Emigration from the UK

Hi, I rented a place near the plaza for 2 months last year before buying a house in la Zenia. I find there is more to do within walking distance in la Zenia, beach walks and the boulevard. I think living here full time villamartin would be too quiet for me (I retired at 52 and live on my own). It may suit you but I think you need a car. I have one but hardly use except to go golf etc. It’s a lovely area, rent for a bit and see what feels good for you. Good luck

There are many better areas to consider  than Villamartin! My sister has lived on the Villamartin estate and not to far from the Plaza for 15 years or so. I have spent a lot of time visiting her and exploring the area. 

Now this is my "personal" opinion.....I find the Villamartin estates to be similar to the sprawling council estates of 60's middle England. It is certainly not a flat area and there are some quite steep hills which is something to consider if you are elderly. There are no bus routes within the estates other than the main roads. Other than the small shopping centre near the Plaza there is nowhere "local" to shop. You will definitely need a car to go shopping or a trip to the beach. For an evening out where you might consume alcohol you will need a car and to have a designated driver. I've no doubt that the forum members who are home owners will dispute my account and they will brag that La Zenia is local but that shopping centre is about 5 miles away and again a vehicle is required.  There are no bus services from Villamartin to La Zenia. My points are worth considering when you have a look around. Town houses and Villas are fairly cheap at the moment but i wouldn't swap an extra 4 square feet on a property and lose the ability to easy access to a range of shops, bars and restaurants. 

The Plaza, by the way, is excellent for bars and restaurants. 

Steve 

Hi Nicola & Graeme, I think what tebo has  said Is correct. Why would you want to live on an over populated council estate, where pickpockets are rife, prostitutes on every other corner ,and at weekends there is an abundance of lager louts ( brits of course) and not forgetting all the drunken fights you’ll witness. There’s a rumour that they are making a sitcom about the area called ‘a council estate in the sun’.

On a plus side, you won’t need a car to get around, there is plenty of mobility scooter hire shops , you can even hire a tandem scooter.

Good luck with your search .

Firstly thank you for your kind response. Im 42 and was fortunate enough to retire quite early. The information you have provided is so helpful, as are the other responses, i have already received. 

We will of course be visiting the area, as soon as it is safe to do so. I am very new to the forum and I am still trying to navigate my way around. I will no doubt be reaching out again at some point, so i can ensure, I’m armed with as much information as I can be, prior to my visit. 

We definitely want to be somewhere, that has plenty going on and as we’re both into fitness and running, we would like to be somewhere where there are some scenic routes. To be able to walk to bars and restaurants is a must, as we are both social butterflies. 

Thank you again for your help  

Hi Nicola

Totally agree with Terry and Steve's advice, Pete's just tongue in cheek lol.

Do more research in the areas of La Zenia/Playa Flamenca and La Florida where you will be much nearer the beach, bars/restaurants by the lorry load and the areas are very walkable, loads of supermarket to choose from too.

I appreciate everyones advice and thats why i joined the forum to try and gather as much information, prior to our first property visit. We have obviously been to the Alicante area, but certainly not with a view to purchasing a property. 

We will use a car and we dont mind being slightly more inland, to gain a larger plot/house. Ideally somewhere with a buzzing community with a traditional Spanish feel , nice town square, walking distance to bars, restaurants and places to walk and run. A short drive or taxi ride to the coast or somewhere similar to Villamartin Plaza would be ideal for a night out. We’re keen to learn the language and join some local groups and make good friendsnof course. 

Hi Nicola & Graeme

How priviliged to be able to enjoy an early retirement but also be cautious, I sold a business at 40 and did the same as what you are looking to do bought a villa in El Raso 20 minutes along the coast from Villamartin although we did look here firstly but what we got there was alot more for your money than in Villamartin, I guess what I am saying is becarefull there is only so much golf, wine drinking, and socialising before boredom sets in.

With us it was 3 years I was to young still craved the rat race the wife 4 years older was a little more laid back but even she had had enough of Sun, Sea & Sand as they say, I even started looking for a job went for an interview selling property on the 3 day visits and got offered the job on first interview, but after considering all options and having a heart to heart with the wife we decided to return to the UK instead as we really didn't feel as Spain was home which is sad as its a beautiful place it was more a holiday home no more.

Jumping 20 years we have just purchased a 2 bed apartment on Pau 8 in Villamartin lovey quiet part we are in a gated community walks are abundant the Plaza is a 20 minute stroll 2 minute drive, the Boulevard is a 5/10 minute drive the beach at La Zenia is 10/15 minutes nothing is out of the way but we are not in the middle of hussle and bussel if that makes sense, reading some comments do I agree ermmmm, yes they are possibly right but like anywhere you can avoid the lager louts the Plaza has some lovely restaurants it does have a bouyant social scene although in the winter its very quiet alot of places are closed so take 2 views as will most areas of the Costa be......!!

I think things are going to change dramtatically over the next 18 months its going to be very different, the world economy is on its knees people dont have the funds that were readily available before times will be tough job losses are going to be horrific over the next 6 months again alot of these places are holiday homes, we had it on El Raso 28 villas shared a communal pool all were sold at the begining after 5 years 9 had had the keys handed back, 12 were originally occupied full time by the time we sold only 3 were left occupied, the communal fees had jumped from 400 euros a year to 1500 these are factors to consider.

All in all looking back 4 months would I have bought now "not a chance" would I walk away and loose a few grand it has been discussed but no, luckily we have paid cash so I don't have to worry about mortgage payments and we got a very good deal hopefully we wont end up like last time selling for a considerable loss, take your time and have a good look at the area loads of choice especially now and probably more in the months to come, one piece of advice dont sell up all in the UK have something back here as things move fast and alot of people who sold and moved to Spain when we originally bought ended up in a flat instead of a nice 3 bed house as the difference in prices was vast over the time they had been away its sad but again something to consider incase things dont work out for you.

Scour the net before you go have a look a what is for sale and how much for and maybe still for sale when you decide to go out, try and stick to your budget as best you can know what you want and roughly where you would lke to be dont get sucked in with the lovely posh villas at extortionate prices, whats advertised is nothing more than fantasy in some cases, we bought ours 35% less than advertised price the agents have the prices inflated so much its unreal.......!!

Well I think its coffee time fingers are worn through best of luck with your search just for the record we are from Newcastle 30 minutes away from you.

Regards

Andrew & Eleanor

Well that was a detailed response and very much appreciated. We both know we have a lot of research to do and it is a comfort thinking we can buy cash and dont need to work, but we also dont want to throw money away. 

Quesada also looked like an interesting option and close enough to travel the coast. We obviously need to come and explore and hopefully it will be later this year, once the Government has allowed safe travel. 

I will clearly be posting more questions as they arise and i do appreciate all the advice is giving. 

Stay safe 

I own near Villamartin, split my time between the UK and Spain, and think the area is great to be honest. If you are interested in a short term rent for a period then give me a shout.