Day: 23 April 2019

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Spanish Sports Series (SSS): Golf in Spain

Spanish Sports Series (SSS): Golf in Spain 1

Golf has become a very important and popular sport in Spain in recent years. Since the turn of the century, the golf scene has exploded, with the country having over 400 golf courses. The country boasts 18 of the top 100 courses in Europe. The most popular area for golf courses is Madrid, Costa del Sol and the Southern Provinces of Alicante and Murcia. The Costa del Sol even gets nicknamed Costa del Golf as it has the highest concentration of golf courses in the whole of Europe.There are also many other courses in other places in Spain including the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Catalonia and the North/West provinces of Spain.

 

Golf courses in Spain

Around the entire country, there are many different golf courses. A mix of the climate, scenery and world-class course designers really make Spain a force to be reckoned with. In the future, Spain will be one of the best-golfing locations in the world competing with the likes of the US, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Many of the courses in Spain have not only been designed by world-class designers but also world-famous golfers. This helps with the course design as they can implement challenges they faced in their own career, which makes the courses more competitive.

Courses such as the Las Colinas course, which has been named one of the best courses in Spain have been designed by world-famous designers. Cabell B Robinson designed this course. He has also designed courses in Portugal, France and the US.

 

 

 

Have you ever visited Spain on holiday or wish to move over today? Get in touch with Dream Spanish Homes or visit our office located in Los Alcázares, Murcia.

Dream Spanish Homes have a range of guides about the different areas in which we sell properties. Some of the most sought after areas include the Costa Calida, Los Alcázares, Alicante and Murcia. Visit our areas page to find out more. We are continuously expanding the areas in which we sell properties throughout the East Coast of Spain.

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Spanish Sports Series (SSS): Sport in Spain

Spanish Sports Series (SSS): Sport in Spain 2

Popular Sports in Spain

We all know that Spain is a Country who loves it sports. In recent times they have won the Football World Cup in 2010, the European football championship 3 times in 1964, 2008 and 2012. The country also has one of the most successful football leagues in the world which involves 3 of the most successful teams in Europe in Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Spain also has a very popular basketball league with many of its population following the sport massively. The sport is very popular and has made many great players who now play in the American NBA, which is the biggest basketball league in the world. Spain has also produced some of the world’s finest athletes in many other sports including Rafael Nadal in tennis, Fernando Alonso in Formula 1 and Sergio Garcia a world-famous golfer, who was in the top 10 golfers in the world for the best part of his career.

Youth in Sport

In Spain many of its sporting success around the world is due to the schemes and policy’s they have in youth sport. The President of the football league La Liga has attributed the success of the league around the entire world to its home-grown players. The government invests heavily in the sport of the country and is rewarded with sporting success. It’s quite a surprise that not many other countries have followed this same scheme.

Throughout the entirety of Spain there are many Sports schools for the likes of Golf, Basketball and football. One of the most famous sporting schools is the soccer school MV8 located in Seville.

Women in Sport

Throughout the years before the dictatorship in Spain came to an end, it was difficult for women to be recognised in sport. Many females were made to wear clothing that showed less of their skin, which would be uncomfortable to wear and hinder their performances. In some cases, even performing to the highest standard was not allowed and contact sport was forbidden for women.

A lot has changed for women in Spain and in sport since then a women Spanish national football team was established in 1980 and 7 years later they played their first official non-friendly match in the qualification of the European Championships.

They also have a strong basketball history, winning the EuroBasket three times in their history. Other sports in Spain women love to play include athletics, gymnastics, swimming, diving and many winter sports.

Attracting tourism through Sport

With such a beautiful environment perfect for sports, Spain has become a hotbed for tourists taking part in sports in the country and visiting to watch different sports. Football is of course the top sport in which many people come to the country to watch. Football clubs such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona have a worldwide following and it is many people’s dream to watch their favourite team play at home.

Golf has been an increasingly popular sport in the country and that also attracts more people to visit and live there. Around the entire country there are many golf courses being made by world-wide known course designers. In the Southern regions of Spain there are many golf clubs being established.

Destinations such as La Manga in the Southeast of Spain have also started to gain agreement with many world-wide sports clubs for summer camps and facilities within their ground. These clubs then send players and training staff to these camps. Of course, this is a great attraction.

The attendance at Spanish marathons has became partly foreign with many people travelling to the country to bask in the great weather while doing something they love.

Famous tournaments home and away

Every year in Spain they host several sporting events. Big on the calendar is motorsport. Every year since 1991 they have hosted a formula 1 race at the. Spain has also hosted the moto GP ever year since 1986. So, motorsports are another sport that is big in Spain. They also stage a rally, which has started in the most recent years. Every year major cities in Spain also host their own marathons, half marathons, and kilometre runs.

In the past Spain have also hosted the Fifa World Cup, the Olympic Games and the World Swimming Championships multiple times. Every year major cities in Spain also host their own marathons, half marathons, and kilometre runs.

Spain has also had great success at the summer and winter Olympics with a medal overhaul of 17 medals at Rio in 2016 and 2 medals at the winter Olympics in Pyongyang in 2018. Other success includes world cup winners in 2010, the European championship winners 3 times, Davis Cup (Tennis) winners 5 times, also 5 times winners at the Fed cup (Tennis), Hockey champions in 2004, World basketball championships in 2006 and the Eurocup (basketball) winners in 2009.

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Buying a home in Spain: A small Guide

Buying a home in Spain: A small Guide 3

Buying a home in Spain is a very confusing and daunting task, even if you have experience in the field. Buying home abroad in a separate country is 10x more confusing and daunting, that is why us at Dream Spanish Homes will help you every step of the way. Some of the main difficulties when buying a home abroad are laws and language barriers. These reasons plus many more can make buying abroad very scary. Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world for many Europeans, North and South Americans and has become increasingly popular with people from Asia. It is also increasingly popular with people from all walks of life and from around the world looking to move abroad and to a warm country.

A Starting point

Everyone here at Dream Spanish Homes believes before moving abroad, that you should be fully committed to moving. Many people move abroad and then realise it is not for them and move back home, we do not want you to be one of them. With the developments in the internet and technology, you can always feel at home from almost anywhere in the world. We also suggest inviting friends and family over to your home as well as visiting them back home.

You should also have a small plan or overview of what you will/could do during your time in Spain. We suggest this as many people may move abroad and don’t have a small plan of why they wanted to move and get bored with their surroundings quickly.

Legal Problems

When moving to Spain, there is, of course, the legal stuff. No matter what, there sadly must be legal stuff. With all the legalities, us at Dream Spanish Homes will help you, but we do suggest that you do get a lawyer. Ideally, one who specialises in property and Spanish Property.

Visa’s and Residency

In the near future, we can expect visas to get that little bit more awkward due to Britain’s upcoming exit from the EU. For the meantime though, all EU nationals including British can travel freely into Spain. Other people who are from countries who are apart of the Schengen countries can also travel freely into Spain.

When Britain finally leaves the EU through Brexit, UK nationals will more than likely need to apply to get into Europe through a program called ETIAS. This project is being set up by the EU, which allows people from countries around the world to travel into Europe if they make the EU aware. If you are travelling from other countries to Spain, you will need a Visa.

Property Deposits

When an agreement between a homeowner and a potential buyer is met, a contract is drawn up for both parties to sign. This contract will involve deposits. So, what is a deposit?

A deposit guarantee’s property is yours. The usual amount for a deposit is either 10 or 20 per cent of the final price of the property. A deposit is used to assure the homeowner of the sale, as a sale has been agreed, so they do not offer the property as to let any more. This is also to stop other offers and bids being received by the homeowner as they have agreed upon a sale.

Mortgages

Mortgages are the fun part of buying a house in Spain. They are what we use to help us purchase a new home for ourselves if we do not have all the money for a property. A mortgage can either make or break your move to Spain as without one you may not be able to move.

There are different types of mortgages, so there is always the right one for you. But how do they work? A mortgage works by borrowing a large sum of money from either a lender or a bank and you will pay it back over several years with added interest on top of that. Until the whole mortgage is paid back, you are not the sole owner of that property as your lender also owns it.

Over the years you will start to pay more and more of the interest and the loan off, eventually paying it off after say 15, 20 years and the property is fully yours. In order to receive a mortgage, you need to have a good credit rating.

Taxes

In Spain, there are a lot of added costs and taxes to take into consideration when buying a home. Probably very similar to when buying a home in your home country. This is on top of the price of your property.

The biggest tax when purchasing a home in Spain is the ITP tax, otherwise known as the transfer tax on resale properties. This tax is up to 8 percent of the resale value of the property. You also need to be aware of the IVA tax which is like the ITP, only on new build properties. This tax is 10 percent and goes to the National Government instead of the Regional Government.

You should also note that there is a mortgage tax and a land registry tax. All of which can increase your costs for a new home substantially.

Who can help?

It is good to note that us here at Dream Spanish Homes (DSH) can help. We can give you great advice on different situations as we have a lot of experience in dealing with clients.

We also advise you that lawyers are a great help and can assist you that little bit more than us through the whole purchasing process. (As we are not lawyers ourselves). They will not only keep you on the right side of the law, but they will advise you throughout the whole of the purchasing process.

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Discover More About Costa Cálida, Mar Menor and Los Alcázares

Discover More About Costa Cálida, Mar Menor and Los Alcázares 4

Since Gerry first moved to Spain from Ireland, and even before then – when he used to holiday here – he notices the same people coming back time and again. Most could travel all over the world – and some do – but what is it about this area of Spain that keeps people coming back?

We thought we’d uncover some of the hidden gems – and over the next few weeks and months – show you some of the sites, sounds and attractions of Murcia, Mar Menor and Los Alcázares. You will soon see why Murcia is described as one of “20 amazing places in Spain” you need to visit in The Telegraph.

Known as the Costa Cálida, the “warm coast”, a 250km stretch of Mediterranean coastline, the warm sunny weather is surely one reason people keep coming back. It might start with one holiday or one game of golf, but with average temperatures around 20º for most – 320 days – of the year, you can see why this is an ideal holiday or retirement destination.

Shopping, Golf or Sunny Beaches?

Not to mention golf, with such a great range of courses – including several award-winning courses, six designed by golf legend, Jack Nicklaus, and several others used for championship tours, this really is a golfers paradise. Some pretty fantastic restaurants, bars and clubhouses – inside luxury hotels, often overlooking the 18th hole – complete the experience. Nothing like a game of golf, with a meal and drinks to finish the day.

If you would rather be shopping, then Murcia has everything from well-known high street brands to countless local boutiques and smaller shops. The City of Murcia is home to Zara, H&M, Toys R Us, Ikea and many more, plus two large indoor shopping centres, Thader and Nueva Condomina.  El Corte Inglés is also worth a visit, where you will find most of the world’s leading names in fashion, beauty, homeware and accessories. All under one roof.

At every resort – which are usually near golf courses – such as the La Zenia Boulevard – you will find every kind of restaurant, bar and shops.

Mar Menor and Los Alcázares

Mar Menor Golf Resort is another popular resort in the area, with an award-winning golf course and a five-star hotel. Mar Menor is also only a short drive from the beautiful and thriving coastal town of Los Alcázares and numerous beaches. Located on the shores of the Mar Menor, Los Alcázares offers tourists and seasonal residents of the village seven kilometres of coastline from Los Narejos to Punta Brava. It isn’t far from other attractions and places of interest, including Cartagena, a historic town and La Manga, all-around a 20 minutes drive away.

Unlike other holiday resorts, Los Alcázares retains the authentic Spanish charm and culture that you can’t find elsewhere in Spanish towns popular with overseas tourists. Dream Spanish Homes owner, Gerry, put down roots – and grew his other businesses – in Los Alcázares for that reason. He loves the place, and now, with Dream Spanish Homes can help others who want to move or invest in the area to find their perfect villa or apartment in Spain.

 

 

 

 

Have you ever visited Spain on holiday or wish to move over today? Get in touch with Dream Spanish Homes or visit our office located in Los Alcázares, Murcia.

Dream Spanish Homes have a range of guides about the different areas in which we sell properties. Some of the most sought after areas include the Costa Calida, Los Alcázares, Alicante and Murcia. Visit our areas page to find out more. We are continuously expanding the areas in which we sell properties throughout the East Coast of Spain.

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Why Dream Spanish Homes Are The Only Agent That Gives You More

Why Dream Spanish Homes Are The Only Agent That Gives You More 5

I’m Gerry Flynn, the man behind Dream Spanish Homes. I moved to the Murcia Region of Spain in 2012, after a career as a property developer, investor and entrepreneur in Ireland.

After numerous holidays to the Mar Menor, I had fallen in love with the area and resolved to move to Los Alcázares, a growing coastal town on the Costa Cálida.

When I first got here, I bought a villa and a minibus. With that one minibus, I started making pickup runs to and from the nearby airports – San Javier and Alicante International – for holidaymakers and golf enthusiasts. I had a feeling the area was going to get more popular, but at the same time, I hoped Murcia, Mar Menor and the Costa Cálida didn’t become too overcrowded with holidaymakers.

Part of the charm of the coast, resorts and golf courses, is the area is relatively unknown. Cálida is not overrun with Brits on lads weekends and hen parties, which means those visiting or staying longer can enjoy a more authentic Spanish experience.

A Warm, Pleasant Spanish Paradise

Murcia is unique, as a tourist region, it attracts as many from Spain – both on holiday, retiring to the warm coast and playing golf – as it does from Northern Europe and further afield. With 320 days of sunshine, average temperatures around 20º, rolling fields – the region is known as Europe’s orchard – beautiful beaches, stunning golf courses, luxurious resorts, traditional villages, towns and fishing communities, Murcia is a paradise on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

I wanted to put down roots with my wife, Debbie. Pretty soon, I had the opportunity to buy an Irish bar, The Celt, in a former fishing village turned resort, Los Alcázares. The Celt proved popular. Next, on the outskirts of the town, we opened The Shamrock, which we expanded and is thriving. We still do car rentals, with Mar Menor Car Hire providing cars for holidaymakers across the area.

All three businesses are established and thriving. Alongside these businesses, I decided to focus on the property market. I was receiving feedback from clients regarding poor customer service, giving me the impression that estate agents are only focused on making a sale and they rarely offer any customer aftercare.

Dream Spanish Homes: On A Mission To Give Customers More

Dream Spanish Homes has always been different. I believe that customers should get great service and only rent or buy a property that is right for them, is located where they want to live, and what they want is in their budget. I want to ensure that everyone who buys, sells or rents from Dream Spanish Homes gets a first-class service. Our mission is to “Delight every customer with a first class service, giving buyers, sellers and renters more.”

Also located in Los Alcázares, Dream Spanish Homes list properties across the Murcia Region to buy or rent. Comprehensive property management can also be provided for those who buy a property here but want to rent it out most or all of the year. We love knowing our customers are happy. That look, on a customer’s face, when they know they’ve found the perfect place for them. We live for making sure our customers walk out of a viewing knowing that when they say yes, they are confident we can take care of everything.

Our local knowledge and 15 years of property experience in Spain, Ireland & the UK is your advantage. We give you more; which can include, free inspection trips, exclusive free golf club memberships, fully furnished properties, air conditioning, and even a free car.*

Dream Spanish Homes: The Only Agent That Gives You More

* Exclusive offers depend on the needs of the buyer and availability of the offer at the time of the purchase. Offers can not be redeemed for the cash equivalent. For more information, please see our website terms of service.