Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2020 10:20am
Hi Lesley, You were probably a bit peeved when you read my post and I am mature enough to recognise your opinion. If you buy, you may be spending most of whatever assets you have built up over your 60+ years. If you have friends/relations in Spain and they know the ropes of living here and with their advice and goodwill on buying you may be onto a winner. But, beware of the pitfalls. I know people here who are 10 years older than you who have sold up everything in the English speaking world and have settled fulltime in Spain. You're probably thinking "that cocky Paddy is contradicting himself" but I should add the aged 70+ people did much homework before settling here. Most of this homework was done in the off season where they rented and soaked up the Spanish atmosphere and the true way of life for the expat. I'm sure only few of them would return to the UK for longer than a month now.
Is Renting the equivalent of flushing hard cash down the toilet? No, it isn't and probably the most fruitful few bob you ever spent. Can you allay costs towards the rent in Spain? You sure can and most likely you can turn the whole renting episode into a profitable investment for yourself merely by renting out your home in the UK. There you have the secret (that many don't admit to) of people spending winter/spring in Spain. Your UK home is your greatest asset. Sell it and you've burnt your boats.
You may not want to rent out your home in the UK. That's OK and merely by renting in Spain and if things go pear-shape you have the immediate favour of being able to return to the UK maintaining 100% of your dignity.
You won't be the first person to seek out a new life in a different country and certainly, you won't be the last. I suggest you do not waste too much more time and go with your gut feeling and organise a rental apartment for yourself from next October or even try a rental for a month this March/April. A ballpark figure for renting in Mojacar Playa off season would be rent of €700.00 (utilities included and no hidden extras) per 4 weeks for a well located 2 bedroom apartment. All you have got to do is organise your air travel and shuttle service.
With the information you have supplied, I don't think even your best friend could give you better advice than you are receiving on this forum.
For the record:- We have had some mist this week, but temps are around 16 degrees, too cold for a swim in the pools, but the Mediterranean water is warm enough for us northern europeans while the Spaniards waltz past thinking we swimmers should all be locked up. Sun terraces have people lying in beautiful sunshine during daylight hours most days. I would say most are reading two full books per week while the used breakfast-ware is still awaiting attention in the deserted kitchen.