ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Of course purchasing abroad is not just about property. It also involves a change in lifestyle & routine, meaning you have to become aquianted with the Spanish system with regards to schooling, healthcare and various other services.

Any member of our staff will be on hand to assist & advise you in all these areas or put you in touch with the relevant bodies for further advice. We are frequently asked about such things and so have included a few simple tips to alleviate any early anxieties:

HEALTHCARE is of a very high standard in Spain and emergency treatment is easily available free of charge to anyone on short term visits to Spain through Spanish National Health Hospitals or Doctors, provided they can produce an E111 ( valid until end December 2005) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Dental care, other than emergency tooth extraction, is not covered. As of 1st September 2005, the EHIC has replaced the E111 and several other health care forms. The EHIC can be obtained free of charge either online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by telephoning 0191 203 5555. For permanent living in Spain you can pay into the Spanish Social Security system. For everyday ailments, the local pharmacies are very accommodating and are able to prescribe a wide range of medicines at very reasonable prices.

SCHOOLING in Spain is obligatory from 6 – 16 years and local Spanish schools welcome children of all nationalities, providing them with free education from pre school – 18 years old.

The education standard is high with children obtaining recognized qualifications. School registration is through the local town hall with a certificate obtained through the local Spanish doctor confirming that the the child has had all necessary vaccinations ( your childs health records or red book will be required).

For those who wish, private schools teaching in English are available in most areas. However, rest assured that most children adapt to foreign languages and environments very quickly.

PETS in general, may be imported to Spain with the necessary documentation. Consult your local vet for full details.

PENSIONS may be made available by transfer directly to a Spanish bank account. Consult The International Pension Centre in Newcastle by telephoning 0191 213 5000 or online www.dwp.gov.uk for any queries regarding your entitlement to benefits abroad.

CRIME, of course, is present in any country you may visit Worldwide. Spain is no exception to that and we would be lying if we said otherwise. However, contrary to media propaganda the crime rate in general is very low and is what may be termed as petty crime i.e. pickpocketing or car break ins.

Nevertheless, this can be disturbing and we would of course advise that you use common sense and take the necessary precautions as you would in your own country i.e. not leaving windows open or leaving valuable items on display or within reach. Crime is taken seriously by the local authorities and there is generally a very visible police presence throughout the area.

MORTGAGES are available from leading Spanish banks, subject to status, with documentary proof of income required. We are able to put you in contact with a number of banks or independent advisors for the best mortgage to suit your circumstances.

For more information or questions about moving to Spain - please contact our head office on (+34) 965 352 933...