07 Oct 2015 11:53 PM:

Hola to you all, and I hope this finds you well. This is my second post to the Forum and hopefully with all the expertise here I will be able to make an informed decision on my future plans. We have holidayed in Gran Canaria now for more than ten years, and actually worked in Puerto Rico in 2007/08. I have my NIE so that's one less thing to worry about, and have a good understanding of the culture etc. ¿Puedo decir español? I am learning. Slowly! Not getting any younger, it's about time decisions were made and risks taken. In a job I hate with a passion, and no other jobs on the horizon, I have to do something whilst I still can before it is too late. So, what am I here for? I am looking for first-hand advice and honesty from those of you who have taken the plunge, have the experience and have made a new life for yourselves in Gran Canaria. If I was to sell my home here in the UK, and paid off my outstanding debts, I would have in the region of €235,000 available. I know it isn’t a great amount, but it is what it is. I have searched estate agency websites looking at property in Puerto Rico (PR) and see there are hundreds of apartments on the market. The majority of these apartments though, appear to be for the sole use of holiday rentals. Purchasing a holiday apartment ‘To Let’ is something I am seriously considering. Hopefully being able to add that personal touch for guests. What exactly is the plan? To buy somewhere to live and also purchase an apartment for holiday lets. I would also consider buying a catering business, or find a job to supplement the income from a holiday let. The record 13 million tourists to Gran Canaria in 2014 is testament to the continuing popularity of his wonderful part of the world, and would envisage this figure rising. It’s about time I did some serious work for a change instead of sitting here wasting away at work. So, as I said I have searched estate agency websites looking for apartments, and I have found some decent looking one beds for €80,000. What I have found difficult to find are estate agents that deal with apartments etc. for permanent residency. I need somewhere to live, that’s a given. When I was over in 2007/08 I rented a one bed apartment for €500p/m in a quiet area of PR, with a nice view of the marina.

1: Does anyone know of a reputable estate agency in Puerto Rico or surrounding areas that lists property for permanent residency?

2: Does anyone know of a reputable abogado that deals solely with property?

3: Has anyone found problems with taxation when they have left the UK?

4: Any other advice?

The timescale for all this is 12 months give or take, it depends how quickly I get things moving this end.

I understand that it is anything but easy to make a move like this. I am under no illusions that it takes a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears to make it a success, and there are sacrifices to be made. I know people say that you should rent first to see what it’s like, but I have done that, and I know it is hard work. For now, thank you all for taking the time to read this post and I look forward to hearing from you.

Muchas gracias,

Billy x

Thread: Gran Canaria. A new life? Dream or reality?

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