Peacefully Coexist with Bees and Wasps This Summer
Summer is the time to bask in the sunshine, enjoy picnics, and relish outdoor activities. But with the warmth comes an increased presence of bees and wasps, which can sometimes be a concern.
Although bees and wasps might seem pesky, remember they play an essential role in our environment. So, rather than fearing them, let’s look at friendly ways to keep these buzzing friends at a distance.
During the sun-soaked months of July and August, bees and wasps become particularly active due to the warmth aiding their reproduction. And with us humans also being out and about, there’s bound to be an intersection of paths.
It’s worth noting the difference between these insects. While wasps possess a smooth stinger and can also bite, bees have a barbed stinger and will die after stinging. Bees generally sting only when they feel endangered, so it’s best to stay calm around them.
Suggestions for Keeping Bees and Wasps at Bay
Crushed Garlic: Let it ripen for several days before scattering it around your outdoor spaces.
Coffee or Vinegar: These strong smells deter our winged friends.
Citrus Peels: Scatter lemon or orange peels around your outdoor areas.
Smoke: If there’s a hive nearby, gentle smoke can encourage them to find a new spot.
Aromatic Plants: Adorn your patio or window ledges with fragrant plants like basil, citronella, eucalyptus, laurel, lavender, or mint.
Candles: There are always Citronella candles in shops and supermarkets, they work get some, and keep lit all evening.
Additional Friendly Advice:
Always cover food during outdoor gatherings.
Reaching out to a local beekeeper might be a good shout.
Call Jose 607 35 85 94 or email him at Jose@ecomercat.es, he will collect and remove any hives that you may find on or around your premises.
Please Remember About Our Buzzing Buddies:
It’s vital to remember that bees and wasps are pivotal for biodiversity.
Should they pay you a visit, remain serene and avoid jerky movements.
And if you do get stung, it’s wise to place some ice on the area and consider seeking medical advice, particularly if there’s a concern about allergies.
Let’s enjoy the summer, respecting the role these insects play in our ecosystem, and finding harmonious ways to share our outdoor spaces. Cheers to a buzzing good summer!
A Number of Benefits for Investing in a Newly Constructed Property
Feeling weary of investing in older homes or those needing substantial renovations? How about considering a brand-new property? Opting for a new property offers numerous distinct advantages, such as:
Selection Opportunities
If you express your interest early in a new housing project, the chances of finding the perfect home increase significantly. To secure that sun-kissed garden for memorable summer gatherings or that top-tier apartment boasting breathtaking views, act promptly to understand your available options. Modern properties are crafted keeping contemporary homebuyers’ preferences in mind, increasing the likelihood of meeting your specific requirements.
Decade-Long Guarantees
A standout benefit of a new property is the minimal necessity for repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, you receive the security of a 10-year warranty, often provided by bodies like the National House Building Council (NHBC) or equivalent. This warranty safeguards against potential structural issues.
If any issues surface, the construction company (during the initial two years) or the NHBC (for the succeeding eight years) bears the repair costs. Moreover, warranties often extend to household appliances like refrigerators or washing machines if they are included. After property handover, a comprehensive inspection, known as “Snagging” alongside the agent identifies minor issues, which the developer will commit to rectifying.
Absence Of Previous Ownership
With a new property purchase, you sidestep potential uncertainties stemming from the seller’s side of transactions. Not only does this ensure a smoother and speedy transaction for you, but it also makes your property enticing for potential buyers as there is no chain.
However, note that new property purchases follow a distinct timeline. Typically, you initiate with a reservation fee, followed by a 10% payment upon contract exchange after 28 days. The remaining amount is settled upon construction completion.
Greater Transaction Security
Purchasing a property is often fraught with anxieties, given that nearly 20% of transactions for older homes collapse. Numerous factors, ranging from unexpected survey findings to disrupted chains, can derail deals.
But, when you’re investing in a new property, such cancellation rates drastically plummet. Since it’s a commercial engagement for builders, there’s a diminished risk of them retracting mid-deal. A reservation fee ensures your chosen property is held exclusively for you, negating the chances of the developer accepting rival offers.
Moreover, there are no survey-related concerns to address.
Furthermore, builders are bound by the House Builders Code of Conduct, enforcing strict adherence to set standards – a provision not applicable to individual sellers.
Optimal Energy Usage
Today’s residences prioritize energy efficiency, integrating features like effective insulation and top-tier central heating systems. This means you spend less on energy bills while also minimizing your ecological footprint.
Sunny Spots in Europe: Spain Shines the Brightest! **
A recent study has shed some light (pun intended!) on the sunniest places in Europe. Surprisingly (or maybe not), Spanish cities have taken six of the top 10 spots.
The rest, well, they’re in beautiful France and Italy.
This sunny ranking, courtesy of data from World Weather Online and a holiday rentals search engine, provides a monthly average of sunshine hours.
And drum roll, please… Taking the crown with a dazzling average of 349 sunshine hours a month is the radiant city of Alicante, located on Spain’s Costa Blanca.
So, if the British drizzle is getting you down this winter, you know where to jet off to!
Alicante is a sun worshipper’s dream.
Located along the breathtaking Costa Blanca, the city offers vast public beaches – perfect for lounging or trying your hand at water sports.
But it’s not just about the sun. Alicante is a gem, brimming with a colourful old town, museums aplenty, historic sites, top-notch restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife.
Whatever floats your boat, Alicante’s sure to have it.
Costa Blanca Property Prices Boosted by Declining Stock
Despite predictions of a dip in Spanish property prices in 2023, Costa Blanca’s local real estate market continues its robust growth, with average prices increasing by more than 10%.
A reduction in the supply of newly built and resale homes throughout Spain’s coastal regions continues to support a nationwide property price surge. The trend, as indicated by real estate giant, Idealista, is driven by a marked drop in home availability in most Spanish coastal zones, increasing property prices amid a cost-of-living crisis and rising borrowing expenses in the last year.
Escalating costs of construction materials and fittings have led to fewer completed properties, project delays, and higher costs for foreign property buyers. This situation has resulted in more expensive properties and longer waiting times for new homes in desirable areas, putting additional strain on the resale market.
With limited new homes on the Costa Blanca market, many buyers and investors are turning to the resale market as many new properties are priced beyond the reach of most potential holiday homeowners.
Resale properties are becoming increasingly attractive due to their affordability compared to equivalent new builds, and their appeal is expected to grow given the foreseeable lack of improvements in residential housing stock.
Alenda Golf Properties offers a comprehensive service for individuals looking to sell or purchase a property on this beautiful golf course. Contact us today to make your selling or buying experience seamless, quick, and economical.
Mulligans, an age-old golf tradition, offers players a second chance for shots gone awry.
Here’s a fun guide on when to try to get a mulligan:
1st Tee Shot: A poor initial drive justifies the use of a mulligan, especially without adequate warm-up. Be cautious though if your first drive was good, if your host disapproves, after an extensive practice session, or when being the last golfer with no one else taking a mulligan.
Missed Short Putt: If you miss a short putt, feel free to replay it. But avoid extending this to longer putts as it may be seen as taking unfair advantage.
Wrong Spot Play: Hitting from an incorrect location on a new course can happen. In such situations, it’s okay to take another shot.
Damaged Golf Ball: If your ball behaves unusually due to damage, a mulligan is perfectly fine.
Poor Performance on 18th Hole: If you’ve had a bad day and mess up the final shot, take a ‘pity mulligan’.
First Putt on Fast Greens: If the practice green speed is different from the course, and your fellow players are agreeable, a mulligan could be considered.
Distraction during Backswing: A sneeze, car honk or any unexpected noise during your backswing is an acceptable reason for a mulligan, provided you use it sparingly.
Foot Slip during Swing: Slipping during the swing doesn’t reflect your skill. Feel free to take another shot but avoid frequent usage.
Animal Interference: If an animal interrupts your shot, that’s a valid excuse for a mulligan.
Phone Call Interruption: Life happens. If an urgent call disrupts your game, you’re justified to hit another ball.
At Alenda Golf Property, we’re committed to providing comprehensive support for both property buyers and sellers.
We now showcase properties from clients looking to sell across three distinct websites: Alenda Golf Property, Costa Blanca Golf Property, and IDEALISTA. This investment has been made with the prime objective of maximizing our clients’ chances of selling their properties promptly and at the most favorable prices.
Moreover, we’re excited to announce the launch of our debut magazine, Alenda Golf Life.
This publication is tailored to keep our residents, visitors, and property owners updated on all things Alenda.
The magazine accentuates the wonderful experience of living, breathing, and playing here at Alenda, whilst providing a snapshot of what’s happening across our vibrant community.
Bienvenido a Alenda Golf Life, una Revista diseñada para informar a los Residentes, Visitantes y Propietarios sobre lo bueno que es vivir, jugar o visitar Alenda Golf.
Welcome to Alenda Golf Life, a Magazine designed to inform Residents, Visitors, and Owners how good it is to Live, Play or Visit Alenda Golf.
MSC Cruises plans to expand its Alicante cruise offerings to attract more foreign passengers.
They aim to increase departures from Alicante, introducing shorter mini-cruises lasting two to three nights, especially from Thursday to Sunday, which are in high demand.
MSC Cruises from Alicante
This initiative could begin in the upcoming autumn season, providing convenient connections to popular destinations like Malaga.
MSC Cruises seeks to enhance its presence in Alicante by targeting a larger share of foreign passengers and increasing cruise frequency.
New Build Ultra Modern Townhouses coming to Alenda Golf
Private residential complex situated close to the airport, the main cities, and the best beaches in the province of Alicante, on a 15 minutes drive by car from Elche and Alicante. Sunrise Views is located in peaceful surroundings at Alenda Golf Course in Monforte.
Enjoy a spacious duplex house with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, two of them en suite, a basement, a large front garden, and a solarium on the roof. One parking space on the private street within the urbanization.
The houses are provided with a complete aerothermal energy system for heating, air conditioning, and domestic hot water, a renewable energy system that takes advantage of external environmental energy.
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Adosados ultramodernos de nueva construcción en Alenda Golf
Urbanización privada cercana a las principales ciudades de la provincia de Alicante, a 15 minutos en coche de Elche y a 20 de Alicante, así como al aeropuerto y las mejores playas. Sunrise Views se encuentra ubicada en un entorno tranquilo en las inmediaciones de Alenda Golf Course.
Disfruta de una amplia vivienda en dúplex de 3 dormitorios, dos de ellos en suite, 3 baños, un sótano, amplio jardín delantero y zona solárium en azotea. Plaza de parking en calle interior común.
Las viviendas cuentan con aerotermla completa, sistema de renovadle que aprovecha la energía ambiental exterior.
This frontline golf villa is in an ideal location, close to the clubhouse and private school with views over the golf course towards the mountains.
The area is peaceful and quiet, yet close to some interesting and very active Spanish local Towns and Cities. An ideal location for those seeking an alfresco and healthy lifestyle.
Being located in the mountains there is easy access to nature, mountain walks, and biking. Last year the La Vuelta one of the leading cycling races in the international calendar passed very close to Alenda Golf.
The villa has 4 bedrooms, 2 family bathrooms and 1 bathroom ensuite.
The Kitchen is modern with access to a large covered Patio overlooking the Pool Area. There is also a chill-out area just off the kitchen with views towards the gardens. Furthermore, the Kitchen has a fully functional and separate Utility Room.
The back garden has a large swimming pool and areas to relax. There is a large Casita that stores the pool maintenance equipment, barbeque area, and storage.
The Villa is tastefully decorated throughout and needs no modernisation
It has off-street parking to easily accommodate 3 vehicles.
In addition, the Villa is close to all the facilities offered by Alenda Golf which include a fully equipped modern Olympic gym, a spinning area with both live and computerised training sessions, a tapas bar, with spectacular views over the course from the patio, a Paddle Tennis court and a Supermarket that has a complete range of food and drink to suit all needs.
There is also a large driving range and practice area that stays open into the night.
This Alenda Golf Villa is only 15 minutes from Alicante airport, just 10 minutes to Alicante, and 10 minutes to beautiful Elche City.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) card is a crucial requirement for carrying out major transactions in Spain. It serves as your tax identification number and is necessary when purchasing a house, car, or even collecting mail on certain occasions.
This article provides detailed information about the NIE card in Spain, emphasizing its importance and explaining how to obtain one.
What is the NIE card in Spain?
If you plan to buy a property in Spain, your first step is to obtain an NIE or Número de Identidad de Extranjero. This is the individual tax identification number for foreigners, which is mandatory when completing significant financial transactions in the country. Having an NIE is not limited to property purchases; it is also required for buying a car or making similar major investments. Additionally, if you inherit or receive a property as a donation, having an NIE in Spain is necessary, and it is advisable for your relative to obtain one before the need arises.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to be a resident to obtain an NIE. Non-residents also require an NIE to purchase property and fulfill their annual non-resident tax obligations. Holding a bank account or engaging in official financial arrangements in Spain is impossible without an NIE. If you wish to become a resident, obtaining your NIE is the initial step toward obtaining your residency card, which involves providing further information about yourself, including income and health insurance details.
The NIE in Spain consists of a letter, followed by seven digits, and another letter (e.g., A-1,2,3,4,5,6,7-B). It displays your name, NIE number, date and place of birth, and nationality. However, it does not include a photo ID, so it cannot be used to confirm your identity. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to memorize your NIE as you will be asked to provide it on numerous occasions, especially if you reside in Spain.
How to obtain an NIE card?
Now that we understand the significance of having an NIE card in Spain, let’s explore how to obtain one. The processes may vary slightly depending on the region where your property is located, as autonomous regions have different expectations regarding requirements and procedures. However, there are general guidelines that apply regardless of your property’s location.
In Spain:
If you are currently in Spain or planning to travel there soon, you can apply for an NIE card in person. To do this, you need to book an appointment online at a National Police Station in your region.
The application form is known as the EX-15. You must complete this form, indicating the reasons for applying for an NIE in Spain, such as property purchase or inheritance. You will also need to present your identification document, such as a passport, and provide copies of the same.
Additionally, you should have two passport-sized photos, your Spanish address, and proof of payment for the administration fee, which is currently around €12. The fee can be paid at any bank using Form 790.
If you are applying for an NIE for a child, you will also need to present the child’s birth certificate (original document and an official translation into Spanish) or family record book, along with the valid passport or ID of the parent or guardian.
The processing time for obtaining an NIE can vary depending on the time of year and demand. Typically, you can expect to wait around two weeks, but during holiday periods, it may take longer. It’s important to note that the NIE in Spain does not have an expiration date; it remains valid for life.
From your home country:
It is possible to obtain an NIE card without being physically present in Spain. You can request one from the Spanish consular office in your own country. The application can be made either in person or through a representative with a power of attorney.
When applying through a representative, the representative must present a copy of their own passport along with a power of attorney document that grants them the authority to submit the NIE application on their behalf.
To create a power of attorney, you need to sign an official document in the presence of a notary, and it should be accompanied by a legitimized copy of your passport.
Do I need assistance to obtain an NIE card in Spain?
If you are in Spain and feel comfortable dealing with Spanish officials, it is possible to complete the process of applying for an NIE on your own. However, many people prefer to seek the assistance of a gestor or an individual who regularly handles such applications on behalf of others. In this case, either you or your representative will need to be present in person. It’s important to note that you cannot apply for an NIE online, despite certain websites implying otherwise.
Regardless of the approach you choose, having an NIE card in Spain is essential if you have interests in the country that go beyond being a tourist. If you require assistance or further information regarding the application process, it is advisable to seek professional advice.
We have helped a number of people obtain their NIE card and it is now part of the services we provide if required at Alendda Golf Property.
Alicante to Santa Pola Half Marathon Scheduled for November
Club Atlético Montemar, organiser of the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo, has obtained approval from the Real Federación Española de Atletismo (RFEA) for the fifth edition of the race, which will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2023, to be elevated to the international stage.
The race, which goes from Alicante to Santa Pola along the entire coast, hopes to bring together 3,000 runners, of whom 25% will, hopefully, foreigners.
Montemar hopes that the test will serve to bring sports tourism to the province, which can spend the night in hotels in Alicante, but also in Santa Pola, since participants are offered a transportation service.
On the other hand, taking into account the environment of the race, which crosses a coastal area with six blue flags, from the point of view of sustainability and with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint, in the next edition it will do without paper as much as possible. The runners will have QR codes for the delivery of the bib number and the runner’s bag. People with disabilities will also be taken into account and different categories will be established for them.
A study by IE University and the Spanish Golf Courses Association has shown that golf tourists have invested €4.2 billion in Spanish property, purchasing more than 280,000 homes. Britons top the list of foreigners taking to the fairways in Spain, while Irish golfers are the ones who spend most per day while holidaying here.
It also reveals significant figures regarding the golf sector’s impact on Spain’s economy. It says this sector generates over €12.000 billion in revenue annually and helps create 21,000 plus jobs.
The report goes on to say golfers spend over 3000 euros during a trip with daily expenditure in excess of 300 euros.
It further indicates that over 20% of tourists play golf in Spain and have a second home here. The report claims golfers own 283,000 homes, valued at over €41.000 billion. These owners come to Spain at least once a year and many come at least once every three months.
Find out more about the ‘180 Days in Spain’ campaign designed to help British citizens
Andrew Hesselden, the founder of the ‘180 Days in Spain’ campaign explained the objectives of his initiative designed to equalise the rights of British citizens living in Spain or visiting the country.
A campaign called ‘180 Days in Spain’ has been launched with the aim of ensuring that every British person living in Spain (whether full-year or part-year) has their pre-Brexit rights as an EU Citizen properly protected and ring-fenced.
In addition, it hopes to improve and equalise the rights of all British visitors to Spain so that they get the same access after Brexit that Spanish people do in the UK today.
As explained to Euro Weekly News in a statement from Andrew Hesselden, the Campaign Director and founder, the organisers of ‘180 Days in Spain’ are asking for some very simple requirements.
Firstly, they want Brits who were living in Spain before Brexit – whether living in the country for all or part of the year – to receive equal treatment. Secondly, they are asking for the equal treatment of British visitors to Spain, in the same way that Spanish visitors to the UK receive.
There are lots of ways that politicians could achieve these outcomes said Mr Hesselden, who hopes that the conversations being generated by the campaign are proving beneficial to British and European citizens everywhere.
This situation impacts young and old, rich and poor, and solving the problem is vitally important for the future happiness and prosperity of our continent, he continued.
Mr Hesselden elaborated: “I won’t make any apologies for wishing Brexit had never happened, but I don’t think anyone wants the future to be like this”.
The campaign already has over 6,000 members and continues to grow. Its Campaign Director collaborates and coordinates with other similar campaigns in France, Italy, Greece, Germany and Cyprus as well as running a similar Europe-wide campaign. Together these all account for a further 6,000 members.
“As each day passes, I’m encouraged by the changes that are happening and believe we have every chance now of achieving a positive outcome.”.
“We already know that certain regions of Spain and France want to eliminate the 90-in-180-day problem that Brexit has exacerbated, Mr Hesselden – who has a home in Mallorca – explained.
Some non-EU countries have bilateral agreements with certain Schengen countries that help alleviate the situation for their citizens. The Campaign Director sees no reason why the UK government should not attempt to negotiate something similar for British people too.
After all, the UK government would only need to formally document what they already do for Europeans visiting the UK today he stressed.
‘180 Days in Spain’ is an action group (not a help group) and its members have all agreed to write letters to push for change.
Although there are just 12,000 currently working on this issue across Europe, they believe there are somewhere between 5 and 15 million British part-year residents in this position who are impacted by Brexit and the loss of mobility caused by lost Freedom of Movement.
They are lobbying politicians in the UK as well as Spain and particularly welcome the support of the business community in Spain that is impacted by the 90-in-180-day problem that Brexit and the ever-growing Schengen zone have exposed. Interest is certainly growing in finding a solution according to Andrew Hesselden.
“We see this as a problem that Spain (or each member state) can probably resolve alone without necessarily involving Brussels, but clearly there are Europe-wide ways of dealing with it too”, he suggested.
“Brexit is a unique problem and needs some unique creativity to avoid ordinary people losing out. Even if only one country does something to change this, it will still help alleviate the problem”, he stressed.
He added: “However we believe it is the responsibility of UK diplomats to initiate the necessary conversations with Spain to make this happen, as we should have never Brexited without adequate arrangements being made, or the EU-proposed mobility chapter being signed back in December 2020”.
The European Communications Consultant said: “After watching the results of the referendum unfold in 2016 and realising the impact a bad Brexit could eventually have, I joined many British emigrant groups online and waited to see what Brexit would mean for people living for part or all of the year across Europe”.
Mr Hesselden continued: “After a while, it became clear that most of those groups focused on Brits who had fully migrated overseas and who always spent the whole year there”.
“Many of those organisations set up to advocate for Brits abroad seemed to have a bit of a blind spot for people like seasonal workers or part-year residents who had made a home in two or more countries, so I decided these people needed to have a voice”, he concluded.
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