Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Too many expats, both retired and business owners to become a problem...hopefully.

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Good replies, thanks all.

I'm nowhere near retiring just yet, but it's something to think about when I'm in that position. Though maybe in around 15 years' time things may have changed.

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Everyone I have ever known that went off to another country came back to the UK after things didn't work out the way they planned. Greece, Canada, etc.

Spain's economy is shot, another great EU victim along with Greece, Italy and so many others.

Years ago there was a boom of Brits going over to Spain to build properties and live there. Later on the Spanish authorities deemed that the planning permissions were not right and so many people lost everything.

The grass always looks greener, but very seldom is.

With BrExit and the inevitable eventual collapse of the EU, being abroad might not be the ideal situation. Things are very likely to change, businesses likely to go under, local populations likely to want to look after their own rather than incoming Brits or anyone else.

Don't get me wrong, I love Spain, I visit it many times in many different parts and have some good friends there. I've learned to speak Spanish and I love their food and traditions. Moving there permanently though is a different matter. Many things would be fantastic, the endless supply of fresh market ingredients, warm weather, laid back lifestyle, but everything could easily change and getting back onto the UK property ladder once you've been out of it for a while can be difficult.

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Excellent post above, Realist. One worth noting for the future, if I ever decide on a future living abroad that is!

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

I must admit, I do envy those who decided to up sticks and head for the sunshine. but being the stick-in-the-mud that I am, If I could take all of my family, my house, the NHS and Sainsbury's with me, then maybe, even now at the ripe old age of 68, I would do the same.
Unfortunately, in reality, I think the safest place in the world to be right now is right here, in the Shires, where crime is low, life is sedate, kind and comforting. Why would I want to leave? I would even miss the weather!

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Yes, I remember at the time our thinking how that episode had completely put us off ever considering emigrating to Spain.

I found it disgusting what well-meaning emigrants were suffering, whether that was due to the authorities flexing their muscles or the incompetence of their legal advisors.

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Many brought it upon themselves.....not going down the right channels, not employing the right legal eagles etc...and the corruption that existed in local government.

Buying property in Spain is easy and very straightforward if you do it right.

Selling is just as straightforward and stress free.

I have just sold an apartment and currently awaiting completion.

I didn't advertise it...informed my agent(one we've used a few times over the last 30 years) He phoned me just three days after I'd decided to sell...got an offer, signed contract with deposit 7 days later....the Notary will be completed either the 2nd or 3rd week in July.

5 weeks from start to finish and no worries as to whether it will fall through at the 11th hour....if the buyer does pull out he loses his 10k euro deposit.

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Glad to hear it.

I hope the situation continues after Brexit. I'm sure it will as far as we're concerned, though some of the recent posturing by Spanish politicians is a little worrying. Despite that, I'm sure that when push comes to shove, they won't be so obstreperous, as it wouldn't be in their interests at all.

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

I hope it wont affect the Brits and I can see no reason why it would....other than exchange rates and the way they receive their state pensions.

Re: Could living abroad be achieved financially?

Luncheon Vouchers