EXPAT TIPS

The official British population in Murcia and Spain increases The Murcia figure stands at over 14,000 after a 4 per cent increase The central statistics unit of the Spanish government published its definitive summary of the 8,131 local “padrón” population registers across the country on Thursday.. 23/01/2020

Top tips from Blacktower Financial management - pension drawdown for expats Seek professional advice before engaging in a SIPP and drawdown pension strategy For all but the highest net worth individuals, a pension pot will be the most valuable retirement asset in long-term financial planning, but despite this, many retirement..

EU Property Solutions 2019 success stories helping homeowners in negative equity in the Costa Cálida EU Property Solutions continue to help expat property owners in negative equity throughout Spain As 2020 begins EU Property Solutions continue offer help to British property owners in Murcia who find themselves in negative equity or experiencing.. 09/01/2020

Optica Oxford for top quality opticians and free eye and hearing tests Proven expertise and a wide range of glasses, contact lenses and corrective treatments in Cartagena, Torre Pacheco and Fuente Álamo With three centres open in Cartagena, Torre Pacheco and Fuente Álamo, Óptica Oxford offers a huge..

The risks of interest-only mortgages on Spanish property EU Property Solutions Interest-only mortgages can turn into a ticking time bomb! As many people know the boom in the Spanish property market ended in late 2007 after the national average price of housing rose by a whopping 197% between 1996 and 2007. During that period..

Contact EU Property Solutions rather than risking your financial future with Spanish property debt Experienced intermediaries in protecting your interests when faced with overseas property debt A frequently asked question at EU Property Solutions is whether an overseas property debt issue could affect your ability to buy property in the United Kingdom..

EU Property Solutions offer assistance in Spanish mortgage foreclosures and property repossessions Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a Spanish bank won’t track down your UK assets! Since the start of the financial crisis and the property market crash in 2008 Spain has seen well over a quarter of a million properties repossessed - a staggering..

Blacktower offer advice on investment management and the future of your ISA abroad Becoming an expat means that you could lose the benefits of holding ISAs When you become an expat there are certain investments and financial products which, although beneficial when you were a UK resident, are either no longer possible to hold or no..

MRM Virtual Associate helping businesses operate efficiently in the Region of Murcia Outsource admin tasks to a trilingual associate and free up time to manage your business Michelle at MRM Virtual Associate has worked for over 20 years in office administration and now, backed by an exceptional team, is able to bring her experience as..

Negative equity solutions for property owners in Spain from EU Property SolutionsSeek professional help in finding away out of crippling mortgage debt Do you ever find yourself wondering what exactly “negative equity” is, and what it means for your home in Spain? If so, you are not alone: at EU Property Solutions we.. 23/09/2019

Ripped off?????How to complain about car hire companies via Spanish consumer complaints officesThe advice applies to all Spanish airports and any car hire company although the specific complaints we received related to Corvera airport in Murcia This summer has seen a large number of dissatisfied customers airing their views on social media.. 11/09/2019

What’s the difference between life insurance and a funeral plan? AvalonWhen it comes to paying for your funeral in Spain, what’s the right choice for you and your family? Have you thought about what your loved ones would do if you passed away in Spain? It’s not a nice thing to think about, but if you’re..

5 Key retirement questions for people living in Spain Blacktower Financial Management5 Key retirement questions if living or moving to Spain If you live in Spain or are thinking of moving to Spain for your retirement, it is essential that you seek expat financial advice in order to give you the best possible chance of successfully protecting..

EU Property Solutions help navigate a path out of property-related financial stress in Spain Solutions for negative equity, deposit returns, mortgage stress and all kinds of property debt The boom and bust cycle in the Spanish property market, which was fuelled by speculative buying and construction in the early years of this century and then..

Check you are on the Padrón and that you have renewed within the last 5 years as no-deal Brexit looks increasingly likely Padrón and voting rights for UK nationals will change significantly with Brexit This week developments in the UK could indicate that the country is heading for a no-deal Brexit, in which case all of us living and working in Spain will find.. 30/08/2019

Repatriation: What happens when someone dies in SpainRepatriation: What happens when someone dies in Spain? Article by Avalon Funeral Plans. It’s not something anyone likes to dwell on, but if you’re an expat living in Spain, it’s important to think about what might happen when you or..

Intensive and long-term Spanish language courses at the Funcarele school in Cartagena Learning Spanish is fun and effective at the only Instituto Cervantes school in Cartagena Funcarele caters for students of all ages and abilities  As well as being an unfulfilled aim of many British expats living in the Costa Cálida, learning..

Resort Choice: more rental bookings for less work in your holiday home in SpainNo sign-up fees – just leave your rental advertising and management in the hands of the professionals. Resort Choice: more rental bookings for less work in your holiday home in Spain No sign-up fees – just leave your rental advertising and..

How to make an appointment with your Murcia health service doctor online Online consultations can also be booked via the SMS website Last year the SMS public health service of the Region of Murcia reports that over 3 million appointments were made either via the service’s website or by the “Portal del Paciente&..

How to transfer your pension pot to Spain Blacktower Financial Management (Int) LtdMoving Pensions to Spain Since the Pensions Freedom Act came into force in the UK April 2015 there has been a huge outflow of money from defined benefit pension schemes and personal pensions in the UK. Many people have taken advantage of the new flexibilities..

What is a Gota Fría?Never underestimate the destructive power of the rain in Spain The Gota Fría is the popular name given in Spain to a meteorological phenomenon which can cause devastating flooding, especially in the south-east of the country along the Mediterranean..

Targeting Dividends for income. Blacktower Financial Management The FTSE 100 is an index that includes the top 100 companies from the London Stock Exchange. They are ranked by their size (Market Capitalization). However, market cap may not be an investor’s only measure of a stock. Many of the stocks in this index..

Bonfire licences and disposing of garden rubbish in the Region of Murcia Regional laws prohibit the lighting of bonfires in urban areas For expats moving to Spain one of the aspects of rules and regulations which it is very difficult to learn about is the issue of bonfires, and in the Region of Murcia there is a body of legislation..

Rabies: dogs in Murcia must be vaccinated against this killer disease Vaccination is also highly recommended but not obligatory for cats and other pets In the UK it is now almost a century since the last case of a human being becoming infected with rabies, and the last death from indigenous rabies was even longer ago in..

Is Bitcoin an Investment? Blacktower Financial Management Investing in Bitcoin Most people have heard of Bitcoin but do not know what Bitcoin actually is. Bitcoin is one of thousands of Crypto Currencies (Crypto’s) that are now on the market - Bitcoin was the first and has only been around since .. 28/02/2018

Pet Passports in the EU Procedures for travelling with dogs and cats between Spain and the UK In order to travel within the European Union, dogs and cats must have a microchip, passport and anti-rabies vaccination, and comply with the laws of each individual country. Most..

Diseases which can affect cats in the Region of Murcia Feline Leukaemia and FIV are causes for concern among cat owners in the Costa Cálida Feline Leukaemia This is a dangerous virus all over the world, and unfortunately it is widespread in the Region of Murcia, one of the principal reasons being..

Filariosis, or heartworm, a preventable problem for dogs in Spain Advanced filariosis transmitted by a mosquito bite causes heart failure and death in dogs Filariosis is a disease which consists of a parasite breeding inside the arterial vessels of the host, and is transmitted by the bites of many kinds of mosquito..

Ticks and canine ehrlichiosis, threats to the health of dogs in Spain Ticks are particularly common in rural areas and gardens in the warm climate of southern Spain In the south-east of Spain there are many kinds of tick which can cause considerable discomfort to dogs. These include insects both large and small, and hard..

Fleas, a serious risk for dogs and other pets in SpainThe warm climate in southern Spain means that fleas are an active threat all year round Fleas have always been present in our society and are not only capable of spreading multiple epidemics amongst humans, but are also responsible for many animal ailments..

Canine leishmaniosis, a fatal mosquito-transmitted disease which affects dogs in Spain Vaccinations are now highly recommended for dogs in Mediterranean areas of Spain Canine leishmaniosis is a serious disease caused by a single-celled parasite transmitted by the bites of mosquitos, and most commonly affects dogs in Spain although cats..

The pine processionary caterpillar, a serious threat to dogs and cats in Spain The hairs of the caterpillar can kill inquisitive pets when the insects drop to the ground from their nests in pine trees The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is so called because members of the species in the caterpillar phase of their life..

Alicante-Elche airport secure parking at great prices with We Park ALC Secure, great-value parking just metres from the Alicante-Elche airport terminal We Park ALC provide economical car parking solutions for anyone travelling from Alicante-Elche airport, with secure facilities located less than 5 minutes from the Alicante..

New Career with Avalon EuropeExciting new job opportunities with a leading UK business based in Spain, Canaries, Portugal & Cyprus. Please email your CV and covering letter to careers@avalon-trustee.co.uk. or contact us directly through the secure contact..

Reminder: depositing rubbish in the bin before 9pm is illegal in many areas Bin abuse can lead to nasty fines It’s hot, it’s August and the higher temperatures inevitably lead to fresh fruit and veg going off quickly if damaged and the rubbish bins emitting an unpleasant odour. Year-round residents will be aware..

The processionary caterpillar, a springtime threat to dogs and cats in Spain Processionary caterpillars are so called because they form processions, nose to tail, as they leave the nest prior to changing into moths. They are found in all Mediterranean areas, and during the winter it is possible to spot their ".. 28/02/2017

Could Brexit be Guy Fawkes in disguise? Brexit article – by Keith Littlewood, Blacktower Regional Manager Costa Calida On 3rd of November The High Court ruled that Theresa May’s plan to not consult Parliament before starting the UK’s exit from the EU and then triggering Article..

Blacktowers Keith Llittlewood highlights financial issues to be considered by Expats living in Spain. I have been a Qualified Financial Adviser for almost 30 years now.  25 Years in the UK for major institutions such as Natwest, RBS and Royal London.  I have been in Spain giving expats financial advice now for 5 years and it is quite remarkable the..

Guardia Civil wades into the great Spanish roundabout driving debate Spanish drivers continue to choose the wrong lane and eschew indicators at roundabouts Despite numerous attempts to clarify the rules regarding how to use roundabouts on the road network of Spain, surveys show that more than half of all drivers are unaware.. 05/09/2016

Find peace of mind with a cost-effective and practical Avalon Funeral plansIn Spain, it is the norm to plan ahead for your funeral. It’s all part of making things easier for the family and loved ones. The most common way of doing so is to take out a cost-effective and practical insurance plan. However, when thinking about.. 18/06/2016

Understanding the Funeral Process in Spain will help to avoid stress at a difficult time with avalonIn Spain, it is the norm to plan ahead for your funeral. It’s all part of making things easier for the family and loved ones. The cost of a funeral in Spain continues to rise and most Spanish families take out some kind of funeral plan to cover.. 26/02/2016

Recovering stolen jewellery and other items in Spain The Policía Nacional have a virtual gallery of stolen valuables recovered The victims of burglary and theft in Spain face an uphill struggle to recover any items which have been stolen, as indeed they do in any country, but the Policía Nacional..

Spanish living: Gas bottle basics Transporting gas bottles, prices, how many bottles and where should they be stored Most people who live in Spain or visit the country will at some point find themselves using the butane gas canisters which are sold in petrol stations and other establishments..

Staying sane in Spain requires a sense of humour Expect to encounter mindnumbing levels of pointless bureaucracy at some point It happens to all of us, even those who passionately love the good things here in Spain: at some point we will encounter the unmovable obstacle of Spanish bureaucracy. In some.. 14/08/2015

Hailstorms in Spain can be somewhat fierce There’s a good reason why garages fetch a premium price in hilltop towns If ever you see the neighbours going out into the street with armfuls of blankets which are placed carefully over their vehicles, do the same. There’s a very good reason..

Frequent scams used by supermarket handbag thievesThieves regularly target shoppers in supermarkets Every summer supermarkets along the coast are packed with summer holiday shoppers, providing a lucrative fishing ground for "handbag dippers" who are quick to relieve visitors of purses, cash.. 22/07/2015

The Asian Tiger Mosquito in SpainTips to help limit the spread of this Asian invader The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is a native of India and south-eastern Asia, has now taken up residence in several Mediterranean coastal areas of Spain and is becoming established as a resident..

Reminder: don´t pop to the shop in your flipflops It’s tempting to pop down to the shops in your flip flops, but don´t do it The Guardia Civil have issued a reminder for all those in the holiday spirit that driving in flip flops or slip-on shoes is not only downright dangerous, but could lead.. 14/07/2015

Are dogs allowed on the beach in Spain? Is my dog allowed on the beach is a common question The question of whether dogs are allowed on Spanish beaches is a common one, but in short, no, they’re not, is the general answer. Spain is changing, and more municipalities are attemping to create..

How to check flight status of flights to and from Spain Don´t turn up at the airport if there’s been a delay If you want to check the status of flights through Spanish airports, then use the flight checker on the webpage of the official Ministry of Development page. The Ministry run the Spanish.. 09/07/2015

Understanding heatstroke and heat exhaustionThe mortality rate in over 75’s increases by 20% for every degree increase in temperatures over 36,5 degrees What to do if you think someone is suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion Those of us from the UK are not accustomed to.. 09/07/2015

How many cannabis plants can I grow legally in Spain? Legally none, but discretion is frequently exercised In the light of recent speculation that the Spanish government may unwittingly have legalized the growing of cannabis in one of the Articles of the controversial new Citizen Security Law – this.. 08/07/2015

Has Spain legalised growing marijuana for private use?This weekend social networks have been abuzz with excitement Spanish social network sites have been abuzz lately with speculation that the government may perhaps have almost unwittingly legalized the cultivation of cannabis in this country, by means of.. 06/07/2015

Its a steal: Just how easily pickpockets can ruin your holiday Look after your passport – watch new videos that reveal the scams that thieves and pickpockets use With tens of thousands of British residents living in Spain, and millions of UK visitors heading for Spanish holiday resorts and beaches this summer.. 06/07/2015

Hourly electricity rates billing in Spain: what you need to know How to benefit from hourly variations in the price of Spanish electricity On 1st July 2015 a pioneering system of hourly electricity rates came into operation in Spain, theoretically enabling consumers to take steps to reduce their electricity bills, but.. 02/07/2015

Location of speed cameras across Spain The DGT website shows where radars and cameras are located The DGT are keen to ensure motorists stay within the speed limits set by law in order to reduce road accidents, so speed radars and traffic camera locations are shown on their web page www.dgt.es...

Basic Spanish pool and summer swimming safety advice Accidents around the pool cause more deaths than accidents in them Leaping into the cooling waters of a swimming pool or wading out into the sea is a natural response to the increased summer temperatures in Spain, but sadly for the emergency services, signals..

Basic procedures if your Spanish property is burgled Accepting the possibility of theft is the most important part of burglary prevention Many foreign national Spanish property owners leave their homes empty for considerable periods of time, a fact which is well-known by local thieves. It is quite normal..

How to register the birth of a baby in Spain This procedure changes on October 15th 2015 At present the process of registering the birth of a baby in Spain is as follows, although the procedures are due to be simplified for hospital births as of 15th October 2015: The details included in the registration..

Dog owners beware: stephanotis pods can kill dogsA serious warning for dog owners Be aware that the seed pods of the Stephanotis plant, also known as Madagascar Jasmine, are lethal for dogs. This is a stunning plant with waxy green leaves and a beautiful white flower which gives off a gorgeous sweet.. 30/05/2015

Beware fraudsters. 8 things your bank will never ask you to do Fraud is on the increase, particularly on the internet so be aware of potential scams Fraud hurts and there’s nothing worse than being ripped off by an unscrupulous conman. Although the internet is one of the most useful tools for rapid communication.. 26/10/2014

Changing a car to Spanish registration plates: the law as it stands When is it necessary to re-register a car with Spanish plates? The new Traffic and Road Safety law which came into force in April 2014 contained one point which has a large impact for foreign nationals who own vehicles in Spain and has caused a vast amount.. 11/10/2014

Almost all Spanish child pool deaths could be avoided 155 people drowned during July and August in Spain last year Lack of vigilance, inability to swim and unfenced pools cause tragedies in Spain every summer As the summer holidays are set to start and the temperatures throughout Spain begin to rise private.. 11/06/2014

What is the Euribor? Spanish News Today Factsheets Financial factsheets Mortgages: 1: What is the Euribor? Click for:  Full list of factsheets, Click Full list of factsheets     What is the Euribor? Euribor is an abbreviation for Euro Interbank..

Be aware, the Datura stramonium can kill This plant grows in many places throughout Spain Spanish police reported in October 2013 that a commercial cultivation of the Datura stramonium plant, also known as jimson weed, devils trumpet, stinkweed, devil´s cucumber and in South Africa as.. 30/10/2013

Spanish law, driving with children in Spain Seatbelt law, child restraints,whilst driving in Spain Motoring in Spain Factsheet 1. Click Spanish Living factsheets for a full list of useful basic information about everyday life in Spain When booking a rental car it is vital to make sure appropriate.. 18/10/2013

Spanish gas scams: the facts Gas inspectors, is this a scam? Stories about gas scammers are always present in both the English and Spanish language media, as gas scammers are a common occurrence, although there is a fine line between the scammers and those who do operate as a ".. 18/10/2013

Dreaming of moving to Spain? Sensible advice to help you plan a stress free move FCO issues checklist for Brits planning a move abroad Moving abroad The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a warning to British nationals who are considering a move abroad, advising them to plan for the unexpected before they move to.. 20/09/2013

How to sign on to the municipal Padron in Spain ( padrón)Spanish News Today Factsheets Living in Spain: 1 Signing on to the municipal padrón Click for:  Full list of factsheets, Click Full list of factsheets A padrón certificate is essential in order to carry out basic bureaucratic procedures..