We are both in our early 60's, both fit (famous last words), sick of work (so we won't be doing any in Spain), we won't have any debts and our clubbing days are long gone. We are not aversed to the odd lunchtime beer and meal out but intend to buy somethinge large enough to spend our time in and around without tripping over each other. Most of our eating and drinking will be done at home as is currently the case.

We will run a car and have to pay bills and rates etc, I'm not bad at tax mitigation as it forms part of my current job but find that tax inspectors wordwide like to have their little victories so will err on the side of not upsetting them. Things will need replacing and refurbishing, climbing up ladders with a pot of paint in one hand and a brush in the other is something that I don't do now and I don't envisage changing my ways in Spain. Clothing costs will be far less but the car will still need servicing and repairing, and of course there will be costs that we don't incurr in the UK, maintaining a swimming pool comes to mind.

So how much per annum will we require? Is there anyone out there who's circumstances are similar to ours? i.e. Living off the proceeds of state and private pensions and investments, call it £30K per annum net of UK taxes. Are we being realistic by thinking that we could live a better life in Spain than we live in the UK?

Oh and whilst I am on, we will be viewing properties in September ranging from 285,00 euros to 395,000 euros, all but one are owned by Brits who want to return to the UK.

All appear to be very nicely furnished but I can't imagine that they will be shipping it back to the UK. In view of the near collapse of the Spanish property market I have a feeling to go in at 30% less than the asking price inclusive of the furniture, what do you gyus think?