I am considering buying holiday home in Garrucha, but....

Hi, you seem to be over worrying any potential problems.

Have you spoken to any of the other residents left ?. If there has been any kind of "community" per se then if there are community fees to be paid for scheduled maintenance then that kind of thing should be advised to you before you buy or even rent.

Holiday homes are just that, people use them as n when, and pay community fees thru the whole year irrespective, we have quite a few villas where we live that are just that, but there are a good few full time residents who make up a friendly group.

Not being able to speak Spanish isnt that big a problem, there are free classes and or one on ones available that go with youre own personal flow and theres always google translate.

We like Garucha for its bars, restaurants and boulevard style walkways, but discounted it when we were looking for a property because of its limited views from the properties we looked at and came inland instead.

In the end its gut feeling that will help you make a decision.

Dont stress lol, if youre retiring its to de-stress.

As for clothing, its getting colder, Garucha is a coastal resort, inland its still nice between around 10am and 6 maybe 7 when the heating may go on for a short while. 

We bought in a rush to move to Spain, the old UK culture "buy your home".

It was a big mistake. There are many pitfalls to buying. I am sure from your knowledge of the UK there are many places you would not dream of living in.

Same in Spain only much worse. Many properties are community based. You will be responsible for debts accrued particularly if the place is deserted.

I live on a community of 70+ apartments only 20 owners ever pay causing many financial problems. Like paying for electricity and water let alone general maintenance.

You may be buying into a community where the first buyers think they are gods and if you dont fit into their way of life they can make your life intolerable.

You need to meet the President of any community long before you commit.

The first time we bought the President was a violent drunk. Get the message?

Answer, its a great life if you get the right place. Garrucha? I wouldn't recommend for English retirees.

Rent first, preferably fully furnished 250-350/450 per month is realistic. 

Then tour around, meet people, ask questions.

Do not make the mistake we made and spend hard earned cash on a place that could be your worst nightmare.

Hope this helps you and others contemplating the same move.@

Thank you.

I appreciate your advice. I am familiar with the community idea. My wife has property in another country and it works well there but even there only a minority of folk pay for everything. We are treated like royalty because we do pay regularly. The spot in Garrucha is small - as in number of apartments, so I fear the worse actually. There is no community so no one to ask. I'm trying to ask the residents meanwhile.

Its also cheap - really cheap. Still a lot of money but ultimately money I can afford to lose if I'm making a mistake. It wont give me money worries I mean.

I've been lucky with the weather. Its been sunny and lovely even at night time. When I described it as cold I meant I wore a lightweight fleece. That was all. It has a nice "vibe" around the town. And there are local bus routes to most local areas and further afield if we have the time to travel.

I'll come back in December and I'll se how things go.

Hi , good luck in your search, I see you are aware of the many pitfalls that present themselves when buying that dream property. As they say caveat-emtor.

Hi, there are loads of properties for sale all around the coastal areas, Garrucha, Vera, Palomares. You will find many on various urbanisations, all have different monthly fees. Just recently there have neen a number of apartments come on the market in Palomares from around 47k euros. Have a look on Kyero as this is probably one of the best sites. You will also find there are more English people around Palomares than Garrucha. We live about 30 minutes from Vera Playa in a small Spanish village and we love it.

Good luck, 

Tony. 

Tony,

 all the advice you have given is very valuable, we have just returned back to the UK  and have decided as you suggested that long term renting is the best way forward. we are undecided between Garrucha and Turre as they both have pros and cons any suggestions. Hoping to come back again in September this year and hopefully find something for next winter for about 6 months.

Regards

Sue and Neil

If you go inland (Turre) you will soon understand you should have been nearer the sea.

We made that mistake.

If you afford to be closer to the Med, so much more beneficial for your health and wellbeing. Nothing like a nice walk by the sea.

Trust this will help.

Regards and good luck, Al

We have an apartment in Garrucha hoping to come for the winters but at the moment come in Feb, May and Sept/Oct  Love it there.  People a friendly and always talk when were walking (cant speak Spanish either).  Lots of classes, a library, very buzzy little place in the winter, more than Mojacar which seems to close down.  Buses are great and every half hour.  Beach is fab.

Our apartment has a community with fees which are 55 euros a month.  Some people haven't paid for a while but the areas are kept clean.

Ruth Brown