Enjoy our quick guide to Parcent – whether you are taking a short trip there or even thinking of moving to Parcent and become an expat.
Below we interview Shami Raeves and Mark Geudens of Immo Service who cover the Parcent area.
In particular we wanted to find out from them why people might consider moving to this area of Spain and what they could get for their money.
Shami and Mark, thanks for helping our readers. I guess we should start off by asking what would you say would be the advantages to living in Parcent compared to other Costa Blanca towns?
Parcent is a peaceful small village in the beautiful Valley called Vall de Pop. You can enjoy the green valley and mountain views all year round and for the northern coastline of the Costa Blanca.
Parcent’s location is very central, so you are not far from most of the many beautiful beaches this region has to offer. This specific valley is known for its wine, grapes and pink almond trees that bloom in March. One of the wines that was served during the wedding of the King of Spain originated from Parcent.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
This area is perfect for people who love nature and prefer a more quiet location than the busy coastline. National and international professional bicycling teams train in this area because of the climate in combination with the impeccable valley and mountain roads.
On the other hand, if you like to go shopping and go on a night out, this is not the area you can find anything to your satisfaction.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
Of course there is still a majority of Spanish locals living in this area, but a large British community is present in this valley and more and more Belgian, French and Dutch citizens have fallen in love with this area.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Every Saturday there is a big flea market in Jalon, where you can find anything from antiques to clothes.
This area offers a lot of restaurants that serve lunch menus with wine included.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
Our favourite restaurant in the Parcent area is the Coll de Rates restaurant and bar. It is located on top of the mountain with the most stunning coastal views all the way from Benidorm to Denia. They serve the best German dishes and organise frequently BBQs and live music.
If you like a real authentic paella the best in this area according to Tripadvisor is in Parcent! Restaurant L’Era only serves paella in a menu formula but reservation is needed if you want to be sure you have a table!
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
Parcent is a very small village, but has a modern pharmacy, local supermarket, small hotel and several bars and restaurants. Every Friday you can consult specialised doctors in the communal medical center with appointment. If you need more urgent help there is a medical center in Orba and several specialised doctors in Jalon.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
Jalon and Orba are very active villages just a few minutes drive away that organise a lot of activities whole year round. Both have a lot of bars and restaurants to offer and there is a large British community.
What are the nearest internationals schools and how good are they?
Lliber and Orba have international schools. I have had no contact nor experience with them so I’m afraid I cannot give any advice on how good they are.
Is crime an issue for expats?
Unfortunately, like everywhere else, we also have to deal with burglary and other criminality. However these are more exceptions than a common event.
Coming onto buying property – what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, down or staying the same?
Prices are not going up but for sure more sales have been accomplished in the last year.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
I’m afraid the idea of potential buyers that think they can buy a villa for 100,000 euros is far from reality. Bank properties are still available but always beware of the risks. The real opportunities are often sold without it even getting on the market because here a lot still works with who you know. What you find on the internet is often, not always, the second phase of selling.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
Parcent is a very small village but you have the choice to live in the village center, on a hillside, and we also have completely flat plots in the countryside that are walking distance of the village center.
How much are typical property prices in Parcent for apartments, villas etc?
There is a building permit stop in Parcent. The community wants to avoid over urbanisation to protect the natural environment and tranquility of the village. Even Julio Iglesias wanted to build a completely new urbanisation with over 2000 homes in Parcent (2006) but the villagers stopped this. So the only possibility is to buy a resale. You can buy apartments and bungalows starting from 50,000 euros or a townhouse to renovate for as less as 50,000 euros. If you prefer to live somewhere more spacious, the villas are priced from 250,000 euros. But do not be mistaken, prices can go quite high as well…it all depends on what’s offered.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in Parcent or surrounding area?
Feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help you.
Shami and Mark thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact Immo Service you can find their details below.
Business Address: Calle L’Era 27, 03792 Parcent – Alicante, Spain
Telephone: +34 966 405 090
Email: info@immoservice.es
Type of Business: Real estate agent
Towns or Areas Covered: Costa Blanca – Costa Calida – Costa Almeria
Best Features:
We are a fast growing young and fresh company who uses the personal approach
to find your perfect (second) home in Spain.
Main Description:
Mark and Shami founded ImmoService with the intention to give clients the
support and services they need to buy and sell property in Spain.
We are not only here to sell your house or make you buy a house. As we
experienced the buying procedure in Spain ourselves, we know it is necessary
to know what to expect and we will guide the seller and buyer during this
process.
We use our prior years of service minded work experience as real estate
agents in Belgium to give the same experience on the Spanish market.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR SERVICE MINDED FRANCHISEES WHO WANT TO START A READY MADE BUSINESS IN REAL ESTATE.
Below is a video showing some of Parcent’s stunning views and renowned places.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
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