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We love Spain more than anywhere in the world. And that comes from travel statistics; it is not a romantic notion. And we just don’t go to Spain on holiday. We buy properties, whether as investments or second homes and we set up businesses. Or we retire there.
The number of British people who own property abroad is set to double to 4.4 million, according to recent research and Spain seems by far the most popular place to buy. 30% of those planning to buy abroad have chosen Spain compared to a mere 2% and 3% for Croatia and Bulgaria respectively. Interestingly, twice as many people are planning to buy in Spain rather than that old fav France.
Whatever we are planning to do in Spain, one thing is for sure, the publishing industry is there to quench our thirst for more and more knowledge. Sure the internet is there for quick answers but a lot of what is flying around there is cyberspace can be wrong, out of date and when it comes to property, distinctly dangerous.
What we need is a tried and trusted source and there can be no more trustworthy advice that that contained within the covers of the latest edition of David Hampshire’s Living and Working in Spain.
Since the first edition over 10 yrs ago, this survival bible has been rigorously updated in subsequent editions and is now a formidable resource for anyone thinking of buying property in Spain.
Truly comprehensive and up-to-date whether you are after a castle or a cave home, a flat or a farmhouse, a townhouse or a villa, if this is not on your bookshelf you are missing out. You might also lose out financially as the book is packed with over 200 pages of valuable information which will help you avoid costly mistakes and save time and money. It is packed with vital survival tips to help you avoid the sort of disasters that can easily turn the dream home into a nightmare.
He is great on cultural differences and writes entertainingly on the nature of the Spanish. Of the infamous mañana syndrome, for example: “if you really need something done by a certain date, never tell a Spaniard your rear deadline”. If you are seriously contemplating living and working in Spain, read this today, not mañana.
Another guy you can trust when it comes to Spain is the indefatigable Harry King. He retired to the Costa Blanca some time ago but it appears that he has done anything but retire. He has written a phenomenal amount about his new country with books such as How to Invest in Spanish Property, Going to live in Spain, Knowing the Law in Spain, and now his most recent Spain: Your guide to a New Life.
It is a wide ranging book that is more than the usual how to type of guide and the title says a good deal about it. You are not just buying property, but you are buying into a new life, in a new country with a fascinating history that has left the grim Franco days behind.
Spain has emerged as a prosperous and flourishing nation, on a par with the rest of Europe; attracting thousands of retirees and younger people from northern Europe who have made a conscious decision to come to Spain, not just for the climate but for the better lifestyle.
Spain: your guide to a new life looks at Spain’s history, culture and customs. It is a great read where you are at work rest or play, enjoying retirement taking a long term break or seeking employment.
It covers: the birth of a nation; international affairs; the economic miracle; overdevelopment; corruption; Madrid train bombings; diverse cultures; diverse languages; pros and cons of life in Spain; employment; getting the facts on retirement; how Spain deal with 50 million visitors each year; knowing the essentials for a new life; buying a property; food and drink; traditional culture of old Spain and the culture of New Spain, arts; literature, music and architecture; travel and communications; and anecdotal tales. Phew!
Whether you are just starting out on the search for that place in Spain or are well down the line, this book in invaluable for the background knowledge it will give you of your new adopted home.
So get hold of David Hampshire’s book for its sheer knowledge, straightforwardness and insights into the Spanish characters and do yourself a favour. Get a new life. Let Harry King lead the way.
For more information please contact us.
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