Every year many people from all over Northern Europe, but predominately
Britain, consider retiring to Spain. The reasons for this are varied as are
the experiences of those who take the plunge and decide to spend their
retirement years in Spain. Here we take an objective look at the pros and cons
in the hope to make your move and life here as smooth and as satisfying
as possible.

The first reason for retiring to Spain probably has a lot to do with the
weather. After suffering a cold winter in northern Europe many people
look toward warmer climes. Not only is it a lot more pleasant but as we
grow older our bodies certainly benefit from the higher temperatures as do our
pockets with the lower fuel bills. Many people report that their arthritis
and other aches and pains are much improved by their life in the sun.

The cost of living is another important consideration as, although prices in Spain
have undoubtedly risen in the last few years, so they have in the U.K and generally
speaking ones pension does go further in Spain. Although the winters can be cold
and wet they are never as cold as northern Europe so less is spent on fuel.
If you are already in receipt of your winter fuel allowance before you leave
the U.K. then this can still be claimed from Spain although you will
probably find yourself keeping it to help pay the cost of your air
conditioning in the summer! Additionally the cost of running a car in Spain
is a lot less than in the U.K. so that is another added bonus.

Whilst property prices have rocketed on the Costa del Sol it is still
possible to sell your U.K. home, buy somewhere very acceptable in Spain
and pocket a sizeable chunk to help cushion your retirement years which
is an obvious incentive to anyone contemplating retiring to Spain. Areas of inland
Spain are still very reasonably priced and the Costa de Luz is emerging
as a good alternative to the Costa del Sol. Property prices there are still
affordable but planned development looks as though they may well be
set to rise thus making it a good area to invest in at the moment

The other reason many people have for retiring to Spain is something less easy
to define but none the less important, it is the “quality of life.” This may mean
different things to different people but even so those who have moved to Spain
generally agree that there is an all important something here which has made life better
for them. Perhaps it is the more relaxed attitude to life, along with plenty
of sunshine and longer daylight hours. Certainly the pace of life is slower here
and on the whole less stressful than “back home.”

So having decided you are retiring to Spain, what is the next step? The most
important is decide which part of Spain you wish to move to. It is a large
and varied country with something to offer everyone. Do you want to
live in a typical Spanish community, a small pueblo somewhere or perhaps
buy a Finca with plenty of space and peace and quiet, or like the majority
of ex-pats would you prefer to gravitate towards the more popular Costas
with the peace of mind that you will be surrounded by like minded people?

The Internet gives you the unprecedented opportunity to research areas
of interest without having to leave home but once you have decided on the area
for you then the foot slogging begins. Try to visit your area of choice at
different times of the year and any properties you wish to view at different
times of the day, to see where the sun falls etc. In the winter it can
get quite cold even on the coast and you don’t want to buy somewhere
that sees no sun at that time of the year or alternatively that has no shade in the summer.

Also take into account the surrounding area and neighbours. The Spanish,
as lovely as they are, are a noisy, gregarious nation with little
understanding of the northern European’s need for privacy and peace. You will
not change this attitude, nor do we have a right to try, so if you don’t
like it then don’t buy an apartment in a basically Spanish enclave but
look for somewhere where you will be surrounded by like minded people.
If you are visiting out of season then try to find out what the area is
like in July and August as you may not wish to cope with an explosion of tourists.

Take into account the number a visitors you are likely to have and be sure to
buy somewhere with sufficient space, it is surprising how many friends you
suddenly have when you retire to Spain! You will also of course want
your family to visit, in fact the tug of those you have left behind you
can be very strong and something you need to think seriously about before
taking the final step.

The financial implications of retiring to Spain are also something that need
serious consideration. First and foremost you will be able to have your pension
paid into a Spanish bank account and by law no commissions are chargeable
on such income. The Department for Overseas Pensions in Newcastle will
be able to advise you on the procedure. Be aware that the inheritance
tax, capital gains and other tax differences are very, very,
different from the UK so it is advisable to get good legal and financial advice on these
matters and to make out a will. Inheritance tax in particular can be a very
thorny issue as in Spain it has to be paid on the death of the first partner
and the jointly owned property can not be sold until this has been paid!

In addition be sure to get proper legal advice when purchasing your
property. A good legal advisor is worth
his weight in gold and may save you a lot of money in the long run. The
best way to find a reliable person is by recommendation as unfortunately
there are a lot of unscrupulous people only to happy to part a “fool and his money.”

The health care system in Spain is generally very good and of course as a U.K.
pensioner you have full entitlement to all it offers. You will need to get a
form E 121 before leaving the U.K. which you then take to your nearest
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (INSS) office for registration.
You will then be issued with a medical card which you must produce if
you require treatment anywhere and this you will then receive free of
charge.

Also bear in mind that after quite a short absence from the UK,
National Health services will not be available to a returning or
holidaying expat, and the European Health card (E111 as was) must be
obtained for visits to the UK.

On reflection then retiring to Spain can be a very positive move. Coming as it
does at a period in your life when it would be all too easy to sit back
and vegetate the pleasure and excitement from all the new experiences
can have a very positive effect if well planned and executed.

Try your best to learn some Spanish not only is the mental stimulation
good for the old grey matter but it will make your life in Spain more
enjoyable and rewarding. The Spanish are basically very tolerant of all
the foreigners that regularly and often permanently invade their shores
but they do appreciate you making some effort to speak their lingo,
it is only polite really.

Remember you are retiring to Spain, it is not Bournemouth with the sunshine!
The Spanish culture and attitude to life is different to ours so accept
that and don’t make your life miserable by trying to change it. So often
you hear the lament,”it wouldn’t be allowed in England” well just accept the fact that you are not in England
and people do things differently in different countries. After all it is
your decision to retire to Spain so relax and enjoy it.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak the owner of http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com A web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particula

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