From August 2023 a register of estate agents will apply to those operating in Valencia. Some other communities have already implemented regulations to ensure that estate agents are required to meet specified standards. These standards include expectations around qualifications and training and mean that there will be a more formal method of registering a complaint if you feel that the service has not lived up to your expectations. This new regional law has implications that should be of benefit to those expecting to buy or sell in the future:

We’ve been busy at ÁbacoClub. Just before the summer heat sets in we’ve tried to make sure that we’ve been able to reach out with as many fun and informative activities as we can. In April we went to the historical town of Cehegín and we were escorted around its narrow streets by our guide, Magdalena. Later that month ÁbacoClub members enjoyed line dancing and then took refreshments at Bar Carlos.

Our latest get together at the beginning of June, saw us enjoying breakfast at Makai Café, followed by a mobility and strength class. Remember to keep up-to-date with events and book yourself in if you are a member of ÁbacoClub. We are always delighted to see you!

Málaga, in the south of Spain, dates back to 770BC and the Phoenicians. Since then it has attracted other invaders making it one of the most inspiring and richest cities in Spain for different architectural styles. It’s also a busy business centre with a reputation for innovation and a vibrant port with its own beaches. It plays host to a wide variety of performances over the year and has a reputation for the arts. David Ruiz provides us with more details in his guide to living in Málaga.

 
Living in Málaga Spain: The Definitive Guide

Irish citizens have been fortunate in the fact that they continue to be part of the European Union and benefit from a smoother transition if they choose to move to Spain. David Ruiz explains in this article how you can legally become a Spanish resident if you currently have an Irish passport. He also outlines what’s needed to obtain a Spanish driving licence, registering a car in Spain and what the situation is when it comes to tax: 

For those making regular transfers from one currency to another then transfer costs can hit you hard. In this article, Currencies Direct issue their tips to prevent you from losing more money than you have to:

The N332 has put together some advice to help people driving in Spain during the summer months. There are often questions on forums about driving in flipflops but these three updates explain the reasons why you might get fined for having your feet on the dashboard, failing to put on your seatbelt or even letting your arm hang out of the window. Plenty of food for thought:

 
Summer driving - Part 1

We’re well and truly into the summer now in Spain and the mercury is rising. Below we’ve put together some articles, old and new that might help you find ways of cooling down and getting the night’s sleep that you need.

Here you can read our top ten tips for how to keep cool in Spain:

This article provides some general advice for those who find it hard to get a decent night’s sleep:

and some more tips:

Murcia Today has its own tips – particularly if you don’t have air conditioning:

Every summer we hear of a tragic accident involving swimming pools and young children. We urge everyone to be extra vigilant and remind you of some of the other ways in which to make sure that your summer is spent enjoying the water: 

Siestas are not only a great way of staying out of the mid-day heat but they could also be good for your brain according to this article. Apparently ‘napping’ may help prevent your brain from shrinking:

However, it seems as though the siesta could be on its way out as a normal part of Spanish life and routine:

Sometimes wildlife will have its say and the best planned events can be disrupted. One recent example of this is how a pod of killer whales interrupted a boat race in the Mediterranean:

Whether you are visiting Spain or living here, Ábaco wishes you an enjoyable July and remember, if you do get a bit hot under the collar, there’s always the beach to cool down:

We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained.

Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com.

Thank you!