WHY SPAIN?

INVESTING IN and/or LIVING ON THE COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN.

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1. Many foreigners live and come on holiday to the Costa's (del Sol, Blanca, etc.).   There has been an increase every year of about 12 - 15% of British and foreign holiday-makers since 2001.   Malaga Airport is being greatly increased in size to cope: with now well over 1 million arrivals/departures per month in season (July and August).  It is forecast that there will be 2 million Britons living here within a few years.

2. Much cheaper to live than in the United Kingdom and many other countries, although the housing market has been overstocked.  Many prospective investors are looking at the new Eastern European countries where the properties are the prices they were ten tears ago in Spain.

3. While increasing in value (10 to 18% per year now) at an alarming rate up to a couple of years or so ago, when people were buying off-plan and then selling 18 months later for a very good profit without even taking transfer, those days have ended as the potential buyers are seeing the prices go too high and and going elsewhere. Property is still cheaper than in the UK (for example) where house prices are always going through the roof due to a lack of enough new building and space.

4. Iberian climate best in Europe and comparable with best in the World, (although not as good as South Africa).  It can be cold in winter.

5. Almost crime free, although Eastern Europeans are now featuring in crime reports for petty crime to drug dealing.  Criminals, specially violent ones, severely punished and can made to pay damages to victims by Criminal  Courts (no need to go civil).  This is one reason why for crime is very low.   In Andalucia (Costa del Sol), about 50% of jail inmates are foreigners and this is expected to increase when new States are in the EU.  However, problems expected with new EU entrants countries from April 2004 are occurring.   But this will be universal throughout the EU, and the Spanish police's hands are "not tied" with political correctness as in for example, the UK. 

6. In the Costa Del Sol, English widely spoken and understood.  Spanish classes easily attended and encouraged.  Easy to learn if you want to stay, especially if you can get on the local council sponsored courses..

7. Reported over 750 000 British citizens live here, plus Germans, Dutch, Scandinavian, etc., many retired early at age 50 upwards.  Average age of English speakers claimed to be 45 plus.

8. Homes to the rich and famous abound here especially near Marbella/Puerta Bañus.

9. The Spanish on the Costa Del Sol are generally a civilised people who are basically loving towards their neighbours. Family and freedom of religion are still important.  This is important as those who have recently lived, or who are still living in fear in other societies, will tell you.   

10. Lower income tax rates than many other similar countries.  VAT (IVA) at three (16, 7 & 4%) levels: lower rates reduce costs on essential goods.

11. Government health system first class (rated No 2 in Europe) and available as soon as you register for permanent residence and pay income tax/work contract.   From age 65 (60 for women), you can qualify for free State medical cover if your home EU country is paying your pension and medical costs to the Spanish State.  Private health insurance available at a reasonable cost.  After 15 years of paying income tax, you qualify for State pension.   If you qualify for UK pension, medical cover is "free".

12. If you have a European passport, you qualify for automatic residence as long as you have the means to support yourself.

13. South Africans have immigrated, often after buying property here. 

14. Cheapest place in Europe to buy a home.  House mortgage/bond rates 4 to 6%, although 3% is possible if building a new house.

15. Good road systems with wide freeways and new toll roads (autovias & autopistas).  Scenic views on all routes on the Costa.  Many inland roads are virtually empty in the winter.

16. Cars and fuel, etc. amongst cheapest in Europe.  Diesel cars about 30% cheaper to run than petrol as far as fuel costs are concerned.  Over 50% of new cars sold now are diesel powered with excellent performance.  Unlike the UK, diesel fuel is cheaper than petrol, though not as cheap as it used to be.

17. Easy access to the Mediterranean sea if you love boating, water sports or fishing, or just laying on the beach watching the topless beauties (of both sexes!).

18. Golf a major sport with many courses from "cheap" to "very exclusive".

19. If coming from outside European Union legally, you will now be inside with the benefits applicable, especially a large market if you intend to manufacture goods or services.  (Building is still booming, but slowing down).

20. Easy and inexpensive access to the rest of Europe by plane, sea or road.

21. With modern communications, you may be able to run your business from Spain.