End of an Era

As quite a few of you know, due to family circumstances, my wife and I have decide to return to the UK.

This was decision made with a very heavy heart. We have enjoyed over 16 fantastic years here, making many friends from various countries but most importantly our Spanish friends who took us into their lives and made this period of our lives such a truly special time. We have lived here in Zurgena longer than anywhere else during our marriage and I did think we could have stayed longer but circumstances dictated otherwise.

I thought I would share my experience of selling my home here for the benefit of any of my readers who may consider it in the future so they will be better aware, as it is an expensive process. 

On selling we put the house in the hands of 3 agents and by doing so are committed to paying 3% to the agent who sells. In addition to that cost there is a 3% tax for non tax residents (but if you are tax resident you will not have this to pay). Then there is plus valia a tax based on the difference between the value of your house and land at the time you bought to the value at date off sale. On top of this there are the solicitors fees approx €500, notary fees about €400 and we had to pay a technician to have our deeds incorporate the pool and garage (which I stupidly thought had been done as they were both on the property when we bought it) - another €600.

There is one further charge which I accepted although it is very ironic. Because we now have our properties on Urbanisable land, we are in much better legal standing than the rest of the houses in the valley. However, and here is the rub, because we are now on urbanizable land but it is not yet at the urban consolidated classification there will probably be a charge to elevate our properties to that state in some years time. The cost for this is unknown but not expected to be more than one or two thousand dependant on what infrastructure is already in existence. So solicitors acting for buyers are aware of this and ask for a retention or reduction in the price. I accepted a reduction of €3,000. It is not of course necessary to accept this and forms part of the negotiation but thought it better to let everyone know my experience so they can factor it in when setting a price.

We have received the deposit of €3,000 and should receive the 10% this week. Contracts are signed and we await a date for completion, which may be before the end of August. 

Regarding the blog, I will try and make arrangements for it to be continued either by myself from the UK or someone else here in Spain. I am in discussions with the Mayor about various issues regarding ex pats in Zurgena but I can assure you that he and the remainder of the council will continue to be 100% supportive of our community and the integration of it within the rest of society here. We already have an expat who was on our list at the last election who will now have a seat on the council and I will introduce her once I have sorted a few other things.

You already have Jose Manuel, Andres and Christina who are bilingual in the office and the technical architect Jose Carlos also speak a bit of English. 

I will continue with things as they are at the moment and will keep you all updated with any developments  but due to todays announcement there may be a delay!