Learning The Language

Spanish business people can generally speak English and German in addition to their native tongue. Waiters and shop assistants too can often manage a few English words. Builders, repair men, installation engineers, petrol attendants, postmen, policemen and hospital staff generally only speak Spanish.

It is just about possible to live in Spain without speaking Spanish. Interpreters or friends can be used as an aid to discussion. The use of body language, pointing, nodding and shrugging can also assist. Enhancement of communication with a few key words such as si, una, por favor, gracias (not necessarily in that order) is a step in the right direction. But the non-linguist needs one other major phrase ‘Hable Ingles, por favort (Can you speak English, please?).

There can be no substitute for learning the basics of the Spanish language. After all, it is their country we are choosing to visit or live in. We can surely be polite and respectful by learning a few words. Spanish people appreciate those who try and politely smile when they get it wrong.

Taking Your Pets

There is absolutely no reason why a pet cannot be taken to Spain, or for that matter travel through an intermediate country such as France. The United Kingdom has recently relaxed their views on quarantine regulations, bringing their approach more in line with other European countries. It may be necessary to travel to and from Spain frequently or unexpectedly, in which case any pet should have the necessary vaccinations, health checks and accompanying paperwork.

Spain has the normal catteries and kennels. It has many fully qualified veterinary surgeons. Urbanisations, towns and cities have codes of behaviour for dogs which results in them being banned from beaches and other public places.

Cruelty

There is another side to keeping a pet in Spain: the heartless attitude of some Spanish people to animals and in particular to dogs, which are often tied up all day, or left to roam the streets, or even simply abandoned. Keeping a large dog is often seen as a necessity for guarding a home, but the ability to bark is not a guarantee of home security.

The Spanish are not a nation of animal lovers. There are dog refuge organisations in most coastal towns, invariably run by resident British or Germans who often witness many barbaric acts committed on these defenceless animals.

Letting The House Back Home

Some people, having purchased a Spanish home with the intention of living there permanently, are reluctant to immediately sell their old home. No matter the care or planning that has gone into the selection of a new home in the sun, it may not work out. Retaining a base back home lessens this risk, offering a bolthole in the event of any change in circumstance.

There are two major reasons for letting out a property:

• income
• security – an empty property is potentially at risk during the dark winter months.

 

Letting Companies

It makes sense to put the letting of a property in the hands of experts. The Association of Residential Agents, formed in 1981, regulates letting agents and seeks to promote the provision of high standards of service to both landlords and tenants.

Membership is restricted to those letting agents who can demonstrate good financial practices and whose staff have a good working knowledge of all the legal issues involved.

A Choice Of Letting Services

There are three main types of letting service:

• letting only
• letting and rent collection
• letting and full management.

 

Cost and risk should determine the service selected. The greater the service, the greater the letting cost. The greater the cost the less risk of unsavoury tenants or damage to the property and its fittings.