes. for the Costa del Sol, or Ideal Country Property for properties in towns such as Alhaurin, Coin, Mijas or Monda.
Types of School
1. Public (state) schools
Spain's public or state schools are non-fee paying, though parents pay for books, supplies and extra curricular activities. Qualifications gained are valid if your child wants to study at a UK university.
2. Spanish private schools
There are many varieties of Spanish private schools, some teach entirely in Spanish and are subsidised by the state providing they have 25 per cent Spanish students. Others are bilingual schools with a strong emphasis on English. Most are day Catholic schools and co-educational with classes from Monday to Friday. Fees vary, though they are generally lower than private schools in the UK.
3. Foreign schools
This term includes schools solely for expatriates and schools which encourage a mix of Spanish and foreign children. Classes are small and the atmosphere more relaxed than in Spanish schools. There is also a wider choice of academic subjects on offer and examination pass rates are high - as is the number of pupils going on to university. Fees vary from around 1.500 - 6.000€ a year.
Stages of Education
1. Nursery education 3-6 years (Educación Infantil, EI)
Children develop physical and mental skills and learn to read and write. Emphasis is placed on learning about cultures, the environment and road awareness skills.
2. Primary education 6-12 years (Educación Primaria, EP)
Primary education is split into three two-year periods. Pupils learn Spanish, maths, conocimiento del medio (history, geography and biology), PE, art and a second language. They will also learn about religion, focusing on Catholicism.
Classes are mixed ability and parents see teachers regularly to discuss progress. Children take exams from the third year of primary school, but there are no national level testing exams. Parents buy textbooks and materials, but few state schools have uniforms.
School hours are 9am to 4pm with an hour break for lunch. Some schools work until 1.30pm without a break and then finish for the day.
3. Secondary education 12-16/18 years (Educación Secundaria)
The Spanish secondary school system is similar to the British comprehensive system. Pupils begin four years of compulsory education at 12 and teaching is geared towards project work and continuous assessment.
Pupils staying on after 16 can study for the two-year 'Bachillerato' academic course (either arts, humanities, sciences or technology) or enroll on practical training courses called 'modulos'. Those who pass the Bachillerato and want to go on to university take an entrance exam in June
Enrolment
The first thing you need to do is go to the town hall in the area you're moving to and see what paperwork you need to complete. Take your child's birth certificate or passport with an official translation of the parents' passports. You'll also need proof of the child's immunisation, residence and two passport photographs.
To enrol your child in a Spanish state secondary school, you need proof of convalidation - the official record of your child's education. You should get the forms from the Department of Education in Madrid (Tel: 0034 91 701 8000) and do this before you move to Spain. Send the completed form together with your child's school record book and/or examination qualifications, plus birth certificate. Expect the process to take between three and six months.
Foreign pupils attending Spanish state schools also need a document called the 'empadronamiento'. You need to register at the local town hall for this. Take originals and photocopies of your passport, proof of address and your Spanish bank account details.
Below is a guide to the national and international education options on the Costa del Sol and inland Andalucia provided by Andalucian Dream Homes. for the Costa del Sol, or Ideal Country Property for properties in towns such as Alhaurin, Coin, Mijas or Monda.
Types of School
1. Public (state) schools
Spain's public or state schools are non-fee paying, though parents pay for books, supplies and extra curricular activities. Qualifications gained are valid if your child wants to study at a UK university.
2. Spanish private schools
There are many varieties of Spanish private schools, some teach entirely in Spanish and are subsidised by the state providing they have 25 per cent Spanish students. Others are bilingual schools with a strong emphasis on English. Most are day Catholic schools and co-educational with classes from Monday to Friday. Fees vary, though they are generally lower than private schools in the UK.
3. Foreign schools
This term includes schools solely for expatriates and schools which encourage a mix of Spanish and foreign children. Classes are small and the atmosphere more relaxed than in Spanish schools. There is also a wider choice of academic subjects on offer and examination pass rates are high - as is the number of pupils going on to university. Fees vary from around 1.500 - 6.000€ a year.
Stages of Education
1. Nursery education 3-6 years (Educación Infantil, EI)
Children develop physical and mental skills and learn to read and write. Emphasis is placed on learning about cultures, the environment and road awareness skills.
2. Primary education 6-12 years (Educación Primaria, EP)
Primary education is split into three two-year periods. Pupils learn Spanish, maths, conocimiento del medio (history, geography and biology), PE, art and a second language. They will also learn about religion, focusing on Catholicism.
Classes are mixed ability and parents see teachers regularly to discuss progress. Children take exams from the third year of primary school, but there are no national level testing exams. Parents buy textbooks and materials, but few state schools have uniforms.
School hours are 9am to 4pm with an hour break for lunch. Some schools work until 1.30pm without a break and then finish for the day.
3. Secondary education 12-16/18 years (Educación Secundaria)
The Spanish secondary school system is similar to the British comprehensive system. Pupils begin four years of compulsory education at 12 and teaching is geared towards project work and continuous assessment.
Pupils staying on after 16 can study for the two-year 'Bachillerato' academic course (either arts, humanities, sciences or technology) or enroll on practical training courses called 'modulos'. Those who pass the Bachillerato and want to go on to university take an entrance exam in June
Enrolment
The first thing you need to do is go to the town hall in the area you're moving to and see what paperwork you need to complete. Take your child's birth certificate or passport with an official translation of the parents' passports. You'll also need proof of the child's immunisation, residence and two passport photographs.
To enrol your child in a Spanish state secondary school, you need proof of convalidation - the official record of your child's education. You should get the forms from the Department of Education in Madrid (Tel: 0034 91 701 8000) and do this before you move to Spain. Send the completed form together with your child's school record book and/or examination qualifications, plus birth certificate. Expect the process to take between three and six months.
Foreign pupils attending Spanish state schools also need a document called the 'empadronamiento'. You need to register at the local town hall for this. Take originals and photocopies of your passport, proof of address and your Spanish bank account details.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Just Property Spain
Just Property Spain are the property management and rental professionals with an in-depth local knowledge of the Costa del Sol property rental market.
Sharon who set up Just Property Spain 2 years ago says "We care about our clients and our properties and pride ourselves on ensuring our rental properties are maintained to an excellent standard and that our rental clients have a positive and enjoyable stay in Spain. "
Rental Accommodation available on the Costa del Sol include Apartments, Townhouses, Villas, and Fincas. They have short term holiday lets, and long term rentals to suit every taste and requirement.
They specialise in rental accommodation in Alhaurin Golf, Lauro Golf and resorts along the Costa del Sol.
The beautiful white village of Alhaurin el Grande and the surrounding areas within the Guadalhorce valley. Close to the beach in the fishing village of La Cala de Mijas and near by resorts.
Sharon who set up Just Property Spain 2 years ago says "We care about our clients and our properties and pride ourselves on ensuring our rental properties are maintained to an excellent standard and that our rental clients have a positive and enjoyable stay in Spain. "
Rental Accommodation available on the Costa del Sol include Apartments, Townhouses, Villas, and Fincas. They have short term holiday lets, and long term rentals to suit every taste and requirement.
They specialise in rental accommodation in Alhaurin Golf, Lauro Golf and resorts along the Costa del Sol.
Thursday, 26 April 2007
BARGAINS IN THE SPANISH SUN
If you are thinking of buying property in Spain, you should read an article in the Daily Telegraph today.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
The Spanish housing market is on the verge of collapse and it will soon become a buyers market so now is the time to get in there and make your dream come true.
10 TIPS ON BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN
1. If you're buying because you like the Spanish lifestyle, then it won't go away just because of a market wobble. However, it might be safer to rent instead.
2. If you're buying purely for investment, ask yourself if this is truly the right time to do so.
3. Consider shared or fractional ownership. Don't pay for a Spanish home all year round if you don't need it all the time.
4. Prices away from the major resorts are much lower.
5. Make the most of a buyer's market. Many owners will want to offload their properties soon.
6. Consult an independent English-speaking lawyer.
7. Ask for a bank guarantee when buying off-plan, otherwise you could lose your shirt if the project goes under.
8. Plan your budget with the worst-case scenario in mind. If you can't afford to hold on to your home until the market recovers, then don't buy.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
The Spanish housing market is on the verge of collapse and it will soon become a buyers market so now is the time to get in there and make your dream come true.
10 TIPS ON BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN
1. If you're buying because you like the Spanish lifestyle, then it won't go away just because of a market wobble. However, it might be safer to rent instead.
2. If you're buying purely for investment, ask yourself if this is truly the right time to do so.
3. Consider shared or fractional ownership. Don't pay for a Spanish home all year round if you don't need it all the time.
4. Prices away from the major resorts are much lower.
5. Make the most of a buyer's market. Many owners will want to offload their properties soon.
6. Consult an independent English-speaking lawyer.
7. Ask for a bank guarantee when buying off-plan, otherwise you could lose your shirt if the project goes under.
8. Plan your budget with the worst-case scenario in mind. If you can't afford to hold on to your home until the market recovers, then don't buy.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
Friday, 16 March 2007
New Real Estate Agency in Alhaurin el Grande
Ideal Country Property has just opened in Alhaurin el Grande, only 20 minutes from Malaga airport. They cover an area slightly inland from the Costa del Sol, and offer a personalised service to match your requirements to one of the many types of property available - apartment, townhouse, finca or villa - to suit every budget.
The owners have many years of experience in the property market in this lovely area of Andalucia which has given them the knowledge and expertise to help make your purchase a trouble free and pleasant experience.
Ideal Country Property
The owners have many years of experience in the property market in this lovely area of Andalucia which has given them the knowledge and expertise to help make your purchase a trouble free and pleasant experience.
Ideal Country Property
Foreign Exchange - fixing the best deal
If you buy a property in Spain for every £100,000 you could pay as much as £6525 in extra fees by getting the wrong deal.
Using a bank to exchange £100,000 could cost you £4000 on a poor exchange rate, another £2000 in commission charges, a transfer fee of £25 and a receiving fee to a Spanish bank of £500.
Banks tend to have a poor foreign exchange rates as well as charging transfer fees and commissions. Foreign exchange companies are much cheaper and user friendly. They also offer you a chance to fix your exchange rate for up to two years which is useful if you are buying off plan and have to make staged payments. It is possible the fixed rate may not turn out to be the best rate but at least you will be certain how much you will have to pay.
Currencies Direct and HiFX are two of the foreign exchange companies to look out for. They do not charge transfer fees and once you have registered with them they will send you an alert when rates are favourable. So it’s a good idea to register as soon as you have agreed to purchase a property.
Examples: (Exchange rate on February 26th)
Using a bank to exchange £100,000 could cost you £4000 on a poor exchange rate, another £2000 in commission charges, a transfer fee of £25 and a receiving fee to a Spanish bank of £500.
Banks tend to have a poor foreign exchange rates as well as charging transfer fees and commissions. Foreign exchange companies are much cheaper and user friendly. They also offer you a chance to fix your exchange rate for up to two years which is useful if you are buying off plan and have to make staged payments. It is possible the fixed rate may not turn out to be the best rate but at least you will be certain how much you will have to pay.
Currencies Direct and HiFX are two of the foreign exchange companies to look out for. They do not charge transfer fees and once you have registered with them they will send you an alert when rates are favourable. So it’s a good idea to register as soon as you have agreed to purchase a property.
Examples: (Exchange rate on February 26th)
- Currencies Direct - rate 1.4861 = Euros 148,610 Transfer fee - None
- HiFX - rate 1.48 = Euros 148,000 Transfer fee - None
- Natwest - rate 1.42 = Euros 142,000 Transfer fee - £20
- Halifax - rate 1.4836 = Euros 148,360 Transfer fee £17.50
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
