Cardenas Real Estate Agent Blog - Gran Canaria

The southern tourist hotspots of Gran Canaria are bright, modern and vibrant but local experts, Cardenas Real Estateare well aware of the ancient wonders of nature that surround their key investment areas of Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, Arguineguin and Playa del Ingles.

The seas surrounding the Canary Islands are used by a third of all whale and dolphin species in the world. These proud independent creatures are a symbol of the islands and a popular attraction to visitors. Sometimes they need our help, and this last weekend the animal loving people of Playa del Ingles were able to give a helping hand to a young male dolphin.

The dolphin had become stranded in shallow water near the shore and was in some distress. The local maritime rescue and animal welfare agencies sprung into action and captured the stricken animal, and with great care, transported it to the Taliarte rescue centre, where vets from the University of Las Palmas were waiting to treat it.

Thankfully there was little damage, but the dolphin was kept under watch for 12 hours and checked out for stress and disorientation. Once recovered, the dolphin was taken by boat, out 6 miles from the shore of Playa del Ingles and released to join it’s pod of friends back in the wild.

There are plenty of pleasure boats that can take you out to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, from Gran Canaria. They are all licenced and have to conform to a strict code of conduct, to make sure they give these magnificent creatures the room and respect they deserve. Just more examples of the wonders that the island of Gran Canaria can bring into your lives every day when you relocate to this sunshine corner of the Atlantic.

By Cardenas News

Well if there was an Oscar for best location and best quality of life, Gran Canaria would be a sure fire favourite. Alas there isn’t but at least Gran Canaria can bask in the reflected glory of Las Palmas born Javier Bardem who lifted the Hollywood statuette as best supporting actor. With the warmth of the climate and the locals welcome, we already know that Gran Canaria is No Country For Cold Men - or women.

Whatever sort of property you are looking for, Cardenas Real Estate can find somewhere to suit you, residential, rural or commercial. The tourist south is the stronghold of Cardenas Real Estate, as they were founded in 1980 in Arguineguin and have grown to become experts in Puerto Rico, Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogan, to name just a few.

You will always get plenty of choice from apartments to houses and villas and the setting is up to you, among their current stock they have apartments in private and holiday complexes in Puerto Rico. If you want to be a little inland and away from the vibrant tourist spots, how about Monte Leon, set among mountains and greenery but still in easy reach of the coastal resorts.

Have a browse and see what properties might tempt you, Cardenas Real Estate are a family company that will guide you every step of the way and take pride in their very own supporting role.

Liable to this tax are the persons receiving an inheritance, bequest or legacy and not having have their usual residence in Spain, as well as residents in Spain if the deceased person did not have his/her usual residence in Spain.

The competent Tax authority is the Special Branch of the Tax Authority in Madrid, i.e. depending on the State Tax Agency (AEAT), whereas for residents in Spain, the competent tax authority is the regional tax authority.

It is important to know that the filing deadline for acquisitions resulting from death is SIX MONTHS from the date of death.  For the case that the delay in obtaining the necessary documents from abroad (i.e. Certificate of Inheritance) might make it difficult to comply with the deadline, it is advisable to apply for an extension of the six months delay, but that must be done within FIVE MONTHS from the date of death.

How to pay the tax:

It is possible and advisable to pay the tax using the self-assessment Form 652 “Inheritance Tax Simplified Return”.  A Tax Identification Number (NIF) and tax identification labels provided by the Tax Agency are necessary. Before requesting them, Non-resident foreign national taxpayers must apply for a Foreign National’s Identity Number (N.I.E.).

Main documents to be presented

• Deed of Acceptance of the Inheritance (certified and simple copy), or, failing this, an Inventory of Assets and Heirs, in duplicate.
• Death Certificate.
• Certificate from the General Registry of Wills and Testaments.
• Copy of the Will or the Declaration of Heirs.
• Copy of the IBI (Property Tax) bill

besides any other relevant document about the inheritance assets (insurance, bank statement, car documentation etc.)

How high can be the Inheritance Tax? It is not as high as most people imagine. It depends mainly on the value of the estate and the degree of relationship with the deceased, and accessorily on the previous fortune of the inheritors too. The rate is progressive and varies from 7,65 % up to a maximum of 34% applicable to an estate over 800.000 Euros approximately, though in the case of remote relatives (cousins or similar) or non-relatives at all, the final amount could be multiplied by 2 or more (up to 2,4).

The tax is calculated on each inheritance share, which means that if one person only inherits the whole of the estate, he/she will pay a higher rate than if several persons share the inheritance.  Regretfully the tax free amount for next of kin  (spouse, children) is quite low (not quite 16.000 Euros) and has not been updated for a number of years.  Hopefully it will be increased in the near future.

A practical example:

A father leaves to his 3 children a house worth 200.000 Euros and 3.000 Euros in the bank.  Each child will pay approx. 5.426 Euros inheritance tax. The total tax amount (3 shares) will be approx. 16.280 Euros, which means an average rate of 8,02% on the total value of the estate.

If the same person leaves only one child to inherit, the inheritance tax to be paid will be approx. 30.180 Euros, which means a rate of 14,87%.

There are Agreements to avoid double taxation between Spain and many countries, and according to those, Inheritance tax to be paid in Spain for assets situated on Spanish territory is liable to be deductible in the country of residence.

Non-resident Inheritance taxpayers must appoint a tax representative.  It is most important to choose a serious and experienced person or legal person. Cardenas Real Estate has a large experience in dealing with inheritance matters and will provide you with a professional assistance and help, from the very first moment, providing exact information as to the documentation (including from foreign authorities) required, helping to obtain the NIE and NIF, assisting you with the signature of the Deed of Acceptance of Inheritance at a Spanish Notary public, preparing the tax returns and generally taking care of all necessary steps until the inherited assets including real estate are effectively transferred to the inheritors.

By Daniel García Chagrin (Lawyer & Tax Advisor) at Cardenas Real Estate.

Cardenas Real Estate                          Brian & Barbara, Manchester, England    
Av. Tomas R. Bosch,
6-Apt.
Costa Rica, 1
35130 Puerto Rico,
Gran Canaria                                                                
España

2nd February 2008.
 
Reference: Purchase of Apartment, Puerto Rico.
 
F.A.O. Leonor Martin Sanchez (Directora Sucursal)
 
Dear Leonor.
 
We hope you and your family are keeping well. We wish to thank you personally for your professional way in which you helped us to purchase our much-wanted apartment in Puerto Rico.

From our first meeting we knew we were in good hands to oversee all the important things from setting up a bank account and organizing all the legal aspects including our visit to the Notary, all of which could not have been made easier and more assuring without your experience and friendly manor in overseeing things.
Your continuous effort was second to none in finding our apartment, we just could not see where you got your energy from. You are and always will be an absolute “Star” in our minds.

We would also like to say that Cardenas Real Estate will always be a recommendation from us to friends or in fact anyone we meet who is looking to buy property in Gran Canaria.
We just cannot thank you and all of the staff enough.
Looking forward to see you again week commencing 17th March 2008.
 
Best Regards
 
Yours sincerely
 
Brian & Barbara (Manchester, England)

More testimonials here.

If you want to know where to go for the best holiday, follow the lead of your local travel agent, and if one’s opinion doesn’t sway you, 1,200 of them should give you a very convincing lead.

Gran Canaria is very proud to have been chosen as the venue for the 2008 ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) annual conference, beating off competition from Tunisia. The prestigious event will take place on October 7, 8 and 9 in the Maspalomas Conference Centre. The centre at Meloneras, just 700 metres from the beach, has a stunning architectural design and can hold 3,000 people in it’s series of halls and meeting rooms.

The Gran Canaria tourist board are rolling out the red carpet and has donated 200 free hotel rooms for delegates. Many of the representatives from Britains top travel firms, will arrive a few days before the conference and enjoy the islands hospitality and a chance to explore. Decisions and impressions made at this conference will shape the tourism market for 2009, and Gran Canaria will use it as a showcase to keep visitors flowing in.

Maspalomas is sure to impress them with it’s golf course and rolling sand dunes, no wonder so many people chose to invest in a holiday home there. Cardenas Real Estate specialise in Maspalomas and the surrounding resorts of Puerto Rico, Mogan and Arguineguin and has some great new additions to it’s Mapalomas properties including villas, bungalows and apartments.

No Don’t Stop The Carnaval, said the 1960’s hit record, and in the Canary Islands no one would want to try. Las Palmas 2008 Carnaval is in full swing and on Friday night one of the key events took place, the election of the Carnaval Queen. The theme this year is Olympia-home of the Gods, and the symbol is the winged sandal of Hermes. All feet have wings at this time of year, as they dance non stop through the night spurred on by the colour, tradition and driving rhythm.

The tension crackled in the night air at Santa Catalina park before the biggest smile of the night outshone even the cascade of fireworks that greeted the announcement. the crown belongs to 21 year old Iraya Viera in her creation entitled, Las Palmas Mon Amour. There is so much glitter and material these days that a metal framework and castors for wheels are needed to make the contestants glide across the stage. Iraya was floating on a cushion of emotion as she accepted her crown, the signal to the 4,000 crowd to dance into the early hours with Colombian superstar Juanes whipping them into a musical frenzy.

The moment has gone but there are many more to come before the final night, the funeral of the sardine on February9, dance, dance, dance.

 By Cardenas News

Following up on our earlier story about the valiant attempt by two rowing boats to race each other across the Atlantic from Puerto Mogán to Barbados we are delighted to let you know that the British boat “La Mondiale” landed safe and sound in Port St. Charles Barbados on Thursday 17th January at 20.35 our time. 

This breaks the current record held by the French by two days, setting a new world record at 33 days, 7 hours and 30 minutes. La Mondiale also broke two further world records during the crossing, being the first rowing boat to cover 117 miles in 24 hours and to travel more than 100 miles a day for 9 consecutive days. The boat experienced bad weather in the early part of the crossing and lost valuable time riding out the storm for more than two days on its sea anchor. Tempers became frayed on occasions due to the cramped space on board but weather conditions were perfect as the men approached Barbados and their spirits were lifted by the proximity of land.  We understand that the American rowing boat “La Orca”, which left Puerto Mogán together with “La Mondiale” on 15th December, has been troubled by technical difficulties severely hampering its progress.  Meanwhile the champagne celebrations continue in Barbados where overjoyed wives, girlfriends, families and friends had been counting the hours until the heroes landed.

Anyone wishing to find out more details on the race: www.oceanrowevents.com and www.oceanrowing.com

By Luisa Baldwin & Theresa Bona

The sun, the sea and the beaches are a major reason for people buying investment property in Gran Canaria, but it has so much more to offer including a rich historic legacy of culture, tradition and fun. Barely a month into the new year and it’s time to turn your thoughts to the colour, spectacle and musical excitement that is Las Palmas Carnaval.

This year the theme is Olympia so expect the gods to smile down on all the revellers in their home made costumes. It all starts on January 18 and runs through to February 9, so get your dancing shoes on and prepare to give in to the rythm. As well as the main theme, this year will be a homage to South American salsa sensation Celia Cruz, who died a few years ago. The livewire singer and dancer lives on in some lavish musical numbers that will be performed at Carnaval and her trademark cry of “Azucar” will once again fill the night air.

It’s well worth making the effort with a costume, even if you can only run to a mask and some bright clothes. There are no such thing as spectators at Carnaval, everyone joins in, that rythm is hard to resist. The biggest event of the celebrations is the election of the Carnaval Queen on Janury 25, but there will also be a similar contest for children and a series of parades through the streets. The season comes to a close with the burial of the sardine on February 9, a night of mock mourning and weeping mixed with dancing as the giant papier mache sardine is carried through the streets en route to it’s final point of cremation, amid a cascade of fireworks.

Las Palmas, the capital, is in the north of the island, little more than an hours journey from the main beach resorts of the south, Maspalomas, Playa Mogan and Puerto Rico, to name just a few. All major towns in Gran Canaria will follow the Las Palmas party with their own regional version, each trying to outdo their neighbours with splendour and spectacle. Don’t just stand there, grab a drink and a friend, and have a dance.

Until the 7th of January several international artists have created different sand sculptures creating an impressive great nativity scene of sand. This attraction has consolidated itself and is now part of the Canarian Christmas Tradition.

We recommend you to walk along the nice promenade of Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and visit the nativity scene at the end of the promenade, at “La Puntilla”.

By Ramón Sánchez Bruhn

Recently Cardenas Real Estate attended during several days a private and exclusive course in Real Estate Consultancy. “It is very important for us to receive continuous training in order to offer a high quality service to our clients”, says Carolina García Chargin, manager of Cardenas Real Estate.