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Living in the Costa Blanca, Spain
de Costa Blanca van Spanje

The number of foreign residents in Spain has increased dramatically over recent years, with the Costa Blanca being one of the top spots for property buyers, both for holiday homes or for a permanent place to live. The area has a large variety of properties available and demand for these properties is expected to continue to rise over the coming years. Guided by your requirements and budget, we are confident we will be able to find you a great home and a good investment.

Costa Blanca has a good mix of locations to choose from, ranging from quiet inland and coastal villages to bright and bustling towns. The beautiful coast is overlooked by the mountains and so offers a variety of scenery to enjoy.

Spanish life has much to offer - culture, excellent climate, golf, water sports, great food and friendly people. There really is something for everyone and the cost of living is less than other North European destinations.

At Houses in Spain our aim is to provide a professional, but friendly service to help you find your dream home in the Costa Blanca area. Please take a look at the range of the properties we have on offer or contact us with your specific requirements either by phone or email. We are able to offer you a tailor made exclusive inspection tour and will be pleased to provide you with more detailed information about life in Spain should you require it.

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Health
The World Health Organisation rates the Costa Blanca as one of the healthiest places to live. Inhabitants here live healthier lives with fewer physical complaints then people elsewhere. The salt lakes and the broad strips of coniferous forest contribute to the healthy environment and for those who adapt to the Spanish life style (wonderful food, a bit of dancing, a walk and meeting friends) feel, not only physically but also mentally much better. State health provision in Spain is generally good and is available free or at a low cost to those contributing to Spanish social security (securidad social) and to those who are retired and receiving a state pension from an EU country. However, if you are not entitled to state health care you will not normally be able to get a residence card until you have arranged adequate private medical insurance.

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Climate Costa Blanca (averages)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Daily Temperature°C	15	16	18	20	23	26	29	29	27	23	19	16
Water Temperature°C	14	13	14	15	17	20	23	24	23	21	18	15
Sun hours per day	5	6	6	7	8	9	10	9	7	6	5	5

The Costa Blanca in Spain, sun and sea
makkelijke bereikbaarheid van de Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is beautiful stretch of Spain's Mediterranean coast. It's varied landscape offers over 150km of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, secluded coves, citrus groves and picturesque villages all set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and hillsides.

It's beauty, nature and climate make it an ideal place to live. The Costa Blanca is easily accessible via its international airports, motorways and ferry ports. It has good community services such as schools, universities and hospitals all of which cater for English visitors or residents. For leisure there are numerous facilities such as golf courses, yachting ports, markets, restaurants, cafe's and shops. In addition to this the Costa Blanca has a great history and culture to investigate such as the museums, castles and forts.

In short, the Costa Blanca has something for everyone.

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Driving
You will need international insurance and your vehicle registration documents. EU citizens can use the national driving licence, but an international licence is advised. Seatbelts must be worn both in the front and rear of the car. Helmets are compulsory on motor bikes and mopeds.

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The Spanish residence permit

Owning a property in Spain does not automatically mean that you need to apply for residency permit (tarjeta de residencia). The need for a this depends on your own personal circumstances, such as how long you wish to live in Spain, your age or if you plan to work in Spain. There are financial benefits to having a residency permit especially if you are property owner. However, a new law has recently been approved, that removes the need for a permit in some cases.

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Taxation system in Spain

Spain has a double taxation treaty with most European countries. This prevents you having to pay twice on the same income. To see how this can benefit you we advise you to check with your financial adviser.

Below are brief details of some of the taxes that apply in Spain:

·	Income tax (= Impuesto sobre de la renta de read personas físicas)
·	Wealth tax (Impuesto extraordinario sobre el patrimonio) This is a tax on your assets, so if you are a property owner you will be liable to declare your assets. However there are exemptions and the rate you pay is relatively small (from 0.2% to 2.5%).
·	Local Property Tax (Impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles) This is very similar to the UK Council Tax in that the amount charged will vary according to the valuation of the property.
·	Death Duty, donation rights (Impuesto sobre sucesiones y de donaciones)
·	Basic and soil-expensive with the sales of your real estates (plusvalía)

Amounts you will be required to pay will vary depending on your income (if working in Spain) and the size/location of your property.

	Office Address: Calle San Pedro 2, 1a- El Campello

	Tel: (0034) 699 77 52 33 - (0034) 965 63 62 47