Thursday 25 October 2012

Property and Living in Valencia, what to expect..

Property and living in Valencia, what to expect...

So first of all, what can you expect of Property here in Valencia...

Here in Valencia you have city apartments or country chalets in the surrounding villages. That pretty much sums it up. 

Valencia City Centre Property

If you want to be in Valencia itself then you will have to expect an apartment in an old and normally ugly building. Don´t get me wrong, there are a lot of stunning buildings in the city centre, but not many are for living in or for sale.

El Carmen is the old quarter, this is a quaint area, but the streets are very narrow and buildings obviously very old, more often without a lift and quite small. Don´t expect to pick up a large, light, modern apartment here. Small and dark but with nice traditional features in a trendy, lively area.
Example apartment in El Carmen - http://www.girasolhomes.co.uk/properties/553115-apartment-for-sale-in-valencia

Then basically the further out of the centre you go the bigger, cheaper and more modern you can find. Example of apartment in Ruzaffa - http://www.girasolhomes.co.uk/properties/591124-apartment-for-sale-in-valencia

Beach living... now the beach area of Valencia is also very old, so don´t expect to have your new modern complex apartments with pool and sea views like you would find in Benidorm, or luxury villas on the water front. The oldest part being Cabanyal which is also one of the most historic areas of Valencia. 
Example of typical beach apartment in Valencia -  http://www.girasolhomes.co.uk/properties/591447-apartment-for-sale-in-valencia

Although having said that, at the Northern end, Patacona, they do have one complex and are now completing 4 rows of apartment blocks which have pools. These are generally selling to locals, young families or investors. They are not as yet your typical holiday complex atmosphere, but are good for living permanently and also very rentable. 
The prices however are not cheap, a 1 bedroom ground floor apartment without views starting from 150,000€ (approx) 

Example of beach complex apartment in Patacona, Valencia -  http://www.girasolhomes.co.uk/properties/569744-apartment-for-sale-in-valencia

Chalets and Villas in Valencia towns and Villages

Now if you prefer to have a bit of land and maybe your own pool, after all thats pretty much why we come to Spain, to enjoy the sun and outdoor life, then you will be looking for a villa or Chalet as they are more commonly known here.

For a chalet, you will be looking at the surrounding villages and towns, these are generally situated about 30 minutes from the centre, most will have metro or bus routes and all are very well connected by road.

These towns offer all that you will need for day to day living, banks, shops, supermarkets, weekly street markets, fiestas and a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The chalets are generally on Urbanisations, these can be completely Urban with all services in place, the higher valued ones will have gated entrance or security patrols, or Urbanizable which means they might still need some roads or lighting adding but the property is legal as the land is ready to become fully Urban. Generally the urbanisations are not walking distance from the town centre, so a car would nearly always be needed.

Examples of villas and chalets for sale in Valencia -  http://www.girasolhomes.co.uk/properties/location-19-valencia/type-villa/bedrooms-2/minprice-150000/maxprice-600000/currency-EUR

I won´t get into the Rustic properties and infamous "land grab" situation, but do recommend you use an "independent" solicitor for any purchases.

Lifestyle in Valencia

So what can you expect of living in Valencia.. well I have lived here for 8 years now, the first year I was in a chalet with private pool, garden and spectacular views on an urbanization just outside of a town, 30 minutes from Valencia city. I set up my own self catering business, developing the downstairs (underbuild) of my chalet into a self contained apartment. Life consisted of working on the property and garden whilst working on advertising and catering for clients. Very calm and tranquil, with a dip in the pool to cool off, very stress free and relaxed. 

Socialising was always a top priority, you would meet someone for a coffee or lunch and end up returning home at some ridiculous hour of the morning, the villagers were all very welcoming and the fiestas spectacular and great fun. The neighbours often called in or invited you round for paella with the family. If you had something to do, you just dropped it and enjoyed the company, after all.. there is always tommorrow. (very much a Spanish attitude)

But its not all "stress free", be warned, if you like things to be done quickly and efficiently, you will get very annoyed very quickly, Spain doesn´t know the word "efficient" or "quick" especially when it involves "paperwork". 
Also don´t expect "good customer service" this also is very rare in Valencia, can´t say if its Spain wide. 

Now I am in the beach area of Valencia city, so a little out of the city centre, the lifestyle is still very social, and here we have the same kind of atmosphere as a village, everyone knows everyone, as they have all lived in the area all their lives, not like in the city centre where I would imagine you would be more "invisible". I am not a city person, so life here in this area suits me perfect, village lifestyle with the convenience of city amenities. The neighbours don´t call round, but you will "coincide" in a bar at some point, more than once a week! And again, a lunch time drinky can turn into a late night dancing very easily.! 

I rarely put the kettle on here, if I want a coffee, I just pop downstairs to one of my local bars, I feel very welcome and comfortable to enter on my own. Chat to anyone who enters, whether I know them or not. Something I would never have done back in the UK.

At the moment, here in Valencia, the expats tend to blend in with the locals, we don´t have WI groups or English only Golf teams etc. In fact I don´t know anyone English in my area. In the village there were several couples around, and apart from the odd gathering in the bar or birthday parties etc, the life is based on living with the Spanish, therefore you will need to learn the language. Shops and restaurants are just now starting to adapt to other languages, but don´t expect to find someone who can speak English everywhere you go.

So to sum up..

Property
City apartment or Village chalet, "locals" rather than expat / tourist population in beach areas.

Lifestyle
Pros - relaxed and social lifestyle, SUN!
Cons - lack of efficiency and customer service. 

Business
I work as an Intermediary in holiday rentals and property sales, so if you are looking for either, dont hesitate to contact me, use my experiences to help guide you.

This of course is all my personal opinion based on my experiences, if you have experienced or feel differently, then please comment below, would love to hear from you. Or let me know how your area of Spain differs maybe.

 

 

Friday 7 September 2012

Postcard of thanks from a Visitor to Valencia

T

Fountains_and_palm
Thank you for having me for the long weekend break, it was amazing!

Valencia is beautiful, having burnt myself on the first day turned out to be a blessing, meaning I didn´t want to spend the rest of my days on the gorgeous beaches, I actually got to see a good part of Valencia too!

The city centre is beautiful, so relaxed, mooching from plaza to plaza, ok a nice cool lager on each was a must, but isn´t obligatory, but it certainly helped! I didn´t even buy anything, think its the first time in a city where I was happy to just wander and admire the buildings and scenery without wanting to go into the shops and spend a fortune!

The City of Arts and Sciences was more stunning than I imagined it would be, I had seen photos in the brochures, but walking around it I was awe struck, so many photos to sort through now!

And of course as you so rightly recommended.. the Bioparc Zoo... what a great day out that was, sat on the terrace of the cafe having a "coke!" whilst the giraffes and antelope were going about there daily lives right in front of us. Just like being on safari in Africa. The whole setting of the place is so picturesque.

And I can´t say enough about the nightlife!.. the flamenco night was an eye opener, never really taken to that sort of music, but seeing it in real life, and the passion they put into the dancing, so glad to have witnessed it. As for the "locals bars", you have such a great selection in your "barrio" as you call it, we didn´t need to hit the "real" scene, although judging by the atmospere on the promenade and in the street market at 3am, I can imagine the bars and discos were heaving.

Once again a big thank you for your hopsitality, and i won´t be leaving it 4 years until we meet again my friend.

yours

A Valencia Fan!

Monday 18 June 2012

Restaurant Names, Valencia

Now #Valencia #beach front is a nice long promenade with a great selection of restaurants with the usual selection of fish and paella offerings. Now a restaurant called "luz de luna" (light of the moon) has a romantic calling, but what were they thinking with these Restaurants..

This one is the trendiest of them all and has a younger clientelle due its "Irish Bar" styling and "pint glasses" ... Called San Patricio (how original!)

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and how about "El Bobo" or "El Trompo" Pleeeese!? 

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Can you imagine the conversation.. "where were you taken for your special meal?".. "el bobo!"

Holiday Accommodation on Valencia Beach Front 

 

Monday 28 May 2012

Marina Real Juan Carlos, Valencia Port

I took a nice walk along the beach of Valencia to the Marina that was redesigned specially for the 34th Americas Cup and is now the home of the European Formula 1 Grand Prix street Circuit.

The Grand Prix is on its way and the preparations are taking place, already the boundaries of the track are in place, and I even drove down the home straight and under the starting bridge!

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the Marina itself is beautiful, one of, it not THE largest in Europe, with the Veles y Vents building overlooking the luxury yachts...

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Here you can see the swing bridge that will close to join the 2 sides of the Marina during the F1 grand Prix...

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Then I saw the arrival of the catamaran that offers trips out of the harbour and along the beach front, with champagne of course. The sunset trip attracts my attention, will be trying it out one day for sure...

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And what sipping a nice cool lager or G&T in this trendy terrace..

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It was a beautiful day out and I can fully recommend any one visiting Valencia, taking a wander around the Juan Carlos I Marina and Americas Cup Port.

 

www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com for accommodation close to the Marina in Valencia

 

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Semana Santa Marinera, Easter in Valencia

Been looking back over last years photos of the Semana Santa Marinera Parade in Valencia, you can see them here... http://www.facebook.com/HaSpain

Send a friend request to keep informed of all the latest goings on and of course photos from this years parades!

 

Thursday 29 March 2012

Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix

In_alonso_car
So with the Formula 1 season underway we saw a shock win for Spains´ holy one, Fernando Alonso, can´t stand the guy personally and the Spanish don´t help by worshiping everything he does, even when all he does is whinge! When things are bad "its the cars fault" but when he wins.. "its all his doing and his magic". anyway.. I digress.

So with the Australian  F1 and Malaysian F1 races done, Alonso is top of the leader board with Maclaren leading for the teams. Next stop China. Will he keep up his magical work to be leader for his home track race in Barcelona.. The Spanish Grand Prix on the 13th May?

Are you coming to Spain to watch the Spanish Grand Prix? in Barcelona on 13th May, or for the European Grand Prix in Valencia, on 24th June?

I believe I read that the Formula 1 will be changing for Spain after this year, and not actually coming back to Valencia until 2014, as they will be alternating with Barcelona, with Barcelona gaining the 2 in a row, before losing out in 2014.

Find accommodation in Barcelona for the Spanish F1 Grand Prix

Find accommodation in Valencia for the European F1 Grand Prix

Monday 19 March 2012

All the Photos and Videos of Las Fallas 2012 you could want to see...

Here you have a concise collection of videos and photos of Las Fallas 2012 in Valencia...

 

How they build the Ninots en La Planta...- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeB2hH1dvOg&list=UU4ktdxVdhS7ULyzMPpnqEFQ&...

Illuminations with music... Calle Sueca - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrEa13-hhVU&list=UU4ktdxVdhS7ULyzMPpnqEFQ&...

Selection of Photos of Las Fallas 2012... - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2DtUAQwq7s&list=UU4ktdxVdhS7ULyzMPpnqEFQ&...

Its all one huge street party for the Falleras... - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkthjzPG7vU&list=UU4ktdxVdhS7ULyzMPpnqEFQ&...

Turn up the volume for this last one.....Nit del Foc (night of fire) in my "barrio"...

Hope you enjoy!

Thursday 15 March 2012

Easter in Spain, Semana Santa Marinera in Valencia

Spain is completely transformed during Easter week. Everybody, everywhere, turns out to experience one of Spain's most traditional events to the full. Don't miss the chance to come to Spain at this time of year: you'll be able to share some very special moments in an atmosphere unlike anything you've ever known. read the full article on Spain Info.com

Why not book your accommodation in Spain online now.. www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com

Videos of Semana Santa march in Valencia...

 

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Las Fallas 2012, selection of Photos

View a selection of photos from Las Fallas 2012...

 

www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com for online easy booking of hotels and apartments.

Tuesday 13 March 2012

Las Fallas light display, Calle Sueca

Video of the spectacular light display in Calle Sueca, 2012. Every night at 8.00pm (ish, remember this is Spain!) they put on a spectacular "turning on" display. Watch the video here..

What you get if you combine Cold Play, the Eiffel Tower and a million lightbulbs...

 

www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com

 

 

Monday 27 February 2012

Valencia Las Fallas

 

Valencia is preparing to welcome its most prestigious festival LAS FALLAS, from the 1st of March.

Yesterday saw the first Mascletá (firecrakers) and La Cridá (opening ceremony) set in the Torres del Serrano. This is the start of a full 19 days of fiestas coming to a climax on the week of 15th-19th.

The Mascletá - everyday at 2pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square). this is an amazing display of firecrackers that makes the ground shudder, and experience not to missed! 

The atmosphere is electric as the city fills with thousands of revellers, eating and drinking on the open air terraces.

The light displays are also well worth hunting down, especially if you can catch the turning on ceremony each evening.

Read more about how to enjoy the Las Fallas fiesta here - LAS FALLAS

Book your apartment now and be sure not to miss it this amazing fiesta in Valencia.
Enjoy Las Fallas!

Special offer available on a city centre apartment in the heart of the city centre - email for more details! info@holidayaccommodationinspain.com

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Thursday 23 February 2012

Parking fine..or not!

On sitting in my car yesterday, the owner of the nearby garage came to explain to me about my parking fine... which, we noticed, was no longer under my windscreenwiper!

My car is parked legally, I explained, "yes" he replied, "and so were the other 3 who also received fines, but the first one that was parked in front of you wasn´t. So the guardia came along with a pick up truck, took the illegally parked one away and decided to fine the rest of you who are parked in the street!" (all local business owners who park here always, including myself)

But now my ticket has disappeared, so if the men in the garage hadn´t seen everything and told me, I wouldn´t have a clue until the fine for non payment arrives. And this is another problem.. my car is still registered to my old house, so this won´t arrive!

What to do!? I discussed this issue with a couple of middle aged Spanish residents, they both said ignore it, forget about it, it will get overlooked and forgotten about.

so what happened to my ticket?

did the police officer have a feeling of guilt and come back and remove my ticket? are some local kids having a laugh at my expense? or did another police officer see the ticket and feel it was unjust and took it away?

What do I do?

play ignorant,? after all I haven´t seen a ticket! or phone somewhere and see if a fine has been recorded and then try to prove my innocence?

more of the delights of living in Spain, it can work for you or against you, on this ocasion I have to wait and see.

 

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Carnival in Spain

Carnival in Spain

 

The parades of floats, costumes and elections of the carnival Queens , are some of the most common events in the Carnivals of Spain. There are cities and towns that have very old and special events , and have led many of them to be considered National Tourist Interest.

The Cádiz carnival is believed to be the oldest in Spain, at least as far as the Christian celebration is concerned.
It’s said to be the third largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Trinidad, and carries on for nine days of non-stop partying.

Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_14894.shtml#ixzz1mRnGaUcV

Search for your accommodation and flights for the Carnivals in Spain.. www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com with our easy online search and booking system, instant confirmation and guaranteed low prices on hotels and apartments.