12 Apr 2015 4:13 PM:

Hi - I am interested to hear from those of you who have rented your houses in Great Britain to fund your life in Spain and what the experience has been for you.

I have decided the only way is for me to rent my house here in England to finance a rental in Spain.  I would get about £650 a month for rent of my modest two bedroomed terraced house and a small NHS pension.  I am not state pensionable age as the age of state retirement has gone up for me from 63 to 66 overnight... something I am will have to accept. So all in all I will have an income of about 1200 euros a month.  I think I would manage on that if my rent is in the region of 350 euros.  I have seeen many properties in my chosen area (Almeria) around this figure.   

I am interested in the benefits and the pitfalls of the decision of renting my English property out.

I feel  unable to make the full break with England - i.e. sell my house and move permanently to Spain.  The cost of health care is one of the reasons and the complexities of buying a property abroad.  However life would be a lot simpler if I could make that commitment as I would have enough money behind me to live a pretty good life in Spain.  I want to "test the waters" for a few months but keep my feet firmly here in England until I feel able to change my way of life.

I work full time and feel exhausted all the time.  I never have any money to spare as cost of living is so expensive where I live in England and all the other hidden expenses - like running a car (I won't need one where I intend to livein Spain).   I want some freedom before I am too old to enjoy it... Let me know your thoughts.  

 

Thread: Experiences from people who are renting their properties in GB to fund life in Spain please!

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18 Feb 2015 8:55 PM:

Hello Kennyfisher

I would be most interested in a few more details myself to this question regarding the cost of living.  I have had various opinions about the cost of utility bills over the last few months, since I decided I wanted to spend part of my retirement in Almeria. Some have said that electricity is very expensive and only recently I was told that this bill alone would be about 100 euros a month. This seems a huge amount considering I would be a single occupant - eating out most days and a shower once a day.  Of course I would need the light on in the evenings! I wear my coat in England during the winter months, no joke - I have it on now.  So I know how to live frugally and actually enjoy it. 

I have been quoted 350 euros for an apartment in a gated community, beautifully furnished (I have visited it and it is absolutely lovely). I can't believe how inexpensive it is compared to what I struggle to keep going here.  However this does not include any utilities so I need to ensure that the estimates I am looking at are realistic.  

I would be interested Kennyfisher of  how much you pay for your property which includes all these bills, what type of property it is. 

After costs of the apartment I will have approximately 750 euros left to live on (I do  have money put aside for emergencies).  In your opinion would 750 give me a reasonable standard of living - I can't think of anything I need other than food everyday and the odd vino.  I spend less than £500 a month  here in England for bills and running a car,  and we know the cost of living here is enormous. I won't be driving in Spain.  I want to spend 3 months every 6 months in Spain on a shoestring!

Thanks looking forward to your reply.

Susan 

Thread: LONG TERM RENTAL

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17 Feb 2015 7:35 PM:

Hi Everybody 

My name is Susan.  I am 60 years old.  I work in the NHS at the moment and want to change that! Overworked and underpaid for what I do. Quite frankly I am exhausted.   

I would like to retire before I get too old to realise any of my dreams.  My state pension doesn't kick in until I am 66 but  I have a small private pension. One of my desires is to spend a lot of time in Spain,  preferably Almeria.  Such a gorgeous place and ideal for the lifestyle I have in mind, doing not very much, wandering around, walking, sight seeing and getting to know a few of the local customs and people. Perhaps even getting involved with the  local community.   I have visited for the last 8 years and love it so much, staying with my sister who has an apartment there so I have a good insight into some of the pitfalls - such as spending too much time in a bar!

My questions are:  On an income of a 1000 euros would I have enough money to rent and live. I intend to stay 3 months at a time as I am aware of the residency rules that apply.   The type of  apartment I have in mind would cost 350 euros a month, so that leaves me with about 750 euros for everything else! Is it possible? Some sound advice would be welcome.

That's it for now.  Any comments would be welcome.   

 

Thread: Hello Almerimar, Almeria

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