Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the purchase Once we see something we like?.

Unlike the UK and providing we have done all the checks on a business, the transaction can be completed within the week of your arrival to take over.

Do we need to have a Spanish Partner?..

People still ask me this question even though this practice ceased many years ago. Spain is a Full Member of the European Community and you have as many rights in Spain as a Spaniard, as does a Spaniard in the UK.

What is the Health System Like?..

As I tell everyone. Spain's Health System is First Class.

Will we have to keep accounts?..

We will introduce you to a qualified person who, for a reasonable monthly fee, will take care of your accounts for you and see that you do not pay any more tax than you have to. This will leave you free to get on with running the business and making money.

Do many people fail ?..

The direct answer to this question is Yes, people do fail and it usually is the People who fail and not the business. The business will fail if you have been sold a bad one in the first place but the main reasons for failure are: Inability to work hard, running a bar can sometimes be 16hrs a day. Some people come out with the idea that every day is a holiday, it is for the people you are serving but not for you. Some people think they can get away with not opening on time or not at all, late opening or staying in bed because they had a late night/early morning. Other reasons for failure are: Man runs off with other woman, Woman runs off with other Man, Man runs off with other Man, Woman runs off with other Woman, Drugs, Drink and Ill Health are other reasons for failure. Be under no illusions, running any business in a busy resort is a serious matter and many people who do it correctly succeed. All my Clients who purchase a Bar through me receive from a copy of 'Running A Successful Bar In Spain' which I wrote through my observations over the many years I have been in the business.

Is it correct that some Agents actually own some of the bars they constantly sell?..

Yes there are quite a few Agents currently trading that do in fact own or have an interest in many bars/businesses that they sell many times over and over without telling the innocent purchaser of their involvement. We do not own or have any involvement in any bars or businesses whatsoever and act only as your Agent or Broker.

What profit can I expect to make in a bar in Spain?..

In my experience the popular figure is around 60-70% if you are a good buyer. I do have example cash flows that I would be happy to let you have copies of.

Is it easy to get a licence for a bar?..

I am happy to say that most bars we list come with a license that only needs transferring to your name without all the fuss and bother we go through here in the UK.

Why are there so many bars for sale?..

We are led to believe that there are, for example 3,000 bars between Malaga and Gibraltar, so the list is not that large. However, a fair percentage of these bars I would not even want to show to my Clients.

How will Spain changing over to the Euro affect matters?..

At the moment, the Spanish Peseta has a certain value against the Euro ie; so many Pesetas to the Euro, likewise, the Pound has a value against both the Peseta and the Euro. For example Say the Pound equals 0.627 Euros and 270 Ptas which means the Pta equals 165 to 1 Euro on the day of change over. The day after change over 1 Euro should buy the same amount of produce or have the same value as 165 ptas did the day before. I cannot see anyone being cheated by Spain changing to the Euro.

Can we take out of Spain the money we brought in?.

As part of European Legislation, citizens of the 15 Member States are allowed freedom of movement of funds. Therefore, it is quite easy these days for us to move funds around Europe.

I am on Special Medication in the UK, can I get the same in Spain?..

Any medication you are on in the UK can be prescribed and obtained in Spain. There are modern pharmacies in almost every street, many with English speaking pharmacists on hand to assist and advise you.

Can we take pets into Spain?..

There is no problem taking any domestic pets into Spain but you must consult your Vet so as the animal/s can have the required vaccinations etc. Your Vet will understand exactly what is required.

We have never run a bar before. How will we cope?..

Most of the best bars/cafes/restaurants are run by people who had no previous experience. Most people who are selling will spend some time training you or alternately, we will see that you are not thrown in at the deep end. If you get on with people, are sociable and have a good sense of humor then, you are almost there. It is not difficult to learn.