Unsure about moving

Brexit is an unknown. Other than that, there is nothing to fear on a day-to-day level. In a place like Torrevieja, limited (or even non-existent) language skills won't hold you back.

We live about 30 minutes from Torrevieja, We were in the UK for Christmas, returning to Spain on 5th January. So, we have been here 15 days, and today was the first non-sunny day.  It was overcast and a bit rainy today, and the mid-afternoon temperature was down to 13c. The previous 14 days gave us clear blue skies and mid-afternoon temperatures of 15-18c.

Lots of people get hung up on the house-buying process, but this isn't difficult provided you get good advice. 

Regardless of how Brexit pans out, make sure that you understand residency, healthcare, pensions, and income tax.

There is much useful advice on this forum, but if my wife and I were setting about it all again, we would probably seek independent professional advice in advance on the above issues, before buying a house. 

You need to understand the relationships between your ages, healthcare (private/public), residency and income tax.

Hi

We moved here in 2017, both in our 60’s.

Here are few bits to consider.

1 It is cold in winter but nowhere near as bad as the UK.

2 We did not not pay any income tax on state pension in the UK, you will pay income tax on it in Spain if you are above the allowance threshold.

3 For us the majority of bills etc are far lower here than the UK

Overall it is a better prospect here than in the UK as most day to day costs are lower and the way of life is much much better IMO, others may disagree.

Thanks for your replys  helpful 

I suffer from asthma......but in Spain because of the climate It has virtually gone.

Query regarding your answer did you say that you pay tax on your UK state pension in Spain as a resident ? At what rate 

My late husband and I moved to live in Spain when I was almost 62 and he was almost 68.   Absolutely loved it.   I would suggest that you have a look at the Citizens Advise Bureau Spain website as they have lots of answers to many of the queries that you will have, but be aware that many of the rules and regulations in respect of coming to live here may change quite a bit after the Brexit situation has come to pass.   Also be aware that whatever the rules and regulations are on a national basis they may change wherever you decide to live as most towns and provinces (similar to counties) 'tweek' them for their own procedures.   The health service here is excellent and if you at least try to speak to the lovely Spanish people in their own language they will 'bend over backwards' to help you.   If you drive it will also help you if you have a look at the N332 website, which is run in collaboration with officers of the Guardia Civil for English speaking people.   This site has now also got on it an English version of the Spanish Highway Code.   

Thanks that was helpful from golandrina will look at sites 

Hi

I would like to add. 

In winter even though its warmer than UK it is very cold inside and i have been far colder in Spain than i ever was in UK.

Because in UK we have central heating and Spain doesnt really. People have log fires and calor gas but still the calor gas doesnt do a great job and fumes come off them. Also log fires are good but from what friends tell me it is messy and you get through a hell of a lot of logs.

Electricity is expensive and you dont have a huge choice of companies to go to so they can charge a lot, and they do. 

I have never been so aware of usage of electricity in my life and pay around €120 a month. 

Petrol is also about €1.20 a litre so not cheap. Food in supwrmarks is not cheap like it used to be. A chicken will cost you €5.50 a bag of potatoes €2.90. Ive just come back from England where a lettuce from Murcia cost 50p and in spanish supermarket iy was €1.20.

Ive been having my heating on and off since beginning of December and still on. Even a few days in November.

Which might be better to come over now rent somewhere and see how you get on. Then youll see spain without the heat and the normal day to day and see if its what you want. You can stay just under 90 days. 

Hope this helps.

Regards

Glad I came on this site some very interesting points to think about pros/cons. Question  I was going ask get answered  before I ask. Thanks  Cathiejstead.