Costa del Sol property blog

About me?

Hello one and all,

My name Andrew Bellés I have been living in Southern Spain, Costa del Sol for the last 10 years.

I moved out here at the age of 18 and have not looked back! I been to university where I got a BA in Marketing. I’ve met the love of my life and convinced here to move down here. I’ve bought a home here and have 2 wonderful daughters.

I started this blog for several reasons. First and foremost I enjoy what I do and hopefully will share some of this knowledge with yourselves. Second Arriba Estates is a family run business that even in these trying times has managed to thrive and offer a a quality service.

Hopefully this blog will be of some help.

12 Comments

12 responses so far ↓

  • Ed haliburn // November 10, 2008 at 07:51

    Thanks for your site. It’s quite informative and well laid out.

  • bodil // December 1, 2008 at 15:04

    It is a really nice blog. I like how it is so varied

  • comarni // December 14, 2008 at 22:59

    Super blog, good to get some alternative viewpoints and news stories I miss. Keep up the good work.

  • Jessie Prynne // February 13, 2009 at 17:08

    Hi Andrew,

    I’m Jessie and I work in the Digital department of Edelman, which is a PR firm. One of our clients, BBVA, runs an online Spanish course.

    We were wondering if you might be interested in reviewing the course, given that you must have good experience of learning Spanish and the different ways in which to do so. Is this something in which you would be interested? If so, please let me know and I will share subscription details with you.

    Best wishes,

    Jessie

  • Stuart Robson // March 25, 2009 at 14:15

    we took a morgage out with u.c.i. through our solicitors [del prado alaurin el grande branch] and have asked for a phone number for a english speaking person at u.c.i. so we can find out why our morgage has risen so much in the past 12 months but with no luck, can anyone help PLEASE.

  • Andrew // March 25, 2009 at 15:42

    Hi Stuart,

    try this number 902 15 55 51.

    automated service with a range a options for different languages.

    regards
    Andrew

  • Clive // May 6, 2009 at 12:37

    Hi Andrew
    After buying a property in Marbella at the height of the property boom and taking out a large mortgage with UCI, our repayments have also risen to a high level (circa 6.75%). I have checked my original mortgage offer which should track the IRPH rate plus 0.25%. However, the rate I have been paying over the last four years appears to exceed the IRPH rate by around 2% taking in to account the rates over a fixed period. Are you aware of anyone else having this problem.

  • Andrew // May 6, 2009 at 18:49

    Hi clive,
    without seeing your contract it would be impossible to say.
    But it could be that is your agreement was euribor + .025% is was only for a small period before rising. The 0.25% was only available if you met/used certain services through the bank
    Sorry I cannot help further. If this is any help heres a link to the Bank of Spain website (english)
    http://www.bde.es/homee.htm

  • Fuengirola // August 5, 2009 at 11:50

    Hi Andrew,

    thanks for all you help.
    even took you advice about the blog and have set up an account.
    http://livingonthecostadelsol.wordpress.com/

    B.O.W

  • Andrew // August 5, 2009 at 12:05

    Hi ‘Fuengirola’ ;)

    Hope your settling in nicely. And good to see you internet is finally sorted!

    Best of luck with everything and if you have any questions you know where our office is.

    Regards
    Andrew

  • dzone // September 23, 2009 at 20:56

    nice blog. keep in up. visit me if you like to exchange the blogroll links

    from Danuka

  • Holly Schwartz // November 19, 2009 at 06:07

    Hello Andrew,
    My name is Holly Schwartz and I am currently working on an American TV show that deals with people who are in the process of buying homes/condos/villas/fractionals around the world. I am trying to find English-speaking agents who are lively and well-spoken as well as people who have just bought a home in another country outside the USA or who are in the process of buying a home. We’re trying to find out more about the home buying experience and show off properties around the world. Do you think you could help us find suitable people who might wish to be considered?
    I’d be happy to provide ou with more information.
    Thanks,
    Holly

    –
    Holly Schwartz
    818-205-0642
    SKYPE: hollyschwartz
    holly_schwartz@pietown.tv

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