Lots of Advice needed please !!

[kevhalluk]

I am looking for some advice on places to live in Spain.

It has always been a massive wish of mine to live in spain, and the job I now have means that I can basically live anywhere in the world where I can have a phoneline and broadband- so I am seriously considering the move.

I am looking for somewhere that is in-expensive in terms of rent, but with easy access to a Major City/Town. I am wanting somewhere less than 500euros a month if thats possible???

As I will be moving on my own I want somewhere that it is going to be easy to meet new friends - English and Spanish.

Also any advice on additional costs of living in Spain, such as there version of Council tax, and utility bill prices.

I am currently Self employed, so does anyone know whether I would continue to pay my tax to UK Gov or would I change to Spanish Tax???

Any advice would be fantastic!!!

[Wils & Nance]

Hi Kev,
I am in a similar position, and i have found a great deal of info on this site, and peeps are very helpful ! I am looking at Costa Blanca North or Almeria areas, but it depends on finding a job ! There are loads of rental properties in your price range too !
All of your questions are already answered on here, have a wee browse !
Nance

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by kevhalluk

I am looking for some advice on places to live in Spain.

It has always been a massive wish of mine to live in spain, and the job I now have means that I can basically live anywhere in the world where I can have a phoneline and broadband- so I am seriously considering the move.

I am looking for somewhere that is in-expensive in terms of rent, but with easy access to a Major City/Town. I am wanting somewhere less than 500euros a month if thats possible???

As I will be moving on my own I want somewhere that it is going to be easy to meet new friends - English and Spanish.

Also any advice on additional costs of living in Spain, such as there version of Council tax, and utility bill prices.

I am currently Self employed, so does anyone know whether I would continue to pay my tax to UK Gov or would I change to Spanish Tax???

Any advice would be fantastic!!!

You really need to pop over and explore the different areas. As a rule of thumb you'll pat less for property, or at least get better value, if you go inland. But certainly even on the costas its possible to rent for €450 - €500 if you're on your own.

I pay just €400 a year "council tax" to the town hall for everything and thats for a 4 bed detatched villa, Northern CB

Once you are a resident here your tax would be payable here. You apply before you leave the Uk for tax exemption. You would need to register as autonimo here (self employed) and as such you pay your taxes but also a monthly contribution to the health service which is a minimum of about €230 whether you turn over any work or not. You can hire a gestoria to look after your taxes .... they are very good value and depending on your circumstances may cost you under €100 a year.

Phone / Internet with Telefonica costs €70 a month, but you can get it cheaper
Water varies between €30 & €70 a quarter (we have a pool)
Electricity is not cheap, and I estimate is about €100 a month
Diesel is now anything around €1.09 a litre .... gone up from about €0.90 this time last year!

Inflation is running at about 4%

[kevhalluk]

Some great advice to get me started there -

On average I earn £1800 before tax a month - do you feel I could live comfortably on my own ????

Thanks

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by kevhalluk

Some great advice to get me started there -

On average I earn £1800 before tax a month - do you feel I could live comfortably on my own ????

Thanks

Yes very comfortably ..... The cost of living here in rural areas is around 30% cheaper than the UK. Thats €2300 (€27600 pa) ......... I know of retirees with no mortgage living on €10000 per annum quite happily .... OK you have to take your rent, tax & seguridad payment out of that, but your salary would give you a comfortable standard of living in rural areas here. If you were however in the Cities, such as Barcelona & Madrid it would be more of a challenge as rents are higher and I've heard it said the cost of living is comparable to the UK.

[kevhalluk]

I've being doing a lot of thinking and researching today - and I think I am going to take the plunge in around 6 months time - time to get practising my Spanish me thinks - thanks again

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by kevhalluk

I've being doing a lot of thinking and researching today - and I think I am going to take the plunge in around 6 months time - time to get practising my Spanish me thinks - thanks again

But most importantly .......................... where?

[kevhalluk]

Well - I love love love Madrid so I might look at the very outskirts (1 hour or so) outside of Madrid - and see if it is at all possible to get something under 500 a month - I only need something small so its a maybe???

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by kevhalluk

Well - I love love love Madrid so I might look at the very outskirts (1 hour or so) outside of Madrid - and see if it is at all possible to get something under 500 a month - I only need something small so its a maybe???

Ahhhh ... well, you're getting near to Madrid ... you may be stretching your budget. Heres a link, but you need to ring for discounts for long term

Madrid, Long Term Rental, Madrid Apartment Hotels, Madrid Hotel Accommodation

[kevhalluk]

I have deided against being near Madrid now.

My plan of action is to rent somewhere near to Malaga or Alicante for 12 months first, and then if I like it and adjust to Spanish life as much as I think I will - then I will buy somewhere.

Do you think I will be able to find somewhere to rent that will provide me with a 12 month contract and allow me to have broadband/phonelines installed etc??

Also is fast broadband available and reliable most places in Spain now??

Thanks
Kev