CHANGING THE GOALPOSTS 

A 1,276 word article

By

Nick Snelling

CHANGING THE GOAL POSTS

‘Ask most Britons about Valencia’ says Maurice Hamlin publisher of the respected information web portal www.practicalspain.com, ‘and they will say football.’  Maurice smiles disarmingly, ‘everyone seems to know about one of the best football clubs in the world, but nothing about the wonderful area in Spain in which it’s located.  It’s our secret.’

It is the relative obscurity of Valencia province that is so exciting to those who do find it.  Valencia, the capital of the province, is located on the mid-eastern sideboard of the Iberian peninsular, almost due west of the Balearic islands.  It is the third biggest city in Spain and justifiably known by the cognocenti for its culture, sport, commerce and utterly seductive, temperate climate.

Warm winters and summers that lack the searing heat of further south make al fresco living possible almost throughout the year.  This is complemented by a countryside that is kind to the north European eye.  Valencia is positively verdant with vast, evergreen citrus groves covering a gorgeous, rolling landscape with occasional mountain ranges acting as dramatic backdrops.  Meanwhile, the beaches are world class, Blue Flagged, and comprise miles of immaculately maintained golden sand.  

‘We cannot understand why so few north Europeans come here’, says Victor Timoner, a Gandia councillor with a special interest in tourism.  ‘After all, this is the area that the Spanish themselves come to for their holidays and it is where they dream of retiring.  And, as everyone knows, the house prices are much lower here than on the other Costas’.   

Victor Timoner’s disbelief is borne out by the facts.  There are 2.4 million people living in Valencia province of whom only 7,206 are British, whilst in Alicante province there are 78,738 Britons out of a total population of 1.7 million.  These numbers are reflected in the house prices where less north European money has come into Valencia province to distort the housing market.  

But matters are set to change.

Indeed, Valencia is gearing itself up to receive a surge of interest from the international community.  Valencia airport finally opened up to cheap flights 18 months ago and promptly reported a staggering 50% increase in business between 2004 and 2005.  Out of the 4.6 million passengers there were 786,000 Britons, many of whom will have seen for the first time the advantages of living in a stunning area with an intact culture unspoilt by the rampant tourism of the other Costas. 

A vital stimulus to Valencia is the America’s Cup.  For the first time in 152 years this prestigious international yachting race is due to be held in Europe with Valencia hosting the race in 2007.  Apart from good prevailing winds, one of the compelling reasons for the choice of Valencia was the confidence the organisers had in the infrastructure of the province. 

One of the surprising elements to living in Valencia is the degree to which the region makes living in the province user-friendly for foreigners.  Most of the banks have staff fluent in English, as do the major insurance companies.  Frequently, the big service providers such as Iberdrola (electricity) and Telefonica (telephones) can find someone who can respond to a query in English.  Even the town hall in my tiny pueblo in the mountains employs an English speaking clerk three mornings a week who delightfully sorts out all and any problems.  This is back-up that makes the difference between a minor problem and a truck load of hassle.

But the infrastructure in place goes well beyond solving linguistic difficulties.  Tons of European money over many years and a booming economy have turned Spain into a truly first-world country and Valencia province displays a sophistication that will confound those who knew the area ten years ago.  The roads are excellent, the trains on time and the telephone service reliable.  Indeed, ADSL coverage is increasingly available and presents real opportunities to those wishing to move their businesses to Spain.

It is also true to say that the ‘manana’ attitude of old has disappeared to be replaced by an almost frightening efficiency.  Appointments are kept, items delivered on time and anyone who still thinks that the Spanish do not work hard only needs to spend some time with the Valencians to see that this is little more than a time-served myth.   

Clive Jagger, an international football advisor, has lived in the enchanting town of Gandia for twenty five years.  Fluent in both Valenciano (the local dialect) and Spanish, he has seen many changes and sees a vibrant future for the area.  ‘A good example,’ he points out, ‘is golf.  At the moment, we have two golf courses in an area where on the other Costas there would be dozens.  Valencia has been slow to develop a tourist industry attractive to foreigners, which has partly been the charm of the area.  But now, just around Gandia and La Safor alone, four new golf courses are being planned .  This will have a dramatic impact upon the appeal to living here for north Europeans seeking a luxury lifestyle.  And, of course, property prices will really take off.’

Property prices have, in fact, increased hugely over the past few years and Valencia, according to Spanish Property Insight, saw a 20% increase during 2005.  The consensus amongst professionals is that there is still room for upward movement in Valencia because it has some catching up to do with the other Costas.  With the opening of Valencia airport to cheap flights and the raising of the area profile through the America’s Cup, no objective reason remains for the prices to be lower.

Victor Timoner is conscious of the dangers of uncontrolled spiralling prices and recognises that future security for all property owners is inextricably tied to a quality, strategic development of the whole of Valencia.  ‘We are lucky,’ he states, ‘that we have been able to learn from the mistakes of elsewhere in Spain.  Our aim is to ensure that we develop Valencia very carefully for the future, so that we maintain a high quality, balanced life for the benefit of everyone whether foreigners or Spanish.’  

Joaquin Colomar Garcia, a dynamic Valencian conveyancing lawyer, sees many clients who have considered buying in the newly emerging east European countries.  ‘You know,’ he says, ‘sometimes people look to cheaper parts of the world.  But almost always they return here.  In truth, what you are buying into in Valencia is not just a house but a lifestyle for the future and one firmly backed by economic and political security, a modern, caring infrastructure and a culture that is still nuclear and that works.’

If ever there was a culture that was working it is to be found in Valencia.  This is the province most famed for its wonderful exuberance.  If you doubt that, then attend the astounding Las Fallas festival held between the 12th to 19th of March.  You will experience a phenomenon that is becoming internationally recognised and that exemplifies the Valencian ability to enjoy life to the full in a trouble-free, delightful family atmosphere.

Better still, be privileged enough to be a part of a village’s summer fiesta.  You will be enchanted by a blissful week that exemplifies the warmth and community spirit which exists in Valencia.   To most Britons it is like turning the clock back in the UK to the halcyon days of community life fifty years ago. 

Before I left Maurice Hamlin, he stopped me for a moment.  ‘You know,’ he said, ‘Secrets never last.  It won’t be long before people forget that Valencia has a football club.  They will be saying: isn’t Valencia the place where everyone is going to live now?’

Copyright Nick Snelling (www.nicholassnelling.com) author of three books on Spain including ‘How to Move Safely to Spain’ (www.movesafelytospain.com)

ENDS