FAQ


  • What kind of properties does Atlas sell?
    We have many different styles of new build properties on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida.  We now cover the entire length of the coast from Altea to Almeria, selling both coastal and inland properties (including a wide selection of resale properties).
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  • How often do you run inspection trips and what is the cost?
    The inspection trips are run twice weekly, flying either on Tuesday or Saturday to Alicante from all major airports in the UK and Ireland. The trip consists of three or four nights' stay with return flights, all meals, accommodation and transfers included in the price of £69 per person (€199 per couple in Ireland). Back to top
  • What happens on an inspection trip?
  • The inspection trip is a chance to view properties which suit your specific requirements.  Whether you are looking for a three-bedroom villa for holidays or an apartment by the beach to rent throughout the year, an experienced representative can guide you through every step. 
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  • How do I pay for my property?
    If you purchase a property through Atlas International then the standard payment structure is as follows: £2,000 - reservation fee
    10% less the £2,000 reservation fee - within 14 days of reservation
    40% - 30 days after reservation
    25% - 3 months prior to completion
    25% - on completion of the property
    However on a resale property there are only three stages for payment:
    £2,000 - reservation fee
    10% - less the £2,000 reservation fee within 14 days of reservation
    90% - on completion
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  • How long will the process take?
    This depends on the type of property you choose and at which stage of construction this property is at when you reserve.  If you purchase a resale property however, the process takes approximately 3 months.
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  • Are there any additional costs?
    In addition to the property price you will have to pay up to 12% of the property price. This is due on completion. Included in this are 7% IVA (equivalent of VAT, in some cases the builder will request that you pay IVA on all your stage payments) and 4% to go to your acting solicitor to pay for all taxes and charges relating to the property purchase.
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  • I have to sell a house in the UK before I buy, can I still proceed?
    Depending on your financial circumstances it may be possible for you to take out a short term re-mortgage on your UK property to fund the purchase abroad until your house is sold. We are associated with an independent financial company who will search through many options to best suit your needs. It can take approximately 6-8 weeks to have any funds released to you once an application has been made and approved.
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  • How much will I expect to pay annually for my Spanish home?
    Every year you are liable to pay local tax, community fees and water and electricity charges. These can all be set up by direct debit through your Spanish bank and can be up to £1,000 per annum.
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  • Do I have to use a Spanish solicitor?
    It is recommended that you instruct a Spanish solicitor to deal with the conveyancing of your property as they will have full knowledge of the laws in Spain and how the system operates. It will make the transaction a lot smoother and will cost you less money as there will be no need for the translation of official documents.
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  • Will I need a Spanish Will?
    It is advisable for you to complete a Spanish Will once you have signed the Title Deeds for your home in Spain. The cost will be in the region of £80. It will only include your Spanish assets, for example your house and bank account. Having a Will in Spain will make the whole process of inheritance less expensive for the beneficiary.
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  • How do I open a bank account in Spain?
    If you purchase a property through Atlas International we can open an account for you in Spain.
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  • How do I apply for residency?
    You can apply for residency if you plan to live more than 6 months of the year continuously in Spain. It will take approximately one year to receive your resident's card and your fiscal representative (solicitor) in Spain will be able to help you with this application.
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  • What is fiscal representation?
    A fiscal representative is someone who will ensure your tax is paid on time to the Spanish government. It will be necessary for you to instruct a professional to do this for you in Spain as the paperwork can be extremely complex.
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  • Do you have resale properties?
    We have a wide range of resale properties available from studio apartments to detached villas with private pools. For more information please speak to a sales advisor who will be happy to send you details of our current re-sale properties.
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  • Can I sell my existing Spanish home through Atlas International?
    We have a company within the Atlas Group called Resale Espana. Through their office they will be able to market and sell your property. For further information on this,  please contact your personal sales consultant or contact the resale office directly on 0034 965 706 400.
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  • Can I rent my property through Atlas International?
    Again, we have another office called Atlas Property Management who can rent and maintain your property throughout the year for a competitive fee. They also offer additional services such as airport pick-ups and a full home care agreement. This can include looking after your garden and cleaning your property on a regular basis.
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  • Can I take my pets to Spain?
    There is a new system now whereby you can take your pets to Spain using the new "Pet passport". We have a leaflet on the transportation of pets to Spain giving all the information and contact details you will need. Under the new PETS scheme your pet will not have to go through quarantine. However, there are different rules and regulations for each type of animal. You should contact your vet at least 6 months prior to your departure.
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  • Am I entitled to free healthcare in Spain?
    Once you become a resident of Spain you are entitled to free healthcare, however you will have to pay for prescriptions. There are different types of forms that you can obtain before you travel to ensure you are covered when visiting Spain so that the treatment you receive is free of charge. If you are planning to move to Spain, it would be advisable to take out private medical insurance (you can do this through Atlas Insurance) for as little as € 29 per month, which is approximately £20.
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  • What will happen with my state pension if I move to Spain permanently?
    You can arrange for your state or private pension to be transferred directly to your Spanish bank account if you wish. This will be paid into your account every four weeks in arrears. Depending on your financial situation it may be taxed once it is received in Spain, classed as income.
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  • Do electrical goods work in Spain?
    Yes, the majority of UK appliances will work if you use an adaptor. The standard voltage in Spain is 220volts however in some areas it is still 110volts.
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  • How do I go about looking for a job?
    Around the Costa Blanca area there are not many employment agencies, however there are different websites on the internet that will be able to help you to find a job in Spain.
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  • Can I obtain a Euro mortgage?
    You can apply for a Spanish mortgage of up to 70% of the purchase price over a maximum period of 20 years. The mortgage has to be paid off by your 75th birthday. It is easy to apply for a mortgage through our mortgage department even prior to going on one of our inspection trips. Please ask your sales advisor for more information.
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