Hello - Page 2

Thank you for this advice Trudi. We will definitely look at the areas you have recommended. It's good to look at the big picture and the practicalities of day to day living. Whilst my husband will probably drive, I don't think I will drive in Spain, so walking distance to amenities will be important for me.

For guidance on Spanish bureaucracy have a look at Jim’s Guides on this site.   Another couple of helpful sites are Citizens Advice Bureau Spain for general queries and N332 for anything to do with driving in Spain.   The latter is run in collaboration with officers of the Guardia Civil for English speaking people and has an English version of the Spanish equivalent of the Highway Code.

However, be aware that many things may change after the end of this year, also keep in mind that many provinces and towns ‘tweek’ national rules and regulations for their own procedures.

Thanks very much. I really appreciate the info and people taking the time to reply to my post and offer such good, sound, sensible advice.👍🏾👍🏾

Shirley

If you can drive don’t be frightened of driving in villamartin-it’s actually really easy. My sister was only driving six months when she came over and was petrified but she said it’s so straightforward-one main road from airport and up and down from la zenia and the roads aren’t that busy-give it a try-you might be surprised!

I do drive, so thank you, that's very reassuring to know.

I love driving here in Spain.   The motorways, particularly, are not nearly as busy as the ones in the UK.

Hello,

I bought and completed on my house, in El Galan last November. 

I was over in January and walked down to the local bars and restaurants several times, a 10 mins walk.

It took me about 22 mins to walk from La Fuente, back to my house, which was hard work but I do suffer with Rheumatoid Arthritis in all my joints and Osteoarthritis in my knees.

I have found everyone to be very welcoming and lots to do in the area.

I can drive but have no plans at present to purchase a car.

If you wish to go exploring on a regular basis, then a car will be essential. But I have survived with my feet and the odd taxi.

Good Luck with your property search,

Sue

We have an apartment in villamartin,  calle thomas bretton,  fantastic road /place , close to everything,  good bus routes , very clean , low crime , just a few remainers here and there, lol, lots off expats/groups , great golf club, great for walking dogs etc, but do your home work!  Price plus 13%tax, at least one year to get letting licence,  

We bought a bungalow in El Galan in December 2018.  We spent about 6 months there during 2019.  It is a lovely quite area 5 minutes drive from Villa Martin.  You can walk to local bars etc in about 5 minutes and to Mercadona (supermarket ) in about 12/15 minutes to and La Fuente centre a further 5 minutes where there are bars, restaurants, chemist etc.  We bought a car last September which I would say is a must - bus service is rubbish.  I'd never driven abroad before but am getting used to it.  I'd say decide what you want from a property - we said 2 bedrooms with good outdoor space - and take it from there.  Villa Martin tends to be a little more expensive than some other areas - but most properties are if they are close to a golf course. My husband is retired and wants to move out permanently which I think we will do as it is a much better way of life and cheaper than the UK! Good luck with your search.

Thank you Sue. It's good to hear from people that have already taken that huge step and relocated. I would hope to walk as much as possible as well, not only to be healthier but the climate allows it and makes it so much easier than in the UK.