Andorra Blog

The Pyrenees is probably not the first place you would look for good internet connections, but add to that requirement being able to live in a tax friendly environment and you might think you are asking a little too much.

Happily there is such a place - Andorra.

Situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, it’s an independent country with a population of 80,000, plus those who have taken residency to live in the Principality.

Best known to the general public for her skiing, the country became well known for it in the 1980’s and in recent years has improved her infrastructure to the extent that it now competes with French ski holidays on an even footing.

For those considering a tax haven such as traders who need high speed internet acess and for those where time is critical, it’s a good working environment with or without tax, and Andorra steps up to the mark for them.

For such a small country in the middle of a mountain range Andorra impresses by being the 11th in the world for broadband speed - beating the United Kingdom for example, and according to Ookla who carried out the research Andorra has 14.79Mbps.

Good news indeed for those who need high speed communications in a tax friendly country whether for business or for social media like facebook - but what else can it offer apart from the financial advantages and good communications?

It has an infrastructure that matches any Western European country, with a good road network that has easy access to both France and Spain. Some residents drive to the Spanish coast for the weekend while some own property elsewhere and for example frequently enjoy Majorca villa holidays with a journey time of around five hours door to door.

For people considering taking Andorra residency, medical facilities are important, and more good news is that the hospital is modern and well equipped, with surgeons contracted from Barcelona to deal with non-emergency teatment as well as local doctors.

For tourists, there’s a good choice of hotels, both in the capital la Vella and in the villages and towns. Some of the hotels are as good as you’ll find on Swiss ski holidays, and there’s a wide range of culinary experiences available, including Michelin Star restaurants. Soldeu is one of the best known areas for ski holidays and first class quality hotels equivalent to anywhere else include the Sport Hermitage.

And it’s not just those who take Andorra residency who benefit from low or no taxes. For tourists Andorra is great for shopping with some of the lowest prices in Europe. To the extent that people make the trip from Barcelona to pick up the bargains. They visit the hypermarkets in Sant Julia just across from the Spanish border or make their way to the capital where there are department stores.

Here are details for three Andorra properties that have just become available.

To request the full availability click through to Andorra properties for sale at propertyandorra.com

Ordino. 80m2. 2 bedroom apartment. Quiet area but close to shops, restaurants and schools. Two large double bedrooms and full bathroom. Could do with re-decorating. Garage. 240,000 Euros ref: 1216 * 6 photographs available by email *

Escaldes. 77m2 . 2 bedroom apartment, 77m2 + 10m2 terrace with views over the capital of Andorra la Vella. Parking space. 290,000 Euros ref: 1213 * 6 photographs available by email *

El Serrat, La Massana. New 4 bedroom 3 bathroom 300m2 house. Top quality finishes. 3 car garage, garden and good size terrace. 950,000 Euros ref: 1110 * 4 photographs available by email *

Pal, La Massana. 82m2. One bedroom en suite apartment. Excellent condition throughout, guest wc and good size terrace and views. Parking space. 280,000 Euros ref: 1209 * 6 photographs available by email *

Pal, La Massana. 82m2. 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment. Good size bathroom and modern kitchen. Excellent views and an 18m2 terrace. Car parking space. 300,000 Euros ref: 1210 * 7 photographs available by email *

Anyos, La Massana. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with private 70m2 garden – ideal for those with children or pets and wanting some outside space. All three bedrooms are doubles and both bathrooms are full ones. South facing, includes a 24m2 storeroom and two large parking spaces. 650,000 Euros ref: 1207 * 8 photographs available by email *

Sispony, La Massana. 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom 115m2 apartment plus terrace. The four bedrooms are all doubles, main en suite and one bedroom is currently used as a home office. Excellent views over the La Massana valley. 695,000 Euros ref: 1208 * 10 photographs available by email *

For more details of Andorra property visit propertyandorra.com

News from The Barcelona Reporter that La Seu d’Urgell airport will be open again soon - there is a possibilty that some small commercial aircraft might start running a service - and being just a fifteen minute drive from Andorra this could potentially be good news for Andorra property owners:

The airport in La Seu d’Urgell will reopen before the summer, once the work being carried out on the runway and terminal building and control tower have been completed, confirmed the mayor of the town and the CiU candidate for Lleida, Albert Batalla.

In an interview with Europa Press, he said the aim is “to bring back the installation on the flight map” of Catalonia, and work in developing the long term plan, which should determine the feasibility of converting the airfield in the airport and define the actions that need to be implemented medium to long term.

It was October 2009 when the Regional Department of Territorial Policy and Public Works awarded 1.9 million for works to condition the bed of the runway, 1,340 meters long and 28 wide, the service building, signalling and improving management centres.

The airfield was opened in 1982 and operated until 1984 when the last commercial flight operated. Then it was used for sport and general aviation until it closed for security reasons. According to Battle, the installation will not aspire to be a major airport, but a reference airfield to enable them to trade and can be complementary to the recently opened Lleida-Alguaire airport.

“The flights arriving in La Seu may be fewer but will provide more quality,” said Battle.
In particular, the airport is to house small-format commercial flights, flights for safety - for emergencies and fire fighting - and sport.

In his view, Catalunya could also seek partnerships with Andorra, however if Barcelona wins the bid to host the Winter Olympics 2022 he recalled that it is impossible that Andorra can be co-organizer of the event because they impede the rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

However, he recalled that La Seu has a close link with Nordic skiing - it has the presidency of the pooling of cross-country trails and the National Centre for modernization of this specialty - and Olympic experience and the major organizer for competitions. “It’s a great opportunity to put the Pyrenees on the map” said Battle, who stressed that the Games would improve the infrastructure for the area, in roads, rail and in relation to digital communications.

For information about 2011 ski holidays for Andorra plus French ski holidays visit yourandorra.com

For details of full availability for Andorra property for sale visit propertyandorra.com

Erts, La Massana. 110m2. 3 bedroom 1st floor apartment in a good peaceful area, with excellent views. The apartment has been recently refurbished and is in excellent decorative order throughout. Spacious living/dining room with large terrace, with semi open kitchen with bar front. Three double bedrooms and a full bathroom, plus guest wc. 380,000 Euros ref: 1201 * 9 photographs available by email *

Ordino. 140m2. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom duplex penthouse apartment. Rustic wood finishes and polished wood floors. 3 spacious bedrooms on the upper floor with gabled ceilings, the master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with hydromassage bath. The living area is spacious with a 12m2 terrace which receives direct sunlight throughout the day. Includes undercover car parking space. 395,000 Euros ref: 979 * 5 photographs available by email *

Anyos. 270m2. 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom semi detached house. Excellent decorative order throughout. Large 50m2 living room. Office space. Superb views and terraces. 850,000 Euros ref: 1126 * 3 photographs available by email *

El Serrat, Ordino. 245m2. South facing 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with excellent views on a plot of land of 493m2. The house is stone faced and constructed to a high specification and sheltered from neighbours by mature trees. The accommodation comprises entrance and access on the ground floor to three double bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom and there is a second full bathroom. Staircase access to upper floor with large kitchen/breakfast room, with fitted units. Large living/dining room with south aspect and access to a terrace. Garage of 50m2 for three cars. Double glazing. Re-decoration recommended. 900,000 Euros ref: 1202 * 14 photographs available by email *

Sispony. 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house 436m2 + 188m2 of terraces. Built 1996. Immaculate throughout. Lower ground floor includes utility room, 3 car garage, store room and wine cellar. Ground floor includes both a large living room and a large fully equipped kitchen with top quality brands. Bedroom currently uses as an office (broadband). Upper floor has a master en suite bathroom with dressing area. Two further double bedrooms and all with views and a full bathroom. 1,500,000 Euros ref: 2100 * 8 photographs available by email *

Aldosa, La Massana. 315m2. 5 bedroom 3 bathroom family home located in the quiet village of Aldosa de La Massana. A rare offering in the village, a family home with private road access and good views. Ample space for a large family, with a 2 bedroom annex section for house guests or staff. Large rustic kitchen, large living room and dining room with a large wood burning fireplace on a feature natural stone wall. There is a lovely garden which receives ample sunlight and excellent south facing views. Ample storage and a garage for 3 cars, this home is the ideal property for anybody looking for peace and quiet within easy reach of La Massana and the capital La Vella. 1,919,000 Euros ref: 1200 * 9 photographs available by email *

Here are details of two more properties that have become available to buy in Andorra - to request details of the full current availability of Andorra property for sale and information about Andorra residency visit http://www.propertyandorra.com

La Massana.  110m2.  2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, walking distance of the town centre.  Good views and sunshine.  Wood burning fireplace, terrace, storage space and a car parking space.  441,500 Euros  ref: 2101  10 photographs available by email *

Sispony.  4 bedroom 2 bathroom house 436m2 + 188m2 of terraces.  Built 1996.  Immaculate throughout.  Lower ground floor includes utility room, 3 car garage, store room and wine cellar.  Ground floor includes both a large living room and a large fully equipped kitchen with top quality brands.  Bedroom currently uses as an office (broadband).  Upper floor has a master en suite bathroom with dressing area.  Two further double bedrooms and all with views and a full bathroom.  1,500,000 Euros  ref: 2100  * 8 photographs available by email *

Visitors for Andorra who are considering buying a property and taking residency often stop off in Barcelona if their flight arrival is late in the evening, and the Independent Newspaper in the UK recently reviewed one of the new hotels in Barcelona - here’s an extract:

There is a flavour of the city as soon as you enter the seven-story lobby: two marble sculptures, reminiscent of Gaudí’s contorted Casa Milà roof statues, stand sentry to one side of the door.

The lobby stretches skywards, but laterally too, into the lounge and bar, the Wave restaurant, and beyond the glass doors on to the “Wet Deck” or pool area. Here you’ll find scattered white parasols, cabañas and loungers set around a bracingly cool pool, with a bar at one end and the beach just below.

Bofill’s aim was for the Mediterranean to be the primary focus of his building. Up on the 26th-floor Eclipse bar, the sea views are bewitching.

The hotel’s interiors create the sensation of being underwater. Neutral tones give the appearance of sand, and there are meandering giant seaweeds preserved in frosted glass walls. The Bliss spa, meanwhile, is bright and white, with the brand’s signature touch of a sushi-style conveyor belt at the nail bar.

To read the full article click here

For details of Andorra property for sale and residency visit propertyandorra.com

Here are details for three Andorra properties which are new to the market - full details of these and more can be requested via http://www.propertyandorra.com

La Massana.  87m2.  2 bedroom duplex apartment in central La Massana, close to the ski holidays and the town’s amenities.  Parking space.  378,000 Euros  ref: 984  *4 photographs available by email *

Anyos.  206m2.  3 bedroom, 2 bathroom penthouse apartment. 4 years old. Excellent views over the La Massana Valley.  Guest wc and double garage.  750,000 Euros  ref: 1196  *10 photographs available by email *

Anyos.  340m2.  4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house.  2 years old and in excellent decorative order throughout.  Panoramic views.  1,695,000 Euros  ref: 1197  *10 photographs available by email *

For details of Andorra hotels, ski holidays and banks visit yourandorra.com

They also have information for French ski holidays and Swiss ski holidays

Below are five Andorra properties for sale new to the market - full details of what is available can be requested at propertyandorra.com

La Massana.  30m2.  Well located studio apartment, recently refurbished and decorated.  Small but cosy and completely furnished with quality goods, includes a locker room.  131,500 Euros  ref: 1193  * 5 photographs available by email *

La Massana.  130m2.  4th floor 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment, located in the heart of La Massana.  Excellent sun and views with bonus of being in a quiet part of town overlooking the river and Les Fontetes square.  Walking distance from the ski lift just one minute, banks, shopping etc.  Very spacious living room leading onto large terraces.  Recently decorated and includes a garage.  350,000 Euros  ref: 1144 * 12 photographs available by email *

Ordino.  118m2.  2 bedroom duplex apartment.  The living room is the ideal family area, which has an open fireplace and good views, with two separate exits onto balconies.  The kitchen is sizeable, and comes equipped.  Also parking space.  410,000  ref: 1162  * 5 photographs available by email *

Arinsal.  158m2.  Duplex 4 bedroom penthouse apartment.  Equipped and fitted open plan kitchen, good size living room with large terrace and stone fireplace, on the same floor master bedroom, bathroom and office with access to the terrace.  Top floor 62m2 mezzanine with two more large bedrooms, lounge and cloakroom.  Located high up in the sunniest side of Arinsal but only 3 minutes walk from the ski lift.  From all the rooms on the lower floor it’s possible to enjoy the sun and magnificent views.  The top floor  has lots of natural light coming through Velux windows located on the ceiling.  Includes a parking space. Good for Andorra residency.  450,000 Euros  ref: 1053  * 12 photographs available by email *

Les Salines, Ordino.  341m2.  5 bedroom 4 bathroom chalet with large gardens of 1000m2.  Living quarters consist of two double en suite bedrooms with dressing area and large open area, plus 3 further bedrooms, dining/living room with beautiful stone fireplace and spacious antique style kitchen which is well equipped.  There is access to the large balcony from the dining area.  Large office and garage.  1,420,000 Euros  ref: 1158  * 12 photographs available by email *

Just a couple of apartments that have come on to the Andorra property market to report at the moment - they are:

Soldeu.    76m2.  Ideally located 3 bedroom 2 bathroom  apartment located in the heart of the Gran Valira ski fields.  Ample space and breathtaking views, 7 minutes walk away from the largest skiing holidays domain in the Pyrenees.  The three spacious bedrooms make this ideal place for ski holidays.  The south facing panoramic views from the living room look over  the ski fields, and there’s an open fireplace to complete the winter ski holidays experience.  The apartment also comes with an undercover car parking space and a ski locker.  280,000 Euros  ref: 1132  * 4 photographs available by email *

Ordino.  123m2.  Spacious 4 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in the village of Ordino.    Lovely views over the historic village of Ordino, the apartment has a large living and dining area with panoramic views, a separate equipped kitchen and a reception area.  The sleeping area has 3 double bedrooms and one single bedroom/office.  The master bedroom has en suite bathroom.  The apartment comes with an undercover parking space and large ski locker.  550,000 Euros  ref: 1127  * 4 photographs available by email *