What's the buying process and costs like?
The buying costs in general will be about an extra 10% based on the buy price. As to the process, there's plenty of advice already available on other websites and I've listed some on the Links page.
Best places to buy property inside Girona?
I guess this depends a lot on what you need, can afford and so many other variables but these are some of the places good for houses rather than flats and considered posh or exclusive by locals.
Golf Girona. Just five minutes by car from the centre of town and near a golf course. It's quiet and has some great views.
Palau is an expensive part of Girona and a bit nearer the centre than Golf Girona. Both however have mainly houses, for apartments try these following areas: Devesa, Quimics, Montjuic, Migdia and Montlivi.
They've all had a lot of new apartment buildings built and most will include parking which you really want with any type of property.
For older properties (flats & apartments mainly) with maybe a bit more character choose the old town area, much of which has been restored but some properties may lack parking and lifts.
What about just outside of Girona city itself, any nice places to live in that you recommend?
One or two come to mind, like Sant Gregori just a few kms. from Girona, so close yet you're surrounded by the countryside. The main road that runs through it has a few shops, restaurants, a small supermarket, cafes and banks. There's been a lot of new building here both apartments and houses and prices remain high.
The Vall de Sant Daniel is uphill, behind Girona cathedral and just minutes away from the old town. The countryside is pretty around here and there are plenty of footpaths for walkers and cyclists to explore. It's a mixed area of apartments and houses with just a couple of shops and little sign of anything else, but as you're so near to Girona it does'nt really matter. The slight negative that I have about this area is there's only one road in and out and narrow in some places.
Just on the outskirts, south of Girona there's also Fornells de la Selva which is quite nice and the place has had a lot of new developments but not over-built. So close that it has become a part of 'greater Girona' and has a village feel to it. It's also near a couple of schools like the international St.Georges and the semi-private, girls-only Les Alzines.
About 20 minutes away there's these two places which we thought looked OK when we were doing our research.
Caldes de Malavella. Linked by rail to Barcelona, its a pleasant town noted for it's spa hotel and famous local mineral waters.
Macanet de la Selva. South of Girona heading towards Barcelona where prices are still reasonable.
I've heard that when people buy apartments the parking space is often sold as seperate 'property'.
Yes, thats true. Parking spaces will usually have their own property title and can be bought and sold seperately as does often happen.
So, when buying a flat/apartment you often have the option of paying extra for the underground parking space. Some people rent them out and prices in Girona are between 80-100 euros per month.
What about living and working in Girona?
Please visit our other site at www.MyGironaSpain.com for more details about day-to-day matters if you're looking at being based in the Girona area.
Where are you based?
In central Girona, for new visitors who may want to meet or find us the best place to head for is Placa Catalunya or the main tourist office in the old town rambla. From any of these two places we're just minutes away, so we don't mind meeting you and showing you where the office is located.
I don't speak the language, can you help?
Sure, don't worry about that. My colleagues speak 3 languages, eg. Spanish, Catalan and English (even Polish!) so no problem with us handling all the negotiations and anything else that you might need.
I've heard a lot about 'land grab' in Spain, is that a problem?
No, the land grab is happening in other parts of Spain, mainly in the south, and I've not come across it here at all. I have read about rare cases of developments in Catalonia being built and sold without planning permission but having a local, trusted Abogado (lawyer) will keep any potential risks from affecting the purchaser.
The Complete Guide to Buying a Property in Spain (Buying in Spain)
