My dream of moving to Costa Blanca next year.

Shelly

So sorry that your dream has been shattered but who ever this agent is, it was a very responsible thing for them to do, not all agents are this responsible.

Don't let this put you off totally but they have given you some very good advice as to what you need to consider.

Many people have previously moved to Spain and couldn't make it work, selling up everything in the uk only to return with nothing.

Be thankful that the agent was brutally honest. Some would have either led you to believe that all was rosy or kept quiet as you shared your dream with them. You could have sold up, burnt your bridges and have had to face a very harsh reality. A much worse scenario than having your dream spoiled.

On the other hand, is waiting until you retire such a bad idea? That is the only option for many. It's a slow burning plan that will give you plenty to look forward to. This, of course, would be your worst case scenario. In the meantime, who knows what else you might think of.

All the very best with you plan. It will feel all the better when you realise it.

S

When you've got over the shock spare a moment to be grateful that you've been given a huge dose of reality BEFORE making what could have been the biggest mistake of your life.

Look on the bright side though, if you're Irish then the restrictions on free movement which Brexit will impose won't apply to you.

Hello Shelly, it looks like you found yourself an honest estate agent as he is correct in many ways. As you are from Eire, Brexit will not affect you but as with most other countries you will have to prove that you can support yourselves in order to get Residency.
Unemployment is a big problem here with the second highest level in Europe after Greece, especially for the under 25s (@ 40%). Not speaking the language is going to severely limit your chances of getting work as there are many Spanish who speak several languages working in restaurants in low pay situations and many of them will be seasonal and few with full legal contracts of work as it is very expensive for the employer to employ staff here.
If you did get a full contract of employment you would be entitled to Spanish healthcare but this does not include dentistry which is all private but the doctors will speak Spanish so you would need to pay for interpreters.
If you go self-employed (Autonomo) you will have to pay monthly contributions on a sliding scale from €50 a month up to €250 a month after 2 or 3 years and you will have to pay this regardless of your income in any given month on top of income tax. This also gives you access to healthcare.
If you are not working, then the income figure is €750 a month and you will have to pay the first year's private medical insurance up front after which you can join the Convenio Especial for @ €65 a month each on the same terms.
Most ex-pats are retired, financially independent and entitled to reciprocal healthcare arrangements.
Jim's guides - your complete guide to Spain

Thankyou so much for all that information its not that I didn't believe him like I said he had nothing to gain by telling me that I guess I just wasn't ready to hear it I just wanted to start a new life in the sunshine. Hearing it all over again just seals it for me.

It looks like I'll have to put it off for a few years. 

Thanks once again.

Shelly 🙄

Thankyou for taking the time to reply to me I guess I'm just feeling deflated I wanted it so bad I had a lovely week out there and got to visit many areas. It was great to wake up to the beautiful sun every morning.

Back to reality lots of rain here in Ireland.

Shelly x

Hi, we are the same, but its now going to be worse, when we come out from the EU, we will have to prove an income of roughly €30,000.00 a year for two people,  then €500 ish per month per relative on top.  Although I believe that Spain cannot afford to loose ANYONE. It will deter thousands of retirees from moving over as well,  as unless they have a massive private pension then they will not have enough each month to qualify. Spain will have to do something. Fingers crossed, this applies to all non EU countries. We are upset too, but we may have to wait a few years xxx

Hi Shelly,

It's so rare to hear of such as honest estate agent in Spain, I think you should name him, so that others can take advantage of his excellent advice.

So sorry to hear your story, but as others have suggested, that agent has saved you from potentially much greater heartache.  You don't need to let go of your dream - you're lucky in that all the uncertainty around Brexit should be resolved before you try again (🤞), so you'll know exactly what is required before making the move, instead of the worrying guessing game that so many others are having to endure now.

EDIT:  just realised that you're from the Republic of Ireland, so even better for you.  When you are in a position to move, the financial requirements you'll need to meet will still be that of an EU citizen, not the 4 x that amount required of people non-EU countries 👍

Best wishes, 

Kim

Wow! An estate agent who actually gives honest advice and does not try to sell the dream of an easy life in the sun where everything is perfect. This agent deserves a medal for giving a reality check. Too many peddle the dream that it's easy to move over to Spain if you're working age. Unless you speak fluent Spanish and have great qualifications and experience the reality is that you will struggle big time. Harsh words to hear, but better to know the facts before any bridges are burned at home.