Despite being bordered by only one other country (Spain), Portugal has an intercontinental feel. The culture, architecture, language and cuisine have all been influenced by centuries of global travel. Living standards are high due to the advanced economy, peaceful governance, and emphasis on moral freedom for its citizens. The weather is uniformly warm in the summer months, while temperatures in winter vary depending on location. For example, you’ll find snowfall in the mountains, mild microclimates by the coast and subtropical islands. But it’s the stunning variety of terrains that draws so many tourists and expats to the country. You can hike in the national parks, walk the cobbled streets of the historic villages, search the Atlantic horizon for glimpses of North America from dramatic cliffs or lounge on one of the many glittering beaches. The Portuguese have a hospitable nature and you can expect to eat freshly sourced ingredients cooked simply and served with a flourish. Fish, squid, smoked meats, olives, cheese, bread and local wines are plentiful and you’ll find produce markets and restaurants at every turn. Feasts are central features of many of the festivities but you’ll also find music, dancing and night-time revelries at the frequent celebrations throughout the year. The north of Portugal is rocky and rugged and famous for the port wine-growing region, the Douro Valley. Rising up from the rural interior are wild mountains dotted with hunks of granite and flowing from them, the wide, fertile Tagus, Guadiana and Douro rivers. Lisbon is the most densely populated city, closely followed by Porto, and the southern Algarve region is a tourist hotspot. The Madeira archipelago is made up of 8 volcanic peaks, only two of which are inhabited and there are 9 islands in the Azores offering pale beaches, thermal lakes, geysers and black lava fields. This land has been fought over by Celts, Goths, Greeks, Romans and Moors, each of whom have left their architectural marks. Modern property development tends towards spacious, open-plan homes with echoes of these historical styles. The people of Portugal revere a rural life and as a result, there are a lot of villas or plots of land for development available in the countryside. In contrast, the cities and coastal regions are filled with affordable apartments. The road networks are good, air travel is quick and easy from northern Europe and America and there are high-speed international trains from connecting cities in France and Spain. Children are legally required to be in education from six to eighteen years old and there is a range of schooling options for international students, from public state schools, private faith schools or international schools. There is a state healthcare system in Portugal too. EU citizens can access it for free once they’ve registered and received a healthcare number (cartão de utente).

base64_flag_pt.png

thumbnail_flag_pt.png

xsmall_flag_pt.png

flag_pt.png

Portugal

Portugal en

Are you looking for a change of scenery? &nbsp;If this is the case, France should be at the top of your list! This magnificent country is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes with a wide range of settings to suit everyone's tastes and a rich history that will captivate you. Starting with the southern part of the country, the warmth of the people will greet you at every turn. This region is well-known for its sunny weather, sun-kissed beaches, outdoor celebrations, vibrant markets, and music festivals. Over a glass of wine, people gather to celebrate life, exchange cultural traditions, and foster an environment that is warm and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. As a matter of fact, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/occitanie-0l58192">Occitanie</a> region in the southwestern part of France is truly a one-of-a-kind destination with its diverse offerings of landscapes and activities. With direct access to the Mediterranean coastline and the majestic mountains and ski resorts of the Pyrenees. &nbsp;Coastal cities such as Montpellier also offer a rich historical and cultural heritage, this region is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the nature, history and culture of France. A little further north, nature enthusiasts will find a peaceful haven in the renowned French Alps, known for their breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. With the largest skiing area in the world, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/auvergne-rhone-alpes-0l60750">French Alps</a> offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of nature lovers, all year long. Finally, with their world-famous cuisine and vibrant arts scenes, French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux offer an unforgettable experience that combines the best of urban living and cultural heritage. Regarding the cost of living, France is a great place to call home. Although prices have increased in recent years, it remains more affordable compared to other European nations like the UK. With a strong economy and an excellent quality of life, &nbsp;You can experience a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. Also, the French culture offers a more relaxed and laid-back way of life that will have you feeling right at home in no time. Why not seize the moment and fall deeply in love with a property in France? Start living your dream today by preparing for your move and reading our location guides on different regions and provinces in France. &nbsp;

base64_flag_fr.png

thumbnail_flag_fr.png

xsmall_flag_fr.png

flag_fr.png

France

france en

Beautiful weather, excellent food and wine, world-famous art and culture and low living costs are just some of the reasons you should pack up and move to Spain. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe and also one of the most geographically varied. With some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world, breath-taking mountainous regions, fertile plains, and sun-drenched isles, there is something to suit every preference. Visit Spain and you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, mild winters, with snow in northern and mountainous regions. If you love art and culture you’ll have much to discover in Spain, which is home to some of the finest architecture in the world. There are ancient marketplaces, Moorish palaces, and the fantastical structures of Antoni Gaudi, not to mention the Dali museum, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim, Fundacio Joan Miro, and the numerous festivals which regularly take place throughout the country. Spanish food is as varied as its landscape; the Spanish are absolutely passionate about their local cuisine. Tapas is popular worldwide, and you’ve probably sampled at least one of these delicious little dishes. The variety of tapas offered in Spain is huge, and varies from region to region and also according to season. Spanish markets are abundant with huge fruits and vegetables, thanks to the long months of sunshine. The great news as a prospective buyer, is that food, like the cost of living generally in Spain, is very affordable and of excellent quality. Moving onto more practical matters, the healthcare system in Spain is ranked among the best in the world, spending 10% of its GDP on healthcare. There are also excellent transport links throughout the country, with modern metros, high speed trains connecting most cities, long distance coach services between major cities, and bus services in all major cities and towns. It’s no wonder that Spanish public transport is known to be some of the best in Europe. For those wishing to venture further afield, it’s easy to travel from Spain to other parts of Europe by plane, train or bus. And of course, with 36 international airports, it will be easy for friends and family from back home to come and visit!

base64_flag_it.png

thumbnail_flag_it.png

xsmall_flag_it.png

flag_it.png

Italy

italy en

If you’ve not made up your mind yet where you want to buy a property, explore our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/regions">region guides</a> for a broad overview of an area. Or if you have your eye on a particular area of Spain, take a look at our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/provinces">province guides</a>. Find out what it’s like to live there, where the top locations are to buy a property, and discover what services and amenities could be on your doorstep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or perhaps you already know which city / town you want to move to, and want to find out more about what it’s like to live there, things to do for expats, healthcare options, schools, jobs, and transport services. If so, check out our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/cities">town and city guides</a>, which offer a deep dive into all these topics and more.&nbsp;For further location inspiration, check out our blog posts on the top destinations to buy property in Spain for <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-cheap-property-in-spain-in-2024">budget hunters</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-property-in-spain-2024">investors</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-families">families</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-retire-in-spain">retirees</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-digital-nomads">digital nomads</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-golf-resorts-to-buy-a-property-in-spain">golf lovers</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/lights-camera-spain-spanish-movie-locations-where-you-can-buy-a-property">movie fans</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-food-and-wine-destinations-in-spain-to-buy-a-property">foodies</a>, and <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-heritage-destinations-in-1">history buffs</a>.

base64_flag_es.png

thumbnail_flag_es.png

xsmall_flag_es.png

flag_es.png

Spain

spain en

Where are you thinking of moving to?

Advice Spanish Header

Spain Guides

Location Guides

Best properties in Spain

Buying in Spain

Moving to Spain

Living in Spain

Podcasts

[как жить в достатке](https://rescuer.info/stati/10-kak-stat-samodostatochnym-i-bogatym-chelovekom.html)

Marina

Hello Marina, 
How to live well! 
Yes, in Spain you can have a wonderful lifestyle. 
We have many more podcasts, you can listen to for tips and insights from people who have bought a home in Spain or you can listen to our new ‘Moving to Spain: ask the experts’. 
Happy listening, please get back in touch at <help@kyero.com> if there is anything else we can assist with.

dawn at kyero.com

base64_shutterstock_551441455.jpg

medium_shutterstock_551441455.jpg

small_shutterstock_551441455.jpg

thumbnail_shutterstock_551441455.jpg

xsmall_shutterstock_551441455.jpg

shutterstock_551441455.jpg

Buyer Stories

Why Ivan and his wife decided to buy in Spain 

Why they chose to buy where they did 

How they plan to use their new property 

On Ivan’s property search experience 

On the ease of the purchasing process 

Ivan’s thoughts regarding his agent 

What Ivan found to be the most challenging in the purchasing process 

Ivan’s advice for others buying property in Spain 

What Ivan loves most about experiencing Spanish culture 

Episode 10: Ivan who purchased in Formentera del Segura, Alicante

&nbsp;<h2>Intro</h2> Welcome to the Kyero.com Spanish Property podcast where we interview real people who recently purchased a home in Spain.   They tell us what worked, what didn’t and what they’d do differently next time.   I’m Beth Davison and today I’m speaking with Ivan originally from Newcastle, who purchased a two bedroom apartment in <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/alicante-province-property-for-sale-0l3">Formentera Del Segura, Alicante  </a>. Just wait until you hear about how a change in budget affected the options available to Ivan, and how his dream property has meant holiday options for the whole family  . Ivan worked with estate agent <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/spain-property-for-sale-0l55529?agent_id=8863">InterProperty Sales &amp; Lettings</a> to find his dream home in Spain. Check out the show notes at kyero.com/podcast to find links and resources mentioned in this episode.<h2>Body of Transcript</h2>Beth: Hi, is that Ivan?Ivan: It is, yes.Beth: Hello, it’s Beth here, calling from Kyero to talk about your property ventures.Ivan: Hello Beth.Beth: How are you doing?Ivan: I’m very well, thank you.Beth: Good, if you wouldn’t mind, just tell me what you do and whether you buy or rent your property and when that all happened.Ivan: I’m a European sales manager for a healthcare company and my wife and I decided that we wanted to buy somewhere abroad, possibly in the future, to retire to. At the moment we don’t rent it out because we have just purchased it last month. We plan to use it for six months a year in 2018 and then rent out as a long term let for six months, and keep it for three or four months at a time for the family, and that’s where we are at the moment.Beth: Fantastic, OK, so it all closed a couple of months ago did you say?Ivan: Yeah, we closed the deal and made the final payment to the property at the end of October.Beth: Brilliant. So, it’s all kind of quite new for you guys. How long did the whole process take?Ivan: Oh, seven weeks.Beth: Oh, wow, super fast.Ivan: Yeah, seven weeks, yeah.Beth: Fantastic. So why did you first decide on Spain?Ivan: We’ve always liked Spain. We like the Spanish culture. We like getting into their way in Spanish villages and small towns and trying to mingle with the locals and we… The Costa Blanca itself, it’s got a microclimate, it’s nice and warm most of the year round. There’s very little rain. The people are just lovely, and that’s the sort of thing we want to eventually retire into.Beth: Lovely, OK, so where abouts exactly is it, explain to me?Ivan: It’s in Formentera Del Segura, which is in the Costa Blanca. It’s a half an hour from Alicante airport and forty minutes to Murcia airport, so it’s in-between easy transport links, it’s five minutes from the motorway by car. So, really it’s a medium sized town, it’s four thousand people and it’s eighty per cent Spanish and twenty per cent English. It’s a really nice place.Beth: Lovely, so there’s a nice mix. You said it wasn’t originally where you were thinking or you had something slightly different in mind.Ivan: Yeah, we thought we’d look at Torrevieja, but when we went to Torrevieja it was too busy, there were too many British I suppose and many other nationalities. We also looked in a few other places, namely Villamartin, places such like Playa Flamenca but they just weren’t for us. They were too British for us and we wanted something more secluded.Beth: Fantastic, and when you go over there how long to you tend to stay for?Ivan: Well in the next two or three years we plan to spend three or four months at a time there because I can base myself there in my job, as well.Beth: Oh that’s great, so you’d work from there as well?Ivan: I can do, yes, yes. Because I cover Europe I can actually establish that as my base as well and just fly from Alicante to different places in Europe.Beth: Brilliant. Your job must give you a great understanding of Spanish culture anyway?Ivan: Yeah, I see many cultures and everyone is different. But the Spanish people are just nice, nice, people and their acceptance of people trying to learn languages with them and speak to them in their tongue rather than just being English and speaking English, they appreciate that more.Beth: Yeah, fantastic. So, when you first started the search for your dream home what did it look like in your head, what were you looking for?Ivan: We were looking for, possibly, a one or two bedroom apartment I suppose, or whatever we could get for our budget. We started looking at places online on the internet through different people.Beth: Fantastic, so, was it difficult to find that specific property? You said you went on some viewings, how many do you think you saw before you found your dream place?Ivan: Well, we visited about eleven different properties. We visited four in Torrevieja and then we visited around another seven with InterProperty Sales and decided we had to up our budget and upping our budget by a few thousand Euros actually made a big difference. We actually stumbled upon this place. As soon as we walked in we thought, “This is it!” That’s how that concluded.Beth: OK, so the budget thing… obviously you went in with a specific number in mind and you told your agent that number and then they looked around that total?Ivan: Yeah, he took us to places within the budget originally which was, I think it was fifty thousand pounds it was. We increased up to sixty thousand pounds. The ones at fifty thousand and just below they were very, very small and then they said, “Oh, OK, realise that you only get what you pay for at the end of the day.”Beth: Yeah.Ivan: Then they showed us a couple of others, when we increased the budget. When we walked into the apartment that we now have it sprung out and said, “Yeah, that’s the place for you” and that’s what we did.Both my wife and I were totally decided. We never said anything to each other. As soon as we came out and we discussed things it was evident that that was the place for both of us.Beth: Lucky you agreed.Ivan: Yeah, very lucky, very lucky.Beth: It sounds like it’s nice when you find the right place and it just fits and you know.Ivan: It definitely is, yeah, it makes a big difference. We walked into the property and everything was done. The people that had the property, which we bought from, had it immaculate and there was nothing to do to it at all. When we got it he left everything in place for us. There were guarantees for TVs and things and it was fantastic.Beth: Oh brilliant. So, there was a minimal hassle just from a practical perspective as well.Ivan: Yeah, there was no hassle whatsoever. The price was agreed. Went to the solicitors, made the down payment and on to the notary at the end of October there where it was all done and dusty within a couple of hours. It was fantastic.Beth: I was going to ask about the process. I think for some people, possibly, it seems quite intimidating. You’ve got different languages and language barriers, different taxes, finances, how did you find grappling with all of that?Ivan: Well, initially I had printed something off from the internet about buying in Spain that laid out that sort of thing. Once you have a purchase price and you agree on a purchase price, it said you should add between thirteen and fifteen per cent on top to take in with taxes. Ten percent of your sale actually goes in tax to the government.Then there are you’re estate agent fees, lawyer’s fees, land registry, and your NIE numbers which you have to obtain as well before you can actually purchase a property and also a Spanish bank account. So we had a solicitor that was lined up with InterProperty Sales (who suggested this solicitor). That solicitor was Sun Lawyers in La Zenia who were very, very efficient and did everything from start to finish for us. In-between they kept us up to date with the progress that was being made by email and it was fantastic, it was absolutely fantastic.Beth: Brilliant, I think I know the answer, but I was going to ask you what your agent was like. You’ve mentioned them a few times, InterProperty Sales and they sound like they were really, really, helpful.Ivan: He went above and beyond what anyone else was doing. We had met another agent, as I say prior to that, who was showing us around in Torrevieja. But, they were more interested in getting a sale, and saying, “We’ll take care of things if you sign a power of attorney and we’ll deal with it all,” and we were, “Now, hold on,” you know?Then we had InterProperty lined up as another agent and they asked plenty of open questions as to what we were looking for, our budget, what our lifestyle was, why, where we wanted to be and everything else. It culled out some properties and took us, initially, to see the ones at the lower end of where we were and it was evident, and he said, “These are small, but you’ve asked for these,” so he showed us. And we said, there and then, “Not good enough, Nigel, we want more.” He said OK, he says I’ll line up some more properties and we instructed him to go ten thousand pounds more. He showed us some more and he said, “These are the sort things that you get.” But he also went out of his way to pick us up in the morning, staying with us all day. He was even buying us lunch. He did everything.Beth: It seems so different from the buying process in this country. Did it feel very different?Ivan: It felt very, very different. It felt very, very different. In the UK you deal with the lawyers, you sign papers, and that’s it, it’s done. But, over there you need someone to take care of… We didn’t know about the Spanish bank accounts and that, and InterProperty took us to the bank. He made the appointment for us to sit and go through all the process of opening a bank account, which is very labourious in Spain because they get through other things.There’s lots of signatures to make and lot of paperwork. I would never have known that that was the process you had to go through. Then there are the NIE numbers for your Spanish identity. This was all sorted out, as I say, through InterProperty and the solicitor. So everything was taken out of our hands and dealt with by InterProperty on our behalf and at no extra cost. He had his fee at the end of day and he went above and beyond what I’ve ever seen by any estate agent. I was really, really impressed with him.Beth: Wow, fantastic. My next question is what did you find the most challenging? But is sounds like you might not have had too many challenges.Ivan: There weren’t too many challenges at all. As I say, we were introduced to Formentera Del Segura. InterProperty said that it was a nice village, but because it’s more inland you get more for your money. To be fair, it’s pretty central to everywhere. It’s ten minutes from the beach, if you want, in the car. There’s bus routes. The motorway is there as well. There’s plenty of restaurants and everything in the village. The whole place and everything is fantastic. I’m still over the moon. I’m still quite ecstatic about it. It’s hard to believe. I keep pinching myself.Beth: If you were giving advice to someone doing what you’ve done what would your strongest bit of advice be?Ivan: To research properly. Don’t just jump into any estate agent. Make sure you know the process before you go as well and have an outline of exactly what you want to spend and a better idea of where you want to reside at the end of the day. But my recommendation, if I can make one, would be don’t look past InterProperty Sales because it goes above and beyond anything I’ve ever seen, even in the UK to help. He’s just a fantastic guy and his team is fantastic as well, they do everything for you.Beth: Brilliant. And lastly I want to talk about Spanish culture which obviously was important for you and that was something that you wanted to be a part of. So, what do you love most about being a part of that culture?Ivan: The gala, the fiestas - everyone gets together every month or so and there’s different fiestas. Everyone talks to one another. We, actually, the week we spent there after buying the property, we’re walking in the street and the locals are saying hello to you walking down the street in Spanish, “Hola.” It’s just a totally different way of life, relaxed. They know how to live and that’s what we want to be a part of.Beth: Fantastic. Do you get to take your friends and family over there? Is this something that you’ve introduced to other people?Ivan: Yes, we will be taking one of our sons over in March when we go. In January just myself and my wife will go. Then, in March, we’ll take one of our sons, and then in May my son and his girlfriend are going on their own. In June, my other son is going with his girlfriend. In May my Mother and Father-in-law are coming with us, so yeah, the whole family will be treated to this.Beth: Brilliant. I’m glad you get to share it with so many people. Well, I think that is pretty much it, unless there’s anything you’d like to add, but I think we’ve covered everything.Ivan: No, that’s fantastic, and I’m glad you phoned and it’s nice to tell other people about it.Beth: Brilliant. Thank you so much, Ivan. I will let you go. Have a lovely rest of your day.Ivan: You’re very welcome and thank you for calling.Beth: No worries, cheers, bye.Ivan: Cheers, later, bye bye.<h2>Outtro</h2> Thank you for listening and thanks to Ivan for sharing their experience and InterProperty Sales and Lettings for their help to make this episode possible  I particularly liked the sound of the fiesta atmosphere and how often Ivan is able to share his property with his sons.You can search this agent’s properties and more on Kyero.com  .Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode  !This podcast is produced by <a href="https://www.kyero.com/">Kyero.com</a>, and our mission is to connect you with estate agents and properties throughout Spain. Whether your dream home is a rustic farmhouse surrounded by olive groves or a lock-up-and-leave apartment on the sea front, you'll find everything that you need at <a href="https://www.kyero.com/">Kyero.com</a>. If you've enjoyed this episode we'd really appreciate your five star rating on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kyero-spanish-property-podcast/id1332034550">iTunes</a>. It helps us reach and connect more people with their dream home in Spain, and, whenever you're ready, here are four ways we can help you:<ul><li>Ask a question by emailing <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a>. We'll try and answer them all in an upcoming Q&amp;A episode</li><li>Get a location guide by emailing <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a>. We'll reply with the latest data and information on the areas you're interested in</li><li>Calculate your budget, simply visit <a href="https://www.kyero.com/budget">Kyero.com</a>, enter two numbers, and you're done</li><li>Be our guest, if you've already purchased your home in Spain we would love for you to share your story on the podcast, just email <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a> and we'll take it from there</li></ul>Tune in next week when I speak with Linda from Hull  She purchased an apartment on La Torre Golf Resort, Murcia, and I can’t wait to tell you all about just how fast the buying process was for her despite never having even been on holiday to SpainI’m Beth Davison and you’ve been listening to the Kyero.com Spanish property podcast. I’ll see you next week!&nbsp;

Select a language

Your account

Episode 10: Ivan who purchased in Formentera del Segura, Alicante

Share this:

Jump to a specific place:

2 comments

Get property bargains in your inbox