Your guide to buying a home in Spain - part two

NATIONALS of EU member states can live and work in Spain for three months as long as they hold a valid passport.

If you plan to stay longer you will need to go to your local police station or foreign office and get a Residence Card (tarjeta de residencia). It is also a good idea to register your arrival and address in Spain with the British Consulate.

FOREIGNER'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
This is your own unique identification number, which will be used on much of the economic and professional paperwork you will accrue while living in Spain. In order to obtain your NIE (número de indentificación de extranjero), you will need to visit the local Oficina de Extranjero (Office for Foreign Nationals).

CURRENCY MATTERS
If you are buying a property overseas you will need to change your money into the appropriate currency. Discuss your circumstances with your bank - there are many ways to limit risk.

10 RULES FOR DRIVING IN SPAIN
1. Before leaving home make sure you have all the relevant documentations: car insurance; licence; registration; personal insurance; breakdown cover; MOT; and a valid tax disc.
2. Wearing seatbelts for both front and back seat passengers is compulsory in Spain.
3. Be aware of speed limits: motorways 120kph; open roads 90-100kph; towns 50kph.
4. Drive on the left.
5. Permanent residents are advised to apply for a Spanish licence as it is much easier to renew.
6. Don't even contemplate drink driving in Spain - the limits are about half those in the UK with extremely heavy penalties, including jail.
7. The rule of thumb is that you can't park where the pavement curbs are painted yellow or where a `No Parking' sign is displayed.
8. If you have an accident dial 112 for the emergency services.
9. When paying for petrol, credit and debit cards are accepted, but it is advisable to have sufficient euros on you.
10. When filling up Sin Plomo means unleaded. Diesel is diesel. Lleno (pronounced yeno) means "Fill 'er up!"

EDUCATION
School education is of a good standard, free and compulsory for every child aged between six and 16. As in the UK, a child's school allocation depends on the catchment area so bear this in mind when purchasing.

If you would prefer your child to follow a UK style curriculum or be taught in English, you will have to find a suitable international school. International schools can be found in most major cities. Students can study at any university irrespective of their place of origin.

HEALTH
Before going to Spain obtain the relevant health cover form from the government agency Medical Benefits Direct, which will be able to tell you, which form you require. It depends on your employment situation and other factors, but normally you will be recommended an E111 form.

If you plan to stay in Spain for anything more than a couple of months, you should make arrangements for healthcare. The E111 form only covers you for emergency treatment.

The quality of healthcare in Spain is generally high but, as in the UK, waiting lists, particularly for non-critical treatment, can be lengthy.

Those who are employed or self-employed must pay monthly social security contributions - these are usually deducted at source. In return, you will receive a social security card (cartilla de seguridad social) entitling you to free medical and hospital care. Contributions usually work out at around 6.4 per cent of your gross monthly income.

If you receive a UK State Pension, healthcare in Spain should be free for you and your dependents. In all other cases, you will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions to find out what your entitlement is.

REMOVALS
Moving from Bramhall to Barcelona is not always easy.

WHEN? Move outside school holidays, the last week in the month or Fridays. During these times removal companies may be overstretched and be more expensive.
WHO? When asking for quotes from different companies try to be as detailed as you can. Think carefully about exactly what you want to take with you.
HOW? Two things should be kept in mind when deciding how your goods are transferred. If a company is subcontracting some of the journey to other companies or branches, it may cost less but the service can suffer. Only the people who loaded your belongings in the first place will know where your valuables are stored. Using two different drivers may lead to more delays. Secondly, if your move will be part load (sharing a vehicle with somebody else) then one cancelled job could delay the whole trip. Your space may also become limited.
WHAT? Is it necessary to take your white goods (washing machine, cooker)? How old are they and will they need a voltage converter in the destination country?
PACKING? Do not feel you have to stack furniture in one place for the removals team. They will probably find it easier to move through the house systematically.
SIZE? The van used is important. Is it the legally right size to carry the load? You can expect the contents of an average three-bedroom house to fit into a 20-foot container (about 1,000 cubic feet of goods).
THE KEYS? Ensure that the keys will be available for your new house.
INSURANCE? Don't try to economise on insurance. Read the small print. Ensure that the company has adequate vehicle insurance and that the cover you are quoted only includes your belongings, not their vehicle too.
STORAGE? If your belongings are going into storage ask for details on location and, if possible, inspect the premises. You may want to keep your belongings in storage for an extended period of time - if you have not yet decided on a house, for example. Ensure you have full insurance for his period.
UNPACKING? Make sure the company unloads your belongings satisfactorily in the correct place with the packaging removed.

FINDING WORK IN SPAIN
British nationals working in Spain have the same rights as Spanish nationals with regard to pay, working conditions, access to housing, vocational training, social security and trade union membership. Families and immediate dependants are entitled to join them and have similar rights.

MAKING MONEY FROM YOUR PROPERTY
Guy King, editor of Viva España magazine, says: "The chances are that you will see considerable capital growth on your property, but there are other ways of ensuring a good return on your outlay too. If your property is likely to be empty for large chunks of the year, it may be worth considering renting it out to holidaymakers."

An agency will take commission on managing your property (anything from 10 to 45 per cent) but they will also relieve you of the tasks of maintenance, finding tenants, cleaning and collecting rent.

Target the types of people likely to be interested in your location and property type. Create a website with pretty pictures and ensure your friendly service generates word-of-mouth recommendations.

Remember that you will be charged income tax on any rent received and you will need to get extra insurance to cover your property, contents and tenants.

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