Buying a property abroad.
After a great bit of winter sun, we have decided to buy a holiday home on one of the Canary Islands. They have a great climate, never too cold in winter (about 20-22c) and rarely too hot in summer (about 28-30c). The choice now is which Canary Island.
This year it's Fuerteventura. We're staying in Corralejo, which is lively with good shopping, bars and nightlife.
The search continues
This year we are in Lanzarote. We found a nice house in Playa Blanca (Casa Kathryn).
The island is interesting and has successfully balanced tourism with limited commercialisation. Playa Blanca is friendly and quiet with a fresh breeze. There are cultural attractions, art and statues around the island to keep you interested.
This year its Gran Canaria.
We are staying in a little town between Playa de Mogan and Puerto Rico. We love the island but all the towns we have been to are very commercialised and property prices are very high. We didn't find a town we could see ourselves living in.
Settled on Lanzarote
Staying in a different villa in Playa Blanca and visiting estate agents, talking to other ex-pat owners, property management companies, solicitors, etc.
Emailed the owners of Casa Kathryn to pick their brains on ownership of property here. They happen to be in town here, so have met them for a coffee.
After a few email exchanges we have agreed to buy Casa Kathryn. Yay!.
We own Casa Kathryn. Eat your heart out "A place in the Sun"!!
After a good wait, some hitches, and navigating various Spanish property purchasing laws/practices, it's ours.
Now the hard work starts and we want to make it more comfortable and hospitable for guests.
The to-do list
To be honest there is not a lot that needs doing urgently. Casa Kathryn is in good condition, reasonably well equipped and comfortable. We would like to renew some of the soft furnishings, give it a fresh coat of paint. We have already added some essentials like a fire extinguisher.
We have visited the neighbours and have some longer-term ideas, including extending the lounge, updating the bathrooms and reconfiguring the driveway. It'll have to wait a while though as the bank balance needs to recover first!'
Casa Kathryn, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Casa Kathryn was built around 2000. It is located in the district of Yaiza to the south of Lanzarote
It is an end-terrace with a large garden, 3 bedrooms and a pool.
The community is quiet and consists of around 50% locals and 50% foreign owned properties.
There are amenities within a short walk (400m/6-7 mins) including supermarkets, bars, restaurants and a bus stop.