Category Archives: Lucas Fox

Joanna Papis, agent who took care of our LFS2983 acquisition.

Today we post a client’s email who was really pleased with our Sales Agent Joanna Papis’s customer service attention. We are pleased to reproduce the email from the client in its entirety.

Joanna Papis, Lucas Fox Real Estate Agent
“I am writing this e-mail to transmit our opinion concerning the achievements of Joanna Papis during the process of our recent acquisition of a flat in Barcelona. Joanna first took to visit two apartments we had seen on the internet. From the start, she was very attentive and efficient to keep pace during the visit.
She took e-mail contact and sent us numerous other potential options.
As we our time was extremely limited, we considered renting a flat rather than purchasing . Joanna then came-up in the most pleasant way, with rental alternatives and made a point of arranging visits to see these flats as well, although rentals are not what she usually handles. She made a great effort at noting what was important for us and proceeded methodically and efficiently to fulfill our limitations. It soon became evident that we were considering to buy one of the first flats we had visited. Joanna asked us at every step, whether we needed help, i.e. working out the mortgage, explaining the ARRAS documents, finding a notary etc…We very much appreciated her efforts in aiding us, without over-insisting, only offering a help when needed. We actually employed her aid for all of these extras, and were more than satisfied of the propositions she made of contacting a mortgage broker, notary, administrative explanation etc, and always placating our needs first.
When we started the process of buying, we were impressed that Joanna worked out the transaction very rapidly. Her mediator role between the vendors and buyer, ourselves, reached much further than the deal-breaking step–she did it. Moreover, Joanna worked on the spot at keeping the pace with obtaining signatures on the deed. Not everything was perfect, there has been a few difficulties: about the concept of the community rules concerning the use of the roof, about account naming for money transfer etc… We cite theses to indicate that the process was difficult and there were unforeseen obstacles, however we felt that Joanna was always setting out to find solutions. Finally, after the deed was signed, Joanna help us with the settlement of utility bill payments, transfers of accounts and information about property-transfer-tax payment. We very much appreciated the professional attitude Joanna kept during the whole process and will not hesitate to recommend her to others, or to employ her again. She is a plus for your company.

S. K. and G. T.”

Read more Lucas Fox client testimonials.

The Lucas Fox guide to Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona

The attractive town of Sant Just Desvern is located to the west of Barcelona and stands out for its extensive gardened areas and its architecture and layout, still conserving emblematic modernista buildings and masias. Ancient history is represented by the archaeological sites of Penya del Moro (Moor’s Crag) and the flour mill. Can Ginestar, a Modernista style masia is also one of the town’s attractions, and one of the reference points for the architecture of the Walden-7 development by Ricardo Bofill.
The town is located in the region of  the Baix Llobregat – with more than 15 km of wide beaches, it also has the mountains of Garraf, Ordal and the majestic Montserrat mountain, ideal for trekking and nature activities; and the river which, in its last section, gives way to the Llobregat delta, an exceptional site in terms of ecology.

With just over 16 thousand inhabitants (idescat), the town of Sant Just Desvern offers both tranquil and green surroundings, with the magnificent Collserola mountains as a backdrop. The municipality consists of seven districts – North, South, Centre, Walden, Les Basses de Sant Pere and La Miranda. It has its borders with San Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Joan de Despi and Espluges de Llobregat.
The area (around 7km) offers a wide range services including numerous shops, restaurants, cinemas, fitness centres and medum-sized businesses which have helped contribute to the wealth of the town. Due to its proximity to the German and American international schools, Sant Just has proved a popular area with Germans and Americans as well as with some high profile FC Barcelona players, celebrities and politicians. The town is just five minutes from Avenida Diagonal and Pedralbes, 15 minutes to the centre of Barcelona and the airport.

Sant Just Desvern has deeply rooted festivals such as the Festa Major in August,  the Festes de Tardor (Autumn Festival, in October), the “karts de coixinets” race (go-karts made of wood) and the celebration of FiraDesvern

Juan Torregosa from the Lucas Fox Barcelona office recommends Sant Just Desvern as an excellent place to invest in property for both its attractiveness and location…

“It’s ideal in that it not just a beautiful place to live, surrounded by green areas and the mountains of the Collserola Park  but it is so well connected to the centre of Barcelona by road, rail, bus and tram. It’s also situated  a short distance from Barcelona’s business districts and a fifteen minute drive from the airport”

Lucas Fox has a range of fantastic properties for sale in Sant Just Desvern including a spectacular luxury apartment with garden, pool and garage in a splendid renovated palace!  Find out more

Other properties for sale include:

Unique property with stunning gardens currently used as a restaurant and wedding venue but could be converted into an outstanding family home

6-bedroom designer house, finished to a very high standard and comes with a pool, garden, terraces, 5 parking spaces and a lift http://www.lucasfox.com/Buy-property/Spain/barcelona/barcelona-city/sant-just/House-Villa/LFS4061.html

Country house (Masia)  needing a complete renovation. Set on a large plot of land of 9000m2

For more information on the above properties or any other property for sale in Sant Just or Barcelona please contact Juan at the Lucas Fox Barcelona office by email:  juan.t@lucasfox.com or by phone +34 672 156 894

 

Staff Testimonial: Ms. Joanna Papis praised for excellent service

Today we post a client’s email who was really pleased with our Sales Agent Joanna Papis’s customer service attention. We are pleased to reproduce the email from the client in its entirety.

“To Lucas Fox

We recently completed purchase of an apartment property through Luca Fox Barcelona, and having bought property overseas before we were expecting the process to be fairly complicated and lengthy. Neither of us speaks Spanish, and we are aware of the pitfalls that can occur during the purchase.

Luckily for us we were appointed Joanna Papis, who proved to be invaluable. Having quickly earned our trust, Ms Papis smoothed out the issues as they arose, liaising between the bank, the vendor and the purchasers, and anticipated every problem in advance. As a direct consequence, our experience of purchasing the apartment was improved immeasurably, and we have asked Ms Papis to manage the property for us in future.

Thank you for making the experience such a pleasurable one. We are happy to recommend Lucas Fox and Ms Papis to any of our friends who are thinking of buying property in Barcelona.

Yours sincerely,

C.F. & P.C.”

Read more Lucas Fox client testimonials.

The “Tax Amnesty” from Rajoy’s Goverment

Independent Financial Planning Advice for Expats – The Spectrum IFA Group

The ‘Tax Amnesty’ is a new ‘star measure’ from Rajoy’s government, designed to ‘regularise’ non-declared assets for individuals and company’s tax resident in Spain.
Before 30 November 2012 and by completing an online tax return, (form 750), a flat 10% would be due on the declared assets value. The value of the assets would have a value as of 31/12/10 and includes the receipt of cash.
Failure to disclose assets could lead to ‘big problems’ from 2013 and penalties would be much higher than existing ones, according to a leading Spanish law firm.
In an attempt to stimulate the property market, the mostrelevant recent tax measure consists of granting a 50% Capital Gains Tax exemption on gains a tax payer may have to pay in the future, generated by the transfer or sale of any real estate purchased between May 12 2012 and December 31 2012. This exemption applies to Personal Income Tax, Company Income Tax and Non-Resident Income Tax payers, with no limit on the future sale date.

Thanks to The Spectrum IFA Group: Independent Financial Advisers associated with Lucas Fox International Properties ,feel free to contact Mr. Jonathan Goodman by mobile phone: +34 609768359 or email: jonathan.goodman@spectrum-ifa.com

Staff Testimonial: Rafael Rosendo praised for excellent service

Today we post a client’s email who was really pleased with our Sales Agent Rafael Rosendo’s customer service attention. We are pleased to reproduce the email from the client in its entirety.

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Dear Lucas Fox team,

I just wanted to send a big thank you for your support over the last few month, and for helping my partner P.K. and myself to successfully buy a property in Barcelona.  We can’t be happier with the outcome; and we truly appreciate the level of service provided to us during the process.

Your agent Rafael Rosendo has been extremely professional in his support while keeping a personal level of communication and involvement. We will certainly be recommending his services to our own network and will definitely contact him for any future business. We have honestly started our process dealing with several real estate companies, but quickly sticked to Lucas Fox after the first few weeks of contact with Rafael. He knew exactly what we are looking for; found us several properties that we are interested in; and was constantly available and reachable – even during the weekends- to help us complete the deal successfully.

Thank you again,

Best regards,

T. A. & P.K.

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Read more Lucas Fox client testimonials.

Lucas Fox International Properties Today Announce The Appointment Of A New Sales Executive To Their Costa Brava Office

Lucas Fox International Properties today announces the appointment of Aurea Farzam as a sales executive in their Costa Brava office. This expansion of the Lucas Fox Costa Brava operation reflects the continued interest and demand for high-end property in this beautiful, sought-after region of Northern Spain. Farzam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in luxury property sales, having worked most recently as a Sales Executive for Sotheby’s in the Costa Brava. She has extensive, in-depth experience of the luxury property market and a proven track record of securing high-end residential deals.

Commenting on her recent appointment, Farzam stated, “Although an English native, I have lived in Spain for ten years and I’m a fluent Spanish, Catalan and French speaker. This should certainly prove beneficial to Lucas Fox’s international clientele who have come to expect the highest levels of service from the Lucas Fox team. My extensive knowledge and experience of the Costa Brava also means that I can offer clients essential, informed advice about the local real estate market.“

Tom Maidment, the Director of Lucas Fox Costa Brava commented, “We are very pleased to welcome Aurea on board and are confident that her input and industry experience will further increase the success of our operation in the Costa Brava and inland Girona.”

He further stated: “Lucas Fox has seen a consistent demand for high-end residential properties in the Costa Brava region. In line with the expansion of our other offices in Spain and the Balearics we are highly motivated to build on our success in the area and strengthen our service offering to both international and national clients.”

Alexander Vaughan, Director of Lucas Fox commented “This hire shows our commitment to expansion in this highly sought-after area close to Barcelona. We are sure that Aurea’s expertise will prove invaluable to our Costa Brava operation.”

Lucas Fox International Properties anuncia hoy el nombramiento de una nueva ejecutiva de ventas para su oficina de la Costa Brava

Lucas Fox International Properties anuncia hoy el nombramiento de Aurea Farzam como ejecutiva de ventas para su oficina de la Costa Brava. Esta expansión de las operaciones de Lucas Fox en la Costa Brava refleja el continuo interés y la demanda creciente de propiedades de gama alta en esta región tan hermosa y codiciada del norte de España. Farzam aporta una riqueza de conocimiento y experiencia en ventas de propiedades de lujo, ya que ha trabajado recientemente como ejecutiva de ventas en Sotheby’s, en la Costa Brava. Tiene una amplia y profunda experiencia en el mercado inmobiliario de lujo y un historial probado de transacciones de propiedades residenciales de alta calidad.

Al comentar sobre su reciente nombramiento, Farzam declara: “Aunque soy nativa inglesa, he vivido en España durante diez años y hablo español, catalán y francés fluidos. Esto sin duda resultará beneficioso para los clienteles internacionales de Lucas Fox que esperan un alto nivel de servicio del equipo de Lucas Fox. Mi amplio conocimiento y experiencia en la Costa Brava también significa que puedo ofrecer a los clientes un asesoramiento esencial y bien fundamentado sobre el mercado inmobiliario local.”

Tom Maidment, el director de Lucas Fox Costa Brava, comenta: “Estamos muy contentos de dar la bienvenida a Aurea y estamos seguros de que sus conocimientos y experiencia en el sector serán beneficiosos para el éxito de nuestras operaciones en la Costa Brava y en el interior de Girona.”

Además, dice: “Lucas Fox ha registrado una demanda constante de propiedades residenciales de alta gama en la región de la Costa Brava. Siguiendo la expansión de nuestras otras oficinas en España y las Islas Baleares, estamos muy motivados para potenciar nuestro éxito en estas zonas y fortalecer nuestra oferta de servicios tanto a clientes nacionales como internacionales.”

Alexander Vaughan, director de Lucas Fox comenta “Este nuevo puesto demuestra nuestro compromiso de expansión en esta zona de tan alta demanda cerca de Barcelona. Estamos seguros que la experiencia de Aurea será valiosísima para nuestras operaciones en la Costa Brava.”

New Real Estate Market Report for Costa Brava Q3 + Q4 2011

Read our latest real estate market report from Lucas Fox International Properties for Costa Brava.

The report covers analysis and comment on Q3/Q4 2011, and predictions for the coming two quarters.

Download the report for free below:

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Q3/Q4 2011 – Costa Brava Market Report

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