Newbie looking for advice and ideas from those who have walked the path

Hi Tim, first off, go to the top of the page and click on the tab for Jim's Guides which cover everything about Spain taking special notice of the income requirements for Residencia post Brexit transition then contact Spanish Number Plates as per the previous post.
Then there is the where and coming over and looking at a few properties in the areas you mention will give you more of an idea but remember, the higher you go, the colder it will be in winter and some of those areas had snow recently. The construction of Spanish properties is designed to keep the heat out in the summer and you freeze in the winter. Honestly what with damp (no dpc), little insulation, tiled surfaces, single skin walls and often just an open fire in the lounge, it can be bone chilling.
The further you are away from ex-pat areas along the coast, the less English will be spoken.
I live in the campo of Albatera, a few hundred metres from the CV873 leading to the Puerto de Albatera mountain pass which is popular with cyclists and motorcyclists. We are at about 150m above sea level and have views across the whole of the Vega Baja with distant sea views and of the Serra de Callosa de Segura so beautiful views to all sides with mountains behind. Transport links are good, not far from the A7 to Alicante one way and Murcia city the other, the AP7 coastal motorway and 35 minutes drive to Guardamar Del Segura, our nearest beach, 30 minutes to the airport. The town itself has everything you need on a daily basis including a 24 hour medical emergency centre.
It is perfect for us. 
I hope you get a chance to speak to people from the areas you have picked out but bear in mind that most of us think where we live is perfect!

I have just opened Jim's help pages and will try to absorb what I can. In truth the cold had not concerned me, more the heat. I was hoping to find somewhere with lots of large trees for shade or covered areas. Build quality of houses does concern me as does the seemingly endless  examples of cowboys at every stage. I'll certainly know more in a couple of weeks and will drive out into the hills very early or late in the day to get a feel. Mainly I want mountain views, more sunshine and less traffic. Property is cheaper inland and I'm not drawn to the sea like many seem to be, however many properties have been advertised for months or years unsold so that must tell me something. 

Learning the processes, the laws and the language will certainly keep me on my toes for the next few years. 

http://phoenixcarclub.org/

... may be of interest. I have a couple of oldies registered in Spain and aim to join this year 

Welcome. I´ve been here for almost 20 yrs. Not many Brits here.(then!) "Fuddled" my way through. Still here. Don´t worry about the amount of information you will accumulate from others. You will get a varied versions. The learning the language is the only way (I found). Enjoy & learn.

V

I'm staying at Guardamar Del Segura next week as my base. Looking forward to finding obstacles to get over or around as well as indulging the dream of owning a beautiful Finca, Villa, Cortjo, Casa de campo somewhere quiet for my retirement

Where are you staying in Torrevieja? I don't mind having a ride over for a chat, although I don't know Torrevieja very well. I cut my teeth working on mga's & b's & still regret selling the last one before I came over.

PM sent............be nice to chat face to face

I have a car and will be floating from place to place a fair bit. Overnights in Guardamar del Segura

Hi TIM,

You strike me as someone who has a plan!  I would have no concerns as you seem positive and confident and will no doubt find your dream home somewhere lovely.

I smiled when I read your comment on some properties that have been for sale for years.  There is a house beside us which has been on the market for several years. It is immaculate and well appointed so I tike others could not understand why it wasn’t sold. It has been on several agents sites too. While in the pool about 2 years ago, I spoke with a couple who asked me if I  had any idea what the story was. Apparently, their son in law offered the asking price but it was turned down.....strange. I have a theory but no facts, I think they are or have separated, he doesn’t want to sell as he lives there happily! So, the house remains on numerous sites suggesting that there is something wrong with it.....Leaving people to think that the house won’t sell and bringing prices down in the area possibly.

I hope you find the perfect home for yourself.  It won’t matter where you decide to buy, you will be happy living in such a lovely country doing what you enjoy.

Good luck.

Hi Tim

bringing bikes over can be expensive, I found it better to sell in England and buy over here.

As you are in the early stages of planning, find an area you like and come over at different times of year. we rented different types of residence so we could find one that was perfect for us. We were unaware that that is what we were doing ,at the time but it worked out very well.

Think about the future as many houses have difficult stairs which can be a problem when joints finally wrap in.

assess distance from evenings out as transport to and from can be scarce and driving after a couple of sangrias can complicate matters.

There are many classic car clubs on the costa blanca and several Sunday meets. 

Its a great life , enjoy the journey