Hi Gordy

Just thought I would reply to your query, this is the first time on here, anyway it may be useful for you. I don't know how often you have been to Goa, but I have been a few times, and these are the things I have noticed. The rainy season starts March through to Sept, and rains like mad. The roads become dangerous and beaches are closed. The charter flights to UK stop in this time. You are not able to buy property in Goa, but they will always be happy to put it in their name for you (bit of a scam) friends fell for that and turned up unannounced to the apartment to find a local family living and paying the india 'sponser' rent! You have to be prepared for third world hygiene and medical care can be a long taxi ride away. A 'snowbird' situation may be the solution, and renting an apartment for 6 months, this can be as cheap as £150 per month, for a reasonable . although poorly furnished place. Some of the better hotels are happy to quote directly for long stay. On a real budget you can get away with a room above a business for as little as £5 per day max.It is a falacy that you can purchase property in Goa, even leasehold.
Last time there noticed the expat was increasing, even getting local bars to have bingo and quiz nights!!!! The place will soon become like Spain, even some bars are renaming, such as 'THe British Bar' etc etc. On the beach side the sea is really quite dangerous, with strong rip tides, and each year a number of tourists are lost. Oh on the visa front they will only issue 6 month visa's but you can come back or go to another country for a week or two and apply for another from that country, for instance I know people who go to Hong Kong or Malasia for the week, and then return. Anyway I wish you luck with the search. My partner and I are looking into possibly Florida, and buying a condo or mobile home! I think thats going to be just as hard!