To sell up and move or not - Page 2

Hi, my name is Luna. I was a out to apply for residency in Spain. I bought a house in Cabo Roig. I had the same thoughts like you. I suggest to you that you give up living in the future. Your anxiety about the future and health problems in the future it is nothing to do with what will happen on the future. After all you cannot predict the future unless you are a powerful psychic. Give up this bad habit of looking forward with negativity. Regard Luna

I am the most positive person.  At the moment in Marbella walking 18,000 steps fit as a fiddle, have lived on my own since my marriage broke down 40 years ago, bought up my daughter on my own. Professional, positive but also look at reality being 67 years old.  I take some offence at your comments when you do not know me as a person and have never walked in my shoes. I have asked for comments and must say that yours have been the most negative that I have received.

Hi LJ

Nice to read your message.  I'm a similar age to you and on my own.  I bought my house here nearly 20 years ago and have loved my visits here regularly since then.  I think the comments about Brexit are relevant as it is so imminent and could change things considerably.  Most people I know have been very happy here and the only reason that they go back seems to be related to grandchildren when they come along.  I'm out here in Villamartin at the moment and am happy to meet up and chat about my experience and the various options available.  Maybe just talking things through with someone will help to organise your thoughts and see what might be your best next move.  In any event good luck with your new adventure.

I applaud your bravery & upbeat ideas. I’m the same age & fit. I’m considering moving from The Canary Islands to La Flamenca, as property prices are better & im getting divorced. Just be mindful that you have to be registered as a residente, before Brexit. 

Thanks very much. I do feel isolated especially as transport here is not good and just at the moment walking to shops is proving a problem. But it's so lovely to be here in the sun at this time of year.

I have kept my place in Bromley though.

Julie

For me ease of access to public transport was a very important consideration as I am mostly out here on my own and prefer not to hire a car .  La Mata is well served by local buses to/ from Torreviega ( the bus stop beside my house is served by no less than 3 different bus routes) and I am in walking distance of the longer distance coaches .  

Hi CP

I was considering la Mata when I bought this place. It was a flat in la Mata and next door to a super market so I think that would have been much better for me really. Probably would have been more chance of single people being around too. I just loved the house. This weather is fantastic too a good anti dote to S.A.D.  which I'm effected by.

Julie

Have a go but rent for 2 years don't sell up in uk  health care is good in spain but very little after care or help at home for later. We are back in Uk after 15 years as you need help as you grow older

Are you referring  to my construtive comments I made about aftercare .I guess you are one of the 80pc illegal brits.

I am laughing at Graham’s advice!  Priceless.

It is difficult for me to begin to imagine life alone as fortunately, my husband is alive and well and we tend to do everything together. However, if I were on my own, like our poster and had managed to look after a home and family alone for many years, I would be very, very proud of myself indeed. Well done. I have the greatest admiration for single mums who strive to work hard and keep a decent roof over the heads of their loved ones.
 Now, it seems that the time has come for her to think about herself. The prospect of living in a beautiful climate all year round is a massive plus. You don’t even need umpteen winter coats and jackets! One will do perfectly well.  Life in Spain is simple and easy and when we are there, we absolutely love it.....what’s not to love? Well, some things....she MUST find the type of property that she will be happy in.  Many properties in the Torrevieja area seem to be quite small. I laugh,because I am 5’10” tall and never liked small houses or cars as I feel clostrophobic!  Probably a slight exaggeration but pretty accurate.   Sea

Begin by doing your home work.

Get a hard backed note book for your records.

Know who much money you can afford to spend on your proposed home.

Include all the extra costs for purchase

Decide on a location / locations

Do you want to reside in an expat area?

Near the sea or not....this will make a massive difference in cost.

Bus route?

Shops, restaurants, bank, vets ( if you plan to get a dog)

Dog owners have the great advantage of people stopping to admire their pooch and having a chat.  Also, the financial responsibility of getting vaccinations, care when poorly, cleaning up after them....etc., They also have the company of the animal and a reason to get up and out everyday!

Heating during the winter....check that out too. Find out the cost of installing some form of heating be it a log burner or central heating. Remember, this is your home for years to come.

Air con is an absolute MUST.....in my humble opinion.

Before buying anywhere, ask yourself if you could spend the rest of your life in that place....if in doubt, run.

Car parking..necessary if family come to visit and hire a car.

Clothes drying.....summer and winter.....vital

Storage....bikes, suitcases, deck chairs, junk.

The beautiful new builds blind you with modern,high end features but generally lack many of the necessities.

Search all the properties in your price list and make notes of what you particularly liked and disliked.

Once you have trawled you’re way through the properties that you can afford, look again and choose the few that really tick your boxes.

Jim has provided lists of invaluable information for new comers.....read them l8ke your bible.

If you become a resident, you could be eligible for a grant for windows etc.,  I know little to nothing about this but think it is a possibility.

Health centres......buy your home near one or on a bus route.....we never know when we might need to visit the doctor so don’t make life more difficult for yourself.

La Mata....mentioned many times and I still hark back to it!   Idyllic location, on the level, shops, bank, health centre and great bus services....lovely Catholic Church in the square if that helps. Stunning beach and boardwalk ....I could happily live there. Thankfully, our house isn’t too far away so we spend lots of time there.

La Mata also has many little apartments which are probably in need of modernisation but might not be massively expensive....close to the beach and shops too.

You could consider joining the University of the third age Better known as U3A....to be recommended.  Google for more information.

I must be boring you to tears by now.

Finally.

If you could afford to keep your house in Bromley, rent it long term and you should have more than enough to rent a lovely place in Spain long term with a little over for yourself!     Give yourself time in Spain. You can sell  the house should you decide to but remember, situations change within families and you may want to return back to England, wouldn’t it  be good to know that you had a home to go to?

I wish you all the very best.

Rosemary.