July 2009
Welcome to this issue of the Hot Property news letter which we hope you find
1: THE BIG QUESTION – GRASS, SHINGLE, OR ASTRO TURF.
It can generally be said when buying a property in
Well although we at Hot Property have our own opinions, we do not have the definitive answer, so here are a few pros and cons that need to be considered before making a change, or if your garden requires landscaping from scratch, choosing the best finish for you.
Grass:
Pros:
Cooler in the summer – As it does not reflect the summer heat.
Softer to play on – safer for the children
Attracts insects and therefore insect-eating wildlife, such as birds, and larger predator insects, such as Praying Mantis.
Adds greenery to the environment and is a natural finish.
Cons:
Needs to be mowed.
Needs to be watered.
Needs to be weeded.
Will not grow in some areas, particularly under Spanish fir trees.
Takes time to grow.
If not watered it will die and turn brown.
Is not ideal for sloping gardens, as remember it does need to be mowed.
Shingle:
Pros:
Easier to maintain with weed killer and a rake.
Comes in many colours and sizes.
Instant results.
Can be used on uneven ground
Cons:
Reflects the summer heat.
Hot under foot.
Dusty.
Not very child friendly.
Can become a cat toilet.
Can be washed away in very heavy rain.
Needs to be quarried – not very environmentally-friendly .
Astro Turf:
Pros:
No need to water or mow.
Instant result.
Softer to play on – safer for the children.
Can be rolled up for the winter.
Can be used directly on terraces.
Cons:
Installation and preparation cost.
Needs to be washed if dirty.
Hot under foot.
As grass, shingle and astro turf can be found in the writer’s garden, there are different areas suitable for all three, depending on the proposed use.
The grass is in an area bordered by plants and flower beds, and helps to bring wild life into the garden. The shingle is for the utility area with the washing line and Satellite Dish, but can also be used for finishing bedding areas, particularly around cactus and fruit trees. The Astro turf is on an area of terrace by the pool, just because it looks good.
So, in conclusion, the answer is to treat different areas with the appropriate finishes.
2: WHAT IS A CÉDULA?
In the first of a series of articles on Spanish paperwork, we have chosen to cover the Cédula.
A cédula, pronounced thed-u-la, or habitation certificate, proves that the property is fit for habitation. It is also known as licencia de primera ocupación, (licence of first occupation) and is required for any home purchased in Spain and is obtained by the builder/first owner on completion of the property. It is recorded against the property, not the owner, and should be passed to the next owner over and over again.
Prior to receipt of the cédula, the electricity and water supplies will be known as being on a "builders supply”, which can only be transferred to the owners name once the cédula is provided. Once the cédula has been provided, the contract for electricity and water will be transferred to the owner.
Gas supply contracts cannot be made without a cédula. However, for reasons unknown to us, it is possible to obtain a central heating oil contract and supply without a cédula.
In the past, it has been possible to purchase a resale property without a cédula, so it is important that the purchaser’s solicitor ensures that the cédula exists.
Any owner of property without a cédula can take steps to obtain one. However, it will be necessary to have architects plans drawn up, to obtain an electrical report and to have the property inspected for the purpose of a dwelling.
It should be noted that rates being paid on a property without a cédula, will most likely only be for the land and not the structure, and that when the respective cédula is obtained, we understand that any outstanding rates for a maximum of three years will have to be paid.
3: PETS IN SPAIN – INTESTINAL WORMS
Intestinal worms are parasites that often affect cats and dogs. Normally found in the intestines, where they feed and reproduce at the expense of their host. They cause disorders that can sometimes be serious. They are classified as round or tapeworms, depending on their form.
Roundworms: also called Nematodes. A large population in the intestine may cause serious obstruction and small wounds.
Tapeworms: also called Cestodes and Taenias. Are shaped like a tape. There size varies from a few millimetres to almost a metre.
These mainly affect cats and dogs, even those that do not go out-doors, as the eggs of these parasites can enter the house on shoes or clothing.
(WHICH IS WHY PARENTS SHOULD NEVER PUT CHILDREN IN THE SHOPPING TROLLEY WHERE THE FOOD GOES & PET OWNERS SHOULD ALWAYS CLEAN UP THEIR ANIMALS FAECES).
Cats and dogs can also eat the eggs or larvae which are found in the environment. The larvae can also penetrate the skin on the limbs and abdomen.
Dogs and cats can accidently swallow infected fleas while grooming themselves, or licking each other. Infection is also possible if the animal eats infested birds, rodents or raw viscera or entrails.
The damage caused by worms in dogs is lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, fatigue and lack of energy, anaemia, coughing and laboured breathing, irritation and itching.
The damage caused to cats is swollen abdomen, dry skin, rough easily broken fur, delayed growth in offspring or weight loss in adults.
The seriousness of the symptoms will depend on the number of worms, along with the age and nutritional state of the animal. On rare occasions, they can cause death of the animal.
Faeces can provide easily seen evidence of this type of parasite, if structure similar to grains of rice (fragments of parasite) or the worms themselves are noted.
Humans can be affected if in contact with pets, when accidental ingestion of the eggs occurs, and the risk is especially high for children and the elderly.
It is also possible for non-pet owners to catch worms from affected soil, such as in a park, or by eating unwashed fruit and vegetables.
The lesions caused by these parasites in humans may be serious, for example diarrhoea with blood or, in extreme cases, even eye lesions.
Tapeworms may lead to hydatidic cysts, which may remain clinically silent or may produce symptoms, depending on the location of the cyst. The cyst can be found in different organs, with the liver being the most common location, but can occur in the brain.
Prevention is better than cure: As intestinal worms can affect the health of pets and families, it is better to take preventative measures to reduce the risk. Anti-parasite products should be administered to pets in order to eliminate any round or tape worms they may have. Regular 3 month de-worming will provide all year round protection.
This newsletter is intended as a guide and to be