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Greetings – how are you today? When I tell you that I have already booked my Christmas holiday flight you will know why I feel the year is running away from me! I have been really thrilled with the response that last month’s newsletter received – it’s always such a pleasure to hear from you – quite apart from anything else, it gives me an idea of what tweaks your interest. What did I get up to this past month? Well, amongst other things I went on a free ‘Peter Pan Walk’ in Kensington Gardens. I popped on to the Internet to tell you what other walks were coming up at the Royal Parks and - ages later, with my diary full - I dragged myself away! There really is so much to see and do in London – a lot of it free. This includes Going Batty – a walk telling you all about bats - a walk and talk about the Albert Memorial, free bandstand performances in a number of the parks …the list goes on. Go to: The Peter Pan Walk was led by an adorable chap called Nick Lane. He struck just the right balance and people of all ages were riveted, from a wide eyed 7 year old to the Grannies among us – me included! In total contrast, I went to see the new Lars von Trier film, ‘Anti Christ’, with my son. I went a trifle reluctantly after all the bad press I had seen but I had loved ‘Dancer in the Dark’ and ‘Zentropa’ - both by von Trier - so I was prepared to give it a chance. I must confess that I found much of it disturbing and unpleasant to watch, which was sad, as parts of the film were really visually lovely…did you see it? Incidentally, talking of films, I received a lovely email from Jill, who took me to task on my less than complimentary comments about Mama Mia. She said that they happened to be in the Pelion when they were filming and that it had generated enormous excitement and pleasure amongst both the locals and tourists. As she said, so what if Piers Brosnan can't sing very well, it was not meant to be taken seriously – they had a good laugh at the antics and it was sheer fun. As she came out of seeing it for the second time the lady next to her said "if only we had more films like this to cheer us all up" Well, I had to eat humble pie and agree that I was a grumpy old thing. Then I made a huge confession – I love a film starring Vanilla Ice called 'Cool as Ice'...so really, who am I to talk?!! On to matters Greek: I am going to chat a bit about Kefalonia and the Ionian Islands, tell you how currency companies differ and chat about non-residence status. A bit about Capital Gains Tax and the Greece Property Buying Guide rounds up my offering for this month – I hope you find it helpful. Kind regards, Karolina! |
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KefaloniaFrom chats to Greece Property Buying Guide readers I know that one of the islands that you are Right, for a start there are summer flights direct to the island from either Gatwick or Manchester. My suggestion would be to hire a car once there, but you can get fairly regular buses around the islands if you want to economise – and don’t we all today? First port of call is Sami; this is where I stayed when I first went to suss out the island and to get recommended property people that you could rely upon, a number of years ago now. Indeed, one of those property people is a member of the family that owns the Sami Beach Hotel – and his wife was a lovely extra in the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, as were many other islanders. See photo of the three of us in a great restaurant on the island by the way! The Sami Beach Hotel is beautifully situated and you will literally be on the set of the film in this part of the island. There are magnificent beaches nearby and some great caves to visit – see my photo of the Melissani Cave. It was officially closed when I visited in late autumn but my new best friend had it opened up and we sneaked in and drifted across the dazzling blue water in a small boat, quite alone – a real difference to what it must be in the busy summer months I am guessing! From Frikes in the north of Ithaca you can get a ferry to Lefkada – another place that Greece Property Buying Guide readers have often talked to me about. I must confess that I have not visited it – have you? Let me know what it is about it that folk find so special if you have. Then boat back to Fiscado on Kefolonia – a lovely part of the island but it’s not altogether easy to buy property here I gather – expensive and people are inclined to hang on to their beloved homes…! From there you can drive to the lovely village of Assos, a picturesque town that sits at the foot of a Venetian Castle. Very old buildings are few and far between on Kephalonia due to the earthquake of 1953: a massive 8 on the Richter Scale. From here back to the pleasant town of Argostoli – pop in perhaps and visit the museums in the town. If you do take the trip, please dot me a line won’t you? I’d love to hear about it.
I must confess that I am slightly uneasy about ‘Empire’ – my mother and I used to have endless arguments about this! I ask myself what right does any country have to go in and take over another?” And yet I have to confess that, both in Greece and in India, when I raised this question, many local people have said that they valued the enormous contribution made by the British. In Kefalonia it was the roads, and in India it was the English language…what can I say to that? I guess it was a time in history…certainly my mother’s generation found it the norm. She herself was brought up in Hong Kong. Please give me a call if you want to chat about this or any other part of Greece. And if it’s property you are after give me a call on 0207 898 0549 or fill in the brief form at: |
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How Smart differs…A couple of days ago I was asked a very simple question by someone who was thinking of buying property abroad: “How do currency companies differ?” He went on to add: “They all seem the same…they seem to offer the same benefits when I speak to them about transferring money abroad. How do I know which one to choose?” Actually, the people at Smart Currency Exchange are often asked this…and their reply is that there are enormous differences between Smart Currency Exchange and any other exchange company, differences that could make a world of difference to you. Firstly, Smart Currency Exchange is the only currency company in the UK that does not pay their traders commission – they get a regular salary. That fact alone will allow you peace of mind that you’re not in the hands of someone who is trying to make the most money they possibly can out of you. Secondly, they do not spend thousands of pounds on marketing. Generally, the word is spread via the Internet and by word of mouth, from one contented client to their friends and relations. This means that Smart is able to save vast sums on advertising and this is reflected in the exchange rates they are able to pass on to you, the client. When you phone Smart Currency Exchange, you will actually speak to REAL PEOPLE - people who can explain the whys and wherefores of transferring currency abroad and all about currency exchange rates. So please, don’t hesitate to pick up that phone and ask questions about this – Smart’s currency experts will have heard them all before and will be delighted to help you. You will immediately speak to someone who can clearly and concisely explain the whole process to you. If you would like to contact Smart Currency, please phone 0207 898 0541 or go to: http://www.smartCurrencyExchange.com/smartsquotation.htm To read the latest market information on Sterling and the Euro go to: http://www.GreeceBuyingGuide.com/Currency270809.htm Smart sometimes feel that they have ‘friends’ rather than clients…and Ken Smith is a case in point. This is what he had to say: I would like this opportunity to offer my thanks to Smart Currency Exchange. I have been dealing with you for some time now, as I am having a property built abroad. I obviously use your services to transfer funds overseas. Your facilities being much quicker, easier and vastly cheaper than using my own bank. In fact I have recommended a couple of friends that have also used Smart Currency Exchange (names available if required), and likewise are extremely pleased with your services. I have found all the numerous staff that I have personally dealt with to be polite, helpful and full of good advice, a service not very often seen these days but nonetheless extremely welcome. I would particularly like to give my thanks to James who I deal with on a regular basis. I have always found him to be particularly friendly and efficient dealing with any issues I have with prompt attention. Once again thanks to all
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Renovated House For Sale In Lindos, Rhodes € 249,950
Maybe it’s just me, but my fondest memories of Greece are of white Cycladic houses tumbling down the hillside – this is the picture that I carry in my mind. So when I saw THIS lovely home….well, I’m sold on it without even a glimpse inside! This is a rare opportunity for Lindos lovers! Situated in the sought-after area of Krana and just a leisurely stroll away from Lindos village, this beautifully renovated traditional home affords panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and an astounding view of the ancient Acropolis. This 63,5sqm two-storey house features a living room, a fully fitted and equipped kitchen and a bathroom on the ground floor and a spacious bedroom with fitted wardrobes on the second floor. Additional benefits include a 25 sqm courtyard with a pergola, a garage and 2 air conditioning units with settings for cold and warm air. The house comes for sale fully furnished and equipped. Full of charm and character, this Lindian residence is an opportunity not to be missed! The house is 2km from the beach, 1km from central town and 45km from the airport.
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Non-resident status in the UKI have just read the most complicated article in the Sunday Times regarding non-resident status for those UK citizens who decide to live abroad. It seems to me that that nobody really seems to have a handle on this contentious subject – perhaps not even the tax man! I am going to try and lay this out as clearly as I can, from what I have gathered…and hope that this helps you. Right, the bottom line is, as you may guess, that the tax man is going to be scrutinising non-resident status very carefully from now on in expectation of a mass exodus by those lucky folk hoping to escape next year’s 50% tax rate. Once you have been non-resident for 3 years you do not pay UK income tax on overseas income. And if you are non-resident for more than 5 years you do not pay any capital gains tax (CGT) on your UK or overseas gains. Previously the ruling was that you were considered a resident if you spent more than 90 days a year in the UK. In most European countries it is 183 day a year - and indeed you can spend 183 days in any given year in the UK, but only if it is 90 days per year over 4 years. In other words, if you spend 183 days in one year, you only have 90 x 4 = 360. Then less your 183 leaves 177 for the other 3 years. See what I mean about complicated? There’s more: they have now decided that the 90 day a year includes any time spent in transit. Why? Search me…And how to track this? Anybody’s guess! Also, continuing connections with the country will now be taken into account too. Individuals must now prove an intention to leave the country permanently or indefinitely…and this may include such things as terminating membership of clubs, not regularly attending social events such as Ascot (yes, you read that correctly) or not keeping a car in the UK. Visits to grandchildren etc. will come off your 90 day per year limit. There are dispensations if someone in your family is terminally ill – you may be able to exceed your average of 90 days over 4 years, but NOT by more than the 183 days at a time without risking your non-resident status. A trifle harsh I would have thought… The one thing I was very certain of, having read this article and trying to clarify it, is that it is imperative that you find expert help from the outset in order to make sure that you do not fall foul of the tax man. I think that you would be well advised to think about all the financial implications well before you leave the UK; perish the thought, but should anything happen to you while living abroad, you do not want your partner or your heirs to be faced with endless financial problems at an already traumatic time. If you want to chat about a reputable IFA, give me a call on 0207 898 0549 or fill in the brief form at: | ||
A new Guide for you!We at the Guides Company have a wonderful new Emigration Guide. Kim sent out an email two weeks ago asking if some readers would review what she’s created and we were simply overwhelmed by the response. It will be going out for sale in October, but I wondered if you would like to take a peek at it and tell me what you think? It has over 10 tick lists and masses of information on everything from finance, children, removals, property, things to cancel, documents to sort out and so on. Even if you have bought a Country Guide this is an absolute must-have and will really ease your burden in the relocation process. Indeed, we think that with this Guide we have done all the thinking for you…all that you need to do is have fun once you arrive in the country you love! To get a sneak preview of the Guide just cut and paste the below email address into a blank email and hit ‘send.’ By doing so, you’ll get an automated email sent back to you with a link to download the guide. You can also go to emigrationguide.com and enter your details. Please note, however, that by doing this you'll get added to an email list and will receive a series of emails regarding emigration from me. By sending the blank email, you'll just get access to the new Guide. This Guide will be selling for £12.97 shortly so - if you can - let me know if you feel that it provides value for money. Also, I would really appreciate any feedback you have: any general tips or things that you found to be useful to you as you planned your move would be welcome. Enjoy!
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Top Tip: more about Capital Gains TaxI hope I am not whittering (or should that be ‘witter’ – neither are in the dictionary incidentally!) on too much about this – but then I ask myself – can one have too much information on how to save money…? It’s about that old bugbear, Capital Gains Tax in the UK. I did mention it a while back, but here is a little more detail. Evidently, anyone who has sold a property that was not their main home since April 2003 may be able to claim a rebate on Capital Gains Tax (CGT), provided that it has been let out for a period. That period is clearly defined and you need to check this out carefully. Any gain made on a second home sale is usually liable for CGT, but rental holiday lets are now subject to both Business Asset Taper relief AND Entrepreneur’s Relief. It is estimated that this could reduce your CGT to 10 percent: since April 2008 it has been 18 percent and prior to that was as high as 40 percent! Frankly, my feelings on this are that it is a job for the experts – a really clued up IFA (Independent Financial Advisor) may well be able to save you quite a bit if money here. If you need any help here please give me a call – 0207 898 0549 – and I can point you in the direction of a really good IFA that has helped a number of our Guide readers. Or you may like to fill in the form at: http://www.GreeceBuyingGuide.com/resources.htm | ||
The GuideI received this after my last newsletter – slightly abbreviated:
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I received a lovely email from Daphne, who lives on Skopelos. She suggested that, when writing the newsletters, I concentrate more on the smaller islands of Greece and I really would love to do that. But, as I mentioned to Daphne, I need your help with this. Any snippets of news are always welcome – do drop me a line. All best wishes until next time, Carol |
fondest of is Kefalonia (indeed one of my readers – Sharon – implied she was buying there when she emailed me last month), so I am going to share with you an itinerary that I saw a few days ago. It makes really good sense to me and allows you to see the best the area has to offer in a comparatively short time.
From Sami you can get to Ithaca by boat – this small island is steeped in myth and legend. It has not yet been swamped by tourists and is still relatively unspoilt but with good hotels and restaurants nevertheless. 
