The Ultimate Homes Blog

Just read this on another blog which might be of interest to some of you: Hundreds of expats who sold property in Spain from 2004 to 2006 have registered for a class-action suit against the Spanish government, alleging they were over-taxed when they sold their properties. “More people have been affected than we originally thought,” said Mark Bodega of HiFX, the currency exchange company which is helping to recruit cases for a Barcelona-based law firm. Until the end of 2006, Spain charged foreigners a 35 percent capital gains tax, compared to 15 percent for Spanish citizens. But the European Commission ruled the policy violated the EU’s anti-discrimination laws and Spain eventually switched to an equal taxation system. The Spanish firm of Costa, Alvarez, Manglano & Associates is organizing a case to bring before the European Court of Justice demanding Spain rebate the overpaid taxes, plus six-percent interest. The average claim is about €25,000 (about $37,000), the law firm says. A ...

Once again, the annual Tomatina event took place (as it does every last Wednesday of August) when the town of Buñol enjoys the tomatoe festival and everyone gets covered head to toe in tomatoes. Dating back to the 1940's thousands of people from all over the world descend on this small Valencian town to take part in the Tomatina festival. It's estimated that the revellers "get through" 100.000 kilos of ripe tomatoes, followed by some serious hosing down in the street after.

Formula 1 arrives in Valencia at last - you can try a virtual lap of the Valencia street circuit by clicking here (it takes a while to load so have patience). Enjoy the next few days racing.

Villa Léopolda, one of the most historic estates on the French Côte d'Azur, is now under contract by an anonymous Russian billionaire for $750 million (€500m). This three-quarters-of-a-billion dollar sales price sets a new record for the most expensive home sale in the world. Some aeriel photos available here (thanks to Susan Simms in Florida for the link). In the meantime, I am just back from a few days rest in Moraira, and I picked up a cosy three bedroom property for sale which will be on the market at a very good price in a few days. Watch this space!!

The voice is a bit hoarse today having cheered on the mighty Hercules last night against the not-so mighty Spurs to a 1-1 draw. A good game and lets hope the Alicantinos can push for promotion to the Primera this season as they only finished a few points off promotion in fifth place last season. Vive Hercules!

Big night tonight for Tottenham as they play there cup final against the mighty Hercules de Alicante. Joking aside, a glamour friendly in town - no need to guess who we will be cheering on (respectively)! Vamos Hercules

In recent months we have without doubt seen some decent price reductions. We carefully select those which we feel offer noy only the very best value for money, but also a high quality build, and location is still the magic word. Some recent examples include a penthouse apartment located in a front line development close to Villajoyosa, 170 m2 constructed, communal swimming pool, totally furnished, 2 beds, 2 baths, (1 ensuite), priced at 230.000 euros (35% discount). Another very high quality property is an apartment located close to Playa Poniente in Benidorm, with sea and golf course views, marble floors, spacious terrace, and ready to live in now, prices from 121.000 Euros (almost a 40% discount). More photos here .