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.