Moving to Almeria

Hi Lesley, You're in your early 60's; I guarantee you won't be around for another 60 years (Sorry!). If you buy your off-spring will be delighted with you and they can use your Spanish property long after you've gone or even sell it and enjoy your spending more. I bet you are thinking "That crazy cocky Paddy is on here again putting the frighteners on innocent Brits."

My opinion:- Rent, rent, rent. You can spend as much time here as you wish and there'll always be England if things are not up to your mark. Keep your hard earned money for your own everyday use. 

I know I'm going to get slated for this post, but you can argue with everything but you can't argue with truth.

Hi Warren & Amanda

Many thanks for your info which was helpful ,I have started a note book to compile what people are telling me as I have a lousy memory.

I am looking for a mixed area of Spanish & ex pats so looks like I'm on the right trail. 

Hope you're having better weather than we are, waiting for the next round of storms here!

Regards Lesley

Hi Matthew

Thanks for your input, you're right about the next 60 years, I'm hoping for at least another 20 though and want to be settled!

I have thought about renting and maybe that's the way I'll go, who knows at this stage as I am  just starting my searches.

Regards Lesley

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. 

Mathew, 

We thought only ourselves had that laid back attitude. We visit 3 months in spring and autumn, I never had time to read, but now lie you 2 books a week is the norm, breakfast finished by 10, coffee at 11,start jobs around 12, why waste the glorious sunshine

James

Haikilli I think you’re being most unkind and disrespectful to the Honest reliable estate agents  in the area  you cannot make blanket remarks about them . I have found c most agents in particular olive properties in bedar totally honest  and reliable 

Hi Matthew

Not at all peeved I like to hear other peoples opinions and those that have gone through the process and live in Spain are very helpful.

I am looking for the quieter pace of life but with sunshine and I have spent many winter months in Spain. I have lived abroad before in Greece and know the difference when the tourists go home and the Island becomes quiet.

I'm luckily  in a position to keep a base in England so I have time to decide whether to rent or buy, I won't be rushing into anything yet, just dipping my toe in the water so to speak. 

Thanks again for your input

Regards Lesley

Hello

I have heard all sorts of negatives and positives against Spanish estate agents, I guess it comes down to how individuals were treated when they searched for property and purchased. (Bit like English Estate agents some good some not).

I have linked up with 3 agencies that were recommended to me and will meet them in March to see what they have. But as I say this is a big move and I will not be rushing it.

Thanks for your input

Regards Lesley

Hi Lesley.

Everything you have said is me!!!! Except for the bit about buying as I would want to rent first. Also I am looking at Mojacar area but could be tempted by the Campo as I will have a car if I decide to stay permanently.

Please let me know if you find your dream home. Lots of luck for your search.

Maz. X