Q. What is the current state of the housing market in your area?Adrian: The Baix Emporda is hot. There are a lot of people who want a place in Barcelona’s playground. You can compare this area with Tuscany in Italy – which explains why it’s not the cheapest place to buy property in Spain. It is though less expensive then Tuscany!
Q. Has there been an increase in demand for houses in your area?
Adrian: Absolutely. More and more people are escaping from City life to the quiet areas. Last year we sold more houses to people from the Barcelona. If you buy a property from us our interest in you does not end with the signing of the deeds. We can assist with building work, renovations and we help out with Spanish law and taxes.
Q. Do many British people buy property in that part of Spain? Adrian: We see more and more people that fly to Girona with Ryan Air to London once a week, and live here the rest of the time. I would say this area is comprised of 70% Catalans, 10 %English, 10% Dutch and 10% from elsewhere.
Q. What are British buyers looking for?
Adrian: We sold a castle in the countryside to some British and a week later a little flat on the beach to other Brits. That is the beauty of it. There truly is a property for every taste and price.
Q. Begur is not a place that well known by British buyers. What are the attractions of the place?
Adrian: It is located near some of the most beautiful bays on the Costa Brava. In the centre of the town there is something to do all the year. Begur stays alive out of high season.
Q What price would someone have to pay for an apartment within walking distance of a beach.
Adrian: A good quality, two bedroom apartment at Playa de Pals would cost approximately 200.000 Euros. In Calella, where we are based, a similar property would be 300.000 Euros.
Q What other factors tempt British buyers to your area?
Adrian: Golf courses, beautiful beaches and great food. Don’t forget that the best restaurant in the world, El Bulli, is only 40 km away and that this area has more Michelin stars than the whole of London. We are only one hour away from Barcelona, quite possibly the most exciting City in the world
Q In your experience, are British buyers made welcome in Catalonia? Adrian: Catalans are very friendly but you must adapt and they love it if you learn to speak Catalan. Failing that they would rather you speak English than Spanish. They are proud of being Catalan and they are firm believers in hard work.
Q What are the top 3 reasons for living in the north east of Spain? Adrian: That’s easy. Wine, food and the quality of live – in that order!
Q. Finally, what advice would you offer a potential British buyer who is interested in buying in your region?
Adrian: Do your homework and forget about the way everything is done in Britain. Local planning laws and government work very differently here. Get good advice from those who have bought here and those who know the rules and regulations.
Contact Adrian via
www.immo-am.comBy e-mail amc.services@hotmail.com
Telephone (00 34) 666 694 896
