moving to Almeria

If you can get an Irish passport, then I’d say certainly do so - it will make achieving your dream that much easier!

There are plenty of properties around that I’m sure would suit your tastes - and I can see no reason at all why you should not achieve your dream.

With property purchase and subsequent renting out, there are of course some bureaucratic hurdles to clear, but clear them you can - and shall!!

Wishing you the very best, may your dream come to fruition

Thank you for your reply, I am just confused about costing regarding how much I need to live there eg.. some are saying we both need to have income of £30.000 a year till we have been there five years etc etc.

On an Irish passport, you remain an EU Citizen and subject to Residencia rules.  This means an annual average balance in a bank account of 9.050€ or single incomes of 5.300€ annually.  This is also taken care of if you get an S1 form from DWP which serves to “transfer” your healthcare to Spain and also will serve as proof of income.

Certainly though, engage good help - recommended abogado or gestor to help you through the process 

Hi Bernie, It's always good to have another card carrying Paddy on the forum (well, a potential Paddy, at least). 

Rule Number One for being a Paddy:- No more drinking Halfs.

2. It is sacrilege to wash your car on Sunday mornings.

3. Forget about Bingo. Cricket should be a figment of your past imagination, if it is not so already.

4. Your favourite sports should now be Hurling and Gaelic Football.

5. You'll drink in The Cave (not to be mistaken for La Cava).

6. Aer Lingus is to be your favourite airline. Forget about the national embarrassment - Ryanair.

7. It's almost mandatory to celebrate St-Patrick's Day (17th March) - Don't even think about going to work next Tuesday.

8. Occasionally, (even when sober) try and convince the (Conservative) Brits that they were wrong about Brexit. They already know it, but tell them anyway.

9. Give the occasional shout in favour of Ireland when they are being beaten by England in Twickenham.

10. The Sun, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Mirror only to be read in secret. You'll find the Irish Independent to be lively enough and probably be more truthful than The Telegraph.

11. If you have difficulty in buying an Irish jersey (football or rugby) then think about dyeing your England shirt. Remember, the colour is emerald green. 

12. Your favourite singers now are Val Doonican, Maureen O'Hara, Bob Geldof (I bet many didn't know Bob ain't a Brit). 

13. Welcome to the fold.

Seriously, Bernie (Advice from one Paddy to another) - you're 61; don't even think about selling your home in the UK until you have tested the waters. I would have reservations of you buying property in Spain too (just my opinion). I don't know the whole story so perhaps I'm talking out of place? I do wish you all the Best. 

I presume your partner is of the same sex if so you most defenatly be better getting maried before you apply for residency because when you finally recieve your state pension your partner who is not of retiring age will be able to piggy back on your healthcare from the uk health system

Thanks Matthew, that reply has realy put a smile on my face. Just wondered why you don't think we should both buy.

lol no my full name is Bernadette and my partner is Mark, we often get that.

Hi Bernie, I don't know full facts of your situation therefore my opinion is pretty loose. If you can afford to plunge, then fire away. I've lost friends because I am too honest in my advice. If you buy, most likely you are about to travel on your 2nd most expensive cost in life. You're 61, can you take the hit if things go pearshape?

Renting has never been cheaper. Doing this you are taking less chances or better again relatively no chances. You'll have more options too.

But, only you can decide, therefore compile a written SWOT analysis of your situation. Write down your Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats, Opportunities. You can't fool yourself and I reckon you will be able to make a more honest appraisal of what's ahead.

Hi Bernie sorry for the confusion, we came to the area with intentions of buying and moving from the uk, we spent a week looking at property to buy, we fell in love with the area it took us seven days to find a house, we have now been here just over 2 years and have never looked back, the only thing about renting all the money you pay in rent is lost and the property is never yours, just take the plunge hopefully you will never look back its better doing it now because after December it will be more difficult, we dithered for years about moving, just wish we had done it years ago