Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:22pm
I've lived here for 3 years, so nowhere near as long as Peter C and Mags44, but here are the pros & cons, based on my experience - although I thoroughly appreciate others will have different opinions...
Pros
Weather & Lifestyle - the frequently quoted stat about the Costa Calida is that we get 330 days per year of sunshine and, based on my experience, that's about right! For example, this weekend temperatures will increase to mid-20s, whereas my friends in Cheshire will have 13'. It's generally, 20-30' from April to June, then 30 - 42' in July & August, 30' back down to 20' in September & October - and then November to March is commonly 14-16' and bright & sunny in the daytime, but it does get cold (damn those clear skies!) at night - down to 2' this winter. I've seen snow here once, 4 years ago. The weather is not all about sunbathing though - it massively extends the days that you can play golf, swim, walk, cycle, socialise outside, compared to the UK; and there is definitely a feeling that sunshine makes you feel happier - certainly for me compared to waking up in the dark or to grey skies & rain! Your experience can be considerably different depending on where you choose to live - an urbanisation (such as Camposol) may contain mainly British expat retirees. A property on a golf course will generally be more expensive and will need a car to get to towns, major shops, restaurants & bars, etc. A property in the country can be good value, but you will be further away from amenities and some (like mine) don't have mains water or sewage - our water is delivered by tanker and we have a septic tank. Living in or near a small town for many people seems to strike the best balance - some expats, some spanish - e.g. Mazarron and the areas along the Mar Menor.
Costs - Purchasing a property is more expensive than in the UK - you need to allow an extra 12-13% on top of the purchase price (mainly as there is a property purchase tax of 8% - much higher than Stamp Duty in the UK). However, in general, you get more for your money - obviously depending on your budget. How many people in the UK do you know who live in a house worth, say, £160k and have a swimming pool in their garden? Council Tax (IBI) is significantly lower and I calculated that I would recover my extra purchase costs within 10 years, solely based on the lower council tax. As other posters have said, food in supermarkets is similar to the UK and certain items can be more expensive. However, beer, wine and other alcohol is a lot cheaper. Eating out and drinks in bars are cheaper than the UK. Insurances, fuel for cars and energy costs are similar - however, overall you spend less on energy as you need heating in your property a lot less.
Cons
Weather & Lifestyle - It does get very hot in July & August, but with aircon, a pool and cold drinks, it's very manageable (IMHO). There is a 'Spanish' approach to the pace of work and bureaucracy, which is initially frustrating, but you just need to accept it. If you try and speak Spanish, most locals are very appreciative and helpful - and, after all, it's their country! How many staff in the UK in bars, restaurants, doctors, etc. could speak Spanish if a Spaniard moved there? The most common reason I hear for people not wanting to move permanently to Spain is being away from friends & family - children & grandchildren in particular. In my view, it's likely that by the time you come to move here you've 'done your bit'; you are only a 3 hour flight away and there is WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams, etc. Plus, you may not be surprised at how popular you become with family & friends when you live in a villa in Spain with a private swimming pool!
Costs - Used cars are more expensive and there is less choice. As per my original reply, you need private health insurance for the first year and then can opt to continue with that or pay €60 per person per month to join the Spanish health service (this increases significantly when you're 65, but when you get your state pension it is then free). You should always seek specialist advice re- tax, however, unless you have a large income the main difference is that the personal tax free allowance in Spain is less than half of the UK, so you pay a similar tax rate, but on more of your income. For most people, this may be around £2,000 pa more than the UK (remember, you pay tax on your pensions in the UK too). Unless you are relying on renting out your UK property for income, you need to sell it in the (Spanish) tax year before you move to Spain, otherwise you will be liable for Spanish Capital Gains Tax, which can be significant.
As I said, all this is only my opinion, but hopefully helps your thoughts...
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