nice places in spain for a family

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by rjnpenang

Hope everbody is aware that Spain is entering its biggest recession since the early 90s, theres going to be a lot of Spanish & foreigners out of work this winter. Rob. (25 years in Spain).

Yup - in the first 6 months unemployment rose by quarter of a Million. And nobody expects things to improve till April next year!

[Deepdiver47]

Originally Posted by rjnpenang

Hope everbody is aware that Spain is entering its biggest recession since the early 90s, theres going to be a lot of Spanish & foreigners out of work this winter. Rob. (25 years in Spain).

Sounds like I'm going to be well placed, then, helping all those companies reduce their risk!!

More seriously, its a World thing, wherever you are you have to be aware of a global downturn. You cut your cloth to suit the situation, dont you? We are currently investing in property, which some seem as a stange thing to do, but its a buyers market. I think that if you go in with your eyes open you can make good in any situation and I am aware and cogniscant of the Spanish situation. As a current (hopefully) graduate of the University of Cape Towns Business School I am still full of the rah rah so see opportunity in every crisis.

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by Deepdiver47

Sounds like I'm going to be well placed, then, helping all those companies reduce their risk!!

Except the majority of companies here are now SMALL - They're simply shutting down. My vision of things here is that there's worse to come and that recovery here will be slow.

Property investment - depending where - could work.

[Deepdiver47]

Mine is in the UK. Mainly commercial property, which, thanks to the climate, pretty much immediately finds long term lets. I think its funny, wherever you are you seem to get caught up in the moment - the UK sees its situation as poor, yet compared to ours its still cheap money and good returns. Like I said, just keep your eyes open. Its the boiling frog, isnt it? You never feel the water getting hotter if you were there when it was tepid - its the same with economies - you have to stand outside the bubble to really get a view compared to other places. I watch other parts of the forum, especially South Africa, and wonder why people would want to come here now. Crime is on the up, politics is dodgy, to put it mildly, and we have REAL recession with the repo rate rising every other month, already solidly in double digits, but something must bring them. Are we all simply victims of the 'grass is always greener' myth?

My reason to move is to return to Europe. I've been away since the 80's and my parents are aging, so for a few years would like to be closer, but cant get my head around the weather! Maybe I should just hold off and pray for global warming, then the Gower Peninsula would be the place!!

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by Deepdiver47

... I watch other parts of the forum, especially South Africa, and wonder why people would want to come here now. Crime is on the up, politics is dodgy, to put it mildly, and we have REAL recession with the repo rate rising every other month, already solidly in double digits, but something must bring them.

I wonder what though. The SA branch of my mums family left SA ages ago (5-6 years) - Spain was on their list (warmth) but they eventually went to NZ (work/language). Crime was a major factor in their leaving.

[Deepdiver47]

We went to Oz and loved it - similar people, sports mad, great climate, we even bought a place in Sydney, but it is miles from anywhere! Honestly, it was like stepping back 50 years, kids play in the road, neighbours come round for a cup of tea, or more likely a beer, your back door is unlocked in case you lose your keys, its just brilliant. My brother in law is still there - property development in Airlie beach, so closing no doors. For me I have to juggle access to the UK and the weather.

Have to say, though, Chris, I loved Madrid. Had/have good friends there and I really enjoyed my visits. The only thing that would get to me is distance from the coast. Growing up in the UK midlands I've become a bit of a sea lover and dont think I could live too far away again. That and Beckham moving to the Galaxy . .

[crookesey]

Originally Posted by chris(madrid)

Yup - in the first 6 months unemployment rose by quarter of a Million. And nobody expects things to improve till April next year!

Were they not tied to the Euro they could have devalued the Peseta, they can't even reduce interest rates without permission from Brussels. An economy built on tourism is in rough water when it's largest market finds that it can't afford to holiday there.

Block after block of unsold and uncompleted apartments built to feed the ego's of avid viewers of 'A Place In The Sun' are a testament on how not to plan your countries economy. The UK and USA will not see any improvement in April next year (IMHO) so Spain has no chance. Just fasten your seat belts, lower your expectations and prepare yourselves for a very rough ride.

[Deepdiver47]

Sorry to say, but thats good for me, coming in as a cash buyer . .

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by crookesey

Were they not tied to the Euro they could have devalued the Peseta, they can't even reduce interest rates without permission from Brussels. An economy built on tourism is in rough water when it's largest market finds that it can't afford to holiday there.

The problem has just as much to do with the economy strength having been based on property speculation (not only on the coast) - and property that NOBODY can afford now. As well as raised costs external to the country - revaluing the currency would make the 2nd part WORSE.

The main sufferer atm is the building industry - but not just where tourists are. I moved here just after the last revaluation - was DIRE for folk who lived here ALL OVER. Massive interest rates - 18-25% Mortgages. Maybe if Spain becomes less attractive some of the non productive tax dodging folk will go away - and the rest of us can live happily.

[crookesey]

Originally Posted by Deepdiver47

Sorry to say, but thats good for me, coming in as a cash buyer . .

Yes me to, but I think that prices will be in free fall next year. I have noticed brits reducing by a few thousand Euros and deciding to throw their furniture in (were they intending to ship it back to the UK?) Most that I have spoken to are returning to the UK and haven't a clue that they are going to have to reduce by as much as 30%.