Spain is still most popular retirement destination for Brits

[Editor]

Spain still tops the list of favourite overseas destination for British retirees despite its economic woes and poor property market. The country tips the latest poll from retirement income specialist MGM followed by France, Australia, Ireland and Cyprus. ‘Retiring abroad is a dream for many people. The thought of an easier pace of living, better [...]

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[Alcalaina]

Spain's "economic woes and poor property market" mean your pension goes further and rents are cheaper!

Still, they keep trotting out daft statements like this.

[thrax]

My parents decided that Spain was the right place for them, particularly as I had moved over here with their new grandson. They came for an exploratory 4 month winter stay in 2010/11 returned home and realised how much in four months they had achieved, socially. They phoned me four days after returning to UK and said they were selling up and moving over. That was in April and they arrived in July. Not bad for 78 and 80 (as they were then). They now enjoy a wonderful social life, excellent weather (they are back in Blighty for a couple of weeks to escape the heat) and great food. Their pension goes so much further than when in the UK even though they didn't have a mortgage and are now renting. They live in a small 9 house urbanisation with private pool and extensive lawned gardens (which our son loves). They pay €550 a month rent for a two bed/2 bath and a downstairs loo and €80 a month for maintenance charges. They have Sky TV. They have a car but the local bus stops 20 metres from their front gate and from the town they can get to practically anywhere in Spain. They've been to Grenada, Seville, Toledo, Ronda and Gib to mention a few places. Their health has improved and they are extrememly happy. If I hadn't moved over they wouldn't have any of this so pat on the back to me. My OH's parents moved here 10 years ago to retire and have no regrets. Provided you have everything in place Spain can still be a wonderful place to live.

[Leper]

Spain is a wonderful place in which to live provided you dont have to go looking for a job. You can live cheaper in Spain than anywhere else in northern Europe. For nearly twelve months of the year you can spend the days in shorts and tee shirts. Even in winter the days are warm but the nights can be cold, very cold.

I have no hesitation in recommending Spain to anybody in retirement who can fork out €500 per month on rental. Try it even for two months, I'm sure you will have a happy experience.

Originally Posted by Alcalaina

Spain's "economic woes and poor property market" mean your pension goes further and rents are cheaper!

Still, they keep trotting out daft statements like this.

jajajaja...beat me to it...it's even a good place to look at for usd yanks....

[Sunhat]

We have retired here early (51 years and 48 years) have never been happier., except for the past few days when the temperatures got to 46 deg!

Sunhat

[virgil]

How's about the Canaries then, is the cost of living/renting the same out there I wonder?

I know the property prices are above and beyond anything in mainland Spain, we had an apartment in Los Cristianos about 16 years ago and the cost of living was cheap back then but, I suppose the bliimin €uro has scuppered that idea!

The thing about the Canaries (especially Los C) is that y'all don't really need air con in the summer,
or heating in the winter!

[Alcalaina]

Originally Posted by virgil

How's about the Canaries then, is the cost of living/renting the same out there I wonder?

I know the property prices are above and beyond anything in mainland Spain, we had an apartment in Los Cristianos about 16 years ago and the cost of living was cheap back then but, I suppose the bliimin €uro has scuppered that idea!

The thing about the Canaries (especially Los C) is that y'all don't really need air con in the summer,
or heating in the winter!

Property prices in las Canarias have fallen from an average of 2,051 €/m2 in June 2008 to 1,584 €/m2 in June 2012. Average rents have also fallen but not by nearly as much.

IVA (VAT) is much lower than the mainland too.

fotocasa.es: informe del precio medio de la vivienda en España y su evolución.

[virgil]

Originally Posted by Alcalaina

Property prices in las Canarias have fallen from an average of 2,051 €/m2 in June 2008 to 1,584 €/m2 in June 2012. Average rents have also fallen but not by nearly as much.

IVA (VAT) is much lower than the mainland too.

fotocasa.es: informe del precio medio de la vivienda en España y su evolución.

Thank you Alcalaina

[Hepa]

I find the cost of living far cheaper here, than the United Kingdom. I cannot compare the Canary Islands prices to the Iberian part of Spain, because life and the economy here in the Canaries seems to be completely different.

Property prices may have fallen on paper, however many vendors are refusing to lower their prices, consequently the property market here has shuddered to a complete halt.

I had an apartment on the market, there were no takers at the price I was asking, so it is now off the market and not for sale.

It is just the same with rentals, my neighbour is trying to rent her apartment, she will not lower her asking price so is struggling to find a tenant.