LET US HELP YOU TO LIVE AND RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS IN THE SUN!
Earn a good income - up to £1,000 per week. We provide full relocation support,
including finding you suitable accommodation and schools for your children. We will
introduce you to suppliers, etc and provide you with all the advice you need . . . at
absolutely no cost to you!
We will take care of your every need each step of the way into your new venture,
removing any insecurities you may have so you can enjoy a wonderful, relaxed way of
life, earning a good income . . . in the sunshine!
WELCOME TO THE 'COSTA DEL SOL'
The 'coast of the sun' is the most attractive 'costa' in Southern Spain. Fine
golden sandy beaches, lush fertile valleys and mountain ranges extend from the city
of Malaga south-westwards to the border of Gibraltar. The Costa del Sol is one of
the most popular holiday and retirement destinations, boasting over 8km of immaculate
beaches holding the European Blue Flag of Excellence. The climate is superb with over
320 days of sunshine per year, with temperatures ranging from 16oC in winter to 40oC
in summer. Clean beaches and the crystal blue Mediterranean sea set the scene in a
location where the sun nearly always shines, making the Costa del Sol irresistible
(More information about the Costa del Sol).
The Costa del Sol is not only a tourist attraction, it is also a golfer's paradise
with the greatest concentration of golf courses in relation to its geographical area
anywhere in the world. Together with the sun, beaches and a wealth of history and
traditions, golf has become one of the main attractions for visitors to the area,
especially in the winter months when it is difficult or impossible to play elsewhere
in Europe, thus generating an excellent winter trade for bars and restaurants.
YOUR PEACE OF MIND
Utopian Properties are a well established real estate company specialising in the
sale of new and resale freehold property. In conjunction with our associates in
Spain we are able to offer a large portfolio varying in style, type and price to
suit your requirements whether you are looking for a holiday home, a property for
retirement or business premises. Our unrivalled years of experience are your passport
to finding the property of your dreams. We provide a personal service, with individual
attention, to help you through each stage of the property purchase, including full
legal and financial advice. You will be given unlimited help with banking, schooling,
employment, social life, etc, without obligation and at absolutely no cost to yourselves.
We also provide a full management service should you require a rental income from your
property, or if you just need to have it looked after during your absence.
SPANISH PROPERTY VIEWING VISIT
Having decided that you are in a position to purchase,
your next step is to join us on one of our four day, personalised,
subsidised inspection visits. Upon arrival in Spain our Overseas
representative will be waiting to greet you at Malaga Airport and
transfer you to your accommodation. During your stay there will
be ample opportunity to view the range of properties that we have
especially selected for you, suited to your requirements. (More
information about Spanish property viewing visit)
PURCHASING METHODS
There are three ways of purchasing a business in Spain - rent, lease or freehold:
Freehold
The same as in the UK where land bricks and mortar are purchased.
Lease with the Right to Sell On
This is normally for a period of 5 to 25 years, fixtures and fittings are usually
included. You can sell your lease at any time to a third party at whatever price.
The lease can usually be renewed at the end of the term. If you sell the lease on,
the term normally reverts back to the original number of years. This is the most
popular method of purchase as you have an asset to sell and it is possible to make a
profit on the original amount paid, especially if your business grows.
Short-Term Secure Lease
Described as rents. Here you do not have the legal right to sell on, and the fixtures
and fittings remain the property of the freeholder, who will normally ask for a
returnable bond as security. These leases can be up to 5 or 10 years. We can include
a clause that will allow tenants to terminate a lease annually should they desire. It
is possible to replace one tenant with another and re-coup monies spent.
On a lease purchase you will pay a monthly rent, which can only be increased once
annually by no more than the Government's official rate of inflation. This is a
guaranteed clause in all of our contracts.
PURCHASING PROCEDURES
When you have found the business of your choice, the following purchasing
procedures would be necessary. You would need to place a holding deposit of around
£1,000 to secure your purchase and remove it from the market. If you are planning
to purchase on your inspection visit, then we recommend that you bring sufficient
funds with you, in Euros, Stirling or Travellers Cheques.
The balance of 10% deposit will be required within 7 days (less the holding deposit).
This would then be held until relevant searches have been carried out. The outstanding
balance is payable on completion.
For the points below, you will need to allow approximately £1,000 to cover the legal costs. Normally
this covers most types of business, but special requirements for a disco or nightclub
could add extra to this amount. These costs are in addition to the price of the
business and are un-avoidable to make yourself and the business fully legal.
It is vital that all searches and legalities are carried out by our recommended
and fully qualified professionals who have many years experience, and are well
acquainted with the area. We will ensure that every step of the transaction is
conducted to the highest standard. The solicitors are well respected, fully
reputable and offer the most professional service to you.
At this stage, it is necessary for the buyer and seller to sign a Reservation
Agreement, outlining the details of sale. This prevents the seller from dealing
with any other buyer and commits both parties to the agreement. You will be asked
for a completion date; in the average case this is about 30 days. The completion
date is your decision. The minimum period required for a lease transaction is 10
days, for a freehold transaction around 30 days.
Further checks are carried out to establish that the business is free of embargoes
and debts. Everything is checked thoroughly with nothing left to chance.
The new contract is checked by your solicitor to ensure all is in order and all
legalities comply with the law.
Should you return to the UK at this stage, we would stay in touch and be assisting
you in finding long-term accommodation ready for your occupation. When you return to
Spain you would need to complete your transaction by the agreed date and sign the new
contract, the balance having previously transferred.
We will help you to settle into your new venture and home, and accompany you when
necessary to finalise legalities and generally assist you in the future.
We pride ourselves on our after sales service.
Necessities after your transaction is completed:
- NIE NUMBER. You need to obtain this identity number for anyone over the age of 18
years who wishes to reside and work in Spain.
- FISCAL LICENSE AND NUMBER. A compulsory license that registers you with the
Spanish Tax Office. You will then be given a tax number.
- OPENING LICENSE. Given by the Town Hall to ensure that the premises meet the
Building, Safety and Hygiene Regulations. If the business has a current license then
it is necessary for us to transfer it to your name.
- IVA REGISTRATION. The same as VAT in the UK. It is necessary to register.
- SOCIAL SECURITY REGISTRATION. To include the whole family into the State Health
Scheme, which is excellent in Spain.
- FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATE. Both owners and members of staff are required to obtain
this card, even if you have a current UK card and even if only drinks are being sold.
This takes the form of a seminar with automatic pass.
- RESIDENTS PERMIT. We will arrange this for you.
- MEDICAL TREATMENT AND CARE. We will register the whole family for the State Health
Scheme. This is now excellent with Local Health Centres and major hospitals having
the most modern facilities and excellent staff. You will be allocated a doctor
initially at the Local Health Centre, then make your appointment just as in the UK.
Translators are usually on hand to help with the language. Private medical plans
are available and BUPA contributions can be transferred.
NOTE: All of these items are arranged by your solicitor.
TRADING STOCK
Some businesses for sale will have an amount of stock to transfer to the new owners,
but you will inevitably require some extra. All businesses that we offer for sale are
independent and you decide which suppliers to deal with, however we are able to assist
you on this matter should you wish.
You do not need to keep large stocks as deliveries are frequent and you can make use
of the nearby cash-and-carry and wholesalers.
The beer companies provide equipment, such as beer coolers, free. Most suppliers
speak English. You will need to allow approximately £1,000 for your initial stock in
an average sized business.
DEPOSITS FOR BUSINESS AND HOME
When renting or leasing a business in Spain, it is a legal necessity to pay, in advance,
the following rents and deposits:
RENTS You must pay the first month's rent, plus IVA Tax (VAT) at 16% in advance,
which goes to the freeholder. Remembering of course that the IVA Tax is re-claimable.
In addition to this you have to pay the equivalent of two months rent, excluding
IVA Tax, which is held in bond. This amount is refundable should you terminate your
rental or sell the lease. Your rent is then paid monthly to the freeholder.
RENTING OUR HOME If you rent a house or an apartment, you will need to pay
the first month's rent in advance plus two month's deposit, which is refundable
at the end of your renting period.
FINDING ACCOMMODATION
We can assist clients purchasing through us to find long-term accommodation, usually
clients will rent for the first year.
We will monitor the situation until you have successfully found your new home. This
service is unique to our clients and is at no cost to you whatsoever.
Furnished properties are usually of a high standard and normally include a fitted
kitchen, bed linen, cutlery, crockery, etc. Most have either a private or communal
pool and other facilities.
Rents are paid monthly and it is normal for the owner to ask for the first month's
rent in advance, plus one month's returnable deposit, generally your electricity is
extra.
Typical Costs for Long-Term Rentals
One bedroom furnished apartment £400 per month
Two bedroom furnished apartment £500 per month
Three bedroom furnished apartment £550 per month
Larger detached townhouses and villas are also available, which do vary in price and
size. However, the accommodation listed above is more usual for clients just arriving
in Spain.
Please note that there is no Council Tax or Local Tax paid on rented accommodation
and Community Charge is usually included in the rent.
Most rental contracts will be for a one year period with the option to renew at
the end of this period. Many urbanisations will be on a bus route to the centre
and special school buses operate on larger estates.
Most properties will have community television and satellite systems installed.
Pets are normally welcome.
TAXATION
Personal taxation in Spain is far less than in the UK. During the first two years,
personal tax will be small or even non-existent with subsequent periods being very
advantageous.
IVA, or VAT as it is called in the UK, is charged on goods at either 16% or 7%
depending on the product. IVA is paid every three months but any IVA paid can be rebated.
This is much the same as in the UK.
We can advise fully on taxation, which when set up correctly is very easy to cope
with, especially with the assistance of an accountant who will take care of any paperwork.
The tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December.
UTILITIES
Electrical Items
Apart from TV sets, your electrical equipment will work in Spain without any
alteration. A TV set can be converted for around £90. This will enable you to receive
Spanish channels. All satellite systems can be received with the use of a dish and
decoder as used in the UK.
Charges for electricity are similar to the UK and bills arrive every two months. As
most cooking and some water heating is on gas, this is cheaper overall. The plugs used
for domestic items are different and would need changing for use in Spain.
Gas Supplies
There is no piped gas in Spain, only bottled gas (Butane or Propane) that is delivered
on a regular basis. Most people will keep at least one in reserve. The cost to transfer
a normal sized bottle is approximately £5.00 and will last a family of four around three
weeks.
Pets
There is no reason why you cannot take your pet to Spain, but you must be aware that
some paperwork is required. A document from your local vet to say that your pet is fit
to travel should be obtained within two weeks of travelling. Some injections are
necessary before travelling and a correct sized container approved by the NAFF will be
needed if you are travelling by air. Your local vet will advise fully, but remember to
visit him in good time, at least four weeks before your departure to ensure any injections
fit the timetable laid down.
Cars
You may take a UK registered car to Spain, and can drive in Spain with a UK driving
license and there is no need to take another test. You can carry on renewing your
license at Swansea using a UK address or you can transfer your British license for a
Spanish license. Car insurance is of a similar cost to the UK and you may transfer your
no claims bonus. We can advise on Spanish insurance companies. Petrol and diesel is
less expensive in Spain.
Telephones
Connection costs are similar to the UK and most customers are connected within
one week. Being a new arrival, the telephone company (Telephonica) may ask for a
small deposit until you are established. There is now an excellent mobile network
along the coast, which can offer a more flexible service. You can either pay as you
go or be contracted, a typical cost would be around £100 including the purchase of
the phone and some credits.
Banks
We will assist you in opening a bank account and we can advise you on the best
arrangement to suit you. There are several well known British banks locally,
including National Westminster, Barclays and The Royal Bank of Scotland. There are
also many excellent Spanish banks that can offer you a good service. Bank transfers
are easily arranged to and from the UK. Senior citizens can have their pensions paid
directly to Spain from the UK if required.
Loans
For leasehold and rental businesses it is not possible to arrange finance in Spain.
You may be able to raise finance as a secure loan, for example against your property
in the UK. We can arrange finance for freehold, commercial or residential purchases.
For commercial purchases you can apply for up to 50% of the business sale price and
for residential purchases up to 80%, as long as the valuation meets the sale price.
Schools
This is obviously an important aspect that all parents want to be sure about when
deciding to move abroad. You have a choice of either a non-fee paying Spanish state
school or a private fee-paying day school, depending on your child's age, aptitude and
circumstances. You will need last school report, doctor's medical records, vaccination
record and full birth certificates. Our office will assist you in this matter.
If you require more information please contact us, we are here to help! |
