The current state of play is that we have five properties to view that have been on the market for ages. One has been discounted by just under 5%, the other sellers are holding out for the full asking price.

We need to sell some family/investment properties in order to buy but nothing is selling over here unless it is heavily discounted. This is not in itself a problem if we can get a similar percentage discount in Spain, if not we will wait, as the sellers in Spain are doing.

We have decided (if we can find something) to do 59 days Spain, 59 days UK until we can wind up our UK affairs. We will retain air travel documents just in case we are questioned relative to the 180 days rule. Annual travel insurance is available for trips not exceeding 60 days, so no problems there.

We intend to buy something with a garage so will buy a Spanish reg car, it's cheaper than hiring one for six months in two months stages, and it's almost an impossibility to find a good rental deal exceeding 4 weeks.

We are looking forward to seeing what the current state of the property market is and what deals are being done. It's very likely that if we do find something that it will be a long drawn out affair as the seller will probably not have had the confidence to secure an alternative property legally. It will at least allow us to meet the people that we have so far only spoken to over the phone and corresponded with by email.

I have taken on board all the advice that this forum has given, I know that rental is sensible at the moment but it wouldn't suit our needs and requirements. Also neither of us is getting any younger so as we know where we want to buy we see no problem with taking the plunge if the opportunity presents itself.

Well that's the plan, what do you guys think? If you think that we have left anything out please post>