Moses2013

It doesn't matter how low or high IGIC is, because at the end of the day the end price is what counts. Restaurants are cheap enough, because staff hardly earn anything and there's plenty of competition, but everything else (apart from petrol) is pricey. Clothing, electrical appliances, car parts, furniture, etc. all have to be imported and you only have limited choice.

Countryboy1

Regarding electricity for heating. We have a living flame fire which is very effective, but for winter room heating we use electric heaters. Probably not very economical I accept, but as we don't have the luxury of central heating can you (or others perhaps) please suggest more effective alternatives?
Any advice would be most welcome.
Thanks.

Boseley

Hardly everything has to be imported, to the Canarian Archipelago, that is a myth, we grow, manufacture and export many items, furniture one example, building materials another, tropical fruits, cheeses, wines, spirits.

Many things that we do import, because of a 7% IGIC, are sold at cheaper prices than U.K. or or Europe, where many places the VAT is 20%.

I know I´ve just bought a new motor car.

snikpoh

Try butane gas heaters - you have to be careful of possible carbon monoxide issues but if the room is ventilated or you have a CO alarm, it should be fine.

They can give off a lot of water vapour but we have our property well ventilated and have never suffered with condensation etc.

We also have air conditioning units (inverters) - these are extremely efficient and effective. They are surprisingly economic to run if set correctly.

Curlygirly

Hi everyone, I'm new to all this, we are trying to do the same research as 'Meaven01' re cost of living in Spain with a view to our move out next year. We have several specific questions, like the cost of buying a property, cost of visiting a doctors etc, but I have no clue how to start a new thread? Sorry to post on your threat Meaven01. Thanks for any help you can give.

Moses2013

Most countries grow their own food. We also have fruit & veg in the garden, but that's not the point. You can go to any smaller island in the world and someone will produce something. Just because VAT is lower, doesn't mean you can buy the product cheaper and on a smaller island you have limited choice.

Countryboy1

Thanks for that, very much appreciated.

Boseley

My family lived in Valencia for a long time before they died, hence I have knowledge of the Iberian part of Spain.

I first arrived here in the Canaries in 1962, so my experience of the Canarian Archipelago, obviously to some, counts for nothing, hence I will cease sharing my knowledge and experience gained over some 53 years, and not comment further.

wilsman77

I agree if you like to walk along a beach of volcanic ash.........

Moses2013

I'm not questioning your knowledge, but there are a lot more things to consider than 7% IGIC. Like anywhere, it depends what type of person you are and we all have different spending habits. Valencia is not the whole of Spain and some will spend more than others.

Maybe1day

WOW !!!
We have a little 93sqm detached Chalet in Torremolinos. 1.5km from the sea with views of the beach albeit with binos.
Our IBI without discount for the Padron is 355 Euros PER YEAR. with Discount I pay 238 Euros PER YEAR.
Which city are you in BTW so I'll know where to avoid.
As for heating here we used the A/Cs mainly this year and our highest bill Jan/Feb 2015 was 196 Euros and we are all electric with a 4.6KW installation.
M

wilsman77

Torri! I am in Cabo we should meet up with cupcake and have a drink.

Dick Dasterdly

You obviously have very limited knowledge of the Canary Isles.

wilsman77

they filmed Planet of The Apes there, says it all really..........

Moses2013

That is actually just a myth.