Brexit? What Brexit, we love coming to Spain

Business Premises and Warehouse for Sale / Retail UintSpanish Tourism Minister Alvaro Nadal told a news conference to present tourism figures for 2016 that the number of arrivals last year was up by 9.9 percent over the 68.1 million foreign visitors who flocked to the country in 2015. It was the fourth consecutive year of record numbers of arrivals.

There was no Brexit effect in 2016, it did not affect British tourism in our country,” said Nadal, before adding this trend should continue this year.

Tourism represents some 11 percent of Spain’s gross domestic produc.

Already advance reservations as well as requests for landing slots at Spanish airports are going very well which confirms that the tendency for British tourism remains the same.

Each foreign tourist to Spain spent an average of €1,023 ($1,078), a 3.75 percent increase over the 2015 figure.  They spent a total of €77 billion in the country in 2016, an 8.3 percent increase over the previous year.

So Brits LOVE IT! We at Hondon Villas can’t predict the future but we do echo that 2016 and so far 2017 would suggest Brits (Dutch and Belgiums) are still keen to buy property in Spain. We are as busy as ever and had the confidence to open bigger premised earlier this year.  We are cautiously optimistic of Spanish Real Estate, despite prices being fairly static to showing slight growth.

Costa Blanca Villas For Sale
A property on the Costa Blanca is a dream for many people and once you’ve visited the area, you’ll understand why. As well as an excellent climate, the Costa Blanca boasts many beautiful Blue Flag beaches, superb sports opportunities, lots of festivals and lively nightlife. No wonder so many people are choosing the Costa Blanca for their Spanish holiday home! Here in the Hondon Valley we are surrounded 360 with glorious mountain views bathed in sunshine for over 300 days a year.

On the Hondon Villas website, you can find hundreds of Hondon area properties (Southern Costa Blanca region), from secluded rural houses and villas to town houses, land and apartments. Our property lists are frequently updated and our informed staff can help you understand the local market and make an informed decision when buying any type of Hondon Valley home or property.

Spain’s public holidays in 2017: Official List

Enjoy Easter in AlicanteThat’s right Spain get a lot of bank holidays and unlike the UK a lot of them are not on a Monday.  The Local.es has listed them for you.

Spain will have a total of 12 national bank holidays in 2017 but also there are many regional / local holiday. So get organized and start planning some weekends away.  Here is the official list of all the public holidays across Spain, as published in Spain’s BOE official state bulletin.

The nine national public  (Red Days) holidays in 2017 across all of Spain are:

January 6th: Dia de los Reyes Magos, Three Kings Day, Epiphany. (Friday)
April 14th: Good Friday
May 1st: Workers’ Day
August 15th: Assumption of Mary, (Tuesday)
October 12th:  Spanish National Day, (Thursday)
November 1st: All Saints’ Day (Wednesday)
December 6th: Constitution Day (Wednesday)
December 8th: Immaculate Conception, (Friday)
December 25th: Christmas Day (Monday)

Apart from these national dates, all regions have additional holidays. See below for the full list. Here is our own Valencia, Costa Blanca South / North.
April 13th: Maundy Thursday
April 17th: Easter Monday
October 9th: Valencia Day  (Monday)

You may also find that some Town Halls or Regions have even more extra days or half days for special occasions. And further that if a bank holiday is close to the weekend that in rural areas, like the Hondon Valley, the locals will extend their break.

So that Manaña feeling is very real … if you can’t beat them, join them eh?

Drones in Hondon Valley. Good or Bad?

As an established estate agent in Spain, Hondon Villas are always keen to use new technology if it helps present and sell our clients houses, improve our real estate services and help speed up our work flow.  [ Published on: 29 May 2017 * updates Jan 2018 below]

We did consult an experienced lawyer on the use of drones ( see below). She advised us that in a nutshell: it seems clear that the laws in Spain (as we write in 2016) it is not advisable to fly drones for commercial purposes or anywhere over urban or populated areas, particularly government owned or where security and privacy is paramount. To do so can incur massive fines.

Background: Well we saw some excellent promo’ footage of luxury properties in places like Marbella, Florida, UAE, etc. After seeing these we thought that for some luxury properties with a global appeal, aerial photographs or video would help the prospective buyer in their potential property choices.

But are they of use in Hondon? Does the law allow us? Well,  about two years ago we at Hondon Villas researched the use of Drones for aerial photography as we were unsure of the appetite for such a service, the cost to do it or even if it would help or hinder or business.

Of course it is early days for such technology and because of mass production and a relatively low price entry level, unmanned remote aircraft are now in abundance. Rightly or wrongly, many people already have them. But as a result, there are now numerous reports of some pilots abusing their use with no regard for others. In short aerial photography has become a “wild west”  situation.

So it turns out that the use of retail drones, particularly over private land, government buildings, urban land & housing estates is contentious across the globe. Indeed there are few places you can fly them legally unless the drone and pilot register and get permissions, particularly for commercial purposes.

Indeed, a local Hondon Valley real estate agent has already used a drone to film the area and some of our own clients have expressed to us the dismay they have that their home, location and land layout have been exposed without permission. Did the agent get permission? Well the law would suggest it would be necessary as it’s used for commercial advertising (branded with a logo) and the flights are over populated urban land and critically within the Alicante airport flight paths.

So whilst the use of drones in Real Estate seems a good idea, it is not as straight forward to just buy a drone and willy nilly film whatever you want – even though many agents here are already doing so!

Indeed, it is risky in many ways. The Spanish government has collected almost €2 million from drone fines alone since 2015 as they actively looked for breaches of the law. There is a total ban on drones in around the Balearic Islands for instance.

Pro’ versions of drones with high-end UHD cameras can be costly and difficult to fly. So the EU & USA in general are keen to legislate on their use and limit the areas they can be used. The reasons are mainly on safety, privacy and security grounds. After all a falling drone could damage property or hurt someone and people are quite precious about their privacy and can feel spied on.

We think in general, the above reasons for laws on drones have some merit in this uncertain world. And of course many people will and do misuse this new technology for criminal or dubious activities.

So Drone laws make sense to us. And whilst the main manufacturers and retailers pile drones high on shop shelves and sell them to anyone, there are actual laws to govern their purchase, registration, use and permissions. It can be a “red-tape” paper chase, especially in Spain. ( Royal Decree-Law 8/2014 on Air Navigation and Law 18/2014, of 15 October )

We certainly advocate laws on grounds of privacy in built-up areas. E.G. In Spain a property vendor may list their house with many agents, so do we really want those many agents “droning” over properties on a regular basis? We don’t think so. We get the impression that local residents would take a dim view of regular “spies in the skies“.

So, after a lot of questions to legal eagles, near-by flying clubs and asking people in the Hondon Valley, plus taking into account the price of a pro drone purchase, accessory costs and training, we at Hondon Villas concluded that currently (2016) using drones in Real Estate might not be the way to go until the laws are changed over these temporary 2014 ones in place now.

So, yes we’d love to offer the service to those that want it but as the Hondon areas are predominantly an urban sprawl we think that many locals would soon complain about noise, nuisance and security issues. In short, we respect the law and our prospective clients privacy and safety. We can’t rule it out for the future of course so we will be keeping an eye on any developments and laws.

Our SOLICITOR spelt out the current stance in Spain:

The matter of private or commercial “drones” is regulated in Royal Decree-Law 8/2014 on Air Navigation and Law 18/2014, of 15 October, approving urgent measures for growth, competitiveness and efficiency.

Article 50 of that Law establishes provisions relating to civil aircraft piloted by remote control.

That provision primarily regulates identification, features, possible uses, operating conditions, enabled airspace, security, accreditation of pilots and authorization certificates. An important remark is the obligation to obtain the necessary authorizations and make the flights always during daylight, in good visual meteorological conditions and out of congested areas of cities, habituated towns or settlements and outdoors gatherings of people.

Also, the drones can only be used for technical or scientific works; which in accordance with European standards it includes specialized operations such as research, pest control, photography, surveillance, security, patrol, advertising, fire fighting, rescue and scientific works. So, although the law does not define what is meant by specifically technical or scientific works, it seems clear that in Spain is not currently allowed the use of drones for commercial purposes.

On that regard, State Aviation Safety Agency showed, in his note of April 7, 2014, the following statement: “is not allowed, and has never been, the use of aircraft piloted by remote control with commercial or professional purposes “.

As a final note, it is important to know that this regulatory framework is provisional and will apply until the approval of the regulatory rules laid down in Final Provision second, second paragraph, of the Act. So, it is possible that operating drones in Spain in urban areas and for commercial purposes can be allowed despite that is not what Law has permitted so far.

Update May 2017 …

The Spanish RPAS regulation (Ley 18/2014) is only applicable to flights for commercial purposes and all professional activities.

But for recreational use (hobby) you should comply with the provisions in Spanish Law “Real Decreto 552/2014” (rules of the air), article 15, that allows RPAS flight at low altitude “as long as they do not involve any risk or harm to people or properties on surface

So in particular you should:
– operate at Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) and below 120m height.
– not fly in urban areas and over buildings and people. Overfly of populated areas and crowds is not allowed.
– not fly in controlled airspace (near airports) and avoid flying in areas where flights are conducted at low altitude with manned aircrafts.
– not fly at night or in bad weather conditions.
– please ask your local authorities prior to flying.
– other special restrictions may apply, for example in some special areas like Natural Parks and Biosphere Reserves.

Update Jan’ 2018

Spain has recently changed the laws on Drone usage for both commercial and hobby use. They are still quite strict however. In a nutshell, the pilot has a legal responsibility to fly with consideration of the safety, security and privacy of people and buildings, including him/her self. Commercial or paid drone pilots must be registered, insured, medically certified as fit and trained to use a drone (currently about 4 day course and an exam). Certain flights, locations and areas require authority from the AESA (Spain’s state aeronautic organisation). There are distance rules for built-up areas and “sensitive buildings” like hospitals, airports, schools and urbanisations.

The Special Hondon Valley

[Copyright HV2014] The Hondon Valley is a special place to the people who live and holiday here. And it’s not hard to see why… with miles and miles of fertile land growing juicy grapes, tasty almonds, salty olives, spring onions and a mega selection of vegetables and fruit. The locals have relied on the land for their living. And of course many visitors and residents love to drive or walk through the valley and admire the panoramic mountain views. Add to that, the guaranteed 310+ days of glorious sunshine and the combination is a winner!

Grape Bagging in Hondon

Hondon is one of those ‘in-the-know’ secrets that brings a small influx of like-minded people to the area. Those that relish the simple al fresco lifestyle, small typical Spanish villages, the slow pace (no Sunday opening here, thanks) and the friendly community minded culture. It’s a great place to chill. Many foreigners retire here.

The summer is alive in the valley with Fiestas, concerts, special events and markets. The fiestas in particular are legendary. It would be a crime not to attend a few fiestas each year. It’s what makes the Spanish happy and brings out their family and religious values. Every village, town or city in the Hondon area has a program of events throughout the year to bring the community together. I have not tried to, but I suspect it would be possible to attend a fiesta or special event every week of the year over the Costs Blanca if you cared to!

» Check the Euro Tour Guide for this month’s events

Despite its very rural location, the Hondon Valley affords all the amenities you will need within 15 /30 minutes drive. Yes we have the usual village shops, bakers, butchers, wine merchants and supermarkets in the villages you will also find gyms, sports centres, spas, shopping malls, DIY shops, electrical goods, cinema, superstores, football stadiums, bull rings, theme parks, water parks, chocolate factory, riding schools, museums, etc… within easy driving range. You will not miss much here.

A warm welcome from a Hondon Agent

Over the last 10 years the Valencian Government has encouraged foreign investment in property. This is much needed in a region that relies heavily of tourism. This in turn leads to many foreigners, mainly northern Europeans looking for the Spanish sun, living here permanently. Hondon has also been touched by foreign investment. It is said that the area needed this in order to grow and build the mainly farmer / builder community, it’s infrastructure and develop urban land.

So now we have a quite diverse ‘goody bag’ of nationalities in the Hondon Valley… including Brits, Dutch, Belgium, French, Russian, German and Scandinavian… I think I spotted a few Italians and an Australian couple too! All these people came to live because they saw something special. We like to call it peace and quiet (but with a few rowdy nights) but on the whole the life here is pretty stress free, easy and healthy if you care to embrace it. Most do, thankfully.

Yes Spain in these austere times have many problems with funding, unemployment and social unrest but you’d be hard to spot this in the Valley where life here meanders on and lets face it, it’s too hot to be getting upset with things. Just chill on the terrace with your favourite tipple (mine’s a G&T thanks) and listen to the chirp of the birds, the wind swooning through the trees or just be hypnotised by the ‘quiet’. Or go pick a lemon off your own tree or visit the local Taparia …

Smile your in valley. So yes take it easy in the Hondon Valley… it’s not going anywhere fast. What’s the rush? Everyday can be like a holiday if you want it to be … and the washing?  As the Spanish say “Manaña, Manaña”.

Cheers or as they say in this part of the world “Salud”

Bodegas Hondón (Wine Merchants in Nieves)

Bodegas Hondón, some of the best wines in the area!
Entering Bodegas Hondón is to immerse yourself in the world of wine. This popular wine maker and seller use traditional centuries-old techniques to produce a local wine that can be shared by all. The locals know this wine well and there’s sure to be a wine to suit your tastes.

Bodegas Hondón brings to the Alicante region a quality wine directly from the barrel to our tables, with natural ingredients and with all its flavour.

The establishment collects grapes and production of prestigious wineries of Hondón de las Nieves, Jumilla, Monovar, La Romana or La Roda. Likewise, Bodegas Hondón has on its shelves a selection of marcs (such as Galicia), liqueurs, wines of denominations of origin of La Rioja, Ribera de Duero or Montilla Moriles, the traditional El Herbero traditional of this province or delicious wine Sweet Hondón.

Bodegas Hondón also has a variety of quality products such as oils, salted, hams, pickles, preserves, legumes, etc., and an excellent service of its staff who will advise their clients on any matter related to the wine culture of Hondón.

LOCATION / OPEN TIMES: Bodegas Hondón is located at Calle Joaquín Blume, 38. Open from 9 am to 2 pm and from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, from Monday to Friday. Saturdays are open between 9 and 14 hours. Phone: 615 278 989.

It’s Official, Spain is A Healthy Place to Live!

Healthy Meditterraen Diet

Great news for those that live here already or for you lovely people wanting to live in Spain.

The medical journal, Lancet, states that according to the European League Table, which is composed of data collected over a 20 year period, the healthiest place to live in Europe is Spain.

Maybe the Mediterranean diet, heavy on fruit, salads, fish and olive oil, is responsible for the low death rate from heart disease – Spain has the 3rd lowest level of years of life lost. It also does well on a number of cancers – pancreatic, prostate, breast and esophageal. Families still care for ailing relatives – taking daily meals to those in hospital is normal and premature deaths from falls are low.

We’ll drink to that! (a mineral water of course) ;-)
> Source: http://m.digitaljournal.com/article/345370

Driving in Spain … Keep up-to-date!

Here on the Costa Blanca South the roads are generally very good and relatively jam free. As for the driving and parking here, well, that’s a common topic of (heated) debate, even if the debaters are bad drivers. There certainly are some eye-opening moments, especially at major roundabouts and junctions.

Guardia Trafico. Driving in Spain

Spain, especially on the Costas, have a myriad of foreign drivers and tourists who with the best will in the world will not know how to drive properly in Spain or understand the local laws or road system. Apparently the Spanish “Highway Code” is nearly 1000 pages long !!! Who can remember all that?

It can be said that sometimes even the Spanish drivers ignore or don’t know the rules! So the roads here can be a dangerous place or at least one fraught with problems and possible on-the-spot fines if you slip-up.

Of course. if you are from the UK you will have the added complication of driving on the right and if you hire or buy a Spanish plated car then you’ll also need to get used to the left-hand drive controls.

Know the Spanish Driving Rules & Legal Expectations

The laws, rules of the road and general driving etiquette might be foreign to you too. So, of course you’ll want to be prepared and up-to-date in terms of your vehicle road worthiness (MOT/ITV), importation of foreign cars, driving license requirements, speed restrictions, drink-driving, what to carry in your car and all the related laws. Note: Poor language skills, confusion or ignorance are rarely a defence if you are stopped by the police (Trafico).

To make matters worse the rules and laws change quite frequently here and the “bar-room Johnnies” and social media chit-chat will give you conflicting advice.

Thankfully there is lots of help points on-line for guidance and you can always go to your local Trafico Station for advice (take an interpretor just in case). And it’s BEST DONE as soon as possible.

On-line Help / Guides to Driving in Spain

  • DGT (Direccon de Gereral Trafico) : This is the official government site (in Spanish) on all things driving and laws. You can get up-to-date info’ on laws, traffic flow and speed cameras for your route.
  • N332 Road Website : The N332 is main coast road here on the Costa Blanca. The N332 has it’s own English language website with up-to-date road news, traffic forecasts and help. They also have a discussion page on Facebook if you need to ask a question.
  • RAC (UK): You can check the RAC’s website for helpful information on driving in Spain such as insurance, age groups, speed limits and important driving etiquette.
  • AutoExpress: A general help and support site for drivers with a handy check list when coming to Spain
  • Anglo Info: An expat help site that covers many things “living in Spain” as well as a large driving section.
  • Citizens Advice Bureau ES : Just like the same organisation in the UK this can help with and covers many topics, including driving in Spain. Their Facebook page acts as a bulletin board and a Q&A for members. You should join.