Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 10:22am
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