Here is my latest update of the British pound to euro exchange rate, covering the 4th to 11th May 2012. This is intended as a brief guide to what’s affected the exchange rate this past week as well as what might happen next, to help you decide if now’s the best time for you to change currencies. Pound to euro: +1.609% weekly increase 1.2504 (1.2306 a week ago) +2.094 monthly increase 1.2505 (1.2129 a month ago) This week: 1. The pound hit its highest rate against the euro since 2008, as well as breaking the hugely symbolic 1.25 point, as Spain’s nationalisation of Bankia as well as electoral chaos in Greece pull the euro down. 2. The Bank of England didn’t announce a fourth … [Read more...] about Pound to euro hits 1.25 as Spain nationalises Bankia
Expats
What will I be when I grow up…in Spain?
I left New Zealand just over a year ago. Probably permanently. And as I suspect is the case for many expats, moving overseas became an opportunity for personal reinvention. Flying out of Auckland, I wasn’t coming to Spain to reinvent myself. I was moving here with my Spanish wife, Yoly. But the temptation to start afresh is compelling. And moving so far from home is the ultimate chance to break with the past. So, two months after arriving in Madrid I became the new me. I gave up directing TV commercials, a job I didn’t enjoy in New Zealand or Spain, and I became a full-time writer. A bad cliché (and an even worse financial decision), I know. But within a few months of my rebirth, the … [Read more...] about What will I be when I grow up…in Spain?
Buying a home in Spain: Dealing with new property defects
The builder or developer has to take full responsibility for any defects, hidden or visible. The finished product is down to them whether it’s an electrical, plumbing or structural fault, though the claim period does vary depending on the extent and severity of the problem. For example, simple defects related to the finishing, such as doors and floor tiles are covered for one year, while structural defects relating to the safety, integrity and inhabitability of the property are covered for up to 10. It is important that you make your claim as soon as you can after spotting the defect. For structural claims your builder is required to take out insurance and may also have taken out … [Read more...] about Buying a home in Spain: Dealing with new property defects
Pound to euro hits 22-month high despite UK recession
Here is my latest update of the British pound to euro exchange rate, covering the 20th to 27th April 2012. This is intended as a brief guide to what’s affected the exchange rate this past week as well as what might happen next, to help you decide if now is the best time for you to change currencies. Pound to euro: +0.66% weekly increase. 1.2293 (1.2212 a week ago.) +2.79% monthly increase. 1.2293 (1.196 a month ago.) This week: 1. The pound held at its highest rate against the euro in 22 months this week, in spite of the fact that the UK officially re-entered recession. If nothing else, this reflects just how low confidence is in the euro right now. 2. Francois Hollande won … [Read more...] about Pound to euro hits 22-month high despite UK recession
Pound looks to consolidate gains against euro
Here is my latest update of the British pound to euro exchange rate, covering the 13th to 20th April 2012. This is intended as a brief guide to what’s affected the exchange rate this past week as well as what might happen next, to help you decide if now is the best time for you to change currencies. Pound to euro: +0.96% weekly increase 1.2223 (1.2107 a week ago) +2.91% monthly increase 1.2223 (1.1878 a month ago) This week: 1. UK unemployment falls. The pound has climbed to 1.22 against the euro this week (its highest rate since August 2010) as UK unemployment registers a surprise decline. Sterling also took ground from most other major currencies. 2. Spanish bond auctions … [Read more...] about Pound looks to consolidate gains against euro
Refurbishing your Spanish property
Permission comes in the form of a building licence and is a very important document if you want to be sure that your extension stays extended. If you are considering anything from an outside shed to a major refurbishment you should check that: You have permission from the Town Hall in the form of a building licence. Any works you have done are included in your Title Deed. The Catastro has been informed. Permission should be obtained before the builder starts work. Your builder is unlikely to draw your attention to the need for a licence and if they claim to have already obtained one, ask to see it. They cannot apply for one without you knowing and if a problem emerges later it … [Read more...] about Refurbishing your Spanish property
Pound gains as Spain teeters on the brink
This is my latest update of the British pound to euro exchange rate, covering the 6th to 13th April 2012 period. This is intended as a brief guide to what’s affected the exchange rate in the last week, to help you decide if now is the best time for you to change currencies. I wouldn’t blame Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy for feeling a little disgruntled right now. Like a good student, he has listened to the teachings of his EU professors and announced spending cuts of some €28 billion, not to mention €10 billion more in so-called efficiency savings in health and education. Has this restored market confidence in Spain? Not an inch. In fact, since announcing these measures, banded … [Read more...] about Pound gains as Spain teeters on the brink
How to complain in Spain
Hopefully, once you’ve asked for the ‘hoja’ the problem will be rectified and there will be no need to take it further. However, if the reason for your complaint remains, then the next stage is to write it down on the hoja, clearly outlining the issue from your point of view. It is better, but not essential, if you can complete it in Spanish. An entry in the hoja You will need to include: A straight forward and simple account of the cause of your complaint and how you would like it resolved e.g. refund, exchange, repair. Date and time. Personal details – someone will need to get in touch with you. It’s then up to whoever you are complaining about to fill in their explanation … [Read more...] about How to complain in Spain
Education in Spain: What do they need to know?
Education is a very powerful tool and the control of what the curriculum contains has worked normally calm people into a frenzy. Does Shakespeare have any relevance to our young people? Should schools be able to drop teaching the Victorians in favour of learning about Twitter? The debate goes on. Now more than ever, it is difficult to decide what the curriculum should consist of. Our world changes so quickly that equipping our young people with what they need for the future is a shot in the dark. There are many theories about what they should be learning. Most include reference to skills, concepts and personal attributes rather than selected pieces of knowledge. Learning ‘how to’ rather … [Read more...] about Education in Spain: What do they need to know?
Spanish property auctions
The following information about what is involved has been supplied by ‘Spanish Property Auctions.’ Auction house practice will differ. What does the auctioneer do? In most cases they will take clients to view homes, give them advice on legal matters, help them find mortgages and point them in the right direction when they need it. Who benefits from a property auction? It tends to be people who have tried the traditional estate agent route and it hasn’t worked. They’re probably keen to sell-up as quickly as possible. For the buyer the advantage is the number of bargain properties on sale. What are the safeguards? You can arrange to inspect the documents for a possible purchase prior to … [Read more...] about Spanish property auctions